House signs on to geothermal money restoration

In Washington, D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives passed on the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, which provides funding for troops, veterans and natural disaster response efforts. Part of the bill will restore geothermal royalties and rent money to 32 counties in six states. The monies are divided 50% to the State, 25% to the counties and 25% to the federal government. The bill, which has already been passed by the Senate, is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2009. President Obama is expected to sign it.