State legislation considers helping geothermal development

In Idaho, an item touting the development of a new wind farm also included discussion of baseload power and thus, geothermal. State Rep. Steve Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, noted that lawmakers are discussing a bill that would reduce the rate geothermal developers pay to lease public lands in the state. He said, “The lease rates were developed around 1973 for oil leases, so one of the things we need to do is bring that rate down to bring in more serious developers.” He expects the bill “to surface” during the 2011 legislative session. Steve Eisenberg, co-founder of Reunion Power, believes the Idaho Legislature already has one of the most business-friendly policies for renewable energy producers. The state’s Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act requires utilities to purchase energy from small renewable generation projects.