Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID-01) released the following statements celebrating the passage of H.R.1449 – Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act (CLEAN Act). This legislation requires the Department of the Interior (DOI) to increase lease sales under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and establishes deadlines to consider geothermal drilling permits. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 244-171.

“Geothermal is an important component of our all of the above energy strategy,” said Chairman Newhouse. “I was very pleased to see the passage of the ‘CLEAN Act’ out of the U.S. House earlier today to help unlock the full potential of geothermal and boost energy production on federal lands across the west. I applaud Congressman Fulcher’s leadership and work on this important issue.”

"Geothermal energy has tremendous potential to provide reliable, clean energy for millions of Americans," said Rep. Fulcher. "As nearly 90% of our nation's geothermal resources are located on federally managed lands, I introduced the CLEAN Act to unleash these critical resources by cutting red tape and increasing lease opportunities on federal lands. This legislation will hold the Department of Interior accountable and is key to bolstering domestic energy production, reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries, and meeting America’s growing energy demands."