Utah Senate sponsor asks to 'circle' geothermal task force bill after questions about new commission

Senator Bluhin introduced Senate Bill 257, saying Utah ‘‘has a really incredible opportunity to lead out in the geothermal energy space’’ and proposing a five-year Utah Geothermal Task Force to identify barriers and tools to lower project costs and spur private-sector development. The bill also asks the Office of Energy Development to undertake a study, in coordination with the task force, and report to the Public Utilities Interim Committee.

During floor discussion Senator Bridal said she supports geothermal energy but is concerned about establishing a new commission and the need for an external study. Bridal asked the sponsor to ‘‘circle’’ the bill—temporarily set it aside so stakeholders and other senators can refine the approach—and offered alternative ways to pursue the study during the interim. Bluhin said she was open to circling the bill and would continue conversations with colleagues and stakeholders.

A voice vote approved the motion to circle SB257. The sponsor told senators she will keep working to reduce the bill’s fiscal impact and seek alternative mechanisms or language that accomplish the bill’s goals without prematurely codifying a new commission.

Next steps: SB257 is circled for further work during the interim; the sponsor said she will engage other senators and stakeholders before returning the bill to the floor.