Senate substitutes SB 257, redirects geothermal bill to UEOC study and circles it for further work

Senators on the floor took up Senate Bill 257, which originally proposed a suite of incentives and studies to accelerate geothermal energy development. The chamber adopted a first substitute that replaces the original statutory study/commission language with direction for the UEOC to conduct an interim study on accelerating geothermal development, covering geological assessments, costs and data needs, workforce readiness, regulatory issues, utility integration and recommendations for incentives.

Senator Bluhin (moving the uncircle and substitute) said the substitute "redirects" the bill into an interim study with the UEOC and described the sponsor's aim to scale the proposal to achieve broader buy-in. On the floor Senator Bridal and others raised concerns that the substitute's language was "so prescriptive" it could overwhelm the UEOC, that it carried no fiscal note yet, and that it lacked a repeal or sunset date that would prevent indefinite annual obligations.

Senators discussed options including interim field trips to working geothermal projects and limiting statutory requirements to avoid burdening the small UEOC staff. After back-and-forth the sponsor indicated the intent was not to create a continuing annual mandate; still, Senators agreed more work was needed. The motion to "circle" SB 257 — effectively parking it for additional drafting and stakeholder work — passed on the floor, leaving the bill out for further amendment rather than advancing it today.

Next steps for SB 257 are internal drafting and stakeholder consultation aimed at narrowing the scope and resolving fiscal and administrative concerns before the bill returns to the floor.