Amid the perennial discussion about the future of American energy security and abundance, geothermal power continues to gain ground as a potential reliable, affordable, and scalable source of energy. Bipartisan lawmakers and officials, including the new U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, agree that advanced geothermal technologies represent a promising piece of the American energy puzzle.  

Secretary Wright, who was one of the multiple Cabinet secretaries to meet with Western Governors last week in Washington, D.C., recently signed a Secretarial Order that positioned geothermal power as a priority for the Department of Energy's Research and Development wing. 

Last week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis sat down with ClearPath CEO Jeremy Harrell at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center for a discussion on geothermal energy technologies and policy avenues to advance the industry. Following Governor Polis, WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf joined a panel of experts to further discuss Western Governors’ bipartisan work to advance geothermal deployment.  

In his conversation, Governor Polis talked about his 2023 WGA Chair initiative, The Heat Beneath Our Feet, which brought Western Governors together to examine the future of geothermal in the region.  

“We elevated through The Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative at the Western Governors’ Association the opportunity for geothermal, and particularly geothermal electric...in the West,” said Governor Polis. “If you look at a map of natural geothermal sources in the United States, you’ll see that the West is the hotspot – pardon the pun – but it really is.” 

Since his initiative, western states have continued to lead on geothermal advancement, with states in our region dominating in geothermal production and growing their capabilities.  

Western states currently generate the vast majority of the geothermal energy in the country, with California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, and Oregon filling out the top five states for geothermal capacity.  

In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox recently unveiled ‘Operation Gigawatt’, which strives to double the state’s power production over the next 10 years. Part of the Governor’s “more of the above” approach includes an emphasis on geothermal as a clean, reliable energy source.  

Utah is also a leader in enhanced geothermal innovation and research, particularly through work at the Utah FORGE laboratory. The lab, which is managed by the University of Utah and sponsored by the Department of Energy, develops and tests tools and techniques to advance enhanced geothermal systems.  

In New Mexico, a bill that passed last year creates two new state funds to help deploy geothermal projects in the state.  

Another 2024 bill in Washington improves mapping around geothermal sources and creates grant programs to support geothermal exploration and support tribal input.  

Another important factor in the deployment of geothermal is its workforce development potential, which is something WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf touched on, and Fervo Energy CEO Tim Latimer echoed, in their recent Atlantic Council panel.  

Geothermal drilling techniques and skills are largely transferrable from the oil and gas industry, making the transition from oil and gas production to geothermal production much smoother.  

To learn more, read Governor Jared Polis’ Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative report and watch the full Atlantic Council event here. 

Land transfers: in California, Governor Gavin Newsom is expanding access to the state’s program that helps build new housing on underutilized state land. The Governor’s move streamlines a new web portal to improve the speed and efficiency with which state land is leased for affordable housing development.  

Additionally, Utah lawmakers and Governor Spencer Cox joined Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to complete a historic land exchange agreement. Through the exchange, which is known locally as the Emery County Land Exchange, Utah will gain 89,000 acres of formerly federal land over 18 counties. The agreement will expand Goblin Valley State Park and create Jurassic National Monument while providing the State of Utah with 47 additional water rights and thousands of acres of mineral and resource-rich land. 

Read more about Western Governors’ policy on land exchanges like this one in WGA’s Federal-State Land Exchanges and Purchases policy resolution.   

State of the Rockies: the 15th annual State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West poll from Colorado College was released recently, showing how westerners from eight states view conservation issues.  

The bipartisan poll surveyed more than 3,000 registered voters across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.  

The poll showed a strong level of support for conservation, protecting public lands, and funding for national parks and monuments. Find all the results from the poll here. 

Major tech partnership: in New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced a partnership with BorderPlex Digital Assets to build a $5 billion Digital Infrastructure Campus in Santa Teresa. The project is expected to create 1,000 jobs in southern New Mexico.  

“This groundbreaking partnership further cements our reputation as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and global trade,” Governor Lujan Grisham said. “By securing digital infrastructure today, New Mexico is investing in its economy to build a more prosperous tomorrow.” 

Career and Technical Education: in Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month in the state. Throughout the month, Governor Gianforte has been supporting technical education programs and encouraging students to pursue hands-on learning and workforce training. 

“Montana’s economy depends on a strong, skilled workforce, and career and technical education provides students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Governor Gianforte. “From welding and healthcare to information technology and agriculture, CTE programs equip students with real-world skills that lead to high-paying jobs right here in Montana.” 

Planetary parade: in a rare planetary event that won’t happen again for another 144 years, every planet in our solar system will be in visible alignment from Earth.  

For the western U.S., the planetary alignment will begin Friday evening and form an arch across the night sky from west to south. While it will be difficult to spot all seven planets without a telescope, four or five planets will likely be visible to the naked eye.