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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 20, 2022 03:38 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Evaluating the feasibility of establishing geothermal micro-districts |
| Climate change has caused many governmental entities, utility companies and other businesses to rethink their energy sources and transition from the use of fossil fuels to more energy efficient sources. Advancements in clean energy technology have led many to consider utilizing geothermal energy systems, which produce carbon-free power by harnessing the earth’s heat from far below the ground. Geothermal technology, commonly referred to as ground-source heat pump technology, consists of running pipes filled with antifreeze liquid as far as 500 feet into the ground, a depth at which the temperature is relatively stable. Heat is then extracted from the earth and carried through the liquid-filled pipes to buildings. Conversely, on hot days, a heat pump can be used to extract heat energy from the air in a building and transfer it into the liquid in the pipes, which then travels downward where the heat is dispersed into the ground. Although geothermal technology produces clean energy, installing geothermal systems on property can be expensive. This poses a significant financial barrier to many households and makes widespread adoption of these efficient energy systems difficult. However, the concept of geothermal microdistricts could provide a means to overcome these financial barriers. Geothermal microdistricts allow multiple customers to be connected to a shared loop system, which significantly reduces energy costs, since the costs are spread out and evenly shared. This can be especially beneficial in densely populated areas, especially frontline and fence-line communities with the least environmental resiliency. I will be introducing a resolution that would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility of constructing geothermal systems toward lowering utilities costs for consumers, reducing toxic emissions and investing in clean, renewable sources of power, heating and cooling on a hyper-local level. I welcome your support of this forthcoming resolution. |
Introduced as HR236