Regular Session 2023-2024 House Resolution 0185 P.N. 2307

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1932

PRINTER'S NO. 2307

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

185

Session of

2023

INTRODUCED BY WEBSTER, KAUFER, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, DONAHUE, PIELLI,

DELLOSO, FREEMAN, McANDREW, PROBST, ROZZI, MADDEN, BRENNAN,

SANCHEZ, STEELE, CIRESI, OTTEN, HILL-EVANS AND T. DAVIS,

AUGUST 29, 2023

AS AMENDED, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NOVEMBER 14, 2023

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a

study on the feasibility of using geothermal energy

technologies that utilize abandoned mining locations and

operations in this Commonwealth and issue a report of its

findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.

WHEREAS, In the former coal mines located in the United

Kingdom, abandoned mines which once fueled the Industrial

Revolution are now being retrofitted to utilize new technology;

and

WHEREAS, The objective behind retrofitting abandoned coal

mines is to generate an alternative source of heat in a cost-

effective manner to offset rate impacts; and

WHEREAS, Former mining sites often flood and the water must

be subsequently pumped out and cleaned to prevent contamination

of drinking supplies at an eventual cost to consumers or

taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, Through the application of heat pumps, the

floodwater temperature, which is already warmed in the mines

deep underground, could be further increased and piped into

homes and other structures to serve as a constant source of

heat; and

WHEREAS, This process would produce almost no carbon while

harnessing a steady stream of cheap and reliable heating and

minimizing costs; and

WHEREAS, Multiple plans of a similar nature are in

development outside of the United States; and

WHEREAS, In addition to producing energy, these plans would

create an industry of technicians and engineers which will be

needed to build and service this new geothermal infrastructure;

and

WHEREAS, Since many former mining communities were built in

close proximity to where the coal was mined, there is a

substantial possibility for these residents to benefit from the

creation of a new geothermal energy industry; and

WHEREAS, The power-producing legacy of more than 100 years of

mining could continue in a manner that has a positive impact

economically and environmentally for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, THIS COMMONWEALTH HAS CONSIDERABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

AND A SIGNIFICANTLY TRAINED WORKFORCE THAT MAY BE EMPLOYED IN

THE GEOTHERMAL SECTOR; AND

WHEREAS, Refocusing attention and retrofitting this

Commonwealth's abandoned coal mines for the purpose of

geothermal energy could be transformative for the production of

low-cost, zero carbon energy in former mining communities;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint

State Government Commission to conduct a study on the

feasibility of using geothermal energy technologies that utilize

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abandoned mining locations and operations in this Commonwealth,

including the costs to ratepayers of public utilities, and issue

a report of its findings and recommendations to the House of

Representatives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the study:

(1) identify and examine potential efforts and

procedures, measures, statutes and management

responsibilities of State agencies, public utilities,

nongovernmental organizations and academic institutions to

assist in determining the feasibility of utilizing abandoned

coal mines for the purpose of geothermal energy with a

particular focus on the impact to consumers in this

Commonwealth;

(2) conduct an economic impact analysis regarding the

widespread utilization of abandoned coal mines for the

purposes of geothermal energy in this Commonwealth in varying

degrees of scale and cost-effective deployment;

(3) identify possible best practices regarding the

development of the necessary infrastructure to support the

widespread use of abandoned mines for the production of

geothermal energy;

(4) identify and examine potential environmental impacts

regarding the development of abandoned mining locations; and

(5) IDENTIFY THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPING

THERMAL UTILITIES, INCLUDING WITH THE USE OF EXISTING

INFRASTRUCTURE;

(5) (6) identify financial mechanisms or potential cost-

effective deployment throughout private entities and options

for the development of a Statewide mine geothermal energy

program and related infrastructure in this Commonwealth; AND

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(7) IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE:

(I) OTHER POTENTIAL USE CASES OF GEOTHERMAL

DEPLOYMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED

TO:

(A) RECONFIGURATION OF ABANDONED OIL AND GAS

WELLS FOR GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION; AND

(B) USE OF GEOTHERMAL HEAT FOR DISTRICT HEATING

AND FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS; AND

(II) ANY TECHNICAL, REGULATORY OR STATUTORY

LIMITATIONS TO THE APPLICATIONS UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I);

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission consult

with stakeholders that:

(1) have organizational missions and expertise regarding

consumer affairs, the economy, electricity generation and

distribution, GAS OR THERMAL DISTRIBUTION, the infrastructure

and operations of public utilities, the environment, the

health and safety of Commonwealth residents, mining, water

quality issues and both rural and urban affairs;

(2) collect data on the benefits that retrofitting

abandoned coal mines for the utilization of geothermal energy

may have regarding consumer impacts, the economy, electricity

generation and distribution, the environment, the health and

safety of Commonwealth residents, mining, water quality

issues and both rural and urban affairs; and

(3) have knowledge of issues relevant to the study;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission prepare

a report of its findings and recommendations and submit the

report to the House of Representatives no later than 18 months

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after the adoption of this resolution.

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