Bill > HB2076

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania, empowering the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal energy projects while protecting public safety and natural resources. The legislation defines key terms such as geothermal resources, wells, and operations, and establishes that geothermal resource ownership belongs to the surface property interest owner. The bill requires well operators to obtain geothermal well permits, mandates environmental protections and technical specifications for drilling and operations, and creates the Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support regulatory oversight. The Environmental Quality Board is tasked with developing detailed regulations covering well siting, design, spacing, testing, and decommissioning, with specific provisions for repurposing existing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy production. The legislation also establishes a robust enforcement mechanism, including the ability to issue civil penalties up to $50,000 plus $2,000 per day for violations, and provides a temporary transition period until regulations are fully developed, during which existing oil and gas well permitting processes will be used for geothermal projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2076