Bill > SB0021

This bill amends existing Utah law to clarify and expand regulations concerning geothermal resources, which are defined as the natural heat of the earth and the energy derived from it, including through conventional, enhanced, or advanced geothermal systems, and specifically excludes geothermal fluids. Key provisions include clarifying that the reservation of mineral deposits in trust lands also includes geothermal resources, and that purchasers of these lands do not acquire rights to geothermal resources unless expressly conveyed. The bill also specifies that the purpose of geothermal resource development is for electricity production, and it updates the definition of "geothermal fluid" to include water and steam at temperatures greater than 100 degrees centigrade. Furthermore, it establishes that ownership of geothermal resources generally derives from surface land ownership, unless expressly conveyed or reserved, with an exception for school and institutional trust lands where specific state laws apply. The bill also modifies regulations for well operations, including requirements for notices of intent to drill, well logs, spacing, casing, and abandonment, and updates provisions regarding surety bonds for operators and the confidentiality of well records, while also setting an effective date of May 6, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0021.html