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“The geothermal energy produced in California’s counties is not only good for our environment, it reduces our dependence on foreign oil and helps our economy by spurring green job creation,” said Thompson, who represents Lake County in the US House of Representatives.
“The best way to reduce the deficit is by creating jobs because more jobs means greater revenues and less need for government assistance,” he added. “If a community invests in developing geothermal energy they deserve to get their fair share in returns. I am strongly against cutting counties’ share of geothermal revenue because that means cutting jobs, crippling future green job growth, and stifling our economic recovery – all of which will only make our deficit larger.”
Members joining in the call to preserve geothermal energy revenue sharing include Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Carson City, NV), Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), Shelley Berkley (D-Las Vegas), and Bob Filner (D-San Diego). The Representatives joined in the call to promote energy independence and preserve this vital source of revenue for the counties that produce geothermal energy.
“Geothermal energy is a crucial clean resource for creating jobs and securing our energy independence,” said Garamendi. “It is in our economic and national security interests to make our energy in America, which is why it’s critical for the federal government to continue cultivating an environment for geothermal development.”
Garamendi continued, “Communities that bear the burden of geothermal development deserve a fair share of its revenue. I strongly oppose any attempt to deprive these counties of funds for essential local services, including education and public safety.”
"Geothermal royalties are extremely important to Lake County and it is absolutely essential that the federal government continue allocating a portion of these revenues to counties in order to help mitigate the local impacts of geothermal development,” said Lake County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox.
“Congressman Thompson's leadership on this issue has been outstanding,” Cox continued. “He and Congressman Garamendi completely understand why it would be wrong to take these revenues away from counties. Their continuing efforts to protect our community's interests are very much appreciated.”
"Geothermal energy brings jobs and growth to Nevada with 20 plants in operation providing clean, reliable electrical capacity to the grid and significant additional capacity under development," said Congressman Amodei. "Given the important role of the counties in the development of this domestic energy source, it's only proper that they should share in the revenue of the federal receipts."
“These geothermal receipts provide an important source of income for Imperial County, in my district. By promoting geothermal development and investing in renewable energy, we can create jobs for Americans!” said Congressman Filner.
“Geothermal not only provides vital clean energy to power homes and businesses, it also creates good jobs in Nevada and I strongly support the continued expansion of this industry,” said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. “At a time when counties in my home state are struggling to fund schools, public safety and other essential services for families, we must protect revenues from geothermal production that are now shared with local communities.”
She added, “Repealing the provision that provides these critical local dollars from geothermal royalties will only hurt county governments – whether in Nevada or other states – by limiting the resources they have available for economic development to create more jobs and to provide for the needs of those who call the towns and cities in these areas home.”
“Geothermal energy is exactly the kind of renewable resource we should be investing in to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and point the way toward a sustainable future,” Congresswoman Woolsey said. “I join my colleagues in urging the Super Committee to preserve these subsidies, which support green jobs and help localities continue delivering vital services.”
The letter can be seen below.
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