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Committee advances geothermal bill clarifying surface and subsurface rights; vote 2–1

Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee · February 4, 2026
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Summary

The committee voted to favorably recommend second substitute Senate Bill 21, which clarifies geothermal rights (including protections for SITLA), creates a reservation/grandfathering process and aims to speed permitting. The measure passed the committee 2 to 1 after stakeholder discussion and limited public comment.

The Senate Natural Resources committee voted to favorably recommend second substitute Senate Bill 21, which sets state policy on geothermal rights and permitting. Sponsor Senator McHale described the bill as aligning surface ownership with geothermal resource rights in many cases and providing protections and predictability for industry and landowners.

Supporters emphasized…

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