House approves bill easing planning for non‑consumptive geothermal systems

House members approved House Bill 6‑76 after sponsors described it as a narrowly tailored change to help municipal geothermal systems plan for long‑term operations without consuming groundwater.

Supporters, including the bill sponsor, told the chamber the bill applies only to non‑consumptive systems that pump heat or hot water and reinject it back into the aquifer. The sponsor cited Boise’s municipal geothermal utility — which heats the Capitol and about 80 downtown buildings — and said towns such as Cascade and Stanley stand to benefit from streamlined planning under the statute that allows agencies to account for reasonably anticipated future needs. “This is really important to know that this is limited to just non‑consumptive systems,” the sponsor said. The Idaho Water Users Association and the Treasure Valley Water Users Association signaled support, the sponsor added.

A member who spoke in favor described local examples where geothermal infrastructure reduces winter road icing and urged colleagues to back the bill. The chamber voted 68 in favor, 2 opposed; House Bill 6‑76 passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate.

The bill’s sponsor emphasized the change does not alter consumptive water‑rights processes and that systems that actually consume water would still proceed through the Department of Water Resources’ usual procedures. The measure was presented and advanced on a motion to pass; the roll call tally was read by the clerk and recorded on the House floor.

The House approved the title correction and the bill will be sent to the Senate for further action.