“Colorado has incredible low-cost renewable energy resources like geothermal that can help reduce emissions and save Coloradans money. With the first ever comprehensive standards for permitting Deep Geothermal and ECMC’s recent Geothermal Resources Study, Colorado is poised to leverage this clean, renewable energy resource,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“Colorado’s geothermal resources can help us meet our clean air and clean energy goals. Geothermal energy can play an integral role in powering the way Coloradans live, work and play, and will help future generations.”
The adoption of the new rules is in line with expanded mandate of the ECMC which until 2023 was known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conversation Commission. With the name change under SB23-285 (signed by Governor Polis), the commission was given the authority to regulate carbon capture and deep geothermal energy operations.
The support for geothermal development in Colorado has been very strong in the past few years, starting with the launch of the bipartisan “Heat Beneath Our Feet” initiative back in 2022. More recently, the state awarded a total of $7.7 million in grants for 35 innovative geothermal projects and published a comprehensive report on Colorado’s geothermal resources, market analysis, and opportunities.
The new standards present a development path for geothermal in Colorado, incorporating the expertise and experience of ECMC in regulating surface and subsurface energy development activity and in due consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, and environmental protection.
“ECMC is proud to have adopted the State’s first Deep Geothermal rules, and having done so in an inclusive process, with diverse stakeholders” said ECMC Chair Jeff Robbins. “These first ever rules leverage ECMC’s strengths in regulating in a manner protective of public health, safety, welfare, wildlife and the environment.”
