Congressional Field Hearing On Geothermal Energy Held Today At SUU

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, who represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, is in southern Utah today to lead a field hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee focused on geothermal energy. The hearing, taking place at Southern Utah University’s Sterling Auditorium in the Sherman Smith Center at 2 p.m., is open to the public.

Maloy appeared on KSUB’s Big Picture Morning Show earlier today to discuss the purpose of the visit, which includes touring local energy facilities and gathering expert testimony on the future of geothermal power in the West. “We’re going up to Milford today, tour the Fervo site, and then we have a field hearing at SUU,” said Maloy. “This is a House Natural Resources Committee hearing, just like the ones we have in D.C., except it’s at SUU.”

Joining Maloy in the tour and hearing are fellow committee members Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota, who chairs the subcommittee, and Rep. Nick Begich of Alaska, the subcommittee vice chair. The group will hear testimony from representatives of the geothermal industry, Utah state officials, and members of the governor’s energy office.

The hearing aims to explore the practical application of geothermal technology and how it can meet future energy needs. “This isn’t a question of government subsidies,” said Maloy. “It’s about using the resources that already exist to produce geothermal energy.”

Beaver County Hotbed For Renewable Energy

Beaver County is already home to several renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and geothermal. Maloy emphasized that the region’s blend of energy sources makes it a prime example of how to balance development and sustainability. “There’s a spot in Milford where you can see wind, solar, biogas, and geothermal all in one place,” she noted.

Maloy also addressed expected protests at the event, stemming from concerns over land sales proposed in the House reconciliation bill. She clarified that the amendment she introduced targets small parcels needed for infrastructure, not for commercial development. “These are trails, wells, and road connections,” she said. “Things that benefit the public and are better uses than patches of sagebrush.”

Read More: Maloy Discusses Current Political Climate

The hearing is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes. Following the event, Maloy and her colleagues will return to Washington, D.C., to vote on key legislation.

You can hear our entire discussion with Congressperson Maloy in the podcast below.