New geothermal energy research site might be positioned in Oregon
View from Mt. Tabor Park, Portland, Oregon (source: flickr/ Jeff Gunn, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
24 Apr 2015
U.S. Department of Energy is seeking a site where it will look for ways to create large-scale geothermal energy as a clean energy source.
According to local news from Oregon: the U.S. Department of Energy is looking for a state to place a geothermal energy research site, and Oregon lawmakers said Thursday they want Congress to choose Deschutes County.
The department is seeking a site where it will look for ways to create large-scale geothermal energy as a clean energy source.
House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill Thursday in which they ask Congress to locate the lab near the Newberry Geothermal Project south of Bend, citing the area’s unique geographical features and existing infrastructure.
“Constructing and operating the lab here would produce economic benefits to the region and make Oregon a national leader in researching alternative energy sources,” Rep. Gene Whisnant, R-Sunriver, said in a statement Thursday.
Whisnant and Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, sponsored the bill that passed the House unanimously Thursday. Whisnant said the siting would bring as many as 400 temporary and permanent jobs to Deschutes County.
Source: The Bulletin
