U.S. legislation: geothermal royalties and rent to counties restored
Raft River geothermal plant, Idaho, (source: U.S. Geothermal)
Alexander Richter
30 Jul 2010
New U.S. legislation restores geothermal royalties and rent to 32 counties in six states and is retroactive to October 1, 2009. It secures a 25% share to the counties, 25% to the federal government, while 50% go to the State.
Reported from the U.S., “The U.S. House of Representatives passed on Wednesday the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, part of which will restore geothermal royalties and rent money to 32 counties in six states.
In addition to providing funding for our troops, veterans and natural disaster response efforts, the following provisions were included for Nevada:
Restoration of revenues for Nevada counties from the development of geothermal energy; Extension of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, and; Funding for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Program.
“This bill is important because it gives our troops and veterans the support they need, but it also includes provisions that are important to Nevada,” Nevada Sen. Harry Reid said. “Nevada counties that develop geothermal energy will see their revenues restored, rural Nevadans will continue to have access to affordable home financing and funding for an important conservation program will be provided.”
Congressman Dean Heller, who has also fought to restore geothermal money back to the counties, did not vote because he was in Las Vegas attending the funeral of former Gov. Kenny Guinn. Heller was the secretary of state when Guinn served as governor from 1999-2007.
Geothermal Revenues for Nevada Counties: Sens. Reid and John Ensign included a provision in this bill that ensures Nevada counties receive their fair share of the money generated from geothermal energy development on public lands. This provision is retroactive and ensures 50 percent of the royalties go to the State, 25 percent to the counties and 25 percent to the federal government.
This is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2009.
The Nevada congressional delegation is working to protect the counties’ share in all future years.
The appropriations bill now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Extension: Included is a one-year extension of this program that allows federal land management agencies to use the proceeds from the sale of BLM lands to acquire critical parcels of land from willing sellers for fish and wildlife conservation, cultural and historic preservation, and to improve outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Source: Lahontan Valley News
