PD Editorial: Tapping hot rocks for green energy

The Press Democrat

Sonoma Clean Power, with a big assist from Sonoma County and others, is on the path to changing the world. Their path is a little clearer now that California politicians have removed a bureaucratic barrier.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that allows counties — not just a backed-up state regulatory agency — to handle the environmental reviews for geothermal exploration. Unnecessary delays had hindered implementation of promising new geothermal technologies.

Working with Sonoma and Mendocino counties, Sonoma Clean Power has established a Geothermal Opportunity Zone. Its ambitious goal is to produce enough next-generation geothermal energy to serve more than 1 million homes and eventually end any use of fossil fuels for electricity. That will be years in the future, but along the way, the work could generate a multi-billion-dollar investment in the region and provide hundreds of highly skilled, well-paid jobs.

Read more here: North Bay poised to lead in geothermal innovation — a Press Democrat editorial – The Press Democrat