AN ACT to provide for a legislative management study regarding geothermal energy.
Summary
SB 2360 directs the North Dakota Legislative Management to study the feasibility of developing geothermal energy during the 2025-26 interim. The study must examine the state’s geology and the potential for geothermal resource exploration and production, identify ways to support startup geothermal companies and innovation, and consider how geothermal energy could be applied to nonproductive oil and gas wells as a complementary extraction method. It also allows consideration of other opportunities to advance geothermal development in the state.
The bill does not itself create a geothermal program, change permitting rules, or appropriate funding. Instead, it creates a legislative study process and requires a report, including any recommended legislation, to the 70th Legislative Assembly. In practical terms, it positions geothermal energy as a possible future component of North Dakota’s energy mix and as a potential economic development opportunity, especially in relation to the state’s existing oil and gas infrastructure.
Impact
SB 2360 affects state law only by adding a legislative management study requirement for the 2025-26 interim. It does not amend existing energy, mineral, or environmental statutes, but it may lead to future legislation if the study identifies viable geothermal opportunities, regulatory needs, or incentives for development. The bill could affect state energy policy, startup and innovation support, and the potential reuse of nonproductive oil and gas wells for geothermal purposes.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed the Senate unanimously, 47-0, and the House by a wide margin, 87-4, indicating general agreement that geothermal energy merits further study. The voting pattern suggests the measure was viewed as a low-risk, informational step rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
There is little recorded contention in the available materials, and no committee transcript is provided. The only apparent point of debate is likely the scope and usefulness of the study itself: whether geothermal energy is sufficiently feasible in North Dakota, how much emphasis should be placed on startup support and economic development, and whether repurposing nonproductive oil and gas wells is practical. The four House dissenting votes suggest some limited skepticism, but the bill’s overwhelming passage indicates no major organized opposition.