The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission, or ECMC, has adopted its first set of rules for deep geothermal operations following the expansion of its focus into energy and carbon management projects besides oil and gas, as established by last year’s Senate Bill 285, which was signed into law. 

“Colorado has incredible low-cost renewable energy resources like geothermal that can help reduce emissions and save Coloradans money,” said Gov. Jared Polis. “With the first ever comprehensive standards for permitting Deep Geothermal and ECMC’s recent Geothermal Resources Study, Colorado is poised to leverage this clean, renewable energy resource. Colorado’s geothermal resources can help us meet our clean air and clean energy goals. Geothermal energy can play an integral role in powering the way Coloradans live, work and play, and will help future generations.” 

The new standards aim to advance Colorado’s geothermal resources by utilizing ECMC’s expertise and experience in regulating both surface and subsurface energy development activities. The measures were designed to protect public health, safety, and welfare and protect the environment and wildlife. 

Deep geothermal energy, generated by by drilling wells into the Earth’s crust to access heat from geothermic reservoirs and using the steam or hot water to generate electricity, is an emerging industry in Colorado due to several areas in the state having higher than normal subsurface temperatures. According to ECMC, geothermal energy is a reliable and clean energy source that decreases the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.