WASHINGTON — The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) announced that it has presented its Geothermal Heat Pump Industry Champion awards to Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), ranking Republican on the same committee.

“Recipients of GEO’s Geothermal Champion award understand the potential of our industry and share our commitment to the technology,” said Doug Dougherty, GEO president and CEO. “They are leaders when it comes to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, and we are proud of their efforts to help grow our industry and in the process create new U.S. jobs.”

Bingaman was honored by GEO for his longstanding support for promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, including his support for federal residential and commercial tax credits for geothermal heat pump installations that have helped the industry stay afloat during the ongoing economic downturn.

Murkowski was honored by GEO for her leadership on the Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act, which was approved by the Senate Energy Committee in February. Among other things, the bipartisan legislation directs the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct critical research that will help drive down the cost of installing geothermal heat pumps, making the technology more accessible to homeowners and businesses.

Publication date: 7/2/2012