Group asks EPA to Recognize Geothermal Heat Pumps in Proposed Rulemaking
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging renewable thermal energy and geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) be recognized in its proposed rulemaking under Section 111(d) of the U.S. Clean Air Act to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants. The proposed rule allows flexibility in meeting the agency’s desired emissions reductions across the nation, including renewable energy and energy efficiency.
In building its case for GHPs, GEO emphasized the impact the technology’s efficiency can have on the EPA’s expected mandates and benefits of more widespread use by reducing fossil-fuel consumption, leveling utility loads, and cutting carbon emissions from existing power plants across the U.S.