Geothermal Study Amendments

The definition of a 'coal-powered electrical generation facility site' was updated to explicitly include locations where operations have ceased but infrastructure remains suitable for energy generation.

A numbering error in the list of study assessment criteria was corrected to ensure the items are properly ordered and clearly presented.

Responsibility for the study was changed from Utah State University to an unspecified 'office'.

The reporting requirement changed from a single final report to annual reports submitted by the November interim meeting.

The study requirements were expanded to include assessments of subsurface temperatures, potential electricity production, infrastructure suitability, estimated capital costs, and economic/job impacts.

The specific requirement to assess impacts at or near coal-powered electrical generation facility sites was removed.

A new requirement was added for the office to publish the study on its website upon completion.

The bill's effective date was updated to May 6, 2026.

The entity responsible for conducting the study changed from the Office of Energy Development to Utah State University.

The study's purpose shifted from examining feasibility of geothermal development near coal plants to assessing geological and environmental impacts statewide.

The deadline to complete the study was changed from December 31, 2027, to October 31, 2027.