South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) has been awarded the Geothermal Champion Award by Geothermal Rising for her efforts to expand domestic geothermal energy production and advocate for clean energy solutions.

In February, Rep. Kim introduced the Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act (H.R. 7409), a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing clean, renewable, and reliable geothermal energy through streamlined infrastructure development and production processes. The HEATS Act successfully passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee markup in April.

Geothermal Rising, the world's oldest geothermal association representing the entire geothermal ecosystem—including heat pumps, direct-use applications, and power generation—recognized Rep. Kim's contributions with this award.

"Unleashing American energy independence includes promoting U.S. innovation and diversifying our energy supply. Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable energy source that can help us secure energy supply chains, lower costs, create jobs, reduce emissions and protect the environment," said Rep. Young Kim. "I thank Geothermal Rising for this award and will continue to work to get the HEATS Act across the finish line and promote an all-of-the-above energy approach."

Dr. Bryant Jones, Executive Director of Geothermal Rising, also expressed gratitude towards Rep. Kim: "Geothermal Rising thanks Representative Kim for her support of our industry and for hosting our members in DC for a productive discussion. Specifically, we commend her leadership in sponsoring H.R. 7409 – the HEATS Act, a commonsense approach to streamline geothermal permitting."