Energy costs continue to rise here in the fastest-growing state in the union, and more needs to be done. A major opportunity is beneath our feet: recent discoveries suggest there’s over 49 gigawatts of geothermal capacity in Utah, of which we are using 0.1%. Geothermal, when found, is by far the cheapest energy source. Utah’s harvest is bountiful. Utah’s state government is doing its part. Gov. Spencer Cox launched Operation Gigawatt to reduce red tape and delays for energy infrastructure buildout. Prioritizing energy supply of all sources is the whole ballgame for lowering costs as energy demand surges. State reforms like HCR 05 will make it easier to develop our energy resources, permit projects, and connect geothermal energy sources to power centers like Salt Lake City. However, there are many more customers hungry for electric power in Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Current federal citing laws (and deference to states and localities) makes it barely even legal to build interstate transmission lines. The lines themselves can be built in weeks, but permission to build them can easily take up to 20 years, even though it’s mostly built over empty land. Few investors are willing to wait that long. This is unacceptable. We need Congress to reform interstate transmission. With simple reforms, predictable transmission lines would make gold out of heat, and bring a rush to Utah. Development dollars would pour into communities around our geothermal wells, tapping the Earth’s virtually unlimited supply of heat and power. Permitting reform with a strong transmission title would deliver jobs, clean skies, and stronger local economies. This could be U.S. Sen. Mike Lee’s crowning achievement. Utah’s other senator, John Curtis, has long made permitting reform a central part of his focus as a legislator. But as chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Lee’s work, focus and diligence is ultimately most important.  Lee already understands this is about more than power lines. It’s a huge revenue source for Utah, a golden opportunity to reduce our energy costs, and a chance for him to secure a legacy of real progress. Geothermal is comically abundant, accessible from Utah, cheap, and incredibly clean. Let’s get transmission reform done and make it move. Thomas Tripodi Park City The post Legalize power lines appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less