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SB 2360

AN ACT to provide for a legislative management study regarding geothermal energy.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

Directs a study on feasibility and opportunities for geothermal energy in ND, including repurposing idle wells, with findings and potential legislation to the next assembly.

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/03
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Bill Summary · SB 2360

Summary — SB 2360 (2025): Legislative Management Study on Geothermal Energy

Status: Enacted and filed with Secretary of State (filed 04/03/2025).
Introduced: Feb–Mar 2025. Companion: HB 2717.

Note: The provided record also includes unrelated text from an Illinois motor‑fuel tax bill (also labeled SB 2360). This summary addresses the North Dakota SB 2360 geothermal study bill (Sixty‑ninth Legislative Assembly).

Purpose

Require the Legislative Management to study the feasibility and opportunities for developing geothermal energy in North Dakota during the 2025–26 interim and to report findings and recommended legislation to the 70th Legislative Assembly.

Key provisions

  • Directs Legislative Management to consider a study on developing geothermal energy in the state during the 2025–26 interim.
  • Specifies required evaluation components:
    • The state's geology and the feasibility of geothermal resource exploration and production.
    • Opportunities to support startup geothermal companies, including measures to foster innovation and economic growth in the energy sector.
    • The potential to apply geothermal technology to nonproductive oil and gas wells (i.e., repurposing or complementing wells to extend their economic life).
    • Other opportunities to advance geothermal energy development in the state.
  • Requires a written report of findings and recommendations — including any draft legislation needed to implement recommendations — to the 70th Legislative Assembly.

Who is affected

  • State policymakers and agencies overseeing energy, natural resources, and economic development.
  • Oil and gas operators (particularly owners of nonproductive wells) and geothermal startups or investors.
  • Local communities and stakeholders interested in energy diversification, economic development, and job creation.
  • Regulators who may later be asked to oversee geothermal permitting, resource management, or incentives if recommendations lead to legislation.

Timeline and process

  • Study period: 2025–26 interim (between legislative sessions).
  • Report due to the 70th Legislative Assembly (timing aligned with the Assembly’s next convening).
  • The bill itself is a study directive — it does not appropriate funds, create programs, or change regulations; any policy changes would require subsequent legislative action based on the study.

Potential impacts

  • Inform policymakers about technical and commercial feasibility of geothermal in North Dakota.
  • Identify policy, regulatory, and economic measures to support geothermal industry development and startup formation.
  • Explore a novel pathway to repurpose idle oil/gas wells, possibly extending asset life and diversifying local energy uses.
  • Outcomes may lead to legislative proposals, incentive programs, or regulatory changes to promote geothermal energy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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