U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyGeothermal Technologies ProgramEnvironmental Impacts and Benefits of Using Geothermal EnergyAll energy development and production impacts the environment to some degree. But the use of geothermal energy can greatly minimize these impacts, resulting in environmental benefits for many states and local communities with growing energy needs. Geothermal energy is clean, sustainable energy. Also, most geothermal energy postdates the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act in 1970. Therefore, the geothermal industry has grown up in an age of higher environmental awareness. As a result, the use of geothermal energy helps keep our air and water clean. The use of geothermal energy also greatly minimizes the amount of resulting solid waste and land required for energy production. The U.S. Department of Energy works closely with its geothermal industry partners to further reduce any environmental impacts from geothermal operations. Learn more about the environmental benefits and impacts of the following geothermal technologies: Also see the Environmental and Energy Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps (PDF 319 KB) Download Adobe Reader. See Table 1 below for the primary federal regulations governing geothermal energy production.  |