CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 104(RES) - Summary

• Changes terminology from "geothermal prospecting permits" to "geothermal prospecting licenses" throughout Alaska's geothermal resource statutes.

• Extends the prospecting license period from two years to five years, with commissioner discretion to renew for an additional one-year term.

• Increases the acreage limitation for geothermal leases a person may own from 51,200 acres to 100,000 acres, excluding leases in commercial production.

• Eliminates the preferential right for non-state surface owners to obtain geothermal permits or leases for underlying areas.

• Establishes authority for the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to exempt domestic, noncommercial, or small-scale industrial uses of geothermal resources from regulation; takes effect July 1, 2021.