Geothermal may be having a moment. Again.

In episode 15, anchor Brock Yordy talks about United States government efforts to increase geothermal and other carbon-free energy sources. This week, he spotlights the Department of Energy’s recent selection of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to receive up to $6 million to help expand the deployment of geothermal heating and cooling technology at federal sites.

“The federal government is the nation’s largest energy user, consuming nearly 1% of all end-use energy in the United States,” Yordy says. “Installing these carbon-free heating and cooling systems at federal sites will support the goal to make the federal government carbon neutral and help demonstrate the benefits and potential of geothermal heating and cooling.”

This effort even has an industry partner in the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), among other supporters.

This episode covers:

• Suspended load safety for drillers and construction professionals
• Situational awareness tips for drillers and construction professionals
• Considering egress and fall path when working with suspended loads
• An update on Hudbay Minerals’ mining operations on the west slope of the Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson, and WOTUS implications
• The latest on EPA rules for water quality under the Clean Water Act
• Proposed changes to the Clean Water Act Section 401
• How to give citizen input on proposed CWA Section 401 changes
• Opportunities for water well drillers in geothermal

Thanks for joining us. Tune in each Monday morning for the latest video or podcast. Whether you’re at your desk or on the way to the jobsite listening in the truck, start your week with us. You can also find our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Drilling expert Brock Yordy is a regular The Driller contributing writer. Send news tips and interview suggestions to questions@askbrock.com.

This episode of The Driller Newscast is brought to you by TDH Manufacturing.