Inside an inconspicuous shed off a gravel road in downtown Pagosa Springs lies the inner workings of a unique heating system. One of 23 like it in the country, the system draws heat from hot springs to warm more than 30 buildings, downtown sidewalks and three growing domes.
“The main driver behind it was a result of the oil embargo in the 70s,” said Karl Johnson, the public works director for the town. “It was the first push in the United States, I would say, for renewable energy sources.”
A bipartisan bill awaiting Gov. Jared Polis’ signature paves the way for the future of geothermal use in the state.
HB25-1165 is part of the
state’s efforts to reach 100% renewable energy use by 2040.
The bill focuses on geothermal energy production and carbon sequestration, two technologies with the potential to combat climate change. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing carbon dioxide in the air and storing it, usually underground.