Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Oct 30, 2025
Outside the box.
Washington Launches Collaborative Review of Geothermal Potential Across Three Cascade Regions
State agencies seek public and tribal input as Washington prepares for possible geothermal energy development
Washington state has initiated a multi-agency collaborative process to evaluate the opportunities and risks of geothermal energy development across three identified regions.
Launched alongside virtual meetings in early November, the initiative aims to guide potential future power-generation or heating projects while involving local communities and tribal partners.
Though no commercial geothermal projects are currently proposed in the state, energy officials emphasise that Washington’s complex geology along the Cascade volcanic arc—especially near the Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens and Wind River valley regions—offers elevated subsurface heat and viable resource potential.
The collaborative review will explore siting, environmental safeguards, tribal concerns, and permitting pathways.
The effort is mandated by legislation passed earlier in 2024 under Senate Bill 6039, which tasked the Washington State Department of Ecology with leading the process.
Over the next 18 months the agencies will host workshops and publish both interim (due June 30, 2026) and final (June 30, 2027) reports on findings and recommendations.
State geologists have released interactive maps and fact-sheets highlighting the three focus zones: the Mount Baker area in northwest Washington; the Mount St. Helens area and adjacent Wind River valley in the southwest.
These areas were identified in previous studies as exhibiting elevated geothermal gradients and structural conditions favourable for heat extraction.
Alongside potential pathways for electricity generation and direct-use applications such as district heating, the review will examine environmental and cultural risks including water-use conflicts, habitat impacts, seismicity, and tribal resource rights.
Participating agencies include the state Departments of Natural Resources, Commerce, Fish & Wildlife, and Archaeology & Historic Preservation.
Two virtual public sessions are scheduled: Thursday, November 6 from 1:30–3 p.m.; and Wednesday, November 12 from 9–10:30 a.m. Registration is open to all interested parties including tribal governments, local jurisdictions, industry and the public.
The state stresses that this early engagement prioritises sound planning and broad participation ahead of any development decisions.
The outcomes of this process will inform whether Washington moves to the next stage of exploration, leasing or full-scale development of geothermal energy assets.
Launched alongside virtual meetings in early November, the initiative aims to guide potential future power-generation or heating projects while involving local communities and tribal partners.
Though no commercial geothermal projects are currently proposed in the state, energy officials emphasise that Washington’s complex geology along the Cascade volcanic arc—especially near the Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens and Wind River valley regions—offers elevated subsurface heat and viable resource potential.
The collaborative review will explore siting, environmental safeguards, tribal concerns, and permitting pathways.
The effort is mandated by legislation passed earlier in 2024 under Senate Bill 6039, which tasked the Washington State Department of Ecology with leading the process.
Over the next 18 months the agencies will host workshops and publish both interim (due June 30, 2026) and final (June 30, 2027) reports on findings and recommendations.
State geologists have released interactive maps and fact-sheets highlighting the three focus zones: the Mount Baker area in northwest Washington; the Mount St. Helens area and adjacent Wind River valley in the southwest.
These areas were identified in previous studies as exhibiting elevated geothermal gradients and structural conditions favourable for heat extraction.
Alongside potential pathways for electricity generation and direct-use applications such as district heating, the review will examine environmental and cultural risks including water-use conflicts, habitat impacts, seismicity, and tribal resource rights.
Participating agencies include the state Departments of Natural Resources, Commerce, Fish & Wildlife, and Archaeology & Historic Preservation.
Two virtual public sessions are scheduled: Thursday, November 6 from 1:30–3 p.m.; and Wednesday, November 12 from 9–10:30 a.m. Registration is open to all interested parties including tribal governments, local jurisdictions, industry and the public.
The state stresses that this early engagement prioritises sound planning and broad participation ahead of any development decisions.
The outcomes of this process will inform whether Washington moves to the next stage of exploration, leasing or full-scale development of geothermal energy assets.
