House to Vote on Geothermal Bill as Oil Prices Rise After U.S.-Iran Tensions

The House of Representatives is expected to vote as soon as tomorrow on a geothermal energy omnibus bill composed of several measures introduced by Republican and Democratic members. The bill would be considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage.

It includes provisions directing the Interior Secretary to appoint a geothermal ombudsman and establish a permitting task force within 60 days, and to process geothermal project applications within the same timeframe.

California must comply today with a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022 that requires a 25% reduction in single-use plastic packaging and food service items by 2032. The measure also mandates that 100% of packaging sold in the state be compostable or recyclable by 2032, with 65% of single-use plastic packaging recycled.

Producers must register and report packaging volumes, and non-compliant companies face civil penalties up to $50,000 per day.

Strikes between the U.S. and Iran resumed over the weekend, and Iranian state media reported that Tehran was halting indirect negotiations. Brent Crude settled up 4.53% at $95.25 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 5.84% to $92.46 a barrel.

Lin, head of BP's global gas and low-carbon energy business, will leave the company in the third quarter after 30 years, according to the Financial Times. The departure follows the ouster of board chair Albert Manifold one week earlier.