Dear Geo Outlook Reader,

I’m typing this letter on a plane headed home from yet another trip to our nation’s capital. People often say to me, “Oh, you work with Congress? That must be awful.” While dysfunction in Washington is a frequent lament amongst commentators and the electorate, for a geothermal heating and cooling proponent, it isn’t all that bad. Our industry enjoys considerable support on both sides of the aisle. In fact, many of our biggest supporters could be considered some of the most traditionally conservative members in Congress.

If you think about it for a moment, you understand why geothermal is embraced across the political spectrum. Technology is the most efficient way to heat and cooling a building. It drives economic activity and bolsters a skilled workforce. It strengthens our nation’s electrical grid and ensures energy stability and security. It saves homes and businesses money while delivering consistent comfort. And to some lawmakers, the most important benefit is that it is a potent weapon in the fight against climate change.

Over the past decade, GeoExchange has conveyed these multi-faceted benefits in a campaign to build awareness and support with our elected officials. It hasn’t always been easy. 2016 and 2017 were difficult years and it often felt like we were pushing a boulder uphill. But persistence pays off. We’ve been unrelenting in our advocacy on behalf of this industry and the people that are part of it. Our focused efforts have resulted in historic provisions within tax law and energy policy to drive adoption of geothermal heat pumps. The Inflation Reduction Act is driving unprecedented demand for the technology.

And while it feels good to reflect on the industry’s success, there is a lot of work ahead of us. A growing focus on building decarbonization demands that we step up and get involved as clean energy policy at the state and local levels transforms the built environment. While there are challenges ahead, there are also limitless opportunities. I look forward to working with all of you as we take this industry to the next level.