Labrador hopes to ease project rules

BOISE (AP) - Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador is working to ease rules for geothermal energy exploration with an amendment that passed the U.S. House earlier this week.

Labrador said his proposal would establish a streamlined policy for geothermal development, providing increased access to affordable energy. He touted his home state's history with geothermal energy, which is used to heat the Idaho Statehouse and several office buildings in downtown Boise.

The House voted 244-176 to approve Labrador's amendment on Thursday.

Labrador says regulations that impede geothermal exploration would be improved under his measure by granting g approval for projects that do not require construction of new roads or the use of off-road motorized vehicles.

The legislation would also set permitting deadlines that provide geothermal companies with more certainty.