Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Energy
Board
Department of Energy
 
chapter
Geothermal Energy Regulations [4 VAC 25 ‑ 170]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description This regulation governs the designation of geothermal areas; well spacing and unitization; permits and bonds; operations plans; geothermal fluid analysis; well construction and maintenance; well logging; monitoring operations; abandonment and plugging of wells; environmental protection; and enforcement.
State Authority 45.1-179.7
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To foster the development, production, and utilization of geothermal resources.

2. To prevent waste of geothermal resources.

3. To protect correlative rights to the resources.

4. To protect existing high quality state waters and safeguard potable waters from pollution.

5. To safeguard the natural environment by promoting geothermal and water resource conservation and management.

6. To safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the workers and the public.
Meetings

Contact Information
Name / Title: Michael Skiffington  / Regulatory Coordinator
Address: Department of Energy
1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219-3402
Email Address: mike.skiffington@energy.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)692-3212    FAX: (804)692-3237    TDD: (800)828-1120
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
None

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Regulatory action to reflect agency name change and recodification of Title 45.1 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/31/2022.
Clarifying amendments to geothermal energy regulations as the result of periodic review Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/27/2017.
Amendments regarding the regulation of geothermal energy Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/24/2012.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
4/4/2023 Filed Pending
9/20/2016 Agency Completed Amend
12/12/2007 Agency Completed Amend