Las Vegas, NV –Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced today that Nevada is a finalist to host the Department of Energy’s new Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal (FORGE) laboratory.

“Nevada will be the perfect location ‎for the Department of Energy’s new Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal (FORGE) laboratory. The nation’s lab for advancing geothermal energy belongs in Nevada and will further establish Nevada as a leader in renewable energy,” said Senator Reid. “Enhanced Geothermal Systems are the next frontier in clean energy, and they are an enormous opportunity for the Silver State’s economic growth. I thank President Obama and Secretary Moniz for their ongoing commitment to expanding the scale and benefits of geothermal energy across the country.”

Throughout his time in Congress, Senator Reid has worked to ensure that Nevada continues to be an epicenter of geothermal energy in the United States:

• Early in 2015, Senator Reid worked with the Navy and several stakeholders to ensure the location of the site did not conflict with the Fallon Naval Air Station.

• Senator Reid has consistently supported the geothermal ‎energy budget that funds the FORGE project via the appropriations process. With his support, the Obama Administration has been able to significantly expand the geothermal budget.

• Senator Reid has written several letters urging Energy Secretary Moniz to designate Nevada as the host site for FORGE.

• During the Bush Administration, Senator Reid successfully defeated efforts to shut down and eliminate the energy office that will fund FORGE.