DEC Seeks Input on Closed Loop Geothermal Drilling Proposal

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged New Yorkers to review and comment on the development of proposed regulations for geothermal systems that would reduce the use of fossil fuels and help achieve the State's building decarbonization goals. The proposal promotes the safe, environmentally sound development of New York's geothermal resources.

DEC issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) and Draft Scope for a Closed Loop Generic Environmental Impact Statement (Closed Loop GEIS) for the development of closed loop geothermal boreholes and closed loop stratigraphic wells drilled deeper than 500 feet. Closed loop geothermal boreholes circulate a heat-transfer fluid through an underground pipe network to exchange heat with the earth, providing heating and cooling for buildings. Closed loop systems eliminate the need to combust fossil fuels on site, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impacts associated with non-renewable resource extraction. As a cleaner and sustainable energy source, closed loop systems will help achieve the State's building decarbonization goals.

The Draft Scope to the Closed Loop GEIS outlines the potential environmental impacts that DEC proposes to assess in the GEIS, which will work in concert with the future regulatory proposal to ensure any potential impacts are appropriately mitigated. The ANPRM is not a regulatory action and instead presents DEC's proposal for the regulation of the drilling of closed loop geothermal boreholes and closed loop stratigraphic wells deeper than 500 feet.

Additional information on the potential rulemaking process and how to submit feedback and comments is available on DEC's website.

DEC is accepting public comments through Aug. 22, 2025. DEC is also hosting two virtual public meetings on the ANPRM and GEIS on July 29, and July 31, 2025. During the meetings, DEC staff will provide an overview of the rulemaking and GEIS processes, discuss potential future requirements, and explain how and where to submit formal written comments. Registered attendees will also be able to submit verbal comments during the meetings. Please note: these sessions do not constitute public hearings pursuant to the State Administrative Procedure Act.

Virtual webinar details:

Tuesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. Register online

Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. Register online

Questions about these meetings can be sent to [email protected]