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Closed-Loop Borehole Information Page

This page is dedicated to 500' Geothermal Borehole legislation, policy and regulations.

Closed-Loop Borehole 500'+ Completion Report

Until the new regulations for deeper closed-loop geothermal are implemented, Geothermal Drillers are asked to voluntarily submit a Geothermal Borehole Information Form (Form) to NY-GEO.

  • Geothermal Drillers will submit this Form to NY-GEO only for closed loop boreholes deeper than 500 feet.
  • NY-GEO will maintain this information in a database and make the information available to the DEC.
  • This information will help in the development of appropriate regulations for deeper closed loop geothermal boreholes.
  • This will also lend continuity to the recordkeeping of deeper boreholes prior to new regulations taking effect.

Note - the only geothermal technology addressed in the new law is closed loop. Open loop boreholes and any other geothermal technology deeper than 500 feet are still subject to the previous regulations.

Completion Report

MEMO to MEMBERS 500' Rule

October 18, 2023 - Governor  Hochul signed the 500-foot geothermal drilling law which  exempts closed-loop geothermal boreholes deeper than 500 feet from the oil and gas regulations they were previously subject to.

However, before the Governor signed this bill into law, an agreement was reached with the legislature to grant the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the authority to create new, appropriate regulations for these deeper closed-loop geothermal boreholes. NY-GEO has been actively collaborating with the DEC in establishing these new regulations.

While the DEC develops these new regulations, NY-GEO has committed to the Governor's office and the DEC that, as an industry association, we will act in good faith and strongly encourage our industry members to abide by the following NY-GEO guidance until the rulemaking process is completed:
Until the new regulations for deeper closed-loop geothermal are implemented, we kindly ask Geothermal Drillers to voluntarily submit a Geothermal Borehole Information Form (Form) to NY-GEO, starting October 20, 2023.
  • Geothermal Drillers will submit this Form to NY-GEO only for closed-loop boreholes deeper than 500 feet.
  • NY-GEO will maintain this information in a database and make the information available to the DEC.
  • This information will help in the development of appropriate regulations for deeper closed-loop geothermal boreholes.
  • This will also lend continuity to the recordkeeping of deeper boreholes prior to new regulations taking effect.
  • Information provided to NY-GEO on these forms will be made available to the public, upon request.

Note - the only geothermal technology addressed in the new law is closed-loop. Open loop boreholes and any other geothermal technology deeper than 500 feet are still subject to the previous regulations.

NY-GEO recognizes that being able to install deeper ground loops will immediately unlock many potential commercial building projects that otherwise do not have the space on their property to do geothermal and create cost savings for some installers doing geo for smaller buildings, including Single Family Homes.  Our goal is to work with the DEC to develop and implement regulations in a timely and efficient manner and make sure our industry members are informed and engaged every step of the way.  NY-GEO respectfully requests that you incorporate the CLOSED-LOOP GEOTHERMAL BOREHOLE COMPLETION REPORT - 500+ Feet in all projects that drill 500’+.   The form is linked above and can be found on the NY-GEO site here. 

Please get in touch if you have thoughts or questions!

Christine Hoffer
Executive Director
518-746-0407
christine@ny-geo.org

Notice of Availability: Division of Mineral Resources Program Policy on Financial Security for Closed Loop Stratigraphic Test Wells

March 29, 2024 - The ENB published yesterday includes a Notice of Availability for a proposed Division of Mineral Resources Program Policy regarding relief from financial security for closed loop stratigraphic wells:

As indicated in the notice, written comments on the proposed policy will be accepted until close of business on April 26, 2024 (30 days from the date of notice publication). Please submit any written comments to the email address listed in the notice.

See full notice here.

DEC DMR Relief from  Financial Security for Test Wells -DRAFT

Written comments on the proposed: Program Policy can be submitted to: DMN.PublicComment@dec.ny.gov and will be accepted until close of business April 26, 2024, 30 days from the date of publication of this notice.

Please indicate DMN-3 or Closed Loop Stratigraphic Test Wells in the subject line of comments submitted via email.

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