[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 172 (Friday, October 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E962-E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE GEYSERS AND THE CALPINE CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my 
colleague Congressman Jared Huffman, to honor Calpine Corporation 
(Calpine) as The Geysers, located in our Lake and Sonoma Counties, 
celebrates 65 years of commercial geothermal operations.
  Commercial geothermal power generation at The Geysers began in 1960, 
marking the fIrst such operation in the United States. Today, The 
Geysers remains the world's largest geothermal field, and Calpine has 
served as its primary operator for almost three decades.
  In 1997, Calpine acquired 19 geothermal power plants and their 
associated steam fields, creating a unified approach to managing our 
critical natural resources. That same year, Calpine partnered with Lake 
County to construct a 29-mile pipeline delivering treated wastewater to 
replenish the geothermal steam reservoir. In 2003, the company 
completed a second 40-mile pipeline in collaboration with the City of 
Santa Rosa. Together, these systems now supply approximately 20 million 
gallons of treated wastewater each day, sustaining renewable energy 
production while providing environmentally sound wastewater solutions 
for our neighboring communities.
  Today, Calpine is the nation's largest producer of geothermal energy, 
operating 13 plants at The Geysers that generate roughly 725 megawatts 
of baseload renewable power. These operations employ more than 300 
full-time workers and support an additional 150 contractors, 
contributing significantly to the economies of our Lake and Sonoma 
Counties.
  Beyond its role in energy production, Calpine has demonstrated a 
long-standing commitment to community partnership and philanthropy. 
Since 2011, the company has contributed over $3.4 million to youth 
programs, local nonprofits, and schools throughout our region. These 
efforts include scholarships for graduating seniors, support for 4-H 
and Future Farmers of America, sponsorship of youth sports, and 
donations of meat from the Junior Livestock Auction to the Clearlake

[[Page E963]]

Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program. Calpine also sponsors numerous 
community events, including Windsor's Concerts in the Park, the Cobb 
Area Council's Cobbler Festival, and the Rotary Club of Cloverdale's 
Asti Tour de Vine.
  The company has shown equal commitment to public safety and 
environmental stewardship. Calpine has partnered with the Northern 
Sonoma County Fire Foundation to install helicopter dip tanks that 
enhance wildfire response in The Geysers region. Calpine also supports 
the Lake County Sheriff's Foundation, the South Lake Fire Protection 
District Volunteer Firefighters Association, and the Lake County Silver 
Foundation. Calpine employees have collectively contributed over 23,000 
hours of volunteer service, assisting with local trail restoration, 
food distribution, and community clean-up projects. The company also 
hosts annual educational tours for approximately 400 visitors, helping 
to inspire the next generation of clean energy leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, for 65 years, The Geysers has produced clean, reliable 
power for our region, and Calpine Corporation has been a steadfast 
partner to our local communities. Their leadership in renewable energy 
and dedication to community service have strengthened both our regional 
economy and our shared environmental future. It is fitting and proper 
that we recognize them here today on this milestone anniversary.

                          ____________________