Geothermal energy, which harnesses steam and hot water from beneath the earth, is a major source of renewable energy for the US. This week, the Interior Department is announcing plans to make available 190 million acres of federal land in a dozen western states for development of geothermal power. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne says the federal leasing program, which will receive a final ruling in two months, could produce more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 5.5 million homes. (Details from the Washington Times)