WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State officials are considering some underground sources in their hunt for clean energy solutions, including a Whatcom County landmark.

The Department of Ecology is conducting research into using geothermal energy as a means to produce some of the state’s electricity.

Geothermal energy comes from heat found naturally under the Earth’s surface.

A 2019 study conducted by state Department of Natural Resources researchers found three areas that could be beneficial for geothermal energy development. One of them is located directly underneath Mount Baker.

State Ecology officials are working to get input from tribes and other community members about what the process for extracting energy could look like and what potential risks could occur.

They’ll be hosting two virtual meetings for anyone interested in their research progress. One will be held this Thursday, Nov. 6, and a second meeting is planned for Nov. 12.