Maryland Environment Section 5-602

      (a)      Geothermal resources are a natural resource in the State which possess great potential value for the State and the nation as a whole.

      (b)      In exploring and developing geothermal resources maximum possible consideration shall be afforded to:

            (1)      Avoiding waste and unreasonable use of natural resources;

            (2)      Protecting the environment; and

            (3)      Optimizing the productive use of the resource.