Episode 148 – The Driller Newscast
The Big, Not-So-Beautiful Bill: How to Lose Clean Energy and Alienate the Planet
We’re back! After a short hiatus, The Driller Newscast returns with a powerhouse episode you won’t want to miss. Host Brock Yordy dives into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” making waves in Washington—legislation with major implications for the drilling, HVAC, and geothermal industries. From home efficiency tax credits to geothermal heat pump incentives, there’s a lot on the line. To break it all down, Brock is joined by The Driller’s D.C. correspondent J.J. Smith, who brings insider insight on what’s really happening behind the scenes in the Capitol—and what it means for your business. Whether you're in the field or behind the desk, this episode is your essential briefing on where policy meets drilling.
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In episode 148 of The Driller Newscast, host Brock Yordy sounds the alarm over the newly passed House bill—what he calls “The Big Beautiful Bill.” Passed by a single vote (215–214), the legislation takes aim at the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a key driver of clean energy investment and blue-collar job growth.
“This should’ve been called The Planet’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Bill,” Yordy says.
Yordy cites $277 billion invested in the past year into clean tech, including electric vehicles, carbon management, and building electrification. “$67 billion of this investment occurred in the first quarter of 2025,” he adds.
With over 21,000 clean energy facilities and millions of heat pumps already deployed, the IRA has proven effective. But the new bill threatens to roll back critical tax credits and funding—especially for home energy upgrades and geothermal systems.
Jobs on the Line
“The Inflation Reduction Act would have created more than 9 million new jobs over the next decade,” Yordy notes, citing data from the BlueGreen Alliance and UMass Amherst.
JJ Smith, The Driller’s Washington correspondent, calls the rollback alarming: “Right now... the agencies that were implementing the Inflation Reduction Act... are scared or maybe even terrified.” (You can watch/listen to this part at 18:45 at the links above)
Geothermal Confusion in Congress
Many lawmakers support geothermal in their own homes, Smith says, but oppose it federally. “Heats his house with it... says it was a wise use,” one lawmaker told him—yet voted to end support for geothermal tax credits.
Yordy stresses the disconnect: “They are two radically different situations—residential heating vs. power generation—but both are essential.”
Looking Ahead
“This isn’t about being woke—it’s about being smart,” Yordy says. “We have a responsibility to treat Mother Nature correctly.”
As the bill heads to the Senate, both Yordy and Smith call on the drilling and energy community to push back and protect the future of clean energy.
Thanks for joining us. Tune in each Monday morning for the latest video or podcast. Whether you’re at your desk or on the way to the jobsite listening in the truck, start your week with us. You can also find our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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John Oldani is an editor, journalist, and reporter with over a decade of experience producing clear, engaging, and well-researched content. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Oakland University, with a focus on financial reporting, editing, and long-form writing. Over the past year, John has specialized in covering the drilling industry, reporting on key developments, policy shifts, and impactful stories shaping the field.
email: johnnyoldaniwords@gmail.com | office: (248) 838-8535
