This bill accelerates federal geothermal energy development by requiring the Department of Interior to conduct lease sales every year instead of every two years and to automatically hold replacement sales if any sale is canceled or delayed. The legislation also mandates that at least 75 percent of nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development be offered for lease, with the remaining 25 percent offered unless the government provides written justification for exclusion. Additionally, the bill establishes tight timelines for geothermal drilling permits, requiring the government to acknowledge permit applications within 30 days, issue decisions within 30 days of determining an application is complete, and resolve deferred decisions within 10 days of any additional information being submitted. The bill affects companies seeking to develop geothermal energy resources on federal lands and aims to streamline the regulatory process for this renewable energy source. No specific funding is allocated in the legislation, but the changes are intended to increase the pace and predictability of geothermal project approvals.
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