The Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act streamlines geothermal development on federal lands by reducing environmental review requirements and identifying priority areas for leasing. The bill exempts small-scale geothermal exploration projects (those using wells smaller than 13 3/8 inches in diameter, disturbing less than 8 acres, and completed within 180 days) from major federal environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act, requiring only 30 days' notice to the Department of Interior. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Interior, in consultation with the Department of Energy, to designate geothermal leasing priority areas on federal lands within three years, considering economic viability and energy transmission access, and to review these designations every five years. The legislation allows the government to expedite permit approval and lease sales while still conducting environmental reviews for designated priority areas, potentially reducing bureaucratic delays for geothermal energy development. The bill affects geothermal lease holders, federal land managers, and developers seeking to expand domestic clean energy production.
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