Bill · H.R. 5576· House(119-HR-5576)
Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act
- Introduced
- 9/26/2025
- Last activity
- 8/27/2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 674.
- Sponsored by
- Russ Fulcher
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act," seeks to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. The primary goal is to promote timely exploration for geothermal resources under existing geothermal leases. It establishes specific definitions for geothermal exploration projects and covered activities. Under these definitions, certain projects would not be considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Additionally, the bill requires lease holders to provide notice to the Secretary at least 30 days before starting drilling.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill directly benefits energy company owners by streamlining the regulatory path for exploration.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+5
Promoting geothermal exploration supports the transition to renewable, low-carbon energy sources.
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+4
The bill streamlines the process for geothermal exploration, encouraging investment in renewable energy.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
By exempting certain projects from NEPA review, the bill reduces the level of environmental oversight and potential impact scrutiny.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?-2
Reducing environmental oversight on federal lands could negatively impact Indigenous communities who rely on land stewardship.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?-2
The bill alters traditional land management oversight by removing certain projects from NEPA review requirements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expedited Exploration: The bill aims to expedite the review and approval of geothermal exploration proposals on Bureau of Land Management lands (Section 3).
-
Streamlined Processes for Specific Projects: Geothermal exploration projects meeting specific criteria—such as those with less than 8 acres of unreclaimed surface disturbance and those completed in less than 180 days—will not be considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(b)).
-
Defined Scope for Activities: The bill provides clarity by defining "covered activity" to include geotechnical investigations, specific off-road travel, and the maintenance or repair of existing roads (Section 2(a)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Land Disturbance Requirements: While intended to be small, exploration projects still involve drilling temperature gradient, monitoring, or calibration wells, which causes surface disturbance (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Restoration Obligations: Lease holders are required to restore project areas to approximately their original condition within 3 years of the first drilling, unless the area is used for subsequent energy development (Section 2(a)(1)(D)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Union Workers+1Good For Native Americans-2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+1Improves Environmental Protections-3Improves Public Land Management-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1Improves Due Process-1Improves Government Transparency-1
- 8/27/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-773.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 674.
- 3/5/2026
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 16.
- 12/16/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 12/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/9/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 11/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/26/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska
Mike KennedyRepublican · Utah
Celeste MaloyRepublican · Utah