Bill · H.R. 5617· House(119-HR-5617)
Geothermal Gold Book Development Act
- Introduced
- 9/30/2025
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.
- Sponsored by
- Yassamin Ansari
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Geothermal Gold Book Development Act. It directs the Department of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permitting on federal lands. The Secretary of the Interior must identify these guidelines within one year of the bill's enactment. An updated version of the Gold Book incorporating geothermal operations must then be published within 270 days. The Secretary is also required to rename the Gold Book to reflect geothermal development and consult with federal agencies and outside stakeholders. Finally, the Secretary must review the Gold Book at least once every five years.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+4
The bill specifically targets the development of geothermal energy through improved leasing and permitting processes.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill mandates that all geothermal leasing and permitting guidelines must be environmentally responsible.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
Energy developers and stakeholders benefit from the predictable, standardized procedures outlined in the updated Gold Book.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) require the Secretary of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting. This is positive because it provides clear rules for geothermal operations on federal lands.
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Section 2(c) requires the Secretary of the Interior to consult with other relevant Federal agencies and outside stakeholders, including developers and other experts, before publishing an updated version of the Gold Book. This is positive because it ensures outside voices and experts are involved in the process.
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Section 2(e) requires the Secretary of the Interior to review the most recent version of the Gold Book at least once every five years and publish an updated version if determined necessary. This is positive because it keeps the guidelines up to date over time.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that cause negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Rural Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 5/20/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-659.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.
- 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 Unanimous Consent.
- 12/16/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 12/9/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 9/30/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California