Bill > HR1687

This bill, known as the "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act" or "CLEAN Act," proposes several key changes to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to streamline geothermal energy development. The bill mandates that lease sales, which were previously required every two years, will now occur annually in eligible states. If a planned lease sale is canceled or delayed, the Secretary of the Interior must conduct a replacement sale in the same year. Additionally, during these lease sales, the Secretary must offer all parcels nominated and eligible for geothermal development according to the state's current resource management plan. The bill also introduces new procedural requirements for geothermal drilling permits, stipulating that the Secretary must provide written notice to an applicant within 30 days of receiving a permit application, either confirming the application is complete or specifying any missing information. Once an application is deemed complete, the Secretary must issue a final decision within 30 days. These changes aim to accelerate geothermal energy development by reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring more consistent lease opportunities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1687/all-info