Bill > HR5587

This bill, known as the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, aims to streamline geothermal energy development by reducing federal permitting requirements and environmental review processes. Specifically, the bill eliminates the need for federal drilling permits for geothermal exploration and production activities on non-Federal surface estates where the United States owns less than 50% of the subsurface geothermal estate, provided that operators submit a valid state permit. The bill exempts these activities from several federal regulatory processes, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act, and certain historic preservation requirements. Operators can commence activities 30 days after submitting their state permit, and the Secretary of the Interior retains the right to conduct onsite reviews to ensure proper accountability and royalty payments. The bill explicitly does not apply to activities on Indian lands or lands held in trust for Native American tribes. The underlying goal appears to be facilitating faster and more streamlined geothermal energy development by reducing federal bureaucratic obstacles while maintaining basic oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5587/all-info