Bill > HR5587

This bill, known as the HEATS Act, aims to streamline geothermal energy development by amending the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. Specifically, it proposes to eliminate the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for geothermal exploration and production activities when the United States owns less than 50 percent of the subsurface geothermal estate and the operator has already obtained a State permit. Furthermore, these activities would be exempt from certain environmental review processes, including being considered a "major Federal action" under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), which is a law requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions. The bill also exempts these activities from Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which mandates federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure their actions do not jeopardize endangered species. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these activities will only be considered an "undertaking" under the National Historic Preservation Act if a state lacks its own law for preserving historic properties. Importantly, this bill does not alter royalty obligations to the United States or the Secretary of the Interior's ability to conduct reviews for accountability, and it explicitly excludes actions on Indian lands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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