Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural movement from the House of Representatives to the Senate, including updated legislative status information and the addition of the House Clerk's name. There are no substantive policy changes to the bill's text.
CLEAN Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
The CLEAN Act aims to streamline and expedite geothermal energy development on federal lands by increasing lease sale frequency and imposing strict deadlines for permit approvals.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the CLEAN Act, amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to significantly accelerate the process for geothermal energy development on federal lands. It mandates annual geothermal lease sales, requires replacement sales if scheduled ones are canceled or delayed, and sets a minimum threshold for the percentage of nominated parcels that must be offered for lease. Furthermore, it establishes strict deadlines for the Secretary of the Interior to process geothermal drilling permit applications, requiring a decision or deferral with clear next steps within 30 days of a complete application.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is crucial for enhancing domestic energy production, promoting renewable energy sources, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They contend that the current permitting and leasing processes are overly bureaucratic and slow, hindering the growth of geothermal energy, which offers a reliable, baseload renewable power source. Expediting these processes will unlock significant geothermal potential, create jobs, and contribute to energy independence and environmental goals.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that while promoting renewable energy is important, mandating such aggressive timelines for lease sales and permit approvals could compromise thorough environmental reviews and public input. They might contend that forcing a high percentage of nominated parcels to be offered for lease, or rushing permit decisions, risks adverse environmental impacts, including on sensitive ecosystems, water resources, and tribal lands, potentially leading to costly litigation and long-term damage.
The bill is concise and straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions by an informed reader.
Section 2(a)(1) of H.R. 1687, amending Section 4(b)(2) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
Mandated Annual Geothermal Lease Sales
This provision changes the frequency of geothermal lease sales on federal lands from once every two years to once every year. This means the Department of the Interior will be required to hold these sales annually, aiming to make more federal land available for geothermal exploration and development on a more regular basis.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that annual lease sales will provide a more consistent and predictable supply of federal lands for geothermal development, accelerating the deployment of this renewable energy technology. This consistency is vital for industry planning and investment.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that annual sales could strain the resources of federal agencies responsible for environmental review and land management, potentially leading to less thorough assessments or rushed processes, especially if staffing levels do not increase proportionally.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire to accelerate renewable energy development and the capacity of federal agencies to conduct thorough environmental reviews and manage increased leasing activity without additional resources.
Section 2(a)(3) of H.R. 1687, inserting new paragraph (3) into Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
Requirement for Replacement Lease Sales
This provision mandates that if a scheduled geothermal lease sale is canceled or delayed for any reason, the Secretary of the Interior must conduct a replacement sale within the same year. This ensures that delays do not prevent the annual offering of leases, maintaining the momentum for geothermal development.
Section 2(a)(3) of H.R. 1687, inserting new paragraph (4) into Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
Minimum Percentage of Nominated Parcels to be Offered
This provision requires the Secretary of the Interior to offer for lease at least 75% of all nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development under existing resource management plans. For the remaining 25%, the Secretary must offer them unless a written justification is provided, citing a statutory, environmental, or administrative reason for not doing so. This aims to maximize the availability of nominated lands for leasing.
Section 2(b) of H.R. 1687, adding new subsection (h) to Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
Strict Deadlines for Geothermal Drilling Permit Decisions
This provision establishes a two-stage deadline system for geothermal drilling permits. First, within 30 days of receiving an application, the Secretary must notify the applicant if it's complete or specify missing information. Second, within 30 days of a complete application notice, the Secretary must either issue the permit (if NEPA and other laws are met) or defer the decision. If deferred, the agency must provide clear steps for the applicant and a timeline for agency actions, with a final decision required within 10 days of those steps/actions being completed.