Technical corrections only. The diff reflects the bill being reported out of committee, adding a calendar number, report number, and additional sponsors. There are no substantive changes to the legislative text or policy.
GEO Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 20, 2026
Bottom line
The Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act establishes a firm 60-day deadline for federal agencies to process geothermal project applications, aiming to accelerate development by preventing pending lawsuits from indefinitely delaying approvals, while still respecting judicial injunctions.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to mandate that the Secretary of the Interior approve or deny applications for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, rights-of-way, and other authorizations within 60 days of completing all requirements under applicable federal laws, including environmental reviews. Crucially, this deadline applies even if civil actions related to the application are pending, unless a federal court specifically vacates or provides injunctive relief for the relevant lease or authorization.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill will significantly streamline the permitting process for geothermal energy projects, reducing bureaucratic delays and regulatory uncertainty that currently hinder the development of this clean, renewable energy source. They contend that it will accelerate domestic energy production, create jobs, and help meet climate goals by ensuring projects can advance efficiently once environmental reviews are complete, without being held hostage by protracted litigation.
Opponents contend
Critics contend that the bill could undermine thorough environmental review and public participation by pressuring federal agencies to make rapid decisions, potentially compromising compliance with critical environmental laws like NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. They argue that the 'notwithstanding pending civil action' clause could lead to rushed approvals that are more vulnerable to legal challenge, or that it could be interpreted to diminish the weight of ongoing legal scrutiny, increasing risks to sensitive ecosystems and communities.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a complete and thorough reading in a very short amount of time, providing ample opportunity for evaluation.
Section 2, amending Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003) by adding subsection (h).
Establishment of 60-Day Deadline for Geothermal Application Processing
This provision mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must approve or deny applications for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, rights-of-way, and other related authorizations within 60 days. This 60-day clock starts only after all requirements under other federal laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), have been completed. A key aspect is that this deadline applies even if there are ongoing civil lawsuits affecting the application, unless a federal court has issued an order to stop or invalidate the specific lease or authorization in question. It also clarifies that this provision does not grant new authority to federal courts to issue such orders.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this provision is essential to cut through bureaucratic red tape and prevent meritless lawsuits from indefinitely stalling critical geothermal energy projects. They assert that by setting a firm deadline after all environmental reviews are complete, the bill ensures that projects can advance, thereby promoting renewable energy development and energy independence. The inclusion of the judicial injunction carve-out demonstrates respect for the courts' ultimate authority.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that while the bill states that all federal law requirements must be met, the 60-day deadline, especially when civil actions are pending, could create undue pressure on agencies to approve projects without sufficient scrutiny. They contend that this could lead to less robust environmental analysis, inadequate tribal consultation, and an increased risk of environmental harm, potentially forcing environmental groups to seek more injunctions to ensure proper review.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between accelerating renewable energy deployment and ensuring comprehensive environmental protection and due process. It seeks to prevent litigation from becoming a perpetual delay tactic while attempting to preserve the integrity of environmental laws and judicial oversight. The core tradeoff is between speed of approval and the perceived thoroughness of review under time constraints.