Technical corrections only. The only change between v3 and v4 is the addition of the Clerk's name, "KEVIN F. MCCUMBER," in the attestation block at the end of the bill. No substantive policy changes were made.
Geothermal Energy Advancement Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 17, 2026
Bottom line
The bill seeks to accelerate geothermal energy development on public lands by reducing administrative hurdles, improving inter-agency coordination, and updating financial mechanisms for federal oversight.
What it actually does
This bill aims to streamline the permitting and leasing process for geothermal energy development on public lands. It mandates timely processing of applications even with pending civil actions, authorizes cost recovery for administrative expenses, requires the publication of standardized operating guidelines, and establishes a Geothermal Ombudsman and Task Force within the Bureau of Land Management. The bill also clarifies geothermal royalty calculations and extends NEPA review streamlining provisions to geothermal projects.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue the bill will unlock significant renewable energy potential, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create jobs by making the federal permitting process more efficient and predictable for geothermal projects. They emphasize that streamlining bureaucracy without compromising environmental standards is crucial for meeting clean energy goals and enhancing domestic energy security.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that accelerating permitting could lead to insufficient environmental review, potentially harming sensitive ecosystems or cultural sites on public lands. They might also argue that cost recovery mechanisms could disproportionately burden smaller developers or that the bill's focus on speed over thoroughness is misguided, potentially weakening public and judicial oversight.
The bill is relatively short and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for a reader to understand its core impacts within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2, amending 30 U.S.C. 1003
Mandated Processing of Geothermal Applications Despite Pending Civil Actions
This provision requires the Secretary of the Interior to approve or deny geothermal drilling permits and other authorizations within 60 days of completing all environmental and regulatory requirements, even if there's a pending civil action related to the lease. This mandate applies unless a federal court has specifically vacated or enjoined the lease or authorization. It clarifies that this does not grant new authority to federal courts for injunctive relief.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision prevents frivolous lawsuits from indefinitely delaying otherwise compliant geothermal projects, thereby accelerating renewable energy deployment. It ensures that projects that have met all legal and environmental requirements can move forward without being held hostage by protracted litigation, unless a court specifically intervenes.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision could weaken environmental protections by pressuring agencies to make decisions quickly even when legal challenges are ongoing, potentially leading to less thorough reviews or a higher risk of environmental harm if litigation is ultimately successful.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire for expedited energy development against concerns about thorough environmental review and the role of judicial oversight in project approvals.
Section 3, amending 30 U.S.C. 1005
Authorization for Geothermal Cost Recovery
This section authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, until September 30, 2033, to require geothermal lease applicants or holders to reimburse the United States for administrative and other costs associated with processing applications (e.g., drilling permits, utilization plans) and inspecting/monitoring activities (e.g., exploration, drilling, facility operation). The Secretary can reduce fees for economic hardship or to promote geothermal use, and the collected funds are credited to the Department of the Interior for use in the geothermal program.
Section 5
Publication of Geothermal 'Gold Book' for Federal Lands
This section mandates the Secretary of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting. This will be an updated version of the Bureau of Land Management's existing 'Gold Book,' which currently focuses on oil and gas, and will be renamed to reflect its broader scope. The updated Gold Book will cover exploration, permitting, compliance, construction, drilling, production, and utilization, and must be reviewed and potentially revised every five years.
Section 6
Establishment of Geothermal Ombudsman and Permitting Task Force
This section requires the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman within the BLM within 60 days of enactment. The Ombudsman will act as a liaison, provide dispute resolution, monitor permit processing, develop best practices, and coordinate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. It also establishes a Geothermal Permitting Task Force, headed by the Ombudsman, which can assign personnel with relevant expertise across BLM offices to assist with geothermal authorizations, including potential retention allowances for such personnel. An annual report on the Task Force's activities and effectiveness is required.
Section 8, amending 42 U.S.C. 15942
Expansion of NEPA Review Streamlining to Geothermal Projects
This section amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to extend existing provisions for streamlining environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include geothermal exploration and development projects. Previously, these provisions applied to oil and gas projects. This means that geothermal projects will now benefit from the same expedited NEPA review processes, such as the use of categorical exclusions, as oil and gas projects.
Modifies the calculation of geothermal royalties by tying the royalty rate increases (from 10% to 15%) to the 'in-service date' of a geothermal electric generating facility, rather than the general 'first 10 years of production under the lease.' It also defines 'geothermal electric generating facility' and 'in-service date.'
Section 7, amending 30 U.S.C. 1001 and 1004(a)(1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for making technical adjustments to existing law. The changes are specific and amendatory, making direct insertion into the existing code the most common method rather than a standalone new section.
Case for: Supporters argue this provides greater clarity and precision for royalty calculations, aligning them more accurately with the actual operational timeline of electricity generation facilities, which can be crucial for long-term project financing and planning.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against clarifying royalty calculations, unless the change is perceived to significantly reduce federal revenue or unfairly benefit developers. The impact here seems to be more about precision than a drastic change in rates.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the timing of federal revenue collection from geothermal royalties, potentially impacting federal revenue streams by shifting when higher rates apply, but not necessarily changing the overall rates. The scale of impact depends on the number and size of geothermal projects.