STEAM Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to accelerate geothermal energy projects by applying existing NEPA streamlining measures, previously used for fossil fuels, to geothermal exploration and development.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to extend expedited environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to geothermal exploration and development projects. It specifically adds geothermal resources, as defined under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, to existing provisions that streamline NEPA reviews for oil and gas projects in previously studied or developed areas.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that expediting NEPA reviews for geothermal projects will significantly reduce bureaucratic delays and development costs, thereby accelerating the deployment of clean, renewable energy. They contend that applying established frameworks for oil and gas to geothermal is a logical and necessary step to promote domestic energy production and achieve critical climate goals without compromising essential environmental protections in already disturbed or studied areas.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that extending NEPA streamlining to geothermal projects could weaken crucial environmental protections, potentially leading to inadequate assessment of environmental impacts such as water resource depletion, induced seismicity, and land degradation. They may contend that while renewable energy is vital, environmental review processes should not be compromised, even for projects in previously studied areas, as new or cumulative impacts could still arise.
The bill text is exceptionally short and can be read in under two minutes, making it highly accessible for a quick review. However, understanding its full implications requires familiarity with NEPA and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Section 2, amending Section 390 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
Expedited NEPA Review for Geothermal Projects
This provision expands the scope of expedited environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include geothermal exploration and development activities. Previously, similar expedited reviews were primarily available for oil and gas projects in areas that had already undergone environmental study or development. The bill specifically amends subsection (a) and (b) of Section 390 to add references to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and 'geothermal' resources, ensuring that geothermal projects can benefit from these streamlined processes, thereby potentially reducing the time and cost associated with regulatory approvals.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for accelerating the development of geothermal energy, a reliable baseload renewable power source. They contend that it removes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that delay projects without compromising essential environmental protections, especially in areas already disturbed or extensively studied, thereby fostering economic growth and energy independence.
Critics contend
Critics may argue that while geothermal energy is renewable, its development still carries specific environmental risks, such as impacts on water resources, potential for induced seismic activity, and habitat disruption. They contend that streamlining NEPA could lead to insufficient analysis of these unique risks, potentially resulting in adverse environmental outcomes that might be overlooked in an expedited process.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between the urgent need to accelerate renewable energy deployment and reduce regulatory burdens, and the imperative to maintain robust environmental review processes to prevent potential negative environmental impacts from geothermal development, even in previously assessed areas.