CLEAN Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to accelerate geothermal energy development on federal lands by streamlining the leasing and permitting processes, potentially increasing energy production but also raising environmental review concerns.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to significantly accelerate geothermal energy development on federal lands. It mandates annual geothermal lease sales, requires replacement sales if a scheduled sale is canceled or delayed, and obligates the Secretary of the Interior to offer at least 75% of nominated parcels for lease, with a written justification needed for the remaining 25%. Additionally, it establishes strict deadlines for the Secretary to process geothermal drilling permits, requiring an initial notice within 30 days and a decision within 30 days of a complete application or a deferred decision with clear steps and timelines.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill will unlock America's vast geothermal potential, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and create jobs by removing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring a consistent supply of federal land for development. They emphasize that geothermal is a clean, baseload energy source that requires regulatory modernization to thrive.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that mandating annual lease sales and strict permit deadlines could compromise thorough environmental reviews and tribal consultations, potentially leading to adverse impacts on sensitive ecosystems and cultural sites. They may argue that the bill prioritizes speed over responsible development and could lead to speculative leasing without sufficient demand or adequate safeguards.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to evaluate its provisions.
Section 2(a)(1)
Mandating Annual Geothermal Lease Sales
This provision changes the frequency of geothermal lease sales from once every two years to annually. This means the Department of the Interior will be required to hold lease sales for geothermal resources on federal lands every year, rather than every other year, aiming to accelerate access to these resources for energy development.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that annual sales provide a more predictable and consistent pipeline for geothermal development, reducing delays and encouraging investment in this renewable energy sector, thereby boosting domestic energy production.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that annual sales could strain agency resources, potentially leading to less thorough environmental reviews or insufficient market demand for all offered parcels, resulting in wasted effort and administrative burden.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for accelerated renewable energy development with potential administrative burdens and the need for adequate environmental review processes.
Section 2(a)(3)
Requirement for Replacement Lease Sales
If a scheduled annual geothermal lease sale is canceled or delayed for any reason, this provision mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must conduct a replacement sale within the same year. This ensures that the annual leasing schedule is maintained even if unforeseen circumstances disrupt an initial sale, providing continuity for developers.
Section 2(a)(4)
Mandated Offering of Nominated Parcels
This provision requires the Secretary of the Interior to offer for lease at least 75% of nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development under existing resource management plans. For the remaining 25%, the Secretary must provide a written justification based on statutory, environmental, or administrative grounds if those parcels are not offered. This aims to ensure a high percentage of industry-nominated parcels are made available for development.
Section 2(b)
Streamlined Geothermal Drilling Permit Process
This provision establishes strict deadlines for the Secretary of the Interior to process geothermal drilling permits. Within 30 days of receiving an application, the Secretary must either declare it complete or specify missing information. Once an application is complete, the Secretary has another 30 days to issue the permit (if NEPA and other laws are met) or defer the decision. If deferred, the Secretary must provide steps for the applicant to take and a list of agency actions with timelines, ensuring a final decision within 10 days of those steps/actions being completed, adhering to NEPA deadlines.