House Passes HEATS Act (H.R. 5587) 231-186 to Expedite Geothermal Energy Development by Waiving Federal Permitting Requirements
The House of Representatives convened for a legislative session, during which it passed H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, by a recorded vote of 231-186. This bill aims to streamline the permitting process for geothermal energy projects by waiving certain federal environmental and historic preservation review requirements for activities on non-federal surface estates where the federal subsurface interest is less than 50 percent. Debate on the measure highlighted differing views on the balance between accelerating clean energy development and maintaining federal oversight and environmental safeguards. The day also included various one-minute speeches, special order speeches on national debt and immigration, and the filing of a discharge petition.
The passage of H.R. 5587 represents a significant legislative step towards expediting geothermal energy development, a clean and reliable power source. Its provisions directly impact regulatory processes for energy projects involving federal subsurface resources, potentially altering the landscape for renewable energy infrastructure and setting precedents for future resource extraction. The debate surrounding the bill underscored ongoing tensions regarding environmental protection, federal land management, and economic development.
Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026
H.R. 5587Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 5587, as amended.
The case for
Proponents argued that H.R. 5587 is a commonsense bill that will expedite the development of geothermal energy by cutting unnecessary red tape and eliminating duplicative federal permitting requirements. Representative Kim stated that the bill delivers on promises to unleash American energy dominance and lower prices, noting that operators would still undergo rigorous state-level permitting. Chairman Westerman emphasized that the bill would increase federal revenues by reducing administrative responsibilities and spur greater investment in geothermal exploration and production, which is crucial given skyrocketing energy demand and the vast geothermal potential in regions like the Great Basin.
The case against
Opponents argued that H.R. 5587 represents an irresponsible waiver of the federal government's obligation to steward federal resources. Representative Ansari stated that the bill eliminates meaningful protections for landowners and could lead to issues like groundwater contamination, seismic activity, and a lack of financial assurances for cleanup, leaving landowners or taxpayers responsible. Representative Huffman added that the bill goes too far by removing core safeguards under NEPA, ESA, and NHPA, and that it sets a dangerous precedent for the oil and gas industry. Concerns were also raised about the lack of clear requirements for underground injection control permits and the potential for significant impacts on federal resources, even if subsurface.
Disposition
passed · recorded vote
The bill, as amended, was passed by the House of Representatives.
231-186
Who is affected
- Geothermal energy developers: Will benefit from streamlined permitting processes and reduced regulatory burdens, potentially accelerating project timelines and reducing costs.
- Federal agencies (e.g., Bureau of Land Management): Will experience reduced administrative workloads by not having to issue permits for certain geothermal wells, allowing them to focus on projects with a majority federal nexus.
- Surface landowners above federal subsurface estates: May face potential impacts from subsurface geothermal development without the full federal review process, potentially affecting groundwater or land stability, and may lack federal financial assurances for cleanup.
- Taxpayers: Could be on the hook for cleanup costs if surface damages occur on federal subsurface resources without federal financial assurances from developers.
- General public: Could benefit from increased domestic clean energy production and potentially lower energy costs, but also face altered environmental oversight for federal resources.
House Passes HEATS Act to Expedite Geothermal Energy Development
highThe House passed H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, by a recorded vote of 231-186. The bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive federal drilling permit requirements and exemptions from NEPA, ESA, and NHPA for geothermal exploration and production activities on non-federal surface estates where the United States holds less than 50 percent of the subsurface geothermal estate, provided a State permit is obtained and State historic preservation laws are in effect. Proponents argued this would cut red tape and accelerate clean energy production, while opponents raised concerns about waiving federal environmental and landowner protections.
Debate on Federal Regulatory Waivers for Energy Projects
mediumDiscussion surrounding H.R. 5587 centered on the appropriateness of waiving federal environmental reviews under NEPA, ESA, and NHPA for geothermal projects. Proponents, including Representative Kim, emphasized reducing 'duplicative Federal requirements' to spur investment and lower energy costs. Opponents, such as Representative Ansari and Representative Huffman, argued that these waivers were an 'irresponsible waiver of the Federal Government's obligation to steward our Federal resources' and could lead to impacts on groundwater, seismic activity, and a lack of financial assurances for cleanup, without adequate public input or Tribal consultation.
Discharge Petition Filed on House Resolution 1140
mediumA discharge petition, Petition 19, was filed by Mr. Norcross on House Resolution 1140. The petition was signed by a list of Members, indicating an effort to bring a measure to the floor for consideration outside of the regular committee process.
Special Order Speeches Address National Debt and Presidential Conduct
mediumMr. Schweikert of Arizona delivered a special order speech detailing concerns about the national debt, unfunded liabilities, and the fiscal trajectory of the United States, citing CBO and Treasury reports. Separately, Mr. Green of Texas delivered a special order speech condemning President Donald J. Trump for social media posts depicting himself as Jesus Christ and the Pope, and for past actions, announcing his intent to file a resolution of condemnation and advocating for impeachment.