GEO Act

Bill Number

H.R. 301

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 568.

Last Updated

2026-06-02T20:41:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation aims to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 by setting a specific deadline for federal agencies to process applications related to geothermal leasing and associated permits, even when lawsuits are pending.

Key Provisions

• The bill adds a new subsection to Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
• It requires the Secretary to approve, issue, or deny applications for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, notices to proceed, rights-of-way, or other authorizations under valid existing leases.
• Processing must occur no later than 60 days after completing all requirements under laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and relevant historic preservation statutes.
• This requirement applies notwithstanding any pending civil actions that might affect the application, unless a federal court has vacated the lease or authorization or issued an injunction.
• The bill clarifies that it does not create new powers for federal courts to vacate or enjoin geothermal leases or permits.
• It includes a definition of "authorization" to cover licenses, permits, approvals, findings, determinations, administrative decisions, and interagency consultations needed for geothermal projects.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Prior to this bill, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 did not include a fixed deadline for processing applications when civil lawsuits were underway.
• The amendment introduces a mandatory 60-day timeline after environmental and other reviews are complete, limiting the ability of pending litigation to delay administrative decisions.
• It explicitly preserves existing court authority but prevents lawsuits from automatically halting the permitting process.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies, particularly those handling public lands and energy permits, would face stricter timelines for final decisions once reviews are finished.
• Citizens and businesses seeking to develop geothermal resources could experience faster permitting outcomes, potentially accelerating project timelines.
• International relations are unlikely to be directly affected, though quicker domestic geothermal development might indirectly support broader U.S. energy production goals.
• Environmental reviews and public input processes remain unchanged and must still be completed before the 60-day clock starts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal agencies responsible for leasing and permitting on public lands.
• Companies and individuals applying for geothermal leases, drilling permits, and related authorizations.
• Holders of existing valid geothermal leases.
• Parties involved in civil litigation concerning geothermal projects, including environmental organizations and project opponents.
• Federal courts that handle related cases.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The provision seeks to reduce delays caused by litigation without removing judicial oversight, which could lead to more predictable permitting processes.
• It raises questions about the balance between administrative efficiency and the role of lawsuits in challenging federal decisions.
• No direct constitutional conflicts are stated in the bill, but it may influence how courts and agencies interact in energy-related disputes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 568.
• 2026-05-20: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-654.
• 2026-05-20: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-654.
• 2026-03-05: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
• 2026-03-05: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-03-05: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
• 2025-12-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
• 2025-12-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
• 2025-01-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-01-09: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act — issued 2025-01-09 — PDF (3 pages)
• Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (6 pages)