Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Aug 2026): Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 674.
What this bill does
H.R. 5576, titled the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, aims to speed up the process of exploring for geothermal resources on federal lands. The bill proposes to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
Specifically, the bill would allow certain geothermal exploration projects and related activities to be considered "non-major Federal actions" under the National Environmental Policy Act. This change would exempt them from requirements associated with major federal actions, such as the need for detailed environmental impact statements. The bill defines a "geothermal exploration project" as drilling a well with specific size limitations, limited surface disturbance, and a completion timeframe of less than 180 days, requiring restoration within three years. Holders of geothermal leases would need to notify the Secretary of the Interior 30 days before starting such projects.
The bill affects individuals or companies holding geothermal leases on federal lands. By streamlining the review process for exploration, it aims to encourage more timely development of geothermal energy. This legislation was introduced in 2025 and has been amended. It was ordered to be reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources in March 2026 with a vote of 21 to 16. The bill is now committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act
This bill exempts certain projects and activities related to geothermal development on federal land from environmental review requirements.
Specifically, the bill exempts certain geothermal exploration projects with limited impact on federal land from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Geothermal exploration projects are those that involve the drilling of geothermal exploratory wells, such as temperature gradient wells, monitoring wells, or calibration wells, and that are limited in size, duration, and other aspects in accordance with specified criteria.
The bill also exempts from NEPA the following activities related to the exploration, development, or production of geothermal resources: (1) geotechnical investigations; (2) off-road travel in certain existing rights-of-way; and (3) the construction, maintenance, realignment, and repair of access roads within such rights-of-way.
Timeline
27 Aug 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 674.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5576 do?
- H.R. 5576, titled the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, aims to speed up the process of exploring for geothermal resources on federal lands. The bill proposes to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. Specifically, the bill would allow certain geothermal exploration projects and related activities to be considered "non-major Federal actions" under the National Environmental Policy Act. This change would exempt them from requirements associated with major federal actions, such as the need for detailed environmental impact statements. The bill defines a "geothermal exploration project" as drilling a well with specific size limitations, limited surface disturbance, and a completion timeframe of less than 180 days, requiring restoration within three years. Holders of geothermal leases would need to notify the Secretary of the Interior 30 days before starting such projects. The bill affects individuals or companies holding geothermal leases on federal lands. By streamlining the review process for exploration, it aims to encourage more timely development of geothermal energy. This legislation was introduced in 2025 and has been amended. It was ordered to be reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources in March 2026 with a vote of 21 to 16. The bill is now committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union.
- Has H.R. 5576 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5576. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5576?
- H.R. 5576 was sponsored by Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1] (R-ID), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5576?
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 674. (27 Aug 2026).
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