GEO Act

This bill would amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to require the Department of the Interior to process geothermal drilling permits and other lease authorizations within a 60-day deadline. This timeframe would begin once all federal requirements, such as environmental and historic preservation reviews, have been completed. These processing requirements would apply to all valid existing geothermal leases unless a federal court has vacated or issued an injunction against the underlying lease.

This bill affects the Department of the Interior, which would be required to meet new 60-day deadlines for processing geothermal drilling permits and authorizations. It also impacts entities holding valid geothermal leases that are seeking federal approval for drilling or other site activities. Additionally, the legislation involves federal courts, as the processing deadlines are contingent upon the absence of court-ordered stays or vacations of the underlying leases.

• Expansion of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. The bill amends existing law to include new requirements for the Department of the Interior regarding the processing of geothermal energy applications.
• Processing Deadline for Geothermal Permits. The Department of the Interior must process applications for geothermal drilling permits or other authorizations within 60 days of the applicant meeting all federal regulatory requirements.
• Compliance with Federal Environmental and Preservation Laws. The 60-day processing window begins only after all requirements are met under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Exemption for Judicial Relief. The expedited processing deadline does not apply if a federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the underlying geothermal lease.

This bill expands the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 by establishing a 60-day processing deadline for geothermal drilling permits and authorizations. It also requires the Department of the Interior to complete these processes in accordance with existing federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The bill aims to expedite the development of geothermal energy by requiring the Department of the Interior to process drilling permits and other authorizations within 60 days of the completion of all federal regulatory requirements.