HEATS Act
Summary
The HEATS Act would modify federal requirements for geothermal energy development on private land where the federal government owns a minority stake in subsurface geothermal resources. If enacted, the bill would allow geothermal operators to use state drilling permits instead of obtaining separate federal permits for exploration and production activities on non-federal surface land, provided the U.S. holds less than 50 percent ownership of the subsurface geothermal estate.
The bill would also exempt certain geothermal activities from federal environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. However, the bill preserves the federal government's right to collect royalties from electricity production and other byproducts. The legislation does not apply to Indian lands or resources held in trust for Native American tribes.
Proponents argue the bill would reduce permitting delays and development costs for geothermal projects, potentially accelerating clean energy production and job creation. The bill has passed committee review with bipartisan support and is eligible for a floor vote in the House.
