119 HR 5617 IH: Geothermal Gold Book Development Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-09-30 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 5617IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 30, 2025Ms. Ansari (for herself and Mr. Huffman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo direct the Department of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permit issuance for environmentally responsible geothermal operations on Federal lands.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Geothermal Gold Book Development Act.

2.

Publication of Gold Book for geothermal operations on Federal lands

(a)

Identification

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department of the Interior, in consultation with other relevant Federal agencies, shall identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting. (b)

Publication

Not later than 180 days after identifying standard procedures and guidelines under subsection (a), the Department of the Interior shall publish a Gold Book containing such standard procedures and guidelines for use by the field offices of the Bureau of Land Management and geothermal operators. (c)

Consultation

Before publishing the Gold Book, the Department of the Interior shall consult with— (1)other relevant Federal agencies, including field offices of the Bureau of Land Management; and (2)outside stakeholders, including developers and other experts. (d)

Inclusions

The Gold Book shall include standard procedures and guidelines for— (1)land use planning and geothermal lease sales; and (2)ensuring the efficient review and approval of environmentally responsible geothermal development, including— (A)exploration and geophysical operations; (B)permitting lease operations; (C)compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; (D)construction and maintenance; (E)drilling and production operations; (F)appeals; and (G)relevant categorical exclusions available at each stage. (e)

Periodic revision

The Department of the Interior shall— (1)at least once every five years, review the Gold Book; and (2)as necessary, revise the Gold Book.