[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2657 Reported in Senate (RS)]

<DOC>





                                                       Calendar No. 357
116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 2657

To support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, 
                        and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 22, 2019

 Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Mr. Manchin) introduced the following 
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                           Natural Resources

                           December 17, 2019

              Reported by Ms. Murkowski, with an amendment
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, 
                        and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced Geothermal 
Innovation Leadership Act of 2019'' or the ``AGILE Act of 
2019''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 2. UPDATE TO GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (30 U.S.C. 
1028) is amended--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as 
        subsections (b) and (d), respectively;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so 
        redesignated) the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) Definition of Enhanced Geothermal Systems.--In this 
section, the term `enhanced geothermal systems' has the meaning given 
the term in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191).'';</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) by inserting after subsection (b) (as so 
        redesignated) the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.--The 
Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological 
Survey, and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall update 
the United States geothermal resource assessment carried out by the 
United States Geological Survey, including by focusing on--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) with respect to areas previously identified 
        by the Department of Energy or the United States Geological 
        Survey as having significant potential for hydrothermal energy 
        or enhanced geothermal systems energy--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) improving the resolution of resource 
                potential at systematic temperatures and depths, 
                including temperatures and depths appropriate for power 
                generation and direct use applications;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) quantifying the total potential to 
                coproduce geothermal energy and minerals;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) incorporating data relevant to 
                underground thermal energy storage and exchange, such 
                as aquifer and soil properties; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) producing high resolution maps, 
                including--</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) maps that indicate key 
                        subsurface parameters for electric and direct 
                        use resources; and</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) risk maps for induced 
                        seismicity based on geologic, geographic, and 
                        operational parameters; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) to the maximum extent practicable, expanding 
        geothermal assessments, including enhanced geothermal systems 
        assessments, to include assessments for the Commonwealth of 
        Puerto Rico and the States of Alaska and Hawaii.''; 
        and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), by 
        striking ``necesary'' and inserting ``necessary''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 3. GENERAL GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
              PROGRAMS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    Section 614 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17193) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Oil and Gas Technology Transfer Initiative.--
</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support an 
        initiative among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of 
        Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the private sector 
        to modify, improve, and demonstrate the use in geothermal 
        energy development of relevant advanced technologies and 
        operation techniques used in the oil and gas sector.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Priorities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary shall prioritize technologies with the greatest 
        potential to significantly increase the use and lower the cost 
        of geothermal energy in the United States, including the cost 
        and speed of geothermal drilling.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(e) Secondary Use Subprogram.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support 
        within the Geothermal Technologies Office a program of 
        research, development, and demonstration in the secondary use 
        of geothermal energy other than for electricity, direct use, or 
        geothermal exchange heat pumps.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Program areas.--The program under paragraph 
        (1) shall include the following areas:</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) Minerals recovery, including 
                lithium, silica, and rare earth elements.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Geothermal-powered 
                desalination.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) Industrial applications of 
                geothermal energy.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) The use of geothermal energy as a 
                grid management resource or seasonal energy 
                storage.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(E) Other cost competitive secondary 
                uses of geothermal energy, as determined by the 
                Secretary.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(F) Systems that utilize a combination 
                of the techniques and uses described in subparagraphs 
                (A) through (E) with geothermal heat or 
                power.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Coproduction of geothermal energy and 
        minerals production prize competition.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                carry out a prize competition under which the Secretary 
                shall award prizes to demonstrate the coproduction of 
                critical minerals (as defined by the Secretary of the 
                Interior on the date of enactment of the AGILE Act of 
                2019) from geothermal resources.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Requirements.--A demonstration 
                awarded a prize under subparagraph (A) shall--
                </DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) improve the cost-
                        effectiveness of removing minerals from 
                        geothermal brines as part of the coproduction 
                        process;</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) increase recovery rates of 
                        the targeted mineral commodity;</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(iii) decrease water use and 
                        other environmental impacts, as determined by 
                        the Secretary; and</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(iv) demonstrate a path to 
                        commercial viability.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) Maximum prize amount.--The maximum 
                amount of a prize awarded under subparagraph (A) shall 
                be $10,000,000.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) Authorization of appropriations.--
                There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
                to carry out this paragraph $5,000,000 for each of 
                fiscal years 2020 through 2023.''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 4. MODIFYING THE DEFINITION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TO 
              INCLUDE THERMAL ENERGY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Energy Policy Act of 
2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852) is amended--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as 
                paragraph (3);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the 
                following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Qualified waste heat resource.--The term 
        `qualified waste heat resource' means--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) exhaust heat or flared gas from any 
                industrial process;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) waste gas or industrial tail gas 
                that would otherwise be flared, incinerated, or 
                vented;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) a pressure drop in any gas as part 
                of an industrial or commercial process; or</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) such other forms of waste heat as 
                the Secretary determines appropriate.''; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) in paragraph (3) (as so 
                redesignated)--</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    (i) by striking ``generated from'' 
                        and inserting ``produced from, or, in the case 
                        of thermal energy resulting from a thermal 
                        energy project placed in service after December 
                        31, 2018, thermal energy generated from, or 
                        avoided by,''; and</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    (ii) by inserting ``qualified 
                        waste heat resource,'' before ``or new''; 
                        and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (c)--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) 
                through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), 
                respectively, and indenting appropriately;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                (A) (as so redesignated), by striking ``For purposes'' 
                and inserting the following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--For purposes''; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) by adding at the end the 
                following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Separate calculation.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) In general.--For purposes of 
                determining compliance with the requirement of this 
                section, any energy consumption that is avoided through 
                the use of renewable energy shall be considered to be 
                renewable energy produced.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Denial of double benefit.--Avoided 
                energy consumption that is considered to be renewable 
                energy produced under subparagraph (A) shall not also 
                be counted for purposes of achieving compliance with 
                another Federal energy efficiency goal.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2410q(a) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 203(b)(2) of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852(b)(2))'' and inserting 
``section 203(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
15852(b))''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 5. ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH AND 
              DEVELOPMENT.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Definition of Engineered.--Section 612(1) of the 
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191(1)) is 
amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
``subjected to intervention, including intervention'' and inserting 
``designed to access subsurface heat, including nonstimulation 
technologies,''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Programs.--Section 615(b) of the Energy Independence 
and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17194(b)) is amended--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
                ``mapping'' and inserting ``and fracture mapping, 
                including real-time modeling'';</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking 
                ``and'' at the end;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as 
                subparagraph (K); and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (D) by inserting after subparagraph (E) 
                the following:</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(F) well placement and 
                orientation;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(G) long-term reservoir 
                management;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(H) drilling technologies, methods, and 
                tools;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(I) improved exploration 
                tools;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(J) zonal isolation; and''; 
                and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
        following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Frontier observatories for research in 
        geothermal energy.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) Program.--The Secretary shall 
                support 2 field research sites operated by public or 
                academic entities, which shall each be known as a 
                `Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal 
                Energy' or `FORGE' site, to develop, test, and enhance 
                techniques and tools for enhanced geothermal 
                energy.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Site selection.--Of the FORGE sites 
                referred to in subparagraph (A)--</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) 1 shall be the existing 
                        research site in Milford, Utah; and</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) 1 shall be selected by the 
                        Secretary through a competitive selection 
                        process.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) Site duration.--The FORGE site 
                selected under subparagraph (B)(ii) shall operate for 
                an initial term of not more than 7 years after the date 
                on which site preparation is complete.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) Additional terms.--</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) In general.--At the end of 
                        an operational term described in clause (ii), a 
                        FORGE site may--</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(I) be transferred to 
                                the private sector for further enhanced 
                                geothermal testing; or</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(II) subject to 
                                appropriations and a merit review by 
                                the Secretary, operate for an 
                                additional term of not more than 7 
                                years.</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) Operational term 
                        described.--An operational term referred to in 
                        clause (i)--</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(I) in the case of the 
                                FORGE site designated under 
                                subparagraph (B)(i), is the existing 
                                operational term; and</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(II) in the case of the 
                                FORGE site selected under subparagraph 
                                (B)(ii), is the initial term under 
                                subparagraph (C) or an additional term 
                                under clause (i)(II).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Enhanced geothermal systems 
        demonstrations.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) In general.--Beginning on the date 
                of enactment of the AGILE Act of 2019, the Secretary, 
                in collaboration with industry partners and 
                institutions of higher education, shall support an 
                initiative for demonstration of enhanced geothermal 
                systems for power production or direct use.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Projects.--</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) In general.--Under the 
                        initiative described in subparagraph (A), not 
                        less than 4 demonstration projects shall be 
                        carried out in locations that are commercially 
                        viable for enhanced geothermal systems 
                        development, as determined by the 
                        Secretary.</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) Requirements.--
                        Demonstration projects under clause (i) shall--
                        </DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(I) collectively 
                                demonstrate--</DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(aa) different 
                                        geologic settings, such as hot 
                                        sedimentary aquifers, layered 
                                        geologic systems, supercritical 
                                        systems, and basement rock 
                                        systems; and</DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(bb) a variety 
                                        of development techniques, 
                                        including open hole and cased 
                                        hole completions, differing 
                                        well orientations, and 
                                        stimulation 
                                        mechanisms;</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(II) to the extent 
                                practicable, use existing sites where 
                                subsurface characterization or 
                                geothermal energy integration analysis 
                                has been conducted; and</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(III) each be carried 
                                out in accordance with section 988 of 
                                the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
                                U.S.C. 16352).</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(iii) Eastern demonstration.--
                        Not less than 1 demonstration project under 
                        clause (i) shall be located in an area east of 
                        the Mississippi River that is suitable for 
                        enhanced geothermal demonstration for power, 
                        heat, or a combination of power and 
                        heat.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) Optional program structure.--
                </DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) In general.--The Secretary 
                        may, pursuant to section 646(g) of the 
                        Department of Energy Organization Act (42 
                        U.S.C. 7256(g)), structure the initiative 
                        described in subparagraph (A) as a cost share 
                        milestone-based payment initiative (similar to 
                        the National Aeronautics and Space 
                        Administration Commercial Orbital 
                        Transportation Services program).</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) Requirements.--If the 
                        Secretary elects to carry out clause (i), the 
                        Secretary shall--</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(I) request proposals 
                                from eligible entities, as determined 
                                by the Secretary, that include--
                                </DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(aa) a business 
                                        plan;</DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(bb) technical 
                                        details; and</DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(cc) proposed 
                                        milestones and associated 
                                        payments; and</DELETED>
                                <DELETED>    ``(II) select projects--
                                </DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(aa) based on 
                                        the demonstrated ability of the 
                                        eligible entity to meet the 
                                        milestones and associated 
                                        payments described in the 
                                        proposal of that eligible 
                                        entity; and</DELETED>
                                        <DELETED>    ``(bb) that have 
                                        the greatest potential 
                                        commercial 
                                        applicability.''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    Section 623 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17202) is amended by striking ``$90,000,000'' in the 
first sentence and all that follows through the period at the end of 
the second sentence and inserting ``$150,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2020 through 2024.''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 7. REAUTHORIZATION OF HIGH COST REGION GEOTHERMAL ENERGY 
              GRANT PROGRAM.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    Section 625 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17204) is amended--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ``or heat'' 
        after ``electrical power''; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the 
        following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 8. PROGRAM TO IMPROVE FEDERAL GEOTHERMAL PERMIT 
              COORDINATION.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the 
        Geothermal Energy Permitting Coordination Program established 
        under subsection (b).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the 
        Secretary of the Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 90 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish 
a program, to be known as the ``Geothermal Energy Permitting 
Coordination Program'', to improve Federal permit coordination and 
reduce regulatory timelines with respect to geothermal energy projects 
on Federal land by increasing the expertise of officials administering 
and approving permits.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (c) Establishment of Program Offices.--To carry out the 
Program, the Secretary shall establish one or more Program offices at 
State or district offices of the Department of the Interior.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (d) Memorandum of Understanding.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a 
        memorandum of understanding for purposes of this section with--
        </DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) the Secretary of 
                Agriculture;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) the Administrator of the Environmental 
                Protection Agency; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) the Secretary of Defense.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) State participation.--The Secretary may 
        request that the Governor of any State be a signatory to the 
        memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (e) Designation of Qualified Staff.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the 
        date on which the memorandum of understanding under subsection 
        (d) is executed, all Federal signatories, as appropriate, shall 
        assign to each Program office established under subsection (c) 
        one or more employees who have expertise in the regulatory 
        issues relating to the office or agency in which the employee 
        is employed, including, as applicable, particular expertise 
        in--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) consultation regarding, and 
                preparation of, biological opinions under section 7 of 
                the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
                1536);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) permits under section 404 of the 
                Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
                1344);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) regulatory matters under the Clean Air 
                Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (D) the Federal Land Policy and Management 
                Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (E) planning under section 14 of the 
                National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 
                472a);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (F) developing geothermal resources under 
                the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et 
                seq.); and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (G) the preparation of analyses under the 
                National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
                4321 et seq.).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Duties.--Each employee assigned under 
        paragraph (1) shall--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) not later than 90 days after the date 
                on which the employee is assigned, report to the State 
                Director of the Bureau of Land Management for the State 
                in which the office to which the employee is assigned 
                is located;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) be responsible for all issues relating 
                to the jurisdiction of the home office or agency of the 
                employee; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) participate as part of the team of 
                personnel working on proposed energy projects, 
                planning, and environmental analyses.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (f) Additional Personnel.--The Secretary shall assign to 
each Program office any additional personnel that are necessary to 
ensure the effective implementation of--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) the Program; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) any program administered by the Program 
        office, including inspection and enforcement relating to energy 
        development on Federal land, in accordance with the multiple 
        use mandate of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
        1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (g) Transfer of Funds.--To facilitate the coordination and 
processing of geothermal permits on Federal land under the 
administration of a Program office, the Secretary may authorize the 
expenditure or transfer of any funds that are necessary to--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) the United States Fish and Wildlife 
        Service;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) the Forest Service;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) the Environmental Protection Agency;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) the Corps of Engineers;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (6) the Department of Defense; or</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (7) any State in which a geothermal project is 
        located.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (h) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
that describes--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) the progress of the Program; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) any problems relating to leasing, permitting, 
        or siting with respect to geothermal energy development on 
        Federal land.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (i) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section affects--
</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) the operation of any Federal or State law; 
        or</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) any delegation of authority made by the head 
        of a Federal agency any employee of which is participating in 
        the Program.</DELETED>

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced Geothermal Innovation 
Leadership Act of 2019'' or the ``AGILE Act of 2019''.

SEC. 2. UPDATE TO GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT.

    Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (30 U.S.C. 1028) is 
amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections 
        (b) and (d), respectively;
            (2) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated) 
        the following:
    ``(a) Definition of Enhanced Geothermal Systems.--In this section, 
the term `enhanced geothermal systems' has the meaning given the term 
in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 
U.S.C. 17191).'';
            (3) by inserting after subsection (b) (as so redesignated) 
        the following:
    ``(c) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.--The Secretary of 
the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, and 
in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall update the United 
States geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States 
Geological Survey, including--
            ``(1) with respect to areas previously identified by the 
        Department of Energy or the United States Geological Survey as 
        having significant potential for hydrothermal energy or 
        enhanced geothermal systems energy, by focusing on--
                    ``(A) improving the resolution of resource 
                potential at systematic temperatures and depths, 
                including temperatures and depths appropriate for power 
                generation and direct use applications;
                    ``(B) quantifying the total potential to coproduce 
                geothermal energy and minerals;
                    ``(C) incorporating data relevant to underground 
                thermal energy storage and exchange, such as aquifer 
                and soil properties; and
                    ``(D) producing high resolution maps, including--
                            ``(i) maps that indicate key subsurface 
                        parameters for electric and direct use 
                        resources; and
                            ``(ii) risk maps for induced seismicity 
                        based on geologic, geographic, and operational 
                        parameters; and
            ``(2) to the maximum extent practicable, by coordinating 
        with relevant State officials and institutions of higher 
        education to expand geothermal assessments, including enhanced 
        geothermal systems assessments, to include assessments for the 
        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the States of Alaska and 
        Hawaii.''; and
            (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), by striking 
        ``necesary'' and inserting ``necessary''.

SEC. 3. GENERAL GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

    Section 614 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 
U.S.C. 17193) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Oil and Gas Technology Transfer Initiative.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support an 
        initiative among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of 
        Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the private sector 
        to modify, improve, and demonstrate the use in geothermal 
        energy development of relevant advanced technologies and 
        operation techniques used in the oil and gas sector.
            ``(2) Priorities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall prioritize technologies with the greatest 
        potential to significantly increase the use and lower the cost 
        of geothermal energy in the United States, including the cost 
        and speed of small- and large-scale geothermal drilling.
    ``(e) Coproduction of Geothermal Energy and Minerals Production 
Prize Competition.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a prize 
        competition under which the Secretary shall award prizes to 
        demonstrate the coproduction of critical minerals (as defined 
        by the Secretary of the Interior on the date of enactment of 
        the AGILE Act of 2019) from geothermal resources.
            ``(2) Requirements.--A demonstration awarded a prize under 
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    ``(A) improve the cost-effectiveness of removing 
                minerals from geothermal brines as part of the 
                coproduction process;
                    ``(B) increase recovery rates of the targeted 
                mineral commodity;
                    ``(C) decrease water use and other environmental 
                impacts, as determined by the Secretary; and
                    ``(D) demonstrate a path to commercial viability.
            ``(3) Maximum prize amount.--The maximum amount of a prize 
        awarded under paragraph (1) shall be $10,000,000.
    ``(f) Drilling Data Repository.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in coordination 
        with the Secretary of the Interior, establish and operate a 
        voluntary, industry-wide repository of geothermal drilling 
        information to lower the cost of future geothermal drilling.
            ``(2) Repository.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
                the Secretary shall collaborate with geothermally 
                significant countries, such as Iceland, Switzerland, 
                Kenya, Australia, the Philippines, and any other 
                relevant country, as determined by the Secretary.
                    ``(B) Data system.--The repository established 
                under paragraph (1) shall be integrated with the 
                National Geothermal Data System.''.

SEC. 4. ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) Definition of Engineered.--Section 612(1) of the Energy 
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191(1)) is amended 
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``subjected to 
intervention, including intervention'' and inserting ``designed to 
access subsurface heat, including nonstimulation technologies,''.
    (b) Programs.--Section 615(b) of the Energy Independence and 
Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17194(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``mapping'' 
                and inserting ``and fracture mapping, including real-
                time modeling'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as 
                subparagraph (K); and
                    (D) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 
                following:
                    ``(F) well placement and orientation;
                    ``(G) long-term reservoir management;
                    ``(H) drilling technologies, methods, and tools;
                    ``(I) improved exploration tools;
                    ``(J) zonal isolation; and''; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
            ``(2) Frontier observatories for research in geothermal 
        energy.--
                    ``(A) Program.--The Secretary shall support 2 field 
                research sites operated by public or academic entities, 
                which shall each be known as a `Frontier Observatory 
                for Research in Geothermal Energy' or `FORGE' site, to 
                develop, test, and enhance techniques and tools for 
                enhanced geothermal energy.
                    ``(B) Site selection.--Of the FORGE sites referred 
                to in subparagraph (A)--
                            ``(i) 1 shall be the existing research site 
                        in Milford, Utah; and
                            ``(ii) 1 shall be--
                                    ``(I) selected by the Secretary 
                                through a competitive selection 
                                process; and
                                    ``(II) located in a different 
                                geologic type than the existing 
                                research site described in clause (i).
                    ``(C) Site operation.--
                            ``(i) Initial duration.--The FORGE site 
                        selected under subparagraph (B)(ii) shall 
                        operate for an initial term of not more than 7 
                        years after the date on which site preparation 
                        is complete.
                            ``(ii) Performance metrics.--The Secretary 
                        shall establish performance metrics for each 
                        FORGE site supported under this paragraph, 
                        which may be used by the Secretary to determine 
                        whether a FORGE site should continue to receive 
                        funding.
                    ``(D) Additional terms.--
                            ``(i) In general.--At the end of an 
                        operational term described in clause (ii), a 
                        FORGE site may--
                                    ``(I) be transferred to other 
                                public or private entities for further 
                                enhanced geothermal testing; or
                                    ``(II) subject to appropriations 
                                and a merit review by the Secretary, 
                                operate for an additional term of not 
                                more than 7 years.
                            ``(ii) Operational term described.--An 
                        operational term referred to in clause (i)--
                                    ``(I) in the case of the FORGE site 
                                designated under subparagraph (B)(i), 
                                is the existing operational term; and
                                    ``(II) in the case of the FORGE 
                                site selected under subparagraph 
                                (B)(ii), is the initial term under 
                                subparagraph (C) or an additional term 
                                under clause (i)(II).
            ``(3) Enhanced geothermal systems demonstrations.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Beginning on the date of 
                enactment of the AGILE Act of 2019, the Secretary, in 
                collaboration with industry partners and institutions 
                of higher education, shall support an initiative for 
                demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems for power 
                production or direct use.
                    ``(B) Projects.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Under the initiative 
                        described in subparagraph (A), not less than 4 
                        demonstration projects shall be carried out in 
                        locations that are potentially commercially 
                        viable for enhanced geothermal systems 
                        development, as determined by the Secretary.
                            ``(ii) Requirements.--Demonstration 
                        projects under clause (i) shall--
                                    ``(I) collectively demonstrate--
                                            ``(aa) different geologic 
                                        settings, such as hot 
                                        sedimentary aquifers, layered 
                                        geologic systems, supercritical 
                                        systems, and basement rock 
                                        systems; and
                                            ``(bb) a variety of 
                                        development techniques, 
                                        including open hole and cased 
                                        hole completions, differing 
                                        well orientations, and 
                                        stimulation mechanisms;
                                    ``(II) to the extent practicable, 
                                use existing sites where subsurface 
                                characterization or geothermal energy 
                                integration analysis has been 
                                conducted; and
                                    ``(III) each be carried out in 
                                accordance with section 988 of the 
                                Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
                                16352).
                            ``(iii) Eastern demonstration.--Not less 
                        than 1 demonstration project under clause (i) 
                        shall be located in an area east of the 
                        Mississippi River that is suitable for enhanced 
                        geothermal demonstration for power, heat, or a 
                        combination of power and heat.
                    ``(C) Optional program structure.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may, 
                        pursuant to section 646(g) of the Department of 
                        Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7256(g)), 
                        impose a cost share milestone-based payment 
                        structure (similar to the structure used in the 
                        National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
                        Commercial Orbital Transportation Services 
                        program) on a demonstration project described 
                        in subparagraph (B).
                            ``(ii) Requirements.--If the Secretary 
                        elects to carry out clause (i) for a 
                        demonstration project, the Secretary shall--
                                    ``(I) request proposals from 
                                eligible entities, as determined by the 
                                Secretary, that include--
                                            ``(aa) a business plan;
                                            ``(bb) technical details; 
                                        and
                                            ``(cc) proposed milestones 
                                        and associated payments; and
                                    ``(II) select projects--
                                            ``(aa) based on the 
                                        demonstrated ability of the 
                                        eligible entity to meet the 
                                        milestones and associated 
                                        payments described in the 
                                        proposal of that eligible 
                                        entity; and
                                            ``(bb) that have the 
                                        greatest potential commercial 
                                        applicability.''.

SEC. 5. GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS AND DIRECT USE.

    Title VI of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is 
amended by inserting after section 616 (42 U.S.C. 17195) the following:

``SEC. 616A. GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS AND DIRECT USE RESEARCH AND 
              DEVELOPMENT.

    ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
            ``(1) to improve the components, processes, and systems 
        used for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal 
        energy; and
            ``(2) to increase the energy efficiency, lower the cost, 
        increase the use, and improve and demonstrate the applicability 
        of geothermal heat pumps to, and the direct use of geothermal 
        energy in, large buildings, commercial districts, residential 
        communities, and large municipal, agricultural, or industrial 
        projects.
    ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Direct use of geothermal energy.--The term `direct 
        use of geothermal energy' means systems that use water directly 
        or through a heat exchanger to provide--
                    ``(A) heating to buildings; or
                    ``(B) heat required for industrial processes, 
                agriculture, aquaculture, and other facilities.
            ``(2) Economically distressed area.--The term `economically 
        distressed area' means an area described in section 301(a) of 
        the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 
        U.S.C. 3161(a)).
            ``(3) Geothermal heat pump.--The term `geothermal heat 
        pump' means a system that provides heating and cooling by 
        exchanging heat from shallow ground or surface water using--
                    ``(A) a closed loop system, which transfers heat by 
                way of buried or immersed pipes that contain a mix of 
                water and working fluid; or
                    ``(B) an open loop system, which circulates ground 
                or surface water directly into the building and returns 
                the water to the same aquifer or surface water source.
    ``(c) Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall support within the 
        Geothermal Technologies Office a program of research, 
        development, and demonstration for geothermal heat pumps and 
        the direct use of geothermal energy.
            ``(2) Areas.--The program under paragraph (1) may include 
        research, development, demonstration, and commercial 
        application of--
                    ``(A) geothermal ground loop efficiency 
                improvements, cost reductions, and improved 
                installation and operations methods;
                    ``(B) the use of geothermal energy for building-
                scale energy storage;
                    ``(C) the use of geothermal energy as a grid 
                management resource or seasonal energy storage;
                    ``(D) geothermal heat pump efficiency improvements;
                    ``(E) the use of alternative fluids as a heat 
                exchange medium, such as hot water found in mines and 
                mine shafts, graywater, or other fluids that may 
                improve the economics of geothermal heat pumps;
                    ``(F) heating of districts, neighborhoods, 
                communities, large commercial or public buildings, and 
                industrial and manufacturing facilities;
                    ``(G) the use of water sources at a temperature of 
                less than 150 degrees Celsius for direct use; and
                    ``(H) system integration of direct use with 
                geothermal electricity production.
            ``(3) Environmental impacts.--In carrying out the program, 
        the Secretary shall identify and mitigate potential 
        environmental impacts in accordance with section 614(c).
    ``(d) Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants 
        available to State, local, and Tribal governments, institutions 
        of higher education, nonprofit entities, National Laboratories, 
        utilities, and for-profit companies to promote the development 
        of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal 
        energy.
            ``(2) Priority.--In making grants under this subsection, 
        the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that apply to 
        large buildings, commercial districts, and residential 
        communities that are located in economically distressed 
        areas.''.

SEC. 6. MODIFYING THE DEFINITION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TO INCLUDE THERMAL 
              ENERGY.

    (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
U.S.C. 15852) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``generated from'' 
        and inserting ``produced from, or, in the case of thermal 
        energy resulting from a thermal energy project placed in 
        service after December 31, 2018, thermal energy generated from, 
        or avoided by,''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
                subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and 
                indenting appropriately;
                    (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
                redesignated), by striking ``For purposes'' and 
                inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Separate calculation.--
                    ``(A) In general.--For purposes of determining 
                compliance with the requirement of this section, any 
                energy consumption that is avoided through the use of 
                renewable energy shall be considered to be renewable 
                energy produced.
                    ``(B) Denial of double benefit.--Avoided energy 
                consumption that is considered to be renewable energy 
                produced under subparagraph (A) shall not also be 
                counted for purposes of achieving compliance with 
                another Federal energy efficiency goal.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2410q(a) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``section 203(b)(2) of the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852(b)(2))'' and inserting ``section 
203(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852(b))''.

SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 623 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 
U.S.C. 17202) is amended by striking ``$90,000,000'' in the first 
sentence and all that follows through the period at the end of the 
second sentence and inserting the following: ``$165,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2020 through 2024, of which--
            ``(1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2023 
        shall be for the prize competition under section 614(e); and
            ``(2) $1,000,000 each fiscal year shall be for the drilling 
        data repository under section 614(f).''.

SEC. 8. REAUTHORIZATION OF HIGH COST REGION GEOTHERMAL ENERGY GRANT 
              PROGRAM.

    Section 625 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 
U.S.C. 17204) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ``or heat'' after 
        ``electrical power''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2020 through 2024.''.

SEC. 9. NATIONAL GOALS FOR PRODUCTION ON FEDERAL LAND.

    (a) In General.--Not later than September 1, 2021, the Secretary of 
the Interior shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the 
Secretary of Agriculture, and other heads of relevant Federal agencies, 
establish national goals for geothermal energy capacity on public land.
    (b) Geothermal Energy Development.--The Director of the Bureau of 
Land Management, in consultation with other appropriate Federal 
officials, shall take any actions that the Director of the Bureau of 
Land Management determines necessary to facilitate geothermal energy 
development, consistent with applicable laws.

SEC. 10. FACILITATION OF COPRODUCTION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ON OIL AND 
              GAS LEASES.

    Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 
1003(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Land subject to oil and gas lease.--Land under an oil 
        and gas lease issued pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act (30 
        U.S.C. 181 et seq.) or the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired 
        Lands (30 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) that is subject to an approved 
        application for permit to drill and from which oil and gas 
        production is occurring may be available for noncompetitive 
        leasing under this section to the holder of the oil and gas 
        lease--
                    ``(A) on a determination that--
                            ``(i) geothermal energy will be produced 
                        from a well producing or capable of producing 
                        oil and gas; and
                            ``(ii) national energy security will be 
                        improved by the issuance of such a lease; and
                    ``(B) to provide for the coproduction of geothermal 
                energy with oil and gas.''.

SEC. 11. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE CONFIRMATION TEST PROJECTS.

    (a) In General.--The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 30. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE CONFIRMATION TEST PROJECTS.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Extraordinary circumstances.--The term `extraordinary 
        circumstances' has the same meaning given the term in the 
        Department of the Interior Departmental Manual, 516 DM 2.3A(3) 
        and 516 DM 2, Appendix 2 (or successor provisions).
            ``(2) Geothermal resource confirmation test project.--The 
        term `geothermal resource confirmation test project' means a 
        project of drilling not more than 3 wells into a reservoir to 
        test or explore for geothermal resources--
                    ``(A) on land for which the Secretary has issued a 
                lease under this Act; and
                    ``(B) that--
                            ``(i) is carried out by the holder of the 
                        lease;
                            ``(ii) allows for well testing, such as to 
                        confirm temperature, pressure, chemistry, flow 
                        rate, and near-wellbore and overall reservoir 
                        permeability;
                            ``(iii) causes--
                                    ``(I) less than 2.5 acres of soil 
                                or vegetation disruption at the 
                                location of each geothermal exploration 
                                well; and
                                    ``(II) not more than an additional 
                                5 acres of soil or vegetation 
                                disruption during access to or egress 
                                from the test site;
                            ``(iv) is less than 9 inches in bottom-hole 
                        diameter;
                            ``(v) is developed--
                                    ``(I) in a manner that does not 
                                require off-road motorized access other 
                                than to and from the well site along an 
                                identified off-road route; and
                                    ``(II) without the use of high-
                                pressure well stimulation;
                            ``(vi) includes the removal of any surface 
                        infrastructure other than the wellhead from the 
                        site not later than 90 days after the project 
                        is completed; and
                            ``(vii) requires, not later than 42 months 
                        after the date on which the first exploration 
                        drilling began, the restoration of the project 
                        site to approximately the condition that 
                        existed at the time the project begins, unless 
                        the site is subsequently used as part of an 
                        energy development under the lease.
    ``(b) Categorical Exclusion.--Unless extraordinary circumstances 
exist, a project that the Secretary determines under subsection (c) is 
a geothermal resource confirmation test project shall be categorically 
excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an 
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or section 1508.4 of title 40, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
    ``(c) Process.--
            ``(1) Requirement to provide notice.--A leaseholder shall 
        provide notice to the Secretary of the intent of the 
        leaseholder to carry out a geothermal resource confirmation 
        test project at least 30 days before the start of drilling 
        under the project.
            ``(2) Review and determination.--Not later than 30 days 
        after receipt of a notice of intent under paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall, with respect to the project described in the 
        notice of intent--
                    ``(A) determine if the project is a geothermal 
                resource confirmation test project;
                    ``(B) notify the leaseholder of such determination; 
                and
                    ``(C) provide public notice of the determination.
            ``(3) Opportunity to remedy.--If the Secretary determines 
        under paragraph (2)(A) that the project is not a geothermal 
        resource confirmation test project, the Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) include in such notice clear and detailed 
                findings on any deficiencies in the project that 
                resulted in such determination; and
                    ``(B) allow the leaseholder to remedy any such 
                deficiencies and resubmit the notice of intent under 
                paragraph (1).''.
    (b) Repeal.--The Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and 
Demonstration Act of 1974 (30 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is repealed.

SEC. 12. PROGRAM TO IMPROVE FEDERAL GEOTHERMAL PERMIT COORDINATION.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the Geothermal 
        Energy Permitting Coordination Program established under 
        subsection (b).
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the Interior.
    (b) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program, 
to be known as the ``Geothermal Energy Permitting Coordination 
Program'', to improve Federal permit coordination and reduce regulatory 
timelines with respect to geothermal energy projects on Federal land by 
increasing the expertise of officials administering and approving 
permits.
    (c) Establishment of Program Offices.--To carry out the Program, 
the Secretary shall establish 1 or more Program offices at State or 
district offices of the Department of the Interior.
    (d) Memorandum of Understanding.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a 
        memorandum of understanding for purposes of this section with--
                    (A) the Secretary of Agriculture;
                    (B) the Administrator of the Environmental 
                Protection Agency; and
                    (C) the Secretary of Defense.
            (2) State participation.--The Secretary may request that 
        the Governor of any State be a signatory to the memorandum of 
        understanding under paragraph (1).
    (e) Designation of Qualified Staff.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
        which the memorandum of understanding under subsection (d) is 
        executed, all Federal signatories, as appropriate, shall assign 
        to each Program office established under subsection (c) 1 or 
        more employees who have expertise in the regulatory issues 
        relating to the office or agency in which the employee is 
        employed, including, as applicable, particular expertise in--
                    (A) consultation regarding, and preparation of, 
                biological opinions under section 7 of the Endangered 
                Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536);
                    (B) permits under section 404 of the Federal Water 
                Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344);
                    (C) regulatory matters under the Clean Air Act (42 
                U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
                    (D) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
                1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
                    (E) planning under section 14 of the National 
                Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a);
                    (F) developing geothermal resources under the 
                Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.); 
                and
                    (G) the preparation of analyses under the National 
                Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
                seq.).
            (2) Duties.--Each employee assigned under paragraph (1) 
        shall--
                    (A) not later than 90 days after the date on which 
                the employee is assigned, report to the State Director 
                of the Bureau of Land Management for the State in which 
                the office to which the employee is assigned is 
                located;
                    (B) be responsible for all issues relating to the 
                jurisdiction of the home office or agency of the 
                employee; and
                    (C) participate as part of the team of personnel 
                working on proposed energy projects, planning, and 
                environmental analyses.
    (f) Additional Personnel.--The Secretary shall assign to each 
Program office any additional personnel that are necessary to ensure 
the effective implementation of--
            (1) the Program; and
            (2) any program administered by the Program office, 
        including inspection and enforcement relating to energy 
        development on Federal land, in accordance with the multiple 
        use mandate of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
        1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
    (g) Transfer of Funds.--To facilitate the coordination and 
processing of geothermal permits on Federal land under the 
administration of a Program office, the Secretary may authorize the 
expenditure or transfer of any funds that are necessary to--
            (1) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
            (2) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
            (3) the Forest Service;
            (4) the Environmental Protection Agency;
            (5) the Corps of Engineers;
            (6) the Department of Defense; or
            (7) any State in which a geothermal project is located.
    (h) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that 
describes--
            (1) the progress of the Program; and
            (2) any problems relating to leasing, permitting, or siting 
        with respect to geothermal energy development on Federal land.
    (i) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section affects--
            (1) the operation of any Federal or State law; or
            (2) any delegation of authority made by the head of a 
        Federal agency any employee of which is participating in the 
        Program.
                                                       Calendar No. 357

116th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                                S. 2657

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

To support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, 
                        and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                           December 17, 2019

                       Reported with an amendment