119 HR 301 RH: Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-05-20 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.

IBUnion Calendar No. 568119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 301[Report No. 119–654]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 9, 2025Ms. Maloy introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesMay 20, 2026Additional sponsors: Ms. Lee of Nevada, Mr. Begich, Mr. Harder of California, Mr. Stauber, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Fulcher, and Ms. ElfrethMay 20, 2026Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printedA BILLTo amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for processing applications related to geothermal leasing.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act or the GEO Act.

2.

Effect of pending civil actions on processing applications related to geothermal leasing

Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003) is amended by adding at the end the following:(h)

Effect of pending civil actions on processing applications related to geothermal leasing

(1)

Requirement to process applications

Notwithstanding the existence of any pending civil action that affects an application for a geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or any other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease, the Secretary shall, unless a United States Federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the applicable geothermal lease, geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or other authorization, approve and issue, or deny, each such application not later than 60 days after completing all requirements under applicable Federal laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code.(2)

No new authority for Federal courts

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as modifying any existing authority of a Federal court to vacate or provide injunctive relief for a geothermal lease, geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or other authorization.(3)

Definition of authorization

In this subsection, the term authorization means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by a Federal agency, or any interagency consultation, that is required or authorized under Federal law or regulations in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of a geothermal project administered by a Federal agency..

May 20, 2026Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed