Congress·In Progress
Geothermal Energy: Speeding Up New Projects
STEAM Act
Key Points
- This bill, called the STEAM Act, aims to make it faster and easier to start geothermal energy projects. Geothermal energy works by using heat from deep underground to create clean electricity that can run all day and night.
- Right now, oil and gas companies can skip certain long environmental reviews if they are working in areas that have already been studied or used before. This bill would give geothermal energy companies those same shortcuts to speed up their work.
- Supporters say this will help the U.S. produce more clean energy by cutting through government "red tape." By focusing on areas that are already developed, the goal is to build new power plants faster without harming untouched nature.
- This change would mostly affect projects on federal lands, especially in the Western U.S. where geothermal heat is easiest to reach. It could lead to more jobs in the renewable energy sector and help make the power grid more reliable.
Milestones
4 milestones7 actions
Mar 5, 2026House
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 5, 2026House
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Mar 5, 2026House
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Dec 16, 2025House
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Dec 9, 2025House
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
STEAM Act
Bill NumberHR 1077
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionOrdered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(5)D: 3R: 2
Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.