Congress·Reported·H.R. 301

GEO Act

Geothermal Energy: Faster Permit Decisions

Mar 5·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Part of: Congress Moves to Fast-Track Geothermal Energy on Federal Lands

Next up: The House

The GEO Act has been approved by its committee and is now waiting for a vote on the House floor. While reaching this stage is a significant step, the bill has been on the Union Calendar since May 19, 2026, and it remains unclear when House leadership will schedule it for a final vote.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill, introduced by Representative Maloy, aims to speed up the development of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy uses heat from underground to create clean electricity, but projects on federal land often face long delays during the approval process.
The bill requires the government to approve or deny a permit within 60 days after all environmental and safety reviews are finished. This applies to drilling permits, construction plans, and other necessary approvals for projects on federal land.
Under this plan, the government must keep processing permits even if there is a pending lawsuit against the project. The only way the process would stop is if a federal court specifically orders a freeze or cancels the lease.
By setting a clear deadline, the bill tries to make it easier for energy companies to plan and build new power plants. It addresses concerns that legal challenges can leave projects stuck for years without a final decision from the government.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

6 milestones9 actions

May 20, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 568.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

May 20, 2026House

Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-654.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Mar 5, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Mar 5, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Mar 5, 2026House

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged

No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

GEO Act

Bill NumberHR 301

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 568.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(7)

D: 3R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.