Congress·In Progress·H.R. 5576

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

Geothermal Energy: Speeding Up Drilling on Federal Lands

4 months ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

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

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Key Points

This bill aims to make it faster and easier to explore for geothermal energy—heat from the earth—on land owned by the government. It cuts down on the amount of paperwork and environmental studies required for small-scale test wells and exploration activities.
Energy companies looking to develop renewable power will find it easier to start projects. People living near federal lands might see more energy activity, but the bill requires companies to restore the land to its original condition within three years if they do not turn the site into a permanent power plant.
Geothermal is a clean energy source, but projects often get stuck in long review processes. By creating "priority areas" for leasing and reducing the need for repeated environmental studies, the bill hopes to speed up the transition to renewable energy.
To qualify for the faster process, exploration projects must disturb less than 8 acres of land and be finished in under 180 days. Companies must also give the government a 30-day heads-up before they start drilling.

Impact Analysis

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Milestones

5 milestones7 actions

Mar 5, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 16.

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

Dec 16, 2025House

Subcommittee Hearings Held

Dec 9, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

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News

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

Bill NumberHR 5576

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 16.

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R: 3

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.

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