Congress·In Progress
Geothermal Energy: Faster Drilling Permits on Private Land
HEATS Act
Key Points
- This bill, introduced by Mrs. Kim, aims to speed up the development of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is a clean power source that uses heat from deep underground to generate electricity.
- The policy would stop the federal government from requiring a drilling permit for projects on private land, as long as the government owns less than half of the underground resources. Instead, companies would only need to get a permit from the state government.
- To make things move faster, these projects would no longer have to go through long federal environmental reviews or follow certain federal endangered species rules. Once a company turns in its state permit to the federal government, it can start drilling in just 30 days.
- Even though the federal government would step back from the permitting process, it would still collect 'royalties,' which is a share of the money made from the energy produced. Federal officials would also keep the right to inspect these sites to make sure the energy production is being tracked correctly.
- This new rule would not apply to any projects on Indian lands. Those projects would still have to follow all current federal laws and protections to ensure tribal resources are respected.
Milestones
4 milestones7 actions
Mar 5, 2026House
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 15.
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
HEATS Act
Bill NumberHR 5587
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 15.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)D: 1R: 1
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.