Congress·Reported·H.R. 5617

Geothermal Gold Book Development Act

Geothermal Energy: New Guidelines for Federal Lands

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 Geothermal Gold Book Development Act has been approved by its committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full House of Representatives. While the bill reached this milestone on May 19, 2026, it is now up to House leadership to decide if and when it will receive a floor vote. The bill is considered active, but it faces a difficult path forward because floor time is limited.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

The Department of the Interior would be required to create a "Gold Book" within 18 months. This book would serve as a standard manual for how to lease land and get permits for geothermal energy projects on federal property.
The goal is to make the process faster and more predictable for energy companies while ensuring they follow environmental rules. Currently, different government offices may have different ways of handling these permits, which can cause delays.
The guidebook will cover every step of a project, including planning, drilling, and building. It will also provide clear instructions on how to follow environmental laws and explain the process for appealing government decisions.
Before the book is finished, the government must consult with energy developers and other experts. To keep the rules current, the Department of the Interior would be required to review and update the manual at least once every five years.

Impact Analysis

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

Milestones

5 milestones9 actions

May 20, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.

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 (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-659.

Mar 5, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) 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

Geothermal Gold Book Development Act

Bill NumberHR 5617

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)

D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.