GEO Act

10/4/2024, 7:57 PM

Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act or the GEO Act

This bill expands the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for the Department of the Interior to process applications related to geothermal leases. Specifically, Interior must process each application for a geothermal drilling permit or other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease within 60 days after completing all requirements under applicable federal laws and regulations (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Historic Preservation Act) unless a U.S. federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the underlying lease.  

Congress
118

Number
HR - 7370

Introduced on
2024-02-15

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/25/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act or the GEO Act

This bill expands the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for the Department of the Interior to process applications related to geothermal leases. Specifically, Interior must process each application for a geothermal drilling permit or other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease within 60 days after completing all requirements under applicable federal laws and regulations (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Historic Preservation Act) unless a U.S. federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the underlying lease.  

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for processing applications related to geothermal leasing.

Policy Areas
Energy

Potential Impact
Alternative and renewable resources
Electric power generation and transmission
Licensing and registrations
Mining
Performance measurement

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary10/1/2024

Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act or the GEO Act

This bill expands the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for the Department of the Interior to process applications related to geothermal leases. Specificall...


Latest Action9/25/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.