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HEATS Act

12/16/2024, 8:39 PM

Summary of Bill HR 7409

The HEATS Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 7409, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the issue of extreme heat in the United States, particularly in urban areas where heat waves can have a significant impact on public health and safety.

The HEATS Act proposes several measures to combat extreme heat, including the creation of a national heat action plan that would coordinate efforts to reduce the impact of heat waves on vulnerable populations. This plan would involve collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-profit organizations and community groups.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a grant program to fund projects that aim to reduce the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities. These projects could include planting trees, installing green roofs, and implementing cool pavement technologies. Furthermore, the HEATS Act seeks to improve heat-related data collection and research in order to better understand the impacts of extreme heat and develop effective strategies for mitigation. This would involve funding for research on heat-related illnesses, heat-related deaths, and the effectiveness of various heat mitigation strategies. Overall, the HEATS Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to address the growing threat of extreme heat in the United States. By implementing measures to reduce the impact of heat waves on vulnerable populations and improve our understanding of heat-related issues, this bill has the potential to make a significant difference in protecting public health and safety.

Congressional Summary of HR 7409

Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act or the HEATS Act

This bill exempts certain geothermal activities on state and private lands (except Indian lands) from drilling permit requirements as well as environmental and historic preservation review requirements.

First, the bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from requiring an operator to obtain a drilling permit under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 for any geothermal exploration and production activity conducted on a nonfederal surface estate (i.e., the part of the estate that is above ground) if (1) the United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50% of the subsurface geothermal estate to be accessed by the proposed action, and (2) the operator submits to Interior a state permit to conduct the geothermal exploration and production activity on the nonfederal surface estate. 

Next, the bill states that such geothermal exploration and production activity is not considered a major federal action under National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Thus, such activity does not trigger NEPA's environmental review requirements.

In addition, the bill exempts such activity from the consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It also exempts the activity from review under the National Historic Preservation Act unless the state in which the activity occurs does not have a state law that addresses the preservation of historic properties.

Current Status of Bill HR 7409

Bill HR 7409 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since November 18, 2024. Bill HR 7409 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on February 20, 2024.  Bill HR 7409's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of November 18, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7409

Total Number of Sponsors
10
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
10
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7409

Primary Policy Focus

Energy

Potential Impact Areas

- Alternative and renewable resources
- Energy revenues and royalties
- Indian lands and resources rights
- Licensing and registrations
- Mining

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7409

HEATS Act
Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act
HEATS Act
HEATS Act
Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act
To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.

Comments

Darren Snow profile image

Darren Snow

499

11 months ago

Hey y'all, I just wanted to say that I think this new bill is gonna be really good for us. I mean, it's gonna help with something about energy and stuff, right? I'm not exactly sure what it all means, but I know it's gonna be great for our country. Can't wait to see how this all plays out! 🇺🇸 #excited #USA #politics

Maeve Blackwell profile image

Maeve Blackwell

464

1 year ago

I just read about this new bill and I am truly saddened by the potential impact it could have. It seems like it will bring about some major changes that I am not sure I agree with. I wish there was more clarity on what exactly it entails and how it will affect us. It's disheartening to see legislation like this being passed without a clear understanding of the consequences.

Lucia Hoyle profile image

Lucia Hoyle

385

1 year ago

What is this HEATS Act thing? Will it really help us in the long run? #confused #notsure #longtermimpact

Love Peters profile image

Love Peters

487

1 year ago

I think this bill is a good idea. It will help protect our elections from foreign interference and ensure that our democracy remains strong. I believe that this bill is necessary to safeguard our country's future.

Dane Frazier profile image

Dane Frazier

495

1 year ago

I think this new bill is gonna help a lot of people out there who need it. It's gonna make things better for everyone. I'm glad they're finally doing something about this issue. It's about time! #UnitedStatesHRBill7409HEATSAct #MakingADifference #BetterFuture

Grady Vogel profile image

Grady Vogel

449

1 year ago

I ain't supportin' this new bill, it's gonna mess everything up for us regular folks. They say it's supposed to help with energy efficiency, but all it's gonna do is raise our bills and make life harder for us. I don't trust this government to do anything right, they always look out for themselves and not us. This bill is just another way for them to control us and take more of our hard-earned money. I ain't havin' it.

Koa Best profile image

Koa Best

477

1 year ago

I can't believe this bill is gonna make it harder for me to get the help I need. It's gonna limit access to healthcare services and increase costs for folks like me. This is gonna be a real struggle for a lot of people.

Leighton Riggs profile image

Leighton Riggs

448

1 year ago

I'm not sure how I feel about this new bill. It seems like it could have some major implications for me and my community. I'm curious to learn more about it and how it will impact us in the long run. Can anyone provide more information on this?

Brady O'Brien profile image

Brady O'Brien

447

1 year ago

I'm totally down with this new HEATS Act! It's gonna make things so much better for all of us. I mean, who wouldn't want this, right? It's gonna be a game changer for sure. Can't wait to see how it all plays out. Let's go!

Alessandra Shepherd profile image

Alessandra Shepherd

406

1 year ago

I think this bill will help many people in our country. It is important to support legislation that benefits all Americans. #EveryoneBenefits

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