Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act

Hozzl · 2026-06-03T14:41:37Z

Explore the details of House Bill 5631 Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Energy. Stay informed on legislative developments.

6/3/2026, 2:41 PM

Summary of Bill HR 5631

H.R. 5631, titled the "Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act," was introduced in the 119th session of Congress on September 30, 2025. The bill aims to establish a Geothermal Ombudsman to oversee the national deployment of geothermal energy resources and ensure optimal reviews of geothermal projects. The specific directives and actions proposed within the bill are not provided in the context.

Congressional Summary of HR 5631

Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act

This bill establishes a geothermal ombudsman and task force to oversee geothermal project permitting and authorizations on federal land.

The Department of the Interior must appoint a geothermal ombudsman from within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The ombudsman must act as a liaison among different parts of BLM, provide dispute resolution services between BLM and geothermal project applicants, and facilitate permit processing in different BLM field offices regarding geothermal projects on federal land.

The ombudsman must also lead the Geothermal Permitting Task Force established by this bill. The task force must support the ombudsman’s duties. Through the task force, the ombudsman may reassign employees from other Interior bureaus or offices to assist in the completion of geothermal authorizations. The ombudsman may pay a retention allowance to reassigned employees.

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Current Status of Bill HR 5631

Bill HR 5631 is currently in the status of Passed in House since June 2, 2026. Bill HR 5631 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on September 30, 2025. Bill HR 5631's most recent activity was The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. as of June 2, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5631

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5631

Primary Policy Focus

Energy

Potential Impact Areas

- Advisory bodies

- Congressional oversight

- Department of the Interior

- Earth sciences

- Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

- Licensing and registrations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5631

To appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes.

Comments

Arthur Roberts

844

2 months ago

I have some concerns about this bill and how it could impact me. It seems like there are potential drawbacks that need to be carefully considered before moving forward with it.