HEATS Act

This bill would change the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 so that operators would not need a federal drilling permit for geothermal exploration and production on non-federal surface land, as long as the United States owns less than 50 percent of the underground geothermal resource and the operator gives the Secretary a state permit. These activities could begin 30 days after the state permit is submitted and would not be treated as major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act. They would also not be subject to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and federal historic preservation review would apply only in states without their own historic preservation law. Royalties owed to the United States would not change, the Secretary could inspect sites to check production and royalty payments, and the section would not apply to Indian lands.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• John Hoeven Republican sponsor
• 2 cosponsors