The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, H.R. 5587, on Apr. 23. The legislation, introduced by Representative Young Kim of California, aims to clarify and simplify the permitting process for geothermal energy projects located on non-federal lands.
Supporters say the bill is important because it could make it easier to develop geothermal resources in areas where federal oversight has been seen as duplicative or unnecessary. This may help lower energy costs and support American energy independence.
“Geothermal is an affordable and reliable energy source that can help power America. I thank Representative Kim for leading the HEATS Act to eliminate duplicative permitting processes for geothermal resources on state and private lands. I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this bill to help lower energy costs for American families,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman.
Representative Kim said, “Energy independence has always made America great. Geothermal development will help unleash America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and power America’s future. The HEATS Act cuts unnecessary red tape, strengthens our energy security and supply chains and brings more affordable, reliable power online. I’m proud to see this vital legislation pass the House. For Californians facing some of the highest energy costs in the country, this relief can’t come soon enough.”
According to background information provided with the announcement, under current law some geothermal operations require federal permits even when most of a project’s subsurface area is not federally owned. The HEATS Act clarifies that if less than half of a project’s subsurface estate is federally owned—and if a drilling permit has been issued by a state—federal permitting requirements would not apply in those cases; however, royalties owed to the federal government would remain unchanged.
The bill previously passed with bipartisan support during the 118th Congress but had not yet become law at that time.
Supporters hope Senate approval will follow so changes can take effect nationwide.
