A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 568.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act aims to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. It seeks to establish a specific deadline for processing applications related to geothermal leasing. The bill requires the Secretary to approve or deny applications within 60 days after all legal requirements are met. This requirement applies regardless of any pending civil actions. It also defines what constitutes an "authorization" for geothermal projects.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The expedited application timeline reduces regulatory uncertainty for energy companies and owners.
- Scored +4
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
By streamlining the permitting process for geothermal energy, the bill supports the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill accelerates the processing of geothermal applications which can facilitate new energy projects and associated employment.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Efficiency in Processing: The Secretary must approve or deny applications within 60 days after completing all requirements under federal laws and regulations (Section 2, subsection h, 1). This establishes a clear timeline for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, or rights-of-way.
-
Certainty Amidst Legal Challenges: The mandate to process applications still applies notwithstanding the existence of pending civil actions (Section 2, subsection h, 1). This ensures that applications continue to move forward even if there is ongoing litigation affecting them.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Pressure on Regulatory Timelines: The Secretary is required to approve or deny applications within 60 days of completing requirements like those under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Section 2, subsection h, 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The expedited application timeline reduces regulatory uncertainty for energy companies and owners. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Geothermal development often occurs in rural areas, and faster permitting can accelerate local energy projects.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill accelerates the processing of geothermal applications which can facilitate new energy projects and associated employment. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The mandatory 60-day processing deadline provides greater regulatory certainty for energy businesses.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — By streamlining the permitting process for geothermal energy, the bill supports the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill establishes a specific, predictable timeline for federal agencies to act on geothermal applications.
- 5/20/2026
- Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-654.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 568.
- 3/5/2026
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/16/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 12/9/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 10/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/21/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska
Sarah ElfrethDemocrat · Maryland
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho
Josh HarderDemocrat · California
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Addison McDowellRepublican · North Carolina
Pete StauberRepublican · Minnesota