A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.
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
This bill is called the Geothermal Gold Book Development Act. It directs the Department of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permitting on federal lands. The Secretary of the Interior must identify these guidelines within one year of the bill's enactment. An updated version of the Gold Book incorporating geothermal operations must then be published within 270 days. The Secretary is also required to rename the Gold Book to reflect geothermal development and consult with federal agencies and outside stakeholders. Finally, the Secretary must review the Gold Book at least once every five years.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +4
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The bill specifically targets the development of geothermal energy through improved leasing and permitting processes.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill mandates that all geothermal leasing and permitting guidelines must be environmentally responsible.
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Energy developers and stakeholders benefit from the predictable, standardized procedures outlined in the updated Gold Book.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) require the Secretary of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting. This is positive because it provides clear rules for geothermal operations on federal lands.
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Section 2(c) requires the Secretary of the Interior to consult with other relevant Federal agencies and outside stakeholders, including developers and other experts, before publishing an updated version of the Gold Book. This is positive because it ensures outside voices and experts are involved in the process.
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Section 2(e) requires the Secretary of the Interior to review the most recent version of the Gold Book at least once every five years and publish an updated version if determined necessary. This is positive because it keeps the guidelines up to date over time.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that cause negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill specifically targets the development of geothermal energy through improved leasing and permitting processes. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill mandates that all geothermal leasing and permitting guidelines must be environmentally responsible.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Energy developers and stakeholders benefit from the predictable, standardized procedures outlined in the updated Gold Book. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Geothermal development often occurs in rural areas, which may benefit from increased energy industry activity.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — By establishing standard procedures for geothermal leasing and permitting, the bill aims to facilitate more efficient energy development. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The creation of clear, standard guidelines for geothermal operations can provide more certainty for energy developers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The requirement to publish a revised Gold Book provides clearer public standards for geothermal operations on federal lands.
- 5/20/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-659.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.
- 3/5/2026
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 12/16/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 12/9/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 9/30/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California