Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms Act
A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas.
A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the STEAM Act, aims to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The primary goal is to expedite the exploration and development of geothermal resources in areas that have been previously studied or developed. It specifically targets updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review processes. The amendments involve adding geothermal resources alongside gas in specific subsections of the existing law.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The act facilitates the development of geothermal energy as a renewable resource.
- Scored +4
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Promoting geothermal energy facilitates a shift toward renewable, lower-carbon energy sources.
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Energy companies benefit from faster development timelines.
The opposite· 3 of 5
- Scored -2
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
Expediting NEPA reviews may reduce the depth of environmental oversight for geothermal projects.
- Scored -2
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
Expedited resource development can impact tribal lands and traditional resource management.
- Scored -1
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
Streamlining processes might alter the traditional management of public lands for energy.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Expedited Geothermal Development: By amending the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the bill seeks to speed up the process for geothermal exploration and development (Section 2). This could lead to faster access to thermal energy resources.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
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 act facilitates the development of geothermal energy as a renewable resource. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Promoting geothermal energy facilitates a shift toward renewable, lower-carbon energy sources. Does this invest in rural communities? — Geothermal development often takes place in rural areas, potentially aiding local economies. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — Increased renewable access can indirectly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Expediting NEPA reviews may reduce the depth of environmental oversight for geothermal projects. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Streamlining processes might alter the traditional management of public lands for energy.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Energy companies benefit from faster development timelines. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Potential for economic development and energy projects in rural areas. Would union members be better off under this? — Increased geothermal development may create more energy-sector labor opportunities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Expedited resource development can impact tribal lands and traditional resource management.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — Expediting geothermal development can stimulate job growth in the renewable energy sector. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Streamlining energy resource development can contribute to broader economic activity.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill centralizes authority to expedite energy development through federal processes. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Expedited reviews may reduce the depth of the regulatory review process. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Expediting reviews may reduce the time available for public notice and transparency.
- 4/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
John HoevenRepublican · North Dakota
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska