HB301, the Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act or GEO Act, amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of the Interior to act on certain geothermal-related applications within 60 days after all applicable federal legal requirements have been completed. The deadline applies to applications for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, notices to proceed, rights-of-way, and other authorizations tied to a valid existing geothermal lease, even if there is a pending civil action affecting the application.
The bill also clarifies that the processing deadline does not limit a federal court’s existing authority to vacate a lease or issue injunctive relief. It defines “authorization” broadly to include licenses, permits, approvals, findings, determinations, and interagency consultations needed to site, construct, reconstruct, or begin operations for a geothermal project on federal lands.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend federal geothermal leasing law by adding a statutory processing timeline to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. It would affect the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies involved in geothermal project approvals, requiring them to approve or deny covered applications within 60 days after completion of NEPA, ESA, and other applicable federal review requirements, unless a court has vacated the underlying lease or granted injunctive relief.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote data, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge sentiment directly. Based on the bill text, the measure appears designed to streamline geothermal permitting and reduce delays, suggesting support from proponents of renewable energy development and permitting reform. No recorded opposition is available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the bill’s effort to speed agency action while litigation is pending. Supporters are likely to view the 60-day deadline as a way to reduce uncertainty and accelerate geothermal development, while critics may argue that it could pressure agencies to act quickly in complex cases or complicate environmental and administrative review. The bill attempts to address one concern by preserving federal court authority to vacate leases or issue injunctions, but the interaction between expedited processing and ongoing civil litigation remains the central issue.