HB5617, the Geothermal Gold Book Development Act, directs the Department of the Interior to create and publish a standardized set of procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permitting on federal lands. Within one year of enactment, Interior must identify best practices for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal development, and within 180 days after that, publish a “Gold Book” for use by Bureau of Land Management field offices and geothermal operators.
The bill specifies that the Gold Book must cover land-use planning, geothermal lease sales, and the review and approval process for geothermal projects. It includes stages such as exploration, geophysical operations, lease permitting, compliance with applicable laws, construction and maintenance, drilling and production, appeals, and the use of categorical exclusions where available. The Department must consult with relevant federal agencies, BLM field offices, developers, and other experts before publication, and must review and update the Gold Book at least every five years.
Impact
The bill would not directly change substantive environmental or energy standards, but it would require the Department of the Interior to formalize and publish uniform guidance for geothermal leasing and permitting on federal lands. This would likely affect Bureau of Land Management field offices, federal agencies involved in land and energy permitting, and geothermal developers by creating a more predictable administrative process and potentially reducing delays or inconsistencies in project review.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed positively as a process-improvement measure for geothermal development. Its emphasis on efficiency, environmental responsibility, and consultation suggests an intent to balance renewable energy development with regulatory compliance and land stewardship. No contrary sentiment is documented in the available record.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to involve how much discretion the Department of the Interior retains in defining the standardized procedures, how broadly categorical exclusions may be used, and whether the bill could streamline permitting in ways that some stakeholders view as insufficiently protective of environmental review. Developers and geothermal advocates would likely favor clearer, faster permitting, while opponents or more cautious stakeholders may focus on ensuring that the guidance does not weaken existing legal and environmental safeguards.
Providing for geothermal energy development; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; promulgating regulations; establishing the Geothermal Energy Development Fund; and imposing penalties.
Providing for geothermal energy development; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; promulgating regulations; establishing the Geothermal Energy Development Fund; and imposing penalties.