To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas.
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to speed up geothermal energy projects in areas already studied or developed for energy use. It removes the requirement for full environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for geothermal exploration and development in these specific locations, directly affecting geothermal energy developers and companies seeking to expand operations. The key change adds "geothermal" to existing exemptions for "gas" in the law, so projects in previously studied areas no longer need the same level of environmental analysis as new developments. This applies only to areas where prior studies or development have already occurred, not to entirely new sites.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2023
Committee Review
Sep 2024
House Passage
Sep 2024
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Nov 21, 2023
Last action Sep 25, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
5
Committee
7
Sep 25, 2024
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
upper
Sep 24, 2024
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5733)
lower
Sep 18, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-689.
lower
Jan 17, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
lower
Jan 17, 2024
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
lower
Dec 12, 2023
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee Hearings Held
lower
Dec 11, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
lower
Nov 21, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
lower
Nov 21, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HR 6474
Scope: US
Hi! I can help you understand HR 6474. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline