Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

HR 6482 streamlines geothermal exploration on federal lands by defining specific "geothermal exploration projects" (e.g., small-scale drilling under 5 acres, completed in 120 days) and exempting them from major federal environmental reviews under NEPA. It requires leaseholders to notify the federal government 30 days before starting such projects. The bill also directs the Secretary to designate "geothermal leasing priority areas" on federal lands meeting economic and transmission criteria, with reviews every 5 years. These priority areas will use existing environmental impact statements for faster lease sales, avoiding redundant reviews. The law directly affects geothermal leaseholders and federal land managers like the Bureau of Land Management.