Geothermal Energy Advancement Act
What changed between versions
The bill title changed from 'Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act' to 'Geothermal Energy Advancement Act,' reflecting a much broader scope covering royalties, cost recovery, NEPA review, and operational guidelines in addition to the ombudsman.
New Section 8 amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to explicitly include geothermal resources alongside oil and gas in the streamlined NEPA review provisions, meaning geothermal projects on federal lands would be eligible for the same expedited environmental review process previously available only for oil and gas.
New Section 2 requires the Secretary to approve or deny geothermal lease applications within 60 days after completing all federal law requirements, even when a civil action is pending, unless a federal court vacates the authorization or grants injunctive relief. This effectively limits the ability of litigation to indefinitely delay geothermal permitting.
New Section 5 requires the Secretary to identify and publish updated standard procedures (the 'Gold Book') for geothermal leasing and permitting within one year plus 270 days of enactment, rename the Gold Book to reflect geothermal inclusion, consult with stakeholders, and review it at least every five years.
In the personnel assignment provision (now Section 6), the determination of whether a cross-office assignment will 'not materially delay' ongoing work was shifted from being made by the Geothermal Ombudsman to being made by the Departmental bureau or office whose personnel are being assigned, giving more control to the sending office.
New Section 3 allows the Secretary to require geothermal lease applicants and holders to reimburse the US government for all reasonable administrative costs of processing applications and inspecting/monitoring exploration, drilling, construction, and reclamation activities. This authority runs from enactment through September 30, 2033, with provisions for hardship reductions and restrictions on how collected funds may be used.
New Section 4 requires the Secretary of Interior to submit a report to Congress within 5 years assessing how the cost recovery provision affected BLM's geothermal program, including recommendations for reauthorization.
New Section 7 adds definitions for 'geothermal electric generating facility' and 'in-service date' to the Geothermal Steam Act, and amends royalty provisions so that the 10-year royalty period runs from the in-service date of the facility rather than from production under the lease. This changes when royalty obligations begin and end.
