CLEAN Act

This bill aims to speed up geothermal energy development on federal lands. It would require the government to hold geothermal lease sales every year instead of every two years. If a sale is canceled or delayed, a make-up sale must happen in the same year. It also says the government must offer all nominated parcels that are eligible under the state’s land plan during these sales.

To reduce waiting times, the bill sets clear deadlines for drilling permits: within 30 days, officials must tell an applicant if their application is complete or what’s missing, and once an application is marked complete, a final decision must be issued within 30 more days.

• Who is affected: Geothermal developers; communities near federal lands; the Interior Department.
• What changes: Yearly lease sales; required replacement sales; all eligible nominated parcels must be offered; 30-day completeness check and 30-day final decision on drilling permits .