H.R. 1687

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to increase the frequency of lease sales, to require replacement sales, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · February 27, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Fulcher · Committee: Committee on Natural Resources

Table of contents

• H.R. 1687
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Geothermal leasing

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the or the .

SEC. 2. Geothermal leasing

• (a) Annual leasing
  • Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 () is amended— 30 U.S.C. 1003(b)
    • in paragraph (2), by striking 2 yearsand inserting year;
    • by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and
      • (3) Replacement Sales
        • If a lease sale under paragraph (1) for a year is canceled or delayed, the Secretary of the Interior shall conduct a replacement sale during the same year.
      • (4) Requirement
        • In conducting a lease sale under paragraph (2) in a State described in that paragraph, the Secretary of the Interior shall offer all nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development and utilization under the resource management plan in effect for the State.
    • after paragraph (2), by inserting the following:
• (b) Deadlines for consideration of geothermal drilling permits
  • Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 () is amended by adding at the end the following: 30 U.S.C. 1003
    • (h) Deadlines for consideration of geothermal drilling permits
      • (1) Notice
        • Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives an application for any geothermal drilling permit, the Secretary shall—
          • provide written notice to the applicant that the application is complete; or
          • notify the applicant that information is missing and specify any information that is required to be submitted for the application to be complete.
      • (2) Issuance of decision
        • If the Secretary determines that an application for a geothermal drilling permit is complete under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall issue a final decision on the application not later than 30 days after the Secretary notifies the applicant that the application is complete.