GEO Act

This bill speeds up federal decisions for geothermal energy projects on existing leases. After all required environmental and historic reviews are finished, the Interior Department must either approve or deny applications (like drilling permits, notices to proceed, and rights‑of‑way) within 60 days. Ongoing lawsuits do not automatically pause these decisions; only a federal court order can stop or undo them. The bill does not give courts any new powers, and it defines “authorization” broadly to include any needed federal permit, approval, or interagency sign‑off for a geothermal project.

Key points

• Who is affected: Companies and others seeking federal approvals to drill or build geothermal projects on valid existing leases.
• What changes: A 60‑day deadline to approve or deny once reviews are done; lawsuits alone don’t pause processing unless a court issues an order; “authorization” covers permits, approvals, and required consultations.
• When decisions happen: Within 60 days after completing required federal reviews, including environmental and endangered species reviews and historic preservation checks.