H.R. 5617

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To direct the Department of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permit issuance for environmentally responsible geothermal operations on Federal lands.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · September 30, 2025 · Sponsor: Ms. Ansari · Committee: Committee on Natural Resources

Table of contents

• H.R. 5617
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Publication of for geothermal operations on Federal lands

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Geothermal Gold Book Development Act.

SEC. 2. Publication of for geothermal operations on Federal lands

• Publication of for geothermal operations on Federal lands
• (a) Identification
  • Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department of the Interior, in consultation with other relevant Federal agencies, shall identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting.
• (b) Publication
  • Not later than 180 days after identifying standard procedures and guidelines under subsection (a), the Department of the Interior shall publish a containing such standard procedures and guidelines for use by the field offices of the Bureau of Land Management and geothermal operators. Gold Book
• (c) Consultation
  • Before publishing the Gold Book, the Department of the Interior shall consult with—
    • other relevant Federal agencies, including field offices of the Bureau of Land Management; and
    • outside stakeholders, including developers and other experts.
• (d) Inclusions
  • The Gold Book shall include standard procedures and guidelines for—
    • land use planning and geothermal lease sales; and
    • ensuring the efficient review and approval of environmentally responsible geothermal development, including—
      • exploration and geophysical operations;
      • permitting lease operations;
      • compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;
      • construction and maintenance;
      • drilling and production operations;
      • appeals; and
      • relevant categorical exclusions available at each stage.
• (e) Periodic revision
  • The Department of the Interior shall—
    • at least once every five years, review the Gold Book; and
    • as necessary, revise the Gold Book.