GEO Act

This bill, known as the Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act, aims to accelerate the development of geothermal resources by establishing a firm deadline for processing related applications. It amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to mandate that the Secretary of the Interior act on various geothermal authorizations. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary to approve, issue, or deny applications for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, rights-of-way, and other authorizations within 60 days . This 60-day clock begins after all requirements under applicable federal laws and regulations, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, have been fulfilled. A key provision states that this processing requirement applies even in the presence of pending civil actions affecting an application. However, the deadline is waived if a United States Federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the specific geothermal lease or authorization. The bill clarifies that it does not grant any new judicial authority to federal courts in this regard.