Geothermal Energy Advancement Act

This bill aims to streamline and improve the permitting process for geothermal energy projects on public lands by establishing new roles and structures within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It mandates the appointment of a Geothermal Ombudsman and the creation of a Geothermal Permitting Task Force within 60 days of enactment. The Geothermal Ombudsman will serve as a crucial liaison between various BLM offices, provide dispute resolution services for applicants, and monitor permit processing timelines. This role also involves developing best practices for geothermal permitting and leasing, and coordinating with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. The Geothermal Permitting Task Force, headed by the Ombudsman, will support these duties, including the ability to assign personnel from different departmental bureaus and offices to assist with completing geothermal authorizations, potentially offering retention allowances for specialized staff. These measures are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and foster a more coordinated approach to the approval of geothermal energy projects administered by the BLM, with an annual report required to assess their effectiveness.