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Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act

USA119th CongressHR-5631| House 
| Updated: 3/5/2026
Jeff Hurd

Jeff Hurd

Republican Representative

Colorado

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Sep 30, 2025
Introduced in House
Sep 30, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Dec 9, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Dec 16, 2025
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Mar 5, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 5, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Mar 5, 2026
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
  • September 30, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • September 30, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • December 9, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • December 16, 2025
    Subcommittee Hearings Held


  • March 5, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.


  • March 5, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • March 5, 2026
    Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Advisory bodiesCongressional oversightDepartment of the InteriorEarth sciencesGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLicensing and registrations

Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act

USA119th CongressHR-5631| House 
| Updated: 3/5/2026
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Sep 30, 2025
Introduced in House
Sep 30, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Dec 9, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Dec 16, 2025
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Mar 5, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 5, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Mar 5, 2026
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
  • September 30, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • September 30, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • December 9, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • December 16, 2025
    Subcommittee Hearings Held


  • March 5, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.


  • March 5, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • March 5, 2026
    Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Jeff Hurd

Jeff Hurd

Republican Representative

Colorado

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Advisory bodiesCongressional oversightDepartment of the InteriorEarth sciencesGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLicensing and registrations