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
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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.
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