STEAM Act

The Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms Act, or STEAM Act , seeks to accelerate the development of geothermal energy resources. Its primary mechanism is to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to streamline the environmental review process for geothermal projects. Specifically, the bill expands Section 390 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which currently provides for expedited National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for oil and gas exploration and development. By incorporating geothermal resources into these provisions, the Act intends to apply the same accelerated review procedures to geothermal exploration and development activities, particularly in areas that have already undergone prior study or development.