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H.R. 5576

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

📅 Aug 27, 2026
Summary:
• Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to designate certain geothermal exploration projects and covered activities as not being major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act
• Requires the Secretary to designate geothermal leasing priority areas on covered Federal lands within 3 years, with reviews every 5 years
• Establishes specific criteria for geothermal exploration projects including drilling completion in less than 180 days and surface disturbance of less than 8 acres
Additional Details:
• Requires lease holders to provide at least 30 days notice to the Secretary before starting drilling under a geothermal exploration project
• Mandates preparation of programmatic environmental impact statements for geothermal leasing priority areas, with consultation requirements for State, Tribal, and local governments
• Limits additional environmental analysis requirements for geothermal lease sales in priority areas to 10 years after programmatic environmental documents are issued, unless substantial new circumstances arise

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