H.R. 5587Passed one chamberEnvironment & energy
Bill would cut federal permits for geothermal drilling on private land
Data as of July 12, 2026
The HEATS Act would let geothermal companies skip federal permits if the U.S. owns under 50% of underground rights and a state permit exists.50-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The bill lets geothermal energy companies bypass a separate federal drilling permit if the federal government owns less than 50% of the underground geothermal resource and the company already holds a state permit. Companies could begin work 30 days after submitting the state permit to federal authorities. The bill also exempts these projects from being classified as "major federal actions," reducing reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, and limits historic preservation reviews to cases where states lack their own protections.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects geothermal energy companies, state governments, and federal agencies like the Department of the Interior. It does not apply to land owned by or held in trust for Native American tribes.
Why does it matter?
Reduced federal review means less environmental, wildlife, and historic-site oversight on affected geothermal projects, though the federal government retains royalty collection and inspection authority.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
HEATS Act
- Introduced:
- September 26, 2025
- Latest action:
- April 28, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.