Bill would cut federal permits for geothermal drilling on private land
In committeeH.R. 5587Latest action
Sponsor: Young Kim · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: HEATS Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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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
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.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 26, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 137
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 231
- Nay
- 186
- 0
- 12
Republicans 208 yes, 8 not voting · Democrats 22 yes, 186 no, 4 not voting · Independent 1 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record