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H.R. 5587119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Jul 15, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
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
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.
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.
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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
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.