Interior Department would write geothermal procedures for federal land projects
Placed on the calendarH.R. 5617Latest action
Sponsor: Yassamin Ansari · Representative · AZ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Geothermal Gold Book Development Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 5617 would require Interior to update the "Gold Book" with geothermal-specific steps for projects on federal land, covering exploration through operation.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill directs the Department of the Interior to identify what geothermal-specific procedures are missing from the Bureau of Land Management's "Gold Book," last updated in 2007, within one year of enactment. About nine months later, the department must publish an updated guide with those procedures and a new name.
Who does it affect?
The Interior Department, Bureau of Land Management field offices, and companies seeking to develop geothermal projects on federal land.
Why does it matter?
Developers and field offices would follow standardized steps for geothermal leases and permits instead of a guide written for oil and gas drilling. The bill does not create new funding, change existing laws, or grant any specific permits.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported in House” text of May 20, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 30, 2025
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · May 20, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.