Federal lands geothermal leasing to get standardized rulebook under new bill

What does this do?

HR 5617 requires the Department of the Interior to create an official guide, called the "Gold Book," that standardizes leasing and permitting procedures for geothermal energy development on federal lands. The department has one year to establish the procedures and 180 days after that to publish the guide. The guide must be reviewed at least every five years and updated as needed.

Who does it affect?

Companies and developers seeking to build geothermal projects on federal land are directly affected, as are Bureau of Land Management staff who review and approve those projects. Communities near federal lands where geothermal development could occur are also affected, as environmental responsibility is built into the process.

Why does it matter?

Currently, the leasing and permitting process for geothermal development on federal land can vary depending on which local office handles it. The bill would place all rules in one standardized guide, making the process more consistent and predictable for both government field offices and private developers.

Where does it stand?