Geothermal Energy Streamlining: Fewer Permits, Faster Development
This new law simplifies the permitting process for geothermal drilling on private lands where the federal government holds a minority interest in subsurface resources. This means quicker starts for energy projects, potentially impacting energy availability and costs, but also reduces federal environmental and historical oversight. Citizens might see changes in their local energy landscape and potentially in their energy bills.
Key points
No federal drilling permit required for geothermal activities on non-federal surface estates if a state permit is obtained and federal subsurface ownership is less than 50%.
These geothermal activities will be exempt from federal environmental impact assessments and Endangered Species Act requirements.
The law does not change the amount of royalties owed to the federal government from geothermal energy production.
The provisions do not apply to Indian lands or resources managed for the benefit of Indian Tribes.
Status:
Introduced
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