The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, H.R. 5587, on Apr. 23. The legislation was introduced by Representative Young Kim and aims to clarify the permitting process for geothermal energy projects located on non-federal lands.
The bill is intended to make it easier for geothermal operations to proceed by eliminating duplicative federal permitting requirements in certain cases. Supporters say this could help lower energy costs and promote domestic energy production.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman said, “Geothermal is an affordable and reliable energy source that can help power America. I thank Representative Kim for leading the HEATS Act to eliminate duplicative permitting processes for geothermal resources on state and private lands. I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this bill to help lower energy costs for American families.”
Representative Young Kim also commented on the bill’s passage: “Energy independence has always made America great. Geothermal development will help unleash America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and power America’s future. The HEATS Act cuts unnecessary red tape, strengthens our energy security and supply chains and brings more affordable, reliable power online. I’m proud to see this vital legislation pass the House. For Californians facing some of the highest energy costs in the country, this relief can’t come soon enough.”
According to background information provided with the announcement, under the HEATS Act, geothermal operations would not be subject to federal permitting if less than half of a subsurface geothermal estate is federally owned and a state drilling permit has been obtained; however, royalties paid to the federal government would remain unaffected.
In previous sessions of Congress, similar versions of this legislation have received strong bipartisan support in the House.
The next step will be consideration by the Senate.
