Federal Geothermal Momentum: House Package, Senate Action, DOE Funding, BLM Actions, NEPA Overhaul
Key Questions
What legislation did the House pass to advance geothermal energy?
The House passed the GEO Act, STEAM Act, and Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act to address NEPA delays and expand federal research. The Energy and Commerce Committee also advanced the Geo POWER Act to fund three demonstration projects with innovative financing.
How much funding has the DOE announced for geothermal projects?
The DOE announced $171.5M in geothermal funding along with a new workforce strategy. This supports research, development, and commercialization efforts across the sector.
What recent actions has the BLM taken on geothermal projects?
The BLM approved two Ormat projects in Nevada through expedited reviews and held a New Mexico lease sale that netted $16.5M. A DOI settlement also redirects $765M from offshore wind toward gas and geothermal.
What changes does the EPA propose for NEPA reviews?
The EPA proposed an overhaul capping EIS documents at 150 pages and setting a two-year timeline for completion. This aims to reduce permitting delays for energy projects including geothermal.
How does repealing the Public Lands Rule affect geothermal permitting?
The repeal removes a mitigation leasing tool that could have streamlined approvals on BLM land, increasing regulatory uncertainty. This may slow project timelines and raise costs for geothermal developments.
House passed GEO Act, STEAM Act, and the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act (authorizing $150M/year through 2031, redirected funds) by voice vote, including a NEPA categorical exclusion for exploration. Senate Energy Committee advanced counterpart geothermal permitting bills on a bipartisan vote, signaling real momentum for federal permitting reform. The House Energy and Commerce Committee also advanced the Geo POWER Act. DOE announced $171.5M in geothermal funding and a new workforce strategy. BLM approved two Ormat projects in Nevada via expedited reviews. DOI settlement redirects $765M from offshore wind to gas and geothermal. EPA proposed NEPA overhaul with 150-page EIS cap and 2-year timeline. BLM New Mexico lease sale netted $16.5M. However, the repeal of the Public Lands Rule removes a mitigation leasing tool, adding regulatory uncertainty. A CRS report on EGS commercialization provides additional policy context and highlights operational risks like the Fervo blowout. A new Trump administration rewrite narrows historic preservation rules and limits tribal consultation, potentially accelerating project approvals but raising legal and environmental justice risks. A recent legal analysis of the Geothermal Steam Act clarifies the 'significant adverse effect' standard for Yellowstone, adding regulatory context for development near national parks. A $23M funding announcement for geothermal at public universities and facilities covers up to 45% of project costs, signaling continued public investment. USDA opened $410M in loans for rural grid upgrades including geothermal.