Federal Geothermal Momentum: House Package, DOE Funding, BLM Actions, NEPA Overhaul
Key Questions
What legislation did the House pass to support geothermal energy?
The House passed the GEO Act and STEAM Act, which target delays under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The bills' progress through the Senate remains uncertain at this time.
How much funding has the Department of Energy committed to geothermal projects?
The DOE announced $171.5 million in geothermal funding and introduced a new workforce development strategy. This funding aims to accelerate project deployment across the sector.
What recent approvals has the Bureau of Land Management issued for geothermal development?
The BLM approved two Ormat projects in Nevada through expedited reviews. A separate lease sale in New Mexico generated $16.5 million in revenue.
What changes to NEPA are being proposed by the EPA?
The EPA proposed an overhaul that would cap environmental impact statements at 150 pages and limit the review timeline to two years. These reforms address the average 29-year permitting period for mining and geothermal projects.
Is there bipartisan support for geothermal permitting reform?
Yes, Colorado representatives including Hurd, Evans, and Hickenlooper have expressed bipartisan backing for changes. Geothermal projects have historically triggered NEPA reviews multiple times, prompting calls for streamlined processes.
House passed GEO Act and STEAM Act targeting NEPA delays; Senate path uncertain. A Senate subcommittee hearing listed several geothermal bills. 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. A new op-ed highlights the 29-year average for mining permits and geothermal projects triggering NEPA six times, with bipartisan support for reform from Colorado representatives (Hurd, Evans, Hickenlooper).