What does Preamble of HR 5576 do?

This bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. The stated purpose is to promote timely exploration for geothermal resources under geothermal leases. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 26, 2025, by Mr. Fulcher and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 5576 do?

This bill is formally titled the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act.

What does GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION ON FEDERAL LANDS. of HR 5576 do?

This section amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 by adding a new section concerning geothermal exploration projects. It defines 'geothermal exploration project' as including drilling of specific types of wells on lands with a geothermal lease, meeting certain size and time limitations. Specific criteria for a geothermal exploration project include a casing string outer diameter of less than 13 3/8 inches, surface disturbance of less than 8 acres, completion within 180 days, and restoration of the project area within 3 years. The term 'covered activity' includes geotechnical investigations, off-road travel within established rights-of-way, and road maintenance. Geothermal exploration projects and covered activities are not considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act. Lease holders are required to provide the Secretary with notice of their intent to carry out a geothermal exploration project at least 30 days before drilling begins.

What does GEOTHERMAL LEASING PRIORITY AREAS. of HR 5576 do?

This section amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a process for designating geothermal leasing priority areas on federal land. "Covered land' means federal land not excluded from geothermal energy development under existing land use plans or federal law. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, must designate geothermal leasing priority areas within three years of enactment. The Secretary will consider factors like the land's suitability for geothermal leasing, economic viability, and compliance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act when selecting priority areas. The Secretary must review and potentially modify these designations at least once every five years. A programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) or supplement to an existing EIS must be prepared within one year of initial designations. Consultations with state, tribal, local governments, transmission operators, developers, and other entities are required during EIS development. The Secretary may not delay permit issuance or lease sales due to EIS finalization. For ten years after a designation, additional NEPA analysis is restricted unless substantial new circumstances or information arise. After ten years, reevaluation of the programmatic document is required to ensure continued reliance on its analysis.

What does FINDINGS. of HR 5576 do?

This section establishes findings related to geothermal exploration on Bureau of Land Management lands. The Bureau of Land Management adopted categorical exclusions for geothermal exploration, referencing actions taken under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. These categorical exclusions are anticipated to speed up the review and approval of geothermal exploration proposals.

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Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act — HR. 5576

Last updated: 3/5/2026 · Introduced: 9/26/2025

Author: Russ Fulcher (R-ID)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to streamline geothermal exploration on federal lands by exempting certain projects from full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review.
The bill establishes a process for designating geothermal leasing priority areas on federal land, considering factors like suitability, economic viability, and compliance with existing laws.
It clarifies that Bureau of Land Management’s categorical exclusions for geothermal exploration, referencing actions taken under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, are intended to expedite project approvals.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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