What does Preamble of FREEDOM Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Energy Act of 2020. The amendment aims to establish enforceable Federal authorization timelines. It also seeks to provide expedited judicial remedies. The bill intends to limit Federal actions that halt fully permitted projects.

What does FINDINGS. of FREEDOM Act do?

This section outlines findings related to energy projects experiencing financial losses due to Federal agency actions. The findings state that regulatory uncertainty deters energy infrastructure investment and undermines U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness. Permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty are identified as increasing the cost of energy and mineral infrastructure. Increased infrastructure costs are linked to higher living expenses for families and increased power prices for homes and businesses.

What does AMENDMENT TO ENERGY ACT OF 2020. of FREEDOM Act do?

This section amends the Energy Act of 2020 by adding Title XII, titled 'Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets'. The title establishes definitions for terms including 'agency,' 'authorization,' 'complex authorization,' 'covered energy project,' 'environmental document,' 'lead agency,' and 'project sponsor'. Subtitle A establishes authorization timelines for covered energy projects, requiring project sponsors to submit notices of initiation and schedules to agencies. A 'complex authorization' is defined as one requiring specific actions like Natural Gas Act certifications or Endangered Species Act consultations. Subtitle C prohibits agencies from halting or revoking permits for 'fully permitted projects' unless there is a clear, immediate harm or an illegal authorization.

What does HARDROCK MINING MILL SITES. of FREEDOM Act do?

This section amends Section 2337 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 42) to add provisions regarding hardrock mining mill sites. It defines terms such as 'mill site,' 'operations,' 'plan of operations,' 'public land,' and clarifies their meanings within the context of this subsection. The amendment allows proprietors of lode or placer claims to locate and include mill site claims within a plan of operations for necessary waste disposal or other operations. Mill sites are limited to a maximum of 5 acres and do not convey mineral rights to the locator. The amendment clarifies that mill sites located on public land do not affect the validity of existing lode or placer claims. It establishes an 'Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund' and specifies that fees collected on mill sites will be deposited into this fund. The fund is designated for expenditures to carry out section 40704 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245). The section makes clerical amendments to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, updating references to the Mining Law of 1872 to sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.).

What does EFFECT OF PENDING CIVIL ACTIONS ON PROCESSING APPLICATIONS of FREEDOM Act do?

This section amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to address the effect of pending civil actions on processing applications for geothermal leases. It defines 'authorization' as any license, permit, approval, or other administrative decision required for a geothermal project. The Secretary must approve or deny applications for geothermal drilling permits, sundry notices, notices to proceed, or rights-of-way within 60 days of completing all requirements, unless a federal court intervenes. This section clarifies that it does not modify existing authority of federal courts to provide injunctive relief or vacate authorizations.

What does COST RECOVERY FROM GEOTHERMAL LEASING, PERMITTING, AND of FREEDOM Act do?

This section amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to allow the Secretary to require reimbursement for costs associated with geothermal leasing, permitting, and inspections. The cost recovery provision is effective from the date of enactment of the FREEDOM Act through September 30, 2033. Reimbursable costs include processing applications for geothermal leases and related approvals, as well as inspecting and monitoring related activities. The Secretary must consider cost-sharing agreements when deciding whether to require reimbursement. The Secretary may reduce reimbursement amounts if full reimbursement would cause economic hardship or hinder geothermal resource development. Reimbursed funds are credited to the Department of the Interior's appropriation and can only be used for processing applications and inspections. Within five years of the Act's enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress and make it publicly available, assessing the impact of the amendment and providing recommendations for updates.

What does PUBLICATION OF GOLD BOOK FOR GEOTHERMAL OPERATIONS ON FEDERAL of FREEDOM Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior to identify standard procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permitting. The Secretary must identify these procedures within one year of the Act's enactment, considering existing standards in the 'Gold Book'. An updated version of the 'Gold Book' incorporating these guidelines must be published within 270 days of identification. The Secretary has the authority to rename the 'Gold Book' to reflect the inclusion of geothermal development standards. Consultation with Federal agencies and outside stakeholders is required before publishing the updated 'Gold Book'. The 'Gold Book' must be reviewed at least once every five years and updated as needed to support efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting. Updated versions of the 'Gold Book' must include procedures for exploration, permitting, compliance, construction, drilling, production, and utilization operations.

What does GEOTHERMAL OMBUDSMAN AND PERMITTING TASK FORCE. of FREEDOM Act do?

This section establishes a Geothermal Ombudsman within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Geothermal Ombudsman will act as a liaison between BLM offices, the National Renewable Energy Coordination Office, and the Director of the Bureau. The Ombudsman will provide dispute resolution services for geothermal authorization applicants. A Geothermal Permitting Task Force is also established within the BLM, headed by the Geothermal Ombudsman. The Task Force will support the Ombudsman's duties and facilitate permit processing. The Geothermal Ombudsman can coordinate personnel assignments from other Department of the Interior bureaus to assist with geothermal authorizations. The Ombudsman may provide retention allowances to assigned personnel, up to 25% of their basic pay, based on factors like expertise and need. The Geothermal Ombudsman is required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the Task Force's activities and evaluating geothermal authorization processing effectiveness.

What does GEOTHERMAL ROYALTIES. of FREEDOM Act do?

This section amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to redefine several terms and establish royalty rates on electricity produced from geothermal resources. The Act modifies definitions within Section 2 of the Geothermal Steam Act, including adding definitions for 'geothermal electric generating facility' and 'in-service date'. Section 5(a) of the Geothermal Steam Act is amended to establish a royalty on electricity produced using geothermal resources. The royalty rate is set between 1% and 2.5% of gross proceeds for the first 10 years after a facility's in-service date, and between 2% and 5% thereafter.

What does NEPA REVIEW. of FREEDOM Act do?

This section amends Section 390 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The amendment updates references to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. The Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is added to the list of acts referenced. The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is added for geothermal resource exploration or development. References to 'oil or gas' are updated to 'oil, gas, or geothermal resources' in subsection (b) paragraphs (2) and (3).

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FREEDOM Act

Last updated: 6/16/2026 · Introduced: 6/16/2026

Author: Tom Cotton (R-AR)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes enforceable timelines for federal authorization of covered energy projects and provides expedited judicial remedies when those timelines are not met.
It prohibits federal agencies from halting or revoking permits for fully permitted projects unless there is a clear, immediate harm or an illegal authorization.
The bill allows hardrock mining claim proprietors to include mill sites within their plans of operations for waste disposal, establishing an Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund to address related environmental remediation.
It requires the Secretary of the Interior to approve or deny geothermal drilling permit applications within 60 days, unless court intervention occurs, and allows the Secretary to recover costs associated with geothermal leasing, permitting, and inspections.
The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to update and regularly review the 'Gold Book' to standardize geothermal leasing and permitting procedures and establishes a Geothermal Ombudsman and Task Force within the Bureau of Land Management to facilitate permit processing.

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, findings..

2 sections

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TITLE I

-AMENDMENT TO ENERGY ACT OF 2020

2 sections

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TITLE III

-GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ADVANCEMENT

6 sections

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