H.R. 5576 · On the floor · Environmental Protection

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

Sponsor: Russ Fulcher (R-ID)

What it does

• Exempts geothermal exploration projects from major Federal action review under the National Environmental Policy Act when wells have casing diameter less than 13 3/8 inches, surface disturbance under 8 acres, completion within 180 days, and restoration within 3 years.
• Defines covered activities including geotechnical investigations, off-road travel in established rights-of-way, and construction or repair of access roads as activities not requiring major Federal action review.
• Requires geothermal lease holders to provide the Secretary notice of intent to conduct a geothermal exploration project at least 30 days before drilling begins.

Latest action

Aug 27, 2026: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 674.

Committee: House Natural Resources