H.R. 5617 · On the floor · Energy

Geothermal Gold Book Development Act

Sponsor: Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ)

What it does

• Directs the Department of the Interior to identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting on federal land.
• Requires Interior to incorporate geothermal procedures and guidelines into the Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development publication (the Gold Book) within 270 days.
• Mandates that Interior review and update the Gold Book every five years to support efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting.
• Requires Interior to rename the Gold Book to reflect the inclusion of geothermal development standards.

Official summary

Geothermal Gold Book Development Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting on federal land and include the procedures and guidelines in its Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development publication, commonly known as the Gold Book. Interior must (1) publish an updated version of the Gold Book within 270 days of identifying such procedures and guidelines, and (2) review the Gold Book every five years and publish an updated version if necessary to support efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting. Interior must also rename the Gold Book to reflect the incorporation of standard procedures and guidelines related to geothermal development.

Latest action

May 20, 2026: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.

Committee: House Natural Resources