S. 4975 · In committee · Energy

HEATS Act

What it does

Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for geothermal exploration and production activities on non-Federal surface land where the United States holds less than 50 percent ownership of the subsurface geothermal estate and the operator submits a State permit.
Exempts geothermal exploration and production activities meeting the stated conditions from being classified as major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Allows geothermal activities to commence 30 days after submission of the State permit to the Secretary and exempts them from section 7 review under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Excludes the exemption from applying to Indian lands or resources managed in trust for Indian Tribes, and allows onsite Federal inspections to ensure proper royalty accounting and payment.

Jul 15, 2026: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

Committee: Senate Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee