House Passes Bill to Boost Geothermal Energy The House has passed a bipartisan legislative package designed to accelerate the approval process for geothermal energy projects. This package, combining elements from both Republican and Democratic bills, aims to streamline federal permitting requirements that have historically caused delays. The legislation includes provisions for a geothermal ombudsman and a permitting task force, as well as faster processing of applications and expanded categorical exclusions from environmental reviews.

• The House approved a legislative package to speed up geothermal energy project approvals.
• The package is a bipartisan effort to bolster domestic energy development.
• Geothermal energy uses Earth’s heat to generate clean electricity and heating.
• Technological advancements have made geothermal energy more accessible globally.
• The bill establishes a geothermal ombudsman and a permitting task force.
• It also mandates faster processing of geothermal project applications.
• The legislation expands categorical exclusions from environmental reviews under NEPA.
• Permitting reform is a priority for both parties, but progress in the Senate is uncertain.
• Concerns exist about potential implementation of reforms by a future administration.