To direct the Department of the Interior to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permit issuance for environmentally responsible geothermal operations on Federal lands.
Geothermal Gold Book Development Act would require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to create a standardized set of procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing and permit issuance on federal lands, and to publish these in a document called the "Gold Book." The goal is to streamline and standardize how geothermal projects are planned, reviewed, permitted, constructed, operated, and, if applicable, appealed, while ensuring environmental responsibility. The Gold Book would be developed in consultation with other federal agencies and outside stakeholders (such as developers and experts) and would cover topics from land use planning and lease sales to exploration, permitting, operations, compliance with laws, and potential appeals. The document would be updated at least every five years.
Key Points
- 1Timeline for development: DOI must identify standard procedures and guidelines within one year of enactment, in consultation with relevant federal agencies.
- 2Publication deadline: DOI must publish the Gold Book within 180 days after identifying the procedures and guidelines.
- 3Consultative process: DOI must consult with other federal agencies (including BLM field offices) and outside stakeholders (e.g., developers, experts) before publication.
- 4Scope of inclusions: Gold Book to cover land use planning, lease sales, efficient and environmentally responsible development, exploration and geophysical operations, permitting, construction and maintenance, drilling and production, compliance with laws, appeals, and applicable categorical exclusions at each stage.
- 5Periodic revision: DOI must review the Gold Book at least every five years and revise as necessary.