Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act
The Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act seeks to significantly accelerate small-scale geothermal exploration on federal lands by creating a streamlined set of rules for fast-moving exploration projects and by designating priority areas for geothermal leasing. The bill defines tightly scoped “geothermal exploration projects” (small-diameter wells, limited surface disturbance, and a completion/restoration timeline) and treats these projects as non-major Federal actions under NEPA, thereby reducing environmental review requirements. It also directs the Secretary, with the Secretary of Energy, to identify geothermal leasing priority areas on eligible federal lands within three years and to manage ongoing designations and environmental reviews through programmatic NEPA documents. The overall aim is to speed exploration and potential development while preserving certain performance and restoration standards, though it changes the standard environmental oversight typically required for federal actions.
Key Points
- 1Fast-track, small-scale geothermal exploration: Defines geothermal exploration projects as limited-diameter wells with strict disturbance caps (less than 8 acres at any time, excluding roads), completed within 180 days, and requiring restoration to pre-project conditions within 3 years, with surface area restoration unless the site is later used for energy development.
- 2Less NEPA scrutiny for designated activities: Such exploration projects and related activities are not considered major Federal actions under NEPA, reducing the breadth of environmental review normally required.
- 3Notice requirement for leaseholders: Lease holders must provide at least 30 days’ notice to the Secretary before starting drilling.
- 4Creation of Geothermal Leasing Priority Areas: Requires designation of priority lands for geothermal leasing on eligible federal land not excluded by land use plans or other law, with initial designations due within three years and ongoing five-year review cycles.
- 5Programmatic environmental review and oversight: Establishes a framework for programmatic NEPA reviews (supplemental EIS) related to priority areas, with ongoing consultation and a process that should not delay permits or lease sales; includes a 10-year window for limited NEPA analyses unless substantial new circumstances warrant otherwise.