CLEAN Act
The CLEAN Act would shift geothermal leasing policy on federal lands to be more aggressive and streamlined. The bill changes the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to require annual lease sales (instead of every two years), add a “replacement sale” mechanism if a sale is canceled or delayed (still in the same year), and require offering all nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development under a state’s resource management plan. It also adds deadlines for geothermal drilling permits: applicants would receive notice within 30 days on whether their application is complete, and the agency would issue a final decision within 30 days of completeness. Overall, the bill aims to speed up access to geothermal resources and shorten permitting timelines. The legislation is introduced in the House on Feb 27, 2025, by Rep. Fulcher (with Rep. Maloy and Rep. Boebert listed as co-sponsors) and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. Its title is the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act (CLEAN Act).
Key Points
- 1Annual geothermal lease sales: The bill changes the leasing framework from a biennial (every two years) schedule to annual lease sales, increasing opportunities to lease federal geothermal lands each year.
- 2Replacement sales: If a planned lease sale is canceled or delayed, the Interior Secretary must conduct a replacement sale within the same year.
- 3Comprehensive parcel offering: When conducting an annual lease sale in a given state, the Secretary must offer all nominated parcels that are eligible for geothermal development and use under the state’s resource management plan.
- 4New permit deadlines (completeness and decision): The Secretary must (a) notify an applicant within 30 days of receiving a geothermal drilling permit application whether the application is complete or what information is missing, and (b) issue a final decision within 30 days after notifying that the application is complete.
- 5Purpose and scope: The provisions are designed to accelerate access to federal geothermal resources and shorten the time from application to decision, with a focus on ensuring nominated parcels are available for development in line with state plans.