A House Natural Resources panel this week will debate a host of geothermal energy-related bills that focus on streamlining permitting requirements that Republicans say are slowing down project development on federal lands.
Among the bills on tap at Wednesday’s Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hearing is H.R. 7370, from Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah).
The “Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act” seeks to remove what Curtis’ office called “unnecessary” regulatory burdens, such as “cumbersome leasing and permitting processes” that can hold up already approved geothermal projects.
Curtis’ bill would amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to require the Interior Department to issue notices to process drilling and other permits within 30 days “after completing all environmental documents” for a project’s approval.
