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House Passes Bipartisan Bill Exempting Geothermal from Federal Permits

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The House passed a bill exempting geothermal exploration on state or private land from federal permitting, voting 231-186 with 22 Democrats and one independent joining Republicans.
The exemption remains even when federal subsurface resources exist beneath the sites.
Opposing Democrats warned the bill could cause unintended consequences and affect liability.
The bill adds a 60-day deadline, variable royalties and creates geothermal ombudsman under Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) at BLM.

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Story summary

The House passed a bill exempting geothermal exploration on state or private land from federal permitting, voting 231-186 with 22 Democrats and one independent joining Republicans.
The exemption remains even when federal subsurface resources exist beneath the sites.
Opposing Democrats warned the bill could cause unintended consequences and affect liability.
The bill adds a 60-day deadline, variable royalties and creates geothermal ombudsman under Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) at BLM.