BGOV Bill Analysis: H.R. 5631, Geothermal Permitting Overhaul

June 1, 2026, 9:05 AM UTC

Federal permitting for geothermal energy exploration and development projects would be expedited under a modified version of H.R. 5631.

The bipartisan bill, which aims to accelerate approvals for geothermal energy, would require the Interior Department to approve or deny applications within 60 days and apply a categorical exclusion from environmental reviews for those projects.

The measure would also establish dispute resolution services for geothermal project applicants, modify royalty processing and fee collection on geothermal federal land leases, and create a permitting task force to assist with completing geothermal authorizations.

The legislation is part of a broader push to tackle ...

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