Overview
Title
To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to promote timely exploration for geothermal resources under geothermal leases, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to make it easier and faster for people to look for hot water under the ground, called geothermal energy, which can be used for power. It tries to speed up the process by changing some rules, but this might mean less checking on how it affects the environment.
Summary AI
The bill H.R. 6482 aims to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to encourage faster exploration for geothermal resources in the U.S. It defines terms related to geothermal exploration projects and establishes criteria for land that can be prioritized for geothermal leasing, without considering such activities as major Federal actions under current environmental policy. The bill also outlines a process for designating priority areas for geothermal development and requires periodic review of these areas. Congress acknowledges that existing categorical exclusions can help speed up the process of approving geothermal exploration on public lands.
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AnalysisAI
The proposed bill, H.R. 6482, aims to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to expedite and promote the exploration and production of geothermal resources on federal lands. This legislative effort is titled the "Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act." The bill outlines various procedural and regulatory adjustments intended to streamline the development of geothermal energy projects and identify priority areas for geothermal leasing.
Summary of the Bill
The bill introduces specific definitions and parameters for what constitutes a geothermal exploration project, detailing activities like drilling specific types of wells, criteria for land disturbances, and necessary restoration practices post-exploration. The amendments further identify federal lands that can be categorized as priority areas for geothermal leasing. To facilitate the rapid development of geothermal projects, the legislation proposes these projects be exempted from being labeled as major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Significant Issues
Several key issues arise within the proposed amendments:
Reduced Environmental Oversight: By exempting geothermal exploration projects from being considered major federal actions under NEPA, the bill may reduce the level of scrutiny these projects receive. This could lead to concerns about environmental impacts being inadequately addressed.
Vague Timelines: The language around timing, such as "as soon as practicable" for designating leasing priority areas, is vague and could lead to delays in implementation and accountability issues.
Permitting Process: The bill allows permit issuance and lease sales to proceed even if environmental impact statements are incomplete, which might favor development over thorough environmental assessment.
Categorical Exclusions: Utilizing categorical exclusions that simplify environmental reviews may speed up processes but lack clarity on the criteria used, leading to potential inconsistencies in environmental protections.
Notice and Consultation Requirements: A 30-day notice prior to commencing exploration might not provide appropriate review time, and extensive consultation processes could slow decision-making.
Broad Impact on the Public
For the general public, this bill signifies a legislative move towards bolstering geothermal energy, an important renewable energy source. Expedited geothermal resource development could contribute to energy diversification and sustainability efforts in the United States. However, the decrease in environmental oversight might lead to public concern regarding potential negative impacts on habitats and landscapes, particularly in sensitive ecological areas.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Energy Developers: The bill is largely beneficial to geothermal energy developers by reducing bureaucratic red tape and expediting project approvals. This could lead to more investment in geothermal energy projects, creating economic opportunities and potentially leading to advancements in renewable energy technology.
Environmental Advocates: Conversely, environmental groups might view the bill with apprehension due to reduced oversight and potential negative impacts on ecosystems if geothermal projects proceed with less stringent environmental assessments. Advocacy groups may advocate for amendments to ensure adequate environmental protections are maintained.
Local Communities and Indigenous Groups: The impact on local communities, particularly those near proposed geothermal leasing priority areas, could be mixed. While there might be economic benefits and job creation, there could also be concerns about environmental protection and respect for local and indigenous lands and rights. The required consultations with states, tribes, and local governments are crucial, though potentially cumbersome, steps intended to mitigate these concerns.
In sum, while the bill aligns with broader environmental goals of renewable energy development, it requires careful balancing to ensure economic growth is not achieved at the expense of environmental integrity.
Issues
The exemption of geothermal exploration projects from being considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) as stated in both Section 2 and Section 30 could lead to reduced environmental oversight, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts without sufficient review.
The term 'as soon as practicable' in Section 3(b) for designating geothermal leasing priority areas is vague, leading to potential delays and lack of accountability in establishing these areas, which can slow down the progress of geothermal development.
The section on geothermal leasing priority areas, particularly Section 3(e)(4), allows for permits and lease sales despite incomplete environmental impact supplements, raising concerns about prioritizing development over environmental assessments.
The use of categorical exclusions from the Department of the Navy and the United States Forest Service for geothermal exploration as referenced in Section 4 might expedite reviews but lacks clarity on limitations and criteria, potentially leading to inconsistency in how environmental reviews are expedited.
The reliance on consultations with State, Tribal, and local governments and other entities in Section 3(e)(3) could complicate and slow down decision-making, potentially hindering the effectiveness of geothermal development initiatives.
The 30-day notice requirement in Section 2(c) for starting a geothermal exploration project may be considered insufficient for thorough review, potentially impacting the safeguarding of environmental or public interests.
The subjective criteria in Section 3(c) for evaluating the 'economic viability' of geothermal projects, such as terms like 'preferable,' may result in inconsistent applications and favoritism, impacting fair opportunities for project developers.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section explains that the official name of the Act is the “Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act.”
2. Geothermal production on Federal lands Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 has been updated to define what constitutes a geothermal exploration project, detailing activities like drilling certain types of wells and setting conditions such as size limits for equipment and land disturbance. It specifies that these projects should not be considered major federal actions requiring detailed environmental reviews, and leaseholders must notify the Secretary of their intent to start a project at least 30 days in advance.
30. Geothermal exploration projects Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Geothermal exploration projects involve drilling wells on leased lands with certain specifications like well size and disturbance area, and require site restoration within three years unless the site is used for energy development. These projects and related activities are not deemed major federal actions under environmental policy, and leaseholders must notify the Secretary 30 days before starting such projects.
3. Geothermal leasing priority areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section adds a new provision to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, which requires identifying specific federal lands as priority areas for geothermal energy leasing. It outlines criteria for selection, mandates regular review and modification, and calls for environmental impact statements while ensuring collaboration with various government entities and stakeholders but avoiding delays in issuing permits.
31. Geothermal leasing priority areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines the process for identifying and designating certain federal lands as priority areas for geothermal energy leasing. It explains that the Secretary, with input from the Secretary of Energy, will select these areas based on certain criteria, conduct regular reviews, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations to facilitate geothermal energy production without unnecessary delays.
4. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress finds that the Bureau of Land Management adopted categorical exclusions from the Department of the Navy and the United States Forest Service for geothermal exploration, as allowed by an amendment to the National Environmental Policy Act. These exclusions aim to speed up the process of reviewing and approving geothermal exploration proposals on lands managed by the Bureau.