119-HR-301 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A 60-day decision clock for federal geothermal permits after reviews are complete—meant to keep projects moving even during lawsuits unless a court issues an injunction. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - H.R.301 - 119th Congress (2025-2026…

What It Does

The GEO Act changes the Geothermal Steam Act so the Interior Department must approve or deny applications tied to an existing geothermal lease—like drilling permits, rights-of-way, or notices to proceed—within 60 days after finishing required federal reviews (NEPA, Endangered Species Act, and historic‑preservation laws). It also clarifies that courts keep their power to vacate or enjoin projects; the clock doesn’t apply if a court has already done so. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - H.R.301 - 119th Congress (2025-2026…[4]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — H.R. 301 (119th): GEO Act—Overview and CRS…

Who’s For It

• Sponsor: Rep. Celeste Maloy (R‑UT) says the bill cuts red tape so geothermal projects in places like Utah can move faster after reviews. [5]The Driller — House Bill to Set Processing Deadline for Geothermal Lease Applic…
• Bipartisan backers: Six cosponsors from both parties, including Reps. Susie Lee (D‑NV), Josh Harder (D‑CA), Nicholas Begich (R‑AK), Pete Stauber (R‑MN), Addison McDowell (R‑NC), and Russ Fulcher (R‑ID). [6]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — All Info—H.R. 301 (119th): GEO Act (action…
• House Natural Resources majority previously advanced a near‑identical bill, arguing agencies sometimes delay post‑review permits due to litigation risk; a firm deadline would provide certainty. [7]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — House Report 118-561—Geothermal Energy Opp…

Who’s Against It

• Interior Department concerns (prior version): BLM could not support the 118th‑Congress version with a shorter timeline because fixed clocks can conflict with other legal duties (ESA/NHPA). Interior has not issued a position on H.R. 301 as of December 10, 2025. [3]U.S. Department of the Interior — Pending Legislation—BLM testimony on H.R. 737…
• Capacity worries: GAO has long noted that federal renewable and geothermal permits can take years and face staffing bottlenecks; deadlines alone may not solve these constraints. [2]U.S. Government Accountability Office — GAO-13-189: Renewable Energy—Agencies H…
• Implementation risk: Trade press notes that potential workforce cuts at Interior could make hitting any new deadlines harder, undercutting the bill’s goal. [5]The Driller — House Bill to Set Processing Deadline for Geothermal Lease Applic…

What’s Next

Status: Introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. A legislative hearing in the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee is scheduled for December 16, 2025. [6]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — All Info—H.R. 301 (119th): GEO Act (action…[8]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — House Natural Resources—Subcommittee heari…