119-HR-1687 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bill to speed up geothermal energy on federal lands by mandating annual lease sales, replacement sales if auctions are canceled, and faster decisions on drilling permits.

What It Does

The CLEAN Act (H.R. 1687) amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to: (1) require the Interior Department to hold geothermal lease sales every year rather than every two years; (2) require a replacement sale in the same year if a scheduled sale is canceled or delayed; (3) direct the Department to offer all nominated parcels that are eligible under the existing land-use plan; and (4) set a two-step 30-day clock for drilling permits—30 days to confirm an application is complete and 30 days after that to issue a final decision.

Who’s For It

• Primary sponsors: Rep. Russ Fulcher (R‑ID) with cosponsors Rep. Celeste Maloy (R‑UT) and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R‑CO).
• Supporters say annual, predictable auctions and clear timelines would reduce delays, attract investment, and help scale firm, clean geothermal power—especially in Western states with strong resources.
• Industry and some pro‑development state officials are likely to back provisions that require offering all eligible, nominated parcels and that set firm permit timelines.

Who’s Against It

• Opponents may argue that requiring replacement sales and offering all nominated, eligible parcels limits agency flexibility to pause or sequence leasing based on local concerns or new information.
• Some environmental and community groups could worry that faster timelines might strain review capacity, risk inadequate public input, or increase development pressure near sensitive areas—even if existing environmental laws still apply.
• Fiscal skeptics might question administrative costs of mandatory replacement sales if participation or market conditions are weak.

What’s Next

As of December 9, 2025, the bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. Next steps could include a subcommittee hearing, a markup, and, if approved, consideration by the full House Natural Resources Committee before any House floor vote.

Tone

Neutral, plain‑language overview intended for a general audience.