HEATS Act

State permits replace some federal geothermal permits

The bill would let some geothermal operators skip a federal drilling permit. This would apply only on non‑Federal surface land when the U.S. owns under 50% of the underground geothermal estate, and the operator submits a State permit to the Secretary. The project would be able to start 30 days after the State permit is submitted. These actions would not get a NEPA major‑federal‑action review and would need no extra federal approvals. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act would not apply. Federal historic review would apply only if the State has no historic‑property law. The exemption would not apply on Indian lands or to resources held in trust for Tribes. Royalties owed to the U.S. for geothermal electricity and byproducts would stay the same. The Secretary would still be able to do onsite inspections to check production, reporting, and royalty payments.