Legislation6 days ago
50
A bill to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes.
S4383Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (D-NV)
introduced
S4383119th CongressWALLET
Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a Geothermal Ombudsman within the Bureau of Land Management and a Geothermal Permitting Task Force to streamline and coordinate geothermal permitting on public land. It would also define what counts as a geothermal authorization, a geothermal energy project, and which public lands qualify.
Show full summary
- Geothermal developers and applicants would get a single BLM liaison for dispute resolution and a central monitor of permitting practices to push for more consistent timelines and best practices across field offices.
- BLM staff could be temporarily assigned across offices to help process geothermal authorizations and must work in-person at a Department office while traveling to field sites as needed. Assigned employees may receive retention allowances up to 25% of basic pay, subject to appropriations and approval from their home office.
- The Geothermal Permitting Task Force would support the Ombudsman, enable cross-office personnel assignments, and coordinate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. The Ombudsman would submit an annual report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources evaluating Task Force activities and permit-processing effectiveness.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Retention pay for geothermal staff
If enacted and funded by Congress, the Ombudsman could pay assigned Department employees a retention allowance of up to 25 percent of their basic pay. The allowance would not become part of basic pay, would be paid at the same time as base pay, and could not be appealed if reduced or ended. The Ombudsman must consider geothermal expertise, the need to meet permit timelines, and recruitment difficulty when awarding allowances.
Cross-office staff for geothermal permits
If enacted, the Ombudsman could arrange for Department staff from other offices to be assigned to help finish geothermal permits. Home offices must approve assignments and find they will not materially delay existing work. Assigned staff must work in-person full time at a Department office, travel to the BLM office if needed, join the permit team, and regularly report to the BLM office in charge. These assignments would not change which BLM office has legal jurisdiction over a permit.
Definitions for geothermal program terms
If enacted, the bill would define key terms used in the program. It would say what counts as a "geothermal authorization" and a "geothermal energy project." It would define "public land" as lands subject to geothermal leasing under section 3 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. It would also define who the "Secretary" and the "Task Force" are.
New geothermal ombudsman and task force
If enacted, the Secretary would appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman at BLM within 60 days. The Ombudsman would lead a new Geothermal Permitting Task Force established within the same 60 days. The Ombudsman would act as a liaison across BLM offices and help resolve disputes with permit applicants. The Ombudsman would watch permit timelines, set best practices, and coordinate with the federal permitting council. The Ombudsman would also send a yearly report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources about Task Force work and permit processing for the prior year.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
ID • R
Sponsored 4/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govLive Policy Activity
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A bill to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes.30 U.S.C. § 1002 — Lands subject to geothermal leasing
“.--The term ``geothermal energy project'' means a project wholly or partially located on public land that uses geothermal energy to generate heat or electricity. (3) Public land.--The term ``public land'' means lands subject to geothermal leasing under section 3 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1002). (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the Geothermal Permitting Task Force established under subsection (c). (b) Geothermal Ombudsman.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of ena”
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