All Roll Calls
Yes: 231 • No: 186
119-hr-5587119th Congress
HEATS Act
Sponsored By: Representative Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
Passed House
Summary
Removes federal drilling permits for certain geothermal work on non‑Federal surfaces. This bill would let developers rely on State permits and limited federal oversight where the United States owns less than 50 percent of the subsurface, while keeping royalty rules in place and excluding Indian lands.
Show full summary
- Developers could start exploration and production on non‑Federal surface estates 30 days after submitting a State permit to the Secretary if the United States owns less than 50 percent of the subsurface to be accessed. No federal drilling permit would be required.
- Projects would be treated as not major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act and would be explicitly exempt from Section 7 consultations under the Endangered Species Act.
- The rule would not apply to Indian lands or resources held in trust for tribes. The Secretary would still collect royalties for geothermal electricity and may conduct onsite inspections to verify measurement and payments.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster geothermal projects, royalties still due
This bill would let some geothermal projects on private (non‑Federal) surface land skip a federal drilling permit. It would apply only if the United States owns less than 50% of the subsurface to be used and the operator submits a State permit to the Secretary. Work would be allowed 30 days after the State permit is submitted. These activities would not count as a NEPA major federal action and would not require Endangered Species Act section 7 review. Federal historic‑preservation review would apply only if the State has no historic‑property law. The exemption would not apply on Indian land, such as reservations or trust or restricted lands. Producers would still owe federal royalties on geothermal electricity and any byproducts; direct‑use heat would be excluded. The Secretary would be able to conduct onsite reviews and inspections to check measurements, reports, and royalty payments.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
CA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13]
CA • D
Sponsored 9/26/2025
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
AK • R
Sponsored 12/15/2025
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 4/23/2026
On Passage
Yes: 231 • No: 186