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119-s-4383119th CongressWALLET
Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
In Committee
Summary
Streamline geothermal permitting by creating a Geothermal Ombudsman and a Geothermal Permitting Task Force inside the Bureau of Land Management. The ombudsman would serve as a central liaison, resolve disputes between offices and applicants, monitor permit timelines, and develop best practices for geothermal authorizations.
Show full summary
- Geothermal developers and applicants would gain a single point of contact to resolve disputes and track authorizations. The ombudsman must be appointed within 60 days and would report annually to two congressional committees.
- BLM field, district, and State offices could receive cross‑office staff assigned to help complete geothermal permits. Assigned staff may receive retention pay up to 25% of base pay, subject to appropriations.
- The Geothermal Permitting Task Force would coordinate with the National Renewable Energy Coordination Office and the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to standardize permitting practices across BLM offices.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster geothermal permits for developers
This bill would require the Interior Secretary to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman from inside the Bureau of Land Management no later than 60 days after enactment. The Ombudsman would lead a Geothermal Permitting Task Force to coordinate BLM field, district, and State offices, resolve disputes with applicants, and monitor permit timelines. The Task Force could assign staff across Department offices to help process geothermal permits, but such assignments must be approved by the staff member’s home office and not materially delay that office’s work. Assigned staff would work in person, could travel to relevant BLM offices, and would regularly report to the applicable BLM office. If funds are provided, assigned employees could receive retention allowances up to 25 percent of basic pay. The bill would also define key terms like "geothermal authorization," "geothermal energy project," and "public land." The Ombudsman would report yearly to two congressional committees on Task Force activities and permit processing effectiveness.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
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.gov