FREEDOM Act
Sponsored By: Representative Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create enforceable deadlines, court tools, and new funds to accelerate and enforce federal permitting for large energy projects while adding targeted geothermal and non‑Federal land reforms.
Show full summary
- Project sponsors and investors would get a De‑Risking Compensation Program that can pay court‑ordered compensation for unrecoverable losses. Sponsors must enroll soon after project initiation, pay an annual premium equal to 1.5 percent of their capital contribution, and meet a $5 million minimum capital contribution to qualify.
- Lead agencies would have to set project schedules and meet strict timing rules. Routine authorizations would have a 90‑day deadline and complex authorizations a 1‑year deadline. Missed deadlines are presumptively unlawful and courts can appoint qualified contractors to finish delayed work.
- The bill creates expedited judicial review, a Permitting Performance Fund initially capitalized at $50 million, and civil penalties of $1,000 to $100,000 per day for agency noncompliance. It also speeds geothermal leasing with annual lease sales and an ombudsman to help resolve permitting disputes.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
NE • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Gray
CA • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Edwards
NC • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
MI • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov