Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create an internal Geothermal Ombudsman and a Geothermal Permitting Task Force at the Bureau of Land Management to accelerate geothermal permitting on public lands. They would coordinate across BLM offices, provide dispute resolution, develop permitting best practices, and monitor authorization timelines.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pay bonuses for geothermal staff
If enacted, the Ombudsman could pay a retention allowance to Department employees assigned to help complete BLM geothermal permits. The allowance would be a percentage of the employee's basic pay and could not exceed 25 percent. The allowance would not be part of basic pay, would be paid at the same time and in the same manner as regular pay, and reductions or eliminations could not be appealed. Payment would be subject to available appropriations and based on factors like geothermal expertise, need to meet performance goals, and difficulty recruiting replacements.
Geothermal ombudsman and permit team
If enacted, the Interior Department would have to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman at the Bureau of Land Management within 60 days. The Ombudsman would lead a Geothermal Permitting Task Force, act as a liaison across BLM offices, help resolve disputes with permit applicants, monitor permit timelines, and develop best practices. The Task Force would be able to coordinate staff from other Department bureaus to help finish geothermal permits only if the home office approves and the assignment would not delay that office. Assigned staff would work in-person full time at a Department office, report to the local BLM office head, may travel to the BLM office with jurisdiction, and cross-office assignments would not change which BLM office has jurisdiction over a permit.
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