Geothermal fast-track: streamlined review may limit environmental scrutiny
S. 456 — STEAM Act · Filed by Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 6, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to streamline environmental review (NEPA) for geothermal exploration and development in areas that have already been studied or developed. It modifies Section 390 to treat geothermal projects similarly to oil and gas projects under existing expedited review pathways, potentially reducing the time and cost of permitting for geothermal energy development.
Why we flagged it
The bill's operative mechanism is to expedite environmental review for geothermal development by incorporating it into existing oil/gas NEPA pathways. This is a permitting-acceleration measure, not a subsidy or liability shield, and it applies to a renewable energy source.
What the text implies
- Geothermal projects on federal lands may proceed with reduced public comment periods and environmental analysis depth, potentially limiting community input on land-use decisions.
- The bill does not distinguish between 'previously studied' areas and 'previously developed' areas—both receive the same streamlined review, which may expand expedited treatment beyond the stated intent.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
geothermal energy developers and operators; renewable energy companies with geothermal portfolios; engineering and permitting consultants serving geothermal sector