AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: May 29, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Establishes a geothermal ombudsman position within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), appointed by the Department of the Interior
- Ombudsman serves as liaison among BLM divisions and provides dispute resolution between BLM and geothermal project applicants
- Creates a Geothermal Permitting Task Force led by the ombudsman to support geothermal project authorizations on federal land
- Ombudsman may reassign employees from other Interior bureaus or offices to assist with geothermal authorizations
- Ombudsman may provide retention allowances to reassigned employees
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Establishes a dedicated administrative role to facilitate geothermal project permitting and authorizations on federal land
- Centralizes dispute resolution for geothermal applicants dealing with BLM across different field offices
- Permits resource reallocation from other Interior bureaus to prioritize geothermal project completion
- Official summary does not establish measurable timelines, cost projections, or quantified permitting improvements
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Passed House on June 2, 2026 by voice vote under suspension of rules
- Received in Senate June 3, 2026 and referred to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Committee reported bill favorably without amendment on September 17, 2026
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar as of September 17, 2026; no scheduled vote date is documented
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 17, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 663.
- Sep 17, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.
- Jul 29, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Jul 15, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- Jun 3, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Jun 2, 2026 — The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Jun 2, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H3760-3761)
- Jun 2, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.