01 — The Text
What.
- This bill changes how companies pay the government when they extract geothermal energy (heat from deep underground) on public lands. It updates the royalty rates and payment terms that geothermal companies must follow.
- The bill modifies the rules for how much money geothermal companies owe to taxpayers for using publicly-owned resources, potentially adjusting lease terms, minimum bids, or payment percentages.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- This affects geothermal energy companies operating on federal lands and taxpayers who own those resources. Changes could increase or decrease how much money the government collects from these operations.
- Geothermal energy is a renewable, clean power source. How the government prices access to it can influence whether companies develop more geothermal projects and how much public revenue is generated.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The bill passed committee with amendments on March 5, 2026, and is moving forward in the House.
- Track its progress at Congress.gov, contact your House representative to share your views on renewable energy policy, or follow energy-focused advocacy groups for updates.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Mar 5, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- Mar 5, 2026 — Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Mar 5, 2026 — Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- Dec 16, 2025 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Dec 9, 2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- Sep 30, 2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sep 30, 2025 — Introduced in House
- Sep 30, 2025 — Introduced in House