AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jan 22, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 17, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The STEAM Act expands the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include certain geothermal drilling activities in a categorical exclusion from NEPA environmental review requirements.
- The categorical exclusion applies to geothermal wells drilled in areas where drilling occurred within the previous five years.
- The categorical exclusion also applies to geothermal wells drilled in developed fields covered by approved land use plans or environmental documents prepared within the previous five years that identified drilling as reasonably foreseeable.
- A categorical exclusion under NEPA exempts a class of actions from requiring an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
- The bill applies the same categorical exclusion mechanism previously available for certain oil and gas activities to these geothermal activities.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Geothermal drilling projects meeting the specified criteria would no longer require full NEPA environmental review, potentially accelerating permitting timelines.
- The official summary does not document projected impacts on geothermal development rates, costs, environmental protection levels, or energy production.
- The official summary does not specify which agencies administer the categorical exclusion or how applicants demonstrate eligibility.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 6, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held hearings on the bill on September 16, 2026.
- No subsequent legislative action is documented.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
- Feb 6, 2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Feb 6, 2025 — Introduced in Senate