HEATS Act Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026
A bill to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.
SB4975 aims to modify the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 by eliminating the need for a federal drilling permit for specific activities. It also seeks to exempt these activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This bill, introduced on July 14, 2026, was read twice in the Senate and then referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The primary sponsor is John Hoeven, with Steve Daines as a co-sponsor. The bill is currently in its initial stages, awaiting further review and potential changes from the committee.
Those affected by this bill would primarily be entities involved in geothermal energy activities, including companies and developers. By waiving certain permit requirements and environmental assessments, the bill aims to streamline processes and potentially reduce costs and time for geothermal projects. However, the exact impact on these stakeholders will depend on the final version of the bill.
As of July 14, 2026, the bill has been introduced and referred to the relevant committee. Further legislative action will be necessary to determine its future, including potential hearings, amendments, and votes.
