Federal · 119th Congress
Geothermal Energy Advancement Act
Policy areaEnergy
Summary
Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act
This bill establishes a geothermal ombudsman and task force to oversee geothermal project permitting and authorizations on federal land.
The Department of the Interior must appoint a geothermal ombudsman from within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The ombudsman must act as a liaison among different parts of BLM, provide dispute resolution services between BLM and geothermal project applicants, and facilitate permit processing in different BLM field offices regarding geothermal projects on federal land.
The ombudsman must also lead the Geothermal Permitting Task Force established by this bill. The task force must support the ombudsman’s duties. Through the task force, the ombudsman may reassign employees from other Interior bureaus or offices to assist in the completion of geothermal authorizations. The ombudsman may pay a retention allowance to reassigned employees.
Sponsor
Cosponsors5
Other titles4
To appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes.Official Title as Introduced
To promote responsible geothermal energy development on public lands, and for other purposes.Official Titles as Amended by HouseOfficial Title from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text
Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews ActShort Title(s) as IntroducedShort Title(s) as Reported to House
Geothermal Energy Advancement ActShort Title(s) as Reported to SenateShort Title(s) as Passed HouseShort Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
Legislative history20
Sep 17, 2026
SenatePlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 663.
Sep 17, 2026
Senate · CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.
Jul 29, 2026
Senate · CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Jul 15, 2026
Senate · CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
Jun 3, 2026
SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Jun 2, 2026
House · FloorThe title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Jun 2, 2026
House · FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H3760-3761)
Jun 2, 2026
House · FloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Jun 2, 2026
House · FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5631.
Jun 2, 2026
House · FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3760-3765)
Jun 2, 2026
House · FloorMr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 20, 2026
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 574.
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Documents6
Texts
As referred to a Senate committeeLatestReferred in SenateU.S. Government Publishing OfficeJun 3, 2026As passed by the HouseEngrossed in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeJun 2, 2026As reported by the Senate committeeReported in SenateU.S. Government Publishing OfficeSep 17, 2026As reported by the House committeeReported in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeMay 20, 2026As introduced in the HouseIntroduced in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeSep 30, 2025