Geothermal Energy Advancement Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary reported to house (May 20, 2026)
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.
What just happenedSep 17, 2026
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 663.
Who’s behind it
- Reported in HouseMay 20, 2026
- Introduced in HouseSep 30, 2025
- Jul 29, 2026Committee
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Energy and Natural Resources Committee - Jul 15, 2026Committee
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee - Jun 3, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Energy and Natural Resources Committee - Jun 2, 2026FloorH38800
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Jun 2, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H3760-3761)
- Jun 2, 2026FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Jun 2, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Jun 2, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5631.
- Jun 2, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3760-3765)
- Jun 2, 2026FloorH30300
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- May 20, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 574.
- May 20, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-660.
Natural Resources Committee - May 20, 2026Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-660.
Natural Resources Committee - Mar 5, 2026CommitteeH19000
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Natural Resources Committee - Mar 5, 2026CommitteeH15001
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Natural Resources Committee - Mar 5, 2026CommitteeH25000
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee - Dec 16, 2025CommitteeH21000
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee - Dec 9, 2025CommitteeH11000
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee - Sep 30, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Natural Resources Committee - Sep 30, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Sep 30, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House