To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas.

Bill: 118-hr-6474
Sponsor: Rep. Steel, Michelle [R-CA-45]
Introduced: 2023-11-21 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Electric power generation and transmission
Mining

Summary:
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: 
This bill expedites the environmental review of certain geothermal energy activities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill modifies the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow a categorical exclusion under NEPA for drilling a geothermal well (1) in an area where drilling has occurred previously within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins; or (2) within a developed field for which an approved land use plan or environmental document prepared under NEPA determined drilling to be a reasonably foreseeable activity, so long as the plan or document was approved within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins.
 
action_date: 2024-09-18
text: 
This bill expedites the environmental review of certain geothermal energy activities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill modifies the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow a categorical exclusion under NEPA for drilling a geothermal well (1) in an area where drilling has occurred previously within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins; or (2) within a developed field for which an approved land use plan or environmental document prepared under NEPA determined drilling to be a reasonably foreseeable activity, so long as the plan or document was approved within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins.
 
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: 
This bill expedites the environmental review of certain geothermal energy activities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill modifies the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow a categorical exclusion under NEPA for drilling a geothermal well (1) in an area where drilling has occurred previously within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins; or (2) within a developed field for which an approved land use plan or environmental document prepared under NEPA determined drilling to be a reasonably foreseeable activity, so long as the plan or document was approved within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins.
 

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-09-25
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5733)
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5733)
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6474.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5733-5734)
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
action_date: 2024-09-18
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 583.
action_date: 2024-09-18
text: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-689.
action_date: 2024-09-18
text: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-689.
action_date: 2024-01-17
text: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2024-01-17
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
action_date: 2024-01-17
text: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held
action_date: 2023-12-11
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: Introduced in House