H.R. 5587 Passed the House Energy

HEATS Act

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.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40] Introduced September 26, 2025 Cosponsors 2 (1 D, 1 R) Latest action July 15, 2026

Summary

Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act or the HEATS Act
This bill exempts certain geothermal activities on state and private lands (except Indian lands) from drilling permit requirements as well as environmental and historic preservation review requirements.
First, the bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from requiring an operator to obtain a drilling permit under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 for any geothermal exploration and production activity conducted on a nonfederal surface estate (i.e., the part of the estate that is above ground) if (1) the United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50% of the subsurface geothermal estate to be accessed by the proposed action, and (2) the operator submits to Interior a state permit to conduct the geothermal exploration and production activity on the nonfederal surface estate. 
Next, the bill states that such geothermal exploration and production activity is not considered a major federal action under National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Thus, such activity does not trigger NEPA's environmental review requirements.
In addition, the bill exempts such activity from the consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It also exempts the activity from review under the National Historic Preservation Act unless the state in which the activity occurs does not have a state law that addresses the preservation of historic properties.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

  • HouseApr 23, 2026·Roll 137·H.R. 5587
    HEATS Act
    On Passage
    Passed231–186
    R 208–0 D 22–186 I 1–0

Actions

  1. Jul 15, 2026 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
  2. Apr 28, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  3. Apr 23, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  4. Apr 23, 2026 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 186 (Roll no. 137). (text: CR H3073)
  5. Apr 23, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 186 (Roll no. 137). (text: CR H3073)
  6. Apr 23, 2026 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  7. Apr 23, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5587.
  8. Apr 23, 2026 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897 and H.R. 5587. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 4690, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587.
  9. Apr 23, 2026 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1189. (consideration: CR H3073-3077)
  10. Apr 22, 2026 Rule H. Res. 1189 passed House.
  11. Apr 20, 2026 Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1189 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897 and H.R. 5587. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 4690, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587.
  12. Apr 15, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 531.

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