Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025

Summary

Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025 This bill expands the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to give the Department of the Interior the authority to collect certain fees from applicants for, or holders of, geothermal leases through September 30, 2032. Specifically, Interior may direct those applicants or leaseholders to reimburse the United States for costs from (1) processing applications for geothermal leases on federal land, such as applications for geothermal drilling permits; and (2) inspecting and monitoring geothermal exploration and development activities, including reclamation activities. Interior may reduce the amount of the fee if it determines that (1) the full reimbursement would impose an economic hardship on the applicant, or (2) a less than full reimbursement is necessary to promote the greatest use of geothermal resources. Interior may use those fees only to the extent that they are provided in advance in appropriations acts for (1) processing applications for geothermal leases, and (2) inspecting and monitoring related exploration and development activities. Within five years of the bill's enactment, Interior must submit to Congress a report that includes an assessment of how the fees affect Interior's geothermal leasing program and any recommendations for updates to the fees and the program.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

House Committee on Natural Resources · U.S. House of Representatives

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Related bills

• S. 4605Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026Related bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. May 20, 2026

   Introduced

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 569.

   U.S. House

2. May 20, 2026

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 569.

3. May 20, 2026

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 569.

4. May 20, 2026

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 569.

5. May 20, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-655.

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.