Senate bill · S. 4605 (119th Congress)
Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026
U.S. Senate
Sponsor: Ruben Gallego (U.S. Senator for Arizona, Democratic)
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From Congress.gov and official rosters. This record was last updated Jul 30, 2026. About our data
Summary
Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 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
Assigned to a committee for review.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources · U.S. Senate
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As identified by Congress.gov.
Full history
- Jul 15, 2026
In committee
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
U.S. Senate
- Jul 15, 2026
Hearing held
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- Jul 15, 2026
Hearing held
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- Jul 15, 2026
Hearing held
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- May 20, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
Show full history (3 earlier events)Show less history
- May 20, 2026
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- May 20, 2026
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- May 20, 2026
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Read the record
- Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.