Full Committee Markup

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP convened a full committee markup session focused primarily on advancing legislation to expand and streamline geothermal energy development on federal and nonfederal lands. Key bills discussed included the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act and the Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, both aimed at reducing permitting delays and regulatory burdens, particularly by modifying NEPA review requirements and federal permitting processes. The committee debated the balance between expediting geothermal projects and maintaining environmental and tribal consultation safeguards. Despite some opposition concerning the extent of NEPA waivers and federal oversight, the committee passed amended versions of these bills. Additionally, a unanimous consent package of 14 bipartisan bills was approved, addressing geothermal energy, wildfire prevention, tribal land issues, and environmental protections such as the Save Our Sequoias Act. The session highlighted bipartisan cooperation to promote clean energy development, improve regulatory efficiency, and support natural resource conservation.