PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 20, 2024
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.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
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.
People & committees
Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40] · R–CA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 181 (Roll no. 464). (text: CR H5994)
House roll call 464 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 181 (Roll no. 464). (text: CR H5994)
House roll call 464 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 206 (Roll no. 463).
House roll call 463 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6000-6001)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 7409, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Stansbury demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Ms. Stansbury moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (CR H5998)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 7409.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8932, H.R. 7409 and H.R. 8446. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8932, H.R. 7409, and H.R. 8446 under a closed rule, and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1568. (consideration: CR H5994-5998)
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1568 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8932, H.R. 7409 and H.R. 8446. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8932, H.R. 7409, and H.R. 8446 under a closed rule, and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 609.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-722.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-722.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 16.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Nov 6, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.7409 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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