Waives federal drilling permit requirement for geothermal activities on non-federal land.

The Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act, or HEATS Act, amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to eliminate the need for a federal drilling permit for geothermal exploration and production on non-federal land. This applies if the U.S. holds less than 50% of the subsurface geothermal estate and the operator has a state permit. The act exempts these activities from the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, while preserving royalty payments to the U.S. The Secretary of the Interior can conduct inspections to ensure accountability and payment of royalties.

Waives federal drilling permit requirement for geothermal activities on non-federal land.

The Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act, or HEATS Act, amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to eliminate the need for a federal drilling permit for geothermal exploration and production on non-federal land. This applies if the U.S. holds less than 50% of the subsurface geothermal estate and the operator has a state permit. The act exempts these activities from the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, while preserving royalty payments to the U.S. The Secretary of the Interior can conduct inspections to ensure accountability and payment of royalties.