Summary
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.
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.
Legislative Journey
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 186 (Roll no. 137). (text: CR H3073)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 186 (Roll no. 137). (text: CR H3073)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5587.
HouseRule provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897 and H.R. 5587. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 4690, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587.
HouseConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1189. (consideration: CR H3073-3077)
HouseRule H. Res. 1189 passed House.
HouseRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1189 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897 and H.R. 5587. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 4690, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587.
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 531.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-613.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-613.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 15.
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseSubcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
HouseSubcommittee Hearings Held
HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
HouseReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House