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H.R. 5617 · 119th Congress · Energy

Geothermal Gold Book Development Act

Directs Interior to add geothermal leasing procedures to its Oil and Gas Gold Book. AI-read

Out of committee Introduced Sep 30, 2025 Latest action May 20, 2026

What it does

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting on federal land and include the procedures and guidelines in its Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development publication, commonly known as the Gold Book.

Interior must (1) publish an updated version of the Gold Book within 270 days of identifying such procedures and guidelines, and (2) review the Gold Book every five years and publish an updated version if necessary to support efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting.

Interior must also rename the Gold Book to reflect the incorporation of standard procedures and guidelines related to geothermal development.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, May 20, 2026 (Reported to House). CRS summarizes bills impartially; it does not take positions.

Roll call votes

No recorded roll call votes on this bill. Most bills never get one; many pass by voice vote or unanimous consent, or stay in committee.

Latest action

May 20, 2026 · Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 573.