To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.
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.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 18.
Committee on the Budget. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 118-76.
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 16.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-722.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-722.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 609.
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.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1568. (consideration: CR H5994-5998)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 7409.
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Ms. Stansbury moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (CR H5998)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
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.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6000-6001)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 206 (Roll no. 463).
Roll Call #463 (House)Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 181 (Roll no. 464). (text: CR H5994)
Roll Call #464 (House)On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 181 (Roll no. 464). (text: CR H5994)
Roll Call #464 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.