2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Increase The Frequency Of Geothermal
Leasing. In November 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the bill [that] would require the Interior
Department to increase the frequency of geothermal leasing under the
1970 Geothermal Steam law from at least once every two years to at least
once per year. In the event any lease sale is canceled or delayed, the
DOI would be required to conduct a replacement sale during the same
year. It would require that when conducting a lease sale the department
offers all nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development and
utilization under the resource management plan in effect for that state.
It also would require the department to notify any applicant for a
geothermal drilling permit within 30 days of receiving the application
as to whether their application is complete or if the department needs
any further information. If the application is complete, the DOI would
be required to issue a final decision within 30 days of that
notification." The House passed the bill by a vote of 244 to 171.
[House Vote 473,
11/19/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 11/19/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
1449]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Waive Permit Requirements For Geothermal
Exploration If The Federal Government Owns Less Than 50 Percent Of The
Property. In November 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the bill that would prevent the Interior
Department from requiring an operator to obtain a federal drill permit
for geothermal exploration and development on state or privately owned
land if the federal government holds subsurface rights for less than 50
percent of the subsurface geothermal estate to be accessed and the
operator submits a state permit. The bill would specify that any
geothermal exploration and production activity carried out under this
provision would not be considered a major federal action under the
National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, would
require no additional federal action, and can commence 30 days after the
submission of the state permit to the department. It would still require
the operator to pay royalties to the federal government. It also would
permit the DOI to conduct onsite reviews and inspections to ensure
proper accountability. The bill would not apply to actions on Native
American lands or resources managed in trust for the benefit of Native
American tribes." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by
a vote of 225 to 181. [House Vote 464,
11/14/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 11/14/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
7409]