Contact Congress about H.R. 5587: HEATS Act

Some geothermal projects could move ahead with a state permit instead of a federal drilling permit. The bill would skip some federal reviews, but federal royalty checks would remain.

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HEATS Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Latest action on H.R. 5587: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects geothermal developers working on non-federal surface land where the federal government owns a minority share of the underground geothermal rights. It also affects state permit offices, because their permits would carry more weight for covered projects. Federal land and royalty officials would still track production and payments. Communities, environmental groups, and historic preservation groups could see fewer federal review chances for covered projects. Tribes and Indian landowners would remain under current federal and tribal processes because the bill excludes Indian lands.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it could speed up some geothermal projects by moving more of the approval process to states. That could lower delays and costs for developers. It could also mean fewer federal checks on environmental harm, wildlife impacts, and historic sites. The real effect would vary by state because state permit rules are not all the same. The bill keeps federal royalty payments and inspections, so the government would still track money owed from covered geothermal production.

Key provisions in H.R. 5587

• Geothermal operators would not need a federal drilling permit for some projects. This applies on non-federal surface land when the United States owns less than half of the underground geothermal rights and the operator submits a state permit.
• Covered geothermal projects would skip review under the National Environmental Policy Act. That law is the main federal process for studying environmental effects.
• Covered projects would not need another federal approval after the state permit is sent in. They could start 30 days after the Interior Secretary receives the permit.
• Covered projects would skip Endangered Species Act section 7 review. That review checks how a federal action may affect listed species and critical habitat.
• Federal historic preservation review would apply only in some cases. It would still apply if the state has no law to protect historic properties.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5587

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5587

What is H.R. 5587?

Some geothermal projects could move ahead with a state permit instead of a federal drilling permit. The bill would skip some federal reviews, but federal royalty checks would remain.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5587?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5587?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5587 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.