Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act

House Bill

H.R. 5631

119th Congress

Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 16, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jeff Hurd

R - CO

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary

This bill creates a Geothermal Ombudsman position and Permitting Task Force within the Bureau of Land Management to expedite geothermal energy development. The Ombudsman can assign personnel across BLM offices, offer retention bonuses up to 25% of base pay, and must report annually to Congress on permitting improvements.

Latest Action

Subcommittee Hearings Held

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill creates a Geothermal Ombudsman position and Permitting Task Force within the Bureau of Land Management to expedite geothermal energy development. The Ombudsman can assign personnel across BLM offices, offer retention bonuses up to 25% of base pay, and must report annually to Congress on permitting improvements.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates Geothermal Ombudsman position within BLM within 60 days of enactment
Establishes Geothermal Permitting Task Force headed by the Ombudsman
Ombudsman acts as liaison between field offices and BLM leadership
Authorizes cross-office personnel assignments to address permit backlogs
Allows retention allowances up to 25% of base pay for specialized staff
Requires annual congressional reporting on permitting effectiveness

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Geothermal energy developers will have a dedicated advocate within BLM to resolve permitting delays. BLM field offices gain access to specialized expertise from other offices. Federal employees with geothermal expertise may receive significant pay increases. Could accelerate renewable energy deployment on federal lands.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5631, 119th Congress (2025). "Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-5631