Why it matters:

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on Sept. 16 covering 24 bills on energy, water, public lands and related issues. The hearing examined proposed legislation to expedite geothermal exploration and development, and the White House said the HEATS Act would reduce permitting barriers to geothermal energy production.

The big picture:

Three witnesses appeared: Michael Bennet of the Senate, Alex Fitzsimmons of the Department of Energy and Sarah J. Ryker of the U.S. Geological Survey.

The agenda ranged from aquatic ecosystem restoration, multi-benefit watershed health projects and WaterSMART grants to geothermal exploration, hydropower licensing, wildfire suppression, public lands and geological mapping. One measure, S. 1568, would amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas.

The Bureau of Land Management authorized a categorical exclusion for geothermal development on federal lands in January 2025, and the White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy supporting the HEATS Act of 2026, H.R. 5587.

What they’re saying:

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the committee chair, opened the hearing by highlighting three bills he sponsored, including the Energy Efficiency Reform Act and the Liberating Incandescent Technologies Act.

Lee said current law requires the Energy Department to revisit efficiency standards every six years. He said his Energy Efficiency Reform Act would end that mandatory cycle while preserving public and industry petitions to change a standard.

The hearing also included proposed legislation on general service lamps. S. 2644 would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify those standards, while a July 2026 Energy Department proposal would rewrite the rules behind existing requirements.

Ryker, the USGS associate director for the Geology, Energy and Minerals Mission Area, appeared as a witness.

Political stakes:

The White House said the HEATS Act would reduce permitting barriers, while BLM guidance directed annual competitive geothermal lease sales.

The hearing also placed WaterSMART in the legislative spotlight. The president’s fiscal 2026 budget requested no WaterSMART funding, while the Bureau of Reclamation continued issuing grant opportunities, including for desalination construction projects.

The other side:

The hearing combined energy-conservation standards, Interior administrative proceedings, wildfire response, hydropower licensing, sequoia resiliency and water programs.

The record also contains competing views on related measures. The Save the Redwoods League applauded House passage of the Save Our Sequoias Act, while the Sierra Club argued the bill could do more harm than good.

What’s next:

The bottom line:

The September 16 hearing combined proposed legislation on geothermal energy, water programs, and public lands.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article