Improves Geothermal Energy Project Approvals

Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act This bill establishes a geothermal ombudsman and task force to oversee geothermal project permitting and authorizations on federal land. The Department of the Interior must appoint a geothermal ombudsman from within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The ombudsman must act as a liaison among different parts of BLM, provide dispute resolution services between BLM and geothermal project applicants, and facilitate permit processing in different BLM field offices regarding geothermal projects on federal land. The ombudsman must also lead the Geothermal Permitting Task Force established by this bill. The task force must support the ombudsman’s duties. Through the task force, the ombudsman may reassign employees from other Interior bureaus or offices to assist in the completion of geothermal authorizations. The ombudsman may pay a retention allowance to reassigned employees.

1. A Geothermal Ombudsman will be appointed to help streamline the approval process for geothermal energy projects. 2. The Ombudsman will resolve disputes between applicants and government offices handling geothermal permits. 3. A new Geothermal Permitting Task Force will support the Ombudsman in managing permit applications. 4. The Task Force will assign experts to assist with geothermal project approvals across different offices. 5. This initiative aims to promote the use of geothermal energy by making the permitting process more efficient.