House Republican leaders push bills to cut red tape, expand geothermal and ease federal mandates

Republican leaders told reporters they will press the House this week to approve a package of bills aimed at cutting regulatory hurdles and expanding domestic energy production. Speaker (role: Speaker) said the House would "pass 2 pieces of legislation that are gonna build specifically on president Trump's work to restore America's energy dominance" and described measures to remove permitting barriers for geothermal and to roll back an "outdated and inefficient green energy mandate on federal buildings."

Republican Leader (role: Republican Leader) described five bills the conference planned to bring to the floor, including the Fire Act, amendments to the Endangered Species Act and other measures he said would "streamline and clarify environmental regulations" and reduce costs for housing and energy projects. ‘‘If you look at Clay Fuller’s resolution,’’ the leader said, the conference aimed to "stand up for rural communities."

A separate Republican lawmaker also touted recent increases in drilling and permitting, saying the majority had "approved nearly 6,000 permits" and framed the agenda as part of a broader drive to return to domestic energy production and to guard national security. Supporters argued the HEATS Act would unlock geothermal development by removing perceived permitting obstacles, while the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act would change federal procurement and building mandates on military and civilian properties.

Democratic views, legal analyses and potential amendments were not recorded in the transcript; no votes were announced during the briefing. The House leadership said these items will be taken up on the floor in the coming days.