CSHB 135(RES) - Geothermal Resources

• Removes exemption for surface owner preference rights in geothermal prospecting permits and leases, allowing competitive bidding on all state lands.

• Changes geothermal prospecting permits to "licenses" with initial term extended from 2 to 5 years, renewable for one additional year, and eliminates requirement to prove commercial discovery before converting to a lease.

• Increases maximum acreage limit for geothermal leases from 51,200 to 100,000 acres per person or entity.

• Expands definition of "geothermal resources" to include naturally or artificially heated fluids and removes temperature thresholds, while clarifying exclusion of oil and hydrocarbon substances.

• Exempts domestic, noncommercial, and small-scale industrial uses of geothermal resources from licensing and lease requirements; takes effect July 1, 2022.