US HB398

Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to require geothermal lease applicants and holders to reimburse the U.S. for reasonable administrative costs related to processing applications, permitting, inspections, and monitoring activities

Cost-recovery authority is temporary, effective from enactment through September 30, 2032

Secretary may reduce reimbursement amounts if full payment would cause economic hardship to the applicant or if reduced fees would promote greater use of geothermal resources

Reimbursed funds are credited to Department of the Interior appropriations as discretionary offsetting collections for use in geothermal leasing and monitoring activities

Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within 5 years assessing the program's impact on BLM's geothermal program and providing reauthorization recommendations, developed in consultation with industry stakeholders