Interior Expedites Three Nevada Geothermal Projects Under Energy Emergency

The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched emergency permitting procedures to fast-track geothermal energy projects critical to national security and energy independence, following President Donald J. Trump's national energy emergency declaration. The new process reduces environmental assessment timelines from months or years to just 14 days, with full environmental impact statements completed within 28 days, significantly accelerating project approvals. Three geothermal projects in Nevada led by Ormat Technologies Inc. are the first to benefit from this streamlined review, including the Diamond Flat, McGinness Hills, and Pinto Geothermal Projects. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that geothermal energy is a reliable power source that supports critical infrastructure and advances American energy dominance while creating jobs. This initiative is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, which critics argue has delayed energy development. The expedited permitting aims to balance rapid renewable energy development with environmental protections to strengthen national security and support American workers.