The Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 aims to boost geothermal energy development on federal land by requiring the Department of the Interior to hold lease sales at least once a year for states with pending nominations. This is an increase from the previous requirement of every two years. The Department must offer all nominated parcels for lease and conduct replacement sales if any are canceled or delayed. Additionally, the bill sets deadlines for responding to applications for geothermal drilling permits.
Supporters of the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 have praised it as a significant step toward enhancing energy independence and promoting renewable energy sources. They argue that increasing geothermal energy development will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to a cleaner environment. The bill has been highlighted as a proactive measure to address energy needs while supporting domestic resource utilization.
Critics of the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 have raised concerns about potential environmental impacts associated with increased geothermal energy development. Some environmental groups argue that expedited lease sales and drilling permits could lead to insufficient oversight and harm to ecosystems. Additionally, there are worries that the focus on geothermal energy might divert attention and resources away from other renewable energy sources.
The risk of conflict of interest in this case is low. There are no direct overlaps detected between the bill's subject matter and the top donor industries of the sponsor, Jefferson Shreve. The bill, H.R. 1501, is focused on protecting domestic mining, but none of Shreve's top donors are directly linked to the mining industry. However, there is lobbying activity in this bill's policy area from various organizations. The disclosed amounts include $70,000 from Verano Holdings LLC, $10,000 from Private Care Association Inc, and $30,000 from College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. The total disclosed amount from these lobbying activities is $110,000. It's important to note that while these organizations have lobbied in the policy area of the bill, there is no direct evidence linking these funds to the sponsor or the bill itself.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN RIVERS ACTION FUND | AMERICAN RIVERS ACTION FUND | $120,000 |
| VERANO HOLDINGS LLC | VERANO HOLDINGS LLC | $70,000 |
| COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES | COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES | $30,000 |
| WINDOW COVERING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION | NORTHSTAR EK LLC | $30,000 |
| SHINE TECHNOLOGIES | NORTHSTAR EK LLC | $30,000 |
| PRIVATE CARE ASSOCIATION INC | HOLLRAH LLC | $10,000 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS AND ADVISORS | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS AND ADVISORS | undisclosed |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKFORCE BOARDS | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKFORCE BOARDS | undisclosed |
| MYSTERY SHOPPING PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. | HOLLRAH LLC | undisclosed |
| COALITION TO PRESERVE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS | HOLLRAH LLC | undisclosed |
| TOBACCO-FREE KIDS ACTION FUND | SACHS MEDIA. INC. | undisclosed |
| NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY | THE NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY | undisclosed |
| SYENSQO USA LLC | RIDGELINE ADVOCACY GROUP LLC | undisclosed |
| PUEBLO OF JEMEZ | DENTONS US LLP | undisclosed |
| INVIVYD, INC. | KING & SPALDING LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
