H.R. 8036: Interagency Coordination in Export Controls Act of 2026

H.R. 8036, known as the Interagency Coordination in Export Controls Act of 2026, aims to enhance the process for leasing federal land for geothermal energy development. The bill requires the Department of the Interior to hold lease sales at least once a year in states where there are pending applications for geothermal leases. It mandates that all nominated parcels for geothermal development must be offered during these sales and stipulates that if a sale is canceled or delayed, a replacement sale must occur within the same year. Additionally, the bill sets deadlines for the Department of the Interior to respond to applications for geothermal drilling permits.

Supporters of H.R. 8036 have praised the bill for its potential to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal energy. They argue that by increasing the frequency of lease sales and streamlining the permitting process, the bill could lead to greater energy independence and job creation in the renewable energy sector. Environmental groups have also expressed optimism, noting that geothermal energy can provide a stable and clean energy source.

Critics of H.R. 8036 have raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts of increased geothermal drilling on federal lands. Some argue that the expedited lease sales could lead to inadequate assessments of ecological consequences and harm to local ecosystems. Additionally, there are fears that the focus on geothermal energy might divert attention and resources away from other renewable energy initiatives, such as solar and wind power.

Based on the available data, there appears to be a low risk of conflicts of interest between the sponsor's donors and the bill's subject matter. The sponsor, James Baird, does not have direct industry overlaps with the bill's subject matter. The lobbying activity in the bill's policy area does not directly correlate with the sponsor's top donor industries. The disclosed amounts from lobbying groups, such as Verano Holdings LLC ($70,000), Private Care Association Inc ($10,000), and College of Healthcare Information Management Executives ($30,000), do not directly link to the sponsor's top donors. Therefore, it is unlikely that the sponsor's decision-making process was influenced by these groups. However, the undisclosed amounts from several lobbying groups could potentially raise concerns about transparency in the legislative process.

Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.

Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026