Effect of pending civil actions on processing applications relating to geothermal leasing

Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003) (as amended by section 2223(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Effect of pending civil actions on processing applications relating to geothermal leasing (1) Definition of authorization In this subsection, the term authorization means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by a Federal agency, or any interagency consultation, that is required or authorized under Federal law (including regulations) in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operation of a geothermal project administered by a Federal agency. (2) Requirement to process applications Notwithstanding any pending civil action that affects an application for a geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or any other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease, the Secretary shall, unless a Federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the applicable geothermal lease, geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or other authorization, approve and issue, or deny, each such application not later than 60 days after completing all requirements under applicable Federal laws (including regulations), including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code. (3) No new authority for Federal courts Nothing in this subsection modifies any existing authority of a Federal court to vacate or provide injunctive relief for a geothermal lease, geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or other authorization..