Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
U.S. Congress · HR8790 ·
Progression
Timing in context
Primary sponsor's contributions received (same period)
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What the bill says
Introduced 2026-05-13. Latest action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Summary (plain-language)
Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of next-generation geothermal systems, such as closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions. Specifically, the bill expands the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to modify and establish geothermal energy programs, such as programs concerning research and development, grants, and data management. DOE must support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for next-generation geothermal systems. DOE may administer grants for carrying out certain focus areas of the program. DOE must also ensure that at least one Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) field research site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing. Additionally, DOE must provide grants for (1) the continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites; and (2) the establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence. DOE must also provide grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies to improve the commercial-readiness of geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems. DOE must expand its repository of geothermal drilling information to include publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations. DOE must also periodically update the repository to improve its functionality and usability. The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in certain areas to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.
Sponsors
- Pat Harrigan (primary)
- Andrea Salinas
Text versions
What analysts say
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What politicians say
No linked claims or utterances yet — no one on record has cited this measure to justify a public argument.
Action History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 2026-07-21 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. |
| 2026-07-20 | Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 2026-07-20 | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4667-4670) |
| 2026-07-20 | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8790. |
| 2026-07-20 | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668) |
| 2026-07-20 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668) |
| 2026-07-20 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 2026-07-16 | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I. |
| 2026-07-16 | Committee on Natural Resources discharged. |
| 2026-07-16 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 655. |
| 2026-05-20 | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| 2026-05-20 | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. |
| 2026-05-13 | Introduced in House |
| 2026-05-13 | Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |