Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8790) to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 8790
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act''. SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.
(a) In General.--The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140) is amended--
(1) in section 612 (42 U.S.C. 17191; relating to definitions)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (10), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph:
``(1) Closed-loop geothermal systems.--The term `closed- loop geothermal systems' means a wellbore or subsurface circuit of wellbores containing a fluid heated through contact with the borehole wall.'';
(C) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph:
``(9) Next-generation geothermal systems.--The term `next- generation geothermal systems' means--
``(A) enhanced geothermal systems;
``(B) closed-loop geothermal systems;
``(C) in supercritical conditions--
``(i) enhanced geothermal systems; or
``(ii) closed-loop geothermal systems; and
``(D) other innovative energy technologies.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) Supercritical geothermal.--The term `supercritical geothermal' means energy derived from a subsurface rock resource in-situ existing at or above the supercritical conditions, whether relating to temperature or pressure, of the primary fluid present.'';
(2) in section 613(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 17192(b)(1); relating to hydrothermal research and development), by striking ``advanced geologic tools to assist'' and inserting ``advanced tools, including machine learning algorithms, to assist'';
(3) in section 614 (42 U.S.C. 17193; relating to general geothermal systems research and development)--
(A) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,'' and inserting ``across the Department''; and
(B) in subsection (h)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations,'' after ``geothermal drilling information''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(C) Updates.--The repository established under paragraph (1) shall be periodically updated in order to carry out the following:
``(i) Standardize data in a uniform manner to the maximum extent practicable and enable analysis across different projects.
``(ii) Enhance the accessibility and usability of data to increase analysis of geothermal energy and next-generation geothermal systems on regional, local, and site-specific scales.
``(iii) Increase uses of data, including data viewable by map and organization by common attributes, such as region.
``(iv) Make other improvements in functionality and usability, as determined by the Secretary.
``(D) Memorandum of understanding.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior, and with the heads of other relevant Federal departments, for notifying, sharing, and providing opportunities for additional data collection regarding shared geothermal development data from projects funded by the Department of the Interior and each such other relevant department, including data from mining, critical minerals, and energy projects, such as subsurface heat data, seismic data, lithology data, boundaries of State and federally protected areas, and existing transmission capacity.
``(ii) Prioritization.--To the maximum extent practicable, activities conducted pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under clause (i) shall prioritize heat, lithology, and strain profiles through deep exploration boreholes and control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.
``(E) Regional data probes.--The Secretary of the Interior may, in consultation with the Secretary, commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces in the United States to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development. The resulting data shall include an exploration of heat, lithology, and strain profiles, and shall be shared publicly on the repository established under paragraph (1).
``(F) Study on site selection characteristics for supercritical geothermal.--The Secretary of the Interior shall, in consultation with the Secretary, conduct a study on site selection characteristics in representative geological provinces in the United States, including the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for supercritical geothermal.'';
(4) in section 615 (42 U.S.C. 17194; relating to enhanced geothermal systems research and development)--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``enhanced'' and inserting ``next-generation'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``enhanced'' and inserting ``next-generation'';
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the heading, by inserting ``and Closed-loop'' after ``Enhanced'';
(ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``and closed-loop'' after ``enhanced'';
(iii) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(iv) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(13) the research topics specified in subparagraphs (1) through (12) in supercritical conditions.'';
(D) in subsection (c)--
(i) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
``(7) Next-generation geothermal testing.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that at least one FORGE site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing, including in supercritical conditions.''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(e) Next-generation Geothermal Research and Development Program.--
``(1) In general.--Within the Geothermal Technologies Office of the Department, the Secretary shall support a program of next-generation geothermal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities, including in supercritical conditions.
``(2) Focus areas.--
``(A) In general.--The program described in paragraph (1) shall focus on the following topics:
``(i) Well completion.
``(ii) Permeability creation and management, including proppants and packers.
``(iii) Materials development and equipment design, including power production, specific to supercritical geothermal systems.
``(iv) Sensor development.
``(v) Water-rock geochemistry.
``(vi) Rock properties.
``(vii) Hard rock and deep drilling.
``(viii) Any other topics the Secretary determines necessary.
``(B) Prioritization.--In carrying out next-generation geothermal research under the program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize projects best able to produce iterative data for deep drilling projects in unique geodynamic settings on the following topics:
``(i) Characterization and crustal stress.
``(ii) Lab work.
``(iii) Drilling.
``(iv) Stimulation.
``(v) Power production.
``(C) Administration.--The Secretary may administer grants to institutions of higher education and private sector entities to carry out activities on the topics specified in subparagraph (A) and, to the maximum extent practicable, share data, results, and information publicly.
``(3) Report on water use.--Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the following:
``(A) Water use and estimated needs of enhanced geothermal systems.
``(B) Water use and estimated needs for closed-loop, and next-generation geothermal energy production.
``(C) The ability of next-generation geothermal systems to use brackish and nonpotable water.
``(D) The withdrawal and consumption of water per megawatt hour of next-generation geothermal systems, as compared to other power-generation technologies.
``(E) Technological and operational improvements that could lead to decreases in water withdrawal and consumption of next-generation geothermal systems.
``(4) Next-generation geothermal center of excellence.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall award grants through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, to National Laboratories (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)), multi- institutional collaborations, public-private partnerships, or institutes of higher education (or consortia thereof) for the following:
``(i) The continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites, including activities in supercritical conditions.
``(ii) The establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence.
``(B) Location.--In selecting National Laboratories, multi- institutional collaborations, public-private partnerships, or institutions of higher education (or a consortia thereof) for a center of excellence referred to in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the following criteria:
``(i) Whether the entity hosts an existing geothermal energy research and development program.
``(ii) Whether the entity has proven technical expertise to support geothermal energy research.
``(iii) Whether the entity has access to geothermal resources.
``(C) Purpose.--The center of excellence referred to in subparagraph (A) shall coordinate among existing FORGE sites, the Department, and National Laboratories to carry out the following:
``(i) Advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of next-generation geothermal energy technologies, including supercritical geothermal technologies, in response to industry and commercial needs, including by partnering with other academic or research institutions, industry, non-governmental organizations, and State, local, or Tribal governments.
``(ii) Foster collaboration for education, research, and partnership initiatives in order to support the technology, deployment, and workforce needs of the United States geothermal energy industry, including a focus on next- generation geothermal systems.
``(iii) Support workforce development across the next- generation geothermal systems energy development lifecycle.
``(iv) Provide educational, technical, and analytical assistance on next-generation geothermal systems to Federal agencies, industry, and State, local, and Tribal governments.
``(v) Collect and disseminate information on best practices in all areas relating to developing and managing geothermal energy resources and energy systems, including next- generation geothermal systems.
``(5) Commercial-readiness innovation grants.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies identified as areas for improving the performance of commercial geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems.
``(B) Focus areas.--Grants may be awarded under this paragraph for innovative technologies, including the following:
``(i) Hardrock drilling equipment, components, and systems, including bit design and vibration control.
``(ii) Reservoir characterization, well design and spacing, and completions.
``(iii) Data acquisition and analysis, including fiber optic sensing tools and methodologies.
``(C) Applications.--
``(i) In general.--An entity seeking a grant under this paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(ii) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to the following:
``(I) Applicants, including for-profit entities and public- private partnerships, with demonstrated expertise relating to in-field development and commercial operations for geothermal energy projects.
``(II) Projects with the greatest ability to advance near- term commercial deployment of enhanced geothermal systems and closed-loop geothermal systems.
``(III) Projects that advance the commercialization of geothermal energy projects in diverse geological conditions or supercritical conditions.
``(D) Cost sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under this paragraph shall be not more than 80 percent.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Such amounts shall be derived from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department.''; and
(5) in section 617 (42 U.S.C. 17196; relating to organization and administration of programs)--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on Science, Space, and Technology''; and
(B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that contains the following:
``(1) A description of the maximum potential of geothermal resources in the United States, including a consideration of next-generation geothermal systems.
``(2) Information relating to the results of projects undertaken under this section.
``(3) An assessment of the barriers to commercialization of next-generation geothermal technologies.
``(4) Such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate.''.
(b) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (30 U.S.C. 1028) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``quadrennially'' before ``update'';
(ii) in paragraph (1)(D)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) to the maximum extent practicable, by assessing regions of the United States, including the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with significant potential for supercritical geothermal (as such term is defined in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191)).''; and
(B) by striking subsection (d).
(2) First update.--The first quadrennial update to the geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States Geological Survey under subsection (c) of section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended by paragraph (1), shall be completed by not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is amended by amending the item relating to section 615 to read as follows: ``Sec. 615. Next-generation geothermal systems research and development.''.
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Mr. BABIN. 8790, the bill that is now under consideration.
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Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Harrigan and Salinas.
This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include novel geothermal approaches and directs the Department of Energy to support these baseload energy-producing technologies.
Thanks to breakthroughs in drilling methods pioneered by the oil-and- gas sector, we can now drill deeper and increase rock permeability.
As a result, regions of the United States that were once unable to support baseload geothermal electricity generation are now viable for power production.
This comes at an important time as we race to connect baseload energy to the grid to ensure that we have both reliable power and the grid stability needed to support continued economic growth and technological advancement.
The bill directs the Department of Energy to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior to facilitate the sharing of geothermal data and to improve understanding of the subsurface.
This legislation also provides a critical update to the Department of the Interior's drilling data repository by including additional data sources, periodic updates, and standardized data to enhance its overall functionality and usability.
Curating data from public lands gives the government, academia, and industry a better understanding of the subsurface and the resources beneath our feet.
This bill also builds upon the success of the Department of Energy's Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, or FORGE, by requiring next-generation geothermal testing at one or more additional FORGE sites, if deemed necessary by the Department of Energy.
Research conducted at FORGE has provided clear evidence that, through innovative drilling, next-generation geothermal systems can be used to generate power.
The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act authorizes the Department of Energy to foster this emerging industry by awarding grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies that improve the performance of next-generation geothermal energy projects.
Madam Speaker, I will express my appreciation for the work of Representatives Harrigan and Salinas on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, July 13, 2026. Hon. Brian Babin, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Babin: I write concerning H.R. 8790, the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act'', which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered reported on May 20, 2026.
There are certain provisions of H.R. 8790 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources. I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this legislation before the House of Representatives in an expeditious manner, and accordingly agree that the Committee on Natural Resources shall be discharged from further consideration of the bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual understanding that by the forgoing consideration of H.R. 8790 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation that falls within the Committee on Natural Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also request that the Committee on Natural Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also request that the Committee on Natural Resources be appropriately consulted and involved on this or similar legislation as it moves forward. Further, this does not prejudice the Committee on Natural Resources with respect to the appointment of conferees, and should a conference on the bill be necessary, I appreciate your agreement to support my request to have the Committee represented on the conference committee.
Finally, I would ask that a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Natural Resources in the bill be included in the Committee Report and Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 8790 on the House floor. Sincerely, Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. ____ Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, July 14, 2026. Hon. Bruce Westerman Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Westerman: I write concerning H.R. 8790, the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act'', which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered reported on May 20, 2026.
I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources and appreciate your willingness to forgo further consideration of the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee on Natural Resources will not formally consider H.R. 8790 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained therein.
I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill and will include such letters in the Committee report on H.R. 8790. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation. Sincerely, Brian Babin, D.D.S., Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
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Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harrigan).
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Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Madam Speaker, the need for the United States to increase reliable baseload energy is very clear.
To help meet this demand, the House has recently passed multiple bills to accelerate the development of geothermal energy. This legislation builds on those efforts and will help geothermal play an even greater role in meeting our Nation's energy needs.
H.R. 8790 authorizes and directs the Department of Energy to support the research and development of next-generation geothermal technologies, helping ensure that American leadership in this emerging industry remains number one.
Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Harrigan for his leadership on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this simple bipartisan measure.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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