Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
Introduced May 13, 2026 by Rep. Pat Harrigan
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
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.
Read the full summary on Congress.govSummary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Jul 21, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Jul 20, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 20, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)
- Jul 20, 2026Passed/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)
- Jul 20, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8790.
- Jul 20, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4667-4670)
- Jul 20, 2026Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jul 16, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 655.
- Jul 16, 2026Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
- Jul 16, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
- May 20, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- May 20, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- May 13, 2026Referred 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.
- May 13, 2026Introduced in House