Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (May 13, 2026)
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.
What just happenedJul 21, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateJul 21, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseJul 20, 2026
- Reported in HouseJul 16, 2026
- Introduced in HouseMay 13, 2026
- Jul 21, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Energy and Natural Resources Committee - Jul 20, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 20, 2026FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)
- Jul 20, 2026Floor8000
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)
- Jul 20, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8790.
- Jul 20, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4667-4670)
- Jul 20, 2026FloorH30300
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jul 16, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 655.
- Jul 16, 2026DischargeH12300
Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
Natural Resources Committee - Jul 16, 2026Committee5500
Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
Natural Resources Committee - Jul 16, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
Science, Space, and Technology Committee - Jul 16, 2026Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
Science, Space, and Technology Committee - May 20, 2026Committee
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Science, Space, and Technology Committee - May 20, 2026Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Science, Space, and Technology Committee - May 13, 2026IntroReferralH11100
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.
Natural Resources Committee - May 13, 2026IntroReferralH11100
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.
Science, Space, and Technology Committee - May 13, 2026IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- May 13, 2026IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House