Bill · H.R. 10275· House(119-HR-10275)
Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/3/2026
- Last activity
- 9/3/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Pablo Hernández
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026 amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to perform geothermal assessments, including enhanced geothermal systems assessments, for Puerto Rico. This work involves the U.S. Geological Survey, the Secretary of Energy, Puerto Rican officials, and higher education institutions. The process includes creating high-resolution maps and analyzing risks like groundwater vulnerability and seismic hazards. The Secretary must provide reports on the progress and results of these assessments to Congress every two years.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+6
Directs federal resources toward exploring geothermal energy capacity in Puerto Rico.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+5
Directly benefits residents of Puerto Rico through energy exploration.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+5
Promotes geothermal energy as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
Requires government funding for the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct assessments.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Energy Assessment: The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct geothermal and enhanced geothermal systems assessments for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as stated in Section 2, subsection (d)(1).
-
Data Production: People may benefit from the production of high-resolution maps and supporting geospatial data mentioned in Section 2, subsection (d)(2)(A).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Groundwater Risks: The bill identifies potential groundwater vulnerability associated with enhanced geothermal systems exploration and development, specifically in karst terrain and highly transmissive aquifer systems, as noted in Section 2, subsection (d)(2)(B).
-
Seismic Risks: The bill notes the existence of seismic hazards and induced seismicity risks related to enhanced geothermal systems exploration and development in Section 2, subsection (d)(2)(C).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Business Owners+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Students+2Good For Union Workers+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Improves Rural Development+3Improves Environmental Protections+2Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+2Improves Public Land Management+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+1
- 9/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska