Bill · S. 4406· Senate(119-S-4406)
Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act
- Introduced
- 4/28/2026
- Last activity
- 9/30/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Sponsored by
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act," aims to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. It directs research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities for next-generation geothermal systems, including enhanced and closed-loop systems. The legislation focuses on various conditions, such as supercritical geothermal environments. It establishes a "Next-Generation Research and Development Program" and a "center of excellence" to coordinate research efforts. Additionally, the bill authorizes significant funding and directs the creation of a data repository to improve geothermal energy analysis.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
The bill directs substantial funding toward research into supercritical geothermal conditions and advanced drilling technologies.
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+7
The bill authorizes significant funding for the research, development, and demonstration of next-generation geothermal systems.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill provides various grants and incentives for private sector entities to innovate in geothermal technologies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Research and Technology: The bill establishes a "Next-Generation Research and Development Program" and a "center of excellence" to advance technologies like supercritical geothermal systems (Section 2(c)(4)). This can drive the development of new energy resources.
-
Economic and Workforce Support: The creation of a center of excellence is intended to support workforce development across the geothermal energy development lifecycle and foster partnership initiatives (Section 2(c)(4)(A)(iii)).
-
Improved Data Accessibility: The bill directs the creation of a repository to standardize and enhance the accessibility of geothermal drilling information, including data from mining and energy projects (Section 2(c)(h)). This can help analyze geothermal energy on regional and local scales (Section 2(c)(h)).
-
Innovation Through Grants: The Secretary is directed to award various grants, including milestone-based grants for deep drilling and commercial-readiness innovation grants, to accelerate the implementation of new technologies (Section 2(c)(5) and Section 2(c)(e)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Water Consumption Concerns: The bill acknowledges a need to study the environmental impact of these systems, specifically requiring a report on the estimated water withdrawal and consumption of next-generation geothermal systems (Section 2(c)(3)).
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 Business Owners+5Good For Union Workers+4Good For Native Americans+3Good For Rural Residents+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+8Improves College Affordability+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+7Improves Rural Development+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+4
- 9/30/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 4/28/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska