Bill · S. 4610· Senate(119-S-4610)
Pacific POWER Act
- Introduced
- 5/20/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 513.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Schatz
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources Act or the Pacific POWER Act. It directs the Secretary of State to promote the development and use of geothermal energy resources internationally, with a primary focus on the Indo-Pacific region. The legislation establishes an International Geothermal Program to foster public-private partnerships, research, and financial tools for geothermal exploration. Additionally, the bill requires the government to submit various reports and strategies to Congress regarding global geothermal resources and partner country selections. Finally, it authorizes technical and financial assistance, including grants, loans, and loan guarantees, for geothermal partners and United States companies.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+8
The bill mandates the creation of an International Geothermal Program to support research, exploration, and large-scale deployment of geothermal technologies.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+7
The bill prioritizes strengthening relationships with key allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific through geothermal diplomacy and cooperation.
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
The bill identifies export opportunities and investment opportunities for United States companies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4(a)(5)(A): This provision promotes early and consistent community engagement, including obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples and other communities. This is positive because it protects local populations and ensures that everyday people have a voice in projects that affect their land.
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Section 4(a)(5)(B): This section supports revenue sharing to create local economic benefits. This is a positive outcome for individuals living in areas with geothermal development because they can directly share in the financial rewards generated by these projects.
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Section 4(a)(5)(D): This provision focuses on the mitigation of seismic risk through real-time monitoring, operational guardrails, and engagement with impacted communities. This is a critical benefit for the safety and well-being of the public living near geothermal sites.
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Section 5(d)(5): This part of the bill helps identify opportunity zones where geothermal could meet industrial, heating and cooling, agricultural, and electricity needs. This provision can positively impact local economies and everyday individuals by lowering energy and operational costs for local needs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 4(a)(5)(D): While this section attempts to mitigate seismic risk, the explicit mention of mitigation of seismic risk indicates that geothermal exploration and development inherently carry risks related to earthquakes or earth tremors. This could be a burden or cause anxiety for individuals and communities living near project sites.
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Section 4(a)(5)(E): This provision calls for the mitigation of impacts to water resources, which explicitly acknowledges that geothermal projects pose potential negative risks or burdens to local water supplies that people rely on for daily life and agriculture.
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+6Good For Native Americans+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+8
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+7
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 513.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania