H.R. 8790 Passed the House Energy

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10] Introduced May 13, 2026 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action July 21, 2026

Summary

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. 

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jul 21, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  2. Jul 20, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Jul 20, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)
  4. Jul 20, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8790.
  5. Jul 20, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4667-4670)
  6. Jul 20, 2026 Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  7. Jul 16, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 655.
  8. Jul 16, 2026 Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
  9. Jul 16, 2026 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
  10. May 20, 2026 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
  11. May 20, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  12. May 13, 2026 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.

Congressional and federal records come from official public sources: the House Clerk, the U.S. Senate, GovInfo and the Library of Congress (bill status), the Federal Register, and the congress-legislators project. They are copied on a schedule and may lag the official record by a few hours; the official sources govern. News and coverage counts are drawn from the 4Search index and reflect what the press published, not 4Search's views. Nothing here is an endorsement of any candidate, party or position. Terms of use.