HR 8790 United States House · 119th Congress

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act expands federal geothermal research to include advanced technologies like closed-loop and supercritical systems. It directs the Department of Energy to create a new research program, establish a center of excellence, and award grants for developing drilling equipment and materials needed for these systems. The bill also requires the creation of a public database for geothermal data and mandates periodic reports on water usage and the commercial potential of next-generation geothermal energy.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Jul 2026
House Passage
Jul 2026
Senate Passage
President
Introduced May 13, 2026 Last action Jul 21, 2026
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What changed between versions

Introduced in House Engrossed in House · 5 edits · Jul 20, 2026
MODERATE
The Engrossed version of HR 8790 makes several substantive changes to geothermal energy provisions. The term 'enhanced geothermal systems' is replaced with the broader term 'next-generation geothermal' throughout section 615, expanding the scope beyond traditional enhanced geothermal approaches. Additionally, the qualifier 'if practicable and technically feasible' is removed from two provisions requiring supercritical conditions capabilities, making those requirements less conditional.
SCOPE

The term 'enhanced geothermal systems' is replaced with 'next-generation geothermal' in section 615's heading and subsection (a), broadening the statutory scope to encompass a wider range of advanced geothermal technologies beyond just enhanced geothermal.

The phrase 'and closed-loop' is inserted after 'Enhanced' in the heading of section 615(b) and in the matter preceding paragraph (1), explicitly adding closed-loop systems as a named technology focus within the R&D program.

REQUIREMENT

In new paragraph (7) on FORGE site next-generation geothermal testing, the language 'if practicable and technically feasible, closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions' is replaced with simply 'in supercritical conditions,' removing both the feasibility qualifier and the specific limitation to closed-loop systems.

In new subsection (e)(1) on the next-generation geothermal R&D program, the same change is made: 'if practicable and technically feasible, closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions' is replaced with 'in supercritical conditions,' making the requirement unconditional and not limited to closed-loop technology.

TECHNICAL

Minor formatting and capitalization corrections throughout, including reorganization of sub-clause numbering under the memorandum of understanding provision and a capitalization fix from 'Next-Generation' to 'Next-generation.'

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Amendments
3
Jul 21, 2026
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
upper
Jul 20, 2026
Introduced
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4667-4668)
lower
Jul 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
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)
lower
Jul 20, 2026
Introduced
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
lower
Jul 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
lower
Jul 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-752, Part I.
lower
May 20, 2026
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
lower
May 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
lower
May 13, 2026
Committee
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.
lower
May 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors