Pablo Hernández (D-PR)
Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +6
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
Directs federal resources toward exploring geothermal energy capacity in Puerto Rico.
- Scored +5
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?
Directly benefits residents of Puerto Rico through energy exploration.
- Scored +5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Promotes geothermal energy as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
Requires government funding for the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct assessments.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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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).
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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
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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).
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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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Directly benefits residents of Puerto Rico through energy exploration. Would business owners be better off under this? — Creates opportunities for energy development and infrastructure businesses. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Energy infrastructure often brings development to rural areas. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Potential for cheaper, more stable energy in the long term. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Potential for cheaper, more stable energy in the long term. Would students be better off under this? — Involves institutions of higher education in the assessment process. Would union members be better off under this? — Potential for energy-sector union jobs in construction and maintenance.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Directs federal resources toward exploring geothermal energy capacity in Puerto Rico. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Promotes geothermal energy as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Does this invest in rural communities? — Energy development can stimulate growth in rural areas of Puerto Rico. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Requires specific assessments of groundwater vulnerability and seismic risks. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — Potential to shift energy reliance away from fossil fuels. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Provides high-resolution geospatial data for land management.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Promotes energy independence and new energy infrastructure for Puerto Rico. Is this likely to create jobs? — Potential for future job growth in the geothermal energy sector in Puerto Rico. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — Requires government funding for the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct assessments.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Funds scientific assessments and high-resolution mapping through the USGS.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires biennial progress reports to be submitted to Congress. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands the mandate of the Secretary of the Interior.
- 9/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska