A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, 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.
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 "Hot Rock Act" establishes various programs to advance the production of geothermal energy in the United States. It focuses on researching and developing "hot dry rock" and "next-generation" geothermal systems through various grant programs. The bill authorizes several research initiatives covering high-temperature equipment, supercritical fluids, and deep drilling methods. It also includes provisions for creating a field research site and a milestone-based development grant program. Additionally, the act mandates research into seismic activity and groundwater monitoring. Finally, it provides for workforce cross-training and technical assistance for federal authorizations.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +9
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill provides substantial authorized appropriations for research into high-temperature equipment, supercritical fluids, and geothermal systems.
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The bill authorizes significant funding for research, development, and demonstration of next-generation geothermal energy.
- Scored +6
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill promotes workforce training and specifically encourages participation from union members.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Development of New Energy Technologies: The bill aims to address scientific challenges to develop cost-competitive hot dry rock geothermal projects and a commercial-scale industry (Section 3(a)).
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Research and Technological Advancement: Eligible entities can receive grants to research high-temperature completions, sensing equipment, and the properties of supercritical fluids (Section 3(b)).
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Job Training and Workforce Transition: The Secretary of Labor will establish a workforce training program to provide classroom education, training, and apprenticeships in various engineering and geoscientific fields (Section 5(a) and 5(b)).
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Support for Specific Workers: The workforce program encourages participation from individuals in unions or energy communities and prioritizes those currently working in roles such as mechanical engineers, drilling engineers, and various technicians (Section 5(b) and 5(d)).
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Technical Assistance for Projects: The Secretary of Energy will provide technical assistance to the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service regarding federal authorizations for geothermal projects (Section 6(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Environmental and Geological Risks: The bill identifies the need to study seismicity, rock mechanics, and the impact of geothermal energy on rocks, which implies potential risks associated with these activities (Section 4(a)).
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Groundwater Concerns: The bill requires a program to monitor groundwater in areas affected by the testing and demonstration of hot dry rock geothermal technologies, indicating a potential risk to water safety (Section 4(a)).
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 union members be better off under this? — The bill promotes workforce training and specifically encourages participation from union members. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill fosters the growth of a new energy industry through research grants and technical assistance. Would students be better off under this? — The bill funds new training and educational pathways in geosciences and engineering through higher education partnerships. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The emphasis on engineering and technical training supports high-skilled, middle-income career paths. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Geothermal development often occurs in rural areas, potentially bringing new industry and jobs to those communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The workforce training program includes apprenticeships that can provide paths to stable employment.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill establishes workforce training, apprenticeships, and research programs to build a new geothermal energy industry. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The workforce training program explicitly encourages participation by individuals who are members of a union. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides research grants and technical assistance that could benefit private entities in the geothermal sector.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides substantial authorized appropriations for research into high-temperature equipment, supercritical fluids, and geothermal systems. Does this make college cost less? — The bill funds workforce training programs through agreements with institutions of higher education.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill authorizes significant funding for research, development, and demonstration of next-generation geothermal energy.
- 2/13/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Mark AmodeiRepublican · Nevada