What does Preamble of Pacific POWER Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to promote the development and use of geothermal resources in the Pacific, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Pacific POWER Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Pacific POWER Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Appropriate committees of Congress” are specified as certain committees in the Senate and House of Representatives. “Direct use” is defined by reference to section 616A of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. “Geothermal partners” are defined as allies and partners selected under section 6. “Next-generation geothermal” refers to technologies with the potential to significantly expand geothermal power production, including enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop systems, systems utilizing supercritical temperatures, and other innovative technologies. “Relevant United States agencies” includes multiple federal departments and agencies. “Secretary” is defined as the Secretary of State.

What does FINDINGS. of Pacific POWER Act do?

This section outlines findings related to U.S. energy security and the energy vulnerabilities of allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The National Security Strategy prioritizes a robust U.S. energy sector and expanding net energy exports to strengthen relationships and project power. Several allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific face energy security vulnerabilities that could impact U.S. national security decisions. Taiwan's reliance on energy imports and vulnerability to blockade poses a direct threat to U.S. military operations. China's dominance in key grid components and global energy systems raises national security concerns. China is a leading consumer of geothermal energy and is actively developing geothermal technology. Key allies in the Indo-Pacific possess geothermal resources that could mitigate their energy vulnerabilities. Geothermal energy has the potential to meet a significant portion of global electricity demand and is a dispatchable power source. Policy support and investment in geothermal energy are currently lacking compared to other energy sources. The United States leads the world in geothermal electricity generation and possesses the resources and expertise to assist allies in developing geothermal energy.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Pacific POWER Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the Indo-Pacific region's importance to U.S. national security and economic interests. Congress believes strengthening relationships with regional allies and partners is necessary to achieve U.S. foreign and national security objectives. The United States should expand engagement with allies and partners on geothermal energy through commercial partnerships and technical assistance. The section encourages prioritizing bilateral agreements on geothermal energy with key allies and partners to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security interests.

What does GEOTHERMAL DIPLOMACY. of Pacific POWER Act do?

This section directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to advance geothermal energy internationally. The Secretary is tasked with developing goals to increase geothermal deployment for electricity and direct use applications. The section emphasizes the importance of community engagement, including obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples. It calls for risk-sharing and financial tools for geothermal exploration and development. The Secretary shall prioritize engagement with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically listing Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The Secretary is also directed to utilize existing multilateral mechanisms to advance cooperation on geothermal energy.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL GEOTHERMAL PROGRAM AND COUNTRY of Pacific POWER Act do?

This section establishes the International Geothermal Program (the “Program”) for international collaboration on geothermal exploration and development. The Secretary is required to develop and submit a report within 180 days of enactment assessing global geothermal resources and identifying countries beneficial to U.S. national security and economic interests. The report must consider factors such as existing geothermal generation, subsurface data, regulatory conditions, and workforce availability. The Program will include public-private partnerships to support large-scale geothermal deployment, research, resource exploration, and workforce development. At least five geothermal partners must be selected, including countries in the Indo-Pacific and those with significant potential for geothermal expansion. The Secretary will pursue agreements with selected countries to implement the Program. An advisory mechanism will be established to engage private sector and nonprofit organizations in the Program’s implementation.

What does IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL GEOTHERMAL PROGRAM. of Pacific POWER Act do?

This section outlines the implementation of the International Geothermal Program established in section 6. The Secretary must submit a strategy to congressional committees within 180 days of the Program's establishment, detailing how the United States will advance geothermal energy with partner countries. The strategy must include estimated personnel and assistance resources, and identify opportunities for supporting regional partnerships, strengthening supply chains, leveraging financing tools, and conducting feasibility studies. Implementation of the Program will be led by the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, coordinated with other offices. An annual report is required, summarizing U.S. activities, changes to the strategy, personnel assignments, and assistance provided. The Secretary is authorized to provide grants, loans, and other assistance to geothermal partners and U.S. companies. The Under Secretary must convene relevant agencies and an advisory group and brief Congress at least twice per year. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 to 2031 to carry out section 6. The Secretary has the authority to transfer funds to other U.S. agencies if deemed necessary, with notification to Congress.

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Pacific POWER Act

Last updated: 6/17/2026 · Introduced: 5/20/2026

Author: Brian Schatz (D-HI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the International Geothermal Program to foster collaboration with international partners on geothermal energy exploration and development, prioritizing countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, is directed to advance geothermal energy internationally by developing goals for deployment and engaging with allies and partners.
The bill mandates a report assessing global geothermal resources and identifying countries beneficial to U.S. national security and economic interests, considering factors like existing generation and regulatory conditions.
The program will utilize public-private partnerships to support large-scale geothermal deployment, research, resource exploration, and workforce development within partner countries.
The bill authorizes appropriations from fiscal years 2027 to 2031 to fund the International Geothermal Program and related activities, including grants, loans, and technical assistance.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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