H.R. 10275: Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026

This bill would direct the federal government to do more detailed studies of geothermal energy potential in Puerto Rico.

What it changes

It amends an existing law so that the U.S. Geological Survey, under the Department of the Interior and working with the Department of Energy, would be required to conduct geothermal assessments for Puerto Rico. These assessments would include enhanced geothermal systems, which are a type of geothermal energy development that may involve more advanced drilling and engineering than traditional geothermal projects.

What the assessments would include

• High-resolution maps and related geospatial data to better identify geothermal resources.

• Groundwater vulnerability studies, especially in karst terrain and other aquifer systems that let water move through rock more easily.

• Seismic hazard and induced seismicity studies to examine earthquake-related risks that could be associated with geothermal exploration and development.

How the work would be carried out

The Secretary of the Interior would carry out the assessments through the U.S. Geological Survey, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy. The law would also require coordination with Puerto Rico officials and institutions of higher education.

Reporting requirements

The bill would require federal reports to Congress:

• within 1 year after enactment, and

• every 2 years after that until the assessment is completed.

These reports would need to cover the status of the work, how coordination is going, any preliminary findings, any obstacles, and the next steps.

Bottom line

In practical terms, the bill would not itself build geothermal projects or approve energy development. Instead, it would require federal agencies to study Puerto Rico’s geothermal potential more thoroughly, including environmental and seismic risks, and to keep Congress updated on the progress.

Relevant Companies

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