H.R. 7568: Hot Rock Act
The bill titled "Hot Rock Act" aims to establish programs and requirements for the production of geothermal energy in the United States, specifically focusing on hot dry rock geothermal energy. Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:
Definitions
The bill provides definitions for several terms related to geothermal energy, such as:
- Geothermal energy: Energy derived from the natural heat of the Earth.
- Geothermal reservoir: An underground source of geothermal resource or deposit.
- Hot dry rock: Geothermal resources stored in rocks with limited natural permeability.
- Next-generation geothermal system: Engineered geothermal reservoir systems.
Research, Development, and Demonstration Programs
The bill proposes various programs to facilitate research and development in the field of hot dry rock geothermal energy:
- Research Grant Programs: Establishes grants for entities to research and develop high-temperature drilling technology, high-pressure sensing equipment, and properties of supercritical fluids.
- Field Research Sites: Authorizes the establishment of research sites to test and demonstrate hot dry rock geothermal projects.
- Milestone-Based Development Grants: Grants for achieving specific technological milestones in the development of geothermal projects.
Infrastructure and Staffing
The bill includes provisions for:
- Hiring more staff to support the research and development activities.
- Enhancing infrastructure related to geothermal energy through targeted funding.
Risk Monitoring and Workforce Training
The legislation mandates research on seismicity and thermal properties of rocks associated with geothermal projects and establishes a workforce training program. This program aims to prepare individuals for jobs in the geothermal energy sector, focusing on various engineering disciplines.
Federal Authority and Environmental Impact
The bill seeks to strengthen federal authorization processes associated with hot dry rock geothermal projects, including providing technical assistance and establishing categorical exclusions for certain exploration and confirmation activities related to geothermal energy.
Funding Authorization
The bill authorizes appropriations for various programs over the fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with specific allocations set for research, training, and infrastructure development related to geothermal energy projects.
Relevant Companies
- CNX (CNX Resources Corporation): This natural gas company may expand its portfolio into geothermal energy projects, especially if they relate to the hot dry rock geothermal systems being promoted by the bill.
- NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.): As a leading clean energy provider, NextEra may invest in or develop new geothermal energy capabilities in response to regulatory support from the bill.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Feb. 13, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Feb. 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. |
Corporate Lobbying
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