Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Introduced
Summary
Extending federal geothermal assessments to Puerto Rico would direct the United States Geological Survey (USGS), in consultation with the Department of Energy and coordination with Puerto Rico officials and higher education institutions, to map geothermal resources and study groundwater and seismic risks tied to enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).
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- Families and communities: Would require assessments of groundwater vulnerability with special attention to karst terrain and other highly transmissive aquifers, and evaluations of seismic hazards and induced seismicity risks that could affect water supplies and public safety.
- Researchers and local institutions: Would create coordinated work with Puerto Rico officials and colleges to produce high-resolution maps and supporting geospatial data for geothermal resource planning.
- Energy planners and federal policymakers: Would task the USGS with reports to Congress not later than 1 year after enactment and biennially thereafter on status, preliminary results, obstacles, and next steps to inform potential EGS development and risk management.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Puerto Rico geothermal mapping and risk studies
This bill would direct the U.S. Geological Survey to study geothermal energy in Puerto Rico, including enhanced geothermal systems. The USGS would work with the Department of Energy, Puerto Rico officials, and local universities. The studies would make high-resolution maps, assess groundwater vulnerability in karst and other high-flow aquifers, and evaluate seismic hazards and risks of induced earthquakes from geothermal work. The USGS Director would report to the House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Energy Committee within 1 year and then every two years until the assessment is finished.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
PR • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
AK • R
Sponsored 9/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov