Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. 4406 Introduced in Senate (IS)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 4406 To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2026 Ms. Cortez Masto (for herself and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act''. SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY. (a) EISA Definitions.--Section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (8) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (12), respectively; (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(1) Closed-loop geothermal systems.--The term `closed- loop geothermal systems' means a wellbore or subsurface circuit of wellbores containing a fluid heated through contact with the borehole wall.''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(9) Next-generation geothermal systems.--The term `next- generation geothermal systems' means-- ``(A) enhanced geothermal systems; ``(B) closed-loop g