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Pacific POWER Act

USA119th CongressS-4610| Senate 
| Updated: 6/17/2026
Brian Schatz

Brian Schatz

Democratic Senator

Hawaii

Cosponsors (4)
Christopher A. Coons (Democratic)John R. Curtis (Republican)John Fetterman (Democratic)David McCormick (Republican)

Foreign Relations Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources Act or the Pacific POWER Act , aims to bolster energy security and advance United States foreign policy interests by promoting the development and use of geothermal resources, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It recognizes the energy vulnerabilities of allies and partners in the region and the potential of geothermal energy to mitigate these risks, while also countering the influence of competitors like the People's Republic of China. The Act mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to lead geothermal diplomacy efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally. These efforts include setting deployment goals, establishing learning forums, developing risk-sharing tools, and promoting regulatory reforms and best practices for geothermal development, such as community engagement and seismic risk mitigation. The Secretary is specifically directed to prioritize engagement with key Indo-Pacific nations like Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, and to utilize existing multilateral mechanisms like the Quad and the G7. A central provision is the establishment of an International Geothermal Program within one year of enactment. This program will involve public-private partnerships for geothermal exploration and development, focusing on next-generation technologies, resource characterization, workforce development, and financial incentives. Concurrently, the Secretary must select at least five "geothermal partners," including a minimum of three Indo-Pacific countries, one without commercial-scale geothermal, and one with significant expansion potential, based on a comprehensive assessment of global geothermal resources and national security interests. The Secretary will also pursue memoranda of understanding or other agreements with these selected partners. To ensure robust implementation, the Act requires the Secretary to establish an advisory mechanism to engage United States geothermal developers, manufacturers, and financial institutions, facilitating export opportunities and advising on technical standards and supply chains. The Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment will lead the Program's implementation, coordinating with relevant agencies and providing annual reports to Congress detailing activities, personnel, and assistance provided. The bill also authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support these initiatives, including technical and financial assistance to partners and U.S. companies.
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Timeline
May 20, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 20, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Jun 17, 2026
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  • May 20, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 20, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.


  • June 17, 2026
    Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Pacific POWER Act

USA119th CongressS-4610| Senate 
| Updated: 6/17/2026
This bill, known as the Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources Act or the Pacific POWER Act , aims to bolster energy security and advance United States foreign policy interests by promoting the development and use of geothermal resources, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It recognizes the energy vulnerabilities of allies and partners in the region and the potential of geothermal energy to mitigate these risks, while also countering the influence of competitors like the People's Republic of China. The Act mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to lead geothermal diplomacy efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally. These efforts include setting deployment goals, establishing learning forums, developing risk-sharing tools, and promoting regulatory reforms and best practices for geothermal development, such as community engagement and seismic risk mitigation. The Secretary is specifically directed to prioritize engagement with key Indo-Pacific nations like Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, and to utilize existing multilateral mechanisms like the Quad and the G7. A central provision is the establishment of an International Geothermal Program within one year of enactment. This program will involve public-private partnerships for geothermal exploration and development, focusing on next-generation technologies, resource characterization, workforce development, and financial incentives. Concurrently, the Secretary must select at least five "geothermal partners," including a minimum of three Indo-Pacific countries, one without commercial-scale geothermal, and one with significant expansion potential, based on a comprehensive assessment of global geothermal resources and national security interests. The Secretary will also pursue memoranda of understanding or other agreements with these selected partners. To ensure robust implementation, the Act requires the Secretary to establish an advisory mechanism to engage United States geothermal developers, manufacturers, and financial institutions, facilitating export opportunities and advising on technical standards and supply chains. The Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment will lead the Program's implementation, coordinating with relevant agencies and providing annual reports to Congress detailing activities, personnel, and assistance provided. The bill also authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support these initiatives, including technical and financial assistance to partners and U.S. companies.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 20, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 20, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Jun 17, 2026
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  • May 20, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 20, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.


  • June 17, 2026
    Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Brian Schatz

Brian Schatz

Democratic Senator

Hawaii

Cosponsors (4)
Christopher A. Coons (Democratic)John R. Curtis (Republican)John Fetterman (Democratic)David McCormick (Republican)

Foreign Relations Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted