This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to conduct geothermal assessments for Puerto Rico. The USGS must consult with the Secretary of Energy and coordinate with relevant officials of Puerto Rico and institutions of higher education. The assessments must include enhanced geothermal systems, production of high-resolution maps and geospatial data, evaluations of groundwater vulnerability with attention to karst terrain and highly transmissive aquifers, and assessments of seismic hazards and induced seismicity risks tied to enhanced geothermal systems exploration and development. The USGS must submit a report to the House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee within one year of enactment and then every two years until the assessment is complete. Reports must cover status, coordination, preliminary results, obstacles, and planned next steps.
If you live in Puerto Rico or work in energy, water, or earth sciences, this bill directs federal scientists to produce more detailed maps and technical assessments about geothermal resources and related risks. Federal agencies will work with Puerto Rico officials and local universities. The bill focuses on studying potential resources and risks and requires regular reports to two congressional committees. No publicly available information in the bill text describes any changes to permitting, development requirements, or specific follow-up actions beyond the assessments and reports.
No publicly available information on costs, funding levels, or how the assessments will be paid for is included in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.