Pacific POWER Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4610
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T16:59:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security interests by promoting geothermal energy development and use, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. It seeks to strengthen alliances, reduce partner countries' reliance on energy exports from adversaries such as China, and create export opportunities for U.S. companies.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Establishes terms including "next-generation geothermal" (covering enhanced systems, closed-loop systems, and supercritical heat technologies), "geothermal partners," and lists relevant U.S. agencies such as the Departments of Energy, State, and Commerce, plus financing entities like the Export-Import Bank.
- Findings and Sense of Congress: Highlights energy vulnerabilities in the Indo-Pacific, China's dominance in certain energy technologies, and the U.S. leadership in geothermal power; emphasizes the need for bilateral agreements and partnerships to support regional stability.
- Geothermal Diplomacy: Directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to pursue bilateral and multilateral cooperation on goals like increasing geothermal deployment, risk-sharing tools, regulatory reforms, and standards for community engagement and environmental protection. Prioritizes engagement with specific Indo-Pacific countries including Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
- International Geothermal Program: Requires an assessment report within 180 days on global resources and beneficial locations, followed by program establishment within one year. The program supports public-private partnerships for exploration, research, workforce development, and financial tools. At least five geothermal partners must be selected, including at least three from the Indo-Pacific, one without current commercial-scale geothermal use, and one with expansion potential.
- Implementation: Mandates a strategy report, annual updates, technical and financial assistance coordination, and twice-yearly briefings to Congress. Authorizes appropriations as needed for fiscal years 2027–2031, with transfer authority to other agencies. An advisory mechanism engages U.S. private sector and nonprofit entities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The Act creates new authorities and programs without repealing or substantially amending prior statutes. It builds on existing frameworks like the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by adding geothermal-specific diplomacy and financing mechanisms. It introduces requirements for assessments, partner selection, and interagency coordination that expand the State Department's role in energy policy.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Department of State (led by the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment) and requires coordination with the Department of Energy and financing agencies; may involve new personnel assignments and resource transfers.
- Citizens: Could indirectly affect U.S. taxpayers through authorized funding and create economic opportunities via exports and supply chain development; partner countries may see local benefits from revenue sharing and community standards.
- International Relations: Strengthens ties with Indo-Pacific allies through memoranda of understanding and multilateral forums like the Quad; aims to counter Chinese influence in energy markets while promoting U.S. technology exports.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. federal agencies (State, Energy, Commerce, Treasury, and development finance institutions).
- Selected geothermal partner countries and their governments.
- U.S. geothermal developers, manufacturers, and financial institutions.
- Indigenous Peoples and local communities in partner countries (due to consent and engagement requirements).
- Multilateral organizations such as the International Energy Agency and Pacific Community.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill emphasizes foreign policy execution through executive agreements and appropriations, consistent with Congress's role in funding and oversight. It incorporates standards for "free, prior, and informed consent" of Indigenous Peoples, which may align with international norms but could raise implementation questions in partner nations. Politically, it ties energy policy to Indo-Pacific strategy and competition with China, potentially influencing U.S. alliances and military considerations related to energy security.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2026-05-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Pacific Promotion of Workable Energy Resources Act — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (19 pages)