S. 4610In markupSecurity & foreign affairs
Bill would use geothermal energy to counter China's influence in Pacific
Data as of July 16, 2026
The Pacific POWER Act directs State to help build geothermal energy in at least five allied countries to boost U.S. security ties.45-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The bill directs the Secretary of State, with the Department of Energy, to study global geothermal potential and select at least five "geothermal partner" countries, at least three in the Indo-Pacific. It creates an International Geothermal Program to pursue agreements covering technology sharing, workforce training, financing, regulatory advice, and supply chain support.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects the State Department, Energy Department, Export-Import Bank, and Development Finance Corporation, along with American geothermal companies and partner countries such as Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, or Papua New Guinea.
Why does it matter?
The initiative ties U.S. foreign policy and financing tools to energy development in allied nations, particularly those seen as vulnerable to pressure from China, without creating new domestic geothermal rules.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Funding needed for 2027-2031
- No domestic funding specified
- Approval required from Congress
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
Official title
Pacific POWER Act
- Introduced:
- May 20, 2026
- Latest action:
- June 17, 2026
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.