Bill pushes geothermal energy deals to counter China in Indo-Pacific
Placed on the calendarS. 4610Latest action
Sponsor: Brian Schatz · Senator · HI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Pacific POWER Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Pacific POWER Act directs U.S. agencies to help Indo-Pacific allies build geothermal energy to counter Chinese influence.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill creates an International Geothermal Program directing the State Department, working with the Energy Department, to study global geothermal potential and identify at least five partner countries for formal geothermal energy agreements. It funds research, technical assistance, workforce training, loans, and grants to help these countries build geothermal plants and infrastructure.
Who does it affect?
It affects U.S. foreign policy agencies, American geothermal companies, universities, national labs, and nonprofits, plus potential partner countries such as Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand.
Why does it matter?
The effort is framed as countering China's influence over regional energy systems and reducing partner countries' reliance on imported energy, without changing U.S. domestic energy policy.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Funding authorized 2027-2031
- Covers research, training, loans, grants
- No dollar amount specified
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Jul 27, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 20, 2026
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Jul 27, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 513.