H.R. 398Passed Committee72% passage probability

Geothermal Energy Cost-Recovery Program — Plain-English Explanation

Bill: H.R. 398Sponsor: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)Topic: Energy

In short: This bill creates a system to help recover costs for developing geothermal energy projects on federal lands. Geothermal energy uses heat from inside the Earth to produce electricity.

What does Geothermal Energy Cost-Recovery Program do?

  • This bill creates a system to help recover costs for developing geothermal energy projects on federal lands. Geothermal energy uses heat from inside the Earth to produce electricity.
  • The bill allows companies to recoup their upfront expenses for exploring and developing geothermal resources, making these projects more financially attractive.

Why does Geothermal Energy Cost-Recovery Program matter?

  • This affects energy companies, utility companies, and communities considering geothermal power plants. It could influence whether geothermal projects get built in your area.
  • Geothermal energy is a reliable, renewable source that produces power 24/7 without weather dependence, unlike solar and wind.

What happens next with Geothermal Energy Cost-Recovery Program?

  • The bill passed its committee review in March 2026 and is preparing to move to a full House vote.
  • Contact your House representative to voice support or concerns about encouraging geothermal energy development.
D

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Representative · NY District 14

Official site →

Legislative Timeline

  1. Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

  2. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

  3. Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged

  4. Subcommittee Hearings Held

  5. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

Source: View H.R. 398 on Congress.gov →

Summaries are AI-generated with human oversight and sourced from Congress.gov data. The Capitol Lens is strictly nonpartisan.

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