WASHINGTON (April 30, 2026) — This week in the United States Congress, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act.This bipartisan legislation contains important measures to drive forward innovation on next-generation geothermal systems that provide a critical source of clean energy that is available 24/7. The research and development programs included in this bill can help support the broad suite of next-generation geothermal systems – including enhanced geothermal systems, closed loop systems, and geothermal systems in supercritical conditions. Bill provisions also help fill key information gaps to responsibly scaling next-generation geothermal energy, including a report on water use intensity.Following is a statement from Christina DeConcini, Director of Government Affairs, WRI US:’As the U.S. looks to address rising electricity demand, next-generation geothermal is an imperative piece of the solution set. Geothermal can provide clean, reliable energy around the clock.’This bill would significantly boost U.S. leadership on this modern energy source by providing targeted investments to test and commercialize the next-generation of geothermal technologies. We urge lawmakers to pass this Act and scale up innovative geothermal systems.’