Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) and Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) are teaming up on the Hot Rock Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at unlocking “superhot” geothermal resources — heat deposits above 300°C that sit miles underground but could offer massive, always-on power. The proposal would create milestone-based DOE research grants, fund a dedicated testing facility and workforce training, and streamline permitting by granting a categorical NEPA exclusion for exploratory drilling.

Supporters argue that even a fraction of North America’s superhot resource could rival today’s total U.S. power capacity, while using far less land than other renewables. With backing from industry groups and clean-energy advocates, the bill is being framed as a practical way to expand reliable, domestic energy without reigniting the usual partisan fights.