Legislation creates regulatory certainty for geothermal development while supporting job growth and energy innovation
Monroeville, PA, January 15, 2026– State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today has introduced Senate Bill 1131, legislation to establish a regulatory framework to support the development of next-generation geothermal energy in Pennsylvania. The bill is a companion to the bipartisan House Bill 2076, introduced by Representative Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), Representative Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware), and Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) in the House of Representatives, and reflects a cross-party effort to position Pennsylvania as a leader in emerging energy technologies.
Pennsylvania is already a national leader in electricity production and the second-largest natural gas producer in the country. With a highly skilled energy workforce and decades of experience in advanced drilling techniques, the Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to expand into next-generation geothermal energy, including Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). These systems use similar drilling methods as oil and gas operations but harness heat deep beneath the Earth’s surface to generate reliable, always-on clean energy.
“Pennsylvania’s energy future depends on innovation,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Geothermal energy has the potential to provide locally sourced heat and electricity while creating new opportunities for workers who have powered our energy economy for generations. This legislation creates the regulatory certainty needed to attract investment and responsibly grow this emerging industry.”
Historically, geothermal energy production has been limited to regions with naturally high subsurface temperatures, such as areas near volcanoes or hot springs. Advances in drilling and subsurface technologies pioneered through unconventional gas development now make it possible to access geothermal resources in states like Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 1131 would create the foundational rules needed for responsible geothermal development by:
- Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal injection wells and create a permitting process;
- Defining “geothermal resources” broadly to encompass all geothermal technologies;
- Establishing subsurface ownership rights for geothermal resources; and
- Allowing abandoned oil and gas wells to be repurposed for geothermal use.
Several other states, including Texas, West Virginia, and Washington, have already enacted similar frameworks to encourage geothermal investment. Without comparable regulatory certainty, Pennsylvania risks falling behind in a fast-growing energy sector.
“A thriving, job-creating economy is built on bold investments in the future,” Senator Pisciottano added. “Geothermal energy can lower costs for consumers, strengthen energy independence, and create good-paying jobs, especially for workers transitioning from the oil and gas industry.”
Senator Pisciottano encouraged colleagues to support the bipartisan effort to modernize Pennsylvania’s energy laws and unlock the Commonwealth’s geothermal potential.