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Rep. Venkat makes geothermal push in Pennsylvania
HB 2076 aims to tap clean power from abandoned wells and boost grid reliability.
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Anushka Pathak - Wed, 25, Mar 2026
- 13:42 EDT
- 21
Pennsylvania state Rep. Arvind Venkat / Arvind Venkat via Facebook
Pennsylvania state Rep. Arvind Venkat urged lawmakers to back a bipartisan geothermal energy bill, describing it as a reliable, emissions-free solution to meet the state’s growing power and heating needs.
“It is an always-on clean energy source that can meet much of the heating and cooling demands in the state, as well as some degree of energy production, given our geology,” he said on March 25 during a House Energy Committee hearing on HB 2076.
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In a post on X alongside a video of his testimony, Venkat said he was proud to partner with Williams and Fiedler on the bipartisan measure and thanked the House Energy Committee for holding a hearing on the bill.
Geothermal energy is an always-on, clean energy source. Proud to partner with @RepWilliamsPA and @RepFiedler to sponsor HB 2076, a bipartisan bill to create a framework for developing this energy source in PA. Thanks to the House Energy Cmte. for holding a hearing on this bill. pic.twitter.com/sdPIapbNts
— Rep. Arvind Venkat, MD (@RepVenkat) March 25, 2026
The proposal is aimed at creating a regulatory framework for geothermal development, including permitting rules and the reuse of abandoned oil and gas wells across the state.
Venkat said there is broad agreement on the need to expand energy sources on the grid, adding that geothermal offers a “win-win opportunity” for the state. He highlighted its ability to provide uninterrupted baseload power while supporting heating and cooling demand.
He pointed to advances in next-generation geothermal technologies as a key driver behind the legislation, saying the bill would “create a framework for developing this energy source in PA” while clarifying property rights and attracting private investment. It also outlines a pathway to convert unused wells into productive energy assets.
According to Venkat, the proposal presents an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation, expressing confidence that lawmakers can work together to expand energy production in the state through the measure.
The hearing marks the latest stage for HB 2076 as it progresses through the legislative process, with supporters arguing it could enable Pennsylvania to leverage its existing energy infrastructure and geology to scale clean power development.
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