---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 15872"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "15872"
heading: "Assessment of geothermal energy potential"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/15872"
units:
  - "Chapter 149 — National Energy Policy and Programs"
  - "Subchapter II — Renewable Energy"
  - "Part B — Geothermal Energy"
---

# §15872. Assessment of geothermal energy potential


Not later than 3 years after August 8, 2005, and thereafter as the availability of data and developments in technology warrants, the [Secretary](/usc/42/15801.md?p=4) of the Interior, acting through the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the United States Geological Survey and in cooperation with the [States](/usc/42/15951.md?p=b-2), shall—

- (1) update the Assessment of Geothermal Resources made during 1978; and
- (2) submit to Congress the updated assessment.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 109–58, title II, § 226, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 665.)