Arizona
Arizona’s geothermal potential
With momentum building at the Capitol, Arizona is positioned to become the Southwest’s next generation geothermal leader.
Arizona
Why Arizona matters for geothermal
Arizona’s mining industry—producing roughly 74% of the nation’s newly mined copper and directly employing an estimated 14,580 workers—brings deep drilling and subsurface expertise relevant to next-generation geothermal. In April 2026, InnerSpace Action worked with partners to secure unanimous passage of an Arizona resolution recognizing the state’s untapped geothermal potential and calling for a statewide permitting roadmap and better alignment of agency rules. Investments by Governor Hobbs, direction from the Governor and the State Legislature to prioritize energy development on State Land, and the drafting of the state’s first dedicated geothermal drilling policy led by the Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, have positioned the state to lead in developing next-generation geothermal resources.
Recent policy milestones
Federal geothermal bills advance with Arizona delegation support
Rep. Yassamin Ansari’s (D-AZ) Geothermal Gold Book Development Act passes the U.S. House, part of a broader bipartisan package including the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act (H.R. 5631), which passed by voice vote June 2, 2026.
2026
Oil and Gas Commission’s approval of the geothermal exploration wells for the Freeport McMoRan project
Geothermal resolution passes
State Rep. Teresa Martinez’s (R) House Concurrent Resolution 2057, recognizing Arizona’s geothermal potential, passes the Arizona Legislature.
2026
Governor’s Office of Resiliency report finds geothermal “substantial promise”
A report from Gov. Hobbs’s Arizona Energy Promise Task Force, created by executive order, delivers more than 30 policy recommendations on geothermal and other resources to meet rising power demand.
Arizona Geological Survey launches $1M geothermal resource study
AZGS begins the state’s first comprehensive geothermal research project, building a subsurface data catalog to reduce uncertainty for developers and utilities.