Geothermal resource confirmation for Saipan under Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program

(a) Assessment required As part of the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the viability of geothermal resources through drilling and other means on the island of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, for the purposes of improving the energy security of Department of Defense facilities and operations. Such assessment shall include each of the following: (1) The collection and analysis of geophysical, geochemical, and subsurface data relevant to geothermal resource viability. (2) Field investigations, including geophysical surveys and test well drilling, to confirm the capacity of geothermal resources. (3) An evaluation of the potential of geothermal resources to support resilient power for Department of Defense activities on Saipan, as well on Tinian via undersea cable. (b) Execution; coordination In carrying out the assessment under subsection (a), the Secretary— (1) may act through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, or such other component of the Department of Defense as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (2) shall coordinate, as appropriate, with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (c) Report Upon the completion of the assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee as on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the findings of the assessment, including a determination regarding the viability of geothermal resources and recommended next steps.