Geothermal energy sits at the crossroads of policy and progress—so why is bipartisan support starting to crack just when we need it most?

Welcome back to our refreshed “Ask Brock” series—where we take timeless industry questions and update them for today’s world. In Episode 1, we tackled how to bring new life to the drilling industry by hiring smarter and building a culture that inspires. 

Now, in Episode 2, we’re stepping back to look at the bigger picture: Is support for geothermal energy and net zero goals truly bipartisan?

This question originally came up in 2023 in this episode:

 “Have you found continued investment incentives in the ground-source geothermal industry being a national and bipartisan priority?”

Back then, the answer felt more hopeful. The U.S. Climate Alliance—made up of 25 governors from both major parties—had pledged to push for net-zero emissions, championing state-level leadership in clean energy. Ground-source geothermal was finally gaining momentum as a viable, renewable solution that could bridge the gap between sustainability and energy resilience. It was a moment when progress felt not just possible, but unified.

And Brock nailed it in his response:

“Net zero and renewable energies—lowering our greenhouse gases—is a humanity problem. It’s not one party versus another.”

But now, in 2025, the landscape has shifted.

Recently, Brock weighed in on a bill from the current administration that could roll back key tax incentives for households investing in clean energy solutions—including geothermal systems. These incentives have been a cornerstone of adoption, helping average homeowners and small businesses justify the upfront cost of installing renewable systems. 

Removing them sends a ripple of uncertainty across the industry—especially for drilling contractors and installers who rely on that demand.

So, where does that leave us?

Bipartisanship Still Exists—But It's Complicated

There is still bipartisan support for geothermal, especially at the state level. Red and blue states alike see the value in stable, homegrown energy sources that can reduce grid pressure, increase resilience, and provide long-term cost savings.

In fact, many rural and conservative districts see geothermal as a way to promote energy independence—something that transcends party lines.

But at the federal level, the commitment is less clear. As political priorities shift, so does the funding and policy support for geothermal and net-zero goals. What once seemed like a shared mission is now getting caught in broader debates over inflation, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory reform.

If you’re in the drilling business, this matters. Policy affects demand. Demand drives investment. And when investment stalls, so does innovation.

We need to be paying attention—not just to what incentives exist, but to how the story is being told. Are we framing geothermal as a luxury? Or as a necessary part of a resilient energy grid? Are we waiting for federal mandates? Or leaning into state and local programs that are still forging ahead?

Drillers, developers, engineers—we all have a role to play in keeping this conversation alive and fact-based. Whether you're working in water wells or geothermal loops, the message needs to be clear: This isn't a partisan issue. It's about building a livable, sustainable future.

As Brock said, this is a humanity issue. And in many ways, the geothermal sector represents one of the most practical, bipartisan paths toward net zero. It’s quiet. It’s consistent. It’s beneath our feet.

So, even when federal policy gets bumpy, the work continues—at the state level, in rural communities, and among industry professionals who believe in the long game.

• The more we stay engaged, speak up, and share the real value of what we do, the more likely we are to secure long-term support—no matter who's in office.

Stuck on something? Ask Brock! He’s our resident drilling guru—part myth, part mentor, all about helping you get it right. Slide into the comments or reach out on social with your questions. If it drills, Brock’s got thoughts. #AskBrock