BLM to hold geothermal lease sale on Dec. 10 in southwestern Utah
SALT LAKE CITY – In support of the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, the Bureau of Land Management will hold a competitive geothermal lease sale on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, offering three parcels totaling roughly 6,061 acres within Fishlake National Forest in Beaver and Millard counties. The sale will be held online at www.energynet.com.
“Geothermal is a renewable energy resource abundant in the West that can be used to heat buildings, operate greenhouses and support aquaculture operations with minimal emissions,” said Deputy State Director of Fluid and Minerals Christina Price. “Sites are selected for renewable energy development following an environmental assessment, which identifies appropriate stipulations to protect endangered species and cultural resources that may occur within the general area.”
BLM issues competitive geothermal leases for an initial 10-year period. The leases are a contract that allows the lessee to explore and develop any potential geothermal resource. Leases may be extended if the lessee establishes production or provides proof of diligent exploration. Additional environmental review will take place during processing of future exploration or development plans, which may include site-specific conditions in addition to the general stipulations already attached to the lease at the time of sale.
The BLM manages subsurface minerals on U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service lands. The USDA Forest Service signed the Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact Statement in December 2023 and consented to lease the parcels in June 2024.
For each parcel leased, 50% of the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties go to the State of Utah, an additional 25% goes to the county where the lease is located, and the remaining 25% goes to the U.S. Treasury.
More information, including environmental documents, maps of the parcels, and lease stipulations is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
– BLM –
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.