BLM invites public input on proposed enhanced geothermal power project
Media Contact
CEDAR CITY, Utah - The BLM is inviting the public to comment on the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project draft environmental assessment through September 20, 2024. This project proposes to advance enhanced geothermal energy production on public lands managed by BLM in Beaver County, Utah.
Enhanced geothermal is a technique that injects fluid into hot subsurface rock formations and then extracts the heated fluid to generate electricity on the surface. Traditional geothermal, in contrast, uses hot water already present in the rock formations to generate electricity. Enhanced geothermal systems have the potential to provide electricity for more than 65 million homes.
“Engaging with the public is a cornerstone of our process,” said Color Country District Manager Gloria Tibbetts. “Your comments play a crucial role in shaping the environmental analysis for the Cape Geothermal Power Project. We urge you to provide detailed feedback so we can comprehensively address all potential impacts.”
The proposed Cape Geothermal Power Project includes approximately 23 well pads for drilling and completing geothermal observation, production, and injection wells. The project would build up to 20 geothermal power plants, associated access roads, a power distribution network, an electrical switchyard, a tie-in transmission line, a geothermal fluid pipeline system, and other necessary facilities. The project would cover about 631 acres, with approximately 148 acres on lands managed by the BLM and the rest on private lands and lands owned by Utah’s Trust Lands Administration.
Public input is vital to the decision-making process and helps ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in the management of public lands. Comments must be submitted by September 20, 2024.
The environmental assessment and additional project details are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2033002/510.
Comments may be submitted in the following ways:
- U.S. mail to:
Attn: Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project
Bureau of Land Management
176 E. DL Sargent Drive
Cedar City, UT 84721
- Online via the “participate now” feature on the National NEPA Register at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2033002/510
Today, there are 48 geothermal power plants operating on BLM-managed public lands, which support efforts to meet the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025. Learn more at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/renewable-energy/geothermal-energy.
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.