Delegation of Authority for Adjudicating and Processing Geothermal Leasing

Program Area: 3200, Geothermal Leasing.

Purpose: Rescind the delegation of authority from Las Cruces District Office (LCDO) as to the following:

Act on geothermal leases pursuant to Act of 12/24/70, concerning lease assignments, case file maintenance, and lease terminations.

Background:
After a review of the New Mexico 43 CFR 3100 - 3200, Delegation of Authority memorandum dated December 24, 1997, it was determined that the District Manager, Las Cruces District Office be given authority to:

Act on geothermal leases pursuant to Act of 12/24/70 (84 Stat. 1566; 30 U.S.C. 1001 through 1025, and 43 CFR 3200);

Periodic reporting, production verification, I&E, lease assignments, case file maintenance and lease terminations;

Identify lands subject to competitive leasing for geothermal resources, and

Miscellaneous geothermal.

Policy/Action:
It has been determined that the adjudication of the geothermal leasing be returned to the State Office (SO). The SO has the leasing staff to adjudicate and process the geothermal leasing. All geothermal lease operations will remain at the LCDO.

Timeframe:
This guidance is effective immediately.

Coordination:
This IM was coordinated with the Deputy State Director of Minerals and the Las Cruces District Manager.

Contact:
If you have any questions regarding this IM, please contact Gloria Baca, Supervisory Land Law Examiner at (505) 954-2141.

Authenticated by:
Veronica Maldonado
Staff Assistant

Signed by:
Jesse J. Juen
State Director