BLM releases Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area Project Final Environmental Analysis
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RIDGECREST, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management today published the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area Project in Inyo County. The Final EIS analyzes the proposed leasing of 22,800 acres of BLM-managed public lands for geothermal exploration, development and utilization in the Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area, including 9,300 acres of Development Focus Area.
The proposed Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area Project supports the Trump Administration’s goals of achieving energy independence and economic growth. If approved, the project would facilitate opportunities to generate revenue for the Inyo County community—contributing $72 million annually during its peak construction and $3 million annually during operations. The project would also create job opportunities by hiring 250 temporary and 65 permanent employees. The total project investment amounts to approximately $1 billion.
The Final EIS provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental impacts for the proposed Land Use Plan Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area plan. Additionally, the BLM analyzed three pending geothermal lease applications on public lands within the Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area and modifications to the management of four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern to allow for surface occupancy of geothermal development within the leasing area
The publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on Jan. 24, opens a 30-day protest period and a 60-day governor’s consistency review. Pending the outcome of the protest period and Governor’s consistency review, the BLM will issue a Record of Decision. Information about the project, along with the agency preferred alternative and instructions for filing a protest, is available online at: https://go.usa.gov/xEnvy.
The public is reminded that personal addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and other personal identifying information included in submitted comments may be made publicly available at any time. The public may request the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public review; however, the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
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.