BLM seeks comments on public lands nominated for geothermal leasing
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The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public review of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for three parcels of public land nominated for lease in the October 20, 2020 Competitive Online Geothermal Lease Sale. These parcels have the potential for future geothermal exploration and development. They comprise about 7,245.62 acres of land in Esmeralda County within the area administered by the Tonopah Field Office.
“BLM partners with the Nevada Division of Minerals, Tribal governments and private industry to develop geothermal resources,” said Perry Wickham, Tonopah Field Office Manager. “These lease sales help us respond to the public interest in leasing geothermal resources and contribute to an all-of-the above approach to energy development on public lands.”
The EA, titled DOI-BLM-NV-B000-2020-0011, can be viewed on the BLM NEPA Register website, using Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox, at https://go.usa.gov/xwuHd. Comments can be submitted online at the NEPA Register site; mailed to Tonopah Field Office, P.O. Box 911 (1553 S. Main St.), Tonopah NV 89049; or emailed to: BLM_NV_BMDO_TFO_NonRenewable@blm.gov. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. PST, July 30, 2020.
Geothermal leases are for an initial 10-year period with 50 percent of the funds disbursed to the state, 25 percent to the respective county, and 25 percent remaining in the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Bureau of Land Management manages public lands for many uses, including sustainable energy development.
In addition, each lease, if issued, contains standard stipulations to protect endangered species and cultural resources and ensures that development is safe and environmentally responsible. After parcels are leased, lessees must submit site-specific proposals for additional in-depth analysis before energy development can begin. BLM Nevada partners with the Nevada Division of Minerals, tribal governments, and private industry to develop other geothermal resources.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or questions. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours. For more information, contact Jess Harvey, Public Affairs Specialist, Battle Mountain District Office, at (775) 635-4054 or jharvey@blm.gov.
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.