BLM seeks review on public lands nominated for geothermal exploration and development
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ELKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Elko District is making available for public review an Environmental Assessment (EA) for parcels of public land nominated for lease in the September 2019 Competitive Geothermal Lease Sale. These parcels have the potential for future geothermal exploration and development. The 15-day public review period begins June 24 and concludes July 8, 2019. The BLM will hold the lease sale online at www.energynet.com.
The BLM is considering offering up to 24 parcels, comprising about 51,650 acres of land in northeastern Nevada within the area administered by the Elko District, in a competitive Geothermal Lease Sale to be held in September 2019.
In keeping with the Administration’s goal of strengthening America’s energy security, the BLM supports an all-of-the-above energy plan that includes oil and gas, coal, hydroelectric, and renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, and solar – all of which can be developed on public lands.
An additional environmental review will take place during processing of the Geothermal Drilling Permit (GDP), when site-specific conditions of approval will be placed on the permit in addition to the stipulations attached to the lease. Geothermal leases are for an initial 10-year period with the opportunity to extend if diligent exploration and development occur.
Background:
Geothermal was the first renewable energy that the BLM approved for production on public lands, with 2018 marking four decades since the first approved geothermal project in 1978. The BLM presently manages over 800 geothermal leases, with over 50 geothermal leases in producing status, generating approximately 1,648 megawatts of geothermal energy on public lands, enough to power 500,000 homes. This amounts to over 40 percent of U.S. geothermal energy. The BLM’s geothermal leases provide not only electrical power generation but also alternative heat sources for direct‐use commercial endeavors.
Nevada BLM has eighteen operating geothermal power plants with federal interest, for a total generating capability of nearly 500 megawatts of geothermal energy.
Geothermal leases generate over $12 million in Federal royalties each year. Fifty percent of the funds collected as bids, rent and royalties are disbursed to the state, 25 percent to the county where the lease is located and 25 percent to the U.S. Treasury.
The BLM manages public lands for many uses, including sustainable energy development. The leased parcels undergo a detailed environmental analysis that includes three opportunities for involvement: scoping, public comment and protest periods.
Public Comments:
If you have issues or concerns or need more information, contact Harley Gordon, Project Lead at the BLM Elko District, at (775) 753-0200 or email at WellsFO_NEPA@blm.gov.
The EA is posted for public review on the NEPA Register project website at: https://go.usa.gov/xmAQV.
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 question with the individual named above. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.