The Bureau of Land Management issues geothermal lease sale notice in Southwestern Utah
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SALT LAKE CITY — In keeping with the Trump Administration’s goal of strengthening America’s energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer 28 parcels, totaling approximately 67,586 acres, at a geothermal lease sale on December 15, 2020. The parcels are located in Iron, Millard, and Beaver counties on public lands managed by the BLM’s Cedar City and Fillmore field offices.
The public may review the environmental documents, Notice of Competitive Lease Sale, maps of the parcels, and attached stipulations on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA Register (ePlanning) at https://bit.ly/2RuLWja.
The BLM contributes to state and local jobs and revenues by providing opportunities for leasing and energy development on public lands. The parcels, if sold, will support well-paying energy industry jobs which contribute to revenues for Utah’s schools and infrastructure projects.
Background
Geothermal leases are for a 10-year period. For each parcel, the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties are disbursed such that approximately 50 percent of the funds are disbursed to the respective state, an additional 25 percent is disbursed to the respective county, and 25 percent remains in the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The BLM manages public lands for many uses, including sustainable energy development. Each lease, if issued, contains standard stipulations to protect endangered species and cultural resources. After parcels are leased, lessees must submit site-specific proposals for additional in-depth analysis before energy development can begin.
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.