BLM geothermal lease sales in Idaho net over $4 million
BOISE – The Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on nine parcels in Idaho totaling nearly 24,355 acres for $4,435,226 in total receipts for a geothermal lease sale. The BLM may issue leases once review and payment are complete. The combined bonus bids, rentals, and subsequent royalties from the leases will be distributed between the U.S. Treasury, the State of Idaho, and Elmore, Washington, and Bonneville counties where the leases are located.
Geothermal lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation’s economic and military security. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” the BLM’s geothermal lease sales help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens, will solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future, and achieve American Energy Dominance.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal geothermal resources. The BLM ensures geothermal development meets the requirements set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and other applicable legal authorities. Planning documents for this sale are available at the BLM National NEPA Register for the Four Rivers Field Office parcels and the Pocatello Field Office parcels. The BLM’s lease sales are held online through EnergyNet.
Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where the BLM has authority to manage geothermal resource leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and the 700 million acres where the United States owns the subsurface mineral estate. For more information, please visit the BLM Idaho Geothermal Energy website or contact BLM Senior Land Law Examiner Judy Duenas at tduenas@blm.gov or (208) 373-3866.
Jersey Valley Power Plant on BLM-managed public lands in Nevada. BLM photo.
The BLM manages about 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.
