BLM OPENS GEOTHERMAL OPPORTUNITIES –TO WHO?

Smart development of renewable resources is what it's all about. But who is bidding on these contracts? Any input from environmental groups? The recent Utah coal mine cave-in is a reminder: Federal watchdogs can sometimes be puppies to companies with deep pockets and heavy clout.

BLM Launches Effort to Facilitate Renewable Energy Development on Fedeeral Lands
August 27, 2007 (BLM via Environmental News Network)

WHO
U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Acting Director Jim Hughes; U.S. Forest Service ,Chief Gail Kimbell;

How geothermal works. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
BLM will do a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) establishing where geothermal energy development would most effectively be conducted on federal lands with the least environmental harm. Leasing for development, if deemed feasible, would follow.

WHEN
- Intention to do the PEIS was published August 27. The public has 60 days to comment.
- The Energy Policy Act of 2005 stipulated 90% of pending applications must be processed by August 8, 2010.

WHERE
- Federal lands w/high geothermal potential in 11 western states and Alaska as identified by BLM, U.S. Forest Service & U.S. Geological Survey. Especially noted: Northwestern Nevada, northeastern California, Oregon’s Raft River Basin.

WHY
- This BLM move recognizes current demand for renewable energy sources. Geothermal energy uses hot water and steam from deep in the earth to heat buildings and greenhouses or grow plants as well as to drive electricity-producing generators. It is now 17% of U.S. renewables. 50% of present U.S. geothermal energy is generated on federal lands (mostly California and Nevada). 90% of potential U.S. geothermal energy is on federal lands.
- PEIS analyzes best sites and steps in lease applications. BLM seeks public input on these issues as well as best practices for development of geothermal resources. Public meetings will be held in 10 western cities.
- BLM expects 100+ applications, based on applications pending in 2005. It issued 291 leases since 2001 but 25 between 1996 and 2001.
- BLM currently administers 420 leases, 55 producing geothermal energy, 34 with power plants.

Geothermal resources and federal lands. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Hughes: “The BLM is sitting on the largest supply of geothermal energy in this country, and it is time to launch an aggressive program to develop those resources…This proceeding will help us determine which areas to concentrate our geothermal leasing efforts on.”
- Kimbell: “The Forest Service looks forward to working in concert with BLM on these geothermal projects…Enhancing our nation’s energy needs through safe and clean energy is an important focus of the Department of Agriculture and a proper use of our public lands.”