BLM Strengthens U.S. Energy Security with Successful California Geothermal Lease Sale

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on 16 parcels in California totaling 33,362 acres for about $3.7 million in total receipts from the Oct. 27 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 California, and Modoc, Sonoma, Lake, Mono and Inyo counties, in which the leases are located.

Geothermal is a reliable, around-the-clock, American-made power source that remains steady regardless of weather conditions. Thanks to advances in precision drilling technology and materials science, this source of energy is becoming more affordable. Geothermal lease sales support domestic energy production and strengthen American energy independence, contributing to the nation's economic and national security. In alignment with Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy," the BLM's geothermal lease sales help position the U.S. as a long-term global leader in energy and advance the administration's goal of American Energy Dominance.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal geothermal resources. The BLM ensures geothermal development meets the requirements in the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable legal authorities. Planning documents for this sale are available on the BLM National NEPA Register pages for each respective BLM field office, which are linked on the BLM California Geothermal Energy website. The BLM's lease sales are held online through Efficient Markets.

Before authorizing any surface-disturbing activities, the BLM conducts additional environmental reviews based on applications for exploration or development plans, which include site-specific conditions in addition to the stipulations attached to the lease at the time of sale.

For more information, contact the BLM California State Office at 916-978-4400 or [email protected].