Geothermal Resources Leasing Programmatic EIS

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will high priority areas be identified?
By the US Geological Survey, the BLM and Forest Serivice, the public, and other stakeholders through scoping, as having reasonable near-term exploration/development potential for geothermal energy.

What is an EIS?
"EIS" is the abbreviation for environmental impact statement, a document prepared to describe the effects of proposed activities on the environment. "Environment," in this case, is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment. This means that the "environment" considered in an EIS includes land, water, air, structures, living organisms, environmental values at the site, and social, cultural, and economic factors.
An "impact" is a change or consequence that results from an activity. Impacts can be positive or negative, or both. An EIS describes impacts, as well as ways to "mitigate" impacts. To "mitigate" means to lessen or remove negative impacts.

Therefore, an EIS, is a document that describes the impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed action. It also describes impacts of alternatives, as well as plans to mitigate the impacts.

What is a Programmatic EIS?
A Programmatic EIS evaluates the environmental impacts of broad agency actions such as the setting of national policies or the development of programs. Because the BLM and FS's efforts to evaluate additional geothermal development on public lands includes the expediting of leasing geothermal resources, a Programmatic EIS is appropriate.

If you would like to submit a question, please send an e-mail to:  geothermal_eis@blm.gov