BOISE, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management is seeking input on proposed geothermal leasing of 18 parcels totaling approximately 69,596 acres across Blaine, Camas, Cassia, and Owyhee counties. The comment period will end Aug. 29, 2025. Leasing of these parcels will allow lessees to explore the potential for future geothermal development.

For each parcel leased, 25% of the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties will go to the U.S. Treasury, 25% will go to the county where the lease is located and the remaining 50% will go to the State of Idaho. The State of Idaho then allocates 90% of that portion into the state renewable energy resources fund and 10% to the counties where the leases are located for construction and maintenance of roads and support of public schools.

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 and 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 by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable legal authorities. The BLM’s lease sales are held online through EnergyNet. Planning documents for this sale, including instructions on how to comment, are available on the BLM National NEPA Register.

Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where the BLM has the authority to manage geothermal resource leasing, exploration and development on approximately 245 million acres of public lands and the 700 million acres of U.S.-owned subsurface mineral estate. Please visit the BLM Idaho Geothermal Energy website for updates. For more information, please contact either Twin Falls District Planning and Environmental Coordinator Terri Dobis at 208-735-2060 or BLM Bruneau Field Office Project Lead Richard Dudek at 208-384-3300 or [email protected].

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.