BLM seeks input on proposed November 2026 geothermal leasing in Idaho
BOISE, Idaho —The Bureau of Land Management is seeking input on proposed geothermal leasing of 36 parcels totaling approximately 114,000 acres in Washington, Owyhee, Elmore, Twin Falls, Cassia, Clark, and Lemhi counties. The public feedback period ends May 13, 2026.
Leasing these parcels would allow lessees to explore for and potentially develop geothermal resources within the parcel. Visit the Idaho Geothermal Energy website for additional information on nominated parcels, proposed lease stipulations to protect other resource values, and how to provide feedback.
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 public 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. Before including parcels in a lease sale, the BLM conducts environmental reviews in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other laws to consider potential environmental impacts from a lease sale and to determine appropriate stipulations on use to protect other resource values. The BLM’s lease sales are held online through Efficient Markets.
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, contact BLM Leasable Program Lead Holly Goggin at [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.