BLM geothermal lease sales in California net over $2.7 million

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

Media Contact:

Jesse Pluim
A series of tanks and piped with large mountains in the background.
A geothermal project operating in eastern California.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on 13 parcels across 22,685 public acres in Imperial, Lassen, and Modoc counties for $2,711,858 in total receipts for a geothermal lease sale. The BLM may issue leases once review and payment are complete. The sale generated an average of $117 per acre offered, supporting American prosperity by increasing potential for domestic energy production. 

For each parcel leased, 50% of the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties will go to the state of California, 25% will go to the county where the lease is located, and the remaining 25% will go to the U.S. Treasury. 

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 forth by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable legal authorities. Planning documents for this sale are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. The BLM’s lease sales are held online through EnergyNet

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. 

Please visit the BLM’s Geothermal Energy page for more information. 


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.