BLM greenlights geothermal and pipeline projects to bolster U.S. energy independence
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WASHINGTON -- The Bureau of Land Management approved several major energy projects across the West—including a natural gas pipeline in Montana and three geothermal energy projects in Nevada—that will strengthen America’s energy supply and create jobs in local communities. These projects mark important progress in expanding both traditional and renewable energy infrastructure on public lands.
“Approving these projects reflects our commitment to strengthening America’s energy independence,” said BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy. “By responsibly developing energy resources on public lands, we’re helping to secure a reliable, diverse energy future for the nation while supporting jobs and local economies.”
In Montana, the BLM approved NorthWestern Energy’s proposal to construct the 74-mile Helena to Three Forks natural gas pipeline through an accelerated 14-day environmental review process, which is being used in response to the national energy emergency declared by President Donald J. Trump.
The pipeline route includes approximately nine miles of BLM-managed public lands and will follow an existing utility corridor to minimize new ground disturbance and ecological disruption. Construction of the 16-inch buried pipeline will occur in phases between spring 2026 and fall 2029. Preparatory activities, including increased survey traffic and engineering assessments, are expected to begin in 2025.
In addition to the Helena to Three Forks pipeline, the BLM has also approved three geothermal energy projects under an expedited timeline in Nevada that support the administration’s goals for energy development on public lands:
Diamond Flat Geothermal Project (near Fallon, Nevada): Ormat Technologies plans to drill test wells and conduct geothermal resource confirmation activities on federally leased lands to assess the commercial viability of the geothermal reservoir.
McGinness Hills Geothermal Optimization Project (Lander County, Nevada): This project will upgrade and expand three existing geothermal power plants. Enhancements include new production wells, advanced heat exchangers, upgraded cooling fans, and the addition of a 15-megawatt solar photovoltaic field—aimed at improving overall efficiency and increasing output beyond the current 193 megawatts.
Pinto Geothermal Project (near Denio, Nevada): Ormat will conduct exploratory drilling and geothermal resource evaluation on BLM-managed lands to determine the potential for future power generation.
These approvals align with the BLM’s broader mission to support responsible energy development on public lands. Through strategic permitting, land stewardship, and environmental safeguards, BLM helps ensure a reliable domestic energy supply and reduces dependence on foreign resources. The BLM also plays a critical role in overseeing the extraction of essential minerals on federally managed lands, which are vital for sectors ranging from clean energy technologies to national defense.
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.