December geothermal lease sale generates almost $168,900
Organization
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SALT LAKE CITY — In keeping with the Administration’s goals of promoting American energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah geothermal lease sale resulted in competitive bids for 11 parcels offered in the BLM’s Cedar City and Fillmore field offices, totaling almost $168,900 in receipts.
Copland Clean Power, LLC submitted the highest total bid per acre — $10 — for parcel 27. Copland Clean Power, LLC submitted the highest total bid per parcel — $40,000 — for parcel 29. For more details about the sale results, please visit: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1501632/510.
The BLM contributes to state and local jobs and revenues by providing opportunities for leasing and energy development on public lands. The parcels, if sold, will support well-paying energy industry jobs which contribute to revenues for Utah’s schools and infrastructure projects.
The BLM is a key contributor to the Trump Administration's America-First Energy Plan, an all-of-the-above strategy that includes oil and gas, coal, strategic minerals, and renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, and solar – all of which can be produced on public lands.
Responsible energy development includes thoughtful consideration of parcels nominated for leasing as well as the potential resource impacts of the decision to lease. An additional environmental review will take place at the Application for Permit to Drill stage, where additional site-specific Conditions of Approval can be placed on the permit, in addition to the lease stipulations.
Background
Geothermal leases are for a 10-year period. For each parcel, the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties are disbursed such that approximately 50 percent of the funds are disbursed to the respective state, an additional 25 percent is disbursed to the respective county, and 25 percent remains in the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The BLM manages public lands for many uses, including sustainable energy development. Each lease, if issued, contains standard stipulations to protect endangered species and cultural resources. After parcels are leased, lessees must submit site-specific proposals for additional in-depth analysis before energy development can begin.
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December 15, 2020 BLM-Utah Geothermal Lease Sale |
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Parcels Offered for Auction |
28 |
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Parcels Sold |
11 |
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% Parcels Sold |
40% |
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Acres Offered |
67,185 |
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Acres Sold |
26,200 |
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% Acres Sold |
39% |
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Highest Bid/Acre |
$10.00 |
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Parcel with High Bid/Acre |
27 |
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Highest Bid/Parcel |
$40,000 |
|
Parcel with High Total Bid |
29 |
|
Total Bonus Bid |
$114,602 |
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Total Rental Due |
$52.406 |
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Total Administrative Fees Due |
$1870 |
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Total Receipts Due* |
$168,878 |
The BLM manages more than 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.