GEOTHERMAL
Geothermal Leasing BLM
Replenished by heat sources deep in the earth, geothermal energy is a renewable resource that generates electricity with minimal carbon emissions. Direct use of geothermal energy supplies heat for buildings, greenhouses, aquaculture, and other activities. It offers additional possibilities for reducing the need for conventional energy sources. Almost half of the nation’s geothermal energy production occurs on public lands, and about 90 percent of U.S. geothermal resources are found on Federal lands. The US Department of Interior plans to make more than 190 million acres of federal land in 12 western states available for development of geothermal energy resources.
Reagan Smith, Inc. works with developers to nominate lands and bid on lands at the BLM geothermal competitive lease sale. Please see our sale page for more information on sale dates.
GEOTHERMAL PERMITTING
Geothermal lessees must conduct exploration operations in a manner that protects the quality of surface and subsurface waters, air, and other natural resources, including wildlife, soil, vegetation, and natural history. (43 CFR §3252.11 (a)(1)(2) The BLM may require you to submit a contingency plan describing procedures to protect public health, safety, property, and the environment. (43 CFR §3252.11 (d)) When applying for approval of drilling operations, an operations plan that describes how you will drill for and test the geothermal resources covered by your lease will be submitted to BLM. Your plan must tell BLM enough about your proposal to allow them to assess the environmental impacts of your operations. (43 CFR §3261.12)
Reagan Smith, Inc. streamlines the frustrations associated with drilling permits. We have a full-service department dedicated to completing, filing and ensuring your Application for Permit to Drill (APD) is submitted and approved within a reasonable time to meet your schedule requirements. Our environmental and permitting staff can prepare all aspects of the permit and assist in compliance. Reagan Smith is experienced with the process and has developed relationships with the agencies across the country to facilitate a streamlined process dedicated to your needs. Large projects that include multiple wells can be bundled together for efficiency.