The Bureau of Land Management has authorized Escalante Desert Resources LLC, a subsidiary of Fervo Energy, to proceed with exploration activities on geothermal leases located on public lands managed by the BLM. The purpose of the exploration is to determine commercial feasibility of geothermal energy production in Beaver County, Utah.
"The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation's renewable energy portfolio," said Color Country District Manager Gloria Tibbetts. "Geothermal exploration and development support Biden-Harris administration renewable-energy priorities by providing energy that can be developed with minimal carbon emissions. The Cedar City Field Office works diligently with permitted land users, Tribal Nations, local governments, and the State of Utah, to expand potential development of renewable energy sources such as geothermal where appropriate on public lands."
As part of the Cape Modern Geothermal Exploration Plan, approximately 266 acres of public land will be assessed for viability of geothermal resources and determination of geothermal energy potential. The plan outlines exploration activities including drilling and testing of up to 29 geothermal wells, access road construction, reservoir monitoring, and sub-surface mapping. Additionally, the plan of exploration specifies that reclamation of commercially non-viable wells would begin as soon as a determination is made. The decision record and finding of no significant impact from the environmental assessment may be found on BLM's ePlanning website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2021749/510.
Today, there are 48 geothermal power plants operating on BLM-managed public lands, which support efforts to meet the Biden-Harris administration's goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress' direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025. Learn more at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/renewable-energy/geothermal-energy.
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.
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