The BLM Ely District received nominations to lease 21 parcels (totaling approximately 74,994 acres) of public land for geothermal exploration and development. Leasing would occur in areas where geothermal development is allowed under the 2008 Ely District Resource Management Plan. The decision to offer parcels for lease does not authorize any drilling or development. Impacts of leasing the parcels are analyzed in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA), in accordance with the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. Lease stipulations identified in the Ely District Resource Management Plan are attached to the parcels to help protect certain resources.
A Competitive Geothermal Lease Sale is scheduled on September 17, 2019. Additional information about the sale including the sale notice and parcel list will be posted to https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/renewable-energy/geothermal-energy/regional-information/nevada as it becomes available.
