BLM to hold Idaho Geothermal Lease Sale to Strengthen U.S. Energy Security and Boost Domestic Supply

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BLM to hold Idaho Geothermal Lease Sale to Strengthen U.S. Energy Security and Boost Domestic Supply

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BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Land Management will continue efforts to unlock new opportunities for America's geothermal energy future with a competitive lease sale on Nov. 17, 2026, supporting local economies by harnessing natural heat resources for practical use and benefit. The BLM will offer 35 parcels totaling nearly 113,330 acres in Boise, Cassia, Clark, Elmore, Lemhi, Owyhee, Twin Falls, and Washington counties. The action will be held online via EnergyNet.

"Geothermal energy is a promising national energy resource, generating reliable baseload electricity," said BLM Idaho Acting State Director Tanya Thrift. "In Idaho, we are proud to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and contribute to America's energy independence."

For each parcel leased, 50% of the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties will go to the state of Idaho, 25% will go to the county where the lease is located, and the remaining 25% will go to the U.S. Treasury. The State of Idaho then allocates 90% of that portion into the state renewable energy resources fund and 10% to the counties where the leases are located for construction and maintenance of roads and support of public schools.

The BLM issues competitive geothermal leases for an initial 10-year period. The leases allow the lessee to explore for and develop potential geothermal resources. The leases may be extended if the lessee establishes production or provides proof of diligent exploration.

Before including parcels in a lease sale, the BLM conducts an environmental review process in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other laws to consider potential environmental impacts from the lease sale and to determine appropriate stipulations on use to protect other resource values. This environmental review includes opportunities for public comment and can be found at the BLM National NEPA Register, together with the lease sale notice and stipulations. More information can be found at the BLM Idaho Geothermal website.

All BLM geothermal decisions must be consistent with the decisions in the applicable land use plan. Before permitting any surface-disturbing activities, the BLM will conduct an appropriate level of NEPA review when processing applications for exploration or development plans, which may include site-specific conditions in addition to the stipulations attached to the lease at the time of sale.

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.