Almost half (48 percent) of America's geothermal energy production occurs on Federal lands, primarily in the western United States. The three states with the most geothermal electricity generation potential are Nevada, California, and Utah. Other high-potential states are Idaho, Hawaii, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Nevada is one of the top producers of geothermal power, with 9% of northern Nevada's electricity being provided by geothermal energy.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 400 geothermal leases and 34 geothermal power plants with a total capacity of over 1,250 megawatts, enough capacity to supply the electricity needs of over 1.2 million homes. Federal geothermal leases also supply direct heat for greenhouses and other uses. Since 2001, BLM has processed over 200 geothermal leases, compared to 20 leases issued between 1997 and 2000 and approved site licenses for more than 130MWs of geothermal power capacity. Planning efforts are underway to meet the demand for additional geothermal leasing. The development of geothermal resources is authorized by BLM as a "fluid mineral." Permitting processes are similar to those of oil and gas.

As a result of recommendations designed to meet the goals of the National Energy Policy, the Departments of Interior and Energy published an April 2003 report, "Opportunities for Near-Term Geothermal Development in the Western United States", which identified areas appropriate for near-term geothermal development.

For more Information visit:
www.blm.gov/nhp/300/wo310   BLM, Fluid Minerals (including Geothermal)
www.nrel.gov/docs/fy03osti/33105.pdf    "Opportunities for Near-Term Geothermal Development in the Western United States"