WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management has approved a categorical exclusion to make it easier and faster to explore for geothermal energy on public lands. This action allows small-scale exploration projects—disturbing up to 10 acres of land—to move forward with less red tape.

“By setting consistent permitting expectations across public lands, we’re giving operators a clear, predictable path to delivering a reliable supply of geothermal energy,” said BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy. “This new categorical exclusion streamlines the process without compromising environmental review or quality standards. It will expedite the approval of new geothermal projects, ensuring operators across the West can provide more energy for the American people.”

Categorical exclusions are actions determined not to typically have significant environmental impacts, thus eliminating the need for a full environmental review. Streamlining National Environmental Policy Act compliance through categorical exclusions removes regulatory burdens, speeds up the process, and saves time and resources. Before relying on a categorical exclusion, an agency must verify that there are no extraordinary circumstances—such as potential impacts to endangered species or cultural resources—that might result in significant environmental effects.

Geothermal exploration operations involve searching for geothermal resources through geophysical surveys, core drilling, temperature gradient wells, and the establishment of related infrastructure such as well pads, roads, and trails. These activities do not include the direct testing, production, or utilization of geothermal resources.

The new categorical exclusion, published today in the Federal Register, directly supports the goals of Executive Order 14154 and Secretary’s Order 3418—“Unleashing American Energy”—by cutting red tape and accelerating the approval process for geothermal energy exploration. It also aligns with Executive Order 14156, “Declaring a National Energy Emergency,” and Secretary’s Order 3417, “Addressing the National Energy Emergency,” by helping to quickly advance domestic energy projects that can strengthen the nation’s energy supply and security.

Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West. The BLM holds authority to manage geothermal leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and 700 million acres where the United States owns the subsurface mineral estate.

For additional information, please contact:
blm_press@blm.gov

The Bureau of Land Management manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people, and administers 700 million acres of the subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.