A Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for geothermal leasing in the 12 western states has been released by the BLM and Forest Service. [right: shaded areas have geothermal potential analyzed in the PEIS.]
A public hearing will be held in Tucson on Wednesday, July 16 on the plan as one of 13 hearings around the West. The meeting will be 5:30-7:30 pm, at the Pima County Public Library, Dusenberry River Branch, 5605 East River Rd.
BLM manages 142 million acres and USFS 106 million acres of lands where direct-use geothermal resources exist. Of that, BLM has 117 million acres and USGS 75 million acres that might be open to geothermal leasing under various restrictions.
No leasing will be allowed in national parks, wild rivers, wilderness areas, or national recreation areas.