BLM News:

SANTA FE — As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to accelerate the deployment of responsibly-sited renewable energy on public lands in order to create good-paying jobs and reach 100 percent carbon-pollution-free electricity by 2035, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico held a geothermal lease sale Nov. 18.

Although three parcels were offered, the BLM received a competitive bid for one parcel. That parcel was offered by the BLM’s Las Cruces District Office and totaled $9,135 in receipts that will be shared between the state, Hidalgo County and the federal government.

Federal Abstract Company submitted a total bid per acre of $6, with a bid per parcel of $6,720.  

The BLM is working to expand responsible and appropriately-sited development of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal on public lands.

The Bureau’s goal is to ensure that its energy portfolio serves the public interest and helps restore balance on America’s public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

Additional details about the sale results are available here. Direct questions to the BLM Land Law Examiner at 505.954.2234 or lleib@blm.gov.

Background 

Geothermal leases are for a 10-year period. For each parcel, the bid, rental receipts and subsequent royalties are disbursed such that approximately 50 percent of the funds are disbursed to the respective state, an additional 25% is disbursed to the respective county, and 25 percent remains in the U.S. Treasury.   

The BLM manages public lands for many uses, including sustainable energy development. Each lease, if issued, contains standard stipulations to protect endangered species and cultural resources. After parcels are leased, lessees must submit site-specific proposals for additional in-depth analysis before energy development can begin.