BLM Accepting Nominations for Geothermal Development in Idaho

Lease sale tentatively scheduled for November 2027

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:31am

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The Bureau of Land Management is accepting nominations of public lands in Idaho for competitive geothermal leasing, with a lease sale tentatively scheduled for November 2027. Nominations must be submitted by June 30, 2026, and will undergo review for land availability, environmental considerations, and cultural resources before being offered for lease.

Why it matters

Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that provides baseload electricity with minimal carbon emissions. The BLM manages geothermal leasing, exploration, and development on millions of acres of public land across the western United States, including Idaho, making this an important opportunity for renewable energy development in the state.

The details

Land nominations must be submitted using Form 3203-1 and include a nonrefundable filing fee. Information about future sale notices and results will be posted on the BLM's Idaho geothermal energy webpage.

  • Nominations must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
  • Lease sale tentatively scheduled for November 2027.

The players

Bureau of Land Management

The federal agency that manages geothermal leasing, exploration, and development on millions of acres of public land across the western United States, including Idaho.

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The takeaway

This announcement presents an opportunity for renewable energy development in Idaho, as the BLM seeks to lease public lands for geothermal energy projects that can provide baseload electricity with minimal carbon emissions.