Energy
The BLM has a key role in developing and delivering energy to meet the needs of America's homes, businesses, and communities.
Studies indicate that wind energy and geothermal energy in Idaho could serve the electirc power needs of more than 350,000 homes. Idaho is also a critical link in U.S. powerline and pipeline networks.
Renewable Sources
BLM-Idaho actively manages competitive leasing of federal geothermal resources under regulations finalized in 2007. 33,006 acres of Federal public lands in Idaho are under lease. Additional leasing will proceed under the Nationwide programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) for geothermal energy development. Six parcels in the Castle Creek field are available over-the-counter (non-competitively) at the Idaho State Office Public Room.
In 2010 the Burley Field Office approved five geothermal drilling permits on leases in Raft River, and temperature gradient drilling was performed in the Crane Creek field of the BLM Boise District.
Linking Production and Use
Idaho is an important geographic link between production facilities and energy users. Natural gas pipelines and power transmission lines that cross southern Idaho deliver energy produced in the central Rockies to users in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. BLM-managed lands can play a key role in expanding pipeline and powerline capacity while protecting and conserving other resources found on the land.
BLM-Idaho is currently involved in processing right-of-way (ROW) applications for
The BLM and the Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service have also designated 6,100 miles of energy transport corridors on Federal lands in the 11 Western states. 314 miles of these corridors are located in Idaho, 296 on BLM-managed lands. More> West-wide Energy Corridor designation
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