Department of the Interior Implements Emergency Permitting
Procedures to Accelerate Geothermal Energy Development for National
Security and Energy Independence
Fast-tracked
review of geothermal projects in Nevada aim to deliver reliable energy,
strengthen national security and cut red tape for American energy
development
WASHINGTON —
The Department of the Interior today announced the implementation of
emergency permitting procedures to expeditiously review geothermal energy
projects critical for U.S. national security and Energy Dominance. This
action is part of the Department’s efforts to address the national energy emergency declared
by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025.
By streamlining environmental reviews, the Department aims to
accelerate geothermal projects that address urgent national security and
energy needs while maintaining environmental stewardship.
“Geothermal energy is a reliable energy source that can power
critical infrastructure for national security and help advance energy
independence,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “By
cutting red tape and advancing President Trump’s American Energy Dominance
agenda, we’re fast-tracking reliable energy projects while strengthening
national security and supporting American workers.”
Several proposed geothermal projects led by Ormat Nevada, Inc.
will be among the first geothermal projects covered by the Department’s new
emergency permitting procedures:
- Diamond
Flat Geothermal Project (near Fallon, Nevada) – Ormat plans to drill test wells and conduct
geothermal resource confirmation activities on federally leased land
to determine whether the geothermal reservoir is commercially viable.
- McGinness
Hills Geothermal Optimization Project (Lander County, Nevada) – This effort involves upgrading and
expanding three existing geothermal power plants by adding new wells,
advanced heat exchangers, cooling fans, and a 15 MW solar photovoltaic
field. These improvements aim to increase efficiency and boost output beyond
the current 193 megawatts.
- Pinto
Geothermal Project (near Denio, Nevada) – Ormat is evaluating geothermal potential on
leased public lands through test drilling and exploration activities.
These proposed projects pursue the kind of reliable and
strategically important energy development the Department seeks to
accelerate—supporting both national defense and domestic energy resilience.
Once the Bureau of Land Management completes its environmental assessments
within a 14-day timeframe, it will determine whether Ormat’s proposed
projects can move forward.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees geothermal development
on federal lands by leasing sites to companies, conducting environmental
reviews, and issuing permits for exploration and production. The bureau
ensures projects comply with environmental and safety standards, balances
geothermal development with other land uses and manages royalties from
operations. Essentially, BLM manages and regulates geothermal resources to
promote responsible energy development on public lands.
The Department is using emergency authorities under
existing regulations for the National Environmental Policy
Act, National Historic Preservation
Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Interior has prepared a list of frequently asked questions pertaining
to the emergency procedures. Project proponents interested in requesting
emergency coverage should contact their regular points of contact at the
pertinent field, district or state office.
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