“We encourage the public to share comments on the proposed project, especially comments that provide new information,” said Acting Sierra Front Field Manager Paul Fuselier. “We’re also seeking information about any historic properties in or near the project area.”
Open Mountain Energy, LLC proposes to drill and test up to 11 geothermal exploration wells and construct or improve access roads. If exploration shows the area is capable of commercial production, construction crews could create new pipelines that connect to existing infrastructure of the Whitegrass No. 1 geothermal energy plant on nearby private lands.
The preliminary environmental assessment, maps, and other information are available on the BLM National NEPA Register. The comment period began Nov. 6 and ends Dec. 6, 2023.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands with potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. To promote development of these energy sources, BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of clean energy on public lands.
Efficient deployment of clean energy from public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.
For questions or information related to historic properties and properties of religious and cultural significance that may be affected by the project, please contact archaeologist Shannon Goshen at (775) 885- 6152 or sgoshen@blm.gov.
For more information, please contact environmental specialist David Schroeder at 775- 885-6119 or d1schroe@blm.gov.
