BLM Publishes FEIS for Geothermal Leasing Area In Inyo County California
On January 23, 2020, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) published the Final Environmental Impact Statement (“FEIS”) for the proposed Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area Project in Inyo County, California. The FEIS analyzes the proposed leasing of 22,800 acres of publicly owned land for geothermal exploration, development, and utilization.
The FEIS provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental impacts for the proposed Land Use Plan Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area plan. The BLM also analyzed three pending geothermal lease applications on publicly owned lands within the Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area and modifications to the management of four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern to allow for geothermal development within the leasing area.
The BLM is expected to issue a Record of Decision after the thirty day protest period has lapsed and the Governor has conducted a consistency review.
A link to the BLM public announcement can be found at: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-releases-haiwee-geothermal-leasing-area-project-final-environmental-analysis.