The Department of the Interior has announced that emergency permitting procedures have now been implemented to speed up the review of geothermal projects that pose critical for US national energy security and dominance.
Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, said, “Geothermal energy is a reliable energy source that can power critical infrastructure for national security and help advance energy independence. 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.”
The Department is using emergency authorities under existing regulations for the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Several projects led by Ormat Nevada have been chosen to be among the first string of projects covered by the Department’s new permitting procedures. Those include the Diamond Flat Geothermal Project in Fallon, Nevada; the McGinness Hills Geothermal Optimisation Project in Lander County, Nevada; and the Pinto Geothermal Project in Denio, Nevada.
These selected projects pursue the type of reliable and strategically important energy development the Department seek to advance, supporting both national defence and domestic energy resilience.
Once the Bureau of Land Management completes in environmental assessments with in a 14-day period, the results will determine if Ormat can continue with its projects. BLM ensures projects comply with environmental and safety standards, while balancing geothermal development with other land uses and managing royalties from operations.