BLM Accepts $3.7M in California Geothermal Bids
The Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on 16 California parcels covering 33,362 acres from an October geothermal lease sale.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Should the federal government lease public land for geothermal energy development?
The Bureau of Land Management accepted winning bids on 16 California geothermal parcels totaling 33,362 acres from its October 27 lease sale. The accepted bids generated about $3.7 million in total receipts.
Why it matters
Leasing is the first step in developing federal geothermal resources, and the lease sales are described as supporting domestic energy production. The BLM may issue leases once review and payment are complete.
The sale produced winning bids on 16 parcels covering 33,362 acres and about $3.7 million in total receipts. Final lease issuance remains contingent on completed review and payment, and further environmental review is required before any surface-disturbing work is authorized.
The players
Bureau of Land Management
The federal agency that manages public lands and administers geothermal leasing, including the lease sale and environmental review process that precede any development.
State of California
The state receives a share of the combined bonus bids, rentals, and royalties from the leases located within its borders.
The details
Bids were accepted from the October 27 geothermal lease sale, which the BLM held online through Efficient Markets. The BLM ensures geothermal development meets National Environmental Policy Act requirements, and planning documents are posted on the BLM National NEPA Register pages for each field office.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Geothermal lease sale held online.
November 2, 2026: BLM accepted winning bids and announced results.
Roadmap
The sale is presented as advancing the domestic energy production agenda set out in Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy." Geothermal leasing on federal land is positioned as the initial stage of a longer development process rather than an immediate buildout.
Travelers and residents near the leased parcels should note that leasing does not authorize immediate surface disturbance, which requires separate environmental review. Public planning documents are available through the BLM National NEPA Register for each field office.
The takeaway
Federal geothermal leasing is a multi-step process, and a completed sale is only the first stage before any development can proceed. Readers tracking California energy projects should watch for later environmental reviews and lease issuance.
Further reading
For context on federal lands in the state, explore National Parks across California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
Live Poll
Should the federal government lease public land for geothermal energy development?
