Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary | official facebook
The Department of the Interior has announced the implementation of emergency permitting procedures to expedite geothermal energy projects deemed critical for U.S. national security and energy independence. This move is part of the Department's response to the national energy emergency declared by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025.
The initiative aims to streamline environmental reviews, accelerating 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," stated 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."
Among the first geothermal projects to benefit from these new procedures are several proposed by Ormat Nevada, Inc.:
- The Diamond Flat Geothermal Project near Fallon, Nevada involves drilling test wells and conducting geothermal resource confirmation activities on federally leased land.
- The McGinness Hills Geothermal Optimization Project in Lander County, Nevada plans upgrades and expansions to existing geothermal power plants with additional wells, advanced heat exchangers, cooling fans, and a 15 MW solar photovoltaic field.
- The Pinto Geothermal Project near Denio, Nevada focuses on evaluating geothermal potential through test drilling and exploration activities.
These projects aim to develop reliable and strategically important energy sources that support both national defense and domestic energy resilience. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will complete environmental assessments within a 14-day timeframe to determine whether Ormat’s proposed projects can proceed.
The BLM manages geothermal development on federal lands by leasing sites to companies, conducting environmental reviews, issuing permits for exploration and production, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, balancing land use interests, and managing royalties from operations.
Emergency authorities under existing regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act are being utilized. The Department has prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding these emergency procedures. Project proponents seeking emergency coverage should contact their regular points of contact at relevant field or state offices.
