BLM Speeds Up Geothermal Exploration with New NEPA Shortcut
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management just added a new shortcut to speed up geothermal energy exploration on public lands, starting April 28, 2026. This means fewer hoops to jump through for certain projects, saving time and money while still protecting the environment. If you’re involved in geothermal work or land management, this update makes your job smoother and faster!
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Fast-track geothermal exploration CE
The Bureau of Land Management added a categorical exclusion (CE) that lets the BLM approve notices of intent to conduct geothermal resource exploration operations more quickly. The CE was added to the DOI NEPA Handbook and is effective April 28, 2026, which can shorten permitting timelines for companies doing geothermal exploration on BLM-managed lands.
10-acre disturbance and reclamation rules
The new CE applies only to exploration that does not exceed 10 acres of total surface disturbance and that does not include direct testing or resource production. It requires reclamation of surface disturbances and temporary routes when their intended purpose is fulfilled, and requires vegetative cover on temporary routes to be reestablished as soon as possible but no later than 10 years after approved reclamation begins.
Extra NEPA review for special cases
Before relying on the CE, BLM officials must evaluate whether any extraordinary circumstances exist under 43 CFR 46.215. If such circumstances are present, the BLM will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) instead of using the CE. The notice also states that reliance on the CE constitutes compliance only with NEPA and that the BLM must still comply with other laws such as the Endangered Species Act.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in