UTILIZING GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES ON PUBLIC LANDS

Geothermal energy resources are widespread across the country and have high leasing potential on public lands. Geothermal exploration is increasing nationally along with interest in developing renewable energy resources and new incentives. Many states are enacting regulations to address this increase in exploration and permitting demand. This talk will give a high-level overview of geothermal prospecting for both high-temperature, low-temperature, and enhanced geothermal systems. It will include more detailed focus on the available geothermal resources on public lands, the agencies that administer those resources, and a few specific quirks of water rights and mineral rights interactions. A case study of a multi-use U.S. Fish & Wildlife Agency acquisition property in Klamath Falls, Oregon will be discussed.