BLM accepts winning bids on 16 California geothermal lease parcels

SACRAMENTO — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) accepted winning bids on 16 parcels in California totaling 33,362 acres from its Oct. 27 geothermal lease sale, for about $3.7 million in total receipts, the agency said.

The BLM may issue leases once review and payment are complete, according to the agency. The combined bonus bids, rentals and subsequent royalties will be distributed between the U.S. Treasury, the state of California, and Modoc, Sonoma, Lake, Mono and Inyo counties, where the leases are located.

The agency said leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal geothermal resources. Before authorizing any surface-disturbing activities, the BLM conducts additional environmental reviews based on applications for exploration or development plans, the agency said. The sale was held online through Efficient Markets.