U.S. BLM Accepts Geothermal Lease Bids for Mount Hood National Forest, Totaling Over $1.15 Million

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Dimension News, August 17 - The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced on August 17 that it has accepted the winning bids for two geothermal lease parcels within Oregon's Mount Hood National Forest, totaling $1,155,706. The two parcels cover a combined area of more than 9,500 acres. The auction was held online via the EnergyNet platform on August 11.

Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director, stated that geothermal resources are particularly abundant in the western United States and have the potential to provide reliable energy, and that BLM is committed to unlocking this potential to support U.S. energy production and local economies. BLM will formally issue the leases after completing the review and receiving payment from the winning bidders.

The bid premiums, rents, and subsequent royalties from these leases will be distributed to the U.S. Treasury, the State of Oregon, and Marion County. BLM previously issued a Determination of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) decision record in January 2026 regarding the geothermal lease agreement for Mount Hood National Forest, authorizing geothermal leasing on approximately 10,131 acres of National Forest System lands.

BLM emphasized that leasing is the first step in the development of federal geothermal resources, and any proposed development project will still be subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act and compliance with other applicable laws and regulations. BLM manages geothermal leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million acres of public surface lands, as well as related activities on approximately 700 million acres of land where the United States holds subsurface mineral rights.