Geothermal in Idaho: What’s Hot and What’s Not

A classic Idaho backcountry adventure often includes a soak in one of Idaho’s fantastic hot springs. The same underlying geologic forces that form our hot springs have the potential to be a source of much-needed electricity for our state—but only if done correctly. Idaho currently imports over 30% of our electricity needs from out of state, essentially propping up polluting coal-fired plants that destabilize our climate. In order for Idaho to become carbon neutral and energy independent, we are going to have to find ways to increase suitable energy projects in Idaho—including solar, wind, geothermal, pumped storage hydroelectric, small nuclear modular reactors, and new transmission lines. Early community involvement is crucial to avoid issues like those that arose with the controversial Lava Ridge Project. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently received dozens of nominations for geothermal leasing across tens of thousands of acres in Blaine, Camas, Cassia, and Owyhee Counties (Four Rivers, Burley, Pocatello, Bruneau and Shoshone field offices). The good news is that geothermal energy is an important piece of the puzzle and has several advantages over other types of energy. First, geothermal energy is available 24/7 and can help provide base load for utilities. Second, geothermal can be economical and is a proven technology that has already been in use for decades. Third, geothermal energy has a much smaller footprint than wind or even solar. Fourth, geothermal can also be developed sustainably such that the hot water can be pumped from deep underground where it does not affect local hot springs or groundwater supplies. Hot water is used to run turbines and then reinjected back underground to the same area. Because the water is not consumed, no water right is required. The Idaho Department of Water Resources still reviews proposals to ensure that groundwater resources are protected. In terms of economics, 50% of the leasing fees go to the State of Idaho (10% to counties for roads and schools), 25% to counties, and 25% to the U.S. Treasury. The bad news is that just as with any industrial energy facility, geothermal energy exploration, development, and production can still have significant impacts to the local environment. Geothermal development means new pumps, pipelines, building facilities, chain link fences, traffic, lights and noise, visible steam plumes, as well as new roads and transmission lines that spread noxious weeds and fragment habitat. Communities need to ask about potential impacts for wildlife, viewsheds, livestock operations, and recreation.Much of the land under consideration for leasing also provides priority or important habitat for Greater sage-grouse. Since geothermal projects can have significant negative effects on sage-grouse, the BLM has set up additional safeguards or stipulations in an effort to avoid harming sage-grouse. In this case, there is a stipulation for “No Surface Occupancy” (NSO) which means that the company can’t put any permanent structures on the surface and any drilling would have to be conducted horizontally from a different lease outside of the protected area. Exploration and development could still happen in General sage-grouse habitat, with some sideboards for minimizing and mitigating impacts. It all comes down to location, safeguards, and community involvement. There are thousands of acres of sites in Idaho with existing road networks next to existing transmission lines where geothermal projects won’t have a huge impact and the effects will be positive. However, there are also thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and open space where geothermal development and transmission lines could have significant negative impacts. The BLM has an obligation to respond and identify which areas are suitable for a ten-year lease and what types of stipulations to add. The BLM is accepting public comments through August 29, 2025. If a lease is granted without a No Surface Occupancy or similar stipulation, the lessee could have a right to construct roads and drill pads for exploration purposes. The BLM would have to conduct a follow-up environmental assessment on how to minimize the impacts from exploration, but would still have to allow some degree of road construction and drilling. Not all leased land will eventually be explored or developed—but we have to assume that it will. While eventual well field development and power plant construction will require additional environmental analyses, the BLM is also being directed to fast track environmental reviews and limit future public participation, so it is unclear how transparent future assessments will actually be. The BLM is accepting public comments on these leasing proposals through August 29. If there are ecologically important areas that you think should not be considered for leasing and eventual development, or if there are suitable areas near existing roads and power lines that you feel would be acceptable to develop, please tell the BLM. For example, ICL supports the BLM’s draft decision to not allow any surface disturbance in priority and important sage-grouse habitat. Unlike hardrock minerals in which the federal government cannot deny a mining permit, the decision to issue a lease for geothermal resources is discretionary. The Salmon-Challis National Forest denied the Panther Creek geothermal project because impacts to values along Panther Creek were deemed too great. At the same time, the BLM has permitted commercial geothermal development at more suitable areas like the Raft River located south of Malta, Idaho and at the Vale Plant, located south of Ontario, Oregon.  Geothermal energy has a role to play in Idaho’s clean energy transition, but it is not benign. Close community involvement is critical to steering projects toward suitable areas and away from open spaces we hold dear. Don’t miss the opportunity to speak up before August 29!