The Trump administration is trying to streamline environmental reviews for three geothermal energy projects in Nevada it deems are "critical for U.S. national security and Energy Dominance."
The move is part of President Trump's efforts to address the national energy emergency he declared on his first day in office.Â
The Department of Interior says three projects led by Ormat Nevada Inc. will be among the first geothermal projects covered by the government's new emergency permitting procedures.Â
* Diamond Flat Geothermal Project (near Fallon) – Ormat plans to drill test wells and conduct other activities on federally leased land to determine whether the geothermal reservoir is commercially viable.
* McGinness Hills Geothermal Optimization Project (Lander County) – three existing geothermal power plants will be upgraded and expanded with new wells, advanced heat exchangers, cooling fans, and a 15 MW solar photovoltaic field. The goal is to increase efficiency and boost output beyond the current 193 megawatts.
* Pinto Geothermal Project (near Denio) – Ormat is evaluating geothermal potential on leased public lands through test drilling and exploration activities. Â
The Interior says once the Bureau of Land Management completes its environmental assessments within a 14-day timeframe, it will determine whether Ormat’s proposed projects can move forward.Â
The BLM oversees geothermal development on federal lands by leasing sites to companies, conducting environmental reviews, and issuing permits for exploration and production.Â
The Department is using emergency authorities under existing regulations for the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Interior has also prepared a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the emergency procedures.Â
(Department of Interior contributed to this report.)
