Federal Register #2026-08235

BLM Adds Categorical Exclusion for Geothermal Exploration to NEPA Procedures

The Department of the Interior, through the Office of the Secretary and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is revising its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures: - Adds a new categorical exclusion (CE) for geothermal resource exploration operations to the DOI Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures - Applies specifically to BLM-managed public lands - No products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are specified - Focuses on regulatory changes to expedite permitting for geothermal energy projects - Maintains requirements for environmental review, surface disturbance limitations, and conformance with resource management plans and applicable laws - No commercial OEMs or vendors are referenced; BLM is the only agency involved - No procurement of goods or services is taking place under this notice

Description

This notice announces a revision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the DOI Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures. The revision supplements Chapter 1 of Part 516 of the Department of the Interior's Departmental Manual and adds a new categorical exclusion (CE) for geothermal resource exploration operations to the DOI Handbook, Appendix 2: Bureau Categorical Exclusions. The CE is effective April 28, 2026, and aims to reduce permitting timelines for geothermal energy authorizations while maintaining environmental stewardship. The BLM will continue to conduct appropriate NEPA reviews and consider extraordinary circumstances before relying on the CE.

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