skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Geothermal : A Regulatory Guide to Leasing, Permitting, and Licensing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6544980· OSTI ID:6544980

The actual geothermal exploration and development may appear to be a simple and straightforward process in comparison to the legal and institutional maze which the developer must navigate in order to obtain all of the federal, state, and local leases, permits, licenses, and approvals necessary at each step in the process. Finally, and often most difficult, is obtaining a contract for the sale of thermal energy, brine, steam, or electricity. This guide is designed to help developers interested in developing geothermal resource sites in the Bonneville Power Administration Service Territory in the state of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington better understand the federal, state, and local institutional process, the roles and responsibilities of each agency, and how and when to make contact in order to obtain the necessary documents.

Research Organization:
Washington State Energy Office, Olympia, WA (United States); Idaho Dept. of Water Resources, Boise, ID (United States); Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation, Helena, MT (United States); Oregon State Dept. of Energy, Salem, OR (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
United States. Bonneville Power Administration.
DOE Contract Number:
BI79-91BP16067
OSTI ID:
6544980
Report Number(s):
DOE/BP-00425-2; ON: DE93012371
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English