BLM Approves Geothermal and Pipeline Projects to Strengthen U.S. Energy Independence
Key Insights
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has greenlit a 74-mile natural gas pipeline in Montana and three geothermal projects in Nevada to enhance domestic energy supply.
The Helena to Three Forks pipeline will follow an existing utility corridor, minimizing ecological disruption, while the geothermal projects aim to boost renewable energy output.
BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy emphasized the projects' role in job creation and reducing reliance on foreign energy resources.
The approvals align with federal goals to expedite energy development while maintaining environmental safeguards on public lands.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a series of energy projects, including a natural gas pipeline in Montana and three geothermal developments in Nevada, as part of efforts to bolster U.S. energy independence. The approvals, announced on June 27, 2025, underscore the agency's commitment to diversifying the nation's energy portfolio while supporting local economies.
The Helena to Three Forks pipeline, proposed by NorthWestern Energy, will span 74 miles, with nine miles crossing BLM-managed public lands. The project, expedited under a 14-day environmental review process, aims to minimize ecological impact by utilizing an existing utility corridor. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2029. BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy highlighted the pipeline's role in addressing the national energy emergency declared by former President Donald J. Trump.
In Nevada, three geothermal projects received expedited approval, reflecting the administration's push for renewable energy development. The Diamond Flat Geothermal Project, led by Ormat Technologies, will involve exploratory drilling to assess commercial viability. Meanwhile, the McGinness Hills Geothermal Optimization Project will upgrade existing facilities, incorporating a 15-megawatt solar photovoltaic field to enhance efficiency and output. The Pinto Geothermal Project will also conduct exploratory drilling to evaluate future power generation potential.
These projects align with the BLM's mandate to balance energy development with environmental stewardship. The agency manages 245 million acres of public land, playing a pivotal role in securing domestic energy supplies and reducing foreign dependence. The approvals also support the extraction of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies and national defense.
Groffy emphasized the dual benefits of the projects: "By responsibly developing energy resources on public lands, we’re helping to secure a reliable, diverse energy future for the nation while supporting jobs and local economies." The BLM's strategic permitting process ensures that environmental safeguards remain intact while accelerating infrastructure development.