Description
In this analysis, we outline the types of NEPA-related analyses and approvals (e.g., environmental assessment), and we provide examples of geothermal development activities (e.g., well drilling) that might require each type of approval, including an overview and discussion of the specific permits.
We conducted an in-depth analysis of timelines specific to each NEPA analysis type, and we analyzed a sample of geothermal projects to identify factors that increased NEPA review timelines. Based on that analysis, we identified proven and potential strategies that can assist geothermal projects by lowering the time necessary to navigate the NEPA process, while maintaining the efficacy of the federal environmental review intact. We also identified areas of potential improvement in NEPA efficiency within each phase of geothermal development. Shortening project timelines can effectively decrease the perceived risk profiles of geothermal development projects.
This submission includes a paper, poster, and presentation for the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) summarizing geothermal permitting and NEPA timeline analysis. Also included are two spreadsheets detailing the NEPA timeline analysis and environmental assessments (EA).
Resources
| Name | Format | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of EA Timelines.xlsx | XLS | Summarizes geothermal EAs in a list including (Tab 1) types of resources analyzed and timelines, and (Tab 2) analysis of data correlating resources present with timeline. | Open resource |
| GRC PAPER - Geothermal Permitting and Timelines.pdf | Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) Paper summarizing analysis of geothermal permitting and NEPA timeline analysis | Open resource | |
| NEPA Doc Analysis Timelines and stats.xlsx | XLS | Catalogs and summarizes timelines for multiple geothermal project types (e.g., CU, CX, EA, EIS, DNA) | Open resource |
| GRC PRESENTATION - Permitting and Timeline Analysis.pdf | GRC Presentation outlining the permitting and NEPA timeline analysis. | Open resource | |
| GRC POSTER - NEPA Timelines.pdf | GRC Poster providing overview of Permitting and NEPA Timeline Analysis | Open resource |