Land Management Bureau September 11, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1976 (NEPA), as amended, and section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ridgecrest Field Office intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the proposed leasing of approximately 22,060 acres of BLM-managed public lands for geothermal exploration, development, and utilization in the Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area located in Inyo County, California. The leasing of public lands for geothermal resources will require an amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan of 1980. Comments are being solicited to help identify significant issues or concerns related to the proposed action, determine the scope of issues, and identify and refine alternatives to the proposed action. The BLM will also use and coordinate the NEPA commenting process to satisfy the requirements for public involvement in section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The Secretary of the Interior proposes to extend a withdrawal established by Public Land Order (PLO) No. 6760 for an additional 20 years. PLO No. 6760 withdrew 30 acres of National Forest System land from location under the mining laws to protect the Austin Administrative Site in Lander County, Nevada. The lands will remain open to the mineral leasing laws. This notice gives an opportunity to comment on the proposed action and to request a public meeting.