Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and Regulations on the Leasing of Geothermal Resources

The Geothermal Steam Act and the implementing Regulations printed here governed most aspects of the leasing of Federal lands for geothermal exploration and development for many years. They are of great historical interest. Interesting details include: limits on leased acreage per person or firm, distinctions between competitive and noncompetitive leases, rules for bonus auctions, rents, and production royalties, diligence requirements, and distribution of royalties between the Government and the states. Note that most of what was laid out here prevailed until relatively large revisions in the omnibus Energy Bill of 2005. (DJE 2005