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Geothermal Permitting and NEPA Timeline Analysis
L o a d i n g
Organization
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - view all
Update frequencyunknown
Last updatedover 2 years ago
Format
Overview

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).

CECXCategorical ExclusionDNADetermination of NEPA AdequacyEAEISEnviromental Impact StatementEnvironmental AssessmentNEPANEPA DatabaseNational Environmental Policy ActOpenEIPermitPermittingSpeciesTimelineenergygeothermal
Additional Information
KeyValue
Dcat Issued2014-09-30T06:00:00Z
Dcat Modified2021-05-17T15:57:56Z
Dcat Publisher NameNational Renewable Energy Laboratory
Guidhttps://data.openei.org/submissions/3884
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Files
  • GRC PAPER - Geothermal Permitting and Timelines.pdf

  • GRC POSTER - NEPA Timelines.pdf

  • GRC PRESENTATION - Permitting and Timeline Analysis.pdf

  • NEPA Doc Analysis Timelines and stats.xlsx

  • Summary of EA Timelines.xlsx