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Washington State Geothermal Lease (3-WA-a)

Information current as of 2024
In the State of Washington, a geothermal developer may need a lease from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WSDNR) for geothermal projects on state lands. Rev. Code Wash. §§ 78.60.010-300; Wash. Admin. Code §§ 332-22-010–240.



State Geothermal Lease Process


3-WA-a.1 - Has the land been selected or nominated for auction?

The WSDNR holds public auctions to issue leases for state owned lands. The WSDNR holds auctions when industry and individuals have expressed an interest in leasing lands. If a track of land has not already been selected or nominated for auction then the developer will have to apply for the land to be nominated. Wash. Admin. Code §§ 332-22-030, -040.

3-WA-a.2 to 3-WA-a.3 – Application for Lease Nomination

The developer must file an Application for Lease Nomination to nominate state lands for leasing.

The WSDNR will review an application to determine the impact the request might have on the management of the lands involved, and to ensure that the request is in accordance with state laws and regulations. The WSDNR will not approve lands for auction unless leasing the lands is in the best interests of the state.

If nominated lands are not approved for auction, the developer may modify the application and try again. Unless the WSDNR approves the land for auction, the process cannot continue. Wash. Admin. Code § 332-22-030.


3-WA-a.4 – Post Notice of Public Auction

The WSDNR will publish notice of public auctions for the leasing of state owned lands. Wash. Admin. Code § 332-22-090.

3-WA-a.5 – Hold Public Auction

The WSDNR will hold the public auction at the time, date, and place specified by the WSDNR’s notice. Wash. Admin. Code §§ 332-22-040, -090.

3-WA-a.6 – Geothermal Lease Application

If the developer wins the auction they will be required to fill out a Geothermal Lease Application. Wash. Admin. Code § 332-22-030.

3-WA-a.7 – Negotiate Lease Terms

The developer will have to work with the WSDNR to negotiate the terms and conditions of the lease, including royalties related to geothermal production. Wash. Admin. Code § 332-22-105.

3-WA-a.8 – Geothermal Lease

The WSDNR will issue the Geothermal Lease. The developer is required to follow all terms and conditions in the lease. Wash. Admin. Code §§ 332-22-110, -170–240.


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Contact Information






Edit Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Leasing Section Contact 360.902.1561 Visit Website

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