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- By Chez Oxendine
- Energy | Environment
The Jicarilla Apache Nation has begun a nine‑month geothermal feasibility study funded by a $2.5 million New Mexico grant to assess potential electricity generation and direct heating on tribal lands.
The tribe’s Oil and Gas Administration is leading the first phase with SMK Geoscience, a geological consulting firm based in Durango, Colo., according to a news release.
Heather C. Gomez, a Jicarilla Apache tribal member, has been hired as community engagement manager for the study. She will share project updates, organize community meetings and gather tribal members’ questions and feedback, according to the release.
The grant comes from the state’s Geothermal Projects Development Fund administered by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department – Energy Conservation and Management.
“For over 75 years, the Jicarilla Apache Nation has relied on revenues from oil and gas production on the reservation,” Donna Montoya, director of the tribe’s Oil and Gas Administration. “We look forward to exploring potential opportunities to include renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon management, among other initiatives.”
Specialists will review existing oil and gas information, underground temperatures, geology, water chemistry and other subsurface data. Mapping and modeling will help identify areas with geothermal potential. The tribe has made no decision on future development.
Tribal members can ask questions about geothermal energy and provide feedback throughout the study. An in‑person town hall is scheduled for Oct. 29 in Dulce, followed by a virtual meeting on Nov. 30. Times and locations will be announced.
A final feasibility report will be presented to the Legislative Council and state officials at the end of Phase 1.
New Mexico ranks sixth nationally in geothermal resource potential but has only one operating utility-scale geothermal power plant, according to a June 2025 report from Project InnerSpace. The report estimates the state’s geothermal resources could support 163 gigawatts of generating capacity.
In April, the Bureau of Land Management approved an exclusion intended to speed permitting for geothermal exploration projects disturbing up to 10 acres on public lands. Qualifying projects can proceed without an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement after screening for extraordinary circumstances, including potential effects on endangered species or cultural resources. The streamlined review applies to exploration, rather than developing geothermal resources for electricity or heating.
Brian Edwards contributed reporting.
