The State of New Mexico has awarded a $2.5 million grant to support the Jicarilla Apache Nation geothermal feasibility study, an initiative exploring the potential for geothermal energy and possible application on Jicarilla Apache Nation lands.
The study will examine underground heat resources across the Nation and assess possible uses, including electricity generation and direct heating. Phase 1 is a feasibility study. The Jicarilla Apache Nation Oil & Gas Administration is working with SMK Geoscience, LLC, a Durango, Colorado-based geological consulting company, on Phase 1. The involved groups emphasize that no final decision has been made regarding future geothermal development.
Over approximately nine months, specialists will review existing oil and gas information, underground temperatures, geology, water chemistry, and other data. They will use mapping and modeling tools to identify areas that may have geothermal potential.
At the conclusion of Phase 1, a feasibility report will be presented to the Jicarilla Apache Legislative Council and State of New Mexico officials. The Legislative Council will decide the Nation’s path forward after reviewing the findings, project data, and input from tribal community members.
Funding from the study comes from the Geothermal Projects Development Fund administered by EMNRD-ECAM (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,” said Donna Montoya, Director of the Jicarilla Oil and Gas Administration.
“We look forward to exploring potential opportunities to include renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon management, among other initiatives. Geothermal energy offers numerous potential benefits to the Nation, including opportunities for direct use and baseload electrical power generation. These activities will provide employment opportunities for tribal members and surrounding rural communities, while significantly increasing our energy security.”
Engaging with members of the tribal community
As part of efforts to communicate information about the project to the people of Jicarilla Apache Nation, Heather C. Gomez, a Jicarilla Apache tribal member, has accepted the position of Community Engagement Manager for the Jicarilla Apache Nation geothermal feasibility study.
As Community Engagement Manager, Gomez will help tribal members understand the study, share project updates in clear language, organize community meetings, and gather questions, concerns, ideas, and feedback from the Jicarilla Apache community.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve our Jicarilla Apache community in this role,” Gomez said. “This study is looking at resources located on our homelands, and I believe it is important that our people understand what is being studied, why it is being studied, and what it could potentially mean for the Nation. I want our community members to feel comfortable asking questions, learning about geothermal energy, and sharing their thoughts throughout the process.”
The first in-person Geothermal Community Town Hall will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Dulce, New Mexico. A virtual community meeting will follow on Monday, November 30, 2026.
“These town halls are an opportunity for our community to learn directly about the project and be part of the conversation,” Gomez added. “You do not need to have a background in geology, energy, or geothermal technology to participate. My goal is to help make the information understandable and make sure our community has opportunities to be informed and heard.”
Additional community engagement opportunities and project updates will be shared as the study progresses.
RELATED: New Mexico publishes new rule for geothermal leasing in state trust lands
Source: Email correspondence
