43 CFR §3284.6

1. (a)BLM may authorize a working interest owner to drill a well on the interest owner's lease only if it is located outside of an established participating area. However, BLM will only do so upon determining that:
   1. (1)The unit operator is not diligently pursuing unit development; and
   2. (2)Drilling the well is in the public interest.
2. (b)If BLM determines that a working interest has completed a well that will produce or utilize geothermal resources in commercial quantities, the unit operator must:
   1. (1)Apply to revise the participating area to include the well; and
   2. (2)Operate the well.