IDAHO'S HIDDEN ENERGY
Harnessing Power from Under the Ground
Geothermal Tour & Panel Discussion
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Get ready to dig deep – figuratively – into one of Idaho’s most powerful and underappreciated energy sources: GEOTHERMAL!
Join the City of Boise and energy leaders for a walking tour of some of Boise's geothermal accessible hotspots.
Along the way, explore the engineering marvels and cultural roots of this clean, renewable resource. The tour will end with a lively panel discussion featuring experts from the City of Boise, Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bureau of Land Management, and Ormat Technologies. We’ll unpack how geothermal works, its potential to power Idaho’s future, and what makes our state uniquely positioned to lead.
Whether you're into policy, engineering, or just curious about what’s heating up under your feet—this is an event you won’t want to miss!
AGENDA:
4:00 PM
Meet at Capitol Mall Garage #2
at 7th & Washington
Walking Tour with
Steve Sawyer, City of Boise & Kevin Rigsby, State of Idaho
Stop 1: Capitol Mall State Production Well (30 minute stop)
Walk to State Capitol (2 minute walk)
Stop 2: State Capitol Mechanical Room (10 minute stop)
Walk to 5th Street near Green Belt Spur (15 minute walk)
Stop 3: Injection Well (10 minute stop)
Walk to Leku Ona for Panel Discussion (10 minute walk)
~ CLICK HERE to view the map of the tour. ~
Please note: the tour covers approx. 1.2 miles of walking,
not including returning to your vehicle after the panel discussion.
If you do not wish to take the tour, you may register for
ONLY the panel discussion at Leku Ona at 5:30 PM,
where there are more tickets available.
5:30 PM
Panel Discussion and Social
(appetizers and 1 drink ticket provided)
Welcoming Panelists:
STEVEN SAWYER is a lead engineer with the City of Boise at the forefront of one of the nation’s most unique municipal geothermal systems. With deep expertise in infrastructure design and system optimization, Steven oversees the city’s geothermal injection wells and heating network – a system that quietly powers downtown Boise with renewable energy from beneath our feet. His work bridges engineering innovation with long-term sustainability, making him a key voice in Idaho’s geothermal future.
EMILY HER is the Energy Program Manager with Idaho’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, where she helps shape Idaho’s energy landscape through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. With a background in environmental policy and a passion for clean energy innovation, Emily brings a broad perspective on how geothermal fits into Idaho’s energy mix. She’s particularly focused on balancing energy development with community and environmental priorities.
SCOTT NICHOLS manages operations for Ormat Technologies in the Pacific Northwest, including the Vale and Raft River geothermal sites. With decades of experience in large-scale geothermal development, Scott offers a real-world view of what it takes to bring geothermal energy from concept to commercial reality. His insights span permitting, production, and market integration – and he’s a strong advocate for expanding the role of geothermal in the clean energy economy.
AIMEE BETTS is a public lands specialist with the BLM, where she works on geothermal leasing, permitting, and policy. Her role involves balancing public interest, environmental stewardship, and energy development across Idaho’s vast federal lands. Aimee brings a federal perspective on how geothermal fits into national energy goals and how Idaho’s unique geology positions it as a leader in this space. (participation pending federal shutdown)
