Legislative Hearing: Hearing on a Draft Discussion of the Helium Extraction Act of 2017

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Longworth House Office Building 1324

On Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a legislative hearing on the following bill:

  • Discussion Draft of H.R. ____, To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to provide that extraction of helium from gas produced under a Federal mineral lease shall maintain the lease as if the helium were oil and gas. “Helium Extraction Act of 2017.”

Bill Overview:

  • By the end of Fiscal Year 2021, the federal government will get out of the business of storing and supplying helium.
  • Helium is essential for scientific research and a number of high-tech applications, and there are concerns about the price and availability of helium for federal and academic users after the federal helium program ends.
  • This bill is an attempt to adjust one of the several unique features of helium production law in order to stimulate additional domestic supplies of helium from federal lands.