Zasoby i środowisko · 4.08.2004

Notice Implementing Third Conservation Helium Sale

The purpose of this action is to continue implementation of the terms of the Helium Privatization Act (HPA) of 1996 dealing with the disposal of the Conservation Helium Reserve. The HPA requires the Department of the Interior (DOI) to offer for sale, beginning no later than 2005, a portion of the Conservation Helium stored underground at the Cliffside Field, north of Amarillo, Texas. The DOI, in consultation with the private helium industry, has determined that private companies, with refining capacity along the crude helium pipeline, will need a supply of helium in excess of that available from their own storage accounts and that available from crude helium extractors in the region. Given the current market, Conservation Helium sold in this sale will cause minimal market disruption. If this offering of Conservation Helium is not fully subscribed, then a Supplemental Sale will be held in March 2005 for the excess amount of helium to give an extended opportunity for the helium to be sold.