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H.R. 655 (117th): Securing Helium for Science Act

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The text of the bill below is as of Feb 1, 2021 (Introduced). The bill was not enacted into law.

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 655

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 1, 2021

introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To amend the Helium Act to ensure continued access to helium for holders of Federal research grants, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Securing Helium for Science Act.

2.

Sale of crude helium

(a)

In general

Section 6 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167d) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

in paragraph (3), by striking (e) and inserting (f);

(B)

in paragraph (4), by striking (e) and inserting (f); and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(5)

Responsibilities of purchaser

The Secretary may not sell the Federal Helium Reserve unless the purchaser agrees to be subject to the same requirements as the Secretary under subsection (e), except that such requirements shall not terminate until the end of the 8-year period described in subsection (e)(1).

;

(2)

by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and

(3)

by inserting the following after subsection (d):

(e)

Phase E: Continued access for researchers

(1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraph (3), during the 8-year period beginning on the earlier of September 30, 2022, or the date on which the Secretary ends sales of helium under subsection (c), the Secretary shall offer crude helium for sale to holders of a Federal research grant in quantities not to exceed 30 million cubic feet of crude helium annually, at such times and under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(2)

Price

(A)

First year

During the 1-year period beginning on the date of the first sale of helium under paragraph (1), the price of helium sold under such paragraph shall be 5 percent higher than the price of the most recent sale of helium under subsection (c).

(B)

Subsequent years

The Secretary shall increase the price of helium offered under this paragraph by 5 percent in each subsequent year in which sales occur under this subsection.

(3)

Termination

The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to the Secretary beginning on the date that a purchaser of the Federal Helium Reserve that has agreed to be subject to the requirements of this subsection assumes control of such Federal Helium Reserve.

.

(b)

Conforming amendment

Section 3(c) of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167a(c)) is amended by striking 6(e) and inserting 6(f).