BLM completes sale of Federal Helium System
Organization
Media Contact:
Washington —The Bureau of Land Management closed on the sale of the Federal Helium System, fulfilling one of BLM’s primary responsibilities under the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013. BLM will continue working with the new owner, Messer, during a 45-day hand-off period to support a smooth transition from federal to private ownership.
The Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 set forth the process requiring BLM to dispose of all federal helium assets. Public bidding for the helium system occurred in January 2024, with the top bid placed by Messer.
“BLM is proud to have managed a successful helium operation on behalf of the American people for so long,” said BLM New Mexico State Director Melanie Barnes. “We are confident the transition will be a smooth one.”
The federal government began the federal helium program in 1925, when Congress recognized the need to ensure that helium would be available for defense needs. Today, helium is used mostly for scientific research, medical technology, high-tech manufacturing, space exploration, and national defense.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.