BLM Helium Sales Generate $215 Million for American Taxpayer in 2014
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today will transfer $115 million to the U.S. Treasury for revenue generated from the sale and auction of crude helium from the Federal Helium Reserve, a resource owned by the American people and managed by the BLM's Amarillo, Texas, Field Office. Today's transfer augments an earlier transfer of $100 million for a total of $215 million for 2014. There were three helium sales and one helium auction in fiscal year 2014. These sales were executed in accordance with the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, which revitalized the Federal Helium Program and provided for market-based pricing and competitive auctions for the duration of the program. The Federal program will sunset when either three billion cubic feet of helium remain or on September 30, 2021, whichever comes first. The Federal Helium Reserve is the nation's leading producer of crude helium for both the public and private sectors. Crude helium is an important resource for technology development and other important uses related to national defense, energy, medicine, industry, and space exploration. In 2014, the BLM's crude helium plant satisfied approximately 70% of the U.S. helium demand and over 22% of the world's helium demand. For more information, contact Robert B. Jolley, Field Manager, at 806-356-1002.
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.