§167p Helium-3 separation

Summary

The Secretary must work with the Secretary of Energy (or that person’s designee) on research and assessments about extracting and refining the isotope helium-3 from crude helium and other possible sources. That work can include analyzing gas samples and studying the needed infrastructure. The Secretary, with the Secretary of Energy, may study whether to build a facility to separate helium-3 and look for other sources. Not later than 1 year after October 2, 2013, the Secretary must report the assessment results to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. Up to $1,000,000 may be provided to carry out this work.