§18652 Helium Conservation Program

Summary

The Secretary must create a program to lower how much helium Department grant recipients and facilities use and to encourage recycling and reuse. The program must award grants through competition for three things: buying equipment to capture, reuse, and recycle helium; installing, maintaining, and repairing that equipment; and research and development of helium substitutes. No later than 2 years after August 9, 2022, and every 3 years after that, the Director must send a report to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The report must include how much helium was bought, a cost analysis, whether the helium was imported and from where if known, effects of shortages or price changes on projects, and recommendations to reduce exposure to volatile prices and shortages. The Director must coordinate with the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies. The program can receive support for up to 5 years, depending on available funding, and the Director may renew support for another period of up to 5 years.