BLM Helium System sale provides $460 million to U.S. Treasury

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BLM Helium System sale provides $460 million to U.S. Treasury

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Dec 12, 2024

The sun sets over a helium facility in Amarillo, Texas. The Bureau of Land Management transferred $460 million in proceeds from the sale of the Federal Helium System to the U.S. Treasury December 2024. (Photo courtesy of BLM New Mexico)

SANTA FE, N.M. - The Bureau of Land Management transferred $460 million in proceeds from the sale of the Federal Helium System to the U.S. Treasury today, marking the conclusion of an historic program that served the nation for nearly a century. The sale of the Federal Helium System, directed by Congressional direction under the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, reflects the BLM's commitment to ensuring the efficient and responsible management of the nation's helium resources. Helium is used mostly for scientific research, medical technology, high-tech manufacturing, space exploration, and national defense.

"The sale of the Federal Helium System and subsequent transfer of funds marks the end of an era and a successful transition to private industry," said BLM New Mexico State Director Melanie Barnes. "The Department of the Interior and the BLM commend the efforts of all involved in this process, including ensuring that maximum value was obtained as part of this historic shift."

The federal helium program began in 1925, when Congress recognized the need to ensure that helium would be available for defense needs. Following passage of the Helium Stewardship Act, BLM coordinated with federal partners to determine the appropriate next steps for the Federal Helium System, ultimately putting the system up for competitive sale earlier this year. BLM completed the sale of the Federal Helium System to the new owner, Messer, in June 2024.

For more information about the transfer and the closure of the federal helium program, please contact BLM New Mexico Program Manager Mike Larson at [email protected] or 505-954-2230.

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.