50 USC 167o - Low-Btu gas separation and helium conservation

U.S Code last checked for updates: Oct 21, 2024

§ 167o.

Low-Btu gas separation and helium conservation

(a)

Authorization

The Secretary of Energy shall support programs of research, development, commercial application, and conservation (including the programs described in subsection (b))—

(1)

to expand the domestic production of low-Btu gas and helium resources;

(2)

to separate and capture helium from natural gas streams; and

(3)

to reduce the venting of helium and helium-bearing low-Btu gas during natural gas exploration and production.

(b)

Programs

(1)

Membrane technology research

(2)

Helium separation technology

The Secretary of Energy shall support a research program to develop technologies for separating, gathering, and processing helium in low concentrations that occur naturally in geological reservoirs or formations, including—

(A)

low-Btu gas production streams; and

(B)

technologies that minimize the atmospheric venting of helium gas during natural gas production.

(3)

Industrial helium program

The Secretary of Energy, working through the Advanced Manufacturing Office of the Department of Energy, shall carry out a research program—

(A)

to develop low-cost technologies and technology systems for recycling, reprocessing, and reusing helium for all medical, scientific, industrial, commercial, aerospace, and other uses of helium in the United States, including Federal uses; and

(B)

to develop industrial gathering technologies to capture helium from other chemical processing, including ammonia processing.

(c)

Authorization of appropriations

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 426, § 17, as added Pub. L. 113–40, § 6(3), Oct. 2, 2013, 127 Stat. 542.)

cite as: 50 USC 167o