Washington The Bureau of Land Management closed on the sale of the Federal Helium System, fulfilling one of BLM's primary responsibilities under the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013. BLM will continue working with the new owner, Messer, during a 45-day hand-off period to support a smooth transition from federal to private ownership.
The Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 set forth the process requiring BLM to dispose of all federal helium assets. Public bidding for the helium system occurred in January 2024, with the top bid placed by Messer.
"BLM is proud to have managed a successful helium operation on behalf of the American people for so long," said BLM New Mexico State Director Melanie Barnes. "We are confident the transition will be a smooth one."
The federal government began the federal helium program in 1925, when Congress recognized the need to ensure that helium would be available for defense needs. Today, helium is used mostly for scientific research, medical technology, high-tech manufacturing, space exploration, and national defense.
