42 U.S.C. § 18652 — Helium conservation program

(a) In general. The Secretary must create a program to reduce helium use by Department grant recipients and facilities, and to encourage helium recycling and reuse. The program must competitively award grants for: (1) buying equipment to capture, reuse, and recycle helium; (2) installing, maintaining, and repairing new and existing helium capture, reuse, and recycling equipment; and (3) research and development on helium alternatives. (b) Report. Starting 2 years after August 9, 2022, and every 3 years after that, the Director must report to the House Science Committee and the Senate Energy Committee on helium purchases for Department-supported research projects and facilities. Each report must cover: (1) how much helium was purchased for Department-grant projects and facilities; (2) a cost analysis of that helium; (3) as much as practical, whether the helium was imported, and from where; (4) the actual or expected effects of helium shortages or price swings on Department-supported research and facilities; and (5) recommendations for reducing grant recipients' exposure to volatile helium prices and shortages. (c) Coordination. The Director must coordinate with the National Science Foundation and other relevant federal agencies on helium conservation activities. (d) Duration. Subject to available funding, the program may be supported for up to 5 years. (e) Renewal. When that support period ends, the Director may renew the program for another period of up to 5 years.