Mineral Resources: H.R. 3967--A Bill to Change How Federal Needs for
Refined Helium Are Met (Testimony, 04/19/94, GAO/T-RCED-94-183).

H.R. 3967 would change how the federal government's helium needs are met
by shifting helium refinement from the Interior Department's Bureau of
Mines to the private industry.  In addition, the bill would repay the
helium program debt.  Whether the federal budget will be helped or
harmed by this legislation will depend on whether private industry can
sell refined helium to the government at a lower price.  Revenues from
the disposal of the existing helium inventory could also affect the
federal budget.  The choice between Interior and the private industry to
meet federal helium needs is ultimately a public policy decision.  GAO
believes that H.R. 3967 provides a viable alternative for meeting
current and foreseeable federal needs for helium with the potential for
budgetary savings and repayment of the helium program debt.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-RCED-94-183
     TITLE:  Mineral Resources: H.R. 3967--A Bill to Change How Federal 
             Needs for Refined Helium Are Met
      DATE:  04/19/94
   SUBJECT:  Gas resources
             Natural resources
             Agency debt
             Proposed legislation
             Energy conservation
             Commodity sales
             Energy industry
             Industrial facilities
             Mineral resources
             Natural gas storage
IDENTIFIER:  Dept. of the Interior Helium Conservation Program
             Kansas
             Oklahoma
             Texas
             Wyoming
             Amarillo (TX)
             
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