A bill in the US Senate to streamline helium exploration in Arizona has received bipartisan support from stakeholders. Senate Bill 1444 has now been transferred from the Arizona Senate to the Arizona House of Representatives.
The bill has a particular focus on preventing contamination of aquifers when exploring for helium. It requires helium explorers to design, build, operate, and maintain sites without contaminating aquifers.
If approved, helium could provide a viable new source of revenue for the state, supporters say.
The bill will now be assigned to the appropriate committee for further review and consideration. It will then undergo a review before proceeding to a full House vote.
If any amendments are proposed and accepted during this process, the bill will return to the Senate for another vote before being sent to the governor’s office for final approval.
The proposed legislation has garnered strong support from industry organisations, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Technology Council, and Americans for Prosperity.
Since 2020, Arizona has won more than 40 semiconductor expansions, representing over $102bn in capital investment and over 15,700 direct industry jobs. Many of these would require helium.
Helium exploration company Desert Mountain Energy is a supporter of the bill. The company had to previously move its helium operations from Arizona to New Mexico due to repeated delays and long lead times associated with enhanced recovery permitting.
“We appreciate the thoughtful questions, careful consideration, and meaningful suggestions from the legislators,” Robert Rohlfing, CEO of Desert Mountain Energy. “We look forward to returning to Arizona upon final approval.”
