Desert Mountain Energy (DME) is pushing for legislative change in Arizona to support the economic extraction of helium and hydrogen while protecting aquifers.
The helium exploration and production company teamed up with other parties to promote the economic benefits of the helium and hydrogen industries while being environmentally conscious.
Together, the coalition is working with the Arizona State Government to implement regulations that will strike a balance between industry needs and environmental protection.
By clearly defining regulations that safeguard aquifers while allowing for the economic extraction of helium and hydrogen, the coalition aims to promote sustainable growth in the industry.
Robert Rohlfing, CEO and Executive Chairman of Desert Mountain Energy, said “We believe that it is possible to harness the economic potential of the helium industry in Arizona while also safeguarding our natural resources.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the coalition is also highlighting the potential tax revenue that could be generated from the high-tech industry and the development of naturally occurring resources in Arizona.
By promoting the economic benefits of the helium and hydrogen industries, the coalition hopes to garner support for its efforts to implement responsible regulations.
Dan Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “We greatly appreciate Desert Mountain Energy for bringing this critical issue to light and collaborating with the Chamber and the state to bolster vital components of the semiconductor supply chain.”
“A safe and reliable supply of helium is essential to supporting Arizona’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry and our state’s continued leadership in the sector.”
Since 2020, Arizona has won more than 40 semiconductor expansions, representing over $102bn in capital investment and over 15,700 direct industry jobs.
In August 2024, Desert Mountain Energy announced its efforts to get helium back on the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) critical mineral list.
Read more: Desert Mountain Energy pushes to reclaim helium on US critical minerals list, focuses on Arizona
Helium was removed from the USGS’s critical minerals list in November 2021. The USGS, an agency under the Department of the Interior (DOI), is required by the Energy Act of 2020 to refresh the list of critical minerals at least every three years.
Read more: Helium removed from US critical minerals list
Helium’s exclusion from the 2021 list was surprising, as it was included in 2018.
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