Congress Weighs Action to Ease Helium Crisis

In the absence of Congressional action, the United States is facing a “Helium Cliff,” resulting in an acute helium shortage and price spike even more dramatic than the current supply problems that are seriously impacting researchers, industry and clowns. Proposed legislation would prevent the worst disruptions in the market, but helium prices are almost certainly going to jump substantially by the end of the year. The United States is the largest single supplier of helium in the world, but it’s authorized to keep selling it for only a few more months. In addition, the low cost of crude helium from the federal government has led to over-consumption resulting in supply shortages.

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