50 U.S.C. § 167a : US Code - Section 167A: Authority of Secretary

Search 50 U.S.C. § 167a : US Code - Section 167A: Authority of Secretary

(a) Extraction and disposal of helium on Federal lands
(1) In general
The Secretary may enter into agreements with private parties
for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands upon
such terms and conditions as the Secretary deems fair,
reasonable, and necessary.
(2) Leasehold rights
The Secretary may grant leasehold rights to any such helium.
(3) Limitation
The Secretary may not enter into any agreement by which the
Secretary sells such helium other than to a private party with
whom the Secretary has an agreement for recovery and disposal of
helium.
(4) Regulations
Agreements under paragraph (1) may be subject to such
regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
(5) Existing rights
An agreement under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any rights
of any affected Federal oil and gas lessee that may be in
existence prior to the date of the agreement.
(6) Terms and conditions
An agreement under paragraph (1) (and any extension or renewal
of an agreement) shall contain such terms and conditions as the
Secretary may consider appropriate.
(7) Prior agreements
This subsection shall not in any manner affect or diminish the
rights and obligations of the Secretary and private parties under
agreements to dispose of helium produced from Federal lands in
existence on October 9, 1996, except to the extent that such
agreements are renewed or extended after October 9, 1996.
(b) Storage, transportation, and sale
The Secretary may store, transport, and sell helium only in
accordance with this chapter.