Mar 16, 20231 min
The Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) submitted its public comment on the U.S. Department of Interior’s recently published RFC on Helium Supply Risk. NTEC believes that Helium warrants LCM inclusion and is charged with the responsibility of supporting the future economic prosperity of the Navajo Nation. Accordingly, NTEC recommends USGS to reconsider its position on Helium on the LCM upon full and fair consideration of global circumstances and Public Comment feedback.
NTEC presented previously unconsidered circumstances, such as the impending closure of the U.S. Helium Reserve, and criteria for consideration, such as the quantitative and semi-quantitative assessment process. NTEC believes Helium strongly fits into the classification of minerals described under these criteria and serves a critical function in the economic security of the U.S. NTEC also noted that Helium supply chains are vulnerable due to foreign competitors seeking global Helium control/supply chain dominance.
Additionally, NTEC noted executive branch precedent, such as the U.S. Department of State's commitment to working group meetings with international partners to establish more ethical and sustainable supply chains of critical minerals, and the Biden administration's February 2021 Executive Order that would assess essential goods and materials. NTEC hopes USGS’s current RFC corresponds with the previously noted process and encourages USGS to reconsider its position on Helium on the LCM.