New federal designation recognizes helium’s essential role in advanced manufacturing, technology, and national security—reinforcing longstanding industry concerns about supply security.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has officially designated helium as a critical material, recognizing its importance to American manufacturing, advanced technologies, and national security, as well as growing risks to its global supply chain.
Announced October 23, the designation acknowledges helium’s indispensable role in semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, medical imaging, aerospace, and advanced energy technologies. It also creates additional opportunities for federal support of domestic helium production and greater federal attention to supply-chain vulnerabilities.
For the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), the announcement reinforces concerns the association has raised for years about protecting the nation’s helium supply and maintaining reliable access to this essential resource.
A Longstanding Priority for CGA
CGA has consistently advocated for policies that protect the availability and reliability of helium, including efforts to ensure the smooth transition of the Federal Helium reserve from the U.S. government to a private owner during 2021-2023.
The latest designation also follows the U.S. Geological Survey’s decision to remove helium from its critical minerals list in 2022, despite its essential industrial applications and concerns about long-term supply security. Helium remains excluded from the USGS list today. CGA opposed that de-listing at the time and continues to urge for a reversal of the move.
Recognizing a Critical Resource
Although the United States remains the world’s leading helium producer, disruptions to international supplies, limited domestic processing capacity, and lengthy permitting timelines have highlighted vulnerabilities in the global market.
DOE’s designation recognizes these challenges and the importance of expanding domestic production and strengthening supply-chain resilience. It is a significant step toward ensuring that industries dependent on helium have reliable access to this essential resource.
CGA welcomes the federal government’s recognition of helium’s strategic importance and remains committed to working with policymakers, industry partners, and its members to support a safe, reliable, and resilient helium supply.
