Pulsar Helium has revealed that the State of Minnesota has established new helium legislation.
The new legislation for helium covers helium exploration, production and leasing on state land, and follows Pulsar’s advances at the company’s flagship Topaz helium project where the Jetstream #1 well flowed 13.8% helium.
The new helium legislation came into force yesterday after being approved by the State Governor.
Thomas Abraham-James, Pulsar Helium’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Minnesota is open for business, and we are grateful to the State for supporting this new industry.
“The new legislation gives Pulsar certainty moving forward, creating a clear regulatory pathway for us to take Topaz to production. As a result, we are now planning to accelerate our works at Topaz and expand our footprint in Minnesota.”
Introduction of new helium legislation
The State of Minnesota has introduced a new regulatory framework that permits the issuance of leases for the exploration and production of non-hydrocarbon gases, including helium.
Pulsar has already submitted an application for new leases in areas of interest for helium and hydrogen, taking advantage of this new regulatory landscape.
Before the implementation of the new regulations, leases could only be issued on mineral rights that were privately held. Consequently, all of Pulsar’s existing leases are with private entities.
Temporary regulatory framework
The permitting of helium production projects will be managed under a temporary regulatory framework until the adoption of final rules.
By January 15, 2025, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources must submit recommendations to the relevant legislative committees.
These recommendations will focus on statutory and policy changes needed to facilitate the exploration and production of non-hydrocarbon gases, including helium, and to support temporary permits for gas exploration and production.
