MRI machines need thousands of liters of liquid helium to function. Health care workers say they can’t afford any disruptions to the helium supply chain.
The reason the stockpile was there was it being classified as a strategic resource during the time around WW1 and 2 when airships were a big thing. It’s just not really something the government thinks they need to be involved in anymore. Though you could argue its use is becoming more strategic again.
But anyway I’m not defending the sale, I just believe this was the reason they wanted to sell it.
It sounds like the government was doing a poor job with it.
Edit: Actually it sounds like part of the poor job was due to implementation of the Helium Privatization Act of 1996, and 2013 was trying to fix some of it. It’s expensive and government has been trying to get out of it for a while. (The GAO also has some information).
Every 90s democrat knows if it’s important for science, health, and national security it’s better in the hands of private industry. Also screw welfare. (-Bill Clinton, 1996)
Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t see in the article the reason why the stockpile I’d being sold. This I want to know.
The reason the stockpile was there was it being classified as a strategic resource during the time around WW1 and 2 when airships were a big thing. It’s just not really something the government thinks they need to be involved in anymore. Though you could argue its use is becoming more strategic again.
But anyway I’m not defending the sale, I just believe this was the reason they wanted to sell it.
Helium Stewardship Act of 2013.
It sounds like the government was doing a poor job with it.
Edit: Actually it sounds like part of the poor job was due to implementation of the Helium Privatization Act of 1996, and 2013 was trying to fix some of it. It’s expensive and government has been trying to get out of it for a while. (The GAO also has some information).
Every 90s democrat knows if it’s important for science, health, and national security it’s better in the hands of private industry. Also screw welfare. (-Bill Clinton, 1996)
Thank you, and @Zworf for the info!
I guess yay for public-private action 🙃but I guess I would prefer proper communal administration.