(a) AuthorizationThe Secretary of Energy shall support programs of research, development, commercial application, and conservation (including the programs described in subsection (b))—
(3)
to reduce the venting of helium and helium-bearing low-Btu gas during natural gas exploration and production.
(b) Programs
(1) Membrane technology research
The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other appropriate agencies, shall support a civilian research program to develop advanced membrane technology that is used in the separation of low-Btu gases, including technologies that remove helium and other constituent gases that lower the Btu content of natural gas.
(2) Helium separation technologyThe Secretary of Energy shall support a research program to develop technologies for separating, gathering, and processing helium in low concentrations that occur naturally in geological reservoirs or formations, including—
(3) Industrial helium programThe Secretary of Energy, working through the Advanced Manufacturing Office of the Department of Energy, shall carry out a research program—