The TRO allows the continued operation of the CHEU after August 11, avoiding imminent disruption in domestic helium supply. The Court ordered MHC and CRLP to appear before him on August 23, 2024, at which time the Court will decide whether to grant MHC a preliminary injunction to give time to negotiate a new lease with the CRLP in good faith.
Two of the three CRLP partners support allowing MHC continued access to the CHEU. Despite diligent efforts, MHC has been unable to reach a reasonable commercial solution with the third partner, Air Products. By impeding MHC's ability to operate the CHEU, Air Products could deprive numerous third parties access to their privately owned helium stored in the System.
MHC welcomes the opportunity to explain to the Court at the upcoming hearing why its continued access to the CHEU is critical to protect the stability of the domestic helium market and the needs of helium users in several major industrial sectors.
"Without helium, MRI machines cannot run, semiconductor chips cannot be made, and space rockets cannot launch. Not to mention, national defense and economic security could be impacted, as the largest foreign suppliers of helium (Qatar and Russia) are subject to disruption by geopolitical events and trade restrictions," said Chris Ebeling, Messer's Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, North America.
As a leading supplier of helium, Messer is committed to providing a safe, dependable and continuous supply of this valuable gas that plays a pivotal role in the nation's health and security. Messer has operated the CHEU safely and reliably over the past two years while under contract with the BLM.