Energy

Alaska Offshore Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Alaska Offshore Parity Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to share more revenues derived from energy and mineral development in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) region with Alaska and its coastal political subdivisions. Currently, only revenue generated by certain nearshore areas of the OCS is shared with Alaska. The bill requires Treasury to share a specified portion of revenue derived from all areas in the Alaska OCS region. Alaska may use the funding from such revenue for coastal protection, coastal infrastructure, systems to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, programs at institutions of higher education, and other related purposes.

Hydrogen for Ports Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Hydrogen for Ports Act of 2023 This bill supports infrastructure for hydrogen-derived fuels, including ammonia, at ports and in the shipping industry. Specifically, the Department of Transportation must establish a program that awards grants to states, local governments, tribal governments, and other eligible entities for infrastructure that supports such fuels at ports and in the shipping industry.

Hydrogen for Trucks Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Hydrogen for Trucks Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish a grant program that assists eligible entities in purchasing (1) heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles (e.g., trucks) that use hydrogen as a fuel source, and (2) related equipment. Certain entities that control heavy-duty truck fleets or public hydrogen fueling stations may apply for grants. Grant recipients must use the funding to demonstrate the performance of at least seven heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel source or at least one hydrogen fueling station for use by such vehicles.

Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish programs that provide grants or cooperative agreements to support the use of hydrogen in energy. Specifically, DOE must establish a program for projects that demonstrate the uses of hydrogen in heavy industry (e.g., steel, cement, glass, and chemical manufacturing). DOE must also establish a program for (1) carrying out projects that demonstrate the end uses of hydrogen; (2) constructing a new commercial-scale facility that will use hydrogen as a fuel or feedstock; or (3) retooling, retrofitting, or expanding an existing facility to enable the use of hydrogen as a fuel or feedstock in industrial end-use applications of hydrogen.

Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a hydrogen infrastructure finance and innovation pilot program. Under the program, DOE must provide grants and low-interest loans to certain entities for hydrogen infrastructure, including projects for hydrogen transportation, storage, or delivery.

A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify propane storage as an eligible use for funds provided under the storage facility loan program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

This bill specifies that funds provided under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program may be used to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production. This Department of Agriculture loan program provides low-interest financing for agricultural producers to build or upgrade commodity storage facilities. Some agricultural producers use propane to power agricultural operations (e.g., grain dryers, irrigation engines, and barn heating).

To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify propane storage as an eligible use for funds provided under the storage facility loan program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This bill specifies that funds provided under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program may be used to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production. This Department of Agriculture loan program provides low-interest financing for agricultural producers to build or upgrade commodity storage facilities. Some agricultural producers use propane to power agricultural operations (e.g., grain dryers, irrigation engines, and barn heating).

Defend our Coast Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Defend our Coast Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in the Mid-Atlantic planning area of the Outer Continental Shelf.

COAST Anti-Drilling Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from authorizing the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil, natural gas, or other minerals in areas of the Outer Continental Shelf along the Atlantic Coast. Specifically, the prohibition applies to the Mid-Atlantic planning area, the South Atlantic planning area, the North Atlantic planning area, and the Straits of Florida.

Energy Efficiency for Affordable Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Energy Efficiency for Affordable Housing Act This bill increases the amount of the low-income housing tax credit for rehabilitation expenditures for buildings, including those in high cost areas, that achieve enhanced energy performance.

COAST Anti-Drilling Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from authorizing the exploration, development, or production (i.e., offshore drilling) of oil, natural gas, or other minerals in areas of the Outer Continental Shelf along the Atlantic Coast. Specifically, the prohibition applies to the Mid-Atlantic planning area, the South Atlantic planning area, the North Atlantic planning area, and the Straits of Florida.

Legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. _____ (Westerman), “Transparency and Production of American Energy Act of 2023”; and H.R. 209 (Stauber), “Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023”

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2023

Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements related to U.S. international energy strategy. Applications to export natural gas to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, Japan, and certain other countries must be granted on an expedited basis without modification or delay. The President must impose sanctions on a person (individual or entity) that provides certain equipment, investment, or services to the Russian government or related entities for constructing or servicing Russian energy export pipelines. The Department of State must report to Congress on a strategy to enhance the energy security of NATO member countries and increase exports of U.S. energy (and related technologies and services) to such countries.

Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements related to U.S. international energy strategy. Applications to export natural gas to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, Japan, and certain other countries must be granted on an expedited basis without modification or delay. The President must impose sanctions on a person (individual or entity) that provides certain equipment, investment, or services to the Russian government or related entities for constructing or servicing Russian energy export pipelines. The Department of State must report to Congress on a strategy to enhance the energy security of NATO member countries and increase U.S. energy exports to such countries.

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act This bill expedites the permitting process for oil and gas drilling on federal land. Specifically, the bill bans the Department of the Interior from requiring a permit to drill for an oil and gas lease under the Mineral Leasing Act for an action occurring within an oil and gas drilling or spacing unit if (1) less than 50% of the minerals within the unit are minerals owned by the federal government, and (2) the federal government does not own or lease the surface estate within the area directly impacted by the action. However, this ban does not apply to certain tribal land. In addition, the bill requires state drilling applicants to notify Interior if their permit or plan would impact or extract federally owned oil or gas. Holders of oil or gas leases must notify Interior when they submit a state permit application to drill.

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act This bill revises requirements for oil and gas or geothermal drilling permits under the Mineral Leasing Act as well as the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from requiring an operator to obtain a federal drilling permit for oil, gas, or geothermal exploration and production activities conducted on a nonfederal surface estate if (1) the federal ownership interest is less than 50% of the subsurface mineral estate to be accessed by the proposed action; and (2) the operator submits to Interior a state permit to conduct such activities on the nonfederal surface estate. Such activities are not considered to be a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and thus are not subject to environmental review requirements under NEPA. Further, such activities are not subject to requirements for federal actions under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

This resolution provides amounts for the expenses of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 118th Congress.

Elimination of Future Technology Delays Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Elimination of Future Technology Delays Act of 2023 This bill establishes new requirements for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when it makes certain determinations under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) related to chemical substances that are considered to be a critical energy resource (i.e., any energy resource that is essential to the U.S. energy sector and energy systems and has a vulnerable supply chain). Currently, under TSCA, manufacturers and processors of chemical substances must notify the EPA before manufacturing a new chemical substance or before manufacturing or processing a substance for a significant new use. The EPA must review such notices and provide a determination on the substance or significant new use. Under the bill, the EPA must consider economic, societal, and environmental costs and benefits when making determinations on notices for (1) new chemical substances that are considered to be a critical energy resource, or (2) significant new uses for such chemicals. If the EPA fails to make a determination by the end of the applicable review period and the submitter has not withdrawn the notice, the submitter may proceed in manufacturing or processing the substance. Applicable fees must not be refunded if a submitter proceeds with manufacturing or processing. The EPA may suggest the withdrawal of a notice for a chemical substance that is a critical energy resource, or request a suspension of the review period, if the EPA has conducted a preliminary review of the notice and provided a draft of determination to the submitter.

Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security Act This bill requires the President to obtain the approval of Congress before revoking a permit or other authorization required under executive orders for constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining an oil or natural gas pipeline, an electric transmission facility, or a border-crossing facility.

Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 This bill revises the water quality certification process under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) for any activity that requires a federal license or permit and may result in a discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. Activities that require such federal licenses or permits include hydropower, natural gas pipeline, or mining projects. Under the existing Section 401, an applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct such activities must provide the federal licensing or permitting agency with a certification. The certification must attest that the discharge will comply with enumerated sections of the CWA (i.e., Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307) and with any other appropriate requirement of state law set forth in the certification. The certifying authority—usually the state in which the discharge originates, but sometimes an Indian tribe or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—may grant, grant with conditions, deny, or waive certification of a proposed federal license or permit. This bill limits the scope of the certification process by eliminating the requirement that the discharge comply with appropriate state law set forth in the certification. It also requires decisions to grant or deny a request for certification to be based only on the enumerated sections of the CWA and provisions of state law that implement water quality criteria under Section 303. In addition, it also limits the certification process to activities that may directly result in a discharge into waters of the United States. In addition, the bill requires certifying authorities to identify all materials or information that are necessary to grant or deny the request within 90 days of receiving a request for certification. They must also publish requirements for their water quality certifications.

Critical Electric Infrastructure Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Critical Electric Infrastructure Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue regulations about reporting cybersecurity incidents with respect to critical electric infrastructure. The regulations must require federal agencies as well as the owners, operators, and users of critical electric infrastructure to report cybersecurity incidents or potential cybersecurity incidents to DOE within 24 hours of their discovery.

Keeping America’s Refineries Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Keeping America's Refineries Act This bill revises the EPA's Risk Management program to exempt a petroleum (e.g., gasoline) refinery that uses a hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit from certain hazard assessment requirements. Petroleum refineries use the acid during the gasoline production process. Hydrofluoric acid is hazardous and corrosive. If it is accidently released, it can form a toxic vapor cloud. Currently, petroleum refineries are required to include in a hazard assessment an evaluation of safer technology and alternative risk management measures for a hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit. This bill eliminates that requirement if the petroleum refinery (1) has obtained a construction permit or operating permit under the program, or (2) demonstrates that it will conform to the most recent version of American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 751. This practice provides guidance on the safe operation of such a unit.

California Clean Coast Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

California Clean Coast Act of 2023 This bill prohibits oil and gas exploration and leasing in areas of the outer Continental Shelf located off the coast of California.

Bolstering Northeast Heating Oil and Gasoline Reserves Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Bolstering Northeast Heating Oil and Gasoline Reserves Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy to (1) complete a long-range strategic review of the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve and the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve, and (2) develop an action plan that includes an estimate of the resources required to attain and maintain the reserves' long-term sustainability and operational effectiveness.

Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Justice for Black Farmers Act of 202 3 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a variety of assistance to address historical discrimination and disparities in the agricultural sector. For example, the bill establishes an equity commission in USDA to examine discrimination by the agency against Black farmers and ranchers and recommend actions to end the systematic disparities in the treatment of Black farmers and ranchers. USDA must also establish a Farm Conservation Corps to provide young adults who are from socially disadvantaged groups with the skills necessary to pursue careers in farming and ranching. The bill provides funding for historically Black colleges and universities to commence and expand courses of study that are focused on careers in agriculture or related disciplines. The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for a program to resolve issues relating to ownership and succession on farmland. Additionally, it expands credit assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Further, the bill (1) establishes that a minimum of 50% of a covered packer's (not including a packer that owns only one livestock processing plant) daily volume of livestock slaughter must be purchased through spot market sales from nonaffiliated producers; (2) increases funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program; and (3) gives priority to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers for conservation technical assistance, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Rural Energy for America Program.

Protecting American Energy Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

Protecting American Energy Production Act This bill prohibits the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes the moratorium. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that states should maintain primacy for the regulation of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production on state and private lands. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the formation.

Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2023 This bill repeals certain restrictions on the import and export of natural gas under the Natural Gas Act, including (1) a requirement that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorize an order to export or import natural gas only if it is in the public interest, and (2) restrictions related to free trade agreements. The bill also grants the FERC the exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities (e.g., liquefied natural gas terminals) to export natural gas to foreign countries or import natural gas from foreign countries.

To authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive application of certain requirements with respect to processing and refining a critical energy resource at a critical energy resource facility, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

This bill allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a temporary waiver of requirements under the Clean Air Act or the Solid Waste Disposal Act for a critical energy resource facility if the EPA finds that the processing or refining of a critical energy resource at the facility is necessary to meet national security or energy security needs. Further, the EPA may issue such waiver with or without notice, hearing, or other report.

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline project applications under the Natural Gas Act. Thus, federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review. FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cybersecurity, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures. The bill establishes a deadline for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects and requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved. If a federal or state agency requires the person applying for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits.

To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to authorize the use of flexible air permitting with respect to certain critical energy resource facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise its Title V operating permit regulations under the Clean Air Act. Such permits set forth compliance requirements related to air pollution for certain facilities (i.e., sources). Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to revise regulations to authorize the owner or operator of a critical energy resource facility to utilize flexible air permitting, as described in the final rule titled Operating Permit Programs; Flexible Air Permitting Rule published on October 6, 2009. The bill also requires the regulations to facilitate flexible, market-responsive operations (as described in the final rule) with respect to critical energy resource facilities.

Critical Electric Infrastructure Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

Critical Electric Infrastructure Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue regulations about reporting cybersecurity incidents with respect to critical electric infrastructure. The regulations must require federal agencies as well as the owners, operators, and users of critical electric infrastructure to report cybersecurity incidents or potential cybersecurity incidents to DOE within 24 hours of their discovery.

Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Energy to submit semiannual reports on the status of certain clean energy demonstration projects.

Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Promoting Cross-b order Energy Infrastructure Act This bill establishes a new process for approving the construction and operation of energy infrastructure across an international border of the United States and replaces the existing process established under specified executive orders. Specifically, this bill requires a person to obtain a certificate of crossing before constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining a border-crossing facility for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity across a U.S. border between Canada or Mexico. A certificate must be obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a facility consisting of oil or natural gas pipelines or the Department of Energy (DOE) for an electric transmission facility. As a condition of issuing a certificate, DOE must require that an electric transmission facility be constructed, connected, operated, or maintained consistent with specified policies and standards. FERC and DOE must meet a deadline for issuing a certificate as set forth by this bill. The bill also requires FERC to meet a deadline for approving applications to import or export natural gas to or from Canada or Mexico.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should not impose any restrictions on the export of crude oil or other petroleum products.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should not impose (1) overly restrictive regulations on the exploration, production, or marketing of energy resources; or (2) any restrictions on the export of crude oil or other petroleum products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide the owner or operator of a critical energy resource facility an interim permit under subtitle C that is subject to final approval by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

This bill gives a facility that processes or refines a critical energy resource an interim status permit under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act until (1) the final administrative disposition of its permit application, or (2) it is proven that the facility failed to provide information needed to process the permit application.

REFINER Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining Act or the REFINER Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to direct the National Petroleum Council to publish a report on petrochemical refineries located in the United States. The report must include information concerning (1) the contributions of such refineries to U.S. energy security, (2) a projection for expanding the capacities of the refineries, (3) any federal or state executive actions that have contributed to a decline in their capacities, and (4) any recommendations to increase such capacities.

Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to secure the supply of critical energy resources that are essential to the energy security of the United States. As part of its duties, DOE must conduct ongoing assessments of the supply of critical energy resources, strengthen the supply chains for those resources, develop substitutes and alternatives to those resources, improve technology that reuses and recycles critical energy resources, and evaluate how energy security is affected by the reliance of the United States on importing critical energy resources.

American Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

American Energy Act This bill sets forth requirements to extend terms for energy drilling permits and to limit the effect of civil actions concerning such permits. Specifically, the bill extends the terms for permits to drill issued under Section 17 of the Mineral Leasing Act from two years to four years. The bill also requires the Department of the Interior to process an application for an oil or gas drilling permit or other authorizations under a valid existing lease regardless of any pending civil actions affecting the application or related lease. It also addresses litigation concerning the environmental review of certain oil and gas lease sales held under the Mineral Leasing Act or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. A court may not vacate a lease sale nor otherwise limit, delay, or enjoin related lease activities unless the court concludes that (1) the lease will pose a risk of an imminent and substantial environmental harm, and (2) there is no other equitable remedy available. In addition, no court may enjoin or issue any order preventing the award of leases to a bidder in a lease sale if Interior has previously opened bids for such leases or disclosed the high bidder for any tract that was included in such lease sale.

Nuclear Fuel Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Nuclear Fuel Security Act This bill establishes new programs and expands existing programs to increase domestic supplies of certain types of low-enriched uranium. First, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program to increase the production of certain types of low-enriched uranium by U.S. nuclear energy companies. Second, DOE must expand the existing American Assured Fuel Supply Program to ensure the availability of certain types of domestically produced uranium in the event of a supply disruption. Third, DOE must establish a demonstration program to make certain types of low-enriched uranium available from its inventories, stockpiles, or allies to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers until such time that commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for the uranium exists in the United States at a scale sufficient to meet future needs.

AMERICAN ENERGY EXPANSION: IMPROVING LOCAL ECONOMIES AND COMMUNITIES' WAY OF LIFE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 February 2023

THE IMPACT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION'S WAR IN UKRAINE ON EUROPEAN AND GLOBAL ENERGY SECURITY ONE YEAR AFTER THE INVASION

United States · United States Senate · 16 February 2023

Securing Our Propane Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2023

Securing Our Propane Supply Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing a national strategic propane reserve that is separate from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. If DOE finds a reserve should be established, then DOE must develop an implementation plan.

Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023 This bill establishes new programs and expands existing programs to increase domestic supplies of certain types of low-enriched uranium. First, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program to increase the production of certain types of low-enriched uranium by U.S. nuclear energy companies. Second, DOE must expand the existing American Assured Fuel Supply Program to ensure the availability of certain types of domestically produced uranium in the event of a supply disruption. Third, DOE must establish a demonstration program to make certain types of low-enriched uranium available from its inventories, stockpiles, or allies to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers until such time that commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for the uranium exists in the United States at a scale sufficient to meet future needs.

Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a research, development, and demonstration program concerning abandoned oil and gas wells. Under the program, DOE must work to improve (1) data collection on the location of abandoned oil or gas wells; (2) the plugging, remediation, reclamation, and repurposing of the wells; and (3) strategies to mitigate potential environmental impacts of documented and undocumented abandoned wells.

Natural Gas Export Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

Natural Gas Export Expansion Act This bill expands the expedited application and approval process for natural gas imports or exports to include a permit to a nation that is not a party to a free trade agreement with the United States, unless the nation is (1) subject to sanctions or trade restrictions, or (2) excluded by the President or Congress for national security reasons.

Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act This bill limits the importation of uranium from Russia. Specifically, it bans unirradiated low-enriched uranium (i.e., uranium that has not been in a reactor) that is produced in Russia from being imported into the United States. However, the Department of Energy (DOE) may waive this ban if DOE determines that (1) no alternative viable source of low-enriched uranium is available to sustain the continued operation of a nuclear reactor or a U.S. nuclear energy company, or (2) importation of the uranium is in the national interest. Any waiver issued must terminate no later than January 1, 2028. The bill also limits funding for DOE's American Assured Fuel Supply program.

Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act This bill establishes requirements concerning international nuclear energy cooperation and safety. Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) must develop and carry out a program to train foreign nuclear energy experts and standardize safety practices. DOE must also study the global status of the civilian nuclear energy industry and its supply chain. In addition, the bill prohibits any person from possessing or owning enriched uranium from Russian or China unless specifically authorized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NRC may not issue a license to possess or own such fuel if DOE and the Department of State determine that the possession or ownership would pose a threat to national security. NRC must establish an International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch within its Office of International Programs to carry out and coordinate certain nuclear reactor export and innovation activities. NRC must also identify in its annual budget justification such activities.

Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program and requirements regarding schools impacted by radioactive contaminants, including in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri. Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to establish and execute new remediation goals for Jana Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District so that no portion of the site is subjected to radiation above background levels. (The school is located near Coldwater Creek, which is contaminated with radioactive waste from nearby sites used for the World War II nuclear weapons program.) The bill establishes a Radioactive School Assistance Program (and fund) to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies that have been financially impacted by the presence of radioactive contaminants stemming from U.S. atomic energy activities. Under the bill, schools in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri must be designated as vicinity properties of the St. Louis Airport Site for purposes of the USACE Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. Such schools must be investigated, including via on-site inspections and sampling, in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Contingency Plan (i.e., the national plan for responding to spills or releases of hazardous substances). The Department of Energy must review and report on the methodology and results of all tests for radioactive contaminants conducted at Jana Elementary School.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should support the safe and responsible development of its energy resources via drilling, in an effort to maintain a robust energy supply chain which promotes national security, safeguards against energy scarcity, and reduces energy poverty for all Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should support the development of its energy resources via drilling, including by repealing administrative precedent that limits the exploration, drilling, and production of domestic natural resources on federal lands.

To restore onshore energy production.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

This bill establishes requirements about conducting lease sales of onshore federal land for the development of oil and gas. The Department of the Interior must immediately resume quarterly lease sales as specified by the bill. Each fiscal year, Interior must conduct a minimum of four oil and gas lease sales in each state with land available for oil and gas leasing under mineral leasing law. If a lease sale is canceled, delayed, or deferred, then Interior must conduct a replacement sale. Interior must also conduct a replacement sale if during the original lease sale, no more than 25% of the area offered for leasing receives a bid.