Energy

Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2007

Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2007 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to prescribe reporting and recordkeeping requirements for positions involving energy commodities (a commodity or the derivatives of a commodity used primarily as a source of energy). Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to subject to the requirements of this Act a contract, agreement, or transaction for future delivery in an energy commodity.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BUILDINGS

United States · United States Senate · 12 February 2007

To require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct an Independent Safety Assessment of the Indian Point Energy Center.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2007

Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to report to Congress regarding: (1) a focused, in-depth Independent Safety Assessment of the design, construction, maintenance, and operational safety performance of certain systems at the Indian Point Energy Center, Units 2 and 3, Westchester County, New York; and (2) a comprehensive evaluation of the radiological emergency plan for the Center, conducted by the NRC and the Department of Homeland Security. Requires that such Independent Safety Assessment be: (1) conducted by an Independent Safety Assessment Team; (2) monitored by an Independent Safety Assessment Observation Group and by an Independent Safety Assessment Citizens' Review Team; and (3) equal in scope, depth, and breadth to the Independent Safety Assessment of the Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, located near Bath, Maine, conducted by the NRC in 1996. Prescribes conditions for a final NRC decision to renew the operating licenses for Units 2 and 3 at the Center.

THE FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 February 2007

Steven Jeffrey Isakowitz, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Energy, vice Susan Johnson Grant, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 2007

VET Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007 or VET Act - Authorizes the accelerated payment of basic educational assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) basic educational assistance program for an individual entitled to such assistance who, during the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on September 30, 2011, is enrolled in a VA-approved program of education lasting less than two years that leads to employment in one of the following sectors: (1) transportation; (2) construction; (3) hospitality; or (4) energy.

Rural Opportunities Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

Rural Opportunities Act of 2007 - Amends the Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make state grants for extension, education, applied research, and development activities at institutions of higher education, state agencies, or partnerships for local and regional bioenergy and biobased product use and production; and (2) provide funds for basic research on next generation technology. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental rural cooperative development grants. Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish regional bonus grant funds for bioenergy and biobased products competitive research, education, and extension programs; and (2) carry out agroforestry conversion and cellulosic production pilot programs. Extends: (1) the renewable energy systems and energy improvements program; and (2) the value-added agricultural grant program. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to make state grants for development of the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and other land managers. Directs the Secretary to carry out specified pilot programs. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend: (1) the beginning farmer and rancher development program; and (2) the organic certification cost-share program. Directs the Secretary to identify barriers to small, beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers in conservation and farm support programs. Authorizes funds for rural technology transfers. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend the best utilization of biological applications program. Establishes a federal-state matching grant program. Extends: (1) the national training program; (2) the organic agriculture research and extension program; and (3) the socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers outreach and technical assistance program. Amends the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary to establish a national organic agriculture conversion and stewardship incentives program. Authorizes geographic produce and food procurement preferences for certain Department of Defense and Department of Agriculture programs. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend the women, infants, and children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program. Amends the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to extend the farmers market promotion program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to extend, and revise funding provisions for, assistance for community food projects. Requires: (1) broadband service providers to provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with specified information; and (2) the FCC to provide Congress with demographic information for underserved areas. Sets forth specified offset provisions.

To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing oil and gas leases on portions of the Outer Continental Shelf located off the coast of New Jersey.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease, permit, or license for oil exploration or extraction from specified submerged Outer Continental Shelf lands located within 125 miles of the coast of New Jersey, including areas with respect to which a moratorium on oil and gas leasing activities existed before enactment of this Act.

To amend title VI of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a Federal renewable energy portfolio standard for certain retail electric utilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe requirements for a Federal Renewable Portfolio Standard for calendar years 2010 through 2039. Specifies a schedule of graduated annual percentages of a supplier's base amount that shall be generated from renewable energy resources, from 1% in 2010 up to 20 % in 2020 and thereafter. Authorizes a retail electric supplier to satisfy such requirements through submission of renewable energy credits to the Secretary of Energy. Provides for energy credit trading or borrowing among suppliers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage federally-owned utilities, municipally-owned utilities, and rural electric cooperatives that sell electric energy to electric consumers for purposes other than resale to participate in the renewable portfolio standard program; and (2) establish by December 31, 2009, a state renewable energy account program.

America's Domestic Fuels Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

America's Domestic Fuels Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to states to conduct research to expedite the use of coal gasification as an energy source in ethanol production. Requires at least one pilot project receiving such assistance to be fueled by coal gasification and to be located in an area with high sulfur bituminous coal reserves.

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2007

More Water, More Energy, and Less Waste Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

More Water and More Energy Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, to conduct a study to identify: (1) the obstacles to increasing the extent to which produced water (water from an underground source that is brought to the surface as part of the process of exploration for or development of oil, natural gas, coal-bed methane, or any other substance to be used as an energy source) can be used for irrigation and other purposes without adversely affecting water quality or the environment; and (2) the actions that could reduce or eliminate such obstacles. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the development of facilities to demonstrate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of processes to increase the extent to which produced water may be recovered and made suitable for irrigation, municipal, or industrial uses or other purposes without adversely affecting water quality or the environment. Requires such assistance to be provided for at least one project in: (1) one of the Upper Basin States other than New Mexico; (2) either New Mexico or one of the Lower Basin States other than California; (3) California; and (4) Texas.

International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to support the establishment of an international regime for the assured supply of nuclear fuel for peaceful means under multilateral authority, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Authorizes the President to make grant basis contributions to the IAEA for an international nuclear fuel bank to maintain a low-enriched uranium reserve of reactor fuel for eligible countries. Requires the President, prior to making such contributions, to certify to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that: (1) the IAEA has received specified monetary pledges for the international nuclear fuel bank; (2) the bank will be established in a non-nuclear weapon state under IAEA oversight; and (3) the bank will provide nuclear reactor fuel only to a country that is in full compliance with IAEA and other safeguards, agrees to use the nuclear reactor fuel in accordance with IAEA safeguards, and the country does not operate uranium enrichment or spent-fuel reprocessing facilities.

Rocky Flats Special Exposure Cohort Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Rocky Flats Special Exposure Cohort Act - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to amend the definition of a "member of the Special Exposure Cohort" for purposes of such Program to include persons who were employed by the Department of Energy (DOE) or a DOE contractor or subcontractor for an aggregate of at least 250 work days before January 1, 2006, at the Rocky Flats site in Colorado.

NEW ERA Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

National Endowment for Workforce Education in Renewables and Agriculture Act of 2007, or NEW ERA Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants to community colleges and advanced technology education centers located in Iowa or other midwestern states to support the education and training of technicians in the fields of bioenergy and other agricultural, renewable energy resources. Requires grant applicants to demonstrate the ability to leverage existing partnerships and develop educational and occupation outreach and training programs with secondary schools, four-year institutions of higher education, and the agricultural extension system. Gives funding priority to specified occupational education and training initiatives, which include: (1) improving the capacity of bioenergy service industry technicians to meet the needs of agricultural bioenergy businesses; (2) teacher training in agricultural bioenergy research, efficiency, and conservation; (3) the identification of agricultural bioenergy employment opportunities; and (4) the development of partnerships with nonprofit organizations dedicated to bioenergy education and training. Requires grant applications to include a comprehensive education and training evaluation component.

Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2007

Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007 - Limits the amount of Appalachian regional development grants and loans for projects in at-risk counties to 70% of project costs. Directs the Appalachian Regional Commission to designate as "at-risk" those counties in the Appalachian region that are most at risk of becoming economically distressed. Authorizes the Commission to provide technical assistance, provide grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide amounts to entities in the region for projects and activities to: (1) promote energy efficiency; (2) increase the use of renewable energy resources; and (3) support the development of conventional energy resources to produce alternative transportation fuels, electricity, and heat. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission through FY2011, with specified amounts designated for: (1) the telecommunications and technology initiative; and (2) the economic and energy initiative. Requires funds approved by the Commission for a project in an Appalachian state pursuant to a congressional directive to be derived from the amount allocated to that state. Extends, for five years, the termination date of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2007

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a position of, and appoint, a Director who shall: (1) establish an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings; (2) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (3) carry out public outreach; (4) develop and recommend a high-performance green building research plan; (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities; and (6) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of high-performance green buildings. Defines a "high-performance green building" as one that, during its life-cycle: (1) reduces energy, water, and material resource use and the generation of waste; (2) improves indoor environmental quality; (3) improves impacts of the building on human health and the environment; (4) increases the use of environmentally preferable products; (5) increases reuse and recycling opportunities; and (6) integrates systems in the building. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to state agencies for use in: (1) providing technical assistance for EPA's programs (including the Tools for Schools Program and the Healthy School Environmental Assessment Tool) to schools for use in addressing environmental issues; and (2) developing state school environmental quality plans. Requires the EPA to develop school site acquisition guidelines that account for: (1) the special vulnerability of children to hazardous substances or pollution exposure where the potential for site contamination exists; (2) available modes of transportation; and (3) potential use of the school as an emergency shelter. Requires the Director to ensure that the public clearinghouse established by this Act receives and makes available information on the exposure of children to environmental hazards in school facilities. Requires the EPA to issue guidelines for states in developing and implementing an environmental health program for schools. Requires the Director to identify incentives to encourage the use of green buildings and related technology in federal government operations Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to: (1) revise applicable acquisition regulations to require federal facility acquisition, construction, or renovation to optimize energy performance, conserve water, enhance indoor environmental quality, and reduce environmental impacts of materials and waste flows; and (2) issue guidance to federal procurement executives on renegotiating proposed facilities design, existing facilities renovations, and eased facilities improvements. Requires the Director to: (1) consult with the Committee to assist in the implementation of the Environmental Stewardship Scorecard announced at the White House Summit on federal sustainable buildings in 2006; and (2) establish guidelines to implement a specified demonstration projects at federal buildings to contribute to its research goals.

Green Buildings Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Green Buildings Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a position of, and appoint, a Director who shall: (1) establish an Office of Green Buildings (2) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (2) carry out public outreach; (3) develop and recommend a green building research plan; (4) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of green buildings; and (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities. Defines a "green building" as one that, during its life-cycle: (1) reduces energy, water, and material resource use and the generation of waste; (2) improves indoor environmental quality; (3) improves impacts of the building on human health and the environment; (4) increases the use of environmentally preferable products; (5) increases reuse and recycling opportunities; and (6) integrates systems in the building. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to state educational agencies for use in: (1) providing technical assistance for EPA's programs (including the Tools for Schools Program and the Healthy School Environmental Assessment Tool) to schools for use in addressing environmental issues; and (2) developing state school environmental quality plans. Authorizes the EPA to provide grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in community and public education on healthy school environments. Requires the EPA to develop voluntary school site acquisition guidelines that account for: (1) efficient use of energy; (2) the special vulnerability of children to hazardous substances or pollution exposure where the potential for site contamination exists; (3) available modes of transportation; and (4) potential use of the school as an emergency shelter. Requires the Director to: (1) identify incentives to encourage the use of green buildings and related technology in federal government operations; and (2) consult with the Committee to assist in the implementation of the Environmental Stewardship Scorecard. Requires the Office to carry out specified demonstration projects at federal buildings and universities to contribute to its research goals.

To direct the Administrator of General Services to install a photovoltaic system for the headquarters building of the Department of Energy.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Directs the Administrator of General Services to install a photovoltaic system, as set forth in the Sun Wall Design Project, for the headquarters building of the Department of Energy located at 1000 Independence Avenue, Southwest, Washington, D.C., commonly known as the Forrestal Building.

To authorize Federal agencies and legislative branch offices to purchase greenhouse gas offsets and renewable energy credits, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Authorizes federal agencies and legislative branch offices to purchase qualified tradeable: (1) greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets; and (2) renewable energy credits. Requires the Secretary of Energy to promulgate rules regarding approved open market transactions involving such offsets and credits. Requires such rules to accommodate forward purchasing and crediting of offsets and credits on an estimated basis from small scale offset and renewable energy generators and other open market transactions that help enable short-term purchases of offsets and credits to contribute to the implementation of such generators. Defines "greenhouse gas offsets" to mean a reduction in GHG emissions that results from actions that would not have occurred in the absence of the opportunity to sell an offset for the resulting reduction.

National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Clarification Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to revise the factors the Secretary of Energy may consider in determining whether to designate a national interest electric transmission corridor. Authorizes the Secretary to consider whether the designation would have potential impacts on natural values and special places considered to be in the national interest. Repeals authority to consider whether designation would serve U.S. energy independence. Directs the Secretary, before a corridor designation, to analyze all alternatives measures that could address energy transmission constraints or congestion. Prohibits a corridor designation from encompassing, within one mile of their respective boundaries, lands on which development is prohibited or limited to protect scenic, natural, cultural, or historic resources. Revises conditions for issuance of permits by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for construction or modification of electric transmission facilities in such a corridor. Requires that a state commission or other state entity with authority to approve facility siting has: (1) disapproved the siting in a decision that FERC considers an abuse of discretion; or (2) unreasonably withheld or delayed making a decision for at least a year. Requires each permit application to include an engineering study of the feasibility of placing the line underground. Requires treatment as a taking for which just compensation is due of a diminution of 10% or more in any property value resulting from acquisition of a right-of-way and the construction of a facility on it. Requires each agency to issue its own record of decision in order to ensure that its environmental review complies with statutory mandates and regulatory requirements. Repeals any right to appeal to the President an agency denial or failure to act regarding federal authorization for a transmission facility.

To repeal section 216 of the Federal Power Act (as added by the Energy Policy Act of 2005) providing for the use of eminent domain authority for the construction of certain electric power lines, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Amends the Federal Power Act, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, to repeal provisions regarding the siting of interstate electric transmission facilities, including: (1) the designation of national interest electric transmission corridors; (2) issuance of permits for the construction or modification of such facilities; (3) acqusition by a permit holder of rights-of-way for such a facility through the exercise of eminent domain in a federal district court; and (4) the consent of Congress to interstate compacts for establishment of regional transmission siting agencies.

FUEL Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Finding the Ultimate Energy Lifeline Act of 2007, or the FUEL Act of 2007 - Instructs the President to select individuals to serve on a working group to identify strategies and methods to reduce consumption of foreign oil to less than 25 % of total U.S. motor vehicle fuel consumption not later than 2015. Requires the working group to: (1) identify alternative sources for motor vehicle fuels; (2) recommend appropriate federal actions for development and use of such sources; (3) assess the efficacy of such federal actions; and (4) provide appropriate coordination of federal efforts.

To provide incentives for the use of hydrogen fuel, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for expenditures for producing energy from certain hydrogen sources; and (2) extend through 2013 the energy tax credits for fuel cell and microturbine property. Prohibits the construction after 2008 of any public building in excess of 50,000 square feet, unless such building has a fuel cell as an independent backup source of electric power. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish: (1) an interagency task force and comprehensive study team to study and identify the necessary regulatory actions for transitioning to the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell devices and fueling stations, and for transitioning from a hydrocarbon to a hydrogen economy; and (2) a cooperative program to facilitate the commercial development of such hydrogen energy sources.

Protecting Communities from Power Line Abuse Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Protecting Communities from Power Line Abuse Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal provisions regarding: (1) mandatory fair market value compensation for right-of-way acquisitions; (2) transmission facility modifications in accordance with state law; and (3) requirements for coordination of federal authorizations for interstate electric transmission facilities, including authorization to file an appeal with the President regarding denial of an application for such an authorization. Modifies requirements for acquisition of rights-of-way for electric transmission facilities located on property other than federal or state property. Provides that, if the permit holder cannot acquire by contract, or is unable to agree upon compensation with the owner of the property, the permit holder may acquire the right-of-way in accordance with state law for the state in which the property is located. (Thus repeals current law which allows the permit holder to acquire the-right-of-way through the exercise of eminent domain in a federal district court.) Requires the length of at least one year for the comment period on an application for a transmission facility permit.

Global Warming Reduction Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2007

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate regulations necessary to reduce the aggregate net level of global warming pollution emissions; and (2) establish a market-based emissions cap and global warming pollutants trading program. Establishes the Climate Reinvestment Fund. Requires EPA to: (1) establish, and revise every five years, standards for passenger vehicle emissions; and (2) research global climate change standards and processes. Sets forth requirements for retail electricity suppliers and EPA concerning: (1) energy efficiency and peak load reduction; (2) a related trading system; (3) renewable energy types and sources; and (4) a renewable energy credit program and related penalties. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emission through biological sequestration activities. Requires major stationary sources to report annually to EPA about global warming pollutant emissions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report biennially to EPA and Congress about U.S. progress in avoiding dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Replaces specified volumes of renewable fuel required in gasoline for 2006-2012 with benchmarks for 2010, 2020, and 2030 and a requirement that EPA determine the volume for each year not specified annually. Requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that major oil companies that sell gasoline in the United States through wholly-owned or branded stations provide pumps that dispense E-85 fuel at specified percentages. Creates a related trading program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to double the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit, the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit, and the conservation credit. Creates a new plug-in hybrid motor vehicle credit and an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) require securities issuers to inform investors of financial and economic risks relating to global warming; and (2) declare that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program and an Office of Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Research.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-11]THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ACT OF 2000

United States · United States House of Representatives · 31 January 2007

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the residential energy efficient property credit.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures.

COAST Anti-Drilling Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act, or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in either the Mid-Atlantic or the North Atlantic planning areas.

To increase the renewable fuel content of gasoline sold in the United States by the year 2025 to 25 billion gallons, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe: (1) the volume of renewable fuel that gasoline sold in the United States must contain in calendar years 2013 through 2025; and (2) a formula for determining the applicable volume for calendar years after 2025. Repeals provisions requiring a minimum quantity of renewable fuel to be derived from cellulosic biomass. Provides that 1.0 gallon of a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline shall be considered to be the equivalent of 1.5 gallons of renewable fuel.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the renewable electricity production credit.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for producing electricity from certain renewable resources; and (2) redefine "Indian coal production facility" for purposes of the credit as a facility that produces Indian coal (thus eliminating certain requirements for and limits on the tax credit for electricity produced by such facility).

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the credit for electricity produced from wind.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities.

Growing Responsible Energy and Environment Nationally through Federal Energy Decisions Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Growing Responsible Energy and Environment Nationally through Federal Energy Decisions Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to repeal a certain lease charge reduction incentive program for encouraging federal agencies to use alternative fueled vehicles. Requires the head of each federal agency to ensure that, in areas in which ethanol-blended gasoline or biodiesel-blended diesel fuel is reasonably available at a generally competitive price, the agency purchases for use in appropriate vehicles: (1) ethanol-blended gasoline containing at least 10% ethanol rather than nonethanol-blended gasoline; and (2) biodiesel-blended diesel fuel containing at least 2% biodiesel within five years, and 20% biodiesel within 10 years.

Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2007

Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to provide an additional 100,000 incremental vouchers for tenant-based rental housing assistance under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in FY2008. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct: (1) each participating jurisdiction to use Home Investments Partnership (HOME) grant funds to provide affordable housing to individuals or families whose income is 30% or lower than the area median income (extremely low-income); and (2) direct the Secretary to allocate HOME funds to such jurisdictions on a specified pro-rata basis. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to: (1) extend to FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the Public and Assisted Housing Crime and Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP); (2) set aside specified amounts for the Office of Policy Development and Research; (3) identify activities eligible for grant funds; and (4) require the Office to review research to assess strategies likely to be effective in preventing and reducing violent and drug-related crimes in public and federally assisted low-income housing. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress shall create a national affordable housing trust fund to supply 1.5 million additional affordable housing units over the next 10 years, especially for extremely low-income and very low-income families. Repeals multiyear procurement authority for the F-22A Raptor Fighter Aircraft. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from implementing the advanced research program for fossil fuels.

Home Energy Generation Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2007

Home Energy Generation Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each state regulatory authority and nonregulated electric utility to conduct a hearing, and on the basis of such hearing, adopt a net metering standard. Requires retail electric suppliers to offer to arrange to make net metering available to retail customers on a first-come-first-served basis. Prescribes implementation requirements regarding: (1) net energy measurement; (2) billing practices; (3) ownership of credits; (4) safety and performance standards; (5) interconnection and model standards; and (6) consumer friendly contracts.

Biofuels Investment Trust Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2007

Biofuels Investment Trust Fund Act - Establishes a Biofuels Investment Trust Fund consisting of transferred amounts received in the U.S. Treasury from duties collected on imports of ethyl alcohol or any mixture containing ethyl alcohol that is to be used as a fuel or in producing a mixture of gasoline and alcohol, a mixture of a special fuel and alcohol, or any other mixture to be used as a fuel (including motor fuel). Directs the Secretary of Energy to use amounts in the Trust Fund to: (1) provide assistance to farmers, producers, biorefiners, researchers, universities, and other persons or entities involved in the research, development, and deployment, or production of biofuels, especially for cellulosic ethanol production; or (2) advance research, development, and deployment of biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol produced from biomass feedstocks.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the resources eligible for the renewable energy credit to kinetic hydropower, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include kinetic hydropower as a renewable resource eligible for the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources. Defines "kinetic hydropower" as: (1) ocean free flowing water derived from flows from tidal currents, ocean currents, waves, or estuary currents; (2) ocean thermal energy; or (3) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, man made channels, or streams.

National Nuclear Security Administration Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2007

National Nuclear Security Administration Accountability Act - Amends the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (NNSA) to subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Energy each officer or employee of the NNSA, or of a contractor of the NNSA, who carries out activities related to safeguards and security (including cyber security), emergency management, integrated safety management, or environment, safety, and health operations. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act with respect to delegation only to the Deputy Secretary of Energy, without redelegation, of the Secretary's authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security. Excepts NNSA activities enumerated in this Act from the exclusive scope of such delegation. (Thus allows the Secretary to delegate oversight of such activities elsewhere within the Department of Energy.)

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide credit rate parity for all renewable resources under the electricity production credit.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate after 2006 the reduction in the rate of the tax credit for electricity produced from open-loop biomass, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities (thus allowing the same credit rate for all renewable resource facilities).

COAST Anti-Drilling Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2007

Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act, or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in either the Mid-Atlantic or the North Atlantic planning areas.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense; (4) Defense Intelligence Agency; (5) National Security Agency; (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (8) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (9) National Reconnaissance Office; (10) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (11) Coast Guard; (12) Department of Homeland Security; and (13) Drug Enforcement Administration. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2007, for those activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Allows the DNI, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2007 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DNI for FY2007 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Revises various DNI authorities and duties concerning access to, and sharing of, intelligence information. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish an Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community. Repeals superseded authority to establish such position under the Inspector General Act of 1978. Establishes within the Office of the DNI a National Space Intelligence Center. Protects from public disclosure certain operational files within the Office of the DNI. Establishes a Deputy Director of the CIA.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Authorizes expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for the 110th Congress.

To require higher standards of automobile fuel efficiency with the goal of reducing the amount of oil used for fuel by automobiles in the United States by 10 percent beginning in 2017, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation by regulation to prescribe (corporate) average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles manufactured after 2009 that ensure that the CAFE achieved by automobiles manufactured after 2016 is at least 33 miles per gallon, and meets other specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to establish separate standards for different classes of automobiles according to size. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a CAFE credit trading program to allow a manufacturer that exceeds fuel economy standards to sell credits to another manufacturer.

Investment in Energy Independence Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Investment in Energy Independence Act of 2006 [ sic ] - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for investment in coal-to-liquid fuels projects; (2) allow a taxpayer election to expense the cost of coal-to-liquid fuels process property and coal-fired facilities for the production of ethanol placed in service before 2016; (3) extend the election to expense oil and alternative fuel refineries until 2016; (4) include liquid fuel derived from oil shale extracted in the United States as an alternative fuel for excise tax purposes; (5) extend the excise tax credit for alternative fuels through FY2020; and (6) allow a 50% tax credit for enhanced oil recovery projects using qualified carbon dioxide.

To expand the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to include alternative fuels, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to: (1) define "fuel products" to mean petroleum products and alternative fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel; (2) redesignate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as the Strategic Fuels Reserve; and (3) rename the SPR Petroleum Account as the SFR Fuel Account. (Thus brings such alternative fuels within the purview of EPCA).

DRIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act or DRIVE Act - Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish in the Federal Register an oil savings target and action plan for specified calendar years. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a national media campaign to decrease oil consumption in the United States over the next decade. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop: (1) a fuel efficiency program for passenger car and light truck tires; (2) a program to designate Transit-Oriented Development Corridors; and (3) pilot projects to save oil by reducing vehicle miles traveled. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop a testing and assessment program to determine the fuel economy of heavy duty vehicles; (2) establish a near-term electric transportation deployment program; and (3) implement a fuel and technology neutral program to reduce tailpipe emissions. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average heavy duty vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantees for eligible projects to improve hybrid technologies or to encourage production of efficient hybrid and advanced diesel vehicles. Requires a specified graduated percentage of passenger cars manufactured by light-duty motor vehicles manufacturers to be fuel choice enabling motor vehicles or alternative fuel automobiles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing tax credit; (2) allow a flexible fuel vehicle tax credit; (3) extend the alternative vehicle tax credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; (4) allow a fuel-efficient tax credit for private fleets; (5) subject heavy vehicles to the depreciation limitation for certain luxury automobiles; (6) increase the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property tax credit; (7) provide a graduated tax credit for plug-in hybrid electric passenger and light truck vehicles; and (8) allow an idling reduction tax credit for heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicles. Establishes the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to obligate sums from the Fund for the Clean Cities grant program to increase the availability to consumers of ethanol, biodiesel, and other alternative fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe minimum annual quantities of renewable fuel from cellulosic biomass. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) require at least a 20% reduction in the federal fleets' petroleum consumption (including that at least 30% of federal vehicles required to be alternative fuel vehicles be flexible fuel hybrid or flexible fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles); (2) submit to Congress an action plan calling for a specified graduated percentage of the nation's ground fuel demand to be supplied by fuels derived from sources other than oil; and (3) carry out a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle prize program.

H-Prize Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2007

H-Prize Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies. Designates prize-eligible categories, including: (1) advancements in certain hydrogen components or systems; (2) prototypes of hydrogen-powered vehicles or other hydrogen-based products that meet or exceed certain performance criteria; and (3) transformational changes in technologies for hydrogen distribution or production that meet or exceed far-reaching criteria, including minimal carbon emissions, and which may include cost criteria designed to facilitate the eventual market success of a winning technology.

H-Prize Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2007

H-Prize Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes biennially to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies. Designates prize-eligible categories, including: (1) advancements in certain hydrogen components or systems; (2) prototypes of hydrogen-powered vehicles or other hydrogen-based products that meet or exceed certain performance criteria; and (3) transformational changes in technologies for hydrogen distribution or production that meet or exceed far-reaching criteria, including minimal carbon emissions, and which may include cost criteria designed to facilitate the eventual market success of a winning technology.

Energy Fairness for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2007

Energy Fairness for America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate: (1) the tax deduction for oil and gas intangible drilling and development costs; (2) the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas wells; and (3) the tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs. Repeals provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 relating to: (1) oil and gas royalties in-kind; (2) marginal property production incentives; (3) incentives for natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico; (4) royalty suspension for deep water production; (5) the inventory of Outer Continental Shelf oil and natural gas resources; (6) Alaska offshore royalty suspension; (7) accelerated depreciation of electric transmission property, natural gas distribution lines, and natural gas gathering lines and expensing of liquid fuel refinery property; (8) the exemption of small oil refiners from limitations on the oil depletion allowance; and (9) two-year amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures. Requires certain large integrated oil companies to revalue their LIFO inventories of crude oil, natural gas, or other petroleum productions using a specified formula. Limits or denies the foreign tax credit and tax deferrals for dual capacity taxpayers (taxpayers receiving economic and tax benefits from certain foreign jurisdictions), foreign oil and gas income, and foreign oil and gas extraction income.

Digital Television Consumer Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2007

Digital Television Consumer Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require through December 1, 2009: (1) retail distributors that sell or rent televisions with analog receivers, including distributors that sell by direct mail or electronic means, to prominently display a specified consumer alert respecting digital television transition information; (2) multichannel video programming distributors to include specified transition information in consumer bills; and (3) full-power commercial television broadcast licensees or permittees to report at least quarterly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) respecting transition education efforts to consumers. Authorizes the FCC to issue civil forfeitures for violations of such requirements. Requires the FCC to establish: (1) a digital television public outreach program, including FCC website information; and (2) the DTV Working Group to consult with state and local governments, providers of low-income assistance programs, educational institutions, community groups, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to promote consumer outreach regarding such transition and the converter-box program. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish energy consumption standards applicable to digital-to-analog converter boxes in order for such boxes to qualify for certain coupon purchases. States that such standards shall be the exclusive energy consumption standards for converter boxes manufactured or imported for use in the United States on and after the effective date established by the Assistant Secretary and until January 1, 2010.