Energy

Job Preservation and Economic Certainty Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2013

Job Preservation and Economic Certainty Act of 2013 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to revise discretionary spending limits for FY2012-FY2021. Repeals the requirement that the President order a sequestration for FY2013. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require an individual taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $1 million to pay a minimum tax rate of 30% of the excess of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income over the taxpayer's modified charitable contribution deduction for the taxable year; (2) require a shareholder of a subchapter S corporation engaged in a professional service business to include all items of income or loss attributable to such business in determining such shareholder's net earnings from self-employment for purposes of computing employment tax liability; (3) increase the recovery period for the depreciation of general aviation aircraft; (4) limit itemized deductions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($250,000 for joint returns of married individuals); (5) include in foreign base company income, for purposes of determining the foreign trade income of controlled foreign corporations, imported property income; (6) limit the employer tax deduction for stock options granted to its employees to the value of such options as recorded on the employer's books at the time such options are granted; (7) apply the $1 million limitation on the employer tax deduction for employee remuneration to stock option compensation; and (8) repeal the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and the lower of cost or market methods of valuing inventory. Limits or repeals certain tax benefits for major integrated oil companies, including: (1) the foreign tax credit for companies that are dual capacity taxpayers; (2) the tax deduction for income attributable to the production, refining, processing, transportation, or distribution of oil, natural gas, or primary products thereof; (3) the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs; (4) the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas wells; and (5) the tax deduction for qualified tertiary injectant expenses. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal royalty relief for: (1) natural gas production from deep wells in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and (2) deep water oil and gas production in the Western and Central Planning Area of the Gulf (including a portion of the Eastern Planning Area). Imposes new restrictions on U.S. corporations and other entities with foreign income with respect to: (1) tax deductions allocable to deferred foreign income, (2) the recalculation of foreign income taxes, (3) intangible property transferred overseas, (4) the limit on the foreign tax credit for dual capacity taxpayers, and (5) the treatment of taxes paid on foreign oil and gas income for purposes of the foreign tax credit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to assess a risk-based Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee in the total amount of $30 billion to recover assistance provided to financial institutions through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and other federal programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a .03% excise tax on the purchase of a security if: (1) such purchase occurs or is cleared on a trading facility located in the United States, or (2) the purchaser or seller is a U.S. person.

A bill to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Little Wood River Ranch.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2013

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon the request of the licensee for the project numbered 12063 (Little Wood River Ranch, Idaho), to: (1) extend for three years after enactment of this Act the time period during which the licensee is required to commence the construction of project works; or (2) if the license for Project No. 12063 has been terminated, reinstate the license and extend for three years after enactment of this Act the time period during which the licensee is required to commence the construction of project works.

Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2013

Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act of 2013 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require amounts received through FY2020 (currently, through FY2010) from leases under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to be available to the Secretary of the Interior to spend in such amounts as are provided in advance appropriations acts for implementing such Acts. Requires the Secretary of Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to each establish a wind and solar leasing pilot program under which lease sales are conducted on covered public lands administered by the Secretary concerned to carry out wind and solar energy projects. Requires the Secretaries to jointly determine as to whether to expand the pilot program to apply to all covered public lands. Defines "covered land" to mean land that is: (1) public land administered by the Secretary of the Interior, or National Forest System land administered by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) not excluded from development of solar or wind energy under a final land use plan established under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, a final land and resource management plan established under the National Forest Management Act of 1976, or federal law. Establishes in the Treasury the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior for use in regions impacted by the development of wind or solar energy on public lands. Requires Fund amounts to be used in those regions for: (1) the protection and restoration of important fish and wildlife habitat; and (2) the assurance and improvement of access to federal lands and waters for hunting, fishing, and other forms of outdoor recreation. Requires the Secretaries to determine the feasibility of carrying out a mitigation banking program on federal lands administered by the Secretaries to fully offset the impacts of wind or solar energy on such lands.

Permanent Repeal of Oil Subsidies Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2013

Permanent Repeal of Oil Subsidies Act - United States Exploration on Idle Tracts Act or USE IT Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) issue regulations establishing a graduated annual production incentive fee governing federal onshore and offshore lands subject to an oil or natural gas production lease but for which such production is not occurring, and (2) deposit the prescribed fee assessment into the general fund of the Treasury. Deficit Reduction Through Fair Oil Royalties Act - Prohibits the Secretary from issuing new oil or natural gas production leases in the Gulf of Mexico under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to a person that does not renegotiate its existing leases in order to require royalty payments if oil and natural gas prices are greater than or equal to specified price thresholds. Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of multiple lessees, to implement a separate agreement modifying payment responsibilities (including such price thresholds) with any lessee that owns a lease share. Prescribes analogous requirements for lease transfers. Requires rentals or royalties received by the United States to be deposited in the Treasury for federal budget deficit reduction or, if there is no federal budget deficit, for reducing the federal debt. Directs the Secretary to agree to a lessee's request to amend any lease issued for any Central and Western Gulf of Mexico tract in the period of January 1, 1996, through November 28, 2000, to incorporate price thresholds applicable to royalty suspension requirements that are equal to or less than the price thresholds specified under OCSLA. No Free Inspections for Oil Companies Act - Amends the OCSLA to direct the Secretary to establish and collect nonrefundable facility inspection fees from operators of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities. Establishes in the Treasury the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund as depository for such fees. Requires amounts collected by the Secretary to be credited as offsetting collections and to be made available for expenditure only for implementing inspections of OCS facilities (including mobile offshore drilling units) and for administration of the inspection program. End Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures, to apply the special rule for major integrated oil companies to any covered large oil company with gross receipts exceeding $50 million for the taxable year. Excepts any taxpayer with gross receipts exceeding $50 million for the taxable year from: (1) the requirement to include all items of gross income in gross income for the year, (2) the enhanced oil recovery credit, (3) the deduction for intangible drilling and development costs in the case of oil and gas wells, (4) the percentage oil depletion allowance, (5) the deduction for tertiary injectants, (6) passive activity losses and credits, and (7) the deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities. Denies the use of last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting for major integrated oil companies. Prescribes a special rule for the treatment of foreign taxes paid by a dual capacity taxpayer that is a major integrated oil company.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify the Pilot Project offices of the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2013

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the list of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project offices. Replaces the Miles City, Montana, field office with the Montana/Dakotas State Office, Montana (Billings).

Phantom Fuel Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2013

Phantom Fuel Reform Act  - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program by requiring the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, in estimating the projected volume of cellulosic biofuel to be sold or introduced into commerce in the next year, to determine for each facility producing such biofuel during the current year: (1) the average monthly volume of biofuel produced by such facility based on the actual volume produced through October 31, and (2) the estimated annualized volume of biofuel production for such facility for the current year based on such average monthly production. Requires the estimate of cellulosic biofuel projected to be sold or introduced into commerce in the following year to equal the total of the estimated annual volumes of cellulosic biofuel production for all such facilities. Requires (currently, authorizes) the Administrator, in any year in which the Administrator reduces the applicable volume of cellulosic biofuel required in gasoline, to also reduce the applicable volume of renewable fuel and advanced biofuels required by the same (currently, by the same or a lesser) volume.

Helium Stewardship Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2013

Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act - Amends the Helium Act to redefine the Federal Helium Reserve as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cliffside Gas Field and supporting infrastructure, including: (1) the Cliffside Gas Field helium storage reservoir; and (2) all associated infrastructure owned, leased, or managed under contract by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) for helium storage, transportation, withdrawal, purification, or management. Directs the Secretary (who currently is merely authorized) to offer for sale crude helium for federal, medical, scientific, and commercial uses, dividing such sales into three phases, the second of which is to maximize total recovery of helium from the Reserve. Limits the first phase to the one-year period following enactment of this Act, and specifies duration requirements for the second and third phases. Requires the Secretary to establish prices for crude helium sales during the first phase that are not less than the last sales of crude helium from the Federal Helium Reserve before enactment of this Act. Prescribes requirements for the sale of crude helium at auction for federal, medical, scientific, and commercial uses. Permits designated federal agencies and grantees to purchase refined helium from an eligible person for federal, medical, research, and scientific uses at either the minimum auction price, or another price designated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to require all parties to a contract for the acceptance, storage, and redelivery of crude helium to disclose, on a confidential basis, in dollars per thousand cubic feet, the weighted average price of all crude helium and bulk liquid helium purchased, sold, or processed by them in qualifying domestic helium transactions during the fiscal year. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary is authorized to change the minimum sales price for crude helium. Requires persons participating in auctions of helium from the Federal Helium Reserve to furnish, upon request, records of transactions in helium auctions required by the Secretary to reconstruct bidding or trading in the course of a particular inquiry or investigation conducted for enforcement or surveillance purposes. Sets forth uses of the Helium Production Fund, including capital investments and maintenance at the Cliffside Gas Field helium storage reservoir and helium pipeline. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publicize on the Internet certain information regarding the current refining capacity on the Federal Helium Reserve pipeline, and (2) take any applications for new refining capacity on the Federal Helium Reserve pipeline. Requires the BLM Director to establish a real-time reporting process, including reporting over the Internet, providing specified data affecting the helium industry (including effects for all persons in the industry from crude helium suppliers to end users). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national helium gas resource assessment in each reservoir (including the isotope helium-3); (2) complete an assessment of trends in global demand for helium, including such isotope; (3) cooperate with the Secretary of Energy on any assessment or research relating to the extraction and refining of the isotope helium-3 from crude helium at either the Federal Helium Reserve or along the Federal Helium Reserve pipeline system; and (4) report to Congress on the feasibility of establishing a facility to separate the isotope helium-3 from crude helium at either the Federal Helium Reserve or at an existing helium separation or purification facility connected to the Federal Helium Reserve pipeline system.

BLM Live Internet Auctions Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2013

BLM Live Internet Auctions Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct onshore oil and gas lease sales through Internet-based live bidding methods. Requires each individual Internet-based lease sale to conclude within seven days. Directs the Secretary to analyze the first 10 such lease sales, including estimates of: (1) increases or decreases in such lease sales, compared to sales conducted by oral bidding; and (2) the total cost or savings to the Department of the Interior as a result of such sales, compared to sales conducted by oral bidding. Requires the report to evaluate the demonstrated or expected effectiveness of different structures for lease sales which may provide an opportunity to better maximize bidder participation, ensure the highest return to the federal taxpayers, minimize opportunities for fraud or collusion, and ensure the security and integrity of the leasing process.

Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2013

Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2013 - Establishes the United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Commission, which shall review and examine cross-border trade policies, strategies, and programs with Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grants program to develop and expand trusted shipper programs for small- and medium-sized businesses to facilitate border commerce. Authorizes appropriations for FY2014 to: (1) the General Services Administration (GSA) for planning, management, and construction of United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) owned land border ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border and for the installation of renewable energy retrofits at such ports of entry; (2) the International Boundary and Water Commission for planning, management, and construction of the International Outfall Interceptor and the Nogales Wash Channel; (3) the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) for improvements to existing transportation and supporting infrastructure along the border, for construction of highways and related safety and enforcement facilities related to international trade with Mexico, and for international coordination of transportation planning, programming, and border operations with Mexico; and (4) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for integrated fixed towers, remote video cameras, hand-held devices, mobile systems, and other technologies in Arizona. Requires the DHS Secretary: (1) during FY2014, to increase the number of full-time active duty CBP officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for such ports of entry, with priority to the Tucson Sector; and (2) to develop and annually update a Southwest Border Strategy for Security and Prosperity to facilitate trade and maintain operational control over such ports of entry. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a grants program to develop and revitalize small businesses located along the border. Prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract unless 30% of the labor for the performance of the contract is performed by a local subcontractor, with exceptions.

Phantom Fuel Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2013

Phantom Fuel Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program by requiring the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, in estimating the projected volume of cellulosic biofuel to be sold or introduced into commerce in the next year, to determine for each facility producing such biofuel during the current year: (1) the average monthly volume of biofuel produced by such facility based on the actual volume produced through October 31, and (2) the estimated annualized volume of biofuel production for such facility for the current year based on such average monthly production. Requires the estimate of cellulosic biofuel projected to be sold or introduced into commerce in the following year to equal the total of the estimated annual volumes of cellulosic biofuel production for all such facilities. Requires (currently, authorizes) the Administrator, in any year in which the Administrator reduces the applicable volume of cellulosic biofuel required in gasoline, to also reduce the applicable volume of renewable fuel and advanced biofuels required by the same (currently, by the same or a lesser) volume.

Energy Efficient Government Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2013

Energy Efficient Government Technology Act - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, with respect to federal agency energy management, to require each agency to collaborate with the Director of the Office of the Management and Budget (OMB) to develop an implementation strategy for the maintenance, purchase, and use of energy-efficient and energy-saving information and communications technologies (ICT) and practices that is based on the agency's operating requirements and statutory mission. Includes as part of such a strategy consideration of ICT and related infrastructure and practices. Requires the OMB Director to: (1) establish performance goals for evaluating the efforts of agencies in improving such technology systems and practices; and (2) maintain a data centers task force responsible for sharing progress toward individual agency goals and the overall target for increased energy efficiency, including through exchanges of best practices and energy efficiency information with the private sector. Sets forth reporting requirements. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, with respect to data center energy efficiency, to require: publication of the designation of the information technology industry organization that coordinates the voluntary national information program for such centers; updating and publication of a report on server and data center efficiency, including an analysis of the impact of ICT asset and related infrastructure utilization solutions; maintenance of a data center energy practitioner program that leads to the certification of practitioners qualified to evaluate energy usage and efficiency opportunities; annual evaluation of agency data centers by such certified energy practitioners (with a preference for those employed by the agency); establishment of an open data initiative for federal data center usage data; active participation by the Secretary of Energy (DOE) in efforts to harmonize global specifications and metrics for data center energy efficiency; and assistance by the Secretary in the development of an efficiency metric that measures the energy efficiency of the overall data center.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any comprehensive plan to reform our national energy policy must promote the expanded use of renewable and alternative energy sources; increase our domestic refining capacity; promote conservation and increased energy efficiency; expand research and development, including domestic exploration; and enhance consumer education.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2013

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, in order to meet our nation's growing long-term energy demands and maintain our economic viability in the world marketplace, any comprehensive and economically viable energy bill must address: (1) taking advantage of our abundant domestic coal supply; (2) using recent technological innovations to exploit our vast supply of natural gas; (3) increasing our domestic oil production and refining capacity; (4) expanding the use of renewable and alternative energy sources, with a focus on nuclear energy; (5) providing incentives for an increase in conservation and energy efficiency; (6) expanding research and development through new methods such as public-private partnerships; and (7) enhancing consumer awareness and education regarding methods to increase energy efficiency and available alternative fuel sources to reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

AMERICAN ENERGY SECURITY AND INNOVATION: AN ASSESSMENT OF NORTH AMERICA'S ENERGY RESOURCES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 February 2013

Balancing Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2013

Balancing Act - Title I: Repeal Sequester - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011, to repeal certain sequestration requirements for enforcement of a specified budget goal. Title II: Close Tax Loopholes to Achieve Balance - Subtitle A: 28 Percent Limitation on Certain Deductions and Exclusions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit tax deductions and other tax exclusions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($250,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return). Subtitle B: Tax Carried Interest in Investment Partnerships as Ordinary Income - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) set forth a special rule for the inclusion in gross income of partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services, (2) treat as ordinary income the net capital gain with respect to an investment services partnership interest except to the extent such gain is attributable to a partner's qualified capital interest, (3) exempt income from investment services partnership interests from treatment as qualifying income of a publicly-traded partnership, (4) increase the penalty for underpayments of tax resulting from failure to treat income from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income, and (5) include income and loss from an investment services partnership interest for purposes of determining net earnings from self-employment and applicable self-employment taxes. Defines "investment services partnership interest" as any interest in a partnership acquired or held by a person who provides services to a partnership by: (1) advising the partnership about investing in, purchasing, or selling specified assets; (2) managing, acquiring, or disposing of specified assets; or (3) arranging financing with respect to acquiring specified assets. Subtitle C: Dual Capacity Taxpayers - Denies a foreign tax credit to a person who is subject to a levy of a foreign country or possession of the United States and who directly or indirectly receives an economic benefit from such country or possession (dual capacity taxpayer). Subtitle D: Close Exclusion of Foreign-Earned Income Loophole - Repeals the tax exclusion for foreign earned income. Subtitle E: Close S Corporation Loophole - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require certain shareholders of a subchapter S corporation engaged as a partner in a professional service business to include income or loss attributable to such business in their net earnings from self-employment for employment tax purposes. Defines a "professional service business" as any trade or business providing services in the fields of health, law, lobbying, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, athletics, investment advice or management, or brokerage services. Subtitle F: Limitation on Mortgage Interest Deduction With Respect to Boats - Eliminates the mortgage interest tax deduction for second residences that are boats. Title III: Ending Corporate Subsidies - Subtitle A: End Fossil Fuel Subsidies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) terminate the tax subsidy for fossil-fuel related uses of alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; (2) increase to seven years the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenditures; (3) repeal the tax deduction for income attributable to the mining of any hard mineral and the domestic production of oil, natural gas, or primary products thereof; (4) deny the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory accounting method to oil, natural gas, and coal companies; (5) repeal percentage depletion for coal, lignite, and oil shale; (6) repeal capital gains tax treatment for royalties from coal; (7) increase the financing rate for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund; (8) deny a tax deduction for expenses for removal costs and damages relating to certain oil spill liability; and (9) impose a tax on the removal price of any taxable crude oil or natural gas from federal submerged lands on the Outer Continental Shelf. Subtitle B: Ending Excessive Corporate Tax Deductions for Stock Options - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) limit the employer tax deduction for employee stock options to the value of such options as recorded on the employer's books at the time such options are granted, and (2) apply the $1 million limitation on the employer tax deduction for employee remuneration to stock option compensation. Subtitle C: Reduce Deduction of Corporate Meals and Entertainment - Reduces from 50% to 25% the tax deduction for business meals and entertainment expenses after 2012. Title IV: Close International Tax System Loopholes - Subtitle A: Reformation of U.S. International Tax System - Imposes new restrictions on U.S. corporations and other entities with foreign income with respect to: (1) tax deductions allocable to deferred foreign income, (2) the recalculation of foreign income taxes, (3) intangible property transferred overseas, and (4) tax evasion activities by U.S. corporations reincorporating in a foreign country. Subtitle B: Reinsurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the taxable income of a life insurance company or other insurance company: (1) any non-taxed reinsurance premium; (2) any additional amount paid by an insurance company with respect to the reinsurance for which such non-taxed reinsurance premium is paid; and (3) any return premium, ceding commission, reinsurance recovered, or other amount received by an insurance company with respect to the reinsurance for which such non-taxed reinsurance premium is paid. Subtitle C: Close Loophole for Corporate Jet Depreciation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify general aviation aircraft as seven-year property for purposes of the depreciation tax deduction (currently, expenses for aircraft can be deducted or expensed in the current taxable year). Defines "general aviation aircraft" as any airplane or helicopter not used in commercial or contract carrying of passengers or freight, but which primarily engages in the carrying of passengers. Title V: Close Estate Tax Loopholes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the estate tax, to: (1) set forth valuation rules for certain transfers of nonbusiness assets; (2) limit estate tax discounts for certain individuals with minority interests in a business acquired from a decedent; (3) require that the value of the basis in any property acquired from a decedent or by gift be consistent with the basis as determined for estate and gift tax purposes; (4) require executors of estates and donors of gifts required to file a gift tax return to disclose to the Secretary of the Treasury, and to recipients of any interest in an estate or a gift, information identifying the value of each interest received; (5) expand rules for valuing assets in grantor-retained annuity trusts; and (6) terminate the generation-skipping transfer exemption for certain long-term trusts (perpetual dynasty trusts) 90 years after the establishment of such trusts. Title VI: Cut Pentagon Waste to Achieve Balance - Subtitle A: Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures - Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act - Prohibits using funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to arm a B-2 or B-52 aircraft with a nuclear weapon; (2) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (3) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; or (4) for the B61 or W78 life extension program. Prohibits, beginning in FY2014, the Navy from including more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment. Prohibits the use of DOD funds: (1) for FY2014-FY2024, to procure an SSBN-X submarine; and (2) for FY2025 and thereafter, to procure more than eight such submarines. Prohibits using DOD funds for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 200 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), (2) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new ICBM, or (4) for the medium extended air defense system. Prohibits using DOD or Department of Energy (DOE) funds for FY2014 or thereafter for: (1) the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project, (2) the chemistry and metallurgy research replacement nuclear facility, and (3) the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex. Directs the President to annually submit to Congress a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report and the life cycle of such weapon or program. Subtitle B: Limiting Excessive Contractor Compensation - Limits the amount of compensation payable to employees of government contractors to the rate payable for level I of the Executive Schedule. Subtitle C: Relocate Troops From Europe to the United States - Directs the DOD Secretary to complete the relocation to U.S. military installations of at least 10,000 members of the Armed Forces (members) who are currently assigned to permanent duty ashore in Europe. Prohibits the replacement in Europe of any such personnel. Authorizes a relocation waiver in the event of a declaration of war or an armed attack on any European member-nation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Subtitle D: Additional Reduction in Armed Forces End Strength Levels - Requires Army and Marine Corps active-duty end strengths to be reduced during FY2013-FY2017 to achieve a total reduction of 20,000 for the Army and 7,000 for the Marine Corps. Subtitle E: Procurement of Certain Submarines, Carriers, and Aircraft - Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended for FY2014-FY2024 to procure more than one Virginia class submarine per fiscal year. Prohibits any such obligation for FY2014 or thereafter to procure: (1) the Ford class aircraft carrier designated CVN-80, (2) V-22 Osprey aircraft, (3) 237 F-35C aircraft, (4) more than 240 F/A-18E and F aircraft, and (5) more than 200 F-35B aircraft. Subtitle F: Limit Military Bands - Prohibits amounts expended for any fiscal year for military musical units from exceeding $200 million. Subtitle G: Reduction in Number of General and Flag Officers - Prohibits the number of active-duty general or flag officers from exceeding six for each 10,000 active-duty members of that armed force. Subtitle H: Audit the Pentagon - Requires a 5% reduction in the discretionary budget authority of a federal agency if such agency has not submitted a financial statement by March 1 of the next fiscal year, or if such statement has not received by such date an unqualified or qualified audit opinion by an independent external auditor. Excludes from such reduction accounts for military, reserve, and National Guard personnel and the Defense Health Program account. Authorizes the President to waive such reduction if it would harm national security or members serving in a combat zone. Requires a report to Congress listing required DOD reports that would no longer be necessary if the financial statements of DOD were audited with an unqualified opinion or that interfere with DOD's capacity to achieve an audit of its financial statements with an unqualified opinion. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) congressional defense committees and DOD should not endanger the nation's troops by reducing wounded warrior accounts or vital protection for members in harm's way, (2) the valuation of legacy assets by DOD should be simplified without compromising essential controls or generally accepted government auditing standards, and (3) this Act should not be construed to require or permit the declassification of accounting details about classified defense programs and DOD should ensure financial accountability in such programs. Title VII: Invest in Job Creation - Subtitle A: Making Work Pay Extension - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate for taxable years beginning in 2013 the making work pay tax credit for the lesser of 6.2% of taxpayer earned income or $400 ($800 for married couples filing a joint tax return). Subtitle B: Support for Teachers and School Modernization - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of retaining, recalling, rehiring, or hiring employees to provide early childhood, elementary, or secondary education and related services. Allows states to reserve up to 10% of their grant for awards, for the same purposes, to state-funded early learning programs. Requires LEAs and state-funded early learning programs to obligate such funds by the close of FY2014. Prohibits the use of such grants to supplant state funding for education. Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate grants to states and, through them, subgrants to LEAs to modernize, renovate, or repair early learning or elementary or secondary education facilities. Requires the Secretary of Education to allocate grants directly to the 100 LEAs with the largest numbers of children aged 5-17 living in poverty to modernize, renovate, or repair such facilities. Requires allocation of such funds among these LEAs in proportion to each LEA's respective share of school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires states to give subgrant priority to projects that comply with certain green building standards. Prohibits the use of such grants for new construction, routine maintenance costs, or on facilities used for events for which the public is charged admission. Allows private, nonprofit elementary or secondary schools with a rate of child poverty of at least 40% to participate in the program on a limited basis. Reserves funds for a survey, by the National Center for Education Statistics, of nationwide public school construction, modernization, renovation, and repair needs. Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate grants to states to modernize, renovate, or repair existing facilities at community colleges. Prohibits the use of such grants: (1) for routine maintenance costs, (2) on facilities used for events for which the public is charged admission, or (3) on facilities which are used for sectarian purposes. Requires states, in providing assistance to community college projects, to consider the extent to which the project complies with certain green building standards. Limits the amount of time states and LEAs have to obligate this Act's grants and subgrants. Requires, with certain exceptions, the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in projects funded by this title to be domestic. Subtitle C: Transportation Infrastructure Investments - Makes specified funds available to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for: (1) grants-in-aid for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects under the airport improvement program (AIP); (2) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Next Generation (NextGen) air traffic control system advancements; (3) highway and bridge restoration, repair, and construction projects and for passenger and freight rail transportation and port infrastructure projects; (4) grants for high-speed rail projects, capital investment grants for intercity passenger rail service, and grants to reduce congestion on intercity rail passenger transportation; (5) capital grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); (6) transit capital assistance grants; (7) capital projects for existing fixed guideway system modernization, replacement and repair of buses and bus-related equipment, and construction of bus-related facilities; and (8) discretionary capital investment grants for surface transportation infrastructure. Authorizes the DOT Secretary to establish standards under which contracts for construction projects contain requirements for the local hiring of individuals to perform construction work under such contracts. Requires projects to comply with Buy American requirements. Building and Upgrading Infrastructure for Long-Term Development - Establishes the American Infrastructure Financing Authority (AIFA) as a wholly-owned government corporation to make direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate transportation, water, or energy infrastructure projects. Requires infrastructure projects assisted under this Act to have costs that are reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $100 million ($25 million for rural infrastructure projects). Sets forth special requirements for infrastructure projects in rural areas. Requires the AIFA Chief Lending Officer to establish: (1) an Office of Rural Assistance to provide technical assistance in the development and financing of rural infrastructure projects, and (2) a Center for Excellence to provide such assistance to public sector borrowers for the same purpose. Establishes an Office of Special Inspector General to audit and investigate the business activities of AIFA. Makes private projects for which no public benefit is created ineligible for financial assistance. Sets forth terms for loans or loan guarantees for infrastructure projects. Requires the Chief Executive Officer of AIFA to establish and collect fees sufficient to cover AIFA administrative costs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2013 the exemption from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain tax-exempt private activity bonds.

Federal Cost Reduction Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2013

Federal Cost Reduction Act of 2013 - Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue recommendations for reducing or consolidating the number of federal data centers by at least 40% by the end of FY2018 and by at least 80% by the end of FY2023, and (2) executive agency heads to implement such recommendations within six months after their issuance. Requires the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to report on: (1) recommendations to reduce long-term real estate costs and energy expenditures; and (2) federal employee parking expenses, with a plan to reduce such expenses. Requires executive agency heads to establish a plan to reduce the volume of material printed for FY2014-FY2024 and to require duplex printing on all federal printers and copiers. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to submit a plan to implement federal employee cost savings proposals. Authorizes executive agency heads to enter into cost-effective power purchase agreements for the purchase of electricity from federally-owned or controlled renewable energy sources. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Facility Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects Fund to provide assistance for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects carried out at federal facilities to reduce energy use. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) establish a federal facility energy efficiency and renewable energy projects fund program to make loans to assist agencies in reducing energy use; (2) promulgate regulations to enable agencies to retain the financial savings from entering into utility energy saving contracts; (3) promulgate regulations to enable agencies to identify all potential locations for renewable energy projects; (4) issue guidance for agencies to achieve energy savings by using computer hardware, energy efficiency software, and power management tools; and (5) issue guidance on a federal energy management and data collection standard that includes a plan for GSA to publish energy consumption data for individual facilities on a searchable and free website accessible by the public. Requires federal agencies to submit a plan to the Secretary on metering their consumption of electricity. Requires the Secretary to develop and report on best practices for the use of advanced metering of energy use in federal facilities, buildings, and equipment. Authorizes the GSA Administrator to use appropriated funds to update project designs to meet federal building energy efficiency standards. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to incorporate commissioning and recommissioning standards for all real property that: (1) is more than $10 million in value, (2) has more than 50,000 square feet, or (3) has energy intensity of more than $2 per square foot. Requires that a contribution by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to a state for facilities for reserve components of the Armed Forces, which is made at an armory or readiness center for an energy efficiency upgrade, cover 100% of the costs of architectural, engineering, and design services and the cost of the construction related to the upgrade.

Alaska Adjacent Zone Safe Oil Transport and Revenue Sharing Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2013

Alaska Adjacent Zone Safe Oil Transport and Revenue Sharing Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) require oil produced from federal leases in certain Arctic waters, except in preproduction phases (including explorations), to be transported by pipeline to onshore facilities; and (2) provide for, and issue appropriate permits for, the transportation of oil from such leases in preproduction phases (including exploration) by means other than pipeline. Requires that the state of Alaska receive 37.5% of all revenues derived from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids and other sums payable to the United States from energy development in any area of the Alaska Adjacent Zone, including from all sources of renewable energy leased, developed, or produced in such Zone. Sets forth an allocation scheme under which the Secretary of the Interior is directed to pay: (1) 25% of any allocable state share directly to coastal political subdivisions, (2) 25% of any allocable state share to certain Regional Corporations, and (3) 10% of any allocable state share directly to Indian tribes. Instructs the Secretary to distribute: (1) 15% of certain federal royalty revenues into a specified land and water conservation fund to provide financial assistance to states, and (2) 7.5% of certain federal royalty revenues into direct federal deficit reduction. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on bitumen transported into the United States.

A bill to reject the final 5-year Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for fiscal years 2013 through 2018 of the Administration and replace the plan with a 5-year plan that is more in line with the energy and economic needs of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2013

Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015, issued by the Secretary of the Interior, to be the final oil and gas leasing program for the period FY2013-FY2018. Considers the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement to the FY2013-FY2018 oil and gas leasing program in accordance with certain requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Excludes Lease Sales 214, 232, and 239, from the FY2013-FY2018 final oil and gas leasing program. Declares that this Act does not affect restrictions on oil and gas leasing under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2013

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Requires a federal public land management official, in cooperation with the respective state and fish and wildlife agency, to exercise the authority of the official under law, including regarding land use planning, to facilitate the use of, and access to, federal public land for hunting, recreational fishing, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports and facilitates hunting, recreational fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law. Requires that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service land, excluding land on the Outer Continental Shelf, be open to hunting, recreational fishing, or recreational shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such land for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, or compliance with other law. Allows agencies to: (1) lease or permit use of federal public land for recreational shooting ranges, and (2) designate specific land for recreational shooting activities. Excepts from such use or designation land including a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, land designated as a wilderness study area or administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable, and primitive or semiprimitive areas. Requires annual reports on closures of federal public lands to hunting, recreational fishing, or recreational shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 1280 or more contiguous acres of federal public land or water to hunting or recreational fishing or related activities. Instructs federal public land agencies to consult with the advisory councils specified in Executive Orders 12962 (relating to recreational fisheries) and 13443 (relating to the facilitation of hunting heritage and wildlife conservation) in carrying out this Act.

Strategic Petroleum Supplies Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2013

Strategic Petroleum Supplies Act - Prohibits the Administration from authorizing sales of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) until the date all requisite permits under Executive Order 13337 for the Keystone XL pipeline project application filed on September 19, 2008, have been issued. Excepts from such prohibition U.S. obligations under the international energy program.

A bill to prohibit any regulation regarding carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the United States until China, India, and Russia implement similar reductions.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2013

Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the head of any other federal agency from implementing or enforcing any regulations, proposals, or actions establishing any carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions reductions until the Administrator, the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, and the Secretary of Commerce certify in writing that the People's Republic of China, India, and the Russian Federation have proposed, implemented, and enforced measures requiring substantially similar reductions. Nullifies any regulation, proposal, or action in effect before such certification is made that requires any carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

Rigs to Reefs Habitat Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2013

Rigs to Reefs Habitat Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to assess each offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico that is no longer useful for operations, and has become critical for a marine fisheries habitat, to: (1) determine whether there are coral populations or other protected species in the platform's vicinity, and (2) identify any species in the vicinity that have recreational or commercial value. Prohibits the removal of any such platforms until the Secretary has completed each assessment. Requires suspension of the decommissioning of a platform if a substantial reef ecosystem is in the vicinity until the Secretary determines that decommissioning would not harm the ecosystem. Exempts from certain platform removal deadlines any lessees who: (1) commit to entering a particular platform in the artificial reef program under the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984, and (2) initiate discussions with applicable states regarding potential artificial reef sites. Allows a lessee to provide for reefing in place under the artificial reef program. Permits states with a state rig-to-reef program to enter agreements with any appropriate entities to assume liability in federal water for a structure covered by the state program. Establishes a Reef Maintenance Fund. Requires the owner of a rig enrolled in the artificial reef program to: (1) maintain a rig anode system; and (2) pay into the Fund 50% of the estimated platform removal costs for which the owner would have been responsible if it had not participated in the program.

Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2013

Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act - Authorizes Utah to relinquish for the benefit of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation certain of its school trust or subsurface mineral lands south of the border between Grand County and Uintah County, Utah, in exchange for certain federal subsurface mineral lands north of that border. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reserve an overriding interest in that portion of the mineral estate composed of minerals subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act in the mineral lands conveyed to Utah. Delineates the extent of that interest. Requires Utah to reserve, for the benefit of its school trust, an overriding interest in that portion of the mineral estate composed of minerals subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act in the mineral lands it relinquished to the federal government. Delineates the extent of that interest.

Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2013

Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund, to be administered through the International Trade Administration, to ensure that U.S. clean energy technology firms have the information and assistance they need to be competitive and to create clean energy technology sector jobs; and (2) administer the Fund to promote policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector, and implement a national clean energy technology export strategy. Defines "clean energy technology" to mean a technology related to the production, use, transmission, storage, control, or conservation of energy that will contribute to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations through reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of energy-related emissions and that will: (1) reduce the need for additional energy supplies by using existing supplies with greater efficiency or by transmitting, distributing, or transporting energy with greater effectiveness through U.S. infrastructure; or (2) diversify the sources of the energy supply to strengthen energy security and to increase supplies with a favorable balance of environmental effects if the entire technology system is considered. Directs the Secretary, consistent with the National Export Initiative, to provide information, tools, and other assistance to U.S. businesses to promote clean energy technology manufacturing and facilitate the export of clean energy technology products and services. Requires such assistance to include: (1) developing critical analysis of policies to reduce production costs and promote innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector; (2) helping educate companies about how to tailor their activities to specific markets with respect to their product slate, financing, marketing, assembly, and logistics; and (3) helping U.S. companies learn about the export process and export opportunities in foreign markets, navigate foreign markets, and provide input regarding clean energy technology manufacturing and trade policy developments and trade promotion. Requires the Secretary to report on how funds will be used to: (1) focus on small and medium-sized U.S. businesses, (2) encourage the creation and maintenance of the greatest number of clean energy technology jobs in the United States, and (3) encourage the domestic production of clean energy technology products and services. Requires the Secretary to report on whether the assistance program should be continued and an assessment of the extent to which it has been successful in: (1) developing critical analysis of policies to reduce production costs and promote innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector; (2) assisting businesses with exporting clean energy technology products and services; (3) creating jobs directly related to the clean energy technology sector; and (4) helping companies provide input regarding clean energy technology manufacturing and trade policy developments and trade promotion.

Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2013

Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if $100 million is made available from the private sector for establishing a Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, to establish such a Partnership to provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development projects. Allows the Partnership to provide funding through direct investments in specified mechanisms designed to advance nanomanufacturing. Requires return on investment of amounts resulting from the commercialization of developed technologies to the Partnership. Requires establishment of an advisory board to assist the Secretary in carrying out the Partnership. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified nanotechnology developer stock. Authorizes establishment within the Technology Administration of a grant program to support the establishment and development of incubators (entities affiliated with or housed in degree-granting institutions that provide space and coordinated and specialized services to certain entrepreneurial businesses). Establishes a Nanotechnology Startup Advisory Council. Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for the development of computer aided design tools for nanotechnology applications. Requires the establishment of nanotechnology research grant programs by the: (1) Secretary of Energy (DOE) to address the need for clean, cheap, renewable energy; (2) Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address technologies for remediation of pollution and other environmental protection technologies; (3) Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to address the need for sensors and other materials related to homeland security needs; and (4) Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address health related applications of nanotechnology. Requires the Director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office to transmit a nanotechnology research strategy that establishes priorities for the federal government and industry. Amends the IRC to: (1) allow a tax credit for nanotechnology education and training program expenses; and (2) revise, for purposes of Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, the definition of "eligible educational institution" to include commercial nanotechnology training providers. Directs the NSF to establish: (1) a grant program for the development of curriculum materials for interdisciplinary nanotechnology courses at institutions of higher education, and (2) establish a program to encourage manufacturing companies to enter into partnerships with occupational training centers for the development of training to support nanotechnology manufacturing. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transmit a strategy for increasing interaction on nanotechnology issues between scientists and engineers at the Department of Energy's national laboratories and in the informal science education community.

Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act - Authorizes Utah to relinquish for the benefit of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation certain of its school trust or subsurface mineral lands south of the border between Grand County and Uintah County, Utah, in exchange for certain federal subsurface mineral lands north of that border. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reserve an overriding interest in that portion of the mineral estate composed of minerals subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act in the mineral lands conveyed to Utah. Delineates the extent of that interest. Requires Utah to reserve, for the benefit of its school trust, an overriding interest in that portion of the mineral estate composed of minerals subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act in the mineral lands it relinquished to the federal government. Delineates the extent of that interest.

Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act - Declares that, in order to facilitate hydropower development on the Diamond Fork System (Utah), a certain amount of reimbursable costs allocated to project power in the Power Appendix of the October 2004 Supplement to the 1988 Bonneville Unit Definite Plan Report shall be considered final costs, as well as specified costs in excess of the total maximum repayment obligation, subject to the same terms and conditions. States that: (1) this Act does not obligate the Western Area Power Administration to purchase or market any of the power produced by the Diamond Fork power plant, and (2) none of the costs associated with development of transmission facilities to transmit power from the Diamond Fork power plant shall be assigned to power for the purpose of Colorado River Storage Project ratemaking. Prohibits any hydroelectric power generation or transmission facility on the Diamond Fork System from being financed or refinanced with any obligation: (1) whose interest enjoys federal tax-exempt status, or (2) which enjoys certain federal tax credits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to certain congressional committees if hydropower production on the Diamond Fork System has not commenced 24 months after enactment of this Act, stating the reasons such production has not commenced, and presenting a detailed timeline for future hydropower production. Prohibits the use of Western Area Power Administration borrowing authority under the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 to fund any study or construction of transmission facilities developed as a result of this Act.

Promoting Efficiency and Savings in Government Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Promoting Efficiency and Savings in Government Act - Requires each energy manager of a building owned by the General Services Administration (GSA) to carry out an audit of that building that: (1) identifies any modification necessary to improve energy efficiency that, within 10 years of implementation, will result in energy cost savings equal to the total investment made; and (2) quantifies the estimated cost-savings associated with any identified efficiency improvements. Requires the Administrator of GSA to report on all efficiency improvements identified in the audit, the total estimated cost-savings associated with the efficiency improvements, and the status of implementation of the efficiency improvements. Requires each lease of a building or space entered into by a federal department or agency to include: (1) a maximum energy intensity standard; (2) a lighting efficiency requirement, accounting for appropriate task lighting; and (3) an incentive structure that allows a department or agency leasing the building or space and the building owner to share the financial savings of efficiency investments and efficient operating practices. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Federal Director of the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings to include in the report to Congress a summary of the energy and water use of federal buildings.

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2013 - 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 or natural gas in any area of the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.

Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act of 2013 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit: (1) the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except for such a device lawfully possessed within the United States on or before the date of this Act's enactment; and (2) the importation or bringing into the United States of such a device. Exempts: (1) the transfer or possession of such a device by a federal, state, or local agency or law enforcement officer; (2) certain transfers to licensees under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; (3) possession of such a device transferred to an individual upon retirement from a law enforcement agency if such individual is not otherwise prohibited from receiving ammunition; and (4) the manufacture, transfer, or possession of such a device by a licensed manufacturer or importer for authorized testing or experimentation purposes. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects devices used or involved in knowing violation of such Act to seizure and forfeiture. Requires a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after this Act's enactment to be identified by a serial number and the date it was manufactured.

Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 - Repeals, but continues for crop year 2013: (1) direct payments, (2) countercyclical payments, and (3) the average crop revenue election program (ACRE). Establishes the agriculture risk coverage program through crop year 2018 for covered crops to make payments to producers for each planted crop when actual farm or county-wide crop revenue is below the agriculture risk coverage guarantee (89% of historical revenue). Requires producers to choose individual or county coverage. Authorizes: (1) nonrecourse marketing assistance loans, (2) loan deficiency payments, (3) payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage, (4) programs for upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, (5) assistance for peanuts, (6) recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton, and (7) programs for sugar and sugar beets. Establishes a dairy production margin protection program under which participating dairy operations are paid: (1) basic production margin protection program payments when production margins are less than threshold levels, and (2) supplemental production margin protection program payments if purchased by a participating dairy operation. Provides for a transition period under which the dairy production margin protection program and the milk income loss program shall both be in existence and producers may participate in either program. Establishes a dairy market stabilization program to assist in balancing the supply of milk with demand when participating dairy operations are experiencing low or negative operating margins. Terminates the production margin protection and stabilization programs on December 31, 2018. Repeals: (1) the dairy products price support program, (2) the milk income loss contract program, and (3) the dairy export incentive program. Extends: (1) the dairy indemnity program, (2) the dairy forward pricing program, and (3) the dairy promotion and research program. Provides assistance for livestock losses caused by: (1) adverse weather or attacks by federally reintroduced animals, including wolves; and (2) drought or fire. Provides assistance for orchardists and nursery tree growers for commercial losses caused by natural disasters. Suspends permanent price supports for covered commodities, cotton, sugar, and milk through 2018. Revises payment limitation provisions. Extends the conservation reserve program and the farmable wetland program through FY2018. Revises the conservation stewardship program. Extends the environmental quality incentives program through FY2018. Establishes the agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (Combines the purposes and coordinates the functions of the wetlands reserve program, the grassland reserve program, and the farmland protection program.) Extends through FY2018: (1) the conservation of private grazing land program, (2) the grass roots source water protection program, (3) the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program, and (4) the small watershed rehabilitation program. Establishes a terminal lakes assistance program (in lieu of the desert lakes program) for the purchase of eligible land impacted by flooded or terminal lakes and their associated watershed or riparian resources. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the conservation reserve program, (2) the agricultural conservation easement program, (3) the conservation stewardship program, and (4) the environmental quality incentives program. Repeals: (1) the conservation enhancement program, (2) the emergency forestry conservation reserve program, (3) the wetlands reserve program, (3) the farmland protection program, (4) the grassland reserve program, (5) the agricultural water enhancement program, (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program, (7) the Great Lakes Basin program, (8) the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, (9) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and (10) the environmental easement program. Extends specified programs under the Food for Peace Act and the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 through FY2018. Extends through FY2018: (1) the food for progress program, (2) the Bill Emerson humanitarian trust, and (3) the McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition program. Establishes the Donald Payne Horn of Africa food resilience program. Extends the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) through FY2018. Revises provisions regarding participant eligibility, retail stores, and food assistance security. Extends through FY2018: (1) the food distribution program on Indian reservations, and (2) commodity purchases for emergency food assistance. Extends through FY2018: (1) the commodity distribution program, (2) the commodity supplemental food program, (3) distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects, (4) purchases of fresh fruit and vegetables for schools and service institutions, and (5) the senior farmers' market nutrition program. Revises the hunger-free communities program. Establishes the healthy food financing initiative. Restructures agricultural credit program provisions under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Extends through FY2018: (1) guarantee authority for rural electrification or telephone bonds and notes, and (2) expansion of 911 access. Extends the distance learning and telemedicine program through FY2018. Establishes a rural energy savings plan to provide consumer loans to implement energy efficiency measures. Extends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board until September 30, 2018. Establishes a grant program to develop and sustain veterinary services. Authorizes appropriations for agricultural and food policy research centers. Extends through FY2018: (1) grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education, (2) education grants to Native Alaska Native Hawaiian serving institutions, (3) the nutrition education program, (4) animal health and disease research programs, (5) grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, (6) grants for Hispanic-serving institutions, (7) grants for international agricultural science and education, and (8) assistance for extension, aquaculture, rangeland, and biosecurity programs. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) sustainable agriculture technology, (2) the genetics resource program, (3) the agricultural weather information system, (3) high priority and organic agriculture research, (4) farm business management, and (5) assistive technology for farmers with disabilities. Establishes a comprehensive food safety training network. Authorizes the prioritization of regional centers of excellence for specialized agricultural commodities. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) wheat disease research, (2) youth organizations, (3) specialty crop research, and (4) the Office of Pest Management Policy. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for activities under the Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Revises "1994 Institutions" (Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994) provisions. Establishes four regional integrated pest management centers. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the Agricultural Biosecurity Communication Center and agricultural biosecurity grants and local capacity development, (2) activities under the National Aquaculture Act of 1990, (3) activities under the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, and (4) the beginning farmer and rancher development program. Extends the grazing lands research laboratory through September 30, 2018. Revises budget submission and funding provisions under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the natural products research program, and (2) the sun grant program. Establishes the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Repeals: (1) the forest land enhancement program, (2) the watershed forestry assistance program, (3) the Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land leadership program, and (4) the tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the forest stewardship program, (2) the forest legacy program, (3) the community forest and open space conservation program, (4) urban and community forestry assistance, (5) rural revitalization technologies, (6) the Office of International Forestry, (7) insect infestation treatment areas, and (8) the healthy forests reserve program. Authorizes stewardship contracting projects with private persons or other public or private entities to perform land management services for national forests and public lands. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the biobased marketing program, (2) the bioenergy program for advanced biofuels, (3) the biodiesel fuel education program, (4) the rural energy for America program, (5) biomass research and development, (6) the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers, (7) the biomass crop assistance program, and (8) the community wood energy program. Repeals: (1) the forest biomass for energy program, and (2) the program encouraging biorefineries to replace fossil fuel operating systems with renewable biomass systems. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the specialty crop market news program, (2) the farmers market and local food promotion program, (3) organic production and market initiatives, (4) national organic program upgrades, (5) food safety initiatives, and (6) specialty crop block grants. Repeals the specialty crop movement-to-market program. Establishes the national clean plant network for pathogen elimination services. Amends federal crop insurance provisions regarding: (1) a supplemental crop insurance coverage option; (2) catastrophic risk protection premiums; (3) enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops; (4) stacked income protection for upland cotton producers; (5) revenue crop insurance for peanuts; (6) administrative provisions; (7) research and development; (8) whole farm risk management insurance; (9) swine, poultry, and organic crop protection; (10) margin coverage for catfish; (11) a weather insurance pilot program; (12) beginning farmers and ranchers; (13) crop protection on native sod; and (15) income-based premium subsidy limits. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers. Establishes: (1) the wildlife reservoir zoonotic disease initiative, and (2) a program to improve the U.S. sheep industry. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the national aquatic animal health plan, and (2) the trichinae certification program. Authorizes a feral swine eradication pilot program. Establishes the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for grants to improve agricultural labor force supply, stability, safety, and training. Prohibits an individual from attending, or causing a minor to attend, an animal fight.

Extreme Weather Prevention and Resilience Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Extreme Weather Prevention and Resilience Act - Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should: (1) promote investment to ensure resilience to extreme weather and disasters; (2) promote investment in clean energy infrastructure; (3) promote the development of clean energy technologies; and (4) ensure that the federal government is a leader in reducing pollution, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and improving energy efficiency.

Rebuild America Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Rebuild America Act - Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should: create jobs and support businesses while improving the nation's global competitiveness by modernizing and strengthening our national infrastructure; invest resources in transportation corridors that promote commerce and reduce congestion; update and enhance the U.S. network of rail, dams, and ports; develop innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructure to leverage federal funds with private sector partners; invest in critical infrastructure to reduce energy waste and bolster investment in clean energy jobs and industries; invest in clean energy technologies that help free the United States from its dependence on oil; eliminate wasteful tax subsidies that promote pollution and fail to reduce our reliance on foreign oil; spur innovation by facilitating the development of new cutting-edge broadband internet technology and improving internet access for all Americans; modernize, renovate, and repair elementary and secondary school buildings in order to support improved educational outcomes; invest in the nation's crumbling water infrastructure to protect public health and reduce pollution; upgrade and repair the nation's system of flood protection infrastructure to protect public safety; and invest in U.S. infrastructure to address vulnerabilities to natural disasters and the impacts of extreme weather.

Keystone For a Secure Tomorrow Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2013

Keystone For a Secure Tomorrow Act - Approves a specified permit regarding certain energy-related facilities and land transportation crossings on the international boundaries of the United States for the Keystone XL pipeline project. Includes within such permit the Nebraska reroute evaluated in the Final Evaluation Report issued the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality in January 2013. Prescribes permit requirements.

Collinsville Renewable Energy Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2013

Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act - Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) reinstate the license for either or each of the projects numbered 10822 and 10823, and (2) extend for two years after the date on which either or each such project is reinstated the time period during which the licensee must commence project construction. Directs FERC to: (1) transfer the reinstated licenses to the town of Canton, Connecticut, if it reinstates them and extends the time period during which the licensee is required to commence project construction; and (2) complete an environmental assessment for the projects and update the environmental analysis performed during the licensing process. Sets a deadline for FERC to: (1) reach a final decision concerning the projects, and (2) complete the license transfer if it decides to reinstate either or both licenses. Declares that this Act does not affect certain valid licenses issued by FERC before enactment of this Act or diminish or extinguish any existing rights under any such license.

Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2013

Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to increase from 5,000 to 10,000 kilowatts the size of small hydroelectric power projects which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) may exempt from its license requirements. Amends the Federal Power Act to revise the limitation on the maximum installation capacity of qualifying conduit hydropower facilities that are eligible for an exemption from licensing requirements. Requires any person, state, or municipality proposing to construct a qualifying conduit hydropower facility to file with FERC a notice of intent to do so. Requires FERC, within 15 days after receiving such a notice of intent, to make an initial determination as to whether the facility meets the qualifying criteria. Waives license requirements for any conduit hydroelectric facility that: (1) uses for electric power generation only the hydroelectric potential of a non-federally owned conduit, (2) has a maximum installed capacity of 5 megawatts, and (3) is not currently licensed or exempted from license requirements. Redefines "conduit" to specify any tunnel, canal, pipeline, aqueduct, flume, ditch, or similar manmade water conveyance operated for the distribution of water for agricultural, municipal, or industrial consumption and not primarily for the generation of electricity. Authorizes FERC to: (1) exempt from license requirements any electric power generation facility that utilizes for such generation only the hydroelectric potential of a conduit, and has an installed capacity or 40 megawatts or fewer; and (2) extend the preliminary permit period for up to 2 additional years beyond the 3 years otherwise allowed if it finds that the permittee has implemented activities under the permit in good faith and with reasonable diligence. Directs FERC to: (1) investigate the feasibility of issuing a license for hydropower development at nonpowered dams and closed loop pumped storage projects during a two-year period, and (2) hold workshops and develop hydropower pilot projects. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to study: (1) the technical flexibility that existing pumped storage facilities can provide to support intermittent renewable electric energy generation, including the potential for such facilities to be upgraded or retrofitted with advanced commercially available technology; and (2) the technical potential of existing pumped storage facilities and new advanced pumped storage facilities to provide grid reliability benefits.

Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2013

Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act - Declares that, in order to facilitate hydropower development on the Diamond Fork System (Utah), a certain amount of reimbursable costs allocated to project power in the Power Appendix of the October 2004 Supplement to the 1988 Bonneville Unit Definite Plan Report shall be considered final costs, as well as specified costs in excess of the total maximum repayment obligation, subject to the same terms and conditions. States that: (1) this Act does not obligate the Western Area Power Administration to purchase or market any of the power produced by the Diamond Fork power plant; and (2) none of the costs associated with development of transmission facilities to transmit power from the Diamond Fork power plant shall be assigned to power for the purpose of Colorado River Storage Project ratemaking. Prohibits any hydroelectric power generation or transmission facility on the Diamond Fork System from being financed or refinanced with any obligation: (1) whose interest enjoys federal tax-exempt status; or (2) which enjoys certain federal tax credits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to certain congressional committees if hydropower production on the Diamond Fork System has not commenced 24 months after enactment of this Act, stating the reasons such production has not commenced, and presenting a detailed timeline for future hydropower production. Prohibits the use of Western Area Power Administration borrowing authority under the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 to fund any study or construction of transmission facilities developed as a result of this Act.

Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2013

Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that any emergency order issued under such Act for the interconnection of facilities for the generation, transmission, and sale of electric energy that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any environmental law shall: (1) require generation, delivery, interchange, or transmission of electric energy only during hours necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest; and (2) to the maximum extent practical, be consistent with any other applicable environmental law and minimize any adverse environmental impacts. Provides that any omission or action taken by a party to comply with such an order that results in noncompliance with any environmental law shall not: (1) be considered a violation of such law; or (2) subject such party to any requirement of, or any civil or criminal liability under, such law. Requires such an order that may result in a conflict with environmental law to expire within 90 days after it is issued. Authorizes FERC to renew or reissue such order for subsequent periods, not to exceed 90 days each, as necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest. Requires FERC, in renewing or reissuing such order, to: (1) consult with the primary federal agency with expertise in the environmental interest protected by such law and include in any such order conditions determined to be necessary to minimize any adverse environmental impacts, and (2) make such conditions available to the public. Authorizes FERC to exclude such a condition from the order if such condition would prevent the order from adequately addressing the emergency. Authorizes, during an emergency, a municipality engaged in the transmission or sale of electric energy and not otherwise subject to FERC's jurisdiction to make temporary connections with public utilities subject to FERC's jurisdiction and construct temporary facilities for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce as may be necessary or appropriate to meet such emergency.

Expressing the opposition of Congress to Federal efforts to establish a carbon tax on fuels for electricity and transportation.

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2013

Expresses the opposition of Congress to federal efforts to establish a carbon tax on fuels for electricity and transportation.

SMART SALE Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2013

Stop Mergers, Acquisitions, and Risky Takeovers Supplied by American Labor and Entrepreneurship Act of 2013 or the SMART SALE Act of 2013 - Requires any person, company, institution, or other entity engaged in interstate commerce that owns, licenses, or otherwise holds an interest in a federally-funded technology, or to which federal energy research and development funding has been obligated by a federal agency (covered entity), to notify the Secretary of Energy (DOE) not later than seven days after entering into negotiations for any proposed or pending merger, acquisition, takeover, or other transfer that could result in control of such covered entity by: (1) the government of the Peoples's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or a country that is a state sponsor of terrorism or that provides sanctuary to a foreign terrorist organization; (2) a citizen of such a country who owes permanent allegiance to such country; or (3) a corporation or other legal entity which is 50% owned by a citizen of such a country.

Bowles-Simpson Plan of Lowering America's Debt Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2013

Bowles-Simpson Plan of Lowering America's Debt Act - Prohibits the total amount of appropriations to the White House for the Executive Office of the President, to the President, and to Congress for FY2014-FY2018 from exceeding 85% of the total amount of such appropriations for FY2013. Eliminates cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Members of Congress during FY2014-FY2016. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 to extend through December 31, 2015, the freeze on any COLA to the pay of certain federal civilian employees (thus extending such freeze from two to five calendar years). Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) take appropriate measures to ensure that the total number of federal employees, beginning in FY2017, does not exceed 90% of the total number of federal employees on September 30, 2013; (2) continuously monitor all agencies, make a determination, as of September 30, 2013, on whether the total number of federal employees in any quarter of a fiscal year exceeds the maximum number allowed by this Act, and notify the President and Congress if the number exceeds the maximum; and (3) ensure that there is no increase in the procurement of service contracts due to this Act unless a cost comparison demonstrates that such contracts would be financially advantageous to the federal government. Allows the President to waive the workforce limitations imposed by this Act in specified circumstances. Requires OMB to: (1) take appropriate measures through FY2016 to ensure that agencies shall appoint no more than one employee for every three employees retiring or otherwise separating from government service; (2) coordinate with federal departments and independent agencies to take certain steps to limit government printing costs; and (3) dispose of a quantity of real property worth at least $100 million altogether (with specified exceptions) that is not being used, and that will not be used, to meet the needs of the federal government for FY2014-FY2019. Prohibits the total amount of funds appropriated for travel expenses for each agency for each of FY2014-FY2018 from exceeding 80% of the total amount of funds appropriated for FY2013. Reduces the amount available to the General Services Administration (GSA) for FY2014 and succeeding fiscal years for acquiring new vehicles for the federal fleet to 80% of the amount available for FY2012 for such purpose. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit consideration in Congress of legislation that includes an earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose after 2012, a 10% income tax rate on taxable income of $100,000 or less and a 20% rate on taxable income over $100,000, and a 20% rate for net capital gain exceeding $1 million; (2) reduce the income tax rate on corporations to a flat rate of 20%; (3) repeal various tax credits, deductions, and exclusions, including the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on individuals; (4) provide for 5-year phaseout of specified tax expenditures, and (5) terminate the authority for issuing certain tax-exempt bonds for financing projects relating to energy conservation, infrastructure, education, and hospital construction.

Recognizing Linemen, the profession of Linemen, and the contributions of these brave men and women to protect public safety, and expressing support for designation of April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2013

Recognizes the efforts of linemen in keeping the electrical power on and protecting public safety. Expresses support for the designation of National Linemen Appreciation Day.

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2013

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional tax deduction for the cost of installing mechanical insulation property. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 30% or the reduction in energy loss from the installed mechanical insulation property compared to property that meets the minimum requirements of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 90.1-2007. Allows the cost of replacing mechanical insulation property to be treated as a deductible business expense in the current taxable year. Defines "mechanical insulation property" as insulation materials, facings, and accessory products: (1) placed in service in connection with a mechanical system which is located in the United States and of a character subject to an allowance for depreciation; and (2) utilized for thermal, acoustical, and personnel safety requirements for mechanical piping and equipment, hot and cold applications, and heating, venting and air conditioning applications which can be used in a variety of facilities. Allows a tax deduction for capital expenditures related to mechanical insulation property.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2013

Elects specified named Members to the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Financial Services; (7) Foreign Affairs; (8) Homeland Security; (9) the Judiciary; (10) Natural Resources; (11) Oversight and Government Reform; (12) Science, Space, and Technology; (13) Small Business; (14) Transportation and Infrastructure; (15) Veterans' Affairs; and (16) Ways and Means.

Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to: (1) develop an energy action plan addressing the energy needs of each of the insular areas (American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) and Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau); and (2) assist each of the insular areas and Freely Associated States in implementing such plan. Requires such plan to include: (1) recommendations to reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fossil fuels, to develop indigenous, nonfossil fuel energy sources, and to improve performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency; (2) a schedule for implementation of such recommendations and identification and prioritization of specific projects; (3) a financial and engineering plan for implementing and sustaining projects; and (4) benchmarks for measuring progress toward implementation.

School Building Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

School Building Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to: (1) states and local educational agencies (LEAs) for providing intensive technical assistance for, and assisting the implementation of, the EnergySmart Schools Program of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Star for K-12 School Districts program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) LEAs that become partners through such Energy Star program; and (3) states for use in the development, in partnership with the Secretary of Energy, of state-level school energy efficiency quality plans. Requires the Secretary of Education to give priority to projects to provide assistance to state and local educational agencies with a demonstrated need for energy efficiency improvement.

Virgin Islands Energy Crisis Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

Virgin Islands Energy Crisis Relief Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), through the Rural Utilities Service, to make a grant to the Water and Power Authority of the U.S. Virgin Islands for energy generation, transmission, and distribution in rural communities with extremely high energy costs. Provides related funding through FY2015. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to the Authority to convert base power production in the Virgin Islands from fuel oil to liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017. Increases, through FY2018, the number of Virgin Islands households eligible for low-income energy assistance.

Deficit Reduction, Job Creation, and Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

Deficit Reduction, Job Creation, and Energy Security Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct oil and gas lease sales under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for an additional 10% of acreage of the outer Continental Shelf proposed to be leased under the Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2012-2017. Requires: (1) such additional acreage to be known as the Deficit Reduction Acreage, and (2) the Secretary to lease at least 20% of such Deficit Reduction Acreage in each such year. Establishes the Deficit Reduction Energy Security Fund. Requires all sums due under Deficit Reduction Acreage lease sales during the 15 fiscal years beginning when sums are first received from such sales to be deposited into such Fund. Establishes the Coastal and Ocean Sustainability and Health Fund to be administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) the Coastal and Ocean Disaster Grant Program for restoring, mitigating, monitoring, or otherwise managing coastal and ocean natural resources in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida impacted by coastal or ocean disasters; and (2) the National Grant Program for Coastal and Ocean Sustainability and Health for restoring, protecting, maintaining, managing, or understanding marine resources and their habitats and resources in coastal and ocean water. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate expired producible leases in the offshore Gulf or Mexico upon the petition of a prior leaseholder if such reinstatement furthers the purposes and objectives of such Act. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an Office of Energy Employment and Training to oversee the efforts of the Department of the Interior's energy planning, permitting, and regulatory activities to carry out the purposes, objectives, and requirements of this Act; and (2) an Office of Minority and Women Inclusion to be responsible for all matters of the Department of the Interior relating to diversity in management, employment, and business activities. Requires the Secretary to take affirmative steps to seek diversity in all levels of such Department.

American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Permits lease sales to be conducted through an Internet leasing program if such a system will result in savings to the taxpayer, an increase in the number of bidders participating, and higher returns than oral bidding or a sealed bidding system. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems any oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with ANWR purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a Special Area, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales, as well as terms and conditions, including: (1) environmental protection; (2) federal and state distribution of revenues; and (3) rights-of-way. Sets forth: (1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities; and (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints. Establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund, into which shall be deposited 50% of the amount of bonus, rental, and royalty revenues from Federal oil and gas leasing and operations authorized under this Act.

Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2013 - Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a WaterSense program to identify and promote water efficient products, buildings and landscapes, and services to reduce water use, conserve energy, and preserve water resources. Sets forth the duties of the EPA Administrator for promoting, publicizing, and administering the WaterSense program. Requires federal agencies to purchase WaterSense products or services or a Federal Energy Management Program designated product through their procurement process. Establishes a program to provide financial incentives for consumer purchase and installation of residential water efficient products and services.

Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2013

Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit: (1) the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except for such a device lawfully possessed within the United States on or before the date of this Act's enactment; and (2) the importation or bringing into the United States of such a device. Exempts: (1) the transfer or possession of such a device by a federal, state, or local agency or law enforcement officer; (2) certain transfers to licensees under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; (3) possession of such a device transferred to an individual upon retirement from a law enforcement agency if such individual is not otherwise prohibited from receiving ammunition; and (4) the manufacture, transfer, or possession of such a device by a licensed manufacturer or importer for authorized testing or experimentation purposes. Sets penalties for violations. Requires a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after this Act's enactment to be identified by a serial number that clearly shows that the device was manufactured after such enactment.