Energy

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2010 - 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% and the reduction in energy loss from the installed mechanical insulation property compared to property which meets the minimum requirements of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 90.1-2007. Allows a deduction for 30% of the cost of replacing such property. 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.

Indian Energy Parity Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Indian Energy Parity Act of 2010 - Authorizes an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, and to applicable federal agencies, a plan to fully integrate into a single, coordinated, comprehensive program federally funded energy-related activities and programs, including programs for employment training, energy planning, financing, construction, and related physical infrastructure and equipment. Requires a plan to meet specified requirements and prohibits an agency from imposing additional requirements. Prohibits any other federal funding from being reduced, denied, or withheld as a result of plan participation by an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 with respect to: (1) Indian tribal energy resource development, including to direct the Secretary to provide assistance to interested Indian tribes or tribal energy resource development organizations in developing an energy resource development program; and (2) tribal energy resource agreements. Amends the Federal Power Act to include Indian tribes, along with states and municipalities, as having preference for the receipt of preliminary hydroelectric licenses. Amends the Indian Land Consolidation Act: (1) to revise the definition of "parcel of highly fractionated Indian land"; (2) with respect the purchase of trust, restricted, or controlled lands at no less than fair market value and the partition of highly fractioned Indian lands; (3) with respect to tribal authority to apply revenue against liens; and (4) to revise provisions concerning owner-managed interests. Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 concerning loan guarantees and insurance to direct the Secretary to consider more favorable equity terms or allow an increase in loan guarantees from 90% up to 95% of the unpaid principal and interest due on any loan made for energy development or manufacturing carried out on Indian land or within a tribal service area recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Amends provisions concerning leases on Indian land with respect to: (1) access, including access under the Indian Mineral leasing Act of 1938; (2) the Long-Term Leasing Act; and (3) leases on restricted land, including concerning tribal approval of leases. Amends provisions concerning oil and gas leases on Indian land, including to prohibit the collection of any oil or gas inspection fees. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct at least 10 distributed energy demonstration projects to increase the energy resources available to Indian tribes for use in homes and community or government buildings. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for: (1) a competitive process for making grants for an Indian energy efficiency program; and (2) direct grants to Indian tribes for the weatherization of Indian homes. Amends the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 to provide for at least four demonstration projects to promote biomass energy production on Indian forest land and in nearby communities.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Interior should take immediate action to expedite the review and appropriate approval of applications for shallow water drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico, the Beaufort Sea, and the Chukchi Sea.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) national energy security and the regional Gulf Coast economy depend upon the full and immediate restoration of shallow water drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) the long-term economic health of the state of Alaska depends upon the responsible development of the oil and natural gas reserves of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas; and (3) the Secretary of the Interior should provide written guidance regarding new safety requirements, and take immediate action to expedite the review and approval of applications for shallow water drilling permits in the outer Continental Shelf.

Green Credit Enhancement Program Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Green Credit Enhancement Program Act of 2010 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to public entities, private nonprofit entities, or consortia of such entities to demonstrate innovative means of enhancing credit for the financing of charter school acquisition, construction, or renovation. Requires each grantee to place its grant funds in a reserve account for use in facilitating one or more charter schools' access to private-sector capital. Conditions the grant on the grantee's using at least 50% of the grant to fund projects consistent with one of several green building certification programs that include: (1) the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System; (2) the Energy Star program; (3) the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) green building rating program; (4) the Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating system (Green Globes); or (5) any other green building certification program adopted by the state or entity that has authority over the local educational agency. Allows the waiver of such condition in certain circumstances.

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to clarify policies regarding ownership of pore space.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to define "pore space" as a subsurface space of any size that can be used as storage space for carbon dioxide or other substances injected into the space for storage. Vests ownership in the federal government of any subsurface pore space located below a federal surface estate. Requires inclusion within a conveyance of the surface ownership of federal land the conveyance of the federal pore space in all strata below the surface of such land (other than previously reserved mineral rights) unless the ownership interest in the pore space has previously been severed from the surface ownership. Prohibits: (1) any agreement conveying federal interests underlying the surface of the land from also conveying ownership of federal pore space in the stratum unless the agreement explicitly conveys the interest in pore space; and (2) the holder of any pore space right from using the surface estate (except for the uses described in a properly recorded instrument). States that the mineral estate is dominant for purposes of determining the priority of subsurface uses between a mineral estate and pore space.

Gulf Security and Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Gulf Security and Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act - Declares the sense of Congress about sanctions for the government of Iran's illicit nuclear activities and support for international terrorism. Urges that foreign companies be prohibited from receiving Iranian capital, technology, and expertise, and that foreign energy-related companies, especially, be blocked from entering into joint ventures, investments, and partnerships for energy and energy-related projects outside of Iran. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to include in each lease issued after enactment of this Act that authorizes oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf a provision that requires: (1) the lessee to certify annually to the Secretary that it does not engage in any activity for which sanctions may be imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996; and (2) the Secretary to cancel the lease if the lessee fails to make such a certification or makes a false one. Requires such a lease also to require the lessee to disclose to the Secretary any participation in any energy-related joint venture, investment, or partnership located outside Iran that involves: (1) any person whose property and property interests are blocked pursuant to Executive Orders 13224 (for transacting business with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism) or 13382 (because they are weapons of mass destruction proliferators or their supporters); or (2) any entity on a specified list relating to Iranian Transactions Regulations. Requires cancellation of any lease whose lessee has failed to make such a disclosure or makes a false disclosure. Allows a national interest waiver of these requirements.

Strengthening Our Share (S.O.S.) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Strengthening Our Share (S.O.S.) Act - Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to revise and increase the allocations (planned sharing) with Gulf states of certain qualified outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues due and payable to the United States from specified Gulf of Mexico leases. Repeals the limitation placed upon the amount of distributed qualified OCS revenues.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees until four years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth provisions respecting OPIC transparency and accountability. Requires OPIC to: (1) maintain an Office of Accountability to provide project problem-solving services and to review OPIC compliance with environmental, social, worker rights, human rights, and transparency policies; (2) provide Congress with notice of consideration of approval of an extractive industry financing project of $10 million or more; and (3) notify Congress if specified OPIC's maximum insurance and outstanding financing liability at any one time exceeds it's maximum contingent liability for the preceding fiscal year by 25% or more. Gives preference to projects where the investor and the host country have agreed to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles. Requires OPIC to: (1) commit adequate staff and resources to assist small businesses and investors in the United States obtain insurance, reinsurance, financing, and other OPIC support; and (2) give preferential consideration to investment projects in less developed countries whose governments are receptive to private enterprise. Authorizes OPIC programs in Iraq. Prohibits OPIC assistance to an applicant who is involved in a "discouraged transaction" with state sponsors of terrorism. Defines "discouraged transaction" as: (1) an investment commitment of $20 million or more by the investor in the energy sector of a state sponsor of terrorism; (2) a loan or credit extension of more than $5 million to the government of a state sponsor of terrorism that is outstanding on the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor and for which payment is not required within 45 days; and (3) the transfer by the investor of goods that are included on the U.S. Munitions List to a state sponsor of terrorism within the three-year period preceding the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor. Exempts from such prohibition investments, business, or projects in certain areas of Sudan (Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei, Darfur) if OPIC determines that such activities will provide humanitarian relief, promote self-sufficiency, or support peace agreements. Prohibits OPIC assistance for any railway connection that connects Azerbaijan and Turkey without traversing or connecting with Armenia. Authorizes OPIC to insure, reinsure, guaranty, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is to be undertaken: (1) is eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and has not been determined to be ineligible for such designation based upon its record on worker rights or child labor; or (2) if not eligible for such GSP designation, the government has taken or is taking steps to afford workers internationally recognized worker rights. Exempts humanitarian assistance from such limitation. Gives project preference to countries that enforce laws providing international worker rights.

United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Establishment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Establishment Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) implement integrated spent nuclear fuel management consistent with federal policy on a self-sustaining basis through the use of a spent nuclear fuel management enterprise that will eliminate the need for federal funding; and (2) assume responsibility for the activities, obligations, and use of resources of the federal government with respect to spent nuclear fuel management. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Fund. Directs the President to appoint a Transition Manager to transfer spent nuclear fuel management obligations, functions, personnel, and funds from the Secretary of Energy to the Corporation. Designates the Corporation the exclusive marketing agent on behalf of the United States for entering into contracts to provide spent nuclear fuel management and related products and services.

Heat is Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Heat is Power Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2016: (1) an energy tax credit for investment in wasted heat to electricity property; and (2) a tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources for wasted heat. Defines "wasted heat to electricity property" as property comprising a system which generates electricity through the recovery of a qualified wasted heat resource (e.g., exhaust heat or flared gas from any industrial process or waste gas or industrial tail gas, but not a heat resource from a process whose primary purpose is the generation of electricity using a fossil fuel).

Offshore Lease Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Offshore Lease Fairness Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase from 27% to 50% the revenues: (1) shared with states from leases within three miles of the coast line entered into after enactment of this Act; and (2) from energy-related activities for any lease, easement, or right-of-way granted after enactment of this Act. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to redefine current qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues as sums received by the United States from leases entered into between December 20, 2006, and the date of enactment of this Act. Requires for FY2010 and each ensuing fiscal year that new outer Continental Shelf revenues be deposited: (1) 50% into the general fund of the Treasury; and (2) 50% into a special account in the Treasury for disbursement to coastal states by the Secretary of the Treasury. Restricts allocation of new outer Continental Shelf revenues from leases in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean to states that are in, or border on, such specified geographical areas. Prescribes requirements for the timing and administration of the disposition of revenues.

Renewable Energy Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Renewable Energy Incentive Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) extend the grant program for investment in renewable energy property, including renewable resources used to produce electricity, and fuel cell, solar, wind, geothermal, and microturbine property, in lieu of tax credits, by extending the placed-in-service deadline for such property through 2012; and (2) expand eligibility for such grants to certain state power utilities and tax-exempt mutual or cooperative electric companies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an energy tax credit for investment in qualified solar manufacturing project property; (2) allow a tax credit for the purchase, consolidation, and use of contiguous high solarity disturbed private land to produce solar energy for use in a trade or business; and (3) limit the energy tax credit for solar energy equipment used to generate electricity or heat or cool a structure, as applied to swimming pools, to exclude those located at single-family residences. Defines "qualified solar manufacturing project property" as any tangible personal property purchased to re-equip, expand, or establish a manufacturing facility for producing solar energy equipment to generate electricity.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an investment tax credit for biomass heating property and repeal the passive activity limitation exception for working interests in oil and gas property.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in certain biomass heating property for periods ending before January 1, 2014; and (2) repeal the exemption from passive activity rules for working interests in oil or gas property.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit for installation of composite, recyclable power line poles.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a 30% qualifying advanced energy project tax credit for investment in utility poles or supports made from composite materials which are comprised of at least 15% recycled materials and are fully recyclable; and (2) a business-related tax credit for a qualified composite pole placed in service after December 31, 2010, and before January 1, 2016. Defines "qualified composite pole" as any pole which is used to support one or more wires to transmit or distribute electricity, which is comprised of not more than 85% virgin materials, and not less than 90% of which can be recycled.

Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2010 - Waives certain restrictive Federal Power Act exemption qualifications for any proposed hydroelectric project that seeks to use a conduit in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act to generate power that does not exceed 1.5 megawatts. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) include structures that have less than 10 feet of head or would result in less than 1 megawatt of capacity as part of a certain study and report required under the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (2) consult with nonfederal and noncontracting interests in implementing this requirement; and (3) implement this requirement on a nonreimbursable basis.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3534) to provide greater efficiencies, transparency, returns, and accountability in the administration of Federal mineral and energy resources by consolidating administration of various Federal energy minerals management and leasing programs into one entity to be known as the Office of Federal Energy and Minerals Leasing of the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5851) to provide whistleblower protections to certain workers in the offshore oil and gas industry.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3534) to provide greater efficiencies, transparency, returns, and accountability in the administration of Federal mineral and energy resources by consolidating administration of various Federal energy minerals management and leasing programs into one entity to be known as the Office of Federal Energy and Minerals Leasing of the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5851) to provide whistleblower protections to certain workers in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for a $500 million recovery fund focusing exclusively on travel and tourism to be administered by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility in the wake of the BP oil spill.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) BP should fund a $500 million dollar recovery fund focusing exclusively on travel and tourism; (2) the fund should be administered by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility through a transparent process with defined criteria for award; and (3) county or parish and state tourism boards and visitors bureaus in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida should all be eligible for funding based upon a demonstrated decline in travelers since the beginning of the BP oil spill.

Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010 - Big Oil Bailout Prevention Unlimited Liability Act of 2010 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) remove limits on liability for offshore facilities; and (2) authorize the Coast Guard, in the case of a spill of national significance, to obtain advances from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Federal Research and Technologies for Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 2010 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) revise the chairmanship of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research; (2) establish the Science and Technology Advisory Board; (3) modify the innovative oil pollution technology program; and (4) require the Secretary of the Interior to implement a program of research, development, and technology demonstration to address issues associated with the detection of, response to, and mitigation and cleanup of discharges of oil occurring on federal land managed by the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct deepwater, ultra deepwater, and other extreme environment oil discharge response demonstration projects; and (2) establish at institutions of higher education research centers of excellence for the research, development, and demonstration of technologies necessary to respond to, contain, mitigate, and clean up extreme-environment discharges of oil. Directs the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish at institutions of higher education research centers of excellence for research and innovation in the fate of, behavior and effects of, and damage assessment and restoration relating to discharges of oil. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a joint pilot program to conduct field tests of new oil discharge response, mitigation, and cleanup technologies in the waters of the United States. Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) modify the national policy for the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) prescribe a program of structural reform for management of the Outer Continental Shelf, including leasing, permitting and regulation bureaus; and (3) increase civil penalties for violations. Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), upon request of the Secretary, to conduct an independent investigation of any accident occurring in the outer Continental Shelf and involving activities under this Act. Establishes the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund. Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to publish monthly and report to Congress an evaluation of the effect of the moratoria resulting from the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and the effect of resulting hydrocarbon releases upon the environment, employment, and small businesses. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to implement a deepwater (in lieu of ultra-deepwater) technologies research and development program and establish a Program Advisory Committee. Establishes the National Commission on Outer Continental Shelf Oil Spill Prevention. Environmental Crimes Enforcement Act of 2010 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of offenses under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), in order to reflect the intent of Congress on increased penalties for specified offenses. Fairness in Admiralty and Maritime Law Act - Amends the Shipowners' Liability Act of 1851 to repeal the limitation on liability regarding: (1) a claim for wages; or (2) a claim resulting from a discharge of oil from a vessel or offshore facility pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Securing Health for Ocean Resources and Environment Act, or SHORE Act - Directs the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere to conduct a comprehensive review of: (1) the current capacity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to oil spills; and (2) the current ability of NOAA to observe, monitor, map, and track subsea hydrocarbons. Instructs the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish: (1) a hydrocarbon monitoring and assessment program; (2) a national information center on oil spills; and (3) an initiative on oil spills from aging and abandoned oil infrastructure. Directs such Under Secretary to develop an inventory of offshore abandoned or sunken vessels in the exclusive economic zone and identify priorities for potential preemptive removal of oil or other actions that may be effective to mitigate the risk of oil spills from offshore abandoned or sunken vessels. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund available for preparedness, response, damage assessment, and restoration. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to eligible coastal states to revise certain management programs to identify and implement new enforceable policies and procedures to ensure sufficient response capabilities to address the impacts of oil spills or other accidents resulting from Outer Continental Shelf energy activities. Requires the Secretaries of Commerce and of the Interior (Secretaries) and the EPA Administrator to implement a long-term marine environmental monitoring and research program for the marine and coastal environment of the Gulf of Mexico. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to direct research and take action to improve the ability of the United States to conduct oil spill prevention, response, and recovery in Arctic waters. Instructs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to assess and take action to reduce the risk and improve the capability of the United States to respond to a maritime disaster in the United States Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that an area contingency plan for the national response system develop a framework for advance planning and decision making regarding the closing and reopening of fishing grounds following an oil spill. Directs the Secretaries and the EPA Admninistrator to establish a program for the formal evaluation and validation of oil pollution containment, removal methods, and technologies. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to increase the frequency and comprehensiveness of safety inspections of all U.S.- and foreign-flag tank vessels that enter a U.S. port or place. Directs the President to establish a Gulf of Mexico Regional Citizens' Advisory Council. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to revise the limits on vessel liability. Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth an initiative for catastrophic incident planning. Grants subpoena and enforcement powers to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2010 - Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Commerce to provide assistance to any state, local, or territorial government agency with jurisdiction over coral reef ecosystems to address unforeseen or disaster-related circumstances pertaining to such ecosystems; and (2) direct that Secretary to establish in the Damage Assessment Restoration Revolving Fund the Emergency Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account. Subjects to liability to the United States persons who either engage in certain prohibited activities or create an imminent risk doing so. Establishes within DOE a Natural Gas Vehicle and Infrastructure Development Program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to promulgate an interim final rule establishing: (1) an infrastructure deployment program and a manufacturing development program; and (2) a program of direct loans to qualified manufacturers for the cost of reequipping, expanding, or establishing a domestic facility used to produce any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle or any eligible component. Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010 - Establishes within DOE a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop and provide guidance for model building and construction codes that include consideration of smart grid integration; and (2) award grants to training and education institutions to provide training and education for vocational workforce development to ensure skills needed to work on and maintain plug-in electric drive vehicles and the infrastructure required to support them. Sets forth a pilot program to deploy plug-in electric drive vehicles in the federal fleet. Establishes a targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a program to fund research and development in advanced batteries, plug-in electric drive vehicle components, plug-in electric drive infrastructure, and other related technologies; (2) implement a materials recycling study; and (3) establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize for a 500-mile vehicle battery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 require electric utilities to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of not fewer than 200 qualified automotive batteries in a calendar year that have a total minimum power rating of 1 megawatt and use advanced battery technology. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force, chaired by the Secretary of Energy. Home Star Retrofit Act of 2010 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) the Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program; and (2) a Federal Rebate Processing System Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Home Star Efficiency Loan Program. Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2010 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to authorize funding through FY2021 and subsequent fiscal years. National Wildlife Refuge System Resource Protection Act of 2010 - Makes any person that destroys, damages, causes the loss of, or injures any refuge system resource liable to the United States for response costs and damages resulting from the destruction, loss, or injury. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to authorize a state that permits oil and natural gas drilling to require any person using hydraulic fracturing for an oil or natural gas well to disclose the chemicals used in each hydraulic fracturing process. Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a program of watershed restoration and job stabilization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend to December 31, 2020, the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate; (2) increase the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate to 45 cents a barrel; and (3) increase the per incident limitation on expenditures.

National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 - Amends the Antiquities Act of 1906 to require land reserved as part of a national monument to be confined to the smallest area necessary to ensure the proper care and management of the objects to be protected by the monument. Sets forth requirements for the designation of national monuments under the Act. Bars the President from issuing a proclamation to designate a national monument under this Act before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the proposed proclamation is provided by the President to Congress, the governor of each state, and specified local and tribal government officials having jurisdiction over any parcel of land within the boundary of the proposed monument. Requires at least one public hearing and a notice and comment period after the issuance of a proclamation to designate a national monument. Requires the President to report to Congress on any hearings held, any written comments received, and the impact of such designation on communities within the boundary of the monument, the nation's energy security, and interests, rights, and uses associated with the land within the monument. Makes a proclamation ineffective two years after its issuance, unless it is approved by an Act of Congress. Bars the issuance of a proclamation by the President that is substantially similar to a previously issued proclamation that Congress did not approve within the two-year period.

Economic Revitalization and Innovation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Economic Revitalization and Innovation Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend funding for economic development assistance programs under such Act for FY2011-FY2015 and to revise grant program requirements and criteria to encourage regional development strategies, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Extends technical assistance eligibility under such Act to economic development districts and university centers. Authorizes and encourages the Secretary of Commerce to consult and cooperate with federal, state, and local entities in supporting economic and workforce development and in promoting regional innovation clusters. Requires the Secretary to coordinate activities with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant entities to leverage and maximize the economic development potential of federal investments in high-speed rail projects and ensure that the activities of a university center include conducting research and providing technical assistance for such projects. Extends eligibility for grants for public works and economic development and for economic adjustment to business incubator facilities and science and research parks, as defined by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award grants and loan guarantees for the development of a feasibility study or development plan, or both, for a science and research park development project; and (2) provide technical and other assistance (in lieu of the Brightfields demonstration program) to promote energy efficiency to enhance the economic competitiveness of an area, increase the use of renewable energy technologies, support energy efficiency or alternative energy development plans, studies, or analysis, and support community efforts to relocate a technology or manufacturing business to the United States. Expands eligibility criteria for public works and economic development assistance or economic adjustment in a distressed area to include the loss of a substantial employer, substantial outmigration or population loss, substantial foreclosure rates and underemployment, military base realignments, natural disasters, and substantial negative effects resulting from changing trade patterns. Requires public works and economic development grant recipients to establish job creation goals and authorizes the Secretary to impose a penalty on grantees who fail to satisfy such goals.

Roadmap for America's Energy Future

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

A Roadmap for America's Energy Future - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 to have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior as a final oil and gas leasing program in full compliance with specified environmental law. Directs the Secretary to conduct a lease sale every 270 days in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning region for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas leases for OCS production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to: (1) modify the OCS leasing program; and (2) direct the Secretary to include, in each 5-Year Program, lease sales proposals offering for oil and gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area. Prescribes requirements for coordination with adjacent states regarding pipeline construction for crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Prohibits, on either federal OCS or state waters, uses that are incompatible with: (1) oil and gas leasing; or (2) full oil or natural gas exploration and production on geologically prospective tracts. Requires the Secretary to accept, in satisfaction of mitigation requirements, proposals for mitigation measures on a site away from the area impacted by exploration and production activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a leasing program for oil, gas and oil shale within the Alaska Coastal Plain (ANWR). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA) to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Allocates to the state of Alaska 50% of federal revenues derived from federal oil and gas leasing operations. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Requires the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop, construct, and operate a coal-to-liquids facility. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the limitation on federal agency contracting for procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels with respect to associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the American-Made Energy Trust Fund to receive certain revenues from oil, gas, and oil shale leases. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to: (1) issue operating permits for 200 new commercial nuclear reactors; (2) continue to review certain license applications to construct the nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain (Nevada); (3) use certain funds to develop, construct, and operate a facility for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel; (4) establish a process for licensing facilities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel; and (5) deem that sufficient capacity will be available for spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive waste disposal. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to promulgate regulations to conduct reverse auctions to award funds from the American-Made Energy Trust Fund to owners or operators of qualified renewable energy facilities to generate electric energy. Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Outer Continental Shelf Oil Spill Prevention to examine and report on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill of 2010.

PROMOTING A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY

United States · United States Senate · 27 July 2010

Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations for FY2011-FY2013 for: (1) core programs; (2) research and development technology (R & D) for the fuel cycle; (3) certain nuclear energy research programs; and (4) nuclear energy enabling technologies, including crosscutting nuclear energy concepts. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Energy implement: (1) the nuclear power 2010 program; (2) the generation IV nuclear energy systems initiative; and (3) the reactor production of hydrogen. Directs the Secretary to implement: (1) R & D to advance fission power systems and technologies (reactor concepts) to sustain currently deployed systems; (2) a small modular reactor program to promote R&D of small modular reactors; and (3) R&D on fuel cycle options that improve uranium resource utilization, maximize energy generation, minimize nuclear waste creation, improve safety, and mitigate risk of proliferation in support of a national strategy for spent nuclear fuel and reactor concepts. Instructs the Secretary, in carrying out certain optional initiatives, to consider the final report on a long-term nuclear waste solution produced by the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to support the integration of certain activities undertaken through R&D programs for reactor concepts and crosscutting nuclear energy concepts. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) the quantitative risks associated with the potential of a severe accident arising from the use of nuclear power; and (2) current technologies to mitigate the consequences of such an accident. Changes the location of the prototype Next Generation Nuclear reactor and associated Plant from the Idaho National Laboratory (IDL) to a construction site determined by the IDL-organized consortium of appropriate industrial partners through an open and transparent competitive selection process. Directs the Comptroller General to submit to Congress a status update of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant program. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a nuclear energy standards committee to facilitate the development or revision of technical standards for new and existing nuclear power plants and advanced nuclear technologies.

Renewable Energy Jobs and Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Renewable Energy Jobs and Security Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to propose rules establishing standards for the physical connection between specified types of renewable energy facilities and transmission facilities of transmitting utilities subject to FERC jurisdiction. Requires such standards to: (1) include separate expedited procedures for interconnecting 10-kilowatt maximum renewable energy facilities and for expediting interconnection for 2000-kilowatt maximum facilities; and (2) address safety, reliability, performance, cost, and network upgrades. Allows FERC to consider a clustering approach that allows concurrent interconnection of facilities where requests are placed within succeeding six-month periods. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to: (1) adopt standards for interconnection with renewable energy facilities as are necessary to ensure that renewable energy facilities are given priority interconnection and priority access to available capacity on the utility's transmission and distribution system over non-renewable energy facilities; and (2) permit any renewable energy facility to apply to the state regulatory authority for an order requiring the interconnection of such facility with the system of the utility. Requires the Secretary of Energy to transmit to Congress and to FERC a report that spatially maps national renewable energy resources and conducts cost assessments for renewable energy facility development with respect to all available technologies. Requires FERC to prescribe rules to encourage the purchase of electric energy by public utilities from renewable energy facilities on a priority basis, under a standard contract, and at rates established on a uniform national basis by FERC. Provides procedures for the setting and adjusting of such rates and for application of net metering. Requires reports concerning interconnection of renewable energy facilities by utilities to the Energy Information Administration and by the Secretary to Congress and the public. Requires FERC to design a regional cost redistribution mechanism consisting of a system benefits charge payable by every end-use consumer of an electric utility to the utility, to be transferred to a national renewable energy corporation for reimbursement of the costs associated with this Act's interconnection and power purchase requirements.

Commending the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New Meadowlands Stadium Project, and the people of the State of New Jersey for creating one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable sports complexes in the world.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Commends the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New Meadowlands Stadium Project, and the people of New Jersey for creating one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable sports complexes in the world.

CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of 2010 or CARE Act - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to transfer specified excess funds derived from coal mine operator-paid reclamation fees to the trustees of the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan for use solely to pay pension benefits required under such Plan.

Oil Pollution Wildlife Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Oil Pollution Wildlife Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to direct the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to publish in the Federal Register and make electronically available to the public the Secretary's decision to approve, deny, or modify any geological and geophysical exploration, development, or production plans. Repeals the exemption of the Gulf of Mexico from oil and gas development and production requirements for the outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Prohibits the Secretary from approving any geological and geophysical exploration, development, or production plan, or any significant plan revision, or from granting any license or permit unless the Secretary certifies that: (1) such plan is in compliance with specified statutes, regulations, and legal authorities; and (2) all requisite authorizations have been issued for activities to be conducted under the plan. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretaries of Commerce or of the Interior regarding any endangered species or fisheries that occur in the proposed area of activity. Requires the Secretaries of Commerce or of the Interior to incorporate in environmental studies of areas or regions included in an oil and gas lease sale or other lease any takings of marine mammal species or stock from any other reasonably foreseeable activities when determining whether takings from specified OCSLA activities will have a negligible impact on a marine mammal species or stock, and not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or stock for taking for subsistence uses. Permits citizen suits against the United States and any other subject instrumentality or agency that is alleged to have approved a leasing program, lease sale, exploration plan or permit, or development and production plan, without having prepared an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment, or without having complied with other related requirements. Authorizes a person to commence a civil action on the person's own behalf to enjoin any person alleged to have failed to obtain proper authorization pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified waste-to-energy property. Defines "qualified waste-to-energy property" as property comprising a system that uses municipal solid waste or sewage sludge as the feedstock for producing solid, liquid, or gas fuel, and that is certified by the Secretary of the Treasury as eligible for a credit under this Act. Excludes certain landfill facilities from such definition. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria for awarding certifications for waste-to-energy projects, which shall include: (1) the commercial viability of such projects; (2) whether such projects will provide the greatest net impact in avoiding or reducing air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases; and (3) whether such projects pose the fewest risks (other than climate risks) to environmental and human health.

Oil Spill Response Improvement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Oil Spill Response Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish: (1) no more than two bureaus, to which the functions of the Minerals Management Service shall be transferred, which shall implement leasing, permitting, and safety and environmental regulatory functions relating to the outer Continental Shelf (OCS); (2) an office to implement royalty and revenue management functions; and (3) an OCS Safety and Environmental Advisory Board. Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), upon the Secretary's request, to conduct an independent investigation of any accident occurring in the OCS and involving activities under this Act. Establishes the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund as a depository for inspection fees imposed by the Secretary to offset the annual expenses of inspections of OCS facilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Energy Information Administration, to report to certain congressional committees monthly evaluations of the effect upon employment and small businesses of the moratoria following the April 20, 2010, blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon . Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to implement a deepwater (in lieu of ultra-deepwater) technologies research and development program addressing technology challenges for well control and accident prevention. Revises the petroleum resources research and development program to replace ultra-deepwater activities with deepwater architecture, well control and accident prevention, and deepwater technology, including drilling to deep formations in waters deeper than 500 feet (currently, deeper than 15,000 feet). Directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible production of domestic natural gas and other petroleum resources. Replaces the Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee and the Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee with a Program Advisory Committee. Establishes the National Commission on Outer Continental Shelf Oil Spill Prevention. Instructs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue joint regulations requiring systems used in OCS offshore exploration, development, and production of oil and gas to be constructed and operated to meet specified standards necessary to protect the health and safety of affiliated workers and prevent environmental degradation. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the President to establish limits on strict liability for incidents occurring from offshore facilities (other than deepwater ports) covered by OCS leases issued after enactment of this Act. States that economic damages that exceed certain amounts shall be paid: (1) up to $20 billion by all other entities operating OCS offshore facilities; and (2) then from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (FUND). Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the President to issue regulations allowing advance payments from the Fund for state and local actions taken to prepare for and mitigate substantial threats from an oil discharge. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate in any calendar quarter in which the unobligated balance in the Fund is greater than $10 billion. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research (Interagency Committee) to establish a regional subcommittee for each of the Gulf of Mexico and Arctic regions of the United States. Requires the Interagency Committee to: (1) coordinate a comprehensive federal oil spill research and development program; (2) establish an oil pollution research, technology development, and demonstration grant program; and (3) submit to Congress an assessment of the status of oil spill prevention and response capabilities, as well as annual federal interagency oil spill research and development plans. Directs the Coast Guard to conduct environmental studies of oil discharge prevention or mitigation technologies. Authorizes the Incident Commander of the Coast Guard to use dispersants in response to a spill of oil from: (1) any facility or vessel located in, on, or under any navigable waters of the United States; and (2) any facility subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and that is located in, on, or under any other waters. Instructs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) establish a Maritime Center of Expertise for Maritime Oil Spill and Hazardous Substance Release Response, and within it a program for release response; (2) maintain a National Strike Force to respond to maritime oil spill and hazardous substance release incidents; and (3) maintain district preparedness response teams. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) authorize the President to deploy cleanup and mitigation assets immediately to the location of discharge; and (2) add certain requirements to the National Contingency Plan. Amends the OCSLA to prescribe allocation requirements for OCS post leasing revenue sharing for specified coastal states and the Alaska Adjacent Zone. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 regarding allocation of revenue sharing among certain Gulf producing states. Amends the OCSLA to direct the Secretary to require that oil produced from federal leases in specified Arctic waters be transported by pipeline to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Rescinds certain stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to offset any net increase in spending or foregone revenues resulting from this Act. States that the moratorium on certain OCS offshore permitting and drilling activities, including any suspension of operations issued in connection with the moratorium, shall not apply to a drilling permit applicant if the Secretary makes certain determinations. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to ensure that onshore oil and natural gas development on federal land would provide full energy resource compensation for offshore oil and natural gas resources not being developed, and federal revenues not being generated for the benefit of the Treasury, during the time that any offshore moratorium is in place in response to the Deepwater Horizon incident .

Clean Energy Works Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Clean Energy Works Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth provisions governing the allocation of funds for assisting states in the development, implementation, or modification of energy conservation plans. Requires a state that receives such assistance to use no less than a third of it to provide grants and loans: (1) for renewable energy development; (2) to energy technology companies; or (3) to promote energy efficiency. Sets forth state cost-sharing requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY2011-FY2016. Amends the America COMPETES Act to: (1) revise provisions concerning the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), including by creating additional duties of the Director of ARPA-E; and (2) increase and extend authorization for ARPA-E for FY2011-FY2016. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award on a competitive basis: (1) regional energy alliance skills grants to energy alliances; (2) regional industry energy efficiency grants to covered entities for educating and training incumbent workers in the skills necessary to increase energy efficiency in industries in existence on this Act's enactment; and (3) law carbon energy training grants to eligible entities to provide customized training services to businesses in identified industries, or to businesses in industries that directly support or supply identified industries. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to prohibit, as of October 1, 2010, provisions of such Act that are otherwise applicable to the use of the authority made available under the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act from applying to borrowing authority available to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to assist in financing the construction, acquisition, and replacement of the BPA transmission system and implementing the BPA Administrator's authority under the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the types of energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities eligible for income exclusion.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the income tax exclusion for energy conservation subsidies, to define "subsidy" to include amounts received by a customer from a public utility to: (1) pay for electricity generated from an energy conservation measure under a net metering or net billing program; or (2) pay for renewable energy credits attributable to an energy conservation measure. Limits the excludable amount of any subsidy for renewable energy credits to $2,000 times the whole number of years worth of renewable energy credits that are sold by the customer.

PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to adopt underwriting standards that are consistent with the Guidelines for Pilot PACE Financing Programs issued on May 7, 2010, by the Department of Energy (DOE). Provides that liens or other property obligations that secure property taxes or assessments under a PACE program and that are consistent with such standards shall be considered to comply with the Uniform Instruments of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and shall not constitute a default on an existing mortgage or trigger the exercise of lender's remedies for a property with such a lien. Defines a "PACE program" as a property assessed clean energy program under which a state or political subdivision levies taxes or assessments on real property to finance the installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Prohibits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from requiring repayment of a PACE program tax or assessment in order for a property owner to finance, refinance, or transfer property that meets their underwriting criteria without consideration of the PACE program lien. Requires the underwriting standards to provide that, in the event that a tax or assessment under a PACE program is delinquent, only the unpaid delinquent amount along with applicable penalties, interest, and costs will be subject to foreclosure and not the entire amount. Prohibits the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and all federal agencies and entities chartered under federal law from discriminating against communities implementing or participating in a PACE program.

Public Housing Reinvestment and Tenant Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Public Housing Reinvestment and Tenant Protection Act of 2010 - Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make competitive grants to local governments, public housing agencies (PHAs), or nonprofit entities owning a major housing project to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty and severely distressed housing. Public Housing One-for-One Replacement and Tenant Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to: (1) demolition, disposition, or both pursuant to conversion of any public housing unit; and (2) the taking of public housing units through the use of eminent domain. Exempts from specified requirements for demolition and disposition of public housing any public housing projects removed from a PHA inventory under the program for conversion of demolished or distressed public housing dwelling units to tenant-based assistance. Public Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee notes or other obligations issued by PHAs to finance: (1) the rehabilitation of PHA public housing; or (2) the modernization of such housing through energy efficiency improvements. Prescribes requirements for PHAs that utilize housing tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code for rental housing units. Removes a specified limitation on the use of amounts from the public housing Capital Fund or Operation Fund by a PHA to construct new public housing units. Permits a PHA to use amounts from the Capital Fund for public housing units not included in the regular formula for determining the amount of assistance, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to PHAs for conversion of public housing projects to assisted living. Together We Care Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive grant pilot program for eligible entities to train public housing residents as home health aides and as providers of home-based health services for residents of public housing or federally-assisted rental housing who are elderly, disabled, or both.

10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a program under which the Secretary shall provide competitive grants to states, Indian tribes, and local governments to provide rebates, loans, or other incentives to eligible participants for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems for properties located in the United States. Requires the Secretary to implement specified criteria for awarding such grants that includes: (1) providing the maximum leverage of federal funds; (2) providing for the maximum deployment of solar energy; and (3) ensuring that grants are awarded to a diversity of geographic locations and recipients with different population sizes. Authorizes the use of funds received to expand or establish a solar rebate program, a solar loan program, a solar performance-based incentive program, or another solar incentive program, solar deployment program or project, or innovative solar financing program as determined by the Secretary. Requires a grant recipient to: (1) certify that funds will be used to supplement, expand, or create new programs and to deploy an increased quantity of solar energy systems; and (2) submit to the Secretary an implementation plan that contains projections for solar energy systems deployment, data regarding the number of eligible participants that are assisted under existing applicable state and local programs, and projections for additional solar energy system deployment and the number of additional eligible participants covered. Authorizes the Secretary to specify the type and capacity of solar energy system and type of deployment or incentive program for which the grant funds are made available. Makes each eligible entity receiving funds responsible for 20% of the amount of the provided funds. Provides that a participant who receives a rebate under this Act shall not be eligible for a rebate for expenditures for installation of a renewable energy system in connection with a dwelling unit or small business under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Limits the aggregate value of the grants, rebates, and tax credits provided to an eligible participant to 50% of the cost to the purchaser of the purchase and installation. Sets a goal of installing distributed solar energy systems on not less than 10 million properties located in the United States by December 31, 2021.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the types of energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities eligible for income exclusion.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the income tax exclusion for energy conservation subsidies, to define "subsidy" to include amounts received by a customer from a public utility to: (1) pay for electricity generated from an energy conservation measure under a net metering or net billing program; or (2) pay for renewable energy credits attributable to an energy conservation measure. Limits the excludable amount of any subsidy for renewable energy credits to $2,000 times the whole number of years worth of renewable energy credits that are sold by the customer.

Supporting a legally binding global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide financial assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable nations for adaptation and mitigation measures, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010

Expresses support for: (1) the Copenhagen Accord as a meaningful step toward achieving the goal of a binding global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; and (2) finance for developing countries consistent with the Accord's goals. Calls for: (1) enacting comprehensive energy and climate change legislation; and (2) allotting funding to develop the processes and organizations required to manage the disbursement of funds efficiently and transparently. Commends the High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing for its preliminary work in defining how finance for developing countries will be raised and disbursed. Encourages the international community to create a legally binding agreement to reduce GHG emissions as soon as possible.

EMPOWERING RURAL COMMUNITIES, THE STATUS AND FUTURE OF THE FARM BILL'S ENERGY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

United States · United States Senate · 21 July 2010

Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to the production of thermal energy and to include a naturally occurring cold water source as a qualified energy resource and a natural air conditioning system facility as a qualified facility for purposes of such credit. Modifies the definition of "local heating and cooling facilities" for purposes of tax-exempt facility bonds to include equipment for producing thermal energy in the form of hot water, chilled water, or steam, distributing that thermal energy in pipelines, and transferring the thermal energy. Defines "thermal energy" as heat (in the form of hot water or steam) or cooling (in the form of chilled water or ice). Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, with respect to the energy sustainability and efficiency grant and loan program for institutions, to: (1) include a not-for-profit district energy system as an institutional entity for purposes of such grant program; (2) increase the amounts of technical assistance grants and grants for efficiency improvement and energy sustainability; and (3) extend the authorization of appropriations for such grant program through FY2015.

Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to the production of thermal energy and to include a naturally occurring cold water source as a qualified energy resource and a natural air conditioning system facility as a qualified facility for purposes of such credit. Modifies the definition of: (1) "local heating and cooling facilities" for purposes of tax-exempt facility bonds to include equipment for producing thermal energy in the form of hot water, chilled water, or steam, distributing that thermal energy in pipelines, and transferring the thermal energy; and (2) "open-loop biomass" for purposes of thermal energy facilities. Defines "thermal energy" as heat (in the form of hot water or steam) or cooling (in the form of chilled water or ice). Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005, with respect to federal requirements for the purchase of renewable energy, to expand the definition of "biomass" and provide a definition of "federal land" and "Indian land." Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, with respect to the energy sustainability and efficiency grant and loan program for institutions, to: (1) include a not-for-profit district energy system as an institutional entity for purposes of such grant program; (2) increase the amounts of technical assistance grants and grants for efficiency improvement and energy sustainability; and (3) extend the authorization of appropriations for such grant program through FY2015.

A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to improve geothermal energy technology and demonstrate the use of geothermal energy in large scale thermal applications, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary of Energy (DOE): (1) acting through the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, to establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; and (2) identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to state and local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities, utilities, and for-profit companies to promote the development of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; (2) give priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities; and (3) conduct a national solicitation for grant applications.

STORAGE 2010 Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2010 or the STORAGE 2010 Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow, through 2019, a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property that is directly connected to the electrical grid (i.e., a system of generators, transmission lines, and distribution facilities) and that is designed to receive. store, and convert energy to electricity, deliver it for sale, or use such energy to provide improved reliability or economic benefits to the grid; (2) make such property eligible for new clean renewable energy bond financing; (3) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property used at the site of energy storage; and (4) allow a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for the installation of energy storage equipment in a principal residence.

Enabling the Nuclear Renaissance Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Enabling the Nuclear Renaissance Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) nuclear energy shall be considered clean energy; (2) any provision of federal law relating to clean energy shall be considered to include nuclear energy as a form of clean energy; and (3) nuclear energy is a renewable-equivalent for purposes of a renewable energy standard. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create: (1) a five-year accelerated depreciation period for tangible property used in the manufacturing of an advanced nuclear power facility; (2) a nuclear power facility construction credit; (3) advanced energy project tax credits for nuclear power facilities; and (4) an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) nuclear certification credit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to award a grant to each qualified public entity which places in service a qualified nuclear power facility in order to reimburse it for a portion of its nuclear power facility expenditures. Amends the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 to increase the funding for loan guarantee commitments under the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPA) to revise requirements for the loan guarantees. Amends EPA to direct the Secretary of Energy to offer to enter into cooperative agreements to develop and license specified small modular reactors with a rated capacity under 350 electrical megawatts. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) modify licensing procedures; (2) direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assume the availability of sufficient capacity to timely dispose of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from the operation of the nuclear facility on a license application; and (3) prescribe environmental reviews for nuclear energy projects. Authorizes appropriations for training the next generation nuclear workforce. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) the National Nuclear Energy Council; (2) the Energy Park Initiative; (3) the Advisory Committee on Energy Park Development; and (4) the N Prize Program. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish a tax-exempt United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation to assume federal responsibility for spent nuclear fuel management. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Fund.

Reduce and End our Deficits Using Commonsense Eliminations in the Agriculture Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Reduce and End our Deficits Using Commonsense Eliminations in the Agriculture Program Act - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate cotton and peanut storage payments. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to terminate the Forest Service's Economic Action Program. Amends the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 to terminate the grant program for manufacturers of worsted wool fabrics. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to terminate the Delta region health care services program. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to terminate the grant and loan program for energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities efficiency in rural communities with extremely high energy costs. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise income eligibility limitations for: (1) commodity program non-farm income; (2) direct payment farm income; and (3) conservation program non-farm income. Reduces crop year payment limits for covered commodity and peanut: (1) direct payments; (2) counter-cyclical payments; and (3) average crop revenue election (ACRE)/counter-cyclical payments. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to revise the definition of "payment acres" for covered commodity and peanut direct and counter-cyclical payments. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to reduce additional FY2011 and FY2012 funding for the market access program. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to reduce the reimbursement rate beginning in FY2011 for private insurance providers under the crop insurance program. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting timber sales in the Southwestern, Pacific Southwest, or Alaska region of the National Forest System where federal expenditures to support timber sales have been significantly higher than offsetting receipts until the Secretary certifies to Congress that timber sales in the region will generate receipts at least equal to supporting federal expenditures.

SDHV Energy Efficiency Standards for America Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

SDHV Energy Efficiency Standards for America Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps by requiring: (1) the seasonal energy efficiency ratio of small-duct, high-velocity systems to be no less than 11.00 for products manufactured on or after January 23, 2006; and (2) the heating seasonal performance factor of such systems to be 6.8 for products manufactured on or after such date. Defines "small-duct, high-velocity systems" to mean a heating and cooling product that contains a blower and indoor coil combination that: (1) is designed for, and produces, at least 1.2 inches of external static pressure when operated at the certified air volume rate of 220-350 cubic feet per minute per rated ton of cooling; and (2) when applied in the field, uses high velocity room outlets generally greater than 1,000 feet per minute that have less than 6.0 square inches of free area. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to amend by rule the standards established for such systems. Prohibits amended standards from taking effect less than five years after the final rule making the amendment is published. Requires the Secretary to determine whether standards for such systems should be amended no later than June 30, 2011. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include within the definition of "energy-efficient building property" for purposes of the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property a small-duct, high-velocity central air conditioning and heat pump system. Allow such credit through December 31, 2013.

Renewable Fuels Marketing Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Renewable Fuels Marketing Act of 2010 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue guidelines for determining whether underground storage tanks and associated dispensing equipment are compatible with any fuel or fuel additive that is authorized by the Administrator or by statute for use in a motor vehicle, nonroad vehicle, or engine. Deems tanks and equipment that have been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as compatible with such a fuel or fuel additive as of the date of enactment of this Act to be compatible under the guidelines. Declares that no person shall be liable under any federal or state law, and no provider of financial assurance may deny payment for a claim, on the basis that a tank (or associated dispensing equipment) is not compatible with such fuel or fuel additive if such tank or equipment has been determined to be compatible pursuant to the guidelines issued under this Act. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator to promulgate regulations that establish requirements for the labeling of associated dispensing equipment to prevent the introduction into a motor vehicle, nonroad vehicle, or engine of transportation fuel that contains a fuel or fuel additive that is authorized, after January 1, 2010, by the Administrator or by statute for use in motor vehicles, nonroad vehicles, or engines but that is not compatible with such vehicle or engine. Shields a person selling such fuel who complies with such regulations from liability for: (1) a self-service purchaser's introduction of such a fuel into a vehicle or engine that is not compatible with such fuel; or (2) the voiding of the manufacturer's warranty of such vehicle or engine from introduction of such fuel. Sets penalties for violation of such regulations.

Reduce and End our Deficits Using Commonsense Eliminations in the Energy Program Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Reduce and End our Deficits Using Commonsense Eliminations in the Energy Program Act of 2010 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to terminate allocations of abandoned mine reclamation fees, except payments for health benefits, to states and Indian tribes that are certified to have completed coal mining reclamation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate: (1) the enhanced oil recovery credit; (2) the credit for oil and gas produced from marginal wells; (3) the expensing of intangible drilling costs; (4) the deduction for tertiary injectants; (5) the exception to the passive loss limitation for working interests in oil and natural gas properties; (6) the percentage depletion deduction for oil and natural gas wells; and (7) the domestic manufacturing tax deduction for oil and natural gas companies. Increases to seven years the geological and geophysical amortization period for independent producers. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal authority for: (1) the oil and gas research programs; (2) the low-volume oil and gas reservoir program; and (3) the Complex Well Technology Testing Facility at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) discontinue the application before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a license to construct a high-level nuclear waste geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada; (2) plan for the sale of federally owned and operated electric energy generation facilities under the supervision of, or working in coordination with, the Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA); and (3) terminate SEPA following such sale. Excludes from such sale any dam, reservoir, or waterfront property. Directs the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to sell the rights and assets of its electric power program. Excludes from the sale any hydroelectric power generation facility owned and operated by TVA (including dams and appurtenant works and structures). Deems the remaining net proceeds from any such sale, after offset for sale costs, to extinguish the outstanding debt repayable to the United States and attributable to the assets being sold. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to decrease the storage capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from 1 billion to 650 million barrels. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the Secretary's program authority for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies for ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production.

Manufacture Renewable Energy Systems: Make it in America Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Manufacture Renewable Energy Systems: Make it in America Act of 2010 - Authorizes federal acquisition of, or the provision of federal funds to states for purchase of, only green technologies that are 100% manufactured in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies that are 100% grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States beginning in the fourth fiscal year after enactment of this Act. Provides that such percentage shall be 30% in the first fiscal year after enactment, 50% in the second fiscal year, and 80% in the third fiscal year. Defines "green technologies" to mean renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services that: (1) reduce dependence on unreliable sources of energy by encouraging the use of sustainable biomass, wind, small-scale hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services; and (2) use hybrid fossil-renewable energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit treating any facility originally placed in service after December 31, 2013, as a qualified facility for purposes of the renewable energy production and investment tax credits unless such facility is 100% manufactured in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies that are 100% grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States. Provides that such percentage shall be 30% for a facility placed in service during 2011, 50% for a facility placed in service during 2012, and 80% for a facility placed in service during 2013.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2010

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2010, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the DNI to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2010 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2010, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Allows authorizations for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Outlines provisions concerning the intelligence community, including: (1) personnel matters; (2) education programs; (3) acquisition matters; and (4) congressional oversight, plans, reports, and other matters. Outlines provisions relating to: (1) the Office of the DNI; (2) the CIA; (3) defense intelligence components; and (4) other elements of the intelligence community. Establishes: (1) an Office of Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; (2) a Chief Financial Officer of the Intelligence Community; and (3) a Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to provide for a reorganization of the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office. Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission Act - Establishes the Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission.

Offshore Wind Power Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2010

Offshore Wind Power Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy investment tax credit for qualified offshore wind energy property for periods ending before January 1, 2017. Defines "qualified offshore wind energy property" as property which uses wind to generate electricity and is located in the coastal waters of the United States or the Great Lakes.

To limit the moratorium on certain permitting and drilling activities issued by the Secretary of the Interior, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2010

Declares that a specified suspension of (moratorium on) certain offshore permitting and drilling activities on the Outer Continental Shelf shall not apply to a drill permit applicant that has complied with specified National Notices and has completed all required safety inspections. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to make a determination on whether to issue a permit within 30 days after determining that the applicant is in compliance with such Notices and has completed such inspections.