Energy

Next Generation Energy Security Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

Next Generation Energy Security Act of 2010 - Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to natural gas and alternative fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy. New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through December 31, 2019, the alternative fuel excise tax credit for fuels and fuel mixtures involving compressed or liquefied natural gas, the alternative motor vehicle income tax credit for vehicles powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas, the tax credit for alternative fuel refueling property for property relating to electricity, and the energy tax credit and the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources; (2) allow an offset against the regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT) for alternative motor vehicle and refueling property tax credit amounts and provide for the transferability of credit amounts; (3) allow through December 31, 2019, the issuance of tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds to finance natural gas vehicle projects; (4) increase the alternative motor vehicle tax credit for the purchase of vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas; (5) modify the definition of a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle to include a vehicle that is capable of operating on compressed or liquefied natural gas and gasoline or diesel fuel; (6) allow expensing of the cost of manufacturing facility property used to produce vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas; (7) increase and extend through December 31, 2019, the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling properties for vehicles using compressed or liquefied natural gas; (8) allow accelerated depreciation of advanced nuclear power facilities; (9) allow new tax credits for investment in nuclear power facility construction and for costs related to such construction; (10) make nuclear power facilities eligible for the qualifying advanced energy project tax credit; (11) increase and extend through 2030 the tax credit for production of electricity from advanced nuclear power facilities; (12) allow a new tax credit for the creation of jobs in the commercial nuclear power industry; and (13) increase the number of plug-in electric vehicles eligible for a tax credit. Requires federal agencies to purchase dedicated alternative fuel vehicles when complying with mandatory federal fleet alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirements, unless such agencies can show that alternative fuel is unavailable or purchasing such vehicles would be impractical. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make grants to manufacturers of light duty and heavy duty natural gas vehicles for the development of energy-efficient engines. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should streamline the process for certification of natural gas vehicle retrofit kits. Nuclear Energy Expansion Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should adopt an energy policy that encourages the construction of new nuclear power plants beginning in 2010 through at least 2030. Requires the use of grant funds for five-year periods beginning on January 1, 2012, to increase the number and amounts of nuclear science talent expansion and competitiveness grants, support science primary and secondary education, and expand workforce training in the nuclear energy industry. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish and implement an expedited procedure for issuing combined construction and operating licenses for qualified new nuclear reactors. Increases funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the authority of the Secretary of Energy to cover the cost of delays in the full power operation of nuclear power plants. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the suspension of duties on watertube boilers, reactor vessel heads, and pressurizers for use in nuclear reactors. Amends the Atomic Energy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to: (1) purchase, lease, or access facilities for nuclear fuel management purposes, including for storage, processing, or fuel fabrication involving materials containing plutonium; and (2) enter into agreements with local governments for locating used fuel storage facilities. Declares it the policy of the United States to recycle used nuclear fuel to advance energy independence, maximize the energy potential of nuclear fuel in a poliferation-resistant manner, and reduce the volume and toxicity of high-level radioactive waste. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into partnerships with private industry for nuclear fuel recycling. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate commercial used nuclear fuel treatment and recycling centers; and (2) establish a Next Generation Reactor System demonstration project. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary to: (1) analyze and assess the recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) establish a program to support the deployment and integration of plug-in electric drive vehicles in multiple regions of the United States. Provides for the transfer of unobligated amounts under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to cover revenue losses resulting from the enactment of this Act.

National Cyber Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

National Cyber Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010 - Establishes within the Department of Defense (DOD) a National Cyber Center, headed by a Director who shall report directly to the President. Includes among the Director's duties: (1) coordinating federal government defensive operations, intelligence collection and analysis, and activities to protect and defend government information networks; (2) acting as the principal adviser to the President, the National Security Council, and the heads of federal agencies on matters relating to the protection and defense of such networks; and (3) keeping appropriate congressional committees fully informed of the Center's activities. Grants the Director access to all intelligence relating to cyber security collected by any federal agency, with specified exceptions. Provides for annual submissions to the Director of cyber budget requests by the head of each federal agency with responsibilities for matters relating to the protection and defense of federal information networks. Establishes within the National Cyber Security Program Budget a National Cyber Defense Contingency Fund. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to determine the appropriate location for, and to establish within a National Laboratory, a public and private partnership for sharing cyber threat information and exchanging technical assistance, advice, and support, to be known as the Cyber Defense Alliance. Sets forth guidelines regarding the uses of shared information. Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to: (1) facilitate certain information sharing and declassification activities; and (2) establish uniform procedures for the receipt, care, and storage by agencies of information that is voluntarily submitted to the government through the Alliance. Establishes penalties for federal officers or employees who knowingly disclose cyber threat information protected from disclosure by this Act. Authorizes the federal government to provide warnings regarding potential threats to information networks. Terminates the Alliance on December 31, 2020.

Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010

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 make a final decision on reinstatement of either or both projects. States that this Act neither affects any valid license issued by FERC under the Federal Power Act on or before the date of enactment of this Act nor diminishes or extinguishes any existing rights under any such license.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make qualified biogas property eligible for the energy credit and to permit new clean renewable energy bonds to finance qualified biogas property.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an energy tax credit through 2016 for investment in qualified biogas property; and (2) financing of qualified biogas property with new clean renewable energy bonds. Defines "qualified biogas property" as property comprising a system which uses anaerobic digesters to convert biomas into a gas which consists of not less than 52% methane and which captures such gas for use as a fuel. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to undertake a study of biogas and to submit a report to Congress on such study.

National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 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 essential to ensure the proper care and management of the objects of historic or scientific interest protected by the monument. Sets forth procedures for the designation of national monuments under this Act. Bars the President from issuing a proclamation to designate a national monument under this Act before the final day of a 30-day period beginning when the language of 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 land within 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 boundaries 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 following its issuance, unless it is approved by an Act of Congress. Bars the issuance of a proclamation which is substantially similar to a previously issued proclamation that Congress has not approved.

RESTART Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010

Rare Earths Supply Technology and Resources Transformation Act of 2010 or RESTART Act - Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Rare Earth Policy Task Force to monitor and assist federal agencies in expediting the review and approval of permits to accelerate the completion of projects that will increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy to assess and report to Congress on: (1) the domestic rare earth supply chain; (2) rare earth elements critical to clean energy technologies and the national security; and (3) whether critical rare earth materials should be stockpiled. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report to industry describing available mechanisms for obtaining government loan guarantees to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain; and (2) issue guidance for the rare earth industry on obtaining federal loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on past, current, and future projects to support the domestic rare earth supply chain. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States faces a shortage of key rare earth materials that form the backbone of both the defense and energy supply chains; (2) the urgent need to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain warrants a statutory prioritization of projects to support such reestablishment; (3) there is a pressing need to support innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain; and (4) the Departments of Energy, of the Interior, of Commerce, and of Defense should each provide funds to academic institutions, federal laboratories, and private entities for innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain.

Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010

Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Minerals Management Service with the following components: (1) an Office of Leasing and Permitting, which shall perform functions relating to the leasing of areas of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the issuance of activity permits under such leases that were vested in the Minerals Management Service (MMS) (or its Director) on May 19, 2010; (2) an Office of Inspection, which shall perform functions relating to vessel and facility inspection that were vested in the MMS (or its Director) on that date; and (3) an Office of Revenue, which shall perform functions relating to the collection of OCS lease revenue that were vested in the MMS (or its Director) on such date. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations that require each MMS employee to be subject to random testing for the use of a controlled substance at least twice a year. Prohibits, during the two-year period beginning on an individual's departure from MMS employment, the employment of such individual by any person conducting any activity under a lease or permit issued by MMS or subject to MMS regulation. Directs the Secretary, acting through MMS, to inspect monthly each vessel and facility used for OCS oil or gas drilling. Prohibits the Secretary from exempting any category of vessel or facility activity in OCS oil or gas drilling in waters deeper than 1,000 feet from any applicable federal requirement or restriction. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to repeal the liability limits applicable to a responsible party for discharge of oil from an offshore facility.

Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of Energy to provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to the Department of Energy's application to foreclose use of Yucca Mountain as a high level nuclear waste repository.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010

Requests the President and directs the Secretary of Energy to furnish to the House of Representatives all documents relating to: (1) the Department of Energy's (DOE) Motion to Withdraw its pending licensing application with prejudice for a permanent geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada; (2) the President's elimination of future funding for Yucca Mountain; (3) DOE's reprogramming of FY2010 funds to bring to the Yucca Mountain Project to an orderly close; (4) DOE's discontinuation of standard monitoring and data collection of the site; and (5) DOE's efforts to preserve documents supporting its Yucca Mountain Repository License Application.

Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010

Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prescribe a program of structural reform for management of the Outer Continental Shelf, including establishing two bureaus to carry out leasing, permitting, and safety and environmental regulatory functions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish: (1) an office to carry out the royalty and revenue management functions; and (2) an Outer Continental Shelf Safety and Environmental Advisory Board. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) recruit and directly appoint highly qualified critical technical personnel, upon a determination that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for particular positions; and (2) approve reemployment of civilian retirees to carry out a critical functions under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe and amend rules and regulations addressing operational safety and protection of the marine and coastal environment; (2) review bond and surety amounts every five years; (3) review royalty and rental rates; (4) review and report on the federal offshore oil and gas fiscal system; and (5) implement research and development to improve methodologies for characterizing resources of the Outer Continental Shelf and conditions affecting the ability to develop and use resources in a safe, sound, and environmentally responsible manner. Instructs the Secretary to develop and implement programs for: (1) analysis and dissemination of environmental and other resource data; (2) risk assessment to address technology and development issues associated with Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resource activities, including safety, environmental protection, and spill response; (3) review of alleged safety violations; and (4) the collection of a non-refundable inspection fee for deposit into the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund (established under this Act). Cites conditions under which bids for a lease may be disqualified. Revises requirements governing explorations plans and drilling permits.

Guaranteed Oil Spill Compensation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010

Guaranteed Oil Spill Compensation Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish the Oil Spill Recovery Fund for payment of covered removal costs and damages described in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 that are associated with a discharge, or substantial threat of discharge, of oil. Prohibits any person from entering into a federal oil or gas lease or contract after enactment of this Act unless the person pays into the Fund, or posts a bond, in an amount equal to the difference between: (1) the total of the outstanding liability of the person under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and any removal costs incurred by or on behalf of the person, with respect to any incident for which the person has outstanding liability; and (2) the outstanding balance in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund that is attributable to the person. Requires repayment of unexpended funds (plus interest) upon the earlier of either five years after amounts were paid by the person into the Fund or the date on which the Secretary determines that all federal and state natural resource damage assessments and all outstanding civil claims relating to the incident for which the amounts were paid have been satisfied. Establishes as a separate item, for purposes of the President's budget submission, a statement that includes the estimated amount of Fund deposits, obligations, and outlays.

A joint resolution relating to the approval of the proposed agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010

States that Congress favors the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and transmitted to Congress by the President on May 10, 2010.

Providing for the approval of the Congress of the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010

States that Congress favors the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and transmitted to Congress by the President on May 10, 2010.

Providing for the disapproval of the Congress of the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010

States that Congress does not favor the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and transmitted to Congress by the President on May 10, 2010.

Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2010

Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010 - Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) provide, upon local request, technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments with the deployment of plug-in electric drive vehicles; (2) make available to the public information regarding the cost, performance, usage data, and technical data regarding plug-in electric drive vehicles and associated infrastructure; (3) carry out a national assessment and develop a national plan for plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment; and (4) award grants to state, local, and tribal governments to assist them in preparing a community deployment plan, and in preparing and implementing programs that support the such deployment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and publish model building codes for the inclusion of separate circuits for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; and (2) award grants to 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. Directs the Federal Energy Management Program and the General Services Administration to assess and report to Congress on federal government fleets with respect to conversion to plug-in electric drive vehicles. Instructs the Administrator of General Services to acquire plug-in electric drive vehicles and the requisite charging infrastructure to be deployed in a range of locations in the federal fleet during a five-year period. Establishes within the national deployment program a targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary 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 related technologies; (2) implement a study on recycling of materials from plug-in electric drive vehicles and their batteries; and (3) establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize for a 500-mile vehicle battery. Establishes in the Treasury the 500-mile Battery Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support such vehicles. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles in its service area. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of not fewer than 200 qualified automotive batteries (designed for use in qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles but purchased for nonautomotive applications) in a calendar year with a total minimum power rating of one megawatt and 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.

HEARING TO RECEIVE TESTIMONY ON S. 3102, THE RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM ACT

United States · United States Senate · 17 June 2010

China Fair Trade Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010

China Fair Trade Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to provide that certain exceptions and waivers to the prohibition on the procurement of the products of a country that is not a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement shall not apply with respect to the procurements of products or services of the People's Republic of China. Amends the Buy American Act to declare that certain exceptions to the Act requiring only U.S. materials be used for public use shall not apply to the procurement of Chinese made products until China becomes a party to the Agreement. Declares that certain exceptions to Buy American requirements shall not apply to the procurement of Chinese products by the Department of Defense (DOD) until China becomes a party to such Agreement. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to declare that certain exceptions to Buy American requirements under such Act shall not apply to the procurement of Chinese steel and products until China becomes a party to the Agreement. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on the productive capacity of the major industrial sectors in China. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress on: (1) Chinese policies and the subsidies China provides in the development and exportation of renewable energy products and technologies; and (2) the impact such policies and subsidies have on U.S. manufacturers of such products and technologies.

Safer Oil and Gas Production Research and Development Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010

Safer Oil and Gas Production Research and Development Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy to implement a deepwater (in lieu of ultra-deepwater) technologies research and development program, which includes addressing technology challenges for well control and accident prevention; and (2) implement research supportive of such activities through the Department of Energy (DOE). Revises the petroleum resources research and development program to: (1) replace ultra-deepwater activities with deepwater architecture, well control and accident prevention and deepwater technology, including drilling to deep formations in waters greater than 500 feet (currently, greater than 15,000 feet); and (2) replace complementary research performed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory with safety and environmental technology research and development for drilling activities aimed at well control and accident prevention performed by DOE. Directs the Secretary to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible production of natural gas and other petroleum resources of the United States. Revises requirements for focus areas for awards for research, development, and demonstration to include: (1) individual deepwater resources exploration and production technologies aimed at improving operational safety and reducing environmental impacts of exploration and production activities; (2) nontoxic materials for use in exploration and production activities; (3) accident prevention and environmental mitigation of unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources exploration and production; and (4) safety and accident prevention technology research and development, with special attention to small producers. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study: (1) whether the benefits provided through each award during calendar year 2011 have been maximized; and (2) new areas of research that could be implemented to meet program objectives. Replaces the Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee and the Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee with a Program Advisory Committee. Revises the formula for allocation of amounts obligated from the Safe Oil and Gas Production and Accident Prevention Research Fund, with an increased allocation for safety technology research and development.

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require congressional approval of agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation with foreign countries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require a joint congressional resolution of approval for a subsequent arrangement to an agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation (section 123 agreement). (Under current law such an agreement becomes effective unless Congress disapproves it within a specified time period.) Directs the President to keep the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations fully informed of any initiative or negotiations relating to a new or amended section 123 agreement.

Small Business Assistance and Relief Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010

Small Business Assistance and Relief Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) assistance should be made available to creditworthy small businesses that cannot obtain lending in the current environment; and (2) reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be a top priority for Congress. Provides, with respect to small businesses: (1) an extension of specified tax provisions concerning deductions, credits, and income exclusion; and (2) a limit on the paperwork required to be submitted from a small business to federal agencies. Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide for the establishment of a small lender outreach program, a rural lending outreach program, a national lender training program, a capital backstop program, and an independent appellate process within the Small Business Administration (SBA), with an SBA ombudsman. Revises or adds provisions affecting a certified development company (CDC), including concerning: (1) operational requirements; (2) an accredited lenders program; (3) a premier certified lenders program; (4) SBA guarantee of debentures issued by a CDC; (5) economic development through debentures; (6) CDC project funding requirements; (7) private debenture sales and the pooling of debentures; and (8) CDC authority to foreclose and liquidate SBA-guaranteed loans. Expands eligibility for, and increases loan limits under, the SBA's Microloan program. Revises or adds provisions affecting the small business investment company (SBIC) program, including concerning: (1) expedited SBIC licensing for experienced applicants; (2) revised loan leverage limitations for successful SBICs; (3) SBIC authority to invest in veteran-owned small businesses; and (4) increased SBIC program levels. Revises or adds provisions concerning investment in small businesses engaged primarily in manufacturing and in renewable-energy small businesses. Authorizes the SBA to guarantee loans to certain medical professionals for the acquisition of health information technology used in the professionals' practice. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish and carry out a program to provide equity investment financing to support early-stage small businesses in specified targeted industries. Revises requirements and increases loan limits under the SBA's disaster loan program. Requires certain SBA studies.

REAL-TIME FORECASTING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 June 2010

H.R. 4678, FOREIGN MANUFACTURERS LEGAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, AND H.R. 5156, CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT ASSISTANCE ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 June 2010

Oil Spill Prevention and Mitigation Improvement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010

Oil Spill Prevention and Mitigation Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, in the case of each lease issued or renewed after enactment of this Act, to require the incorporation into the lease of a peer-reviewed response plan describing the means and timeline for containment and termination of an ongoing discharge of oil at the depth at which the exploration, development, or production authorized under the lease is to take place. Requires the Secretary, before determining whether to issue a new lease, to certify the technological feasibility of methods proposed to be used under a response plan, as demonstrated through simulation, demonstration, or other means. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) conduct a study, in collaboration with the Office of Fossil Energy, on means of improving prevention methodologies and technological responses to oil spills and mitigating their effects on natural habitat; (2) convene a task force to assess the prevention methodologies and technological response to the blowout and explosion of the offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and resulting hydrocarbon releases and assess the adequacy of existing technologies for prevention and responses to deep water oil spills; and (3) recommend means of improving prevention methodologies and technological responses to future spills and mitigating their effects on natural habitat. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report on existing capabilities and legal authorities of the federal government to prevent and respond to oil spills, including an assessment of the extent to which such capabilities and authorities have been fully used in the response to the Deepwater Horizon incident and resulting hydrocarbon releases.

DRILLING DOWN ON AMERICA'S ENERGY FUTURE: SAFETY, SECURITY, AND CLEAN ENERGY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 June 2010

CURRENT ENERGY BILLS

United States · United States Senate · 15 June 2010

Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010

Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010 - Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) provide, upon local request, technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments with the deployment of plug-in electric drive vehicles; (2) make available to the public information regarding the cost, performance, usage data, and technical data regarding plug-in electric drive vehicles and associated infrastructure; (3) carry out a national assessment and develop a national plan for plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment; and (4) award grants to state, local, and tribal governments to assist them in preparing a community deployment plan, and in preparing and implementing programs that support the such deployment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and publish model building codes for the inclusion of separate circuits for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; and (2) award grants to 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. Directs the Federal Energy Management Program and the General Services Administration to assess and report to Congress on federal government fleets with respect to conversion to plug-in electric drive vehicles. Instructs the Administrator of General Services to acquire plug-in electric drive vehicles and the requisite charging infrastructure to be deployed in a range of locations in the federal fleet during a five-year period. Establishes within the national deployment program a targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary 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 related technologies; (2) implement a study on recycling of materials from plug-in electric drive vehicles and their batteries; and (3) establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize for a 500-mile vehicle battery. Establishes in the Treasury the 500-mile Battery Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support such vehicles. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles in its service area. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of not less than 200 qualified automotive batteries in a calendar year with a total minimum power rating of one megawatt and 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.

A bill to terminate the moratorium on deepwater drilling issued by the Secretary of the Interior.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010

Declares without force or effect: (1) the moratorium on deepwater drilling issued by the Secretary of the Interior set forth in the Minerals Management Service Notice to Lessees No. 2010-N04, dated May 30, 2010; and (2) any suspension of deepwater drilling operations issued in connection with such moratorium.

e-KNOW Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010

Electric Consumer Right to Know Act or the e-KNOW Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to grant an electric consumer the right to access the consumer's retail electric energy information in an electronic form, in conformity with nationally recognized open standards, free of charge, and in a manner that is timely and convenient and that provides adequate protections for the security of the information and the privacy of the electric consumer. Requires such information to be provided by the consumer's retail electricity provider (or such other entity as may be designated by the authority responsible for regulating the retail sale and delivery of electricity to the consumer). Identifies the type of retail electric energy information which the consumer has the right to access, including: (1) the consumer's electric energy consumption over a defined time period; and (2) the prices or rates applied to the consumer's electricity usage for such time period. Permits a utility providing retail electric energy information to recover in rates the cost of providing the information, if the cost is determined reasonable and prudent by the entity with jurisdiction over metering and retail electric service for the consumer. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) issue guidelines that establish minimum national standards for implementation of the electric consumer right to access retail electric energy information; and (2) preserve the integrity of and be guided by actions taken by state and local regulatory authorities to ensure electric consumer access to such information. Empowers the attorney general, official, or agency of the state, as parens patriae, to bring a civil action in federal district court to compel compliance with such standards.

Emergency Relief Well Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010

Emergency Relief Well Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, with respect to geological and geophysical explorations as well as oil and gas development and production, to require an exploration plan submitted for approval to include a plan for drilling at least one emergency relief well concurrently with the drilling of the proposed well. Requires any exploratory drilling in submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf conducted under a lease (including drilling for oil and gas development and production) to be accompanied by the concurrent drilling of at least one emergency relief well, subject to any applicable requirements established by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as an alternative to such emergency relief well requirement, measures that would be at least as effective at stopping a major release from a proposed well.

To terminate the moratorium on deepwater drilling issued by the Secretary of the Interior.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010

Declares without force or effect: (1) the moratorium on deepwater drilling issued by the Secretary of the Interior set forth in the Minerals Management Service Notice to Lessees No. 2010-N04, dated May 30, 2010; and (2) any suspension of deepwater drilling operations issued in connection with such moratorium.

Providing for the approval of the Congress of the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and Australia pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010

States that Congress favors the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and Australia pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 transmitted to Congress by the President on May 5, 2010.

Gulf Coast Jobs Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010

Gulf Coast Jobs Preservation Act - Terminates the moratorium on deepwater drilling set forth in the Minerals Management Service Notice to Lessees No. 2010-N04, dated May 30, 2010, and declares without force or effect any suspension of deepwater drilling operations issued in connection with such moratorium. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) act expeditiously to ensure that deepwater drilling operations are conducted in compliance with federal law; and (2) identify additional measures to ensure the safety of deepwater drilling, based on the most accurate information available about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident.

To extend credits related to the production of electricity from offshore wind, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits through 2019 for investment in an offshore facility using wind to produce electricity. Defines "offshore facility" to mean any facility located in the inland navigable waters of the United States, including the Great Lakes, or in the coastal waters of the United States, including the territorial seas, exclusive economic zone, and the outer Continental Shelf of the United States.

Oil Spill Responsibility Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010

Oil Spill Responsibility Act of 2010 - Finds that BP p.l.c. (BP) confessed under oath before Congress to being the responsible party for the discharge of oil in the Gulf of Mexico resulting from the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. Requires BP immediately to pay the United States $25 billion as partial compensation for removal costs and damages for which BP is liable. States that a specified limitation on damages under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 shall not apply with respect to the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. Prohibits the construction of this Act as limiting the liability of BP for such amount. Requires amounts paid by BP under this Act to be deposited into a separate account in the Treasury and made available to the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse any person for removal costs and damages incurred as a result of the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon.

American Solar Energy Pilot Leasing Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

American Solar Energy Pilot Leasing Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to: (1) designate specified federal land in Nevada under the administrative jurisdiction of BLM that is identified as a solar development zone as a solar pilot project area; (2) conduct lease sales and issue leases for commercial solar energy development on such land; and (3) include work requirements and mandatory milestones to ensure that diligent development is carried out under such a lease and to reduce speculative behavior. Prohibits (with exceptions) new easements, special-use permits, or rights-of-way on such land from the date of enactment of this Act until the date of the issuance of a lease for such land. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the duration of leases issued; (2) include provisions in such a lease requiring the lease holder to furnish a reclamation bond or other form of security and to restore the land or conduct mitigation activities upon completion of authorized activities; (3) establish and ensure compliance with best management practices to ensure the sound, efficient, and environmentally responsible development of solar resources on the land in a manner that would minimize and mitigate impacts to habitat and ecosystem function; and (4) establish royalties, fees, rentals, bonuses, and any other appropriate payments to ensure a fair return to the United States for any lease issued. Sets forth provisions governing royalty rates and proceeds distribution. Establishes in the Treasury a Renewable Energy Mitigation and Fish and Wildlife Fund, which shall be available to the Secretary for providing amounts to states or other interested parties for mitigating impacts of renewable energy on public land and carrying out activities authorized under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary: (1) within Lincoln County, Nevada, to give highest priority consideration to implementation of the solar lease sales provided for under this Act; and (2) to evaluate other solar development proposals in the County not provided for under this Act.

Department of Defense Alternative Energy Mapping Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

Department of Defense Alternative Energy Mapping Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) prepare maps of military installations and eligible adjacent property that classify locations on the installations and property as acceptable, unacceptable, or unassessed regarding their suitability for placement of geothermal, wind, solar photovoltaic, or solar thermal trough systems; (2) enter into agreements with entities involved in the production or installation of alternative energy systems to utilize their expertise and to share the costs of preparing such maps; and (3) disseminate such maps to Congress, the states in which the installations are located, local governments having jurisdiction over adjacent land, and the owners of adjacent private property.

Nuclear Used Fuel Prize Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

Nuclear Used Fuel Prize Act of 2010 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program to award cash prizes competitively for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of nuclear used fuel storage. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit entity to administer the prize competition.

Spilled Oil Royalty Collection Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

Spilled Oil Royalty Collection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to declare that any royalty under an oil and gas lease on submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf, except a deepwater lease, shall apply to all oil that is saved, removed, sold, or discharged, without regard to whether any of the oil is unavoidably lost or used on, or for the benefit of, the lease. Declares that: (1) royalty shall apply to all oil discharged under a deepwater lease, at a rate of not less than 12.5% fixed by the Secretary of the Interior in amount or value of any oil that is discharged; and (2) such royalty shall apply without regard to whether any of the oil is thereafter unavoidably lost. Declares April 15, 2010, the effective date of this Act (five days before the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico).

Powering America for Tomorrow Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

Powering America for Tomorrow Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to designate one or more regions within the Eastern Interconnection and the Western Interconnection to be represented by specified regional transmission planners. Sets forth application and approval procedures for regional transmission planners. Prescribes: (1) a regional transmission plan design; and (2) a regional transmission planning process. Requires the federal power marketing administrations and transmitting utilities in a designated region to integrate their transmission plans with the regional transmission plans required under this Act, and to otherwise participate in a regional transmission planning process. Directs FERC to require that: (1) all regional high voltage electric transmission cost allocation processes and methodologies adhere to a clear and consistent set of specified regulatory principles; and (2) regional transmission planners coordinate planning across regional boundaries within an Interconnection. Authorizes a regional transmission planner, as part of a plan submitted to FERC, to identify regional transmission projects required by, and consistent with, the public convenience and necessity. Instructs FERC, in issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity, to give substantial deference to any proposed finding of public convenience and necessity in the plan submitted by a regional transmission planner. Excludes from review for any environmental assessment or environmental impact statement required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 any proposed finding by a regional transmission planner of public convenience and necessity with respect to a regional transmission project. Retains state exclusive authority over the siting of any transmission facility that is not a part of a regional transmission project. Specifies federal siting authority with respect to any transmission facility identified as part or all of a regional transmission project for which a certificate of public convenience and necessity has been issued.

American Solar Energy Pilot Leasing Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

American Solar Energy Pilot Leasing Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to: (1) designate specified federal land in Nevada under the administrative jurisdiction of BLM that is identified as a solar development zone as a solar pilot project area; (2) conduct lease sales and issue leases for commercial solar energy development on such land; and (3) include work requirements and mandatory milestones to ensure that diligent development is carried out under such a lease and to reduce speculative behavior. Prohibits (with exceptions) new easements, special-use permits, or rights-of-way on such land from the date of enactment of this Act until the date of the issuance of a lease for such land. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the duration of leases issued; (2) include provisions in such a lease requiring the lease holder to furnish a reclamation bond or other form of security and to restore the land or conduct mitigation activities upon completion of authorized activities; (3) establish and ensure compliance with best management practices to ensure the sound, efficient, and environmentally responsible development of solar resources on the land in a manner that would minimize and mitigate impacts to habitat and ecosystem function; and (4) establish royalties, fees, rentals, bonuses, and any other appropriate payments to ensure a fair return to the United States for any lease issued. Sets forth provisions governing royalty rates and proceeds distribution. Establishes in the Treasury a Renewable Energy Mitigation and Fish and Wildlife Fund, which shall be available to the Secretary for providing amounts to states or other interested parties for mitigating impacts of renewable energy on public land and carrying out activities authorized under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary: (1) within Lincoln County, Nevada, to give highest priority consideration to implementation of the solar lease sales provided for under this Act; and (2) to evaluate other solar development proposals in the County not provided for under this Act.

OPERA

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

Oil Pollution Environmental Review Act or OPERA - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require the head of any federal agency to treat the issuance of any exploration plans, development production plans, development operation coordination documents, and lease sales required under federal law for offshore drilling activity on the outer Continental Shelf as a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and requiring detailed environmental analysis of proposed actions and reasonably foreseeable subsequent actions. Defines "offshore drilling activity" as drilling for oil or gas under a lease, or conducting a major geophysical seismic survey, under such Act, including for exploration, development, or production of oil or gas. Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary of the Interior to approve a plan for geological and geophysical exploration in the outer Continental Shelf within 30 days of its submission.

Energy Efficient Heat Pump Tax Parity Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010

Energy Efficient Heat Pump Tax Parity Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow, for periods ending before January 1, 2017, an energy tax credit for investment in equipment that uses natural gas to heat and cool a structure; and (2) allow a residential energy efficient property tax credit for 30% of the qualified natural gas heat pump property expenditures for a taxpayer's residence. Defines "qualified natural gas heat pump property" as equipment that uses natural gas as an energy source to heat and cool a dwelling unit and that has a specified heating and cooling performance measure.

HEARING TO REVIEW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2008 FARM BILL ENERGY TITLE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 June 2010

Native American Employment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010

Native American Employment Act of 2010 - Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a tier system of guaranteed or insured loans to Indian tribes for energy development or manufacturing jobs carried out on Indian lands. Allows the Secretary to guarantee up to 100% of surety bonds issued to cover construction, renovation, or demolition work performed by an Indian individual or Indian economic enterprise. Amends the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to revise requirements regarding Indian tribe or tribal organization plans to integrate employment, training, and related services programs. Requires their integration into a single, coordinated, comprehensive program. Amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Administrator of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to establish the Native Initiatives as a component of the Fund. Declares the purposes of the Native Initiatives are to assist Native community development financial institutions to provide access to credit, capital, and financial services in Native communities. Amends the Buy Indian Act to direct the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, to require that: (1) Indian labor be employed; and (2) any contract to fulfill requirements for goods or services, manufacturing, or construction, renovation, or demolition work be awarded competitively to an Indian organization or economic enterprise. Requires the Secretary to establish an Indian Economic Enterprise Data Center. Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs. Directs the SBA Administrator to appoint an Associate Administrator of the Office to administer the Native American small business development program. Requires the SBA, acting through the Associate Administrator, to establish Native American business centers to overcome obstacles impeding the establishment, development, and expansion of Native American small businesses and other underserved small businesses located on or near tribal land. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to require either the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of the Interior, or both, to establish a qualified school construction bond escrow account to which shall be allocated specified funds derived from qualified school construction bonds for construction, rehabilitation, and repair of schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Practical Energy and Climate Plan Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010

Practical Energy and Climate Plan Act of 2010 - Revises the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards by requiring at least a 4% annual increase in the average fuel economy level beginning in model year 2017, unless the standards are technologically unachievable, cannot be achieved without materially reducing the overall safety of automobiles, or are not cost effective. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) prescribe separate standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles to achieve a combined fuel economy average of at least 34.1 miles per gallon for model year 2016 (currently 35 miles per gallon for model year 2020) for the total fleet of automobiles manufactured; and (2) determine the greatest achievable fuel efficiency improvement targets for rules pertaining to commercial medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and work trucks. Authorizes the Secretary to implement regulations for vehicle classes and components of such vehicles on an accelerated basis. Requires manufacturers to ensure that 50% of automobiles and light duty trucks manufactured in model years 2013-2014 are dual fueled (90% in 2015 and subsequent model years). Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require an electric utility to obtain no less than 15% of the base quantity of electricity it sells to consumers from diverse energy for 2015-2019, 20% for 2020-2024, 25% for 2025-2029, 30% for 2030-2049, and 50% for 2050. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a federal diverse energy credit trading program. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an incentive program to permanently retire conventional coal plants with the largest pollution-related liabilities. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) replace the incentive program for the production of cellulosic biofuels with one for the production of renewable fuels; and (2) require the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funding to the Secretary of Energy for the cost of loan guarantees to promote the development of advanced nuclear energy facilities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a refundable and transferable income tax credit for fuel savings amounts achieved by a new qualified fuel-efficient motor vehicle; and (2) impose an excise tax on the sale of a fuel guzzler motor. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require the Secretary of Energy to: (1) update national model building energy codes at least every three years; and (2) establish targets for overall energy savings in buildings and minimum building efficiency standards. Establishes in DOE a Homes and Buildings Energy Retrofits Program that has an annual target energy efficiency retrofit rate of 5% for homes and 2% for commercial buildings. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to: (1) direct federal agencies to ensure that new federal buildings are designed to enhance energy efficiency; (2) revise requirements concerning agency procurement of energy efficient products; and (3) direct agency heads to implement best management practices for energy-efficient management of servers and data centers. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to public power districts, public utility districts, or specified electric cooperatives that borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or are paying electric loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service for making loans to consumers for implementing energy efficient measures. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to: (1) require the Secretary of Energy to carry out a grant program to pay the federal share of creating a revolving loan program for manufacturers to implement commercially available technologies or processes that significantly reduce system energy intensity and improve U.S. industrial competitiveness; (2) include computer monitors and displays as covered products under the energy conservation program for consumer products other than automobiles; and (3) require the Secretary to establish an energy conservation standard for each type or class of covered industrial equipment.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for small business job creation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010

Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from 50% to 100% the exclusion from gross income of the gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock acquired after March 15, 2010, and before January 1, 2012; (2) limit the penalty for failure to disclose a reportable transaction (a transaction determined by the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] as having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) to 75% of the decrease in tax resulting from such transaction; (3) increase in 2010 and 2011 the tax deduction for trade or business start-up expenditures from $5,000 to $20,000; (4) revise the definition of "qualified nonrecourse financing" to include qualified nonrecourse real property or Small Business Investment Company financing as amounts at risk for purposes of determining the deductibility of losses from certain investment activities, including farming, leasing, and energy exploration; (5) exclude from gross income any amount paid under the small business borrower assistance program; (6) expand rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require that the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years, that such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term, and that the remainder interest have a value greater than zero when transferred; and (7) exclude any fuel with an acid number greater than 25 from the definition of "cellulosic biofuel" for purposes of the tax credit for alcohol used as fuel. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to report to Congress annually on tax penalties assessed for tax shelters and reportable transactions. Increases by 7.75% the estimated tax installment for certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2015.

A bill to provide subpoena power to the National Commission on the British Petroleum Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010

Authorizes the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, or any subcommittee or member of the Commission, as considered advisable in consultation with the Attorney General, to: (1) hold hearings, meet and act, take testimony and receive evidence, and administer oaths; and (2) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, tapes, and materials. Authorizes, in the case of contumacy or failure of a person to obey a subpoena, a U.S. district court for the district in which the subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found to issue an order requiring appearance at any designated place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence. Deems failure to obey such an order to be contempt of court.

To give subpoena power to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010

Authorizes the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records, correspondence, memoranda, and other documents. Requires the Commission, in the case of contumacy of any person issued a subpoena or refusal by such person to comply with the subpoena, to request the Attorney General to seek enforcement of the subpoena in any U.S. district court for a district in which a person issued a subpoena under this Act resides, is served, or may be found, or where the subpoena is returnable. Deems failure to obey an order requiring the subpoenaed person to appear at any designated place to testify or produce documentary or other evidence to be contempt of court.

Acceptance of Offer on Liability and Expedited Claims at Mississippi Canyon 252 Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2010

Acceptance of Offer on Liability and Expedited Claims at Mississippi Canyon 252 Act - Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Office of Deepwater Horizon Claims Compensation (Office) to compensate, on a no-fault basis and in a nonadversarial manner, persons and governmental entities that have incurred damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Makes the Office Administrator responsible for processing claims for compensation for damages. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish comprehensive claimant assistance and resource centers in areas with large concentrations of potential claimants; and (2) designate categories of claims to be handled on an expedited basis as a result of extreme financial hardship. Imposes a stay upon any claim for monetary damages pending in federal or state court related to the Deepwater Horizon incident. Makes any such claim eligible for disposition only if the claimant elects to pursue it under this Act. Requires the Administrator to establish an Advisory Committee on Deepwater Horizon Compensation. Sets forth the essential elements of an eligible claim for damages, including proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the claimant suffered damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Declares that a claimant shall not be required to demonstrate that such damages resulted from the negligence or other fault of any other person. Sets forth claims procedures. Covers damages for losses to real or personal property, subsistence use, revenues, profits and earning capacity, and the costs of public services. Confers on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over any action for declaratory or injunctive relief challenging any provision of this Act. Declares that a certain letter from the Group Chief Executive of British Petroleum Exploration & Production, Incorporated (BP) to the Secretaries of Homeland Security and of the Interior evidences an offer of BP to modify the oil and gas leasing contract involved in the Deepwater Horizon incident to incorporate new terms of liability by stating that BP is "prepared to pay above $75 million" on "all legitimate claims" relating to that explosion and oil spill. Directs the Secretary to: (1) accept the new terms of liability offered by BP in such letter; (2) consider the oil and gas leasing contract involved in the Deepwater Horizon incident as being amended to reflect those new terms; and (3) return to BP for immediate payment any claim BP has failed to pay which the Secretary determines to be legitimate for BP to pay.

10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2010

10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) establish a program to provide funds to states for rebates, loans, or other incentives to eligible participants for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems for properties located in the United States; and (2) provide such funds to states for FY2012-FY2020 in accordance with the formula used to allocate funds to states to carry out state energy conservation plans under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Authorizes a state to use such funds to expand or establish a state solar rebate program, a solar loan program, a solar performance-based incentive program, or another solar incentive program or innovative solar financing program as determined by the Secretary. Requires the state to: (1) certify to the Secretary that the 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 annual implementation plan that contains projections for solar energy systems deployment, data regarding the number of eligible participants that are assisted under existing applicable state programs, and projections for additional solar energy system deployment and the number of additional eligible participants for the following fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to specify the type and capacity of solar energy system that a state receiving such funds may use. Makes each state 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. Sets a goal of installing distributed solar energy systems on not less than 10 million properties located in the United States by January 1, 2020.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2010

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2011. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance; (4) active and reserve military personnel; (5) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (6) Working Capital Funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Defense Inspector General; (12) overseas contingency operations; (13) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (14) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (15) base closure and realignment activities; and (16) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy, including education and training, military justice, and military family readiness; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management; (5) DOD organization and management, including space and intelligence matters; (6) financial matters, including counter-drug activities; (7) civilian personnel matters; (8) matters relating to foreign nations, including training and assistance; (9) cooperative threat reduction; and (10) matters relating to military construction and military family housing. Establishes a Department of Defense Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program for Civilians. Requires: (1) a pilot program of scholarships for military dependent children with special education needs; and (2) a new acquisition process to ensure the rapid fielding of capabilities in response to urgent operational needs. Consolidates and reorganizes statutory authority for destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for DOE national security programs. Authorizes the obligation and expenditure of amounts specified in funding tables for a DOD project, program, or activity authorized under this Act.