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Bill· SS. 3457 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2010
Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2011 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs necessary for national security; and (2) environmental management activities in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental cleanup and other defense activities. Requires: (1) an annual assessment of the adequacy of budget requests in maintaining the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; (2) a biennial plan on the modernization and refurbishment of the nuclear security complex; (3) a future-years defense environmental management plan; and (4) congressional notification of cost overruns for DOE nuclear stockpile life extension projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth Maritime Administration organization provisions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5464 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Solar Uniting Neighborhoods Act of 2010 or the SUN Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for residential energy efficient property, to permit solar electric property otherwise eligible for such credit to be located on a site apart from the dwelling unit for which the electricity generated from such property is used. Limits the annual amount of such credit with respect to off-site solar electric property to $50,000.
Law· HRH.R. 5470 (111th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exempt from the applicability of No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards an external power supply manufactured before July 1, 2017, that: (1) is an AC-to-AC external power supply; (2) has a nameplate output of 20 watts or more; (3) is certified by the Secretary of Energy (DOE) as being designed to be connected to a security or life safety alarm or surveillance system component; and (4) is permanently marked with a distinguishing mark established within the External Power Supply International Efficiency Marking Protocol for Single Voltage External AC-DC and AC-AC Power Supplies. Defines a "security or life safety alarm or surveillance system" as equipment designed and marketed to, on a continuous basis: (1) monitor, detect, record, or provide notification of intrusion or access to real property or physical assets or notification of threats to life safety; (2) deter or control access to real property or physical assets or to prevent the unauthorized removal of physical assets; or (3) monitor, detect, record, or provide notification of fire, gas, smoke, flooding, or other physical threats to real property, physical assets, or life safety. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require, with appropriate safeguard for the protection of confidential business information, the submission of unit shipment data on an annual basis; and (2) restrict the eligibility of external power supplies for the exemption provided on a finding that a substantial number of external power supplies are being marketed to or installed in applications other than security or life safety alarm or surveillance systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 5459 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase from $20,000 per day to $75,000 per day the maximum civil liability for noncompliance with such Act or any term of a lease, license, or permit issued pursuant to the Act, including any regulation or order issued under it, after expiration of any reasonable period allowed for corrective action. Requires a civil penalty of up to $150,000 per day for noncompliance which constitutes a threat of serious, irreparable, or immediate harm or damage to life (including aquatic life), property, any mineral deposit, or the marine, coastal, or human environment. Increases from $100,000 to $10 million the criminal fine for violations under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5476 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Building Star Energy Efficiency Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) the Building Star Energy Efficiency Rebate Program of 2010. Directs the Secretary of Energy to issue rebates to building owners to offset a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing qualifying equipment or materials or undertaking qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings and multifamily residential buildings. Prescribes rebates for the purchase and installation of qualifying: (1) insulation, windows, and qualified high-efficiency window films and screens; (2) new energy efficient equipment, such as boilers, furnaces, and water heaters; (3) unitary air conditioners and unitary heat pumps; (4) variable speed drives for motors; and (5) interior lighting. Prescribes calculations for reductions in: (1) installed lighting power resulting from installation of qualified interior lighting; and (2) annual energy usage resulting from installation of qualified exterior lighting. Prescribes calculations also for rebates for qualified: (1) replacement chillers; (2) qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings; (3) energy-efficient building operation and maintenance training; (4) service on space heating equipment and cooling systems, (5) energy monitoring and management systems with analog controls; and (6) HVAC testing, balancing, and duct sealing. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Building Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program to make grants to states to support financial assistance provided by qualified program delivery entities for making energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to existing buildings that qualify under the Building Star energy retrofit program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary to make guarantees for energy efficiency projects, including projects to retrofit residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities, and equipment; and (2) authorize the Secretary, in the case of programs that finance such retrofitting, to offer loan guarantees for portfolios of debt obligations, and to purchase or make commitments to purchase portfolios of debt obligations. Prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements for work conducted using rebates or financial assistance.
Bill· SS. 3443 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of the Interior approve plans for geological and geophysical (including oil and natural gas) explorations in the outer Continental Shelf within 30 days after submission.
Bill· SS. 3433 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Clean Coasts and Efficient Cars Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease or permit for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in: (1) the Pacific and Atlantic Regions of the outer Continental Shelf; or (2) certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Replaces current fuel economy standards for automobiles for model years 2021 through 2030 with new standards for model years 2017 through 2030. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe an average fuel economy standard for passenger and non-passenger automobiles for each model year beginning with model year 2017 to achieve a combined fuel economy average for model year 2030 of at least 55 miles per gallon for the total fleet of passenger and non-passenger automobiles manufactured for sale in the United States for that model year (excluding light-duty vehicles that draw motive power from a battery with a capacity larger than 4 kilowatt-hours). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), to ensure continued progress in significantly improving motor vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by setting motor vehicle emission and fuel economy standards for model year 2017 and subsequent model years that reflect the greatest emission reductions and fuel efficiency improvement achievable through the application of technology that will be available for the model year to which the standards apply, considering the costs associated with the application of technology and other appropriate factors.
Bill· SS. 3439 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Clean Energy Infrastructure for Rural Communities Act of 2010 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make electric loans for transmission facilities primarily for interconnecting renewable energy facilities to a high-voltage transmission line. Revokes the requirement that the rate of an electric loan for renewable energy be equal to the average tax-exempt municipal bond rate of similar maturities. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to make and insure loans to improve the economic and environmental climate by encouraging the development and construction of infrastructure to provide access to natural gas in rural communities; and (2) define "natural gas" as unmixed natural gas or any mixture of natural and artificial gas.
Bill· SS. 3434 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) the Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program to provide rebates to contractors to be passed through as discounts to homeowners who retrofit their homes to achieve energy savings; (2) a Federal Rebate Processing System to enable rebate aggregators to submit claims for reimbursement; and (3) a national retrofit website and public information campaign that provide information on the Program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that rebates are available to homeowners within 90 days of this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a network of rebate aggregators that can facilitate the delivery of rebates to reimburse participating contractors and vendors; and (2) develop guidelines for states to allow utilities participating as rebate aggregators to count the energy savings from their participation toward state-level energy saving targets. Sets forth eligibility criteria for rebate aggregators. Establishes: (1) a Silver Star Home Energy Retrofit Program to award rebates during the first year after this Act's enactment for the energy retrofit of a home for the installation of specified energy saving measures, including air-sealing and insulation measures, duct seal or replacement, window, door, skylight, or roof replacement, heating or cooling system replacement, water heater replacement, water temperature controllers, and window film installation; and (2) a Gold Star Home Energy Retrofit Program to award rebates for retrofits that achieve whole home energy savings. Authorizes Silver Star and Gold Star rebates to be provided for the same home under specified circumstances. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the amount of the rebates (up to $3,000 per home for Silver Star rebates or $8,000 per home for Gold Star rebates); and (2) the treatment of rebates for tax purposes (excluded from taxable income). Requires a state that receives funding under this Act to submit to the Secretary a plan to implement a quality assurance program that covers all federally assisted residential efficiency retrofit work administered, supervised, or sponsored by the state. Requires the Secretary to establish a Home Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program to make funds available to states to support financial assistance provided by qualified financing entities for making, to existing homes, energy efficiency improvements that qualify under the Silver Star or Gold Star programs. Terminates such program two years after this Act's enactment.
Bill· SS. 3438 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Clean Transmission for Rural Communities Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) the issuance of clean renewable energy bonds to interconnect energy facilities to high-voltage transmission lines; and (2) the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds to finance a qualified electric transmission facility. Defines "qualified electric transmission facility" as a state-owned electric transmission facility which operates primarily to interconnect one or more renewable energy facilities to a high-voltage transmission line.
Bill· SS. 3436 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide rebates for expenditures made by entities: (1) for the purchase and installation of a new electric motor that has a nominal full load efficiency that is not less than the nominal full load efficiency as defined in NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) Standards Publication MG 1-2006 for random wound motors rated 600 volts or lower or for form wound motors rated 5000 volts or lower; and (2) to replace an installed motor the specifications of which are to be established by the Secretary not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide to the distributor of each such new electric motor purchased by an entity that received a rebate a payment to offset expenses relating to processing and motor core disposal costs.
Bill· SS. 3442 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Electric Vehicle Deployment Act of 2010 - Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) develop a national plan for electric drive vehicle deployment; and (2) provide, upon local request, technical assistance to communities with the deployment of plug-in electric drive vehicles. Establishes a targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the income tax credit for each new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle placed in service during the taxable year. Allows a refundable personal credit for a qualified deployment community taxpayer. Extends the credit for modification of new qualified hybrid motor vehicles. Revises requirements for the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. Allows a tax credit for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle refueling property bonds. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary to make loan guarantees for certain charging infrastructure and networks of charging infrastructure for plug-in drive electric 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. Declares electricity consumed by federal agencies to fuel plug-in electric drive vehicles an alternative fuel subject to federal fleet management reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator of General Services to acquire plug-in electric drive vehicles and the requisite charging infrastructure for deployment in the federal fleet. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of a 500-mile vehicle battery; and (2) a program to fund research and development in advanced batteries, electric drive vehicle components, electric drive infrastructure, and other related technologies. Establishes in the Treasury the 500-mile Battery Fund. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a research, development, and demonstration program pertaining to the secondary uses of vehicle batteries; (2) provide grants for development of a secondary market for batteries; and (3) study the recycling of materials from plug-in electric drive vehicles and their batteries. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on the supply of raw materials needed to manufacture such vehicles, batteries, and other related components, as well as the infrastructure needed to support them. Establishes a Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish a Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of at least 200 qualified automotive batteries in a calendar year with a total minimum power rating of 1 megawatt and advanced battery technology. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish: (1) model building codes for the inclusion of charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; and (2) related model construction permitting or inspection processes, as well as model zoning, parking rules, or other local ordinances. Directs the Secretary to award grants to educational institutions and qualified training programs for vocational workforce development, through centers of excellence, of skills needed to maintain plug-in electric drive vehicles and associated infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 5435 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Big Oil Accountability Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015: (1) the tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel and the excise tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures; (2) the tax credit for alcohol used as fuel, the cellulosic biofuel producer credit, and the credit amount for ethanol blenders; (3) the excise tax credit for alcohol fuel mixtures; and (4) the tax credit for the production of electricity from certain renewable resources (e.g., biomass, geothermal or solar energy facilities, and hydropower facilities). Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend until 2016 the additional tariff on ethyl alcohol blends (ethanol) used as fuel. Denies a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production, refining, processing, transportation, or distribution of oil (or any primary products thereof).
Bill· HRH.R. 5436 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Prohibits the Minerals Management Service of the Department of the Interior from issuing any permit or granting any waiver of any environmental or safety requirement or restriction under any federal law for any deepwater drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico before the date on which: (1) the discharge of oil from the last well drilled by the semi-submersible drilling rig Deepwater Horizon has stopped; and (2) a Committee of the House of Representatives or the Senate has issued a report that includes a finding of the cause of the explosion on and sinking of that drilling rig.
Bill· HRH.R. 5438 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Municipal Fleet Modernization Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update and publish annually in the Federal Register a list of vehicles that satisfy requirements for certification as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles and so may be allowed by states to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane highways.
Bill· HRH.R. 5442 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish a a two-phased competitive program to provide financial assistance to states, Indian tribes, or local governments (or groups thereof) for the deployment of electric drive vehicles in five selected deployment communities. Requires each recipient of financial assistance for a deployment community to provide a minimum of $2,000 in benefits to each of the first 100,000 consumers who purchase electric drive vehicles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through December 31, 2016, the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures for vehicles powered by electricity; and (2) allow a tax credit for qualified electric vehicle refueling property bonds. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish standards for electric utilities regarding electric drive vehicle infrastructure. Directs each state regulatory authority (in the case of each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each utility (in the case of a nonregulated utility) to: (1) require that infrastructure deployed complies with federal standards and is interoperable with products of all manufacturers; (2) establish protocols and standards for integrating electric drive vehicles into an electrical distribution system; (3) provide for the ability of each vehicle to be identified individually and to be associated with its owner's electric utility account; and (4) review their determinations on time-based metering and communications. Requires the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on secondary use applications of electric drive vehicle batteries; and (2) establish a competitively awarded, peer reviewed grant program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced batteries with vehicle applications, qualified electric drive vehicle components, and qualified electric drive infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on the identity of raw materials needed for the manufacture of such vehicles, components, and infrastructure. Requires the Administrator of General Services to acquire 1,000 electric drive vehicles for the federal fleet. Directs the Secretary to carry out a loan program for eligible individuals and entities for the costs of: (1) reequipping, expanding, or establishing a manufacturing facility in the United States to produce qualified electric drive infrastructure or qualified electric drive vehicle components; and (2) engineering integration performed in the United States of qualified electric drive vehicle components. Earmarks 25% of such loans for small manufacturers (less than 500 individuals) and component suppliers. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary to establish program to provide loan guarantees to eligible entities by private institutions for the purchase of at least 500 qualified advanced automotive batteries a year.
Bill· HRH.R. 5439 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce the upland cotton payment rate to offset the full cost of any U.S. contributions to the fund established by the United States and Brazil to provide technical assistance and capacity building as part of the resolution of the cotton dispute brought by Brazil against the United States in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Bill· HRH.R. 5423 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Transparent Review of the Affordability and Cost of Electricity (TRACE) Renewable Energy Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, to prepare and publish an annual report setting forth the costs of electricity production per kilowatt hour, by sector and energy source, for each type of electric energy generation.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1407 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week. Recognizes and reaffirms the nation's commitment to High-performance Buildings by promoting awareness about their benefits and new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to information. Recognizes the unique role that the Department of Energy (DOE) plays through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Building Technologies Program, which works closely with the building industry and manufacturers to conduct research and development on technologies and practices for building energy efficiency. Recognizes the important role that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays in developing the measurement science needed to develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate the new building technologies. Encourages further research and development of high-performance building standards, research, and development.
Bill· SS. 3431 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Stop Cozy Relationships with Big Oil Act of 2010 - Prohibits an employee of the Minerals Management Service (Service) of the Department of the Interior, or a successor agency, from: (1) knowingly accepting a gift from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining; (2) owning stock or any other interest in an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining during such employee's employment by the Service; (3) being employed (outside employment) by an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining during such employee's employment in the Service; or (4) working for an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining during the two-year period beginning on the date of termination of employment by the Service. Requires financial disclosure by employees of the Service in positions equivalent to GS-13 or higher. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of these prohibitions. Amends federal criminal law to subject to fine or imprisonment any officer, employee, or agent of the Service who knowingly and willfully makes a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in the conduct of activities relating to oil and gas regulation.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 281 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2011, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010, and FY2012-FY2020. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2010-FY2020 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2010-FY2020. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and Labor: (3) Energy and Commerce; (4) Financial Services; (5) the Judiciary; (6) Natural Resources; (7) Oversight and Government Reform; and (8) Ways and Means. Requires the House Committee on the Budget to report a reconciliation bill that slows the growth in mandatory spending and achieves deficit reduction. Requires each House Committees to identify savings amounting to 1% of total mandatory spending under its jurisdiction from activities determined to be wasteful, unnecessary, or lower-priority. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except for certain FY2012-FY2013 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that Rule XXVII (Disclosure by Members and Staff of Employment Negotiations) [ sic ] of the Rules of the House of Representatives shall not apply with respect to adoption by Congress of a budget resolution for FY2011. Prescribes requirements for legislation reported out of committee and designated as an emergency requirement. Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation to calculate the impact of any proposal to change federal revenues on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), total domestic employment, and other specified economic variables. Prohibits the chairman of the House Committee on the Budget from taking into account the provisions of any piece of legislation which propose to increase revenue or offsetting collections if the net effect of the bill is to increase the level of revenue or offsetting collections beyond the level assumed in this concurrent resolution. Makes it out of order in the House to consider direct spending legislation increasing a specified on-budget deficit or decreasing an on-budget surplus for any applicable time period. Requires the chairman of the House Committee on the Budget to maintain a Budget Protection Mandatory Account and a Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Requires the Majority Leader to introduce rescission bills quarterly. Prescribes legislative procedures for their floor consideration. Expresses the sense of the House regarding: (1) baseline revenue projections; and (2) long-term budget projections. Establishes an earmark moratorium for FY2011 for legislation providing or authorizing discretionary budget authority, credit or other spending authority, providing a federal tax deduction, credit, or exclusion, or modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in FY2011. Prohibits the House Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order waiving such moratorium. Declares it is the policy of this resolution that: (1) the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152) should be repealed; and (2) in their place, health care reform that empowers patients should be enacted.
Bill· SS. 3409 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to revise requirements for the annual report by the Secretary of Commerce to the Propane Education and Research Council, the Secretary of Energy, and the public analyzing changes in the price of propane relative to other energy sources. Requires the analysis to compare indexed changes in the average price of consumer grade propane to all end users to an equally weighted composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of No. 2 fuel oil on an annual national average basis. (Currently, the comparison is to be made of indexed changes in the price of consumer grade propane to a composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to prepare and make available to the public an updated propane price analysis reflecting the amendment made by this Act.
Bill· SS. 3410 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Acceptance of 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. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to renegotiate the terms of the "Mississippi Canyon 252" lease to reflect statements made in 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 that BP is "prepared to pay above $75 million" on "all legitimate claims" relating to that explosion and oil spill. Requires BP, as a condition of such renegotiated lease, to pay all damages awarded pursuant to this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5394 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Haiti Private Sector Development Act - Authorizes the President, after congressional consultation, to designate one private, nonprofit organization as the American Enterprise Fund for Haiti to receive funds and support under this Act to promote: (1) Haitian private sector development, including microbusinesses and small businesses, the agriculture, finance, energy, construction, garment, and tourism industries, and U.S.-Haitian joint ventures; and (2) policies and practices conducive to Haitian private sector development through loans, equity investments, feasibility studies, grants, technical assistance, training, insurance, and guarantees. Authorizes the Fund to establish the America for Haitian Private Sector Development Foundation which shall develop programs to recruit qualified individuals from the United States, including the Haitian diaspora in the United States, to provide technical expertise to the Haitian government to support public functions and to fill capacity gaps in the Haitian government, especially at ministries that oversee the private sector and were disrupted by the January 12, 2010, earthquake. Requires the President to submit an annual report to Congress, through 2016, summarizing all reports available to the President that were prepared for the purpose of providing oversight and evaluation of earthquake recovery and redevelopment activities conducted by U.S. government agencies during the preceding year.
Bill· HRH.R. 5396 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Green Energy Efficient Roofs and Job Creation Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify as 20-year property for depreciation purposes a roof replacement on a commercial building during 2010 or 2011 with a roof assembly which has the new insulation installed entirely above the roof deck and which meets or exceeds the minimum R-value for the appropriate climate zone as specified in the International Energy Conservation Code.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1389 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Commends the millions of fathers who serve as wonderful, caring parents for their children. Calls on fathers across the United States to use Father's Day to: (1) reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives; (2) spend Father's Day with their children; and (3) express their love and support for their children. Urges men to understand the level of responsibility fathering a child requires, especially in the encouragement of children's moral, mental, social, academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual development. Encourages active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children, including the devotion of time, energy, and resources.
Bill· SS. 3396 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Supply Star Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish within the Department of Energy (DOE) a Supply Star program to identify and promote practices, companies, and products that use highly efficient supply chains in a manner that conserves energy, water, and other resources. Directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate efforts with the Energy Star program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promote practices, companies, and products that comply with the Supply Star program as the preferred practices, companies, and products in the marketplace for maximizing supply chain efficiency; (2) work to enhance industry and public awareness of the program; (3) collect and disseminate data on supply chain energy resource consumption; (4) develop and disseminate metrics, processes, and analytical tools (including software) for evaluating supply chain energy resource use; (5) develop guidance at the sector level for improving supply chain efficiency; (6) work with domestic and international organizations to harmonize approaches to analyzing supply chain efficiency; and (7) work with industry, including small businesses, to improve supply chain efficiency through activities that include developing and sharing best practices and providing opportunities to benchmark supply chain efficiency. Directs the Secretary to consider energy and resource use throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or other incentives on a competitive basis to eligible entities for purposes of: (1) studying supply chain energy resource efficiency; and (2) demonstrating and achieving reductions in the energy resource consumption of commercial products through changes and improvements to the production supply and distribution chain of the products. Directs the Secretary to use funds to support professional training programs to develop and communicate methods, practices, and tools for improving supply chain efficiency.
Bill· SS. 3402 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Renewable Energy Access Through Leasing Act of 2010 or the REAL Act of 2010- Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make loan guarantees for the financing of renewable energy systems leased for residential use. Prohibits the Secretary from insuring a loan unless the renewable energy system owner certifies that the systems financed will be leased only to homeowners that grant easements to install, maintain, use and otherwise access the system that include the right to sell electricity produced during the life of the renewable energy system to a wholesale or retail electrical power grid. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that a discount given under this Act does not adversely affect the homeowner's mortgage requirements; and (2) fix and collect premiums for insurance of loans under this Act that shall be paid for by the renewable energy system owner and that shall be adequate to cover the expenses and probable losses of administering the program. Prohibits the Secretary from assessing any other fee, premium, or charge in connection with such loan insurance. Establishes the Renewable Energy Lease Insurance Fund, into which the Secretary shall deposit any such premiums. Terminates the Secretary's authority to insure and make commitments to insure new loans under this Act ten years after its enactment.
Bill· HRH.R. 5372 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an election to treat business-related tax credits for the production of electricity from wind, solar, or biomass facilities and for investment in solar energy property as refundable in taxable years beginning in 2010 or 2011. Provides that credit amounts shall not exceed the basis of renewable energy facilities placed in service in the subsequent taxable year.
Bill· SS. 3395 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Renewable Energy Market Access Program Act - Directs the Under Secretary for International Trade of the Department of Commerce to establish and carry out a program to provide cost-sharing assistance to nonprofit trade associations in the United States or state or regional organizations that promote the exportation and sale of energy efficiency products or renewable energy products to: (1) improve access to the markets of foreign countries for energy efficiency products and renewable energy products exported by small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses; and (2) assist such businesses in obtaining services and other assistance, including from the Department of Commerce and other federal agencies, with respect to exporting such products.
Bill· SS. 3391 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Restoring Ecosystem Sustainability and Protection on the Delta Act - Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to accelerate from FY2017 to FY2010 the allocation of certain Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease revenues from covered leases among the affected states (thus increasing each state's share). Declares that the historical lease sites in the 2002-2007 planning area shall include all leases entered into by the Secretary of Energy for an area in the Gulf of Mexico between October 1, 1982 (or an earlier date if practicable) and December 31, 2015.
Bill· HRH.R. 5358 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Florida Coastal Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from offering for oil and gas leasing or preleasing (including any related activity) any tract located in: (1) a specified area of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico; (2) the South Atlantic Planning Area; or (3) the Straits of Florida Planning Area.
Bill· HRH.R. 5356 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Energy, within two years, to require the development and deployment of certain technology for use in the event of a breach or explosion at, or a significant discharge of oil from, a deepwater port, offshore facility, or tank vessel (covered event), including: (1) technology for use in capping underwater oil wells that is effective at water depths at least 2,000 feet deeper than the limits of oil and gas production on the outer continental shelf as of the date of enactment of this Act; (2) flameproof booms capable of functioning in the open ocean with six-foot waves; and (3) remote operated vehicles for use in the open ocean that are capable of welding and cutting or torching below 15,000 feet of water. Requires the purchase and deployment of such technologies in such locations throughout the United States as would permit their use within 24 hours of a covered event. Doubles the limits on the total of the liability of, and the removal costs incurred by or on behalf of, the party responsible for a vessel or a facility from which oil is discharged into or upon navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone. Increases such a limit to the amount of a party's aggregate net after-tax profits generated during the four full financial reporting quarters preceding the date of an incident if that amount exceeds the limit otherwise applicable. Makes this Act effective on April 15, 2010. Requires the head of a federal agency that has carried out an activity with respect to the oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of the coordination of, and the success of, federal government actions relating to the spill.
Bill· HRH.R. 5352 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Alaska Clean Energy Development Act - Includes as renewable energy, for purposes of any federal program or standard, hydroelectric energy generated in the state of Alaska by a hydroelectric facility: (1) that has a nameplate capacity rating of a wattage that is less than 50 megawatts; or (2) through the use of a lake tap or siphon, pumped storage, or a run of the river system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make such a hydroelectric facility that is placed in service after the date of enactment of this Act eligible for the renewable electricity production tax credit.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 85 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 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 transmitted to the Congress by the President on May 10, 2010.
Bill· SS. 3385 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
American Energy and Western Jobs Act - Rescinds Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Instruction Memoranda numbered 2010-117 (Oil and Gas Leasing Reform – Land Use Planning and Lease Parcel Reviews) and 2010-118 (Energy Policy Act Section 390 Categorical Exclusion Policy Revision), issued on May 17, 2010, and declares that they shall have no force or effect. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, before modifying and implementing any onshore oil or natural gas preleasing or leasing and development policy, to complete an economic impact assessment and determine that the proposed modification will not: (1) result in a detrimental impact on employment opportunities relating to oil- and natural gas-related development; (2) contribute to an increase in the domestic use of imported petroleum resources; or (3) contribute to an aggregate loss of oil and natural gas receipts.
Bill· HRH.R. 5343 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
Advanced Biofuel Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified advanced biofuel production property. Defines "qualified advanced biofuel production property" as property used to produce biofuel which meets the definition of advanced biofuel in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and has lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions that are at least 50% less than baseline lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions required by the Clean Air Act. Terminates such credit after 2015. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment tax Act of 2009 to allow investors in qualified advanced biofuel production property a grant in lieu of a tax credit for investment in such property.
Bill· HRH.R. 5325 (111th)failed
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Establishes, revises, and extends specified science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) programs (including in green energy education), as well as engineering, research, and training programs, and establishes a green chemistry basic research program and a green manufacturing and construction initiative. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2013 for: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF); (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); and (3) the Department of Energy (DOE) for activities of the Office of Science.
Bill· HRH.R. 5320 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2010 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize and increase funding for the drinking water state revolving fund (SRF) for FY2011-FY2015. Revises provisions concerning technical assistance given to small public water systems to help them achieve and maintain compliance with national primary drinking water regulations, including by: (1) authorizing assistance for operating sustainable energy infrastructure and for water security enhancements; and (2) giving priority to applicants that will promote compliance with such regulations, public health protection, and long term sustainability of small public water systems. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that laborers and mechanics employed by a contractor of a construction project funded thorough the SRF are paid prevailing wages as determined under the Davis-Bacon Act. Revises provisions concerning state intended use plans for SRF funds, including by requiring plans to give priority for the use of such funds to public water systems affected by a new national primary drinking water standard and serving disadvantaged communities. Authorizes the Administrator to provide guidance, tools, methodologies, or computer software to assist small systems in undertaking measures to improve the system's management, financial stability, and efficiency or to reduce the system's environmental impact. Requires the Administrator, if no technology, treatment technique, or other affordable means to achieve compliance with a maximum contaminant level established by a drinking water regulation is listed for a category of small public water systems, to periodically review the list and supplement it when new technology becomes available. Revokes provisions concerning granting variances for compliance with a drinking water regulation requirement specifying a maximum contaminant level or treatment technique. Provides that prohibitions on the use of lead pipes, solder, and flux do not apply to pipes, pipe and plumbing fittings, and fixtures (pipes) that are used exclusively for nonpotable services. Revises the definition of "lead free" to mean not containing more than 0.2% lead when used with respect to solder and flux and no more than a weighted average of 0.25% when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes. Requires the Administrator, in carrying out the Estrogenic Substances Screening Program: (1) not later than one year after enactment of the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Enhancement Act of 2010, to publish a list of at least 100 substances for testing of endocrine disrupting substances that may be in drinking water and a plan for the identification of additional substances for testing with the goal of testing all substances that have been placed on the Drinking Water Preliminary Contaminant Candidate List; (2) to give priority in selecting substances for listing to substances that pose the greatest public health concern; (3) not later than two years after enactment of such Act, to publish guidance on developing and updating protocols for testing of possible endocrine disruptors; (4) within four years after enactment of such Act, to issue test orders for all substances on the list; (5) not later than 180 days after enactment of such Act, to publish an electronic, publicly searchable database that contains information regarding the testing program; and (6) within six months after receipt of testing results, to determine whether to take administrative action related to the substance. Authorizes the Administrator to accelerate testing for a substance if: (1) such substance is known to be found in sources of drinking water; (2) a substantial population is known to be exposed to the substance; and (3) the substance is either suspected to be an endocrine disruptor or has a structural similarity to a substance known to be an endocrine disruptor. Authorizes any person to petition the Administrator to add a substance to the list or the plan and to issue an order requiring the substance be tested on an accelerated basis.
Bill· SS. 3381 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2010
Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "renewable biomass" as: (1) materials, pre-commercial thinnings, or invasive species from certain National Forest System land and public lands that are byproducts of preventive treatments that are removed to reduce hazardous fuels, reduce or contain disease or insect infestation, or restore ecosystem health, that would not otherwise be used for higher-value products, and that are harvested in accordance with specified requirements for old-growth forests and large tree retention; or (2) any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis from nonfederal land or land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, including specified renewable plant material and waste material. Applies this definition in any federal law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act to: (1) establish a renewable electricity standard; or (2) regulate the emission of greenhouse gases.
Bill· SS. 3379 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2010
Pollution and Costs Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and carry out the Building Pollution Reduction Program to provide assistance to owners of buildings in the United States to reduce the emission of air pollutants and building operating costs by constructing highly efficient buildings or increasing the efficiency of, and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with, existing buildings. Defines "advanced green biofuel" to mean an advanced biofuel that the Administrator determines: (1) has life cycle greenhouse gas emissions that are at least 60% less than the baseline life cycle greenhouse gas emissions; (2) is made from advanced renewable biomass; and (3) minimizes biorefinery water requirements to the maximum extent achievable, taking into consideration costs and other appropriate factors. Defines "advanced renewable biomass" to mean renewable biomass that is produced using sustainable practices as determined by the Administrator taking into consideration factors such as: (1) the maintenance and enhancement of the quality and productivity of the soil; (2) the conservation of soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish, and wildlife habitat; and (3) the protection of the health and safety of individuals involved in the production system. Requires the Administrator to establish the 1,000,000,000-Gallon Challenge Grant Program under which the Administrator shall provide grants to owners and operators of projects that have the potential, in the aggregate, to produce up to 500,000,000 gallons in annual domestic production capacity of advanced green biofuels. Requires the Administrator to provide four types of grants: (1) a research and development grant; (2) a planning grant; (3) translational grants; and (4) construction grants.
Bill· SS. 3374 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Cleanfields Investment Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide grants for remediating brownfield sites, and for inventorying, characterizing, assessing, and conducting planning relating to brownfield sites, for the purpose of locating renewable electricity generation facilities on such sites. Authorizes such grants to be made to: (1) eligible entities to be used for capitalization of revolving loan funds to provide such assistance; or (2) eligible entities or nonprofits to be used directly for such activities. Requires the Administrator to issue ranking criteria and guidance on considerations to be used in determining whether a grant is warranted.
Bill· SS. 3375 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Energy, within two years, to require the development and deployment of certain technology for use in the event of a breach or explosion at, or a significant discharge of oil from, a deepwater port, offshore facility, or tank vessel (covered event), including: (1) technology for use in capping underwater oil wells that is effective at water depths at least 2,000 feet deeper than the limits of oil and gas production on the outer continental shelf as of the date of enactment of this Act; (2) flameproof booms capable of functioning in the open ocean with six-foot waves; and (3) remote operated vehicles for use in the open ocean that are capable of welding and cutting or torching below 15,000 feet of water. Requires the purchase and deployment of such technologies in such locations throughout the United States as would permit their use within 24 hours of a covered event. Doubles the limits on the total of the liability of, and the removal costs incurred by or on behalf of, the party responsible for a vessel or a facility from which oil is discharged into or upon navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone. Increases such a limit to the amount of a party's aggregate net after-tax profits generated during the four full financial reporting quarters preceding the date of an incident if that amount exceeds the limit otherwise applicable. Makes this Act effective on April 15, 2010. Requires the head of a federal agency that has carried out an activity with respect to the oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of the coordination of, and the success of, federal government actions relating to the spill.
Bill· SS. 3364 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (DOE), acting through the Office of Energy and Renewable Energy, to act as the lead federal agency for coordinating and disseminating information on existing federal programs and assistance that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects for schools. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a review of existing programs and financing mechanisms available in or from appropriate federal agencies with jurisdiction over energy financing and facilitation that are currently used or may be used for such purposes; (2) establish a federal cross-departmental collaborative coordination, education, and outreach effort to streamline communication and promote available federal opportunities and assistance for such projects that enables states, local educational agencies, and schools to use existing federal opportunities more effectively and to form partnerships with governors, state energy programs, local educational, financial, and energy officials, state and local officials, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities to support project initiation; (3) provide technical assistance for states, local educational agencies, and schools to help develop and finance projects that meet specified requirements; (4) develop and maintain a single online resource website with contact information for relevant technical assistance and support staff in the Office for states, local educational agencies, and schools to effectively access and use federal opportunities and assistance to develop such projects; and (5) establish a process for recognition of schools that have successfully implemented such projects and are willing to serve as resources for other local educational agencies and schools to assist initiation of similar efforts.
Bill· SS. 3358 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.
Bill· HRH.R. 5313 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Offshore Safety and Response Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study acoustic control systems for offshore oil rigs and to promulgate regulations that: (1) identify approved acoustic control systems for such rigs; and (2) require certain lessees using an offshore oil rig to install such systems within two years after publication of the regulations. Directs the Secretary, in lieu of such actions, to submit to Congress, and make available to the public, a report describing in detail the reasons acoustic control systems are not necessary for offshore oil rigs. Directs the President, acting through the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to revise the National Contingency Plan developed under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to include specific response procedures for various predetermined scenarios and conditions relating to oil discharges, including the location and amount of a discharge, and the length of time that has elapsed since a discharge occurred. Directs the EPA Administrator and the Secretary jointly to review and report to Congress on oil spill removal technologies, including: (1) those used in federal responses; (2) those that are available worldwide and in development; and (3) investments by the EPA and the Department of the Interior in the development of improved oil spill removal technologies and methods.
Bill· HRH.R. 5294 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Limit Executive Actions Suspending Energy Act of 2010 or the LEASE Act of 2010 - Prohibits the head of any federal agency from taking any administrative action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (including by issuing orders, promulgating regulations, or otherwise regulating, monitoring, mitigating, predicting, or documenting such emissions) for purposes of addressing climate change unless a federal statute expressly and specifically authorizes such action.
Report· HearingH.Hrg.111published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 May 2010
Bill· SS. 3349 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonbusiness energy tax credit for the installation of any building cladding system (including vinyl siding) with integral insulating material that has a minimum thermal resistance of R-2.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 523 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Honors the crew members who perished aboard the offshore oil rig, Deepwater Horizon. Expresses the sincere condolences of the Senate to the families and loved ones of the deceased crew members.
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