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United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
East Coast and Gulf Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area on the outer Continental Shelf of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Department of Defense Energy Security Act of 2010 - Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) energy performance plan to be taken into consideration in other DOD planning, including the National Security Strategy and the Quadrennial Defense Review. Provides a DOD procurement preference for goods and services produced using sustainable environmental practices. Requires: (1) specified percentages of DOD electric energy to be produced from renewable energy sources; (2) consideration of certain environmentally sustainable practices under the DOD energy performance plan; and (3) application to contractors operating government-owned facilities and contract tenants and concessionaires of DOD requirements regarding the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient products. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to obligate specified funds under the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to carry out energy conservation projects. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an assessment of improved building efficiency (including insulation and energy and water usage) at DOD facilities. Requires: (1) the conversion to electric or hybrid propulsion, by the end of FY2015, of the military and defense agency fleet of petroleum-derived non-tactical motor vehicles; and (2) a procurement preference with respect to electric or hybrid propulsion vehicles. Extends the conversion requirement to contractor-operated, government-owned vehicles. Directs: (1) the Secretary of each military department to report to Congress identifying hybrid-drive technologies suitable for incorporation into the next reset and recap of tactical-fleet military ground vehicles; and (2) the Secretary to submit to Congress a testing and certification plan for the development, and use by the end of FY2016, of biofuel derived from materials that do not compete with food stocks and is suitable for use as military aviation fuel. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the implementation or operation of any provision of this Act after certifying to Congress that such implementation or operation would adversely impact U.S. national security.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Beyond Petroleum Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an annual fee of $10 per acre for federal offshore areas subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas as of May 1, 2010. Establishes in the Treasury the Oil Dependence Reduction Fund, to be jointly administered by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Secretary of Energy (DOE), and the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), for research, development, deployment, or expansion of renewable technologies or programs that significantly: (1) decrease the use of oil; and (2) reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2010 - Establishes the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Inquiry Commission to investigate: (1) the performance of BP Exploration and Production, Inc., Transocean, Ltd., and other entities affiliated with the Mobile Drilling Unit Deepwater Horizon; (2) their compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including their conformance with their own practices and industry practices); (3) the performance of federal, state, and local agencies responsible for oversight, inspection, and enforcement; and (4) the compliance of such agencies with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing their actions. Requires the Commission to evaluate: (1) current and future impact of the oil disaster on the environment, economy, and public health; (2) the adequacy of the response to the oil disaster; (3) the implications of the oil disaster, and any risk of other such disasters, for offshore oil and gas activities by the United States; and (4) the availability and accuracy of baseline data against which the impact of the oil disaster may be measured. Requires the Commission to develop recommendations to: (1) improve the response to the oil disaster, including through modification of proposed plans to mitigate and monitor its impact; and (2) minimize the risk and mitigate the impact of future such disasters (including changes to federal law and regulations and improvements in industry practices). Sets forth powers of the Commission, including subpoena powers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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 a person's failure to comply with such Act or any term of a lease, license, or permit issued pursuant to it, or 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 any such failure which constitutes a threat of serious, irreparable, or immediate harm or damage to life (including fish and other 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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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 exclusively to produce advanced biofuels for sale to unrelated persons. Terminates such credit after 2014. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow investors in advanced biofuel production property a grant in lieu of a tax credit for investment in such property. Requires grant recipients to reinvest in advanced biofuel production property within 12 months after receipt of a grant payment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Private Activity Renewable Energy Bonds Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the purposes for which tax-exempt facility bonds may be issued to include renewable energy resource facilities, conservation and efficiency facilities and projects, and high efficiency vehicles and related facilities or projects. Limits the allocation of such bonds to all states by population to not more than $2.5 billion annually.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
NIST Grants for Energy Efficiency, New Job Opportunities, and Business Solutions Act of 2010 or the NIST GREEN JOBS Act of 2010 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the themes under the competitive grant program within the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology program to be related to projects: (1) designed to increase the viability both of traditional manufacturing sectors and other sectors, such as construction, that increasingly rely on manufacturing through the use of manufactured components and manufacturing techniques, including supply chain integration and quality management; and (2) related to the transfer of technology based on the technological needs of manufacturers and available technologies from institutions of higher education, laboratories, and other technology producing entities. Authorizes such themes to extend beyond such areas to include projects related to construction industry modernization. Revises the selection criteria for such grants. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to: (1) endeavor to select at least one proposal in each of the nine statistical divisions of the United States (as designated by the Bureau of the Census) for a grant; and (2) award grants to proposals that will create jobs or train newly hired employees, promote technology transfer and commercialization of environmentally focused materials, products, and processes, increase energy efficiency, and improve the competitiveness of industries in regions in which the Centers are located. Limits award duration to three years. Authorizes awards to be used by Centers to assist small or medium-sized construction firms. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to accelerate from FY2017 to FY2011 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).
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Amends the Atomic Energy Defense Act to authorize the Administrator for Nuclear Security to establish technology transfer centers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California, and Sandia National Laboratory, California. Requires each center to foster collaborative scientific research, technology development, and the appropriate transfer of research and technology to users in addition to the national security laboratories. Authorizes the Administrator to establish such centers at any other national security laboratory.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Recognizes the untimely and tragic loss of the 11 workers from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas who died on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. Extends the deepest condolences of the nation to the families of these men. Recognizes all employees on the Deepwater Horizon for their hard work and sacrifice. Commends the rescue crews for their valiant efforts to rescue these workers and others on the platform. Honors the many volunteers who provided support and comfort for the families of these people during this difficult time.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2010
Cleanfields Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as it would be amended by the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 as reported to the Senate as an original measure on July 16, 2009 (S.1462), to: (1) define "brownfield site generation facility," for purposes of provisions concerning the Federal Renewable Electricity Standard, as a facility that generates renewable electricity from wind energy, solar energy, or geothermal energy and that occupies a brownfield site; and (2) require the Secretary of Energy to allow triple credits under the federal renewable energy credit trading program for the generation of energy from brownfield site generation facilities. Limits the amount of total renewable electricity generation that is eligible for consideration for the triple credit multiplier for brownfields to 1%. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress recommendations on whether such limitation should be revised.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
Security in Energy and Manufacturing Act of 2010 or the SEAM Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the qualifying advanced energy project credit by allocating in 2010 $5 billion of grants or tax credit amounts to manufacturers of goods and components (other than for assembly of components) in the United States that are used in alternative energy projects.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Establishment Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) implement integrated spent nuclear fuel management consistent with federal policy on a self-sustaining basis through the use of a spent nuclear fuel management enterprise that will eliminate the need for federal funding; and (2) assume responsibility for the activities, obligations, and use of resources of the federal government with respect to spent nuclear fuel management. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Fund. Directs the President to appoint a Transition Manager to transfer spent nuclear fuel management obligations, functions, personnel, and funds from the Secretary of Energy to the Corporation. Designates the Corporation the exclusive marketing agent on behalf of the United States for entering into contracts to provide spent nuclear fuel management and related products and services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2010 - Establishes the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Inquiry Commission to investigate: (1) the performance of BP Exploration and Production, Inc., Transocean, Ltd., and other entities affiliated with the Mobile Drilling Unit Deepwater Horizon; (2) their compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including their conformance with their own practices and industry practices); (3) the performance of federal, state, and local agencies responsible for oversight, inspection, and enforcement; and (4) the compliance of such agencies with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing their actions. Requires the Commission to evaluate: (1) current and future impact of the oil disaster on the environment, economy, and public health; (2) the adequacy of the response to the oil disaster; (3) the implications of the oil disaster, and any risk of other such disasters, for offshore oil and gas activities by the United States; and (4) the availability and accuracy of baseline data against which the impact of the oil disaster may be measured. Requires the Commission to develop recommendations to: (1) improve the response to the oil disaster, including through modification of proposed plans to mitigate and monitor its impact; and (2) minimize the risk and mitigate the impact of future such disasters (including changes to federal law and regulations and improvements in industry practices). Sets forth powers of the Commission, including subpoena powers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
Military Energy Security Act or the MESA Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a collaborative energy security pilot program involving one or more partnerships between a military installation and a national laboratory, for the purpose of evaluating and validating secure, salable microgrid components and systems for deployment. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to jointly select a military installation and national laboratory for such purposes. Requires an initial and final pilot program report from the Secretary to the congressional defense and energy committees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
No New Drilling Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the issuance of any lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or any other mineral on the outer Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Extension Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to: (1) extend the grant program for investment in renewable energy property, including renewable resources used to produce electricity and fuel cell, solar, wind, geothermal, and microturbine property, in lieu of tax credits, by extending the placed-in-service deadline for such property through 2012; and (2) expand eligibility for such grants to public power utilities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend until a certain date: (1) all activities relating to the development of a new or revised five-year plan for the outer Continental Shelf (OCS); (2) new OCS exploration, development, and production activities (including geological and geophysical surveys); and (3) any exploration or development activities commenced before the enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary certifies they pose no significant risk of accident. Continues the suspension of such activities until completion of: (1) the joint investigation by the Secretaries of the Interior and of Homeland Security into the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) a final report identifying methods to prevent future incidents in the OCS. Grandfathers any production activities commenced before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Healthy Communities through Helping to Offer Incentives and Choices to Everyone in Society Act of 2010 - Revises federal health law to address obesity, including through: (1) routine collection of data needed to calculate body mass index (BMI); (2) expansion of coverage for obesity under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP); (3) programs to promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activity; and (4) training of health care professionals on how to treat and prevent obesity and aid individuals who are obese or overweight. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand the nutritional requirements of food offered through child and adult food programs. Includes a physical activity component for children's food programs. Sets forth provisions to expand physical activity through: (1) programs to connect children and families with the outdoors; (2) guidelines for physical education in elementary and secondary schools; (3) inclusion of physical education as a core academic subject in schools; (4) tax incentives for employer provided membership to athletic or fitness facilities; and (5) enrichment programs, such as summer camps, for children on Indian reservations and tribal lands. Sets forth provisions to improve knowledge of and access to healthy foods through: (1) educating consumers about physical activity and lifestyles; (2) infrastructure improvements to food programs; (3) expansion of retail food stores offering affordable, nutritious foods in underserved communities; and (4) expansion of urban community gardens. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make grants to assist local planning decisions and policies that increase the access of individuals to physical activity. Expands the program to provide safe routes to schools to include high school students. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to provide for the: (1) collection of data for determining the fitness levels and energy expenditures of children and youth; and (2) analysis of data collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and other data sources.
United States · United States Congress · 5 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.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend until a certain date: (1) all activities relating to the development of a new or revised five-year plan for the outer Continental Shelf (OCS); (2) new OCS exploration, development, and production activities (including geological and geophysical surveys); and (3) any exploration or development activities commenced before the enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary certifies they pose no significant risk of accident. Continues the suspension of such activities until completion of: (1) the joint investigation by the Secretaries of the Interior and of Homeland Security into the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) a final report identifying methods to prevent future incidents in the OCS. Grandfathers any production activities commenced before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, to repeal a provision that requires the disposal of all monies received by the United States in FY2010 from sales, bonuses, rentals, and royalties under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 as provided by such Act as in effect immediately before enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and without regard to the amendments contained in that Act. Makes this Act effective on October 1, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2010
Outdoor Lighting Efficiency Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth provisions concerning establishing energy efficiency standards for: (1) pole-mounted outdoor luminaires manufactured on or after three years after this Act's enactment; and (2) high light output double-ended quartz halogen lamps manufactured on or after January 1, 2016. Sets forth control requirements for luminaires, including requiring luminaires to be sold with: (1) integral controls that have the capacity of operating the luminaire at specified power levels; and (2) internal electronics and connective wiring or hardware that enable the area luminaire to operate at specified power levels. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) determine whether the standards for such luminaires should be amended; and (2) publish rules containing the amendments to such standards, if any, by specified deadlines. Sets forth provisions concerning establishing test procedures for efficiency standards with respect to such luminaires. Requires the National Electrical Manufacturers Association to develop and publish on a publicly available website a table including standard lamp types by wattage, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code, initial lamp lumen value, lamp orientation, and lamp finish. Sets forth provisions concerning the adoption of the table by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish labeling rules for such luminaires. Prohibits the manufacture of general purpose mercury vapor lamps on or after January 1, 2016. Provides that state energy conservation standards that are adopted by January 1, 2015, pursuant to statutory requirements to adopt efficiency standards for reducing outdoor lighting energy use enacted prior to January 31, 2008, will not be preempted by federal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2010
Sustainable Property Grants Act of 2010 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow real estate investment trusts to qualify for energy property grants under such Act without affecting limitations on dividend payments applicable to such trusts.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 April 2010
United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 April 2010
United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2010
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Nuclear Power 2021 Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to implement, through cooperative agreements with private sector partners, a program to: (1) develop a standard design for each of two small modular reactors, at least one of which has a rated capacity of not more than 50 electrical megawatts; (2) obtain a design certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for each of the designs by January 1, 2018; and (3) demonstrate the licensing of small modular reactors by developing applications for a combined license for each of the designs so certified, and obtaining a combined license from the NRC for each of the certified designs by January 1, 2021. Requires the Secretary to select proposals for such cooperative agreements through the use of competitive procedures and an impartial review of their scientific and technical merit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct research to lower the cost of nuclear reactor systems; and (2) develop and publish on the Department of Energy (DOE) website a schedule outlining a five-year strategy to lower such cost effectively. Includes among research subjects: (1) modular and small-scale reactors; (2) balance-of-plant issues; (3) cost-efficient manufacturing and construction; (4) licensing issues; and (5) enhanced proliferation controls.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Partnership With America Rapid Rebuilding of Haiti Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, with the government of Haiti, to implement a three-year "Partnership With America" program under which unemployed or underemployed U.S. construction and reconstruction experts and workers shall begin work in Haiti to help Haitians rebuild Haiti's infrastructure, including roads, airports, energy facilities, schools, hospitals, housing, and other services fundamental to economic development.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2011, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2011 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2011, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Fuel Cell Industrial Vehicle Jobs Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) continue the maximum dollar amount (i.e., $8,000) of the tax credit for new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles after 2009; and (2) allow such credit for a vehicle which is manufactured primarily to carry or tow loads or materials for commercial or industrial purposes (off-highway vehicles). Increases the amount of such credit for off-highway vehicles that achieve a specified level of electricity generation efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2010
Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund, to be administered through the International Trade Administration, to ensure that U.S. clean energy technology firms have the information and assistance they need to be competitive; and (2) administer the Fund to promote policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector, and implement a national clean energy technology export strategy. Directs the Secretary to provide information, tools, and other assistance to U.S. businesses to promote clean energy technology manufacturing and facilitate the export of clean energy technology products and services. Requires such assistance to include: (1) developing critical analysis of policies to reduce production costs and promote innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector; (2) helping educate companies about how to tailor their activities to specific markets with respect to their product slate, financing, marketing, assembly, and logistics; and (3) helping U.S. companies learn about the export process and export opportunities in foreign markets, navigate foreign markets, and provide input regarding clean energy technology manufacturing and trade policy developments and trade promotion.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2010
Public Housing Energy Savings Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize: (1) energy conservation improvements in public housing projects to be undertaken pursuant to a contract for the improvements only; (2) a public housing agency to finance such improvements for a period of up to 20 years; (3) a public housing agency to pledge operating assistance as security for such financing in an amount not to exceed the lesser of the amount of the debt service plus such appropriate debt service coverage factor as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may establish and the amount of the reasonably anticipated utility cost savings resulting from the improvement; (4) the Secretary to permit the pledging of the installed equipment related to such improvements; and (5) a public housing agency to elect to be paid for its utility costs under the formula for determining the amount of assistance provided to public housing agencies from the Capital Fund for a period of no longer than 20 years based on the agency's average annual consumption during the three-year period preceding the year in which the election is made (consumption base level). Requires the Secretary to make: (1) an initial one time adjustment in the consumption base level to account for differences in the heating degree day average over the most recent 20-year period compared to the average in the consumption base level; and (2) adjustments in the consumption base level to account for an increase or reduction in units, a change in fuel source, or a change in resident-controlled electricity consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2011, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010 and FY2012-FY2015. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2010-FY2015 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2010-FY2015. Provides for certain deficit-neutral and/or deficit-reduction reserve funds for legislation for: (1) promotion of employment and job growth; (2) stabilization and improvement of the regulation of the financial and housing sector; (3) tax relief and reform; (4) investments in clean energy and preservation of the environment; (5) assistance to working families and children; (6) investments in America's infrastructure; (7) America's veterans, and returning and wounded servicemembers; (8) higher education; (9) health care; (10) investments in counties and schools; (11) the federal judiciary; (12) recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform; (13) improper payments; (14) terminated programs; (15) small business tax relief; (16) greater accountability for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funding and for health care reform; (17) reduction of tax increases on low-and middle-income Americans and protection of retirees; (18) promotion of corporate tax fairness; (19) taxpayer access to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) appeals; (20) increased difficulty for corporations to influence elections; (21) repeal of deductions from mineral revenue payments to states; and (22) increased transparency regarding foreign holders of U.S. debt and risk assessment related to the federal debt. Provides for deficit-reduction reserve funds for legislation for: (1) recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform; (2) improper payments; (3) terminated programs; and (4) promoting corporate tax fairness. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) IRS tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; and (5) adjustments to support ongoing overseas deployments and other activities. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with specified exceptions; or (2) provide an emergency designation, for the purpose of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 or this resolution, unless each designation is accompanied by an "Affirmation of Emergency Designation" document filed with the Clerk of the Senate and signed by 16 Senators. Allows the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to adjust the estimate of budgetary effects of legislation to exclude amounts of qualifying budgetary effects if the legislation: (1) amends or supersedes the system for updating physician payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (2) amends the Estate and Gift Tax under the Internal Revenue Code; (3) extends the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief for individuals under the Code; or (4) extends middle-class tax cuts under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) or the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA). Permits the Chairman to make adjustments only for points of order in specified legislation relating to: (1) pay-as-you-go; and (2) long- and short-term deficits. Extends through FY2020 certain CBA mechanisms for enforcement of budgetary points of order in the Senate. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate reconciliation legislation that produces an increase in outlays if the effect of all the provisions in the jurisdiction of any committee is to create or result in gross new direct spending that exceeds 20% of the total savings instructions to the committee. Requires Senate committees to review programs and tax expenditures in their jurisdiction, and provide recommendations to the Senate Budget Committee to improve governmental performance and to reduce waste, fraud, abuse, or program duplication in their views and estimates reports. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying the conference report on any budget resolution in the Senate to include in its committee allocations to the Committees on Appropriations amounts for the discretionary administrative expenses of the SSA and of the Postal Service. Makes it out of order to consider a budget resolution in the Senate unless it: (1) contains a specified "Truth in Debt Disclosure" section; and (2) includes a table that contains, for each of the previous 12 fiscal years, specified information based on the budget resolution for each such fiscal year. Declares that the levels assumed in this budget resolution allow the gross federal debt to rise: (1) by $4.71 trillion from FY2010-FY2015; and (2) by $15,250 on every U.S. citizen from FY2010-FY2015. States that such levels cut: (1) spending as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 11%; (2) the deficit as a percent of GDP by 70%; and (3) taxes by $780 billion. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Senate Committee on Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 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 for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (3) Defense Production Act purchases; (4) research development, test, and evaluation; (5) operation and maintenance; (6) military personnel; (7) Working Capital Funds; (8) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (9) the Defense Coalition Acquisition Fund; (10) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (11) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (12) the Defense Inspector General; (13) the Defense Health Program; (14) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (15) overseas contingency operations; (16) chemical demilitarization; (17) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (18) National Guard and reserve forces facilities; (19) military base closure and realignment activities; and (20) overseas contingency operations military construction. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for military construction, military family housing, and energy conservation projects. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy; (2) education and training; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) acquisition policy and management; (5) DOD organization and management; (6) DOD financial matters; (7) civilian personnel; (8) matters relating to foreign nations; (9) the National Defense Stockpile; and (10) military construction. Establishes the Refined Petroleum Products, Marginal Expense Transfer Account for DOD purchases of refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Grow a Renewable Energy Economy Now--Jumpstart Other Biofuels Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investments in qualified cellulosic and algae-based biofuel facilities; (2) extend through 2016 the special depreciation allowance for qualified cellulosic biofuel plant property; (3) include algae-based biofuel within the definition of cellulosic biofuel for purposes of the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit; (4) exclude from the definition of cellulosic biofuel any processed fuel with an acid number greater than 25; (5) extend through 2016 the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit; and (6) allow a direct payment of 30% of the basis of cellulosic and algae-based biofuel facility property.
United States · United States Senate · 22 April 2010
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to: (1) identify, annually, the core competencies necessary for federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions to comply with requirements under federal law, including competencies relating to sustainability, water efficiency, electrical safety, and building performance measures; and (2) identify a course, certification, degree, license, or registration to demonstrate, and for ongoing training in, each core competency for the appropriate category of personnel. Requires individuals in each category to demonstrate each core competency identified for the category within one year. Directs the Administrator: (1) to develop or identify comprehensive continuing education courses to ensure the operation of federal buildings in accordance with industry best practices and standards; and (2) and the Secretary of Energy to develop, annually, a recommended curriculum relating to facility management and the operation of high-performance buildings. Makes training requirements under this Act applicable to non-federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions under contract with a federal agency. Requires a contractor to provide training to, and certify the demonstration of core competencies for, non-federal personnel in a manner that is approved by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Improving Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use By Federal Agencies Act of 2010 - Authorizes the head of each executive agency to establish projects under which an agency head may offer to enter into cost-effective power purchase agreements, during a 10-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, for the purchase of electricity from renewable energy sources from federal facilities that are owned or controlled by the agency. Limits the term of the agreements to 30 years. Authorizes agencies to enter into interagency agreements as part of power purchase agreements. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Facility Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects Fund from which the Secretary of Energy (DOE) shall provide assistance for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects carried out at federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a federal facility energy efficiency and renewable energy projects fund program under which the Secretary shall make loans to assist agencies in reducing energy use; (2) promulgate regulations that enable agencies to retain the financial savings that result from entering into utility energy saving contracts; (3) promulgate regulations that establish appropriate methods and procedures for agencies to identify all potential locations at their facilities for renewable energy projects; (4) issue guidance for agencies to employ advanced tools allowing energy savings through the use of computer hardware, energy efficiency software, and power management tools; and (5) issue guidance on a federal energy management and data collection standard that includes a plan for the General Services Administration (GSA) to publish energy consumption data for individual facilities on a searchable website accessible by the public. Requires agencies to submit annual plans on metering their consumption of electricity. Requires the Secretary to develop and report on best practices for the use of advanced metering of energy use in federal facilities, buildings, and equipment by federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrator of GSA to use appropriated funds to update project designs to meet federal building energy efficiency standards. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to incorporate commissioning and recommissioning standards for all real property that: (1) is more than $10 million in value; (2) has more than 50,000 square feet; or (3) has energy intensity of more than $2 per square foot. Requires a contribution by the Secretary of Defense to a state for facilities for reserve components of the Armed Forces that is made at an armory or readiness center for an energy efficiency upgrade to cover 100% of the costs of architectural, engineering, and design services and the cost of the construction related to the upgrade.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Establishes, revises, and extends specified science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as engineering, research, and training programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Small Business Bill of Rights - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2011 the offset of nonrefundable personal credits against regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT) liability, the increased AMT exemption amount, and the reduced tax rates on dividends and capital gains; (2) reduce the tax rate on gain from the sale of qualified small business stock; (3) increase in 2009, 2010, or 2011 the tax deduction for business start-up expenses; (4) allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing the tax on self-employment income; (5) increase and make permanent the tax credit for the purchase of hybrid motor vehicles; (6) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of flexible fuel vehicles; and (7) make the tax credits for residential energy efficiency expenditures and the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures permanent. Requires each report of a congressional committee on a public bill or joint resolution to contain a statement by the Comptroller General that certifies that such bill or resolution will not cause an increase in unemployment. Exempts a small business concern from any amendment to the Internal Revenue Code after the enactment of this Act that would result in a tax increase to such business. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to take steps to limit the impact of federal regulations on small business concerns. Postpones until December 31, 2015, the termination of the estate and generation-skipping transfer tax provisions enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for: (1) an employer to recognize or bargain collectively with a labor organization that has not been selected by a majority of the employees in a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); and (2) a labor organization to cause or attempt to cause an employer to recognize or bargain collectively with a representative that has not been selected in such manner. Sets forth provisions to implement health care liability reforms. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow for the purchase of health insurance coverage across state lines. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the e-verify program permanent and to allow verification of employee legal status over the telephone. Allows small business concerns a 30-day grace period to correct errors in paperwork for which fines may be imposed under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Expresses the sense of Congress against the enactment of any laws to lessen the protections for new products or processes under the patent law or to reduce the term of any existing patent. Establishes in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) a Patent Ombudsman Program to assist small business concerns in filing patents. Prohibits: (1) a federal agency from issuing a rule until it has studied whether such rule will have an unduly burdensome effect on small business concerns; and (2) the SBA Administrator, in carrying out SBA programs, from imposing any limit on executive compensation by any small business concern. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study of each federal regulation to determine the burden such regulation imposes on small business concerns. Amends the Small Business Act relating to the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to require the SBA Administrator to ensure that SCORE: (1) carries out a plan to increase the number of small business mentors; (2) establishes benchmarks for evaluating its activities and volunteers; and (3) establishes a mentoring program of one-on-one advice to small businesses from qualified counselors. Renames the Service Corps of Retired Executives as SCORE. Eliminates the Active Corps of Executives. Amends the Small Business Act to increase from 23% to 30% the government-wide small business procurement contract goal. Requires the President, before the close of each fiscal year, to establish new goals. Requires each federal agency to have an annual goal at least equal to the federal goal. Redefines the terms"bundled contract" and "bundling of contract requirements" for federal contract procurement purposes. Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for making a false statement concerning status as a small business concern in an effort to obtain a federal contract. Rescinds any unobligated balances made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Requires any TARP funds repaid to the federal government to be used for deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to: (1) identify, annually, the core competencies necessary for federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions to comply with requirements under federal law, including competencies relating to sustainability, water efficiency, electrical safety, and building performance measures; and (2) identify a course, certification, degree, license, or registration to demonstrate, and for ongoing training in, each core competency for the appropriate category of personnel. Requires individuals in each category to demonstrate each core competency identified for the category within one year. Directs the Administrator: (1) to develop or identify comprehensive continuing education courses to ensure the operation of federal buildings in accordance with industry best practices and standards; and (2) and the Secretary of Energy to develop, annually, a recommended curriculum relating to facility management and the operation of high-performance buildings. Makes training requirements under this Act applicable to non-federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions under contract with a federal agency. Requires a contractor to provide training to, and certify the demonstration of core competencies for, non-federal personnel in a manner that is approved by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Veteran Employment Assistance Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a program, headed by a Director, which designates veterans business centers to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans in areas in which the number of veterans, especially veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, exceed the national median. Requires the Director to establish a program of grants to veterans business centers to: (1) provide federal procurement assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans; and (2) develop outreach programs to create or further develop service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Authorizes the Director to hold biennial veterans entrepreneurial development summits. Decreases from three years to one year the period for completion of training of new disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a training subsistence allowance for each month that an unemployed veteran is enrolled in a full-time employment and training program that is offered by an eligible training provider and teaches a skill connected to a career in an in-demand industry. Provides for the use of veterans' post-9/11 educational assistance for the pursuit of apprenticeships and on-job training. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish: (1) a program to award grants to states to establish veterans conservation corps to give veterans volunteer and employment opportunities under state conservation projects; and (2) a center of excellence of methods for educational institutions to afford academic credit to veterans for previous military experience and training. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish: (1) information technology military pathways demonstration programs to enable veterans to build upon technical skills learned in the military when entering into the civilian information technology workforce; and (2) nursing, public health and allied health professional, and physician assistant military pathways demonstration programs to enable veterans to build upon military technical skills when entering into civilian positions in those fields. Requires the Secretary of Labor to carry out a veterans energy-related employment program to encourage the employment of veterans in the energy industry. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out the Veterans to Work pilot program to provide veterans with employment in military construction projects. Requires: (1) a report on improvements and enhancements of the Transition Assistance Program to better meet the needs of members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and (2) a study on a program of transition assistance modeled on the Employment Enhancement Program of the Washington National Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Veteran Employment Assistance Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a program, headed by a Director, which designates veterans business centers to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans in areas in which the number of veterans, especially veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, exceed the national median. Requires the Director to establish a program of grants to veterans business centers to: (1) provide federal procurement assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans; and (2) develop outreach programs to create or further develop service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Authorizes the Director to hold biennial veterans entrepreneurial development summits. Decreases from three years to one year the period for completion of training of new disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a training subsistence allowance for each month that an unemployed veteran is enrolled in a full-time employment and training program that is offered by an eligible training provider and teaches a skill connected to a career in an in-demand industry. Provides for the use of veterans' post-9/11 educational assistance for the pursuit of apprenticeships and on-job training. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish: (1) a program to award grants to states to establish veterans conservation corps to give veterans volunteer and employment opportunities under state conservation projects; and (2) a center of excellence of methods for educational institutions to afford academic credit to veterans for previous military experience and training. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish: (1) information technology military pathways demonstration programs to enable veterans to build upon technical skills learned in the military when entering into the civilian information technology workforce; and (2) nursing, public health and allied health professional, and physician assistant military pathways demonstration programs to enable veterans to build upon military technical skills when entering into civilian positions in those fields. Requires the Secretary of Labor to carry out a veterans energy-related employment program to encourage the employment of veterans in the energy industry. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out the Veterans to Work pilot program to provide veterans with employment in military construction projects. Requires: (1) a report on improvements and enhancements of the Transition Assistance Program to better meet the needs of members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and (2) a study on a program of transition assistance modeled on the Employment Enhancement Program of the Washington National Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities at fair market value. Requires eligible entities to: (1) obtain a combined operating license for a reactor approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and (2) possess a license from the NRC in order to obtain uranium under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to offer to barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, 20 million pounds of uranium for initial cores for projects to build new reactors. Authorizes the Secretary to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities on a first-come, first-served basis, at fair market value following a prescribed schedule for 2010-2013 and subsequent years. Requires a recipient to sell such uranium at fair market value. Prohibits the use of funds or other value obtained from the barter, transfer, or sale of uranium, without a specific appropriation by Congress, to implement other programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain a sufficient inventory of uranium to meet current and foreseeable needs of the missions and programs of DOE and designated agencies; and (2) maintain a reserve inventory of uranium that contains at least 20 million pounds of uranium. Permits the Secretary to release uranium from the reserve inventory only if a national energy emergency is declared by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Grow Renewable Energy from Ethanol Naturally Jobs Act of 2010 or the GREEN Jobs Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel, the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit, and the reduced credit for ethanol blenders. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend until 2016 the additional tariff on ethyl alcohol blends (ethanol) used as fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
National Institute of Standards and Technology Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for: (1) scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities; (2) facilities construction and maintenance; and (3) industrial technology services activities, including the Technology Innovation Program (TIP), Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP), and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program. Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and requires the Under Secretary to conduct policy analysis on innovation and technical standards to improve and promote U.S. competitiveness. Requires the Director to reorganize the scientific and technical research and services laboratory program as specified. Directs the Secretary to promote collaboration among federal departments and agencies and private sector stakeholders. Requires the Director to establish, within the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program, an innovative services initiative to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in: (1) reducing their energy usage and environmental waste; and (2) accelerating the domestic commercialization of new product technologies, including components for renewable energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish appropriate criteria to be considered in determining the cost share of a Hollings Manufacturing Extension Center, but in no case shall it exceed half of the costs incurred by such Center. Revises the funding for a Center under the Program after the sixth year of operation. Requires the Director to establish a bioscience research program. Authorizes the Director to establish university research centers at institutions of higher education to conduct research to further the program's objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities at fair market value. Requires eligible entities to: (1) obtain a combined operating license for a reactor approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and (2) possess a license from the NRC in order to obtain uranium under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to offer to barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, 20 million pounds of uranium for initial cores for projects to build new reactors. Authorizes the Secretary to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities on a first-come, first-served basis, at fair market value following a prescribed schedule for 2010-2013 and subsequent years. Requires a recipient to sell such uranium at fair market value. Prohibits the use of funds or other value obtained from the barter, transfer, or sale of uranium, without a specific appropriation by Congress, to implement other programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain a sufficient inventory of uranium to meet current and foreseeable needs of the missions and programs of DOE and designated agencies; and (2) maintain a reserve inventory of uranium that contains at least 20 million pounds of uranium. Permits the Secretary to release uranium from the reserve inventory only if a national energy emergency is declared by the President.