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101 records in US in 1979
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.J. Res. 430 (Supplemental appropriations for low-income energy assistance).
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Home Energy Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Title I: Low- and Middle-Income Energy Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow low- and middle-income taxpayers a refundable income tax credit for the cost of fuel which is used as the principal source of heating or cooling such taxpayer's principal residence. Limits the amount of such credit to $300 for oil or kerosene, or $150 for any other fuel. Reduces the amount of such credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $15,000, and for whom suppliers receive reimbursements under title II of this Act. Allows renters an income tax credit for fuel costs equal to 25 percent of rent paid for the taxable year. Specifies a minimum tax credit of $150 for taxpayers whose principal residence uses a renewable energy source (wind, solar, or geothermal energy) for heating or cooling. Permits the disregarding of any benefits conferred by this Act in determining eligibility for any Federal or State public assistance program. Disqualifies any estate, trust, nonresident alien, or any individual residing in a housing project assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937 from eligibility under this title. Title II: Residential Fuel Assistance Program for Low-Income Households - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a residential fuel assistance program, and disseminate, with the assistance of the Department of Energy, information about such program which is designed to reach all eligible individuals. Permits taxpayers who are eligible to receive an income tax credit under title I of this Act to apply to the Secretary for assistance under the residential fuel assistance program after the close of the fifth month of the taxable year. Sets forth the information which taxpayers must include in their application for assistance. Directs the Secretary to establish an account for each individual eligible for assistance under this title, and to reimburse fuel suppliers of such individuals for the cost of home heating fuel supplied them, not to exceed the amount of tax credit to which such individual is entitled. Specifies that an individual taxpayer is eligible for assistance under this title only if his adjusted gross income is less than 175 percent of the poverty level, as determined according to criteria established by the Office of Management and Budget, and if he purchases home heating fuel directly from a supplier. Permits reimbursement to suppliers on a monthly basis. Requires suppliers to certify to the Secretary information with respect to the sale of fuel to taxpayers eligible for assistance under this title. Authorizes the Comptroller General to audit the records of any supplier reimbursed under this title. Prohibits any supplier of home heating fuel from refusing to deliver fuel to any individual solely because such individual is participating in the residential fuel assistance program. Prohibits suppliers who receive reimbursement under this title from: (1) supplying residential fuel to individuals receiving assistance under this title on different terms than those applicable to all other individuals; and (2) terminating delivery of fuel to an individual receiving such assistance without providing written notice of termination to such individuals at least 21 days prior to termination. Prescribes fines and criminal penalties for intentional violations of requirements established by this title. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title. Terminates the provisions of this Act for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Makes supplemental appropriations to the Community Services Administration for the community services program, part of which is to be transferred to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for payment to eligible individuals of energy grants and allowances to assist in meeting heating fuel costs. Excludes such allowances from being considered as income or resources for purposes of any other public assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Makes supplemental appropriations to the Community Services Administration for the community services program, part of which is to be transferred to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for payment to eligible individuals of energy grants and allowances to assist in meeting fuel and related administrative costs. Excludes such allowances from being considered as income or resources for purposes of any other public assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to make financial assistance available to a coal surface mining operator whose probable total annual production will not exceed 100,000 tons, with regard to: (1) drilling observation wells; (2) meeting planning requirements, including water supply information, climatological information, vegetation information, fish and wildlife resources information, soil resources information, land use information, and mapping requirements; and (3) reclamation and operations activities, including water compliance monitoring, and soil tests.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Energy to issue coal conversion orders or rules requiring specified existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations to convert from petroleum or natural gas to coal as a primary energy source, unless the Secretary grants an exemption thereof. Lists the facilities covered by this Act, including facilities in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Illinois, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Georgia, Connecticut, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Colorado, New Hampshire, Florida, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Authorizes the Secretary to grant temporary and permanent exemptions to such orders or rules upon his determination that compliance with such orders or rules will result in violations of applicable environmental requirements. Exempts the issuance of such orders or rules from consideration as "major Federal actions" for purposes of the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Alternative Energy Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to 50 percent the rate of the income tax credit for residential energy conservation expenditures and for renewable energy source expenditures. Increases the amount of renewable energy source expenditures eligible for the credit to $10,000. Eliminates the requirement that such expenditures be limited to the taxpayer's principal residence. Qualifies expenditures for the drilling of an onsite well drilled for any geothermal deposit for the renewable energy source tax credit. Qualifies renewable energy source property which is also a structural component of a building for the energy tax credit. Permits lessors, lessees, and builders who are not the original users of property to claim a residential energy credit. Permits taxpayers, upon application to the Secretary of the Treasury, to claim an immediate tax credit for the taxable year previous to the year in which energy conservation expenditures are made. Provides a residential energy credit for heat pumps which replace an electric resistance heating system. Extends the termination date of the residential energy tax credit to December 31, 2000. Increases the investment tax credit for: (1) hydroelectric and cogeneration energy property; (2) solar and wind energy property; (3) geothermal energy property; (4) biomass property; (5) ocean thermal energy conversion property; and (6) utilities. Makes the credit for such properties refundable. Repeals the exemption from excise tax for gasohol. Allows an income tax credit for the use of gasohol. Bases the amount of such credit on the volume of alcohol mixed with gasoline.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and prompt process for obtaining Federal, State, and local approval of nonnuclear energy facilities which are determined to be in the national interest. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the President to establish an Energy Mobilization Board to be composed of members appointed by the President. Sets forth the general duties and powers of such Board, including the subpoena power. Directs the Board to keep the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs and on Interstate and Foreign Commerce fully and currently informed concerning its activities, including the submission of an annual report. Stipulates that projects related to the production of nuclear energy or approved under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies of 1978 be excluded from coverage under this Act. Directs the Board to designate Priority Energy Projects and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the Board to provide the appropriate committees with a copy of such designation orders. Sets forth the criteria the Board must consider in making such designations, including: (1) the extent to which the energy project would reduce the Nation's dependence upon nonrenewable resources; (2) the magnitude of any economic and social impacts and costs associated with the project in relation to the impacts and costs of alternatives; (3) the extent to which the project would make use of renewable energy resources, or conserve energy; (4) the extent to which the project would contribute to the development of new production or conservation technologies and techniques; (5) adverse impacts on the environment and on competition; and other specified criteria. Directs the Board to notify the Governor of each State in which any portion of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project is proposed to be located. Permits such Governor to appoint a non-voting Member to the Board to participate in decisions concerning such project, including the Project Decision Schedule. Exempts priority energy project designations or refusals to make a designation, promulgation or revision of Project Decision Schedules, and Board actions relating to streamlining of procedures, from the impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to determine whether any Federal action relating to a Priority Energy Project, after it has been so designated and prior to establishing the Project Schedule, will be a "major Federal action" for purposes of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Requires the Council to designate a lead agency to assure compliance with NEPA whenever a major Federal action is involved. Authorizes the Board to require that one environmental impact statement be prepared and that such statement be used by all Federal agencies to satisfy NEPA with respect to such projects. Authorizes the Board to extend the time for certain deadlines. Requires each agency having authority to make any agency decision with respect to any part of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project to transmit to the Board: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required to be taken by such agency and by the applicant before such decision can be made and a summary of procedural requirements applicable to such actions; (2) a tentative schedule for completing such actions and making such decisions; and (3) a statement of administrative requirements to take such actions. Directs the Board to publish a Project Decision Schedule within 45 days of the transmittal of agency information. Stipulates that such schedule: (1) identify the order in which decisions which must be made by each agency are to be made; (2) identify the deadlines applicable to such decisions; (3) be consistent with the tentative schedules transmitted to the Board, unless the Board determines a different schedule is essential to expedite and coordinate agency review; and (4) be binding on the agency and on all other persons to which the Schedule applies. Permits the Board to modify any schedule applicable to any agency's decision or action subject to the Project Decision Schedule upon petition of such agency where the agency determines such modification will facilitate agency compliance with the Schedule. Permits affected agencies to consolidate proceedings related to actions and decisions subject to the Project Decision Schedule, if such streamlined procedures provide for effective participation by interested parties in such decisionmaking. Directs the Board to monitor compliance with the Schedule by all affected agencies and persons. Permits the Board to take such actions as it deems appropriate to bring any person or agency responsible for a project delay into compliance with the Schedule. Directs the Board, when any person responsible for filing or taking any other action on behalf of a Project refuses to take such action, to either revise such Project Decision Schedule or revoke the Priority Energy Project designation. Stipulates that, unless otherwise provided for, the other statutory obligations and authority of any independent regulatory agency remain unaffected by this Act. Authorizes the Board to bring an expedited enforcement action against any agency failing to or reasonably likely to fail to comply with a Project Decision Schedule in the appropriate United States district court. Directs such court to issue specified orders requiring compliance with such Schedule and to take any necessary measures, including citation and punishment of the responsible officials for contempt of court, for failure to meet any court-imposed deadlines. Authorizes the President to perform any action or make any decision required of an agency by court order in the event such agency fails to perform such action or make such decision. Authorizes the Board to order the temporary suspension of the application of any requirement of Federal, State, or local law enacted or promulgated after the commencement of construction of any facility which is part of a Priority Project where it is determined that such requirement could prevent timely completion or operation of such facility and that such temporary suspension would not create any significant public health or safety risks. Sets forth time limits on such suspension orders and exempts specified requirements from being suspended. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall expand or confer on the United States any right to acquire water rights nor alter any provisions of State law or interstate compact governing water use. States that Board action granting or denying designation orders or suspending Federal, State, or local requirements of law shall be subject to judicial review only for failure to comply with this Act or for constitutional violations. Provides for judicial review of other Board actions as specified. Requires that any reviewing court expedite and consolidate such review to the maximum extent practicable. Requires that any party seeking Supreme Court review of any judgment or order of a circuit court of appeals pursuant to this Act must file a petition for a writ of certiorari within 60 days of the decision of the lower court or such appeal shall be barred. Sets a 60-day time limit for the promulgation of regulations for carrying out this Act. Terminates the Board's authority seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report of its activities during such period. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the Congress a report evaluating the performance of the Board and setting forth findings and recommendations with respect to the program authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and succeeding fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Local Government Energy Conservation Act - Establishes a grant program to assist local governmental units in undertaking energy conservation activities, including: (1) establishment of mechanisms for coordinating all energy-related activities of a local governmental unit; (2) establishment of local energy conservation targets; (3) development of programs of energy conservation in local governmental operations; (4) development of programs to decrease private sector energy consumption; (5) establishment of an energy conservation information clearinghouse; and (6) development of regional plans with other local governmental units. Prohibits grant recipients from using grant funds to make grants or loans to other persons or entities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize additional appropriations for supplemental grant assistance for energy development and conservation action grants authorized under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make energy development and conservation actions grants to cities, urban counties, and Indian tribes to help alleviate physical and economic deterioration and promote energy development and conservation by subsidizing the rehabilitation, expansion, and development of feasible energy supply or conservation systems of proven technology, such as district heating, geothermal projects, industrial cogeneration, municipal solid waste heat recovery, small head hydropower, or other energy conserving systems or technologies. Stipulates that such grants shall be made only to those cities, counties, and Indian tribes which have provided low-and-moderate income housing and equal opportunity in housing and employment for low-and-moderate income persons and minority group members. Sets forth application procedures and criteria for selecting grant recipients. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such grant program with other agency programs, and to review and audit grant recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Title I: Fuel Assistance for Low-Income and Elderly Households - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Community Services Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish procedures for determining the needs of eligible low- income and elderly households for increased weatherization and other energy-related assistance and for providing such assistance on a timely basis. Earmarks specified funds for the purpose of creating public information and outreach programs designed to ensure maximum participation in the energy assistance program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of HEW, acting through the Social Security Administration, to establish a program to provide assistance to low-income and elderly households for meeting primary residential fuel costs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amount of such assistance, and requirements for eligibility. Specifies that the amount or value of benefits provided under such program shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes under any Federal or State law. Establishes a system of making payments to fuel suppliers supplying fuel to eligible recipients. Requires such suppliers to provide specified information to the appropriate State agency in order to qualify for such payments. Provides that such program shall be administered by the appropriate State agency according to an agreement between such agency and the Secretary, or, in the absence of such agreement, by the Secretary in accordance with regulations. Requires suppliers to keep full records and submit them to the Comptroller General as needed for auditing purposes. Prohibits suppliers from refusing to sell fuel to eligible participants solely on the basis of their participation in the fuel assistance programs established under this Act. Prohibits suppliers from terminating supplies of primary residential fuel to eligible households except in accordance with specified procedures. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such fuel assistance program. Directs the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish a crisis intervention program to supplement the fuel assistance program with evacuation procedures, emergency shelter, home repair, or payment of bills. Authorizes appropriations for such crisis intervention for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Title II: Middle-Income Energy Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to eligible taxpayers for amounts paid for heating oil for principal residences.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the energy conservation block grant program established pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make energy conservation block grants to units of general local government and Indian tribes for the development of energy conservation plans and programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for obtaining such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside a portion of the moneys appropriated under this Act for technical and other assistance to eligible jurisdictions, for the publications of relevant studies, for evaluations, research and planning, and for other specified uses designed to promote the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of S. 1030 (Energy conservation program).
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 2335 (Solar energy program).
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Citizens' Energy Act of 1979 - Title I: Price and Allocation Controls - Subtitle A - Extension of Authority - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend mandatory controls on domestic crude oil through December 31, 1981, and provides the President with discretionary authority to continue such controls through December 31, 1983. Subtitle B - Home Heating Oil - Middle Distillate Fuel Control Act of 1979 - Directs the President to impose controls on heating oil and diesel fuel within 15 days after enactment. Subtitle C - Natural Gas - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to eliminate natural gas deregulation and to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set rates for interstate and intrastate natural gas. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require States to hold hearings, with full opportunity for public participation including intervenor funding, to determine whether or not lifeline rates for residential natural gas users should be implemented by State-regulated gas utilities or nonregulated gas utilities. Title II: Conservation - Subtitle A - Energy Productivity - Part I: Residential Energy Conservation - Establishes a Residential Energy Conservation Office in the Department of Energy to be administered by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Energy. Directs the Director to reimburse eligible homeowners or apartment dwellers who insulate or install other energy conservation improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. Requires the Director to coordinate such program with the energy audit program authorized under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, and to advertise the availability of such audits as a means of promoting such program of reimbursement. Requires the Director to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the promotion of such program. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the operations of the Office. Requires any seller of energy conservation improvements to certify to purchasers whether such improvements comply with any regulations issued by the Director which establish performance and quality standards for energy conservation improvements. Establishes criminal penalties for willfully providing false information to the Director in any application for reimbursement. Part II: Industrial Fuel Conservation - Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to industrial firms to assist them in paying engineering costs for studying the cost-effectiveness of energy conservation investments. Stipulates that such loans would be repaid only if the study showed investing in a more efficient process would be cost-effective. Authorizes the Secretary to provide energy rebates to industrial firms which implement conservation projects for every barrel of oil saved for the first year following the investment in such project. Part III: Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program to provide low-interest loans to owners, developers, and builders of commercial property for investment in energy conservation systems. Directs the Secretary to appoint an Administrator and such other staff as are deemed necessary to carry out such program. Establishes an Advisory Board to be appointed by the President to advise the Secretary in carrying out such program. Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly making any false statement or misrepresentation concerning any loan assisted under such program. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress and the President on the operation of such program. Directs the Secretary to promote such program by informing financial institutions and commercial property owners, developers, and builders of the benefits of such program. Subtitle B: Industrial Energy Efficiency - Industrial Equipment Efficiency Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended by the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, to add new definitions relating to energy efficiency of industrial equipment. Amends such Act to require a study of industrial equipment to determine which categories of devices would benefit from labeling or mandatory energy efficiency standards. Directs the Secretary to select the classes or types of equipment for which he will establish test procedures. Stipulates that any such test procedures will be designed in consultation with equipment manufacturers and appropriate technical societies. Directs the Secretary to determine the types of equipment for which he will prescribe labeling rules and to consult with equipment manufacturers affected by proposed rules. Requires the Secretary to select the types of electric motors and pumps for which he will prescribe standby energy efficiency standards and sets forth procedures and criteria for issuing such standards. Exempts small business manufacturers of equipment from such standards upon a determination that imposition of such standards may cause serious economic hardship. Stipulates that if the Attorney General finds that the imposition of standards would have an anticompetitive impact, the Secretary shall withdraw such standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a market penetration schedule for "high efficiency motors" and "high efficiency pumps". Sets forth reporting requirements for specified manufacturers of electric motors and pumps. Requires the Secretary to report quarterly to the Congress on the results of such reports. Sets forth conditions under which standby energy efficiency standards be removed from the standby status and made permanently effective. Incorporates the same provisions on rules, authority to obtain information, exports, imports, prohibited acts, enforcement, injunction enforcement, citizen suits, and administrative procedure and judicial review as are applicable to the appliance efficiency standards program of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Subtitle C - Residential Energy Audits - Residential Energy Audit Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require a residential building owner offering his building for sale to make a copy of the energy audit report on such building available to the purchaser, if the building is served by a utility offering a residential energy conservation program, and is financed by any institution the deposits of which are insured by a Federal agency. Prohibits any such financial institution from providing financing for the purchase of a residential building served by such a utility unless such institution has received a current energy audit report on the building. Subtitle D - National Speed Limits - Amends the national maximum speed limit legislation to provide that if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour in a State exceeds 25 percent that State's Federal-aid highway apportionment shall be reduced by 20 percent (previously if the percentage of vehicles exceeding such limit was greater than 60 percent the State's apportionment would be reduced by five percent). Subtitle E - Residential Heating Improvement - Residential Furnace Improvement and Cost Savings Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require the Secretary of Energy to publish in the Federal Register a list of energy conservation retrofit devices found to improve energy efficiency of home heating and cooling devices and which can qualify for the residential energy credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires manufacturers of home heating devices to issue procedures for the modification of home heating devices to permit the utilization of energy conservation retrofit devices. Directs the Secretary to invite State governors to submit plans for the certification of contractors qualified to install such devices, and sets forth criteria for such certification plans. Prohibits, after January 1, 1981, the financing of the sale of any residential building by any financial institution whose deposits are insured by any agency of the Federal Government without: (1) State or Federal certification that the home heating devices contained in such building (a) has been modified by the installation of an energy conservation retrofit device, or (b) meets minimum efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy; or (2) evidence of a contract to retrofit a home heating device in such a building after purchase. Imposes a fine of not less than $2,500 for the failure of the new owner of a residential building to make such modifications to the building's heating device. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each State having an approved contractor certification plan for the costs of administration of such plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal program to carry out the provisions of this Act in States which do not have approved certification plans. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to establish a program of assistance for low-income residential building owners to assist them in obtaining the energy conservation retrofit devices required under this Act. Title III: Federal Energy Corporations - Subtitle A - Energy Corporation of America - Energy Company of America Act - Amends the the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish a government corporation to be known as the Energy Company of America. Sets forth the composition of the Board of Directors of such Company. Authorizes the Company to: (1) explore for oil, natural gas, coal, geothermal and solar resources on any Federal lands; (2) develop, produce, purchase, define research and development for improved methods of fuel resource technology; (4) obtain necessary equipment and facilities; (5) explore for, develop, produce, import, purchase, store, transport, and sell fuel resources in or from non-domestic sources; (6) conduct other corporate business as necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Company. Provides for production of oil, natural gas, coal, geothermal, or other energy from standby reserves upon a finding that such production is necessary to alleviate domestic shortages. Provides for the establishment of standby reserves. Sets forth conditions and procedures for the conveyance of Federal lands to the Company. Sets forth procedures to ensure environmental protection relevant to the construction of Company facilities. Prohibits the Company from proceedings with any such proposed activity except as provided by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency unless, upon judicial review, the court sets aside an adverse determination of the Administrator. Exempts the Company from Federal taxation. Permits comparable State and local taxation of the Company. Prohibits the Company from selling at prices below actual adjusted costs. Directs excess revenues to be covered into the miscellaneous receipts fund of the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct quarterly audits of the Company's transactions. Directs the Company to transmit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Excludes the receipts and disbursements of the Company from totals of the budget of the United States and exempts them from any annual expenditure and net lending limitations imposed on a budget of the United States Government. Makes the Occupational Safety and Health Act applicable to employees of the Company. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful disclosure of information concerning crude oil or petroleum products and speculation thereon. Declares that Congress shall exercise continuing oversight of the activities of the Company. Empowers the Company to incur debt for capital and operating purposes through any form of securities, agreements, or obligations. Authorizes any party or party intervenor in a civil action against the Company to recover attorney's fees from the United States. Authorizes any person to commence such actions for mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief against the Company. Defines "standing" for the purposes of such actions. Vests title in any invention made or conceived by Company personnel in the United States. Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to include any claims arising from Company activities. Subtitle B - Oil Import Authority - Part I - Oil Importation - Oil Imports Act of 1979 - Prohibits the importation of crude oil or other petroleum products into the United States unless permitted by, purchased by, or manufactured from crude oil purchased by the American Oil Import Corporation created by this Act. Sets forth requirements for issuing import permits for the importation of crude oil and petroleum products. Directs the Corporation to issue permits for such imports, in cases of national emergency, to insure access by the Armed Forces of the United States to needed oil supplies. Requires that crude oil and petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve be purchased from the Corporation. Grants to the Corporation exclusive purchasing authority for crude oil and petroleum product imports, and sets forth requirements regarding such purchasing authority. Part II: American Oil Import Corporation - Establishes a nonprofit corporation to be known as the American Oil Import Corporation, to be managed by a Board of Directors to be appointed by the President. Establishes an Advisory Board to the Corporation, composed of officers of specified Federal agencies and departments, to meet periodically with the Directors to share information of the activities of the Corporation pertaining to the various departments and agencies represented. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Corporation and confers upon the Corporation nonprofit status. Establishes a Public Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States into which shall be deposited revenues from activities of the Corporation. Provides that such funds, including appropriated funds as authorized by the Congress, shall be used by the Corporation for carrying out this Act. Sets forth specified reporting, recordkeeping, and audit requirements on the Corporation. Part III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes it a crime for any officer, employee, or person acting for or on behalf of the United States or any department or agency thereof to prematurely disclose information concerning crude oil or petroleum products required to be withheld from publication until a fixed time or to speculate directly or indirectly in any such product by buying or selling the same in quantity before such information is made public through regular official channels. Repeals the standby purchase authority of the President under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Title IV: Refinery and Related Policies - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to authorize the President to require refiners to produce maximum amounts of petroleum products in order to avert gasoline or distillate shortages. Amends such Act further to extend indefinitely authorities to prevent oil industry hoarding, to require refiners to emphasize production of products in short supply, and to establish inventory targets for crude oil or petroleum products. Title V: Investigations and Information - Subtitle A - Special Prosecutor - Special Prosecutor Act of 1979 - Establishes an independent Office of Special Prosecution, to be headed by a Special Prosecutor appointed by the President, with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of any provision of or regulation promulgated under the Emergency Petroleum Act of 1973. Grants the Special Prosecutor the power and authority to excercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Departments of Justice and Energy to perform the function of the office, including: (1) conducting civil and criminal litigation in any court; (2) contesting the assertion of executive, testimonial, evidentiary, or other privilege; (3) receiving appropriate national security clearance and, if necessary, contesting any attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of national security; (4) inspecting, obtaining, or using the original or a copy of any tax return; and (5) instructing the Bureau of Investigation and other domestic investigative agencies with respect to information and evidence. Directs the Special Prosecutor to submit at least annually a report on the activities of the Office to the President and Congress. Requires the Submission of a detailed statement of the activities of the Office with recommendations for legislation and administrative action. Terminates the Office five years after appointment of the Special Prosecutor. Subtitle B - Information Gathering - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to make any information collected by the Department of Energy available to the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of the Interior, the Government Accounting Office, Congress, or any Governor upon request. Title VI: Solar Energy - Subtitle A - Solar Energy Bank - Solar Energy Bank Act - Establishes a Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to subsidize long-term low-interest loans made by financial institutions to promote the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Provides for the appointment of the President of the Bank by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires the General Accounting Office to audit periodically the Bank's financial transactions. Establishes an Advisory Board to make annual reports to Congress and the President on the operation of the program established by this Act. Authorizes the Bank to make payments to financial institutions to subsidize long-term low-interest loans to owners or builders of commercial or residential structures for the installation of solar systems. Limits the amount of such loans to $10,000 per single family dwelling, $500,000 for multi-unit residential dwellings, and $200,000 for commercial buildings. Sets forth requirements for loan eligibility concerning the term and amount of the loan and necessary warranties for the solar energy systems covered by such loan. Authorizes the making of such loan subsidies to units of local government on behalf of low-income persons for projects carried out under other housing or rehabilitation programs. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Directs the Bank to conduct a program to promote the benefits of its loan subsidy program. Prohibits subsidy payments from being provided under this subtitle for anyone who has received or is receiving other Federal assistance for the purchase and/or installation of solar energy systems. Subtitle B - Omnibus Solar Commercialization - Omnibus Solar Commercialization Act of 1979 - Part I - Renewable Energy Initiatives - Establishes a national goal for the increased use of renewable energy resources as a part of the Nation's total supply in the year 2000. Defines the term "passive solar energy system" to mean space heating and cooling systems making the most efficient use of, or enhancing the use of, natural forces including solar insulation, winds, nighttime coolness, and cooling by radiation to the night sky, to heat or cool living space by the use of conductive, convective or radiant energy transfer. Describes several types of passive solar energy systems. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Energy to utilize State and local government organizations, Energy Extension Services, regional Solar Energy Research Centers, and other such entities in providing information services, training, education and other services to the public and to persons involved in the development and commercialization of solar energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish the Solar Energy and Conservation Information Center to provide information services to the public and to the entities listed above, including: (1) retrieval and dissemination of solar energy development and commercialization materials; (2) development of materials specifically designed to assist architects, builders, installers, manufactures and others in solar energy development and commercialization; and (3) development of training and education programs specifically designed for such purposes. Directs Federal agency heads responsible for construction of new civilian Federal buildings to require the utilization of active and passive solar agency systems unless it is determined that such systems are not cost effective, according to a specified formula. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense a ten percent alcohol and gasoline mixture. Requires that the same alcohol-gasoline mixture be dispensed by retail gasoline supply outlets operated by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrators of the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Power Administration to purchase power from proposed non-federally constructed generating facilities utilizing renewable energy resources. Authorizes such Administrators to construct and operate non-hydroelectric facilities, provided that the Administrator has made a public offer to purchase or guarantee the purchase of power from a comparable non-federally constructed facility and has received no offer from a non-Federal entity to construct such a facility. Directs the Secretary to establish programs demonstrating energy self-sufficiency through the use of renewable energy resources, including programs to: (1) promote the development of synergistic combinations of different renewable energy resources designed to reduce fossil fuel imports; (2) initiate energy self-sufficiency at appropriate levels of government; and (3) provide Federal assistance to stimulate private industry participation in the realization of such self-sufficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Energy Self-Sufficiency and to prepare a plan setting forth the responsibilities of such Office to be submitted to the Congress. Part II - Wind Energy Initiatives - Directs the Secretary to establish commercialization programs designed to promote and accelerate research, development, and experimentation of wind energy systems and components. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal assistance in investigating, designing, fabricating, testing, purchasing, installing and marketing such systems to public or private entities to facilitate the utilization of a wind system. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into such contracts and make such grants as may be necessary or appropriate for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with appropriate Federal agencies to carry out projects and activities with respect to Federal facilities as may be appropriate for the demonstration of wind energy systems which are suitable and effective for use in such facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on the subject of Federal applications for wind energy systems, the effects of widespread utilization of wind energy systems on the existing electrical utility system, and the prospects for applications of wind and energy systems for power generation in foreign countries, particularly lesser developed countries. Establishes a wind energy utilization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind systems for power production in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties concerning the wind energy program. Title VII: Energy Tax Policy - Oil Industry Tax Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the percentage depletion allowance for independent oil and gas producers and royalty owners. Repeals the tax treatment of intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells (except nonproductive wells) as currently deductible expenses. Requires such costs to be capitalized and amortized over a 168 month period. Disallows an income tax credit for foreign taxes paid by domestic corporations on foreign oil related income. Treats such taxes as royalties for which a deduction or exclusion from foreign source income would be allowed. Requires the payment of income taxes at the corporate level on the foreign oil-related income of domestic corporations. Title VIII: Divestiture - Subtitle A - Natural Gas - Natural Gas Industry Competition Act of 1979 - Part I - Industry Competition - Makes it unlawful, five years after enactment of this Act: (1) for any major natural gas producer to own, or control any interest in any natural gas transportation or marketing asset; (2) for any natural gas transporter to own or control any interest in any natural gas production or marketing asset; (3) for any major natural gas marketer to own or control any interest in any production or transportation asset; and (4) for any person who owns any natural gas production or marketing asset to transport any energy resource in which he has any interest by means of any transportation asset in which that person has an interest. Prohibits major producers from entering into joint ventures resulting in actions prohibited by this part, and prohibits major producers, marketers, or transporters having interests in any operation prohibited under this part from making any additional investments in such operations. Makes it unlawful for any major producer, marketer, or transporter having such interests in any prohibited asset to fail to withdraw all operating cash flow attributable to such ownership or control in or from any affiliate or such producer, marketer, transporter. Requires each person to whom this part applies or may apply to submit periodical reports about the assets of such person and such other information as the Attorney General may request. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this subtitle. Part II - National Energy Industry Competition Court - Establishes a National Energy Industry Competition Court with exclusive jurisdiction over all actions and suits brought under this subtitle. Provides that such Court shall consist of three or more judges to be designated by the Chief Justice of the United States, and shall be dissolved by the Chief Justice when its purposes have been accomplished. Establishes procedures for direct appeal from the decisions of the Court to the United States Court. Subtitle B - Petroleum and Energy Industries - Part I - Horizontal Integration - Energy Industry Competition and Performance Act of 1979 - Makes it unlawful for any major petroleum producer to acquire, or retain any interest or control over any coal, uranium, or solar asset. Defines control as a direct or indirect legal or beneficial interest in, or direct or indirect legal power or influence over, another person, arising through direct, indirect, or interlocking ownership of capital stock, interlocking directorates or officers, or contractual relations which substantially impair the independent business behavior of another person. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to exempt any corporation formed or reorganized as a result of compliance with this part from the Clayton Act for a period of up to one year. Requires each major petroleum producer who owns or controls any interest in any coal, uranium, or solar asset to file a report with the Commission listing its interest in such assets. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by each major petroleum producer for the divestment of its interest in such assets. Grants primary oversight jurisdiction to the Commission and specified enforcement powers to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Part II - Vertical Integration - Petroleum Industry Competition Act of 1979 - Makes it unlawful for: (1) any major petroleum producer to own or control any interest in any refinery, transportation, or marketing asset; (2) any petroleum transporter to own or control any interest in any production, refinery, or marketing asset; (3) any major refiner or marketer to own or control any interest in any production or transportation asset; or (4) any major refiner to own or control any marketing asset. Requires each person to which such prohibitions apply to file a report with the Commission about the assets. Sets forth procedures to be followed by such persons for the divestment of such assets. Grants primary enforcement jurisdiction to the Commission, and prescribes civil penalties for violation of this Act. Part III - Major Acquisitions - Energy Antimonopoly Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any entity or subsidiary thereof, which produced or had an interest in a total of 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids in 1976 from acquiring control or a majority of the assets of any other entity whose assets exceed $100,000,000. Title IX: Low and Moderate Income Assistance - Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Part I - Fuel Assistance for Low-Income and Elderly Households - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Wefare (HEW), in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Community Services Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish procedures for determining the needs of eligible low-income and elderly households for increased weatherization and other energy-related assistance and for providing such assistance on a timely basis. Earmarks specified funds for the purpose of creating public information and outreach programs designed to ensure maximum participation in the energy assistance program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of HEW, acting through the Social Security Administration to establish a program to provide assistance to low-income and elderly households to aid in meeting primary residential fuel costs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amount of such assistance, and requirements for eligibility. Stipulates that the amount or value of benefits provided under such program shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes under any Federal or State law. Establishes a system of making payments to fuel suppliers supplying fuel to eligible recipients. Requires such suppliers to provide specified information to the appropriate State agency in order to qualify for such payments. States that such program shall be administered by the appropriate State agency according to an agreement between such agency and the Secretary, or in the absence of such agreement, by the Secretary in accordance with his regulations. Requires suppliers to keep full records and submit them to the Comptroller General as needed for auditing purposes. Prohibits suppliers from refusing to sell fuel to eligible participants solely on the basis of their participation in the fuel assistance programs established under this Act. Prohibits suppliers from terminating supplies of primary residential fuel to eligible households except in accordance with specified procedures. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish a crisis intervention program to supplement the fuel assistance program with evacuation procedures, emergency shelter, home repair, or payment of bills. Authorizes appropriations for such crisis intervention for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Part II - Middle-Income Energy Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to eligible taxpayers for amounts paid for heating oil for principal residences.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to require that all terms of sale of electric power shall be proposed by the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority and become effective only upon approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Authorizes the Corporation to modify any terms of sale, but requires confirmation and approval of such modifications by the Commission. Sets forth procedures applicable to the confirmation and approval of proposed terms of sale of electric power, including provisions for public notice, hearings, investigations, and proceedings undertaken by the Corporation and/or the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Citizens' Energy Act of 1979 - Title I: Price and Allocation Controls - Subtitle A - Extension of Authority - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend mandatory controls on domestic crude oil through December 31, 1981, and provide the President with discretionary authority to continue such controls through December 31, 1983. Subtitle B - Home Heating Oil - Middle Distillate Fuel Control Act of 1979 - Directs the President to impose controls on heating oil and diesel fuel within 15 days after enactment of this Act. Subtitle C - Natural Gas - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to eliminate natural gas deregulation and to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set rates for interstate and intrastate natural gas. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require States to hold hearings, with full opportunity for public participation including intervenor funding, to determine whether or not lifeline rates for residential natural gas users should be implemented by State-regulated gas utilities or nonregulated gas utilities. Title II: Conservation - Subtitle A - Energy Productivity - Part I - Residential Energy Conservation Establishes a Residential Energy Conservation Office in the Department of Energy to be administered by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Energy. Directs the Director to reimburse eligible homeowners or apartment dwellers who insulate or install other energy conservation improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. Requires the Director to coordinate such program with the energy audit program authorized under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, and to advertise the availability of such audits as a means of promoting such program of reimbursement. Requires the Director to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the promotion of such program. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the operations of the Office. Requires any seller of energy conservation improvements to certify to purchasers whether such improvements comply with any regulations issued by the Director which establish performance and quality standards for energy conservation improvements. Establishes criminal penalties for willfully providing false information to the Director in any application for reimbursement. Part II - Industrial Fuel Conservation - Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to industrial firms to assist them in paying engineering costs for studying the cost-effectiveness of energy conservation investments. Stipulates that such loans would be repaid only if the study showed investing in a more efficient process would be cost-effective. Authorizes the Secretary to provide energy rebates to industrial firms which implement conservation projects for every barrel of oil saved for the first year following the investment in such project. Part III: Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program to provide low-interest loans to owners, developers, and builders of commercial property for investment in energy conservation systems. Directs the Secretary to appoint an Administrator and such other staff as necessary to carry out such program. Establishes an Advisory Board to be appointed by the President to advise the Secretary in carrying out such program. Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly making any false statement or misrepresentation concerning any loan assisted under such program. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of such program. Directs the Secretary to promote such program by informing financial institutions and commercial property owners, developers, and builders of the benefits of such program. Subtitle B - Industrial Energy Efficiency - Industrial Equipment Efficiency Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended by the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, to add new definitions relating to energy efficiency of industrial equipment. Amends such Act, to require a study of industrial equipment to determine which categories of devices would benefit from labeling or mandatory energy efficiency standards. Directs the Secretary to select the classes or types of equipment for which he will establish test procedures. Stipulates that any such test procedures will be designed in consultation with equipment manufacturers and appropriate technical societies. Directs the Secretary to determine the types of equipment for which he will prescribe labeling rules and to consult with equipment manufacturers affected by proposed rules. Requires the Secretary to select the types of electric motors and pumps for which he will prescribe standby energy efficiency standards and set forth procedures and criteria for issuing such standards. Exempts small equipment manufactures from such standards upon a determination that imposition of such standards may cause serious economic hardship. Stipulates that if the Attorney General finds that the imposition of standards would have an anticompetitive impact, the Secretary shall withdraw such standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a market penetration schedule for "high efficiency motors" and "high efficiency pumps". Sets forth reporting requirements for specified manufacturers of electric motors and pumps. Requires the Secretary to report quarterly to the Congress on the results of such reports. Sets forth conditions under which standby energy efficiency standards may be removed from standby status and made permanently effective. Incorporates the same provisions on rules, authority to obtain information, exports, imports, prohibited acts, enforcement, injunction enforcement, citizen suits, and administrative procedure and judicial review as are applicable to the appliance efficiency standards program of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Subtitle C - Residential Energy Audits - Residential Energy Audit Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require a residential building owner offering his building for sale to make a copy of the energy audit report on such building available to the purchaser, if the building is served by a utility offering a residential energy conservation program, and is financed by any institution whose deposits are insured by a Federal agency. Prohibits any such financial institution from providing financing for the purchase of a residential building served by such a utility unless such institution has received a current energy audit report on the building. Subtitle D - National Speed Limits - Amends the national maximum speed limit legislation to provide that if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour in a State exceeds 25 percent that State's Federal highway apportionment shall be reduced by 20 percent (previously if the percentage of vehicles exceeding such limit was greater than 60 percent the State's apportionment would be reduced by five percent). Subtitle E - Residential Heating Improvement - Residential Furnace Improvement and Cost Savings Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require the Secretary of Energy to publish in the Federal Register a list of energy conservation retrofit devices found to improve energy efficiency of home heating and cooling devices and which can qualify for the residential energy credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires manufacturers of home heating devices to issue procedures for the modification of home heating devices to permit the utilization of energy conservation retrofit devices. Directs the Secretary to invite State governors to submit plans for the certification of contractors qualified to install such devices, and sets forth criteria for such certification plans. Prohibits, after January 1, 1981, the financing of the sale of any residential building by any financial institution whose deposits are insured by any Federal agency without: (1) State or Federal certification that the home heating device contained in such building (a) has been modified by the installation of an energy conservation retrofit device, or (b) meets minimum efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy; or (2) evidence of a contract to retrofit a home heating device in such a building after purchase. Imposes a fine of not less than $2,500 for the failure by the new owner of a residential building to make such modifications to the building's heating device. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each State having an approved contractor certification plan for the administrative costs of such plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal program to carry out the provisions of this Act in States which do not have approved certification plans. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to establish a program of assistance for low-income residential building owners to assist them in obtaining the energy conservation retrofit devices required under this Act. Title III: Federal Energy Corporations - Subtitle A - Energy Corporation of America - Energy Company of America Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish a government corporation to be known as the Energy Company of America. Sets forth the composition of the Board of Directors of such Company. Authorizes the Company to: (1) explore for oil, natural gas, coal, geothermal and solar resources on any Federal lands; (2) develop, produce, purchase, refine, store, transport, and sell such energy resources; (3) engage in research and development for improved methods of fuel resource technology; (4) obtain necessary equipment and facilities; (5) explore for, develop, produce, import, purchase, store, transport and sell fuel resources in or from non-domestic sources; (4) conduct other corporate business as necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Company. Provides for production of oil, natural gas, coal, geothermal, or other energy from standby reserves upon a finding that such production is necessary to alleviate domestic shortages. Provides for the establishment of standby reserves. Sets forth conditions and procedures for the conveyance of Federal lands to the Company. Sets forth procedures to ensure environmental protection relevant to the construction of Company facilities. Prohibits the Company from proceeding with any such proposed activity except as provided by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency unless, upon judicial review, the court sets aside an adverse determination of the Administrator. Exempts the Company from Federal taxation. Permits comparable State and local taxation of the Company. Prohibits the Company from selling at prices below actual adjusted costs. Directs excess revenues to be converted into the miscellaneous receipts fund of the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct quarterly audits of the Company's transactions. Directs the Company to transmit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Excludes the receipts and disbursements of the Company from totals of the budget of the United States, and exempts them from any annual expenditure and lending limitations imposed on the United States Government. Makes the Occupational Safety and Health Act applicable to employees of the Company. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful disclosure of information concerning crude oil or petroleum products and speculation thereon. Declares that Congress shall exercise continuing oversight of the activities of the Company. Empowers the Company to incur debt for capital and operating purposes through any form of securities, agreements, or obligations. Authorizes any party or party intervenor in a civil action against the Company to recover attorney's fees from the United States. Authorizes any person to commence such actions for mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief against the Company. Defines "standing" for the purposes of such actions. Vests title in any invention made or conceived by Company personnel in the United States. Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to include any claims arising from Company activities. Subtitle B - Oil Import Authority - Oil Imports Act of 1979 - Part I - Oil Importation - Prohibits the importation of crude oil or other petroleum products into the United States unless permitted by, purchased by, or manufactured from crude oil purchased by the American Oil Import Corporation created by this Act. Sets forth requirements for issuing import permits for the importation of crude oil and petroleum products. Directs the Corporation in national emergencies, to issue permits for such imports to assure military access to needed oil supplies. Requires that crude oil and petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve be purchased from the Corporation. Grants to the Corporation exclusive purchasing authority for crude oil and petroleum product imports, and sets forth requirements regarding such purchasing authority. Part II - American Oil Import Corporation - Establishes a nonprofit corporation to be known as the American Oil Import Corporation, to be managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the President. Establishes an Advisory Board to the Corporation composed of officers of specified Federal agencies and departments to meet periodically with the Directors to share information of the activities of the Corporation Sets forth the powers and duties of the Corporation and confers upon the Corporation nonprofit status. Establishes a Public Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States into which shall be deposited revenues from activities of the Corporation. Sets forth specified reporting, recordkeeping, and audit requirements of the Corporation. Part III - Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes it a crime for any officer, employee, or person acting for or on behalf of the United States or any department or agency thereof to prematurely disclose information concerning crude oil or petroleum products required to be withheld from publication until a fixed time, or to speculate directly or indirectly in any such product by buying or selling the same in quantity before such information is made public through regular official channels. Repeals the standby purchase authority of the President under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Title IV: Refinery and Related Policies - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to authorize the President to require refiners to produce maximum amounts of petroleum products in order to avert gasoline or distillate shortages. Amends such Act to extend indefinitely authority to prevent oil industry hoarding, to require refiners to emphasize production of products in short supply, and to establish inventory targets for crude oil or petroleum products. Title V: Investigations and Information - Subtitle A - Special Prosecutor - Special Prosecutor Act of 1979 - Establishes an independent Office of Special Prosecution, to be headed by a Special Prosecutor appointed by the President, with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the Emergency Petroleum Act of 1973. Grants the Special Prosecutor the power to exercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Departments of Justice and Energy, including: (1) conducting civil and criminal litigation in any court; (2) contesting the assertion of executive, testimonial, evidentiary, or other privilege; (3) receiving appropriate national security clearance and contesting any attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of national security; (4) using the original or a copy of any tax return; and (5) instructing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other domestic investigative agencies with respect to information and evidence. Directs the Special Prosecutor to submit at least annually a report to the President and the Congress. Requires the submission of a detailed statement of the activities of the Office with recommendations for legislation and administrative action. Terminates the office five years after appointment of the Special Prosecutor. Subtitle B - Information Gathering - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to make any information collected by the Department of Energy available to the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of the Interior, the Government Accounting Office, Congress, or any Governor upon request. Title VI: Solar Energy - Subtitle A - Solar Energy Bank - Solar Energy Bank Act - Establishes within the Department of Housing and Urban Development the Solar Energy Development Bank to subsidize long-term, low-interest loans made by financial institutions to promote the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Provides for the appointment of the President of the Bank by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires the General Accounting Office to periodically audit the Bank's financial transactions. Establishes an Advisory Board to make annual reports to Congress and the President. Authorizes the Bank to make payments to financial institutions to subsidize long-term, low-interest loans to owners or builders of commercial or residential structures for the installation of solar systems. Limits the amount of such loans to $10,000 per single family dwelling, $500,000 for multi-unit residential dwellings, and $200,000 for commercial buildings. Sets forth requirements for loan eligibility concerning the term and amount of the loan and necessary warranties for the solar energy systems covered by such loan. Authorizes the making of such loan subsidies to units of local government on behalf of low-income persons for projects carried out under other housing or rehabilitation programs. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Directs the Bank to conduct a program to promote the benefits of its loan subsidy program. Prohibits subsidy payments for anyone who has received or is receiving other Federal assistance for the purchase and/or installation of solar energy systems. Subtitle B - Omnibus Solar Commercialization - Omnibus Solar Commercialization Act of 1979 - Part I - Renewable Energy Initiatives - Establishes a national goal for the increased use of renewable energy resources as a part of the Nation's total energy supply in the year 2000. Defines the term "passive solar energy system" to mean space heating and cooling systems making the most efficient use of, or enhancing the use of, natural forces. Describes several types of passive solar energy systems. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Energy to utilize State and local government organizations, Energy Extension Services, regional Solar Energy Research Centers, and other such entities in providing information services, training, education and other services to the public and to persons involved in the development and commercialization of solar energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish the Solar Energy and Conservation Information Center to provide information services to the public and to the entities listed above, including: (1) retrieval and dissemination of solar energy materials; (2) development of materials specifically designed to assist architects and builders; and (3) development of training and education programs specifically designed for such purposes. Directs Federal agency heads responsible for construction of new civilian Federal buildings to require the utilization of active and passive solar energy systems unless it is determined that such systems are not cost effective, as determined by a specified formula. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense a ten percent alcohol and gasoline mixture. Requires that the same alcohol-gasoline mixture be dispensed by retail gasoline supply outlets operated by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrators of the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Power Administration, to purchase power from proposed non-federally constructed generating facilities utilizing renewable energy resources. Authorizes such Administrators to construct and operate non-hydroelectric generating facilities, provided that the Administrator has made a public offer to purchase or guarantee the purchase of power from a comparable non-federally constructed facility and has received no offer from a nonfederal entity to construct such a facility. Directs the Secretary to establish a programs demonstrating energy self-sufficiency through the use of renewable energy resources, including programs to: (1) promote the development of synergistic combinations of different renewable energy resources designed to reduce fossil fuel imports; (2) initiate energy self-sufficiency at appropriate levels of government; and (3) provide Federal assistance to stimulate private industry participation in the realization of such self-sufficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Energy Self-Sufficiency and to prepare a plan setting forth the responsibilities of such Office to be submitted to the Congress. Part II - Wind Energy Initiatives - Directs the Secretary to establish a commercialization program designed to promote and accelerate research, development, and experimentation of wind energy systems and components. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal assistance in designing, testing, purchasing, installing and marketing such systems to public or private entities. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts and make grants for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with Federal agencies to carry out demonstration projects of Federal facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of program selection criteria. Directs the Secretary to collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies relating to wind energy systems programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on: (1) the Federal applications of wind energy systems; (2) the effects of widespread utilization of wind energy systems on the existing electrical utility system; (3) and the prospects for applications of wind energy systems for power generation in foreign countries, particularly lesser developed countries. Establishes a wind energy utilization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind systems for power production in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary concerning such program. Title VII: Energy Tax Policy - Oil Industry Tax Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the percentage depreciation allowance for independent oil and gas producers and royalty owners. Repeals the tax treatment of intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells (except nonproductive wells) as currently deductible expenses. Requires such costs to be capitalized and amortized over a 168 month period. Disallows an income tax credit for foreign taxes paid by domestic corporations on foreign oil-related income. Treats such taxes as royalties for which a deduction or exclusion from foreign source income would be allowed. Requires the payment of income taxes at the corporate level on the foreign oil-related income of domestic corporations. Title VIII: Divestiture - Subtitle A - Natural Gas - Natural Gas Industry Competition Act of 1979 - Part I - Industry Competition - Makes it unlawful, five years after enactment of this Act: (1) for any major natural gas producer to own or control any interest in any natural gas transportation or marketing assets; (2) for any natural gas transporter to own or control any interest in any natural gas production or marketing asset; (3) for any major natural gas marketer to own or control any interest in any production or transportation asset; and (4) for any person who owns any natural gas production or marketing asset to transport any energy resource in which he has interest by means of any transportation asset in which that portion has an interest. Prohibits major producers from entering into joint ventures resulting in actions prohibited by this part, and prohibits major producers, marketers, or transporters having interests in any operation prohibited under this part from making any additional investments in such operations. Makes it unlawful for any major producer, marketer, or transporter having such interests in any prohibited asset to fail to withdraw all operating cash flow attributable to such ownership or control in or from any affiliate of such producer, marketer, transporter. Requires each person to whom this part applies or may apply to submit periodical reports about his/her assets, and such other information as the Attorney General may request. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this subtitle. Part II - National Energy Industry Competition Court - Establishes a National Energy Industry Competition Court with exclusive jurisdiction over all actions and suits brought under this subtitle. Provides that such Court shall consist of three or more judges to be designated by the Chief Justice of the United States, and shall be dissolved by the Chief Justice when its purposes have been accomplished. Establishes procedures for direct appeal from the decisions of the Court to the United States Supreme Court. Subtitle B - Petroleum and Energy Industries - Part I - Horizontal Integration - Energy Industry Competition and Performance Act of 1979 - Makes it unlawful for any major petroleum producer to acquire or retain any interest or control over any coal, uranium, or solar asset. Defines control as a direct or indirect legal power or influence over another person, arising through direct, indirect, or interlocking ownership of capital, interlocking directorates or officers, or contractual relations which substantially impair independent business behavior. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to exempt any corporation formed or reorganized as a result of compliance with this part from the Clayton Act for a period of up to one year. Requires each major petroleum producer who owns or controls any interest in any coal, uranium, or solar asset to file a report with the Commission listing its interest in such assets. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by each major petroleum producer for the divestment of its interest in such assets. Grants primary oversight jurisdiction to the Commission and specified enforcement powers to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Part II - Vertical Integration - Petroleum Industry Competition Act of 1979 - Makes it unlawful for: (1) any major petroleum producer to own or control any interest in any refinery, transportation, or marketing asset; (2) any petroleum transporter to own or control any interest in any production, refinery, or marketing asset; (3) any major refiner or marketer to own or control any interest in any production or transportation asset; or (4) any major refiner to own or control any marketing asset. Requires each person to which such prohibitions apply to file a report with the Commission about higher assets. Sets forth divestment procedures regarding such assets. Grants primary enforcement jurisdiction to the Commission, and prescribes civil penalties for violation of this Act. Part III - Major Acquisitions - Energy Antimonopoly Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any entity or subsidiary which produced or had an interest in a total of 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids in 1976 from acquiring control or a majority of the assets of any other entity whose assets exceed $100,000,000. Title IX: Low and Moderate Income Assistance - Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Part I - Fuel Assistance for Low-Income and Elderly Households - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Community Services Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish procedures for determining the needs of eligible low-income and elderly households for increased weatherization and other energy-related assistance and for providing such assistance on a timely basis. Earmarks specified funds for public information and outreach programs. Directs the Secretary of HEW, acting through the Social Security Administration, to establish a program to provide assistance to low-income and elderly households to aid in meeting primary residential fuel costs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amount of such assistance, and requirements for eligibility. States that the benefits provided under such program shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes under any Federal or State law. Establishes a payment system for fuel suppliers supplying fuel to eligible recipients. Requires such suppliers to provide specified information to the appropriate State agency to qualify for such payments. States that such program shall be administered by the appropriate State agency according to an agreement between such agency and the Secretary, or, in the absence of such agreement, by the Secretary in accordance with his regulations. Requires suppliers to keep full records and submit them to the Comptroller General as needed for auditing purposes. Prohibits suppliers from refusing to sell fuel to eligible participants solely on the basis of their participation in the fuel assistance programs established under this Act. Prohibits suppliers from terminating supplies of primary residential fuel to eligible households except in accordance with specified procedures. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue necessary regulations. Directs the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish a crisis intervention program to supplement the fuel assistance program with evacuation procedures, emergency shelter, home repair, or payment of bills. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Part II - Middle-income Energy Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for residential heating oil costs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations for grants to schools, hospitals, buildings owned by units of local government, and public care institutions for energy conservation programs, energy audits, and technical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1979
Disapproves the proposed rule under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 relating to incremental pricing of natural gas, a copy of which was transmitted to Congress on October 11, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Inland Energy Impact Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to authorize State Governors or governing bodies of Indian tribes to designate energy impact areas in accordance with specified conditions concerning increases in employment and use of public facilities and services. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to such States and tribes for the purpose of developing plans for mitigating adverse economic impact resulting from energy development activities. Requires State Governors and Indian tribal governing bodies receiving such grants to designate local planning units to prepare for each energy impact area an energy impact mitigation plan, and authorizes the making of subgrants to such local planning units to assist in the cost of preparing mitigation plans. Requires State Governors and Indian tribal governing bodies to submit and revise annually a comprehensive investment strategy describing the intended use of all such financial assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property for housing or public facilities determined to be necessary for an energy impact area according to the investment strategy as approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and Indian tribes for the funding of public facilities and services identified in such investment strategy. Sets forth suggestions as to the distribution of such funds. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, loans, loan guarantees, and payments of interest on loans to States, Indian tribes, and local governments to fund preliminary mitigation plans designed to identify and address the need for expedited assistance in the event energy development poses a serious threat to the public health and safety within a designated energy impact area, and such needs cannot be met in a sufficiently timely manner by other Federal programs. Establishes in the United States Treasury an Energy Impact Insurance Fund to provide funds for the loans and loan guarantees made under this Act. Limits the assistance provided under this Act to a total period of five years following the receipt of the first funds for facilities and services. Prohibits the appropriation of funds in support of any program for which Federal financial assistance is available to eligible applicants under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 or the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold financial assistance from a recipient for failure to comply with this Act or regulations issued thereunder. Directs the Secretary to designate within the Farmers Home Administration an organizational unit to administer the program established by this Act and to provide information to State and local officials and Indian tribes about Federal assistance from other Federal programs designed to prevent or mitigate energy resource development impacts. Directs the President to establish an interagency council to coordinate all Federal programs providing assistance to meet needs resulting from major energy developments. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1985 to carry out this Act. Directs Federal agencies responsible for health and safety of persons working in any federally-regulated coal, uranium, metal, or nonmetallic mine to use their authorities fully to protect existing and future housing, property, persons, and public facilities located near such facilities, whether active or abandoned, from hazards posed by activities at such facilities. Prohibits the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Energy from being transferred to any other Secretary or Federal agency without express legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Energy Supply and Information Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Energy to include in the report required under such Act concerning certain energy information a listing and discussion of all foreseeable factors which may seriously alter the supply and demand balance of energy supplies. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the President, and to promulgate regulations concerning the establishment of criteria under which crude oil and refined petroleum products shall be allocated to individual States based upon projected shortages resulting from a foreseeable disruption in oil supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Home Energy Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist eligible low-income households to meet increasing home energy costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to carry out this Act. Sets forth allotments from such appropriations for such grants to States and specified American territories and possessions for energy crisis related activities under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and for emergency energy disaster assistance to States. Stipulates that such grants may be used for making payments to home energy suppliers on behalf of eligible households and directly to such households in specified cases. Sets forth application procedures and requirements for such grants. Authorizes States receiving such grants to make grants to eligible households for meeting excessive cooling costs where such cooling is medically necessary under standards established by the Secretary. Requires States to comply with the uniform data collection standards established by the Secretary concerning home energy consumption, cost and type of fuels used, use by which income groups, and other information determined to be necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold payments under this Act for failure to comply with approved application provisions. Sets forth provisions for the administration of this Act. Stipulates that payments received by members of participating households are not to be considered income for determining eligibility for other Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify wood or coal burning stoves and furnaces for the income tax credit for residential energy conservation expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1979
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 to extend from June 30, 1979, through June 30, 1980, the existing antitrust exemption for oil companies that participate in the Agreement on an International Energy Program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1979 - Makes the United States liable for: (1) damages arising from certain nuclear tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site to individuals who resided in the affected area for a period of one year between January 1, 1951, and October 31, 1958, or between June 30, 1962, and July 31, 1962; (2) damages to individuals who worked in a uranium mine in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, or Utah for at least one year between January 1, 1947, and December 31, 1961; and (3) damages to a qualified sheep herd. Establishes in any action filed under this Act, upon a determination by the court that the plaintiff meets the requirements of the Act, an irrebuttable presumption that the damages alleged were caused by exposure to radiation as a result of a nuclear detonation or exposure to uranium. Limits the amount of attorney fees which can be received with respect to such actions. Defines "affected area" to mean specified areas of Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, and any other area of the United States which received a high level of fallout as a result of the Nevada Test Site detonations, as determined by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Establishes within the National Cancer Institute a seven-member Advisory Panel on the Health Effects of Exposure to Radiation and Uranium to identify, for the purposes of recovery under this Act, types of cancer which develop after exposure to low level radiation and diseases and illnesses which develop after uranium mine employment. Directs the Advisory Panel to report its findings to Congress within nine months of the date it convenes. Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties) to direct the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the adverse health effects resulting from the Nevada Test Site atomic weapons test program since January 1, 1951. Transfers to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare all functions of the Department of Energy relating to research on the health effects of radiation on human beings.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to extend from October 31, 1979, to December 31, 1979, the authority to implement the international energy program by way of international voluntary agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Omnibus Solar Commercialization Act of 1979 - Title I: Renewable Energy Initiatives - Establishes a national goal for the increased use of renewable energy resources as a part of the Nation's total energy supply in the year 2000. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Energy to utilize State and local government organizations, Energy Extension Services, regional Solar Energy Research Centers, and other such entities in providing information services, training, education and other services to the public and to persons involved in the development and commercialization of solar energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish a Solar Energy and Conservation Information Center to provide information services to the public and to the entities listed above, including: (1) retrieval and dissemination of solar energy development and commercialization materials; (2) development of materials specifically designed to assist architects, builders, installers, manufacturers and others involved in solar energy development and commercialization; and (3) development of training and education programs specifically designed for such purposes. Directs Federal agency heads responsible for construction of new civilian Federal buildings to require the utilization of active and passive solar energy systems unless it is determined that such systems are not cost effective, according to a specified formula. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense a ten percent alcohol and gasoline mixture. Authorizes the Administrators of the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration to purchase power from proposed non-federally constructed generating facilities utilizing renewable energy resources. Authorizes such Administrators to construct and operate non-hydroelectric generating facilities, provided that the Administrator has made a public offer to purchase or guarantee the purchase of power from a comparable non-federally constructed facility and has received no offer from a non-federal entity to construct such a facility. Authorizes those Administrators to renegotiate existing power sales to customers who undertake energy conservation programs. Directs the Secretary to establish programs: (1) to promote the development and utilization of synergistic combinations of different renewable energy resources; (2) to initiate energy self-sufficiency at appropriate levels of government to accelerate the development of such resources; and (3) of Federal assistance to stimulate private industry participation in energy self-sufficiency initiatives. Establishes an Office of Energy Self-Sufficiency to undertake such programs. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan setting forth the responsibilities of such Office. Title II: Wind Energy Initiatives - Establishes program objectives for the development and commercialization of wind energy. Directs the Secretary to establish programs designed to promote research, development, demonstration, field experimentation, and commercialization of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes criteria for program selection under this title. Directs the Secretary to monitor the performance and operation of wind energy systems installed under this title and to collect and evaluate data derived therefrom, as well as to conduct studies and take such other actions to assure the effectiveness of such programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a Federal Applications Study for Wind Energy Systems in cooperation with appropriate Federal agencies to determine potential uses of wind power in Federal facilities and to identify potential sites for such systems at specified agencies. Directs the Secretary to conduct other specified studies and analyses related to wind energy. Establishes a wind energy utilization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Conservation and Renewable Energy Resource Act - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to add definitions of the terms "commercial customer" and "energy conservation measure." Requires that utilities inspect residential buildings provided with energy conservation measures to ensure properly completed installation. Deletes the provision authorizing the utility to charge the administrative costs of carrying out a utility program to the particular residential customer for whom energy conservation measures have been provided. Directs regulated utilities to establish programs providing for the installation or maintenance by the utility or by approved independent contractors of energy conservation measures for commercial or residential customers. Directs such utilities to make loans to such customers for the purchase of energy conservation measures or for the installation of such measures by independent contractors. Requires that utilities conduct energy audits of buildings seeking to participate in such programs as as a condition of such participation. Sets forth qualifications for independent contractors seeking eligibility to participate in such programs. Sets forth procedures for the financing of such programs. Stipulates that these provisions shall preempt any State or local law prohibiting utilities from establishing such programs. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish a residential and commercial energy conservation grant program to reimburse eligible building owners for part of the costs of supplying or installing energy conservation measures. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the broad distribution of information regarding such grant program. Sets forth application procedures, requirements for eligibility for, and maximum amounts of such grants. Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit an annual report to the Congress on the operation of such grant program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Modifies the project for the replacement of locks and dam 26 on the Mississippi River in Illinois and Missouri to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to install hydroelectric power generating facilities at such project. Requires congressional approval of such facility before appropriations will be made to construct such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Residential Energy Efficiency Program of 1979 - Amends the State residential energy conservation plan provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to institute an alternative home energy efficiency program in any State, political subdivision, utility service area, or geographical area thereof. Exempts persons subject to such program from the requirements and prohibitions contained in the utility program established under such Act. Sets forth requirements for such alternative home energy efficiency program, including: (1) a requirement that the Secretary designate a Federal, State, or local agency to negotiate a contract with an energy conservation company to undertake a home energy retrofit program in a specified geographic area for a specified per unit price to be paid by such agency; (2) a requirement that such energy conservation company comply with specified criteria concerning such home energy retrofit program; and (3) a requirement that the designated agency establish accurate normalized measurements of energy use by type of energy before and after the installation of such retrofit measures to determine the savings produced by such energy conservation company. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to designated agencies to pay energy conservation companies for energy actually saved. Requires public utilities to make periodic payments to the Secretary not to exceed the value of the savings in a given year realized by such utilities as a result of the energy actually saved. Authorizes such utilities to sell any energy available to it as a result of a home energy retrofit program to willing nonresidential buyers. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in order to finance such energy retrofit programs in the event the moneys received from public utilities under this Act are insufficient to finance such programs. Places limitations on the Secretary's authority to enter into such contracts depending on the amount of payments received from public utilities pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, prior to instituting any program authorized by this Act, to provide for public comment thereon. Expands the definition of "residential buildings" for the purposes of this Act to include buildings having more than four dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Provides for Federal guarantees of loans made to veterans for the installation of residential solar electrical energy producing systems.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the residential energy credit solar energy property which is installed in a residence for the purpose of producing electricity.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
National Energy Development Bank Act - Establishes the National Energy Development Bank designed to aid in the financing of projects to produce or develop energy sources other than oil or natural gas. Authorizes such Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans for: (1) activities designed to provide energy from cogeneration or to produce geothermal power, solar energy, wind energy, synthetic fuel, or other alternative energy sources; (2) energy conservation activities; and (3) research and development related to (1) and (2) above. Establishes eligibility requirements for such loans. Authorizes such Bank to guarantee loans made by financial institutions for such activities to eligible borrowers. Sets forth requirements concerning the board of directors, officers and employees, powers and restrictions, audits and accounts, and other matters relating to the administration of the Bank. Amends the Government Corporation Control Act to include such Bank as a wholly owned government corporation. Exempts such Bank from any Federal, State, or local taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Coal Development Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the increased development and use of domestic coal reserves. Title I: Amendments of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the energy property investment tax credit permanent as of October 1, 1978. Allows a deduction for expenditures for coal mining or coal burning equipment. Provides that the gain from disposition of such equipment shall be treated as ordinary income. Title II: Allocations of Middle Distillates for Coal Production - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish a special allocation program to provide for the availability of adequate supplies of middle distillates to meet the requirements of domestic coal production. Title III: Reform of Environmental Regulations to Increase Coal Use and Production - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the President to issue to any fuel-burning stationary source a temporary emergency suspension of any part of an applicable implementation plan adopted by a State in the event the President determines that: (1) a national or regional emergency exists involving high levels of unemployment or loss of necessary energy supplies for residential dwellings; (2) such unemployment or loss can be alleviated by such emergency suspension; and (3) foreign imports of fuels and used by such source have reached an excessive level which can be reduced by such suspension. Extends the duration of such emergency suspensions from a maximum of four months to five years or such longer period as the owner or operator of such source may establish as reasonable, except that such suspension is limited in duration to a maximum of four months if it would result in violation of any national ambient air quality standard. Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to: (1) extend the maximum period which a State regulatory authority may take to issue surface coal mining permits; (2) extend the time limit within which a State seeking to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations has to submit a State program demonstrating its capability of carrying out the provisions of such Act; and (3) to extend the time limit within which the Secretary of the Interior must issue a Federal program for a State which fails to submit such State program. Title IV: Facilitation of Coal Transportation - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for projects to separate rail highway crossings where there is a substantial increase in use of those rail facilities in transporting coal and where the continued use of such facilities will result in substantial delays in highway travel. Authorizes appropriations to be funded by the Highway Trust Fund for the purposes of such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Declares that, if any crude oil delivery system for transporting Alaskan and other crude oil to northern tier and inland States is approved for expedited processing of Federal permits pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, any refinery currently receiving crude oil by tanker must execute agreements to provide for the delivery of crude oil supplies by pipeline. States that such agreements must be executed within 180 days of enactment of this Act. Directs the President, in the event such agreements should not be made, to require the use of a pipeline system if doing so would help meet environmental protection requirements with respect to the transportation of crude oil. States that the President shall not require the use of such system if the net costs of pipeline delivery will significantly increase the cost of products from affected refineries. Provides for the expedited resolution by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of disagreements on tariffs for transportation of crude oil to refineries affected by this Act. States that, in resolving any dispute, the Commission shall establish a tariff schedule which will share the costs of connecting such refineries throughout the entire pipeline system. Sets forth exceptions to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to include the production of electrical energy from solar energy as a residential energy conservation measure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to provide for the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems for the production of electrical energy for use in residential housing units.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive plan and program of research, development, and demonstration of ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive commercialization plan designed to realize the goal of producing 10,000 megawatts of electrical capacity or energy product equivalent from ocean thermal energy conversion systems by the year 1999. Sets forth criteria for the selection of programs and the establishment of priorities concerning ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Establishes an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on the implementation and conduct of the programs established under this Act and on other matters concerning ocean thermal energy conversion. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for plant and capital equipment for specified ocean thermal energy conversion demonstration plants.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Community Energy Efficiency Act of 1979 - Provides grants to cities and counties for basic planning, advanced planning, and capital investment related to energy conservation, renewable resource utilization, and other energy-related community programs. Requires that an application for a basic community energy action planning grant include plans for implementing the following programs: (1) a conservation and alternative energy information program; (2) a program designed to reach locally-established targets for energy conservation and renewable resource development; (3) a neighborhood energy conservation and production activity program; (4) a program to assist low-income residents in taking energy conservation and renewable resource measures; (5) a program to integrate such measures with those at the metropolitan or areawide level; (6) a program to amend local land use controls, transportation controls, and policies and ordinances so as to facilitate conservation and renewable resource development; and (7) a program to coordinate local energy activities with State and Federal programs and policies. States that a recipient of such grant may apply for grants for advanced planning for community energy action program development after making significant progress in implementing the programs described above. Requires that an application for such development grant include plans for implementing the following programs: (1) plans for adoption of a renewable resource ordinance providing access and facilitating the use of such energy sources; (2) adoption of residential and commercial property conservation standards; (3) a program to displace nonrenewable resource consumption; and (4) development of a capital energy plan utilizing Federal and State energy-efficiency projects. Requires recipients of such grants to make grants available to neighborhood organizations for special energy projects. Authorizes cities and counties reaching the advanced planning stage to apply for capital investment grants for investment in conservation and renewable resource technologies appropriate to individual communities. Establishes a Local Energy Reference Center as a data bank and clearinghouse for information on locally-based energy conservation and renewable energy resource development efforts. Directs the Center to establish regional Technical Assistance Panels to provide assistance for local energy program development. Provides documentation and distribution grants to local governments for the preparation and distribution of publications on energy conservation and renewable energy resources. Requires States to provide eligible grant recipients with a description of applicable State energy programs and policies, identifying areas of local responsibility. Directs the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Energy to issue specified regulations and to monitor the progress of recipients of grants awarded under this Act. Directs them to convene an interagency task force to improve existing Federal policies and programs in order to promote the purposes of this Act and to report to Congress on the operation and the energy impact of the programs established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Biomass Research and Development Authorization Act of 1979 - Title I: Department of Energy Functions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the development of intermediate- and small-scale gasification and direct combustion systems based on bioconversion applications using agricultural and forest residues; (2) research and development in gasohol technology using biomass materials; (3) solar application system development providing for the development and implementation of onfarm energy production systems; (4) biomass conversion technology research related to fast throughput pyrolysis systems; (6) basic research in biomass conversion; (7) biomass technology support related to feedstock cultivation; (7) biomass technology support related to feedstock cultivation and harvesting systems, with emphasis on the integration of agriculture and energy programs and policies. Title II: Department of Agriculture Functions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) market development and training related to commercialization of near-term bioenergy applications; and (2) the development and implementation of a forest waste and residue supply infrastructure, including the establishment of energy markets for residues resulting from conventional forest harvests and stand treatment operations and the development and demonstration of low-cost harvesting equipment capable of removing biomass from a variety of forest regions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Authorizes appropriations from the Energy Security Trust Fund through fiscal year 1989 to assist in carrying out automobile fuel economy research and technology assessment under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Industrial Energy Conservation Incentive Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against income tax in an amount equal to a specified percentage of a qualified investment in certain depreciable industrial energy conservation property. Defines industrial energy conservation property as any such property used as a modification to or a replacement of all or part of an existing productive facility, item of equipment, or process located in the United States, if such modification or replacement: (1) results in the utilization of less energy per unit of production; (2) does not increase the total amount of oil and natural gas consumed per unit of production; and (3) results in an aggregate annual decrease in energy consumption of 15,000 or more barrels of oil equivalent per year. Sets the applicable percentage for such credit at the smaller of: (1) 30 percent; or (2) the percentage necessary to enable the taxpayer to realize a real rate of return on investment in the property, over its useful life, of 15 percent. Reduces such credit to zero if the conservation price of such investment (the cost in dollars per barrel of oil equivalent of producing the energy savings properly attributable to the creditable replacement or modification) exceeds the alternative energy cost equivalent of a barrel of oil (stipulated as $32, increased annually to reflect an increment of increased prices for foreign oil). Makes special rules for application (or non-application) of such credit to public utility property, property financed by public funds or by industrial development bonds, industrial conversion-to-coal projects, and other property. Requires a recomputed increase or reduction of such credit on the basis of actual costs and operating data and the alternative energy cost equivalent as of the close of the first taxable year beginning after the property has been placed in service for more than six months.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to add a new "Title XX--Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Act" which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program in order to enable the United States to achieve net energy independence for agricultural and forestry production, processing, and marketing, and to reduce the petroleum and natural gas consumption of rural residents and communities by 50 percent by the year 2000. Directs the Secretary to establish an Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Board to assist the Secretary by: (1) making a comprehensive assessment of the Nation's agricultural, forestry and rural energy needs, resources, practices, legal authorities, programs, and related elements (such assessment to be updated at least every five years); and (2) preparing the Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program. Requires the Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program to: (1) inventory the specific needs and opportunities for public and private investment in agricultural, forestry, and rural energy production, use, and conservation projects; (2) identify estimated costs, returns, results, and benefits associated with such investments; and (3) discuss the priorities and options for the accomplishment of such Program. Requires cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations. Demands submission of the completed Program to the Secretary and to Congress within one year after enactment of this Act, with revision at least every five years. Requires annual reports on the Program to Congress by February 1 of each year, the first to be submitted by February 1, 1981. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an applied research program to develop: (1) economical and energy-efficient fuel from biomass; (2) techniques for using energy so derived in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural commodities and forest products; (3) economical ways for rural communities to use such energy; (4) the use of wood as an energy-efficient material in building construction; and (5) energy conservation systems and techniques for farmers, owners of forest land, rural residents, and rural communities. Authorizes annual appropriations not to exceed $50,000,000 solely for applied research at State agricultural experiment stations to develop agricultural, forestry, and rural energy production, use, and conservation. Requires the Secretary to study the feasibility of alternate crop-livestock systems to produce both foodstuffs and fiber for domestic and export markets and biomass for use in the production of energy. Directs the Secretary to implement an extension program to disseminate the results of rural energy research and to encourage rural residents and communities to adopt projects for the production and use of biomass energy and energy conservation techniques. Authorizes the annual appropriation of $50,000,000 under the Smith-Lever Act, and of $5,000,000 under the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 for rural and forest energy extension work by State extension services. Directs the Secretary to establish (to the extent practicable, at existing Department of Agriculture research facilities) four Wood Energy Centers and four Agricultural Biomass Energy Centers, each in a different geographic region of the United States and located in an area containing substantial amounts of private forest land or intensively used farm land, as appropriate. Requires each Center, under Board direction, to: (1) perform applied wood or agricultural biomass energy production and use and energy conservation research projects; (2) develop an information bank; (3) field test promising research findings; (4) provide technical assistance to landowners, colleges and universities, and other interested parties; (5) make demonstration projects; (6) disseminate information on new energy technologies; (7) perform energy need analyses for rural residents and communities; (8) perform similar research, field test, and demonstration programs with respect to agricultural commodities; and (9) implement solar energy model farms and demonstration projects. Permits the Secretary to make the National Forest System's wood and residues available to assist in such research and demonstrations. Authorizes annual appropriations of $30,000,000 for Wood Energy Centers and $30,000,000 for Agricultural Biomass Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to share up to 75 percent of the costs of implementing wood energy production practices set forth in agreements for such purposes with owners of nonindustrial private forest land. Requires that such agreements be based on individual forest management plans ensuring maximum development of the land for wood for energy. Authorizes annual appropriations of $100,000,000 for such program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program of financial assistance to owners of nonindustrial private forest land which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the insuring and guaranteeing of loans providing periodic loan disbursements; (2) the consolidation for resale in private capital markets of the loan obligations of individual landowners; and (3) the loaning of funds to lending institutions in order to make such guaranteed loans. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood (provided the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere). Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any insured or guaranteed loan to any one landowner to $50,000 annually. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of that portion of the overall loan obligation which exceeds the market value of the assets securing such loan. Bases the amount of the periodic loan disbursement upon the future expected market value of the timber securing such loan, limiting the total principal and interest obligation to 80 percent of such value. Allows for adjustment of loan terms, as agreed by both landowner and lender, following periodic reviews of individual loan agreements and forest management plans. Entitles borrowers to prepayment of all or any part of an outstanding loan obligation without penalty. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower. Directs the Secretary to appoint a program development and evaluation committee to advise him regarding the financial assistance program. Requires funding for the program to be drawn from the Rural Development Insurance Fund. Authorizes necessary appropriations for administrative expenses. Limits the total annual expenditure: (1) for insured loans to a maximum $25,000,000; and (2) for guaranteed loans and loan funds to a maximum of $10,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State for the employment of additional State foresters or equivalent officials to provide technical assistance to owners of private forest land in: (1) identifying the opportunities for, and increasing the production of, wood for energy; and (2) developing individual forest management plans under programs of this Act. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of such assistance, to consider the underuse of forest growth in the State and the potential for use of this material in energy production in the State. Permits the Secretary to take necessary actions to make wood energy use training programs available to such foresters. Authorizes the annual appropriation of not more than $8,500,000 for such financial assistance program. Directs the Secretary to establish permanent State advisory committees in States with significant amounts of nonindustrial private forest land to advise the Secretary and the State forester semiannually about the effectiveness of Federal programs and the potential for developing markets for wood energy. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to establish concentration and distribution centers that make fuelwood available to homeowners. Authorizes the annual appropriation of $10,000,000 for five fiscal years. Directs the Secretary to implement a program disseminating information and providing technical assistance with respect to the small-scale production and use of ethanol, methanol, low and medium British thermal unit gas, and other energy forms from agricultural biomass. Requires State extension services to conduct at least 100 workshops annually instructing: (1) interested parties on construction and operation of agricultural biomass energy production facilities; and (2) county extension agents on the conduct of agricultural biomass energy extension at the local level. Directs the Secretary to establish projects for rural energy conservation and the production and use of energy from biomass through direct, insured, and guaranteed loans to finance the construction and operation of commercial or on-farm projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make up to $10,000,000 worth of grants to a State for the same purposes. Limits the total amount of such loans made or insured in any fiscal year to not more than $250,000,000 with at least one-third allocated for projects using wood or wood wastes, and at least one-fourth allocated for small-scale facilities for the annual production of at most 2,000,000 gallons of ethanol, or the energy equivalent of other forms of biomass energy. Limits the annual total of guaranteed loans to $1,000,000, similarly allocated. Requires: (1) the execution of at least 75 percent of such loans, guarantees, and grants by May 31 of the fiscal year in question; and (2) the coordination of such programs with other specified agriculture and energy loan and grant programs. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize, for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, not to exceed: (1) $25,000,000 for community facility loans for rural electric cooperatives for projects to generate electricity using nonfossil energy sources including biomass and hydropower; (2) $50,000,000 for direct, insured, or guaranteed farm ownership (real estate) loans for nonfossil fuel energy systems used on farms; (3) $20,000,000 for direct, insured, or guaranteed farm operating loans for equipment using biomass energy or increasing energy conservation; and (4) $250,000,000 for guaranteed and $20,000,000 for insured industrial development loans, with authority to transfer amounts between such categories, for commercial biomass energy production projects. Authorizes the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to make grants to owners of rural electric systems, or federations of such owners, to receive specified Federal loans for projects demonstrating alternate energy and conservation technologies. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to encourage the production credit associations, Federal land banks, and banks for cooperatives to use the existing authority in the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to make loans to farmers for the establishment or operation of commercially feasible biomass energy production or energy conservation projects. Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to authorize the Secretary to provide cost-sharing financial assistance and technical assistance to agricultural producers for shelterbelts, minimum tillage systems, manure or other suitable fertilizer wastes, integrated pest management, energy-efficient irrigation water management, and water conservation measures necessary to improve crop yields in relation to the amount of energy used in crop production. Makes this Act effective October 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Alaska Federal-Civilian Energy Efficiency Swap Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of any of the departments of the United States to sell or contract to sell surplus federally generated electrical power if such action will result in reduced electrical costs produced in Alaska to Federal or civilian consumers, and in the case of electricity produced at coal-fired powerplants, will result in reduced consumption of oil and natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to promulgate a regulation to hold down the price of diesel fuel and Number 2 fuel oil at their respective levels in effect on January 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Hydrogen Fuel Development and Use Act of 1979 - Title I: Hydrogen Fuel Research, Development, and Demonstration Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for the research, development, and commercial scale demonstration of hydrogen production technologies and technologies concerning the use of hydrogen as a fuel and feedstock. Sets forth the types of hydrogen-related technologies to be investigated and developed. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees and loan guarantee commitments, price and purchase guarantees, and such other assistance as the Secretary is authorized to provide for the construction of hydrogen facilities or the carrying out of other hydrogen projects. Sets forth criteria for establishing terms and conditions for such loan guarantees. States that such program shall be jointly carried out by the Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary with such program. Terminates the existence of such committee on December 31, 1984. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct annual audits of activities conducted under such program. Directs the Secretary to assure the participation of small business in such program. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee loans made by State or local governments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by this Act. Sets forth requirements as to such loan guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans to State and local governments in the event such loan guarantee program will not result in sufficient funds to carry out such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State or local governments for studying and planning for the mitigation of potential economic, environmental, and social consequences of projects authorized by this Act and for establishing related management expertise. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress on all activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Title II: Tax Incentives for Hydrogen Production and for Certain Equipment Which Uses Hydrogen - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the amortization of any qualified hydrogen-producing facility, as defined and based on a 60-month period. Sets forth procedures for electing and terminating the election of such amortization, and makes necessary conforming amendments. Amends such Act to allow tax credits for expenditures for certain hydrogen-fueled equipment in residences and businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish and actively pursue a national energy plan that emphasizes and demands the use of domestic coal as a means of displacing current foreign energy imports. Declares that the President should establish a task force to examine modifications in the implementation of the Clean Air Act that could increase coal use without violating national ambient air quality standards. States that the President should submit to Congress within 60 days a plan which will achieve the goals of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to add a new title XI: Energy Conservation Services Act of 1979 to establish a weatherization program to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families, particularly families and groups in which the elderly or handicapped reside, to participate in energy assistance programs designed to reduce energy consumption and the impact of high energy costs. Directs the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity to establish a weatherization program to improve the thermal efficiency of the dwellings of low-income and near-poor individuals and families and to provide access to low-cost, dispersed alternative energy sources. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States and to Indian tribal organizations for such purposes. Directs the Director to issue regulations to carry out such program, and sets forth the nature of such regulations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1989 and establishes allotments to the States of such funds. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for the purchase of weatherization materials, for labor costs, and for program support. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit a weatherization plan in order to receive weatherization assistance. Describes required components of such plans, and directs the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plan. Requires States seeking such assistance to establish a State weatherization policy council to be appointed by the chief executive officer of the State. Sets forth the duties of such council, including the reviewing of the operation of weatherization programs conducted by each local project and the preparing of the weatherization plans required by this Act. Authorizes a State, after having been approved for financial assistance, to designate community action agencies or political subdivisions as local weatherization projects and to provide financial assistance to such projects. Sets forth requirements for obtaining such designation. States that individuals or families having incomes equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standard income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for participation in weatherization programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such programs. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of programs established under this Act, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on the weatherization assistance program for submission to Congress and the President. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to projects and activities designed to educate and counsel low-income and near-poor energy consumers in energy-conservation practices and sound residential energy management, self-help activities in energy conservation and alternative energy applications, and maintenance of weatherization and alternative energy improvements. Directs the President to establish procedures assuring the coordination of all Federal energy assistance programs affecting low-income and near-poor individuals and families. Directs the Director to conduct outreach activities to inform and enroll such individuals and families in such programs. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, or pilot projects designed to assist in developing new approaches to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families to participate in energy conservation programs for reducing the impact of high energy costs and reducing energy consumption. Requires the Director to make a public announcement of the award of such grants or contracts and of the results or recommendations made as a result of such activities. Directs the Director to prepare summaries of the result of such activities for submission to the appropriate congressional committees. Stipulates that any assistance provided under this Act shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes, including the determination of eligibility for participation under any Federal, State, or local programs. Repeals provisions under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 requiring the establishment of an "Emergency Food and Medical Services" program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Residential Energy Efficiency Program of 1979 - Amends the State residential energy conservation plan provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to institute an alternative home energy efficiency program in any State, political subdivision, utility service area, or geographical area thereof. Exempts persons subject to such program from the requirements and prohibitions contained in the utility program established under such Act. Sets forth requirements for such alternative home energy efficiency program, including: (1) a requirement that the Secretary designate a Federal, State, or local agency to negotiate a contract with an energy conservation company to undertake a home energy retrofit program in a specified geographic area for a specified per unit price to be paid by such agency; (2) a requirement that such energy conservation company comply with specified criteria concerning such home energy retrofit program; and (3) a requirement that the designated agency establish accurate normalized measurements of energy use by type of energy before and after the installation of such retrofit measures to determine the saving produced by such energy conservation company. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to designated agencies to pay energy conservation companies for energy actually saved. Requires public utilities to make periodic payments to the Secretary not to exceed the value of the savings in a given year realized by such utilities as a result of the energy actually saved. Authorizes such utilities to sell any energy available to it as a result of a home energy retrofit program to willing nonresidential buyers. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in order to finance such energy retrofit programs in the event the moneys received from public utilities under this Act are insufficient to finance such programs. Places limitations on the Secretary's authority to enter into such contracts depending on the amount of payments received from public utilities pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, prior to instituting any program authorized by this Act, to provide for public comment. Expands the definition of "residential buildings" for the purposes of this Act to include buildings having more than four dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Middle Distillate Fuel Control Act of 1979 - Directs the President to issue regulations under authority of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 providing for the mandatory allocation of middle distillate fuels sold by refineries at prices specified in such regulation. Subjects amendments to such regulations to congressional review.