Energy

Coal Pipeline Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983

Coal Pipeline Act of 1983 - Prohibits the United States or any other individual or entity from reserving, using, or claiming water in any State for a pipeline unless such action takes place pursuant to State law. Prohibits this Act from affecting the water rights of any Indian or Indian tribe. Prohibits a State from restricting the importation or movement through the State of water acquired within another State and within a coal pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon, or through any Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines, if the person seeking the right-of-way has been issued a certification issued under provisions of this Act. Prohibits granting a right-of-way over, under, upon, or through any Federal land which is part of an historic site or a unit of the national wildlife refuge system, unless there is no feasible alternative and planning is made to minimize damage to the site or refuge. Requires a rights-of-way granted or renewed under this Act to be granted or renewed in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Prohibits the provisions of this Act from affecting an existing or pending right-of-way, except that if a certification has been issued, any renewal or extension may only be made pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes acquisition of rights-of-way with respect to private lands by eminent domain if there has been a certification, except with respect to historic sites unless there is no feasible alternative. Permits a person who has, under applicable State law, filed and secured approval of a water permit, or obtained appropriate authority to use water, necessary to operate a pipeline or extension to apply to the Secretary and the Interstate Commerce Commission for issuance of a certificate to construct, operate, and maintain the pipeline or extension. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President concerning: (1) whether or not the applicant is willing and able to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed pipeline or extension; (2) whether or not the pipeline or extension is required for the public convenience and necessity; (3) the route of the pipeline or extension; (4) the capacity of the pipeline or extension; (5) any set aside for small and independent coal producers; and (6) any terms and conditions relating to the recommendations. Directs the Commission, in making a recommendation, to consider: (1) evidence of public support; (2) the effect of approval on existing carriers who object to issuance of the certificate; and (3) the applicant's planned use of minority employees and minority-owned enterprises in the pipeline project. Directs the Commission to recommend to the President that the applicant set aside and use for the transportation of coal from small and independent producers, the lesser of: (1) ten percent of the pipeline's capacity; or (2) that portion of pipeline capacity that satisfies the demands of the small and independent producers. Directs the Secretary to make recommendations to the President concerning: (1) whether or not the pipeline or extension is in the national interest; and (2) any terms and conditions relating to such recommendation. Directs the Secretary in making the recommendation to consider the extent to which a pipeline would: (1) help meet national needs; (2) enhance competition and provide new market outlets and opportunities; (3) contribute to national security; (4) affect the environment; and (5) have economic impact on any other common carrier. Directs the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust review to determine the effects on competition of an application's approval. Prohibits approval of an application if the Attorney General determines that it would not be consistent with the antitrust laws. Requires an application to be filed with the Secretary and the Commission, to be under oath, and to contain: (1) a plan for the construction, operation, maintenance, and routing of the pipeline or extension; (2) the proposed capacity of the pipeline or extension; (3) the size of the right-of-way necessary to construct, operate, and maintain the pipeline or extension; (4) such other information as the Secretary or the Commission may require; and (5) a certification by the applicant that a copy of the application has been served on interested persons and on the chief executive officer of each State through which the pipeline or extension passes. Requires each applicant for a certificate to reimburse the Secretary and the Commission for the administrative and other costs incurred by the Secretary and the Commission in processing the application. Authorizes the President to order the Secretary and the Commission to issue a joint certificate authorizing the construction, operation, and maintenance or extension of a coal pipeline for which recommendations have been made by the Secretary and the Commission. Prohibits issuance of a certificate unless the President issues such an order. Authorizes the certificate to contain any terms and conditions recommended by the Commission, the Secretary, or the Attorney General. Provides that any recommendation of the Secretary or the Commission shall be considered a major Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits anything in this Act from preventing any person or governmental entity from using the power of eminent domain to acquire any portion of a right-of-way acquired under this Act in any case in which the use of the right-of-way by such person or entity is consistent with the operation and maintenance of the pipeline. Requires pipelines: (1) to be underground to the maximum extent possible; and (2) to be installed in a manner which minimizes interference with agricultural drainage systems. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary or the Commission, to institute a civil action for a restraining order or injunction to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to add a new subchapter relating to coal pipeline carriers. Permits any coal pipeline carrier to elect to use all or any part of the pipeline's capacity to provide coal pipeline transportation under contracts. Prohibits any carrier from unreasonably discriminating against any shipper ready, willing, and able to enter into a contract. Requires: (1) an election to be filed with the Commission; and (2) publication of a notice of intention to file such an election for at least four consecutive weeks in each county through which the pipeline passes or is proposed to pass. Permits a shipper, not later than 60 days after the filing of an election, to request a carrier to transport a specific volume of coal. Directs the Commission to determine the volume of coal which the carrier shall be obligated to transport. Permits a pipeline to enter into other contracts with shippers of coal to provide specific services under specified rates and conditions in any case in which a pipeline has satisfied its obligations, and in any case in which a prior contract expires. Requires pipelines filing an election to enter into contracts to transport coal only as provided in this subchapter. Requires all such contracts: (1) to be filed with the Commission; and (2) to be approved by the Commission before becoming effective. Provides for the review of any contract on the motion of the Commission, a shipper, or a State agency which has ratemaking authority with respect to the sale of electric power. Provides that any pipeline capacity not subject to an approved contract, an order of the Commission, or a set aside for small and independent producers shall be used to provide for the transportation of coal as a common carrier. Sets forth definitions of terms used in the subchapter. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards for the safe design, installation, inspection, construction, extension, operation, and maintenance of a coal pipeline or extension. Exempts existing pipelines and those under construction from such standards. Authorizes waivers of such standards if pipelines safety is not jeopardized. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties with respect to violations of such regulations. Prohibits a purchaser, consumer, or user of coal (which is to be transported through a pipeline for which a certificate has been issued) from requiring a customer to pay a fee, surcharge, tariff, or other payment relating to the cost of construction of the pipeline at any time prior to the commencement of operation of the pipeline. Requires all articles, materials, and supplies used in the construction and maintenance of a coal pipeline to be made in the United States from U.S. materials, subject to certain exception. States that this Act shall not be construed to diminish, preempt, or modify the ratemaking authority of any State utility regulatory agency.

A bill to authorize a grant to the Willard Frank Libby Foundation for energy and science related research grants, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983

Authorizes a grant for FY 1985 to the Willard Frank Libby Foundation for the establishment of an energy sciences research grant program. Requires that funds for such grant be derived from revenues received by the United States from the enrichment of uranium.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the energy investment tax credit for conversions to coal-fueled facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy investment tax credit of ten percent for equipment used for conversions to coal fuel and five percent for coal mining equipment. Terminates both credits after 1993. Allows a 12-month amortization period for pollution control facilities used in connection with a plant that uses coal as a principal fuel. (Present law allows such amortization over a five year period.) Increases the income tax credit for increasing research activities from 25 percent to 50 percent for activities relating to coal mining or burning and to controlling pollutants caused by the burning of coal. Repeals the 15 percent reduction in the depletion allowance for coal and iron ore. Allows an income tax deduction for additional sums set aside in any reserve established for the estimated expenses of surface mining land reclamation. Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to require each executive agency to survey its electric powerplants, and major fuel-burning installations in order to identify those which may be converted to coal. Requires each executive agency to submit to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan for the conversion of electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations to coal.

A joint resolution to designate March 23, 1984, as "National Energy Education Day".

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983

Designates March 23, 1984, as National Energy Education Day.

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing Federal coal leases prior to May 1, 1984, unless certain requirements are satisfied, to encourage certain exchanges of lands containing coal deposits, and to provide preconditions for the San Juan Basin lease sale, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing Federal coal leases prior to May 1, 1984, unless the Secretary: (1) has developed an analysis of the economic and geographic variables affecting the value of each Federal coal lease; (2) has prepared and published new internal procedures for conducting coal lease valuations; (3) has developed and published guidelines for additional and experimental bidding systems for regional coal sales; (4) has calculated minimum regulatory selling prices for coal leases in each Federal coal region on a cents per ton basis; (5) has revised the procedures for determining fair market value so as to include specific quantitative tests; (6) has established written internal procedures for safeguarding coal lease pricing, economic valuation, and other proprietary data against unauthorized disclosure; and (7) has submitted to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the specific actions taken to implement clauses one through six. Directs the Secretary to actively pursue a land exchange program to exchange Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management containing coal deposits for non-Federal lands having significant environmental, archaeological, historical, and paleontological values. Authorizes the Secretary on and after May 1, 1984, to proceed with the coal lease sale in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico coal lease sale scheduled for December 1983, if the Secretary has made certain that: (1) a representative of the Navaho Nation, to be nominated by the chairman of the Navaho Nation, has been appointed to the regional coal team; (2) the regional coal team revises its recommendations to take into account any views of such representative; (3) the Bureau of Land Management has prepared a draft environmental impact statement on the proposed processing of all pending preference right lease applications for leases in the San Juan Basin; and (4) certain conditions regarding preference right lease applications are effective.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to accept certain lands in St. Louis, Missouri to provide remedial action with respect to radioactive materials.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to accept the transfer of all right, title, and interest in: (1) the former Atomic Energy Commission storage site near the St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, Missouri and the radioactive materials stored there; and (2) the radioactive materials stored at a specified site in Hazelwood, Missouri. Directs the Secretary of Energy to undertake such remedial action as necessary to protect public health and safety with respect to radioactive materials which are located at such sites. Prohibits removal of radioactive materials from the Hazelwood site and commencement of remedial action before a final environmental impact statement on such actions is prepared.

Danny J. Boggs, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, vice W. Kenneth Davis, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 1 August 1983

Natural Gas Policy Act Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983

Natural Gas Policy Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Transitional Price and Contract Provisions - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to set forth transitional price provisions applicable to first sales for resale of natural gas, from the date of enactment of this Act until price controls are no longer applicable. Excludes from such provisions: (1) first sale gas, where the sale contract was executed after enactment; (2) gas subject to a first sale contract that was renegotiated after enactment, if the renegotiated contract expressly provides that wellhead price controls shall not apply; or (3) released or take or pay gas. Provides that the transitional provisions shall be applicable only at the election of either party to a contract. Establishes the options available for non-electing parties, including termination. Exempts from the transitional provisions a contract containing a clause that may be exercised at the option of the purchaser, which enables the purchasers to adjust the contract price but does not prohibit the purchaser from adjusting the price to a price equal to the applicable price indicator (as set forth in this Act). Sets forth provisions applicable to high priced gas and low priced gas which basically provide for: (1) lowering of the price of high priced gas, but not below the applicable price indicator; and (2) raising the price of low priced gas, but not above the applicable price indicator. Repeals provisions relating to contract duration, offers, and rights of first refusal. Permits a purchaser not to take delivery of the following amounts of gas contracted for, in the case of any contract in effect as of enactment: (1) 50 percent of deliverability in the first year following enactment; (2) 60 percent of deliverability in the second year following enactment; and (3) 70 percent of deliverability in the third year following enactment. Permits the sale of gas volumes not taken to any other purchaser as released take or pay gas and provides that such gas: (1) shall not be subject to the abandonment requirements of the Natural Gas Act; (2) shall not be committed or dedicated to interstate commerce under the Natural Gas Act; and (3) shall not be subject to the provisions of this Act relating to the maximum lawful price. Permits either party to a contract for the purchase of natural gas to have the right to terminate the contract providing proper notice is given and the terminating party offers the other party an unconditional release. Establishes a purchasers' right of first refusal or right of first offer. Imposes an obligation on a pipeline purchaser that was a party to a contract terminated under the transitional price or market out provisions of this Act to transport natural gas for a seller that was a party to such terminated contract. Authorizes a limitation of the obligation if construction of new facilities is required or the pipeline's ability to serve its existing customers is impaired. Establishes the consideration to be paid. Provides that the price established by the free market price indicator in effect on the first full day of the 44th month following enactment: (1) shall operate as a permanent reference for any area rate clause defined in this paragraph; and (2) shall be the reference price for natural gas under any contract subject to the transitional pricing provisions for low priced gas, if such price would otherwise be below the price level established by the free market price indicator on that date. Defines an area rate clause as a clause which establishes a contract price for the sale of gas by reference to a federally established rate. Title II: Removal of Wellhead Price Controls and Repeal of Jurisdiction Over Certain First Sales - Provides for the immediate deregulation of: (1) any gas subject to a first sale contract executed after enactment; (2) any gas subject to a first sale contract renegotiated after enactment, if the renegotiation expressly provides that wellhead price controls shall not apply; (3) released take or pay gas; and (4) certain low and high priced gas. Provides for the deregulation of all natural gas by the first day of the 41st month following enactment, subject to certain exceptions. Repeals the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over sales of certain committed or dedicated natural gas. Repeals provisions permitting the reimposition of price controls. Title III: Limitations On Passthrough of Certain Purchased Gas Costs - Prohibits denying any interstate pipeline recovery of the amounts paid for natural gas purchases under first sale contracts entered into or renegotiated during the three year period beginning on the first day of the eighth full month following enactment on the grounds that the amounts paid were excessive due to abuse or similar grounds, if such amounts are prudent. Declares a purchase prudent if: (1) the weighted average for purchase during a month does not exceed 110 percent of the free market price indicator; or (2) the amount paid either matches the term of an offer made where a pipeline purchaser has a right of first refusal or is paid pursuant to a right of first offer. Authorizes FERC during any month in which the weighted average paid for natural gas entered into or renegotiated during the three year period specified in this paragraph exceeds 110 percent of the free market price indicator to determine that any amount paid in excess of 110 percent of the free market price indicator may be recovered by the pipeline. Requires any increase in pipeline rates recovered under this paragraph to go into effect upon the date of filing subject to a refund with interest. Requires FERC to promulgate rules providing for the automatic passthrough of any reductions in amounts paid for natural gas purchases realized by an interstate pipeline as a result of: (1) take or pay reductions; (2) transitional pricing provision reductions; or (3) any other reductions in amounts paid for natural gas. Title IV: Removal of Impediments to Interstate Movements of Gas - Requires an interstate pipeline (or intrastate pipeline, or local distribution company) to transport natural gas if: (1) a seller or purchaser of natural gas requests an interstate pipeline (or intrastate pipeline, or local distribution company) to transport natural gas; (2) the pipeline has available capacity; and (3) the seller or purchaser certifies that at least 45 days in advance it notified the interstate pipeline (or intrastate pipeline, or local distribution company) of its intent to request transportation, it made a good faith attempt to negotiate continued service, and it has been unable to conclude any other satisfactory transportation agreement. Requires in the case of an intrastate pipeline or local distribution company, in addition to the above requirements: (1) that FERC first consult with the Governor of the affected State; and (2) that after the pipeline has received the request it files the request with the State agency and the State agency has not taken a final action within 90 days of receipt of the request. States that no intrastate pipeline or local distribution company shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC under the Natural Gas Act by virtue of transporting gas pursuant to the above requirements. Exempts an intrastate pipeline or local distribution company from the above requirements if a State agency certifies that: (1) it has authority to require an intrastate pipeline (or a local distribution company) to transport natural gas for a seller or purchaser of natural gas requesting such transportation; and (2) pursuant to such authority, it is required to take final administrative action within a certain time. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the determination of a pipeline's capacity; (2) protection for a pipeline's high priority users; (3) carriage compensation; (4) construction of new facilities; (5) a pipeline's service obligation to a customer purchaser; (6) termination of required transportation; (7) issuance of regulations; (8) administrative procedures; and (9) definitions. Provides: (1) for the coordination of the above provisions with the Natural Gas Policy Act; and (2) that the effective date for the above provisions shall be 120 days after enactment. Authorizes FERC, in general, by rule or order, to: (1) authorize any intrastate pipeline or local distribution company to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; and (2) authorize any pipeline or local distribution company to sell natural gas to any pipeline or local distribution company. Requires an intrastate pipeline or local distribution company buying natural gas outside the State of receipt in a covered transaction to file for and obtain express authorization from the Commission for such sale. Provides that, in general, no intrastate pipeline or local distribution company shall be subject to FERC's jurisdiction under the Natural Gas Act by reason of purchasing natural gas in a covered transaction regardless of whether the purchase occurs in the State of receipt. Title V: Additional Authorities and Requirements - Prohibits an interstate pipeline from selling in interstate commerce during any month to an affiliated intrastate pipeline a percentage of available natural gas which is greater than the percentage of available lower average-priced natural gas which the affiliate is purchasing during the same month from nonaffiliate interstate pipelines. Prohibits FERC from issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act for the off-system sale of natural gas if such sale is to occur at a price less than the temporary price indicator or the free market price indicator, plus the just and reasonable rate for the transportation of such gas to the purchaser. Provides a defense to any antitrust suit with respect to any actions taken to develop cooperative associations of independent producers or actions taken by such cooperative associations to carry out any voluntary agreement or plan of action to market released natural gas, provided that the action: (1) is necessary to market the gas; and (2) the action is not taken to reduce competition. Provides that for purposes of determining a royalty under any oil or gas lease that bases royalty on market value, any price paid for natural gas either under any contract in effect as of enactment such gases subsequent contracts shall be considered or under market value if the price was established: (1) pursuant to the provisions of this Act; or (2) pursuant to the renegotiation of that contract if that renegotiation occurred after enactment of this Act. Title VI: Repeal of Certain Restrictions On Natural Gas and Petroleum Use and Pricing - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers used for space heating; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Makes conforming amendments. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

Natural Gas Policy Act Reform Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983

Natural Gas Policy Act Reform Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prepare and submit to Congress a report regarding voluntary interstate natural gas transportation on behalf of intrastate pipelines and local distribution companies. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines an indefinite price escalator clause as any provision of any contract: (1) which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered under the contract by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum products, or any other commodity; or (2) which the Commission determines is comparable in form and result. Declares it to be against public policy to enforce any obligation to pay for gas volumes not taken, in the case of any first sale contract, to the extent that such obligation fails to adequately provide for: (1) makeup of all gas volumes paid for but not taken; and (2) refunds of all amounts paid for gas volumes not taken if makeup does not occur. Defines abrogation authority as the authority of a party to a first sale contract, in its sole discretion, to terminate all, or any portion, of the covered natural gas volumes. Provides that: (1) in a first sale contract either party to the contract shall have abrogation authority and, to the extent that abrogation authority is exercised, the contract shall be unenforceable and against public policy; and (2) the provisions of clause one of this sentence shall apply during the one year period following enactment to the first sales of Outer Continental Shelf gas, high risk gas, new natural gas, new onshore production well gas, high cost gas, and onshore gas not committed or dedicated to interstate commerce and produced from a depth of 5,000 feet or less. Excludes warranty contracts from the abrogation authority provisions of this paragraph. Defines a warranty contract as any first sale contract which provides the purchaser with an unconditional guarantee that all of the gas volumes contracted for will be delivered to the purchaser at the agreed upon price, regardless of whether the gas volumes contracted for can be obtained from any well or field originally relied upon to meet contractual requirements. Provides that abrogation authority may be exercised only once with respect to each contract in which such authority is permitted and requires that the exercise of such authority be preceded by at least 45 days written notice. Provides that if abrogation authority is exercised, and if the seller obtains an alternative purchaser, the seller must offer a right of first refusal to the original purchaser. Requires, subject to stated conditions, any original purchaser which is a pipeline and which declines a right of first refusal offer to have both the right and the obligation to transport the gas as to which abrogation authority is exercised. Defines a take-or-pay provision as a first sale contract provision which obligates the purchaser to take delivery of or to pay for an indicated percentage of gas. Limits to 50 percent such take-or-pay provisions in first sale contracts in effect as of enactment. Defines a minimum commodity bill requirement as any contract or tariff requirement requiring payment for the minimum quantity of gas contracted for in the event the purchaser fails to take delivery. Declares it to be against public policy to enforce any minimum commodity bill requirement applicable to any gas sale by any interstate or intrastate pipeline: (1) to the extent it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if the requirement does not entitle a purchaser making payment under the requirement to take delivery of the gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs the Commission to establish prudence standards applicable to pipeline gas purchase practices. Authorizes the Commission to deny any interstate pipeline recovery of amounts paid (through cost passthroughs) if the Commission determines that the purchase violates the prudence standards. Authorizes the Commission to order a pipeline to stop purchasing practices which violate the prudence standards. Directs the Commission to undertake and complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Requires such standards to be designed to assure that prices of natural gas purchased by interstate pipelines in first sales are sensitive to end-use market conditions and the end-use market signals are effectively transmitted to pipelines and producers. Adds to the definition of Btu by specifying a formula for determining the number of Btu's per unit volume of natural gas. Title III: Natural Gas Imports - Prohibits the importation of natural gas (except from Mexico and Canada) if the first sale price within the United States exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 for new, onshore production wells. Directs the President to report to Congress on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for gas imported from Canada. Title IV: Repeal of Certain Restrictions of Natural Gas and Petroleum Use and Pricing - Repeals restrictions, under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, on the use of natural gas or petroleum in new major fuel burning installations, existing major fuel burning installations, certain boilers used for space heating, decorative outdoor lighting, and existing electric powerplants. Directs the Secretary of Energy, after considering a petition for an exemption from the prohibition on the usage of natural gas-coal mixture by a powerplant, to grant a permanent exemption with respect to such natural gas if the petitioner certifies that: (1) the natural gas in such a mixture is being used to reduce emissions from that which would occur if only coal was used as a primary energy source; and (2) the proportion of natural gas in such mixture will not exceed the level necessary to comply with applicable environmental requirements, disregarding any variances issued or granted in connection with the powerplant. Makes conforming changes to the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Repeals the incremental pricing program of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Title V: Judicial Review - Provides that if any provision of this Act, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances and the remainder of this Act shall not be affected.

A joint resolution designating March 23, 1984, as "National Energy Education Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983

Designates March 23, 1984, as National Energy Education Day.

A bill to impose specific directions on the Bonneville Power Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1983

Authorizes the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to enter into contractual agreements to pay the costs associated with the Federal Columbia River Power System hydroelectric projects, power resources acquired under long-term contracts, and replacement power resources directly to the appropriate entities, to the primary obligees of such entities, or to their trustee.

A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to specify the annual charges for projects with licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the use of Federal dams and other structures.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983

Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that the charge for a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the use of Federal dams or other structures shall not exceed $1.00 per kilowatt of installed capacity and one-half mil per kilowatt-hour of energy produced. Prohibits any other charge by any other Federal agency for the use of such dams or structures. Provides that no charge shall be assessed for the use of a Federal dam or other structure by a licensee or other entity if, before the enactment of this Act, a Federal agency has entered into a contract with such licensee or entity providing that such licensee or entity may build a power plant using Federal irrigation facilities and will retain possession and ownership of the power plant and all revenues from such power plant.

Energy Emergency Preparedness Act Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983

Energy Emergency Preparedness Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the President to establish and employ volunteers (who shall as far as possible be salaried full-time Federal employees) in the Emergency Petroleum and Gas Executive Reserve, the Emergency Solid Fuels Executive Reserve, and the Emergency Electric Power Executive Reserve to assist in implementing the Comprehensive Energy Emergency Response Procedures Plan. Authorizes the President to consult with representatives of the energy industry, energy consumers, and others, with a view to encouraging the making by such persons of voluntary agreements and plans of action which would be in the public interest and contribute to energy emergency preparedness by facilitating preparation for, or a response to, a domestic or international energy emergency. Directs the President to prescribe standards and procedures by which persons may develop and carry out such voluntary agreements and plans. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to participate in the development, and when practicable, in the carrying out of voluntary agreements and plans. Prohibits carrying out such an agreement or plan unless it is approved by the Secretary of Energy or by the Attorney General, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission. Requires the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to report, at least once annually, to the President on the impact on competition and on small business of actions authorized by this Act. Extends, until June 30, 1985, the authority for international voluntary agreements under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Revises provisions relating to the storage of petroleum products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Requires the minimum required fill rate to be 145,000 (currently either 220,000 or 300,000, discretionary with the President) barrels per day. Preempts any State law or regulation to the extent it provides for the pricing or allocation of residual fuel oil or any other petroleum product, except that exemptions may be granted to a State: (1) to preserve a significant State interest; (2) if interstate commerce would not be unduly burdened; (3) if energy emergency preparedness would not be hindered; and (4) for a State set-aside program. Amends the Energy Emergency Preparedness Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) undertake actions which are necessary to strengthen and improve the energy emergency preparedness policies of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; and (2) report to Congress on any such actions taken.

Seismic Outer Continental Shelf Protection Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983

Seismic Outer Continental Shelf Protection Act of 1983 - Prohibits, until January 1, 2000, with respect to specified geographical areas in the Pacific Ocean located off the coast of California: (1) the issuance of any offshore oil and gas lease; (2) the granting of any license or permit involving drilling for oil or gas; and (3) the approval of any exploration or development plan involving drilling for oil or gas. Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to require studies of the effects of seismic activity on Outer Continental Shelf development.

A resolution providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 2615) to amend the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to provide for the weatherization of the remaining eligible low-income dwelling units throughout the United States, to create additional employment in weatherization-related industries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 2615 (low-income weatherization assistance).

A bill to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (P.L. 83-212), as amended, to provide that the Secretary of the Interior give equal consideration in making leasing decisions to the potential for environmental damage and the potential for adverse impact on the coastal zone, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983

Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to give equal weight in making oil and gas leasing decisions to the potential for environmental damage, potential for the discovery of oil and gas, and the potential for adverse impact on the coastal zone. (Currently, the Secretary is to strike the proper balance between the three.) Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to require the use of the best available and safest technologies and operating procedures on all new drilling and production operations and, wherever practicable, on existing operations wherever failure of equipment or procedures would have significant effect on safety, health, or the environment.

A bill to amend the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1983

Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to: (1) repeal provisions prohibiting the issuance of a coal lease when the leaseholder has not produced coal from the lease deposits in commercial quantities for ten years; (2) eliminate the requirement that a logical mining unit be contiguous; and (3) eliminate the time requirement with respect to the provision which directs a lessee to submit an operation and reclamation plan to the Secretary of the Interior prior to taking any action on a leasehold which might cause a significant disturbance of the environment.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain hydroelectric powerplants at various existing water projects, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the following hydroelectric powerplants: (1) the Palisades powerplant enlargement in Idaho and Wyoming; (2) the Anderson Ranch powerplant in Idaho; and (3) the Minidoka powerplant rehabilitation and enlargement in Idaho and Wyoming. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to construct, operate, and maintain transmission facilities for such powerplants and to purchase replacement capacity and energy in order to maintain deliveries to customers during unit outages caused by such powerplant construction. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to minimize the loss of capacity and energy to power customers due to unit outages resulting from such powerplant construction. Directs the Secretary of Energy to maintain deliveries of capacity and energy at contract prices to customers affected by such unit outages. Requires that the hydroelectric power generated by such facilities be marketed through the Federal Columbia River Power System. Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1984 to the Secretary of the Interior for construction, operation, and maintenance of the powerplants authorized under this Act and the cost of replacement capacity and energy. Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1984 to the Secretary of Energy for transmission facilities and the purchase of replacement capacity and energy.

Reclamation Hydroelectric Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983

Reclamation Hydroelectric Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to contract with non-Federal entities for the development of hydroelectric generating facilities. Directs the Secretary to designate existing reclamation projects to provide additional hydroelectric power for distribution. Directs the Secretary to designate a pilot project to test the objectives of this Act. Provides that all contracts entered into by the Secretary shall be on a competitive basis. Grants the non-Federal entity certain generating easements to U.S.-owned land and requires such entity to assume all risks inherent in the development process. Limits to 30 years the period during which non-Federal entities may hold title to project improvements. Provides that hydroelectric power generated shall be delivered to a Federal Power Marketing Administration for distribution and marketing. Provides that operation and maintenance of the powerplant shall be the responsibility of the Secretary, while transmission responsibility shall rest with the Secretary of Energy, with appropriate review by each respective Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to establish regulations and criteria necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase replacement energy when necessary. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to borrow from the Federal Treasury when necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

William Patrick Collins, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Energy, vice Guy W. Fiske, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 21 June 1983

A bill to abolish the Synthetic Fuels Corporation.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983

Repeals provisions of the Energy Security Act which establish the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation. Requires projects and funds transferred to the Corporation pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations and Rescission Act, 1980 or initiated through contractural agreements by the Corporation to be transferred to the Department of Energy. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to terminate the affairs of the Corporation.

Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1983

Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to eliminate the ceiling on the aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to nuclear incidents, to incorporate provisions in indemnity agreements with licensees and contractors and to require provisions to be incorporated in insurance policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection which waive: (1) issues or defenses as to conduct of the claimant or fault of the persons indemnified; (2) issues or defenses as to charitable or governmental immunity; or (3) issues or defenses based upon any statute of limitations. Eliminates the requirement that a suit be filed within ten years after a nuclear incident in order for a waiver of a defense based upon a statute of limitations to be effective. (Under current law, the NRC may incorporate such waiver provisions and may require the incorporation of such provisions with respect to extraordinary nuclear occurrences.)

Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983

Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for ten years from 1985 to 1995 the availability of the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for solar, wind, and geothermal energy property. Requires that such affirmative commitments must be made by specified dates.

Pipeline Structural Integrity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Pipeline Structural Integrity Act of 1983 - Amends the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 and the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require the testing and inspection of pipeline facilities subject to the provisions of such Acts at least once every five years. Requires the frequency and type of testing and inspection to be determined by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should institute an inquiry to ascertain the impact on telephone rates of regulatory changes and judicial decisions affecting the telephone system, and that the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection, and Finance of the Committee on Energy and Commerce should begin consideration of legislation that will assure that basic telephone service is affordable to all the people of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) State regulatory commissions should carefully review requests for telephone rate increases; (2) the Federal Communications Commission should ascertain the impact on telephone rates of regulatory changes and judicial decisions and should furnish the House with an estimate of the number of people who would suffer an economic hardship or be forced to discontinue telephone service as a result of such changes and decisions; and (3) specified House committees should consider legislation that will assure affordable telephone service for all the people of the United States.

A bill to provide for possible hydropower development at Town Bluff Dam, Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1983

Amends the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1945 to provide that the authorization of specified Federal improvement projects on the Neches and Angelina Rivers, Texas, is not to be construed as a reservation of power development, under the Federal Power Act of 1920, at Town Bluff Dam, Texas.

Energy Tax Credit Extension Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1983

Energy Tax Credit Extension Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years from 1990 to 1995 the time period for which the energy investment tax credit is allowable with respect to certain long-term projects. Repeals the termination date for the treatment of certain shale oil property as energy property. (Present law terminated such treatment as of December 31, 1982.)

Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983

Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends specified provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (which incorporate the Anderson-Price Atomic Energy Damages Act) to eliminate the ceiling on the aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to nuclear incidents, to incorporate provisions in indemnity agreements with licensees and contractors and to require provisions to be incorporated in insurance policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection which waive: (1) issues or defenses as to conduct of the claimant or fault of the persons indemnified; (2) issues or defenses as to charitable or governmental immunity; or (3) issues or defenses based upon any statute of limitations. Eliminates the requirement that a suit be filed within ten years after a nuclear incident in order for a waiver of a defense based upon a statute of limitations to be effective. (Under current law, the NRC may incorporate such waiver provisions and may require the incorporation of such provisions with respect to extraordinary nuclear occurrences.)

A bill to amend the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to treat certain coal gasification facilities as transitional safe harbor lease property.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983

Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to treat certain coal gasification facilities as transitional safe harbor lease property, for income tax purposes.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate preemption of a State's authority to establish or enforce any energy efficiency standard or similar requirement if a Federal energy efficiency standard has not been established.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate provisions which: (1) permit petitions to the Secretary of Energy for prescription of rules which supersede State energy efficiency standards; and (2) provide for supersedure of State energy efficiency standards prescribed after January 1, 1978.

Gas Reform Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983

Gas Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Removal of Wellhead Price Controls and Repeal of Jurisdiction Over Certain First Sales - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to repeal the provisions of subtitle A (Wellhead Price Controls) of title I (Wellhead Pricing) with respect to any first sale of natural gas except as provided in title II of this Act which provides for transitional price and contract provisions. Provides that except as provided above beginning on the first day of the 49th month following enactment of the provisions of subtitle A respecting the maximum lawful price shall cease to apply to any first sale of natural gas. Provides that effective beginning on November 1, 1979, the provisions of subtitle A respecting the maximum lawful price for the first sale of natural gas shall cease to apply to the first sale of high-cost natural gas (except for high- cost gas produced under extraordinary risk or cost). Provides for the coordination of the provisions of this Act with the Natural Gas Act by repealing the Natural Gas Act jurisdiction over first sales of committed or dedicated natural gas. Repeals the President's standby price control authority. Title II: Transitional Price and Contract Provisions - Requires the monthly computation and publication of a "gas cap price" by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which shall be based upon the wholesale price for low sulphur number six residual fuel oil for the most recent three months less the cost of transporting natural gas to electric plants. Provides: (1) that for each month following enactment, with respect to first sales of natural gas which is being sold at or below the gas cap price on the date of enactment, one forty-eighth of such gas will be required to be sold at the gas cap price and will be referred to as released gas (thereby, providing a four year period during which prices will phase up to the gas cap price); and (2) that either party to a natural gas contract subject to part one of this sentence may terminate such contract effective as of the first day of the 49th month following enactment upon providing at least 180 days notice to the other party before the first day of the 49th month following enactment. Prohibits any natural gas from qualifying as released gas until the take or pay obligation applicable to gas delivered by a seller under all its contracts with its buyers does not exceed 70 percent of deliverability under each such contract. Provides: (1) that for each month following enactment, with respect to any imported natural gas or with respect to any first sales of natural gas sold above the gas cap price on the date of enactment, one thirtieth of such gas must be sold at or below the gas cap price and will be referred to as reduced price gas; (2) that natural gas not qualifying as reduced price gas will continue to be sold at the contract price or maximum lawful price under the Act; and (3) that either party to a natural gas contract subject to part one of this sentence may terminate the contract effective as of the first day of the 31st month following enactment upon providing at 180 days notice to the other party before the first day of the 31st month following enactment. Provides that beginning with the first day of the 31st month following enactment, with respect to all natural gas subject to the provisions of the preceding sentence: (1) any such provisions which prevent such gas from being sold at a price in excess of the gas cap price shall cease to apply; and (2) the free market price for such gas shall be as agreed between buyer and seller. Provides that, with respect to gas sold after enactment, the price shall be the price as agreed between buyer and seller but shall not be in excess of the gas cap price until the 31st month following enactment. Provides that beginning with the first day of the 49th month following enactment: (1) all gas not qualified as released gas shall no longer be subject to the provisions of subtitle A; (2) the gas cap price shall cease to be the mandatory price for any such gas; and (3) the free market price for such gas shall be as agreed between buyer and seller. Exempts synthetic gas or artificial gas from the provisions of this Act. Repeals provisions of the Act concerning contract duration, right of first refusal, and filing of contracts and agreements, and substitutes a provision which as a general rule provides that: (1) to the extent permitted by appropriate State or regulatory authorities, each interstate pipeline will be required to purchase and take natural gas under each of its domestic supply contracts at the same percentage rate of deliverability under such contract as it is purchasing and taking under all of its domestic supply contracts; (2) where the applicable supply contract does not provide for establishing deliverability, the rate shall be as established by the appropriate State or Federal regulatory authority; and (3) where no regulatory authority establishes deliverability, the rate shall be set by deliverability tests. Provides that the above provisions shall not apply to reduce production of casinghead gas or to reduce production of natural gas: (1) which is required in order to prevent drainage and protect the correlative rights of the owners of the natural gas involved; or (2) to the extent that reduction in takes would be likely to result in damage to the well or reservoir so that remaining recoverable reserves are reduced. Provides that for the purposes of an area rate clause, the gas cap price is a governmentally established rate or price. Provides that for purposes of determining the amount payable as royalty: (1) where royalty is based on market value, any price paid for natural gas shall be considered its market value; (2) under any lease of Federal oil and gas lands under the Mineral Leasing Act or the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, any price paid for the first sale of natural gas produced under such lease shall be considered the value of such natural gas; or (3) under any Federal oil and gas lease under the Outer Continental Shelf Act, any price paid for the sale of natural gas shall be considered the value of such gas, if the price was established either pursuant to the transitional price provisions of this Act, pursuant to renegotiation if renegotiation occurred after enactment, or pursuant to any contract entered into after enactment. Title III: Removal of Impediments to Interstate Movements of Gas - Revises provisions relating to interstate and intrastate sales and transportation to: (1) authorize the FERC to permit any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; (2) authorize the FERC to permit any intrastate pipeline or local distribution company to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; and (3) authorize the FERC to permit any pipeline or local distribution company to sell natural gas to any pipeline or local distribution company. Authorizes the FERC to permit any pipeline or local distribution company to assign surplus gas to any other pipeline or distribution company. Exempts intrastate pipelines and local distribution companies from FERC jurisdiction because of buying natural gas in certain "covered transactions." Requires an interstate pipeline, intrastate pipeline, or local distribution company to transport natural gas if: (1) a seller or purchaser of natural gas requests the pipeline or company to transport natural gas; (2) the pipeline or company has available capacity; and (3) the seller or purchaser certifies that at least 45 days in advance it notified the pipeline or company currently serving the person for whom such transportation service is being sought of its intent to request an authorization, it made a good faith attempt to negotiate a continuation of current service by such pipeline, and it has been unable to conclude any other satisfactory transportation agreement for such gas. Requires, in addition to the above requirements, that with respect to an intrastate pipeline or local distribution company the request must be filed with the appropriate State agency, and the agency has not acted within 90 days of receipt of the request. States that a pipeline or company shall be presumed to have available capacity unless it is determined that the pipeline's or company's total capacity is necessary to render adequate service to its existing customers. Requires a pipeline to continue to serve its existing customers and permits any contract carriage customer to try to establish a contract carriage service priority in order to assure that capacity is available for the existing high-priority users of the gas transported on behalf of such customer. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) contract carriage compensation; (2) construction of new facilities; (3) service obligation; (4) termination (of transportation service); (5) regulations (issuance by FERC); (6) procedures; and (7) definitions. Amends the Act to provide for the coordination of provisions with respect to FERC's jurisdiction. Sets forth effective date provisions. Title IV: Repeal of Certain Restrictions on Natural Gas and Petroleum Use and Pricing - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers used for space heating; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Makes conforming amendments. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for seven years from 1985 to 1992 the availability of the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy property. Requires that such affirmative commitments must be made by specified dates. Extends for two years from 1990 to 1992 the availability of the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments for synthetic fuel energy property. Extends for five years from 1982 to 1987 the date by which such affirmative commitments must be made. Includes tar sands equipment, shale oil equipment and synthetic fuel production equipment as energy property for purposes of the investment tax credit. Allows an investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for chlor-alkali electrolytic cells.

Renewable Energy Industry Development Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Renewable Energy Industry Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an evaluation of the domestic renewable energy industry and related service industries and to report his or her findings to Congress. Requires the Secretary to establish a program, on the basis of such evaluation, for enhancing commerce in renewable energy technologies. Provides that the funds required to carry out such program shall be requested for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1984. Requires the establishment of an interagency working group which shall make recommendations to coordinate Government actions and programs affecting commerce in renewable energy products and related services.

Bonneville Power Administration Fair Ratemaking Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Bonneville Power Administration Fair Ratemaking Act of 1983 - Amends the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act to provide that any person shall be given a reasonable opportunity to submit oral and written materials in any hearing with respect to electric power rates proposed by the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. Requires the hearing officer to allow the Administrator to file revised rates, upon the Administrator's request, provided that there is an adequate opportunity for cross-examination and rebuttal with respect to such revised rates. Requires that persons who have participated in such a hearing be allowed to file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with respect to the proposed rates after the hearing record has been closed. Provides that the hearing officer shall publish an initial decision on such rates as expeditiously as practicable after receiving such findings and conclusions. Prohibits ex parte communications relevant to the merits of such a hearing. Permits participants at such a hearing to file exceptions to the hearing officer's initial decision with the Administrator. Provides that the rates determined by the hearing officer shall become the final rates unless the Administrator makes a final decision establishing different rates, which shall become the final rates of the Administrator.

Bonneville Equity Restoration Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Bonneville Equity Restoration Act of 1983 - Requires the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to offer to: (1) purchase all outstanding debt instruments which were issued before the enactment of this Act by the Washington Public Power Supply System in connection with Washington nuclear projects numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; and (2) exonerate the Washington Public Power Supply System and all public utilities participating in such system from liability to the Administrator with respect to such projects. Conditions such offer upon the transfer of such projects from the Washington Public Power Supply System and public utilities to the United States. Requires the Administrator to maintain such projects until authorized by Congress to use or dispose of them. Requires the Administrator to establish a fund to be used for the purchase of the debt instruments. Requires the deposit into such fund of: (1) funds authorized to the Administrator under this Act; (2) funds from reserve accounts available to the Administrator; and (3) a rate surcharge imposed on customers purchasing power from the Bonneville Power Administration which were participants in the Washington Public Power Supply System.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that the energy investment tax credit shall be allowed for certain U.S.-produced energy property used predominantly in any beneficiary developing country.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for energy property produced in the United States and used predominantly in a foreign country designated by the President as a beneficiary developing country under the Trade Act of 1974. Limits such treatment to: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) hydroelectric generating property; (2) ocean thermal property; and (4) biomass property.

A resolution waiving certain points of order against consideration of the bill (H.R. 3132) making appropriations for energy and water development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983

Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 3132 (energy and water funding).

Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act, 1984

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983

Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act, 1984 - Title I: Department of Defense - Civil - Department of the Army - Appropriates specified sums for FY 1984 for the Department of the Army for: (1) general investigations pertaining to river and harbor, flood control, shore protection, and related projects; (2) construction of such projects; (3) emergency flood control, hurricane, and shore protection activities; (4) design and construction of a Corps of Engineers' learning facility at Huntsville, Alabama; (5) flood control along the Mississippi River and its tributaries; (6) general operation and maintenance of existing river and harbor, flood control, and related works; (7) general administration in the office of the Chief of Engineers and offices of the Division Engineers, activities of the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors and the Coastal Engineering Research Center, commercial statistics, and miscellaneous investigations; (8) construction, operation, and maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities and collection of special recreation use fees; and (9) expenses of attendance at certain military meetings, uniforms and allowance, printing of survey reports, official reception and representation expenses, and the purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles. Limits the total accrued expenditures of the capital investment program of the Corps of Engineers revolving fund to $78,000,000 in FY 1984. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this title to change any project which is partially constructed but not funded for construction under this title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to reimburse local and State interests for expenditures made before July 1, 1969, in construction of the Flat River Channel improvement feature of the Bayou Bodcau and Tributaries project in Louisiana. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to enter into a purchase contract for new buildings for the U.S. Army Engineer District in New Orleans, Louisiana. Title II: Department of the Interior - Appropriates specified sums for FY 1984 for the Bureau of Reclamation for: (1) engineering and economic investigations of Federal reclamation projects and studies of water conservation and development plans and activities; (2) construction and rehabilitation of projects and transfers to the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund and to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund; (3) operation and maintenance of reclamation projects and a soil and moisture conservation program on lands under the Bureau's jurisdiction; (4) loans to irrigation districts and other public agencies for construction of distribution systems on Federal reclamation projects and loans and grants to non-Federal agencies for such construction projects; (5) general administration in the offices of the Commissioner of the Bureau and in the Bureau's regional offices; and (6) the Emergency fund. Prohibits the determination of the final discharge point for the interceptor drain for the San Luis Unit in California until a plan to minimize any detrimental effect of the San Luis drainage waters has been developed. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds under this title for construction or operation of facilities to prevent the waters of Lake Powell from entering any national monument. Makes appropriated funds available to the Bureau for: (1) passenger motor vehicles and aircraft; (2) payment of damage claims against the Bureau; (3) compensation of Bureau employees appointed as U.S. representatives to interstate compact negotiations; (4) experts and consultants; (5) rewards for information on property violations; (6) operation and maintenance functions; (7) preparation and dissemination of useful information; and (8) studies of recreational uses of reservoir areas and investigation and recovery of archaeological and paleontological remains in such areas. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated for operation and maintenance for the benefit of lands in an irrigation district or lands owned by any member of a water users' organization or any individual if such district, organization, or individual is in arrears for more than 12 months in the payment of charges under a contract with the United States. Makes the Department of the Interior appropriations in this title available for: (1) emergency reconstruction, replacement, or repair of aircraft, buildings, facilities, or equipment; (2) suppression or emergency prevention of forest or range fires; (3) operation of warehouses, garages, shops, and similar facilities; and (4) aircraft, passenger motor vehicles, reprints, telephone services in private residences in the field, and dues for library membership in certain societies and associations. Provides that the cost of foundation treatment, drainage, and instrumentation work at Twin Buttes Dam in Texas shall be nonreimbursable under Federal reclamation laws. Title III: Department of Energy - Appropriates specified sums for FY 1984 for Department of Energy expenses in connection with: (1) energy supply, research, and development activities; (2) uranium supply and enrichment activities; (3) general science and research activities; (4) nuclear waste disposal activities; (5) atomic energy defense activities; and (6) departmental administration. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Alaska Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; (4) the Western Area Power Administration; and (5) the Emergency Fund of the Western Area Power Administration. Approves expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund for: (1) official reception and representation expenses; and (2) financing the construction program and other new programs. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (2) the Geothermal Resources Development Fund; and (3) motor vehicles, aircraft, uniforms, and security guard services for the Department of Energy. Prohibits the reprogramming of more than five percent of the funds appropriated for the current fiscal year for Department of Energy activities funded in this Act. Prohibits the increase or decrease of any such appropriation by more than five percent by such reprogramming. Limits the expenditure of funds for consulting services to those procurement contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record and are available for public inspection. Prohibits the use of Department of Energy funds to compensate parties intervening in legal proceedings funded in the Department of Energy. Makes up to $500,000 of the funds available to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission available for updating the comprehensive water resources analysis for the Fifteenth Congressional District of California. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Appropriates funds for FY 1984 for: (1) salaries and expenses and the Federal share of expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) Appalachian Regional Development programs; (3) expenses of the U.S. member of the Delaware River Basin Commission and payment of the U.S. share of current expenses of such Commission; (4) the U.S. share of expenses of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin; (5) salaries and expenses of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (6) expenses of the U.S. member of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the U.S. share of expenses of such Commission; and (7) the Tennessee Valley Authority Fund. Title V: General Provisions - Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriated under this Act beyond the current fiscal year unless provided in this Act. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act to: (1) compensate parties intervening in legal proceedings funded in this Act; (2) implement regulations disapproved by a resolution of disapproval; (3) implement a program of retention contracts for senior employees of the Tennessee Valley Authority; or (4) conduct studies with respect to changing the method of pricing hydroelectric power by the six Federal public power authorities or by other Government agencies. Limits the expenditure of funds under this Act for consulting services to those procurement contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record and are available for public inspection. Requires that three percent of the total budget authority provided in this Act for payments not required by law and for purposes other than atomic energy defense activities shall be withheld from obligation and expenditure. Provides that the amount withheld for from each appropriation for payments not required by law under this Act shall not exceed five percent.

A resolution to require the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection, and Finance of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to investigate certain actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to the revocation of the broadcasting license of Faith Center, Incorporated, San Bernardino, California.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983

Requires the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection, and Finance of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to conduct public hearings to determine why the Federal Communications Commission ordered Faith Center, Incorporated to cease broadcasting on KHOF-TV, channel 30, in San Bernardino, California. Directs the subcommittee to prepare a written report of its findings for the House of Representatives.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that the windfall profit tax shall not apply to an amount of crude oil equal to the amount of residual fuel oil used in tertiary recovery processes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the windfall profit tax an amount of crude oil equal to residual fuel oil used in tertiary recovery processes. Defines "residual fuel oil." Disallows a depletion deduction for such exempt oil.

Renewable Energy Incentive Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983

Renewable Energy Incentive Act of 1983 - Title I: Certain Renewable Energy Source Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years from 1985 to 1990 the investment tax credit for: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) hydroelectric generating property; and (4) biomass property. Allows an investment tax credit for cogeneration energy property until 1990. Increases the energy percentage for solar, wind, or geothermal energy and ocean thermal property from 15 percent to 25 percent. Increases the energy percentage for hydroelectric generating property from 11 percent to 15 percent. Allows an energy percentage of ten percent for cogeneration property. Extends the residential energy income tax credit from 1985 to 1990. Allows the regular investment tax credit for energy property which is considered to be a structural component of a building and is used as air or water heating equipment for such building. Allows an investment tax credit until 1995 for affirmative commitments made for projects concerning: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) biomass property; and (4) cogeneration property. Extends for seven years from 1988 to 1995 the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for certain hydroelectric generating property. Increases from two to five the number of possible sites for ocean thermal property. Allows an investment tax credit for ocean thermal property which produces energy used in a possession of the United States. (Present law requires that such energy be used in the continental United States.) Title II: Biomass Incentive - Treates as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Title III: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

A bill to preclude the Department of Energy from impounding loan guarantee or loan authority.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983

Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to provide that the loan and insurance guarantee authority of the Secretary of Energy pursuant to any loan guarantee or insurance program of the Department of Energy shall be limited only by: (1) the availability of qualified applicants for such loan guarantees or insurance; and (2) limitations contained in appropriation Acts.

A resolution providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 1398) to promote energy conservation by providing for daylight saving time on an expanded basis, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 1398 (daylight saving time).

Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983

Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for renewable energy sources for five years from 1985 to 1990. Increases from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990. Extends such credits for hydroelectric generating property and biomass property for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reestablishes the credit for congeneration property until 1990. Qualifies until 1995 affirmative commitments for solar, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, and cogeneration projects begun by December 31, 1990. Eliminates the 20 percent limitation for oil and natural gas used in cogeneration facilities. Allows the regular investment tax credit percentage with respect to certain energy property even if such property is a structural component of a building. Qualifies as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Revises the definition of geothermal deposit to lower the required temperature to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. (Present regulations require a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.)

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make the ground water heat pump eligible for the residential energy and investment tax credits.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make certain types of heat pumps eligible for the residential energy income tax credit and the investment tax credit for energy property. Qualifies for such credit heat pumps which transmit or use solar energy stored in ground water.

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any future Federal coal lands leases until certain requirements are satisfied and a report thereon submitted to the Congress, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any Federal coal lands lease until the later of one year following enactment of this Act or until the time when the Secretary has: (1) developed a detailed analysis of the economic and geographic variables affecting the value of each Federal lease; (2) published new internal procedures for conducting coal lease valuations; (3) published guidelines for additional and experimental bidding systems for regional coal sales; (4) calculated minimum regulatory selling prices for coal leases in each Federal coal region on a cents per ton basis; (5) revised procedures for determining fair market value so as to include specific quantitative tests; (6) established written internal procedures for safeguarding coal lease pricing, economic valuation and other proprietary data against unauthorized disclosures; and (7) submitted a report to the appropriate House and Senate committees.

Clinch River Breeder Reactor White Elephant Feeding and Financing Scheme of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983

Clinch River Breeder Reactor White Elephant Feeding and Financing Scheme of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to enter into long-term cooperative agreements to obtain private sector financial participation in the construction and startup costs of the Clinch River breeder reactor project in Tennessee equal to approximately 40 percent of the total remaining project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to contract to: (1) lease a privately owned portion of the project; (2) provide for project operation; (3) purchase or sell steam or electricity produced by the project; (4) purchase standby power; and (5) supply fuel and related services for the project. Authorizes appropriations for the Clinch River breeder project for FY 1984 through 1990. Provides that: (1) the construction of the Clinch River breeder reactor project is considered to have commenced before December 31, 1982; (2) the project is not public utility property; (3) participation in the project does not establish a public utility holding company; and (4) the Secretary has sole authority with respect to rates for the sale of steam or electricity produced by the project.

An original bill to authorize appropriations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in accordance with section 261 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and section 305 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1983

Authorizes appropriations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for FY 1984 and 1985.

Magnetohydrodynamics Research, Development and Demonstration Policy Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Magnetohydrodynamics Research, Development and Demonstration Policy Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct research and development which will clarify the scientific and technical issues that directly affect the development and commercial acceptance of magnetohydrodynamic technology (technology for the production of electricity from coal). Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for the magnetohydrodynamic research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act and to transmit such program to Congress. Directs the Secretary to enter into international cooperative agreements to conduct magnetohydrodynamic research and development. Requires the Secretary to offer to enter into an agreement with the owner of an existing, coal-fired, electric powerplant and other appropriate parties for a proof of concept demonstration of magnetohydrodynamic technology with respect to such powerplant. Provides that the parties to such agreement shall be selected on the basis of competitive bids. Requires the establishment of a Technical Review Panel for Magnetohydrodynamics which shall make recommendations to the Energy Research Advisory Board with respect to the magnetohydrodynamics research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act. Requires that the Panel's report be transmitted to the Secretary and Congress. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress annually on activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.

Energy Conservation Grants to Local Government and Public Care Institutions Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Energy Conservation Grants to Local Government and Public Care Institutions Act of 1983- Amends Federal law (which makes further continuing appropriations and provides for productive employment for FY 1983) to include the energy conservation program for buildings owned by units of local government and public care institutions under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act among those programs to which States are permitted to apply designated petroleum violation escrow funds disbursed by the Secretary of Energy.