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Bill· SS. 3576 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Georges Bank Preservation Act - Prohibits the issuance of any lease or other authorization by the federal government for exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in: (1) any marine national monument or national marine sanctuary; or (2) the fishing grounds known as Georges Bank in the waters of the United States.
Law· SS. 3597 (110th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to replace "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" with "Food Stamp Act of 1977" in a provision reauthorizing grant funds to assist eligible private nonprofit entities to establish and carry out community food projects. Makes such grant funds for FY2008 available until September 30, 2009, to fund proposals solicited in FY2008.
Bill· SS. 3587 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Greening the Healthcare Workforce Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to nonprofit hospitals or health care institutions to promote environmentally sustainable practices in building and maintenance operations, including: (1) the training of employees in environmentally sound waste management and chemical management practices; (2) the reduction in use of mercury-containing medical supplies; and (3) the conduct of minor improvements to grounds and facilities to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality and to reduce water waste.
Bill· SS. 3577 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Prevent Excessive Speculation Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to extend its coverage to specified energy commodities, including: (1) crude oil; (2) natural gas; (3) coal; (4) gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, and any other source of energy derived from coal, crude oil, or natural gas; (5) electricity; and (6) renewable biomass-derived fuels. Prohibits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its members or other participants subject to CFTC jurisdiction direct access to its electronic trading and order matching system unless it meets specified requirements. Authorizes the CFTC to: (1) require recordkeeping by any person either located within the United States or entering trades directly into the trade matching system of a foreign board of trade from the United States; and (2) require a person in the United States or subject to CFTC jurisdiction to limit or liquidate any position on a foreign board of trade to reduce the threat of price manipulation. Directs the CFTC to convene a working group of international regulators to develop uniform international reporting and regulatory standards to ensure protection of energy futures markets from nonlegitimate hedge trading, excessive speculation, manipulation, location shopping, and lowest common denominator regulation, each of which poses systemic risks to all energy futures markets, countries, and consumers. Directs the CFTC to establish position limits for energy and agricultural commodities. Authorizes the CFTC to require or permit a contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or electronic trading facility with respect to a significant price discovery contract to establish and enforce position accountability. Authorizes the CFTC to exercise oversight over any disturbance in a commodity market that disrupts its liquidity and price discovery function from accurately reflecting a commodity's supply and demand ("major market disturbance"). Sets forth reporting requirements for covered traders. Requires the CFTC to identify each large over-the-counter transaction or class of such transactions in order to detect and prevent potential price manipulation of, or excessive speculation in, any contract listed for trading on a registered entity. Instructs the CFTC to: (1) routinely require detailed reporting from index traders and swap dealers in markets under its jurisdiction; and (2) review the trading practices for index traders in markets under its jurisdiction to ensure that index trading is not adversely impacting the price discovery process. Requires the CFTC to disaggregate and make public monthly: (1) the number of positions and total value of index funds and other passive, long-only positions in energy and agricultural markets; and (2) data on speculative positions relative to bona fide physical hedgers in such markets. Directs the CFTC to appoint additional CFTC enforcement employees. Establishes a Working Group on Energy Markets to: (1) investigate energy commodity speculation's effect on U.S. energy prices and energy security; (2) recommend to the President and Congress laws to prevent such speculation; (3) review energy security considerations posed by developments in international energy markets; and (4) conduct a study of the energy market framework. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to require each federal agency to provide information to the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration for identification of each energy-producing company. Establishes within such Administration a Financial Market Analysis Office responsible for financial analysis of energy markets. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to report to specified congressional committees on the role of financial institutions in natural gas markets. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to report to specific congressional committees on: (1) the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives; and (2) the effects of noncommercial speculators upon energy futures markets and energy prices.
Bill· HRH.R. 7086 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Pathway to Nuclear Power Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) revise terms and conditions governing federal loan guarantees for innovative technology projects; (2) modify the contract authority of the Secretary of Energy; (3) convert the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative into the Nuclear Power 2010 Program; and (4) instruct the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations to implement workforce training programs for the nuclear industries. Creates an interagency working group to make recommendations to coordinate federal actions and programs to promote domestic manufacture and export of nuclear energy products and services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe: (1) a qualifying nuclear power manufacturing credit; (2) a nuclear power facility construction credit; (3) a five-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities; and (4) a special rule for the allocation of credit among public-private partnerships that own an advanced nuclear power facility. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 revise administrative procedures for licensing new nuclear power plants. Establishes a Joint Committee on Nuclear Energy to make recommendations to promote domestic nuclear energy. States that, for the period following the licensed operation of any facility for the treatment or storage of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste, no consideration of the public health and safety, common defense and security, or environmental impacts of such storage is required regarding the development, construction, and operation of, or any permit, license, or siting approval for, a civilian nuclear power reactor or any facility for nuclear fuel or waste treatment or storage. United States High Level Nuclear Waste Management Corporation Act - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to establish the United States High Level Nuclear Waste Management Corporation. Terminates the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Requires the Secretary of Energy, in specified circumstances, to propose an adjustment to the fee for electricity generated from civilian nuclear power reactors. Replaces the Nuclear Waste Fund with a Nuclear Waste Revolving Fund and a Nuclear Waste Legacy Fund. Revises contract requirements with respect to such Funds following issuance of a license to construct and operate facilities to receive and store spent nuclear fuel at the Yucca Mountain site, Nevada.
Bill· HRH.R. 7097 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Biogas Production Incentive Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production and sale of biogas. Defines "biogas" as a gas that is derived by processing qualified energy feedstock (i.e., manure of agricultural livestock and other organic agricultural or food industry byproduct waste material) in an anaerobic digester and that contains at least 60% methane and carbon dioxide and trace gases. Provides an increased credit for biogas produced from qualified cellulosic energy feedstock.
Bill· HRH.R. 7101 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Pulp and Paper Energy Security Task Force to: (1) identify the energy needs of the forest product industry and similar manufacturing operations, and programs and services provided by the federal and state governments, as well as nongovernment organizations, that may serve to lower energy costs; and (2) assess the extent to which such programs and services serve those needs. Requires the Task Force to make recommendations to the Secretary on: (1) how to more effectively serve such needs; (2) how to promote recommended new programs and services; (3) creation of a permanent advisory board and establishment of an Internet website to receive and dispense relevant information and resources; and (4) development of additional education materials and programs. Requires the Task Force to organize and distribute existing materials that inform and educate with respect to such energy needs of the forest product industry and similar manufacturing operations.
Bill· HRH.R. 7060 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy conservation and production, to extend expiring provisions, and provide for revenue enhancements. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources: (1) through 2009 for wind facilities; and (2) through FY2011 for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property. Allows a new energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Increases to $1,500 the credit limitation for fuel cell property. Increases and extends through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Eliminates the limitation on the tax credit for solar electric property. Allows a new tax credit for 30% of expenditures for wind turbines used to generate electricity in a residence and for geothermal heat pumps. Extends tax deferral provisions for the gain on sales of transmission property by vertically-integrated electric utilities to independent transmission companies approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Allows a 30% investment tax credit rate for advanced coal-based generation technology projects and increases the maximum credit amounts allocable for such projects to $2.55 billion. Increases to 30% the investment tax credit rate for coal gasification projects. Extends the excise tax on coal through December 31, 2018. Sets forth special rules for refund claims of coal excise tax by certain coal producers and exporters. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to undertake a comprehensive review of Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and provide an estimate of the magnitude of such effects. Includes cellulosic biofuel within the definition of "biomass ethanol plant property" for purposes of bonus depreciation. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel. Increases the rates of such credits. Disqualifies foreign-produced fuel that is used or sold for use outside the United States from the income and excise tax credits for alcohol, biodiesel, and alternative fuel production. Allows a new tax credit for the production of qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Allows an exclusion from the heavy truck excise tax for idling reduction devices and advanced insulation used in certain heavy trucks and trailers. Allows employees to exclude reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses from gross income. Increases and extends the tax credit for residential and commercial alternative fuel refueling property expenditures. Extends the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures through 2008. Includes energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves as property eligible for such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Modifies tax credit amounts for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows an accelerated 10-year recovery period for the depreciation of qualified smart electric meters and smart electric grid systems. Extends through FY2012 the authority to issue tax-exempt green building and sustainable design project bonds. Extends through 2009: (1) the tax deduction for state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (2) the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses; (3) the exemption from withholding of tax of interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends received from a regulated investment company (RIC) and the special rule for RIC stock held in the estate of nonresidents; (4) tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes; (5) the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (6) the inclusion of an RIC within the definition of "qualified investment entity" for income tax purposes; and (7) the additional standard tax deduction for real property taxes. Extends through 2009: (1) the tax credits for increasing research activities, Indian employment, railroad track maintenance, and the new markets tax credit; (2) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (3) expensing of environmental remediation costs and certain film and television production costs; (4) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (5) special rules for related controlled foreign corporations and for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (6) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (7) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (8) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (9) the expanded tax deductions for charitable contributions of food and book inventories by noncorporate taxpayers; (10) the special rule for reductions in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions; (11) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2009); (12) the subpart F income exemption for active financing income; and (13) the increase in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Makes permanent the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to: (1) conduct undercover operations; and (2) disclose tax return information related to terrorist activities. Lowers in 2008 (from $10,000 to $8,500) the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Modifies certain provisions relating to the tax deduction for domestic film and television productions. Exempts from the excise tax on bows and arrows certain arrow shafts. Modifies the standards for imposing penalties on tax return preparers for understatements of tax to require: (1) substantial authority for a position with respect to an item on a tax return if such position was not disclosed with the return; and (2) a reasonable basis for a position that was disclosed with the return. Requires tax return preparers to have a reasonable belief that a position with respect to a tax shelter or a reportable transaction (a transaction having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) will more likely than not be sustained on its merits. Provides for revenue enhancements by: (1) reducing by 3% the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities for taxpayers with income derived from activities related to oil, gas, or any primary products thereof; (2) conforming the tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (3) including within the reporting requirements of investment brokers the adjusted basis of any publicly traded security owned by customers of such brokers; (4) extending through 2009 the 0.2% Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) surtax; (5) requiring the inclusion in gross income of employee compensation deferred under compensation plans of certain foreign business entities; (6) delaying until 2017 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit; and (7) increasing the estimated tax payments of certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2013.
Bill· HRH.R. 7080 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Stop Trial Lawyer Pork Act - Declares that certain federal laws that benefit trial lawyers to the detriment of consumers shall have no force or effect, whether enacted before, on, or after the enactment of this Act. Includes among such laws: (1) the Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2008; (2) the Medical Device Safety Act of 2008; (3) the Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products Act; (4) the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007; (5) the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007; and (6) the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. Clarity and Transparency in Lawsuits Act or CATLA - Requires any federal law creating a private right of action to include express language providing for such a right. Prohibits any federal or state court from construing any federal law to imply a private right of action in absence of such an express provision. Prohibits any attorney at law, in any litigation in or affecting commerce among the states or with foreign nations, from prosecuting or counseling any action, or asserting any claim or defense, which is false, frivolous, or wholly insubstantial. Establishes sanctions for violation of such prohibition. Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act - Amends Rule 11 (Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Gives an attorney a right to appeal such a sanction. Prohibits a person from bringing a personal injury claim in the court of a state if the person is not a resident of that state (interstate forum-shopping), unless all or a substantial part of the acts or omissions giving rise to the claim asserted occurred in that state.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1503 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration or disposition of a measure (making FY2009 supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance) on the same day it is presented to the House.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1501 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7060) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1502 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7060) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief.
Bill· SS. 3563 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Security Assistance Act of 2008 - Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations for military and related assistance. Revises provisions regarding: (1) arms export controls; (2) nuclear cooperation; and (3) specified reporting provisions. Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 - Authorizes the transfer of specified naval vessels to Pakistan, Greece, Chile, and Peru. Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Authorizes FY2009 appropriations for international organizations. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish a global pathogen security program. Nuclear Safeguards and Supply Act of 2008 - Authorizes additional appropriations for the refurbishment or possible replacement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) pursue a program to strengthen technical safeguards research and development and improve interagency coordination on safeguards technology; and (2) develop a safeguards cadre program. Authorizes the President to create mechanisms to provide a reliable supply of nuclear fuel to those countries and groups of countries that adhere to policies to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and that decide to forgo a national uranium enrichment program and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2008 - Prohibits assistance to an eligible developing country that does not: (1) permit World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) personnel to investigate infectious disease outbreaks within its borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. and international agencies and organizations. Prohibits any participating foreign national from having unsupervised access to agents that may be used in a biological weapon. Establishes a public health education and training fellowship program. Directs the Secretary to support in-country training courses for public health personnel. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries for public health laboratory equipment and supplies. Directs CDC and the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase the number of laboratory personnel in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research expand such laboratories' operations. Authorizes: (1) the President to provide assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for WHO and existing regional and international health networks, and develop new health networks; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries. Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations. International Space Station Payments Act of 2008 - Exempts from the prohibition on extraordinary payments U.S. government payments made between January 1, 2012, and reentry into Earth's atmosphere of the International Space Station (ISS) at its end of life for work or services necessary to meet U.S. obligations under the Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station. (Extraordinary payments are, generally, those made for work on the ISS which the Russian government pledged to provide at its expense and those for work on the ISS, or for the purchase of goods or services relating to human space flight, that are not required to be made under the terms of a contract or other agreement that was in effect on January 1, 1999, as the terms were in effect on that date.) Specifies that such exemption shall not permit payments for certain cargo or crew transportation or rescue services.
Bill· SS. 3561 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief Act of 2008 or the HEATR Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income-based refundable tax credit for residential energy costs. Limits such credit to the lesser of 33% of such costs or $500. Eliminates for major integrated oil companies: (1) the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs in taxable years in which the average price of crude oil is greater than $34.71 per barrel and the average price of natural gas is greater that $4.34 per 1,000 cubic feet; and (2) the tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs in taxable years in which the average price of crude oil is greater than $34.71 per barrel. Denies such oil companies and certain producers or refiners of crude oil a foreign tax credit for payments to certain foreign countries or U.S. possessions from which they receive a specified economic benefit as a dual capacity taxpayer.
Bill· SS. 3572 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Ratepayer Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to cite conditions under which the President is authorized to make disaster assistance contributions for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of private or investor-owned power transmission and distribution facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. Cites conditions for large in-lieu contributions to a private or investor-owned power facility if the owner determines that the public welfare would not best be served by repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing the facility. Restricts the use of such funds to the area affected as a result of the major disaster.
Bill· HRH.R. 7051 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Georges Bank Preservation Act - Prohibits the issuance of any lease or other authorization by the federal government for exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in: (1) any marine national monument or national marine sanctuary; or (2) the fishing grounds known as Georges Bank in the waters of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 7037 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Healthy Activity for Lifelong Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to enable state health departments to maintain community action teams to work within the local community to promote healthier lifestyles through physical activity and good nutrition and thereby prevent obesity and chronic disease. Requires such departments to collect data on the effectiveness of the community action team program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct training institutes to jump-start the work of such teams; (2) provide the teams with access to national experts in ongoing community change; and (3) disseminate information about success achieved through the teams to communities across the nation.
Bill· HRH.R. 7032 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Establishes the Office of the Federal Oil and Gas Permit Coordinator, headed by a Federal Permit Coordinator, to: (1) coordinate permitting activities by federal and state agencies regarding any oil and gas project under a federal lease either onshore or on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), including oil shale projects; and (2) ensure the compliance of participating federal and state agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish regional offices to coordinate review of federal permits for oil and gas projects on federal lands onshore and on the OCS. Sets forth a schedule for federal agency review of oil and gas applications for: (1) Class I permits, that require preparation of an environmental impact statement to inform the permitting decision; (2) Class II permits, for activities that would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment; and (3) Class III permits, for activities that qualify for a statutory or regulatory categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prescribes dispute resolution procedures governing oil and gas permit reviews. Empowers the Regional Permit Coordinator to resolve all administrative issues affecting such reviews. Directs the Regional Permit Coordinators to facilitate and coordinate concurrent state reviews of permits for oil and gas projects in the state or on an adjacent portion of the OCS. Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive original jurisdiction over any civil action for the review of a permit decision.
Bill· HRH.R. 7050 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Energy Conservation Corps Act of 2008 - Establishes the Energy Conservation Corps in the Department of Energy (DOE) to hire for up to 24 months disadvantaged or disconnected individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 (Corps members) to work in service projects, primarily team-based, designed to increase energy efficiency and improve natural resources use. Directs the Secretary of Energy to accept applications from nonprofit, governmental, or educational organizations to establish, operate and support the Corps and to undertake projects related to energy and resource conservation and rural development. Requires such organizations to provide Corps members with access to education and job training opportunities.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1490 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration or disposition of a measure (providing incentives for energy production and conservation, extending certain expiring provisions, and providing individual income tax relief) on the same day it is presented to the House.
Bill· SS. 3538 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 with respect to producers, including peanut producers, with 10 or fewer base acres to: (1) suspend a prohibition on direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, or average crop revenue election payments; and (2) extend the 2008 signup deadline for direct payments and counter-cyclical payments until December 31, 2008. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that no penalty is assessed against producers for failure to submit reports or comply with other program requirements as a result of compliance with the extended signup deadline.
Bill· SS. 3543 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Integrity in Offshore Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Prohibits any employee of the Minerals Management Service of the Department of the Interior from: (1) knowingly accepting a gift from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining or from being employed by such an entity while employed in the Service; and (2) accepting employment from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining during the one-year period after termination of employment with the Service. Makes violations of such prohibitions a felony. Requires financial disclosure by employees of the Service in positions equivalent to GS-13 or higher. Suspends the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to carry out royalty-in-kind programs (payment of royalties from oil and gas leases in the form of production rather than cash) until the Secretary certifies that a comprehensive review of such programs has been conducted, implements an ethics training program for employees of the Minerals Management Service, and creates an ombudsman position to monitor the progress of the Service in carrying out reforms. Requires the Secretary to perform at least 550 audits in each fiscal year of oil and gas leases for which payment is made under a royalty-in-kind program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the authority of the Secretary to pay salaries and other administrative costs related to a royalty-in kind program from royalty-in-kind sales revenues.
Bill· HRH.R. 7018 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
21st Century Energy Technology Deployment Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy, after consultation with the Energy Technology Advisory Council of the 21st Century Energy Deployment Corporation (both established by this Act), to develop and publish near-, medium-, and long-term goals for the deployment of clean energy technologies through the Corporation to establish or promote specified energy generation, transmission, and use and energy technology manufacturing capacities. Requires the Advisory Council to publish 5- and 10-year performance targets and to establish initial targets until those are published. Allows the Corporation to purchase, and make commitments to purchase, debt instruments associated with the deployment of clean energy technologies. Describes lending authorities of the Corporation. Allows the Corporation to issue securities for purchase by the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires annual reports to Congress on the technologies supported and on Corporation performance. Requires the Secretary to oversee Corporation operations and finances. Allows the Corporation to prepare a strategic plan to issue common stock to enable expansion of its operations and requires the plan to include consideration of Board restructuring alternatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 7029 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
National Debt Reduction Trust Fund Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Treasury the National Debt Reduction Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to such Trust Fund revenues attributable to the exploration for, development of, or production of oil, natural gas, or oil shale located on federal lands in Alaska or the Outer Continental Shelf and to use such revenues to reduce the national debt.
Bill· HRH.R. 7030 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Allows any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for which expenditure of federal funds for oil and gas leasing is prohibited on September 19, 2008, to be leased under the 2007-2012 oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, effective upon the termination of such prohibition.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1489 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration or disposition of a measure (providing incentives for energy production and conservation, extending certain expiring provisions, and providing individual income tax relief) on the same day it is presented to the House.
Bill· HRH.R. 6991 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Establishes an Energy Policy Council within the Executive Office of the President to develop a National Energy Plan and a plan for comprehensive federal departmental reform to eliminate wasteful spending and overlapping programs, including by establishing a consolidated entity to be known as the Department of Energy Policy.
Bill· HRH.R. 6981 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to replace "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" with "Food Stamp Act of 1977" in a provision reauthorizing grant funds to assist eligible private nonprofit entities to establish and carry out community food projects. Makes such grant funds for FY2008 available until September 30, 2009, to fund proposals solicited in FY2008.
Bill· SS. 3523 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Eight Steps to Energy Sufficiency Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take designated actions to promote advanced batteries research and development for (plug-in) electric drive vehicles, including a direct loan program for domestic production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to prescribe procedures for oil and natural gas preleasing and leasing activities in certain new producing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) enter into a streamlined refinery permitting process (upon request of a state governor or Indian tribe); and (2) report to certain congressional committees regarding additional federal incentives to increase production of cellulosic ethanol. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress regarding actions to limit litigation under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for hydrogen installation, infrastructure, and fuel costs; and (2) extend and modify tax credits for renewable energy production, solar energy and fuel cell investment, residential energy efficient property, renewable energy bonds, energy efficient new and existing homes, and energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Extends and modifies the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to declare certain large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities eligible for the federal loan guarantee program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for coal-to-liquid facilities. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to permit the Secretary of Energy to construct storage facilities near pipeline infrastructure and a military base and store coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Authorizes specified funds for the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test and procure coal-derived synthetic fuels for aviation jet use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified tax incentives for coal-to-liquid production. Energy Security and Climate Enhancement Through Clean Coal Technology Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe specified clean coal technology incentives, including: (1) an investment credit for carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage equipment; and (2) a credit for carbon dioxide sequestration in the generation of electricity. Provides for the issuance of clean energy coal bonds. Withdraws specified lands from certain leasing, mining and materials sales laws, and places them under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Energy for nuclear waste access to Yucca Mountain. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prescribe infrastructure activities related to a facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the Yucca Mountain site. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish: (1) a nuclear power facility construction credit; and (2) a five-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities. Prescribes a leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development and production within the Coastal Plain of Alaska (known as the 1002 Coastal Plain Area). Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under this Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 665 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Designates October 3, 2008, as National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day to promote programs and activities that will lead to the greater use of cleaner, more efficient transportation that uses new sources of energy. Urges Americans to: (1) increase the personal and commercial use of, and promote public sector adoption of, cleaner and energy-efficient alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles; and (2) encourage the enactment of federal policies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil through the advancement and adoption of alternative, advanced, and emerging vehicle and fuel technologies.
Bill· HRH.R. 6976 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Preventing Manipulation in Commodity Markets Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to define "energy commodity." Prohibits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its U.S-located members with access to the CFTC electronic trading system and order matching system for energy or agricultural commodities unless such board meets requirements similar to those imposed upon U.S. exchanges. Subjects swap transactions, transactions for agricultural and energy commodities, and large traders in over-the-counter contracts to reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Commission to: (1) set position limits for any one person with respect to designated contract markets, derivative transaction execution facilities, and electronic trading facilities; (2) convene a Position Limit Agricultural Advisory Group and a Position Limit Energy Group; (3) appoint at least 100 new full-time employees; (4) review prior actions to ensure compliance with this Act; and (5) review over-the-counter markets. Revises the core principles applicable to position limits for contracts in agricultural and energy commodities to require position limits for speculators. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of: (1) the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives; and (2) speculators' effects on agriculture and energy futures markets and prices. Directs the Commission to: (1) require regular reporting of fungible over-the-counter agricultural and energy transactions; and (2) determine if such transactions have the potential to disrupt market liquidity or cause market or price disturbances, and if so, to use its discretion to impose position limits. Authorizes the Commission to use expedited procedures to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6937 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) implement in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an energy sustainability program to minimize energy consumption and encourage the use of alternative energy sources; (2) establish and maintain a database to track and report on VA energy and water expenditures; (3) complete an audit of VA energy usage during FY2009; (4) ensure VA compliance with an Executive Order and VA Directive concerning energy efficiency goals and objectives; (5) install alternative fueling stations on at least 35 VA medical facility campuses; (6) submit to Congress a plan for increasing the use of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies in VA facilities and operations; (7) provide for the installation of individual electric sub-metering equipment at VA facilities; (8) ensure that energy-efficient products meeting VA requirements are purchased whenever the VA purchases items that consume electricity; and (9) conduct a study on water and fuel consumption by the National Cemetery Administration and ways to reduce such consumption. Establishes in the VA: (1) an Office of Energy Management; and (2) the Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability. Authorizes an increase in the dollar limit of VA grants for: (1) adaptive housing to encourage the use of high-efficiency systems and products or other energy-use reduction items; and (2) adaptive vehicles to encourage the purchase of alternative use vehicles. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy to enter into a memorandum of understanding to improve and facilitate the use of expertise of the national laboratories to evaluate energy- and water-efficient technologies for use by the VA. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to sell economic incentives that reduce the emission of air pollutants attributable to a VA facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 6921 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008
Commodity Prices Oversight and Transparency Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should immediately send to Congress a request for additional appropriations for FY2008 for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to: (1) help restore public confidence in commodity futures markets and federal oversight of those markets; (2) allow the CFTC to reduce the potential threat of market manipulation or congestion by potential imposition of position limitations for speculators should the CFTC determine the absence of position limitations for speculators is causing an increase in the price of oil, gasoline, diesel, and other energy commodities; (3) improve its information technology capabilities significantly; and (4) fund at least 100 new full-time positions to regulate such markets. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (Act) to direct the CFTC to appoint additional full-time employees. Directs the CFTC to take specified steps to enforce and promote accountability and transparency for contracts trading on foreign boards of trade. Shields from liability certain persons trading on a legally organized foreign board of trade. States that no contract of sale of a commodity for future delivery transacted through the facilities of a board of trade, exchange, or market located outside the United States shall be void, voidable, or unenforceable, and no party to such contract shall be entitled to rescind or recover any payments made with respect to such contract based upon the noncompliance of the foreign board of trade with such Act. Requires the CFTC to: (1) issue a proposed rule governing reporting requirements for index traders and swap dealers in futures markets for exempt and agricultural commodities; (2) disaggregate and make public monthly information on the positions and value of index funds and other passive positions material to a commodity futures or options markets; and (3) report to certain congressional committees on the scope of commodity index trading in the futures market, including whether such trading adversely affects price discovery in the futures markets.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.110-670published
United States · United States Senate · 16 September 2008
Bill· SS. 3497 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Food Insecurity Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as renamed by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) to increase to 12 months the amount of time certain work capable adults can receive supplemental nutrition assistance benefits (formerly, food stamp benefits). Revises the definition of "covered individual."
Bill· HRH.R. 6909 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to give priority to the consideration of applications for permits and other authorizations required for renewable energy projects on federal public lands and to issue regulations that establish an expeditied process for the submission and consideration of such applications, including projects pending before the Department of the Interior. Specifies the treatment of such projects with regard to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires the Secretary to promptly identify federal public land under the Secretary's administrative jurisdiction that is suitable and feasible for renewable energy projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 6914 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Renewable Energy Tax Extenders Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the tax credit for producing electricity from certain renewable resources (e.g., wind, biomass, solar energy, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities). Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such credit. Extends through 2018: (1) the energy tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property; and (2) the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Allows a 30% residential energy efficiency tax credit for the installation of geothermal heat pump systems. Extends through 2018 the alternative motor vehicle tax credit. Eliminates the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for such credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 6910 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
American Innovation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Innovation Prize program to award cash prizes to eligible contestants to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of alternative fuel vehicles, including: (1) a $10 billion grand prize for the production of a prototype alternative fuel vehicle meeting fuel efficiency, emissions, cost, and commercial application criteria; and (2) $100 million in additional prizes for substantial advancements in specific areas of alternative vehicle technologies, components, or systems or for transformational changes in technology. Establishes the Innovation Trust Fund in the Treasury, to be funded with amounts attributable to the exploration for, development of, or production of oil, natural gas, or oil shale located on federal lands in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) or in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer amounts in the Fund that are not required to carry out this Act to the account for public debt reduction. Declares without force or effect all existing federal law prohibiting spending appropriated funds to conduct oil or natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of OCS. Revokes all presidential: (1) withdrawals from leasing under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of areas for exploration for, and development and production of, oil or natural gas; and (2) authorities to withdraw from disposition any unleased OCS lands, except in the interest of natural security or military operations. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal provisions: (1) withdrawing public lands within the coastal plain of ANWR from entry or appropriation under U.S. mining laws and from operation of U.S. mineral leasing laws; and (2) prohibiting production, or development leading to production, of oil and gas from ANWR.
Bill· HRH.R. 6915 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Energy Efficient Vehicles Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the tax credit for alternative motor vehicles. Repeals the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for such credit.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1444 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, when drafting a regulation and reviewing a project application related to natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation (New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland), should give the same consideration to the energy needs of the United States and the potential jobs that could be created by a proposed project as is accorded to other factors, such as: (1) quantity and rate of water usage; (2) location of water (ground and surface sources) for withdrawals and consumptive uses; (3) the potential to alter the physical, biological, chemical, or hydrological characteristics of the basin's water resources; and (4) the potential to affect interstate water quality.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 417 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Declares that the 110th Congress should not adjourn until comprehensive energy legislation has been enacted into law that: (1) opens the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and oil shale reserves to environmentally prudent exploration and extraction; (2) extends expiring renewable energy incentives; (3) encourages the streamlined approval of new refining capacity and nuclear power facilities, and advanced research and development of clean coal, coal-to-liquid, and carbon sequestration technologies; and (4) minimizes drawn out legal challenges that unreasonably delay or prevent actual domestic energy production.
Bill· SS. 3488 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Incentive to Serve Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for 25% of wages paid to employees while such employees are performing certain services (e.g., services advancing the improvement of education, health care access, energy conservation, economic opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, and disaster preparedness and response) for charitable organizations and community agencies. Limits the amount of wages eligible for such credit to $100,000 per employee.
Bill· HRH.R. 6899 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act - Prohibits oil and gas preleasing or leasing of any area of the Outer Continental Shelf that was not available for oil and gas leasing as of July 1, 2008, unless that action is expressly authorized by this Act or a statute enacted by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes oil and gas leasing, under certain conditions, for any area that: (1) is in any Outer Continental Shelf Planning Area in the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean that is located farther than 50 miles from the coastline; and (2) was not otherwise available for oil and gas leasing, preleasing, and other related activities as of July 1, 2008. Requires approval of the adjacent state for oil or gas leasing in any area located within 100 miles from its coastline and within its seaward lateral boundaries. Prohibits such leasing in certain areas. Royalty Relief for American Consumers Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to agree to any lessee request to amend any oil and gas lease issued for any Gulf of Mexico tract during 1998-1999 to incorporate specified price thresholds applicable to royalty suspensions. Reaffirms authority of such Secretary to vary the suspension of royalties under certain leases, based on the price of production. Prescribes eligibility requirements for new leases and the transfer of lease Establishes a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve. Prescribes conditions for: (1) federal receipt of oil or gas as royalties in-kind; and (2) royalty-in kind ethics. Empowers the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to use subpoenas to pursue any investigation involving property leases from the United States through the Minerals Management Services for purposes of oil and mineral extraction. Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to revise requirements governing: (1) interest; (2) obligation period; (3) tolling agreements and subpoenas; and (4) liability for royalty payments. Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008 - Amends the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to provide for acceleration of lease sales for national petroleum reserve in Alaska. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to facilitate construction of pipelines to transport oil and natural gas from or through the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska. Bans the export of Alaskan oil. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the ban on: (1) final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands; and (2) oil shale lease sales. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require state approval of federal oil shale leasing in the state. Consumer Energy Supply Act of 2008 - Prescribes conditions for the sale and replacement of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 - Provides for: (1) grants to improve public transportation services; (2) vanpool demonstration projects; and (2) a national consumer awareness program on public transportation alternatives. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise requirements for the updating of state building energy codes. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe a federal renewable electricity standard. Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008, or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Prescribes requirements for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and activities relating to energy efficiency, including standards and energy efficient mortgages. Directs the Secretary of Energy to award a competitive grant to one consortium of institutions of higher education to establish a National Energy Center of Excellence. Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth incentives and credits relating, in part, to: (1) clean renewable energy bonds; (2) advanced coal project investments; (3) transportation and domestic fuel security; and (4) energy conservation and efficiency.
Bill· HRH.R. 6895 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Fast Track Nuclear Act of 2008 - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to approve or deny an application for a license under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 within one year after its receipt if: (1) the application incorporates a facility design approved by the NRC; (2) the facility will be built by a company with a proven history of building safe and efficient power plant facilities; and (3) an appropriate authority from the local jurisdiction within which the facility is proposed to operate has asked the NRC to approve the license application. States that construction and operation of such a facility is not subject to challenge or delay under the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, or any other federal or state environmental law. Authorizes appropriations for research, to be carried out through the Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, on new and innovative designs for nuclear facilities that: (1) produce more energy than current designs; (2) reduce output nuclear waste; and (3) increase safety features.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1433 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6899) to advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.110-654published
United States · United States Senate · 12 September 2008
Bill· SS. 3487 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2008
Serve America Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create two new service-learning programs: (1) a Youth Engagement Zones to Strengthen Communities program, providing competitive grants to partnerships between local educational agencies that serve high-need, low-income communities and certain community-based or state entities to engage students and out-of-school youth in service-learning addressing specific challenges faced by their communities; and (2) a Campus of Service program, which annually grants up to 30 institutions of higher education (IHEs) with exemplary service-learning programs the funds to assist their students' pursuit of public service careers, and the right to nominate additional individuals for ServeAmerica Fellowships. Directs the Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation) to contract for a 10-year, longitudinal service-learning impact study. Establishes the Commission on Cross-Sector Solutions to America's Problems to study ways in which the federal government and businesses can more effectively collaborate with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to address pressing national and local challenges. Creates a Community Solutions Funds Pilot program awarding competitive matching grants to grantmaking institutions or partnerships between such institutions and state or local governmental entities which will use the grants to provide competitive matching subgrants to community organizations for use in replicating or expanding proven solutions to specifically identified community challenges. Establishes an Innovation Fellowships Pilot program awarding competitive grants to individuals who are veterans, or have completed at least one period of national service, to establish innovative nonprofit organizations that address national and local challenges. Creates a ServeAmerica Corps program providing formula grants to states and awarding competitive grants to states and nonprofit organizations to fund national service in low-income communities by: (1) Clean Energy Service Corps that improve certain clean energy indicators, including energy efficiency and conservation measures; (2) Education Corps that improve certain education indicators, including student engagement, achievement, and graduation; (3) Healthy Futures Corps that improve certain health indicators, including health care access; (4) Opportunity Corps that improve certain opportunity indicators, including financial literacy and access to housing, and employment-related services; and (5) Encore programs designed to take advantage of the skills of participants age 50 and older. Creates additional incentives for national service participation by individuals age 50 and older. Makes ServeAmerica Corps participants eligible for national service educational awards. Directs the Corporation to create a Civic Health Index enabling states and communities to assess their civic health. Establishes the ServeAmerica and Encore Fellowships program providing ServeAmerica Fellowships to IHE-nominated individuals and Encore Fellowships to individuals age 50 or older who agree to be placed with nonprofit organizations to carry out projects in specified areas of national need. Makes ServeAmerica fellows eligible for national service educational awards. Creates a Volunteer Generation Fund program awarding competitive matching grants to states and nonprofit organizations to increase the availability and capacity of volunteers to address state priorities with regard to areas of national need or work with nonprofit civic entities, including faith-based organizations, to address such needs. Establishes a National Service Reserve Corps of individuals who have completed a term of national service to respond to national disasters and other emergencies. Directs the Corporation, within 180 days of this Act's enactment, to conduct a nationwide Call to Service Campaign. Requires the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement a VfPServe program providing skilled professionals with fixed-amount stipends to offset their costs of volunteering abroad to address specified VfP objectives aimed at ameliorating living conditions in developing countries.
Bill· SS. 3485 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2008
Requires each automobile manufacturer to ensure that at least 50% of 2011 and 2012 model year automobiles manufactured for sale in the United States are dual fueled automobiles. Increases the minimum to 90% for later model years. (Excludes automobiles that operate only on electricity.)
Report· HearingH.Hrg.110published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 September 2008
Bill· SS. 3478 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Energy Independence and Investment Act of 2008 - Amends and extends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to energy production, transportation and domestic fuel security, energy conservation and efficiency, and nuclear power. Extends through 2011 the tax credit for production of electricity from specified renewable resources, including wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, refined coal, and hydropower. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Allows a residential energy efficient tax credit for 30% of expenditures for wind turbines used to generate electricity in a residence and for geothermal heat pumps. Allows a new tax credit for investment in new clean renewable energy bonds for capital expenditures for renewable energy facilities. Allows an energy tax credit for wind turbines to generate electricity and for geothermal heat pumps. Allows a 30% investment tax credit rate for advanced coal-based generation technology projects and increases the maximum credit amount allocable for such projects to $3.3 billion. Increases to 30% the investment tax credit rate for coal gasification projects. Extends the excise tax on coal until the earlier of December 31, 2018, or the day after the first December 31st after December 31, 2007, on which there is no balance of repayable advances made to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund and no unpaid interest on such advances. Sets forth a special rule for refund claims of coal excise tax by certain coal producers and exporters. Allows a new tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to undertake a comprehensive review of Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to provide an estimate of the magnitude of such effects. Includes cellulosic biofuel within the definition of "biomass ethanol plant property" for purposes of bonus depreciation. Extends through 2011 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel. Increases the rates of such credits. Disqualifies foreign-produced fuel that is used or sold for use outside the United States from the income and excise tax credits for alcohol, biodiesel, and alternative fuel production. Allows a new tax credit for the production of qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Extends the tax credits for investment in alternative motor vehicles and alternative fuel. Allows an exclusion from the heavy truck excise tax for idling reduction devices and advanced insulation used in certain heavy trucks and trailers. Extends through 2012 the tax credit for alternative fuel refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2011 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel. Allows a new tax credit for small fossil free alcohol production. Extends through 2013 the election to expense the cost of certain refinery property. Extends through 2010: (1) the suspension of the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties; and (2) the tax credit for new energy efficient homes. Allows a tax credit for investment in qualified energy conservation bonds for capital expenditures for energy conservation projects. Extends the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures through 2008. Includes energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves as property eligible for such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Modifies tax credit amounts for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation of qualified smart electric meters and smart electric grid systems and reuse and recycling property. Modifies requirements for the tax credit for production from advanced nuclear power facilities. Allows individuals who receive a settlement from Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation to average any settlement or judgment-related income over a three-year period or contribute such income to a tax-exempt retirement account. Provides for revenue enhancements by: (1) limiting the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities for taxpayers with gross receipts derived from oil, gas, or any primary products thereof; (2) imposing an excise tax on crude oil and natural gas produced from the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico; (3) conforming the tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (4) requiring investment brokers to report information relating to customer basis in securities transactions; and (5) increasing and extending through 2017 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to modify and extend such Act through FY2011. Modifies the definition of "qualifying child" for purposes of the income tax exemption for dependents.