Energy

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make: (1) payments (green dividends) to owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects who undertake utility cost-saving measures; and (2) loans funded from residual receipts to owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects for undertaking green retrofit measures for such projects. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to Congress on the benefits of a federal statutory exemption from compliance with state and local building codes to enable and encourage the construction and installation in assisted multifamily rental housing projects of distributive energy generation and water efficiency measures. Requires owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects to report to the Secretary on consumption of electricity, water, gas, and other utilities by such projects.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the requirements for windows, doors, and skylights to be eligible for the credit for nonbusiness energy property.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the qualification standard for exterior windows (including skylights) and exterior doors for purposes of the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property to require such standard to meet criteria established by the 2010 Energy Star Program.

Recognizing the Aquarium of the Pacific for winning the Super Nova Star of Energy and Efficiency Award and for providing national leadership in marine education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009

Congratulates the Aquarium of the Pacific for receiving the prestigious Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency Award. Affirms the role that aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums play in broadening public understanding of the oceans, marine life, and complex aquatic ecosystems. Recognizes and applauds the Aquarium of the Pacific as a pioneer of marine education and energy efficiency. Encourages other museums, aquariums, and similar institutions to follow the Aquarium of the Pacific's example of how to prioritize and achieve energy efficiency.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an investment credit for property used to fabricate solar energy property, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow grants in lieu of energy tax credits for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property.

Offshore Wind Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009

Offshore Wind Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to implement a program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of offshore wind turbines; and (2) reduce the cost of manufacturing, construction, deployment, generation, and maintenance of offshore wind energy systems. Requires the Secretary to implement the program to support: (1) the design, demonstration, and deployment of advanced wind turbine foundations and support structures, blades, turbine systems, components, and supporting land- and water-based infrastructure for application in shallow water, transitional depths, and deep offshore water; (2) the full-scale testing and establishment of regional demonstrations of offshore wind components and systems to validate technology and performance issues relating to the components; (3) assessments of the offshore wind resources for inclusion in a publicly accessible database; (4) the design, demonstration, and deployment of integrated sensors, actuators, and advanced materials; (5) advanced blade manufacturing activity to stimulate the development of the blade manufacturing capacity of the United States; and (6) methods to assess and mitigate the effects of wind energy systems on marine ecosystems and marine industries. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish national offshore wind centers. Requires such a center to be designed to: (1) focus on deepwater floating offshore wind energy technologies; and (2) facilitate the conduct of initiatives to advance program activities.

Clean Energy Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009

Clean Energy Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) revise provisions of the loan guarantee program for innovative technologies relating to the definition of commercial technology, subrogation, and fees; and (2) direct the Secretary of Energy, in carrying out the Nuclear Power 2010 Program, to offer to enter into cooperative agreements with reactor manufacturers and electric utilities to license certain small nuclear reactors. Expresses the sense of Congress supporting the convening by the President of a blue-ribbon panel for the development of a federal nuclear waste policy. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2020 to carry out: (1) the education and training of a nuclear workforce; (2) nuclear reactor uprate and lifetime-extension research; and (3) clean energy research and development activities.

To authorize the Secretary of Energy to pay affected participants under a pension plan referred to in the USEC Privatization Act for benefit increases not received.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009

Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for paying certain affected participants a one-time lump sum payment. Defines affected participants as persons who retired from active employment at one of the gaseous diffusion plants of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), or are employed by USEC's operating contractor, on or before its privatization date as vested participants in a pension plan maintained either by USEC's operating contractor or by a contractor employed prior to July 1, 1993, by the Department of Energy to operate a gaseous diffusion plant. Prescribes a formula for the determination of such payments, based on the total recoverable amount of accrued pension benefits.

Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2009

Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow grants in lieu of energy tax credits for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property.

To amend the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 to repeal a provision of that Act relating to geothermal energy receipts.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009

Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 to repeal provisions that require all monies received by the United States in FY2010 from sales, bonuses, rentals, and royalties under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to be disposed of as provided by such Act as in effect immediately before enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009

Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy to establish and award competitive technology financial awards for the development and implementation of technology to capture carbon dioxide from dilute sources; and (2) establish the Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Advisory Board to advise the Secretary in carrying out duties under this Act. Terminates the Board and all authorities under this Act on December 31, 2020.

Small Business Administration Disaster Recovery and Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009

Small Business Administration Disaster Recovery and Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit to the congressional small business committees recommendations for improvements to the Gulf Coast disaster loan refinancing program. Extends for 24 additional months the authorized loan assistance term for small businesses affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita and participating in the SBA small business and capital ownership development program. Allows the Administrator to declare a disaster with respect to small businesses that installed defective drywall manufactured in China, for purposes of qualification for SBA disaster loan assistance. Amends the Small Business Act to increase authorized assistance under the SBA's: (1) pioneer business recovery program (formerly the expedited disaster assistance loan program); and (2) disaster loan assistance program. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans made under an approved state bridge loan program. Requires the Administrator to report on: (1) regional outreach on disaster assistance programs; (2) coordination of economic injury disaster declarations; and (3) coordination between SBA and Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster programs. Directs the Administrator to ensure that disaster recovery needs unmet by federal and private sources are not overlooked by the SBA in determining duplication of benefits for disaster victims.

American Taxpayer and Western Area Power Administration Firm Power Customer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009

American Taxpayer and Western Area Power Administration Firm Power Customer Protection Act - Amends the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984, as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, regarding the borrowing authority of the Western Area Power Administration. Repeals the mandatory forgiveness of: (1) remaining balances owed to the Treasury at the end of a project's useful life; and (2) funds expended to study projects that are not constructed. Requires the Administrator of Western Area Power Administration to certify, prior to committing funds for any power transmission and delivery project in which it participates, that appropriate agreements have been executed to ensure that project beneficiaries will be solely responsible for repaying the entire capital and operational costs of the project.

To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish a motor efficiency rebate program.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide rebates for expenditures made by entities: (1) for the purchase and installation of a new electric motor that has a nominal full load efficiency that is not less than the nominal full load efficiency as defined in NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) Standards Publication MG 1-2006 for random wound motors rated 600 volts or lower or for form wound motors rated 5000 volts or lower; and (2) to replace an installed motor the specifications of which are to be established by the Secretary not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide to the distributor of each such new electric motor purchased by an entity that received a rebate a payment to offset expenses relating to processing and motor core disposal costs.

Clean Energy Partnerships Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009

Clean Energy Partnerships Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a program to govern the creation of credits from emission reductions from uncapped domestic sources and sinks; (2) the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Sequestration Advisory Committee to provide scientific and technical advice on the establishment and implementation of such offset program; and (3) a carbon conservation program to provide incentives to landowners or grazing contractor holders to implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequester or permanently store carbon through conservation easements, sequestration contracts, and timber harvest or grazing contracts with the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior. Requires the Administrator to establish a registry to record approved credits issued under such offset program. Requires each appropriate official to: (1) establish and maintain a list of types of offset projects eligible to generate offset credits under the program; and (2) prescribe regulations to ensure the emission reduction integrity of the offset projects. Authorizes the Administrator to issue offset credits for emissions reduced by specified international projects that reduce deforestation. Provides that a person is not required to hold allowances or credits for emissions resulting from the use of gas as an energy source if the gas is derived from an approved domestic methane offset project. Establishes: (1) the Carbon Conservation Fund for the carbon conservation program; and (2) the Rural Clean Energy Resources Fund to provide assistance for the development of biofuel and bioenergy, including by supporting the Rural Energy for America Program and implementing a research and demonstration program that includes approaches to sequestering carbon through agricultural, grazing, and forestry practices and reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production.

To amend the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to provide compensation for certain persons injured in the course of employment at the Feed Materials Production Center (commonly referred to as "Fernald") or the Piqua Organic Moderated Reactor in Ohio.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009

Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort entitled to compensation with respect to chronic beryllium disease under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program any Department of Energy (DOE) employee or a DOE contractor or subcontractor employee who was employed for an aggregate number of at least 250 work days before January 1, 2009, at the Feed Materials Production Center (Fernald) or the Piqua Organic Moderated Reactor in Ohio. Requires any claim that an individual qualifies by reason of this Act for compensation or benefits to be considered for such compensation or benefits notwithstanding any denial of any other claim for compensation with respect to the individual.

A bill to amend the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 to repeal a provision of that Act relating to geothermal energy receipts.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009

Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 to repeal provisions that require all monies received by the United States in FY2010 from sales, bonuses, rentals, and royalties under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to be disposed of as provided by such Act as in effect immediately before enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON S. 1733, CLEAN ENERGY JOBS AND AMERICAN POWER ACT

United States · United States Senate · 29 October 2009

THE NEXT GENERATION OF FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 October 2009

FRAUDULENT LETTERS OPPOSING CLEAN ENERGY LEGISLATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 October 2009

Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009

Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct research to lower the cost of nuclear reactor systems; and (2) develop and publish on the Department of Energy (DOE) website a schedule outlining a five-year strategy to lower such cost effectively. Includes among research subjects: (1) modular and small-scale reactors; (2) balance-of-plant issues; (3) cost-efficient manufacturing and construction; (4) licensing issues; and (5) enhanced proliferation controls.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON S. 1733, CLEAN ENERGY JOBS AND AMERICAN POWER ACT

United States · United States Senate · 28 October 2009

HEARING TO REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HORTICULTURE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE TITLE OF THE FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 October 2009

A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make loans to publicly owned electric utilities to finance and refinance projects to comply with any Federal energy efficiency resource standard, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009

Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to instruct the Secretary of Energy to make loans to publicly owned electric utilities to carry out qualified projects, approved by the Secretary, which comply with federal energy efficiency resource standards. Authorizes such loans to be used to: (1) finance or refinance the costs of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of an electric generation, transmission, distribution facility, or utility property or assets, including the costs of any indirect acquisition of such facility, utility property or assets; and (2) refinance bonds issued by specified state utilities. Authorizes the Secretary to disapprove a loan application for a project if the Secretary determines that revenues available to repay the loan are unlikely to be sufficient to cover its repayment obligations. Sets a maximum loan terms of 30 years. Authorizes appropriations.

Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009

Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009 - Veterans Small Business Verification Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from including a small business in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-maintained database of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans until the Secretary has verified that: (1) the small business is owned and controlled by veterans; and (2) if the small business owner claims to be a service-disabled veteran, that such person is a veteran with a service-connected disability. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a VA contracting officer to award a contract to a small business owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures, as long as certain standards are met. Extends through 2015 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow a servicemember to terminate a contract for the following services, without the imposition of early termination fees, if the servicemember is deployed in support of a contingency operation for not less than 90 days or must change permanent stations to a location that does not support such contract: (1) cellular and home telephone; (2) multichannel video programming; (3) Internet; or (4) residential utilities involving the provision of water, electricity, home heating oil, or natural gas. Requires the return of any advance payments made. Prohibits lessors from charging early termination fees with respect to rental or motor vehicle leases entered into by servicemembers who subsequently enter military service or receive orders for a permanent change of station or for deployment in support of a contingency operation. Provides for enforcement by the Attorney General, or a private right of action, with respect to rights provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring coordination of outreach activities between and among specified VA offices and departments. Provides for VA cooperative activities with states with respect to such outreach. Establishes a VA visual impairment and orientation and mobility professionals education assistance program to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists. Corey Shea Act - Provides VA burial benefits to parents of individuals who died in combat or from a combat-related training injury and are interred in a national cemetery.

Heating Energy Assistance Tax Credit Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009

Heating Energy Assistance Tax Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer a refundable tax credit, up to $1,000 in a taxable year ($2,000 for a married couple filing a joint tax return), for the cost of heating such taxpayer's principal place of abode. Reduces the amount of such credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns).

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON S. 1733, CLEAN ENERGY JOBS AND AMERICAN POWER ACT

United States · United States Senate · 27 October 2009

Strengthening the Oversight of Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009

Strengthening the Oversight of Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 2009 - Requires the President's Coordinator for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) annually regarding the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism's findings concerning U.S. nuclear nonproliferation efforts; and (2) regarding U.S. cooperative efforts with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on nuclear nonproliferation.

Clean Energy Business Zone Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009

Clean Energy Business Zone Act of 2009 and the Clean Energy Empowerment Zone Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to designate 40 clean energy business zones between 2009 and 2012; (2) allow an increased tax credit for wages paid in such a zone; (3) allow a work opportunity tax credit for wages paid to an employee in such a zone; (4) allow financing of any qualified Green building or clean energy facility with clean renewable energy bonds; (5) allow increased expensing of property in such a zone; and (6) allow an exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange or any clean energy business zone asset held for more than five years. Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to waive loan fees for qualified Green building and clean energy facility loans made before 2020.

Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009

Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Iran's illicit nuclear activities as well as development of unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles and support for international terrorism represent a serious threat to the security of the United States and its allies; (2) the United States should continue supporting diplomatic efforts in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to end Iran's illicit nuclear activities; (3) the UNSC should take further measures beyond specified existing UNSC resolutions to tighten sanctions on Iran, including preventing new investment in Iran's energy sector as long as it fails to comply with international demands to halt its nuclear enrichment; and (4) the United States should discourage foreign banks and entities from investing in Iran's energy sector as well as seek to prohibit entities doing business with the United States from doing business with Iran. Requires the head of each federal agency to ensure that each contract with a company for the procurement of goods and services contains a requirement for the company to certify that it is not conducting business operations in Iran. Defines "business operations" as operations that: (1) provide Iran with refined petroleum resources or technology that could enhance its ability to import or expand its domestic production of such resources; (2) invest $20 million or more in aIran's ability to develop petroleum resources; and (3) provide sensitive technology to Iran. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt measures to prohibit them from entering into or renewing a contract for the procurement of goods or services with persons included on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. Terminates this Act 30 days after: (1) the President certifies to Congress that Iran has ceased support for acts of international terrorism and is no longer considered a state-sponsor of terrorism; and (2) Iran has permanently ceased the pursuit, acquisition, and development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and missiles.

INDIAN ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

United States · United States Senate · 22 October 2009

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to clarify policies regarding ownership of pore space.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to define "pore space" as a subsurface space of any size that can be used as storage space for carbon dioxide or other substances injected into the space for storage. Vests ownership in the federal government of any subsurface pore space located below a federal surface estate. Requires inclusion within a conveyance of the surface ownership of federal land the conveyance of the federal pore space in all strata below the surface of such land (other than previously reserved mineral rights) unless the ownership interest in the pore space has previously been severed from the surface ownership. Prohibits: (1) any agreement conveying federal interests underlying the surface of the land from also conveying ownership of federal pore space in the stratum unless the agreement explicitly conveys the interest in pore space; and (2) the holder of any pore space right from using the surface estate (except for the uses described in a properly recorded instrument). States that the mineral estate is dominant for purposes of determining the priority of subsurface uses between a mineral estate and pore space.

Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009

Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources; (2) increase and extend through 2014 the authority for issuing new clean renewable energy bonds; (3) extend through 2018 the energy tax credit for investment in solar energy and fuel cell property, small wind energy property, and geothermal heat pump systems; (4) increase the energy tax credit for investment in advanced energy facilities; and (5) extend through 2011 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol fuels, biodiesel, and renewable diesel. Authorizes appropriations for advanced biofuels research, development, and demonstration that will create fuels that are fungible in existing infrastructure.

Thermal Energy Cooling and Heating Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009

Thermal Energy Cooling and Heating Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a residential energy efficient property tax credit for 30% of expenditures for distributed thermal energy storage property installed in a principal residence; (2) a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified distributed thermal storage property prior to 2017; and (3) financing of qualified distributed thermal energy storage property with new clean renewable energy bonds.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and modify the section 45 credit for refined coal from steel industry fuel, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009

Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend permanently the credit period for the production of steel industry fuel; (2) extend through 2011 the placed-in-service date requirement for refined coal production facilities; (3) revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow mixtures of petroleum coke or other coke feedstock in such fuel; and (4) set forth ownership requirements for coal production facilities for purposes of such tax credit.

BIOMASS FOR THERMAL ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY: A RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO FOR THE FUTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 October 2009

Federal Agency Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009

Federal Agency Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2009 - Requires each federal agency to designate a Chief Conservation Officer. Includes among such Officer's duties: (1) providing assistance to enhance the agency's conservation efforts; (2) collecting data to determine the energy consumption of each building owned or operated by the agency and of major equipment located within each building and providing the results to the Chief Conservation Officers Council; (3) increasing energy efficiency and maintaining or increasing energy security and cost savings; and (4) developing, facilitating, and maintaining the implementation of a sound energy efficiency information technology architecture. Makes such Officer responsible for the management of the agency's energy efficiency. Directs such Officer, in carrying out that responsibility, to: (1) monitor the performance of each energy efficiency program of the agency; (2) evaluate performance on the basis of applicable performance measurements; (3) advise the agency head regarding whether to continue, modify, or terminate any program or project; and (4) prepare an energy usage report, which shall include data regarding the agency's information technology energy usage. Establishes in the executive branch the Chief Conservation Officers Council, which shall function as the principal interagency forum for improving the practices of federal agencies relating to energy efficiency. Defines "environmentally preferable green products and services" for purposes of certain supply schedules. Requires an authorized nonfederal user to act in accordance with the ordering guidance provided by the Administrator of General Services (GSA). Authorizes each executive agency to establish pilot programs for the purchase of power from renewable energy sources located at federal facilities, subject to specified requirements. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the President to ensure that a specified amount of the total energy (currently, electric energy) consumed by the government during a fiscal year is renewable energy. Defines "renewable energy" to mean energy (currently, electric energy) generated from specified sources.

Safe and Healthy Housing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009

Safe and Healthy Housing Act of 2009 - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the health effects of housing-related health hazards for which limited research or understanding of causes or associations exists. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), acting through the Director of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (Director), to implement studies of the assessment, prevention, and control of housing-related health hazards. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to study how sustainable building features in existing housing affect the quality of the indoor environment, the prevalence of housing-related health hazards, and the health of occupants. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to complete the analysis of data collected for the National Survey on Lead and Allergens in Housing and the American Healthy Housing Survey. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to expand current indoor environmental monitoring efforts to establish baseline levels of indoor chemical pollutants and their sources. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the data and resources needed to establish a healthy housing data collection system. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to: (1) develop improved methods for evaluating, reducing, and preventing health hazards in housing; (2) support development of objective measures for a healthy residential environment; (3) promote the incorporation of healthy housing principles in post-disaster environments as well as ongoing practices and systems, and of health considerations into green and energy-efficient construction and rehabilitation; (4) improve the dissemination of healthy housing information; and (5) promote state and local level healthy housing efforts. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to the CDC Program Capacity on Housing-Related Health Hazard. Directs the Administrator of the EPA, acting through the director of the Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education (OCHPEE), to address health hazards in the home environment, with particular attention to children, the elderly, and families with limited resources. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to award health hazard reduction grants to reduce significant structural, health, and safety hazards in the home. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to establish a competitive grant program to promote education and outreach on housing-related health hazards. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 with respect to enforcement of the lead disclosure rule. Establishes within the EPA voluntary products and materials and housing labeling programs. Specifies the duties of the EPA Administrator with respect to the Healthy Home Seal of Approval. Directs the EPA Administrator, acting through the OCHPEE, to provide public education and outreach on environmental health risks experienced by the elderly, and low-cost methods for addressing them. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to award funds for a Health Hazards Outreach competitive grant program. Directs the Secretary of HUD (acting through the Director), the Director of the CDC, and the Administrator of the EPA to establish a national healthy housing media campaign.

Control Spending Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Control Spending Now Act - Fiscal Discipline, Earmark Reform, and Accountability Act - Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to revise procedures for consideration of points of order against consideration of certain general appropriations bills in the Senate. Amends the Rules to require all conference reports to be searchable online. Congressional Accountability and Line Item Veto Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the repeal of any congressional earmark or the cancellation (line item veto) of any limited tariff or targeted tax benefit. Dedicates any such repeal or cancellation only to deficit reduction or increase of a surplus. Prescribes procedures for expedited consideration in each House of Congress for such proposals. Authorizes the President temporarily to withhold congressional earmarks from obligation or suspend a limited tariff or targeted tax benefit. Expresses the sense of Congress on abuse of proposed repeals and cancellations. Requires Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) legislation to include by reference an estimate of its budgetary effects, as determined by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA), if timely submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the chairs of the congressional budget committees (chairs) before the vote on it. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to maintain and make publicly available a continuously updated document with two specified PAYGO scorecards displaying the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation, applying certain look-back and averaging requirements. Requires OMB to display as a separate addendum the cost estimates of provisions designated in statute as emergency requirements. Requires OMB to make annual public PAYGO reports and prepare for the President an offsetting sequestration order, which the President shall issue, if such report shows a debit on either PAYGO scorecard for the budget year. Exempts from sequestration: (1) low-income subsidies and catastrophic subsidies under Part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) qualified individual (QI) premiums for Medicare cost-sharing for certain dual eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to specify additional Social Security, veterans, Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits and other programs and activities exempt from a sequestration order as well as certain economic recovery programs. Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the CBA to require: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Rescinds a specified amount from funds appropriated under title I of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 for specified Members of Congress expense accounts. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require all mandatory designations, statements, and reports filed under it to be filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Prohibits the obligation of any amounts by the Secretary of the Treasury from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) after the enactment of this Act. Student Loan Reform Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to end subsidies for private student loan companies. Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise requirements for the importation of prescription drugs. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless it is imported by a registered importer or an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Sets forth requirements for the importation of qualifying drugs different from U.S. label drugs. Prohibits manufacturers from discriminating against registered exporters or importers or engaging in actions to restrict, prohibit, or delay the importation of a qualifying drug. States that the resale in the United States of prescription drugs that were properly sold abroad is not patent infringement. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to educate consumers regarding prescription drug importation. Prescribes requirements for the sale of prescription drugs through an Internet site. Prohibits the introduction of restricted transactions with unregistered foreign pharmacies into a payment system or the completion of such transactions using a payment system. Drug Rebate Equalization Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending to such organizations the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid plans. Requires also that capitation rates paid to the organization be: (1) based on actual cost experience related to rebates; and (2) subject to the federal regulations requiring actuarially sound rates. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase the Medicaid drug rebate to bring down prices for prescription drugs. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement a program to impose fees on businesses that benefit from the trade promotion activities of the International Trade Administration (ITA). Amends the Agricultural Trade Act to reduce the allocation of certain funds by the Commodity Credit Corporation or the Secretary of Agriculture for market access activities (for agriculture commodities exporters). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess, and facilities to pay, a user fee when facilities fail Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality inspections. Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to: (1) modify irrigation and crop insurance subsidies for specified single farm operations; (2) reduce direct payments to large landowners; (3) cut farm subsidies for high-income individuals; (4) eliminate the cotton storage subsidy; and (5) end subsidized grazing fees. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through FY2019 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to grant a radio broadcasting license or permit to qualified applicants through a competitive bidding system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the percentage depletion allowance for hardrock mining. Amends the Revised Statutes to end subsidies for hardrock mining on public lands by imposing mining royalties and increasing claim maintenance fees. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require a 2% deduction (for federal administrative costs) from payments to states from money received from sales, bonuses, royalties including interest charges related to onshore oil, gas, coal, and mineral leases on public lands. Amends the Energy Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against a rulemaking that would enable an increase in fees to recover additional costs related to processing oil and natural gas drilling-related permit applications and use authorizations. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revise requirements for the disposal of all funds received from the sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals related to geothermal energy production on public lands. Sets at $5.00 the current uniform fee imposed on passengers of air carriers and foreign air carriers for the cost of providing civil aviation security services. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) to prescribe a formula for reducing the premium subsidy for Medicare prescription drug assistance based on income. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for FY2010 to support: (1) a lunar mission under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Constellation Program scheduled to occur before 2025; (2) the V-22 or V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft program; (3) the C-17 Globemaster aircraft program; or (4) nondemonstration satellites under the Space Tracking and Surveillance System. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics to develop an alternative acquisition strategy for high-risk major defense acquisitions (weapons systems), and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to decide whether or not to terminate a major defense acquisition program in order to meet joint military requirements through a recommended the alternative acquisition strategy. Reduces spending on excess secondary inventory (spare parts) for the Department of the Air Force. Requires DOD to recover $50 million in erroneous overpayments to defense contractors. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to follow specified procedures to: (1) assess and report to Congress on the vulnerability and/or acquisition of major intelligence systems; and (2) submit a Future Year Intelligence Plan and long-term budget projections to congressional intelligence committees. Prescribes a procedure for senior intelligence management officials to correct long-standing material intelligence budget weaknesses. Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts all the service fees it receives (IRS Slush Fund). Rescinds unspent earmarks meeting specified criteria. Repeals: (1) the Rail-Line Relocation Program; and (2) the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act and the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act (eliminating radio/TV MARTI at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting). Prohibits the use of certain funds to support the military forces of Colombia.

A bill to amend the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to provide compensation for certain persons injured in the course of employment at the Feed Materials Production Center (commonly referred to as "Fernald") or the Piqua Organic Moderated Reactor in Ohio.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort entitled to compensation with respect to chronic beryllium disease under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program any Department of Energy (DOE) employee or a DOE contractor or subcontractor employee who was employed for an aggregate number of at least 250 work days before January 1, 2009, at the Feed Materials Production Center (Fernald) or the Piqua Organic Moderated Reactor in Ohio. Requires any claim that an individual qualifies by reason of this Act for compensation or benefits to be considered for such compensation or benefits notwithstanding any denial of any other claim for compensation with respect to the individual.

Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to revise or add provisions concerning small business lending, including: (1) a rural lending outreach program; (2) a national lender training program; (3) pilot program authority; (4) a capital backstop program; (5) an independent appellate process within the Small Business Administration (SBA), with an SBA ombudsman; and (6) expanded eligibility and increased amounts for certain SBA loans. Revises or adds provisions concerning the certified development company (CDC) economic development loan program, including: (1) increased program levels; (2) authority to issue loan debentures; (3) operational requirements; (4) the accredited lenders program; (5) the premier certified lenders program; (6) authority for accredited or premier CDCs to engage in multistate loan operations; (7) SBA guarantee of debentures issued by CDCs; (8) economic development debentures; (9) CDC project funding requirements; (10) private debenture sales and the pooling of debentures; (11) CDC authority to foreclose and liquidate SBA-guaranteed loans; and (12) additional CDC report requirements. Increases eligibility for, and loan limits under, the SBA's Microloan program (small-scale loans to startup, newly-established, or growing small businesses for working capital or the acquisition of materials, supplies, or equipment). Revises or adds provisions concerning the small business investment company (SBIC) program, including: (1) expedited SBIC licensing for experienced applicants; (2) revised loan leverage limitations for successful SBICs; (3) SBIC authority to invest in veteran-owned small businesses; and (4) increased SBIC program levels. Revises or adds provisions concerning investment in small businesses engaged primarily in manufacturing and in renewable-energy small businesses. Authorizes the SBA to guarantee loans to certain medical professionals for the acquisition of health information technology used in the professionals' practice. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish and carry out a program to provide equity investment financing to support early-stage small businesses in specified targeted industries. Revises requirements and increases loan limits under the SBA's disaster loan program.

Recognizing the United States Air Force and Dyess Air Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Recognizes the energy savings and innovations achieved by the United States Air Force. Honors the leadership of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base for their energy savings. Congratulates Tom Denslow, Danny Dobbs, Ron Miller, and Daniel Thatcher of the Department of the Air Force at that base and Steve Dumont of the Department's Air Combat Command for their efforts to reduce energy use and to make that base a model of efficient energy use.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3585) to guide and provide for United States research, development, and demonstration of solar energy technologies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3585) to guide and provide for United States research, development, and demonstration of solar energy technologies.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the requirements for windows, doors, and skylights to be eligible for the credit for nonbusiness energy property.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the qualification standard for exterior windows (including skylights) and exterior doors for purposes of the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property to require such standard to meet criteria established by the 2010 Energy Star Program.

Green Energy Investment Zone Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Green Energy Investment Zone Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow various energy-related tax credits for investment in energy property in high job-loss zones. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow increased grant amounts for investment in energy property in high job-loss zones.

To authorize the Secretary of Energy to provide credit support to enhance the availability of private financing for clean energy technology deployment.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, for the purpose of enhancing the availability of private financing for clean energy technology development, to provide credit support and facilitate financing transactions to enable owners and users of buildings and industrial facilities to increase energy efficiency and generate electricity from renewable energy resources. Defines "clean energy technology" to include technology that contributes to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration and for which insufficient commercial lending is available at affordable rates.

Peace Through Strength Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Peace Through Strength Act of 2009 - Sets forth congressional findings regarding: (1) Iranian support for terrorism, (2) Iran's ballistic missile fleet; (3) Iran's nuclear program; (4) the threat to the United States of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack; (5) Iran's dependence on petroleum imports; and (6) Iranian human rights violations. Sets forth U.S. policy regarding normalization of relations with Iran. Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to state that it shall be U.S. policy to encourage foreign governments to: (1) direct state-owned entities to cease all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran; and (2) persuade, and where possible, require private entities to cease all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran. Directs the President, with respect to sanctions against Iran, to (1) reduce the dollar threshold for imposition of sanctions against persons making investments that contribute to Iran's petroleum resource development; (2) enlarge the scope of activities that trigger sanctions against persons providing Iran with petroleum resources which contribute to Iran's ability to develop chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons; (3) impose sanctions against persons importing Iranian goods or services other than news publications into the United States or exporting to Iran goods or technology for other than humanitarian purposes; and (4) include among listed sanctions foreign exchange, banking, and property transaction prohibitions. States that the United States is capable, willing, and ready to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapons capability. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop military options to prevent Iran's development or deployment of a nuclear weapons capability; and (2) submit a related annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2009 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in existing programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Requires federal public land management officials to exercise their authority under existing law, including regarding land use planning, to provide for the use of, and access to, federal public lands and waters for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law. States that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands, excluding lands on the Outer Continental Shelf, shall be open to recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such lands for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, or compliance with other law. Requires publication of a public notice preceding any such closures or restrictions, unless mandated by other law. Requires annual reports on closures of federal public lands to recreational fishing, sport hunting, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 640 or more acres of federal public lands or waters to fishing or hunting. Establishes the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Sporting Conservation Council.

Energy Development Program Implementation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and implement strategic plans for the energy development program consistent with title V (United States Assistance to Developing Countries) of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 1978. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress respecting: (1) such plans; and (2) expanding specified cooperative activities into an international cooperative effort which shall include an analysis of an Alternative Energy Corps to encourage technically trained volunteers to live and work in developing countries.

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Requires federal public land management officials to exercise their authority under existing law, including regarding land use planning, to provide for the use of, and access to, federal public lands and waters for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law. States that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands, excluding lands on the Outer Continental Shelf, shall be open to recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such lands for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, or compliance with other law. Requires publication of a public notice preceding any such closures or restrictions, unless mandated by other law. Requires annual reports on closures of federal public lands to recreational fishing, sport hunting, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 640 or more acres of federal public lands or waters to fishing or hunting. Establishes the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Sporting Conservation Council.