Energy

Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010

Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) a research, development, and commercial application program to assure the long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of rare earth materials to satisfy the national security, economic well-being, and industrial production needs of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) support new or significantly improved processes and technologies (as compared to those currently in use in the rare earth materials industry); (2) encourage multidisciplinary collaborations and opportunities for students at institutions of higher education; (3) collaborate with the relevant directorates of the European Commission to coordinate activities; (4) establish a Research and Development Information Center to catalogue, disseminate, and archive information on rare earth materials; and (5) submit an implementation plan to Congress. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary to make loan guarantee commitments for the commercial application of new or significantly improved technologies for specified projects. Amends the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 to: (1) instruct the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to coordinate federal materials research and development through the National Science and Technology Council (instead of, as currently required, the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology); (2) modify the duties of the Secretary of Commerce regarding critical needs assessment; and (3) repeal specified duties of the Secretaries of Defense and of the Interior. Repeals the National Critical Materials Act of 1984.

Promoting Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2010

Promoting Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010 - Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a Natural Gas Vehicle and Infrastructure Development Program. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a rebate program for owners who convert or repower a conventionally fueled vehicle to a vehicle that operates on compressed or liquefied natural gas or to a mixed-fuel vehicle or a bi-fuel vehicle; (2) an infrastructure deployment program and a manufacturing development program to provide grants for installing natural gas refueling property and developing engines with reduced emissions, improved performance, and lower cost; and (3) a direct loan program to provide loans to manufacturers for the cost of reequipping, expanding, or establishing a facility that will be used for producing new alternative fuel motor vehicles or vehicle components. Establishes within DOE a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to create deployment programs for such vehicles; (2) make available to the public information regarding the cost, performance, usage data, and technical data regarding such vehicles and associated infrastructure; (3) carry out a national assessment and develop a national deployment plan; and (4) award grants for preparing a community deployment plan and for implementing programs that support such deployment. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish guidance for: (1) model building codes for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; (2) model construction permitting or inspection processes that allow for the expedited installation of charging infrastructure for purchasers of plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (3) model zoning, parking rules, or other local ordinances that facilitate the installation of, and allow for access to, publicly available charging infrastructure. Requires the Secretary to award grants to educational institutions to: (1) provide training and education for vocational workforce development to ensure that the workforce has the skills needed to work on and maintain plug-in electric drive vehicles and the infrastructure required to support them; and (2) establish programs to provide training and education in designing plug-in electric drive vehicles, components, and infrastructure to ensure U.S. leadership in this field. Directs: (1) the Federal Energy Management Program and the General Services Administration (GSA) to assess and report to Congress on the conversion of federal government fleets to plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the Administrator of General Services to acquire plug-in electric drive vehicles and the requisite charging infrastructure to be deployed in a range of locations in the federal governmental fleets during a five-year period. Establishes within the national deployment program a targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to fund research and development in advanced batteries, plug-in electric drive vehicle components, plug-in electric drive infrastructure, and related technologies; (2) implement a study on recycling of materials from plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (3) establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize for a 500-mile vehicle battery. Establishes in the Treasury the 500-mile Battery Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support such vehicles. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require each electric utility to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles in its service area. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans for the aggregate purchase of not fewer than 200 qualified automotive batteries in a calendar year that have a total minimum power rating of 1 megawatt and that use advanced battery technology. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary to make loan guarantees for charging infrastructure for plug-in drive electric vehicles if the infrastructure will be operational before December 31, 2016. Requires an advanced battery from a plug-in electric drive vehicle to be disposed of in accordance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force to ensure awareness, coordination, and integration of the activities of the federal government relating to plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate to 21 cents a barrel.

Renewable Electricity Promotion Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2010

Renewable Electricity Promotion Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish a standard that requires electric utilities to obtain an increasing percentage of their base quantity of electricity that they sell to consumers from renewable energy or energy efficiency (3% in 2012-2013, 6% in 2014-2016, 9% in 2017-2018, 12% in 2019-2020, and 15% in 2021-2039). Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a renewable energy credit trading program and an energy efficiency credit trading program, under which utilities will submit credits to comply with such standard. Provides for the issuance, duration, transfer, trading, tracking, and reporting of credits. Sets forth civil penalties for utilities that fail to meet such requirements. Allows the Secretary to delegate to: (1) a market-making entity the administration of a national renewable energy credit market and a national energy efficiency credit market to create a transparent national market for the sale or trade of such credits, and (2) regional entities the tracking of dispatch of renewable energy generation;. Authorizes: (1) a state public utility commission or electric utility to request a variance from such renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements, and (2) a utility to meet such requirements by submitting alternative compliance payments. Allows: (1) a governor to expend amounts in a state renewable energy escrow account solely for increasing the quantity of electric energy produced from a renewable energy source in the state, promoting deployment and use of electric drive vehicles in the state, and offsetting the costs of carrying out this Act paid by consumers in the state through direct grants to electric consumers or energy efficiency investments; and (2) states to adopt or enforce laws concerning renewable energy or energy efficiency or the regulation of electric utilities. Exempts from renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements an electric utility that sold less than 4 million megawatt hours of electric energy to electric consumers during the preceding year or that is located in Hawaii. Requires the Secretary, when petitioned by the governor of a state or the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the case of TVA's power service area, to allow up to 26.67% of the renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements associated with the sales of electricity of a utility to be met by submitting federal energy efficiency credits. Requires: (1) the Secretary to promulgate regulations regarding the measurement and verification of electricity savings; and (2) the increment of electricity output of a new combined heat and power system that is attributable to the higher efficiency of the combined system to be considered electricity savings. Requires the Secretary to make loans available to electric utilities to: (1) construct a renewable energy generation facility; and (2) install an energy efficiency or electricity demand reduction technology. Terminates the authority provided by this Act on December 31, 2039.

Gulf Security and Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2010

Gulf Security and Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to include in each lease issued after enactment of this Act that authorizes oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf a provision that requires: (1) the lessee to certify annually to the Secretary that it does not engage in any activity for which sanctions may be imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996; and (2) the Secretary to cancel the lease if the lessee fails to make such a certification or makes a false one. Requires such a lease also to require the lessee to disclose to the Secretary any participation in any energy-related joint venture, investment, or partnership located outside Iran that involves: (1) any person whose property and property interests are blocked pursuant to Executive Orders 13224 (for transacting business with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism) or 13382 (because they are weapons of mass destruction proliferators or their supporters); or (2) any entity on a specified list relating to Iranian Transactions Regulations. Requires cancellation of any lease whose lessee has failed to make such a disclosure or makes a false disclosure. Allows a national interest waiver of these requirements.

Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010

Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring tax expenditure provisions relating to infrastructure financing, energy, individuals, housing, businesses, health care, and disaster relief. Requires a report to Congress on each tax expenditure extended by this Act. Makes technical corrections and other amendments to laws relating to pension funding. Sets forth tax rules for the treatment of partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services. Treats as ordinary income or loss net income or loss from an investment services partnership interest. Extends through 2020 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate and increases such rate to 78 cents a barrel. Increases from $1 billion to $5 billion the per incident limitation on expenditures from such Trust Fund. Denies a tax deduction for the payment of punitive damages. Includes in taxpayer gross income punitive damages paid by an insurer. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and other statutes relating to health care assistance to individuals. Provides additional funding for: (1) grants to states for youth activities, including summer employment; and (2) the Housing Trust Fund for low-income housing programs. Individual Indian Money Account Litigation Settlement Act of 2010 - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Class Action Settlement Agreement dated December 7, 2009, in the case entitled Elouise Cobell et al. v. Ken Salazar . Establishes in the Treasury the Trust Land Consolidation Fund and the Indian Education Scholarship Holding Fund to carry out terms of the Settlement Agreement. Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to carry out the terms of a settlement agreement to resolve claims raised in the cases consolidated in In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation , including Pigford claims (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture). Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 to authorize expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund for allocations of infrastructure funding to states. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend through 2013 duty suspensions on certain cotton fabrics. Authorizes transfers from the Treasury to restore payment levels from the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to extend through 2012 trade adjustment assistance programs. Extends through FY2011, and makes appropriations for, activities authorized by part A of title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA), other than the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs, in the manner authorized for FY2010, subject to the amendments made by this Act. Increases and extends through FY2011 grant funding to state courts to assess and improve handling of proceedings relating to foster care and adoption. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to unemployment compensation program integrity. Extends: (1) through December 31, 2019, fees for customs services in connection with processing of merchandise; and (2) through September 30, 2019, fees for custom services in connection with commercial vehicles. Foreign-Held Debt Transparency and Threat Assessment Act - Requires: (1) the President to report to Congress quarterly on the risks posed by foreign holdings of debt instruments of the United States; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually on such risks; and (3) the Comptroller General to report annually on risks to the United States posed by the federal debt. Requires the President to formulate and implement a plan of action to reduce the risk posed by foreign holdings of debt instruments to U.S. long-term national security or economic stability. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Office of the Homeowner Advocate to assist homeowners, housing counselors, and housing lawyers in resolving problems with the Home Affordable Modification Program. Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Better Use of Light Bulbs Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010

Better Use of Light Bulbs Act - Repeals provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 concerning lighting energy efficiency, including provisions that: (1) prescribe energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, and other designated lamps; (2) direct the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct and report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on an annual assessment of the market for general service lamps and compact fluorescent lamps; (3) direct the Secretary to carry out a proactive national program of consumer awareness, information, and education about lamp labels and energy-efficient lighting choices; (4) prohibit a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or private labeler from distributing in commerce specified adapters for incandescent lamps; (5) authorize the Secretary to carry out a lighting technology research and development program; (6) set forth minimum energy efficiency standards for incandescent reflector lamps; (7) sets forth requirements for the use of energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs in public building construction, alteration, and acquisition; and (8) require metal halide lamp fixtures and energy efficiency labeling for designated consumer electronic products to be included within the Energy Policy and Conservation Act's (EPCA) regulatory oversight. Provides that EPCA shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted.

Upstate Works Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Upstate Works Act - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to provide grants to states to establish revolving loan funds to provide loans to small and medium-sized manufacturers to finance the cost of reequipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce clean energy technology and energy efficient products or of reducing the energy intensity or greenhouse gas production of a manufacturing facility; and (2) include as an activity of Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology (known as the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Centers) the establishment of a clean energy manufacturing supply chain initiative. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 50% tax credit for investment in value-added agricultural property; (2) allow a credit for 50% of the cost of property used to furnish broadband services in rural areas; (3) extend through 2019 the period for designation of empowerment zones and renewal communities; (4) expand the eligibility criteria for enterprise zone businesses and the use of tax-exempt enterprise facility bonds; and (5) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to award grants to state or local governments or nonprofit entities for the purpose of making businesses aware of benefits of empowerment zones and renewal communities. Directs the Secretary of Labor to award grants to improve job skills necessary for employment in specific industries.

Geothermal Energy Investment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Geothermal Energy Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2016 a 30% energy tax credit for investment in geothermal energy property.

Federal Electricity Cost Savings Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Federal Electricity Cost Savings Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the President, acting through the Secretary of Energy (DOE), to seek to ensure that the total amount of energy (currently, electric energy) that the federal government consumes during any fiscal year shall include specified amounts of renewable energy; and (2) define "renewable energy" to mean energy (currently, electric energy) generated from specified sources. Allows contracts for renewable energy for federal agencies to be made for a period of up to 20 years.

Green Workforce Development Through Community Colleges Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Green Workforce Development Through Community Colleges Act - Directs the Secretaries of Labor, Energy, and Education to establish and convene an advisory commission to: (1) review and analyze the skill needs of the alternative energy and energy efficiency fields; (2) identify and define career pathways, including coursework, certification, and other training needed for career development in areas related to wind power, solar power, geothermal energy, training of energy auditors for residential and commercial structures, and energy efficient retrofit and renovation of residential and commercial structures; (3) recommend a curriculum framework and best practices for educational and workforce training programs related to such areas; and (4) report its findings and recommendations to the Secretaries. Directs such Secretaries to: (1) post such report on their department websites; and (2) jointly award grants to community colleges for the purposes of providing education and workforce training in the alternative energy and energy efficiency fields. Requires community college recipients to use grant funds to: (1) establish educational and training programs in such fields; (2) assist students and graduates of such programs in apprenticeship and employment placement in such fields; (3) coordinate with and assist area secondary and vocational schools in providing educational services in such fields; and (4) coordinate with local workforce investment boards to ensure program access to individuals participating in workforce investment activities in the local area, dislocated workers, workers who are transitioning into careers in such fields, underrepresented minorities, and low-income individuals. Directs the Secretaries to jointly award grants to up to 10 community colleges identified as leaders in education and workforce training in the alternative energy and energy efficiency fields to develop best practices regarding such education and training.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4785) to amend the miscellaneous rural development provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to certain entities that will use the funds to make loans to consumers to implement energy efficiency measures involving structural improvements and investments in cost-effective, commercial off-the-shelf technologies to reduce home energy use.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4785) to amend the miscellaneous rural development provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to certain entities that will use the funds to make loans to consumers to implement energy efficiency measures involving structural improvements and investments in cost-effective, commercial off-the-shelf technologies to reduce home energy use.

Recovery Through Building Renovation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010

Recovery Through Building Renovation Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to provide credit support for debt or repayment obligations incurred in connection with financing the installation of efficiency or renewable energy measures (efficiency obligations) in commercial, industrial, municipal, university, school, and hospital facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for such credit support, including: (1) standards for assessing, and threshold levels for, the expected energy savings; (2) examples of financing mechanisms that qualify as efficiency obligations; (3) eligibility criteria; and (4) lien priority requirements. Requires the Secretary to prioritize: (1) the maximization of energy savings with the available credit support funding; (2) the establishment of a clear application and approval process; and (3) the distribution of projects receiving credit support across states or geographical regions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an initial minimum energy savings requirement for eligible projects that results in the greatest amount of energy savings on a per project basis; and (2) annually adjust that requirement and any other credit support terms deemed necessary taking into account market conditions and available funding. Limits credit support to 90% of the principal amount of the efficiency obligation or $10 million for any single project. Authorizes the Secretary to charge reasonable fees for such credit support. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the MUSH Building Efficiency Program to provide grants to state revolving funds to finance energy efficiency retrofit projects for buildings that are owned or controlled by a municipality, a state or public university, a school or school district, or a publicly owned hospital; and (2) a program that provides grants to state or tribal governments to support property assessed clean energy bonds and other tax assessment-based financing mechanisms to support building retrofit projects expected to produce significant energy efficiency gains.

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010

American Taxpayer and Western Area Power Administration Firm Power Customer Protection and Government Accountability Act - Amends the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 regarding the borrowing authority of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). Revises requirements for the mandatory certification by the WAPA Administrator before committing funds for any project in which the WAPA participates. Requires the Administrator, in addition to other things, to certify that: (1) appropriate agreements have been executed to ensure that project beneficiaries shall be solely responsible for repaying all capital and operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of the project; and (2) no federal costs associated with construction, financing, facilitating, planning, operating, maintaining, or studying any project shall be allocated, assigned, or recovered from customers or rates of any other WAPA power and transmission facility.

Electricity Reliability Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010

Electricity Reliability Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Corps of Engineers, or the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Department of the Interior to implement, administer, or enforce any policy or procedure set forth in either the memorandum entitled "Enhanced Surface Coal Mining Pending Permit Coordination Procedures" or the EPA guidance entitled "Improving EPA Review of Appalachian Surface Coal Mining Operations under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Environmental Justice Executive Order," until the EPA, the Corps of Engineers, or OSMRE promulgates regulations to implement it after providing notice and an opportunity for comment in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Local Control for Energy and Environment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010

Local Control for Energy and Environment Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal federal regulatory oversight over: (1) companies engaged in the importation or exportation of natural gas in foreign commerce; and (2) the persons engaged in such importation or exportation. Repeals: (1) the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve or deny applications for the siting, construction, expansion, or operations of liquid natural gas (LNG) terminals; (2) the requirement that FERC enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Defense (DOD) ensuring FERC coordination with DOD regarding the siting, construction, expansion or operation of LNG facilities that may affect an active military installation; and (3) the oversight functions of both FERC and the states concerning state and local safety considerations over LNG terminal construction. Requires any agency agreements, collaborations, or activities entered into by FERC concerning the environmental impact, public safety, or security of an LNG facility to: (1) include input by and consultation with the state in which such facility is located; and (2) make available to the public in print and on an Internet website reports and documents generated from such agreements, collaborations, and activities.

Renewable Energy Investment Incentive Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010

Renewable Energy Investment Incentive Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend until 2019: (1) the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources; and (2) the energy tax credits for solar energy, fuel cell, and qualified small wind property and geothermal heat pump systems. Allows until 2019 a 30% energy tax credit for equipment used to generate electricity by geothermal power. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to extend beyond 2010 the grant program for alternative and energy property in lieu of the tax credits for such property.

Clean Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010

Clean Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt new clean renewable energy bonds, to: (1) repeal the national limitation amount for such bonds; (2) allow such unlimited bonds to be issued until January 1, 2014; (3) eliminate the eligibility of governmental bodies for new clean renewable energy bond financing; (4) designate a tribal utility as a clean renewable energy bond lender; and (5) provide that any reimbursements with the proceeds of new clean renewable energy bonds are subject to reimbursement rules applicable to all tax-exempt bonds.

To amend part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require the Secretary of Energy to determine whether there are systemic impediments to carrying out the weatherization program under that part, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2010

Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require an evaluation of the Department of Energy's (DOE) program that provides weatherization assistance for low-income persons to: (1) determine whether there are systematic impediments to carrying out such program; and (2) provide recommendations for how such impediments should be addressed. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to require any recipient of financial assistance under such program to provide reports or answers to specific questions, surveys, or questionnaires regarding such impediments, including reports or answers on the average time it takes to complete weatherization assistance for individual dwelling units and on the approval and disapproval of requests for such weatherization assistance. Requires each person responsible for the administration of a weatherization assistance project receiving financial assistance to keep records tracking: (1) the time it takes to complete weatherization assistance provided for by such project for each dwelling unit; and (2) approval and disapproval of requests for weatherization assistance, including reasons for such a disapproval and the form, of any follow-up that occurs regarding such a disapproval. Requires the Secretary, the Director of the Community Services Administration (with respect to community action agencies), and the Comptroller General of the United States to have access to such records. Requires the annual report by the Secretary and the Director to the President and Congress on such program to include any findings, determinations, and recommendations of the Secretary regarding such impediments.

Charging America Forward Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Charging America Forward Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for purchasing a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle, increase the the amount of such credit for certain hybrid and heavy vehicles, and provide for the transferability of such credit; (2) increase and extend through 2014 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; (3) make refundable and provide for the transferability of the tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles; (4) allow accelerated depreciation of smart meters and smart grid systems; (5) allow a 50% tax credit for investment in qualified used energy storage property (30% for energy storage property used for onsite storage); and (6) allow a nonbusiness energy tax credit for qualified used energy storage property. Defines "qualified used energy storage property" as property comprised of pre-owned advanced large format automotive propulsion battery cells previously used in a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle which are reconditioned into: (1) property that is designed to receive and store electrical energy, convert it to electricity, and to deliver such electricity for support to the transmission or distribution grid or for sale to unrelated parties and that has the ability to store 50 kilowatt hours of energy or to attain a peak power output of 20 kilowatts; or (2) property that is primarily designed and used to receive and store intermittent renewable energy generated on-site and to deliver such energy for primarily on-site consumption, or which provides supplemental energy to reduce peak energy requirements on-site, and that has the ability to store the energy equivalent of 20 kilowatt hours of energy and to maintain an output of the energy equivalent of 5 kilowatt hours of electricity for 4 hours. .

Restoring Ecosystem Sustainability and Protection on the Delta Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Restoring Ecosystem Sustainability and Protection on the Delta Act - Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to revise provisions concerning the meaning of outer Continental Shelf revenues and the allocation of such revenues among Gulf producing states. Sets forth provisions concerning exempting drilling activities from the requirements of the "Decision memorandum regarding the suspension of certain offshore permitting and drilling activities on the Outer Continental Shelf." Establishes in the Treasury the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Fund for the conservation, protection, and restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into the Fund not less than 80% of any amounts collected as penalties, settlements, or fines under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) in relation to the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon and resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to: (1) develop a proposed comprehensive plan for the long-term conservation, flood protection, and restoration of biological integrity, productivity, and ecosystem functions in the Gulf Coast ecosystem, which shall include a list of projects to be funded and carried out over three years; (2) update the project list annually; and (3) establish a Gulf Coast-based working group for recommending, coordinating, and implementing policies, programs, activities, and projects to accomplish Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to require the Secretary of the Army to carry out any modifications to projects implemented under the coastal Louisiana ecosystem science and technology program that are necessary to address the impacts of the blowout. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) make the party responsible for an offshore facility, except a deepwater port, from which oil is discharged into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines liable for all discharge removal costs and damages for each incident (currently, for all removal costs plus $75 million); (2) prohibit the party responsible for an offshore facility (other than a pipeline or deepwater port) from asserting a claim for recovery of removal costs or damages; and (3) require the Interagency Committee to develop a program to provide for research, development, and demonstration of innovative technology to prevent or mitigate oil discharge from offshore oil facilities. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish the Offshore Facilities Oil Spill Mutual Insurance Fund for adjusting and paying damages and other claims asserted against an insured who is a responsible party for an incident that occurs after this Act's enactment at an offshore facility (other than a deepwater port or pipeline). Requires the Fund to be credited with any premiums collected for deepwater leases and shallow water leases and investment income earned from investments of premium payments. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to provide technical assistance grants for use in assisting individuals and businesses affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Prohibits the use of grant funds to provide compensation for damages or removal costs relating to the spill.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to issue conditional commitments for loan guarantees under certain circumstances.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding the terms and conditions governing loan guarantees for innovative technologies. States that, if the Secretary of Energy submits a loan guarantee for review and comment to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Secretary may issue a conditional commitment to enter into such guarantee at least 30 days after that submittal, without further approval from the Director.

Coal Energy Bridge Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Coal Energy Bridge Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow seven-year amortization of mechanical or electronic systems that are installed on a coal-fired electric generation unit and that reduce carbon dioxide emissions; (2) allow a new 30% tax credit for investment in carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage property which is part of a qualified coal-fired electric generation unit; (3) expand the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration to allow for uses other than as tertiary injectants; and (4) allow a tax credit for investment in clean energy coal bonds.

Clean Energy Technology Leadership Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Clean Energy Technology Leadership Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2014 the tax credit for investment in a qualifying advanced energy project; (2) increase and extend the tax credit for energy-efficient appliances; (3) allow an enhanced tax deduction between 2011 and 2014 for income attributable to the domestic production of advanced alternative energy technology; (4) allow an elective payment for certain energy property placed in service before January 1, 2013; (5) increase the amount of the national limitation on the issuance of new clean renewable energy bonds; (6) increase in 2011 and 2012 the tax credit for energy research expenses; (7) extend through 2012 the tax credits for new energy efficient homes and the nonbusiness energy credit; (8) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building property installed on or in a certified historic structure; (9) allow a new tax credit for qualified natural gas motor vehicles; (10) allow the issuance of tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds; (11) allow expensing of the cost of any qualified natural gas vehicle manufacturing facility property; (12) extend through 2012 the parity provisions for transit and parking transportation fringe benefits; (13) extend the tax deduction for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; (14) extend through 2012 the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel; and (15) include within the definition of "cellulosic biofuel," for purposes of the income tax credit for alcohol used as fuel, algae-based biofuel. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress by January 1, 2013, evaluating all temporary and permanent energy tax incentives in effect on the date of the report.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to improve the loan guarantee program of the Department of Energy under title XVII of that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPA) to prohibit federal loan guarantees for innovative technologies unless: (1) an appropriation for the cost of the guarantee has been made; (2) the Secretary of Energy (DOE) has received and deposited into the Treasury payment in full from the borrower for the cost of the guarantee; or (3) a combination of appropriations or payments from the borrower has been made that is sufficient to cover the cost of the guarantee. Authorizes the Secretary to waive requirements to provide a third-party credit report if: (1) such report, in the Secretary's opinion, is not relevant to the determination of the credit risk of a project; (2) the project costs are not projected to exceed $100 million; and (3) the applicant agrees to accept the credit rating the Secretary assigns. Authorizes the head of the loan guarantee program, if there is either a severe shortage of candidates or a severe hiring need for particular positions, to recruit and directly appoint into the competitive service highly qualified critical personnel with specialized knowledge important to program functions (direct hire authority). Amends the EPA and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary to: (1) retain agents and professional advisors in connection with guarantees and related activities; and (2) require loan guarantee applicants and recipients to pay all fees and expenses of such agents and advisors. Authorizes the Secretary to make energy efficiency loan guarantees for projects starting construction by September 30, 2011, to retrofit residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities, and equipment.

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional tax deduction for the cost of installing mechanical insulation property. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 30% and the reduction in energy loss from the installed mechanical insulation property compared to property which meets the minimum requirements of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 90.1-2007. Allows a deduction for 30% of the cost of replacing such property. Defines "mechanical insulation property" as insulation materials, facings, and accessory products: (1) placed in service in connection with a mechanical system which is located in the United States and of a character subject to an allowance for depreciation; and (2) utilized for thermal, acoustical, and personnel safety requirements for mechanical piping and equipment, hot and cold applications, and heating, venting and air conditioning applications which can be used in a variety of facilities. Allows a tax deduction for capital expenditures related to mechanical insulation property.

Indian Energy Parity Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Indian Energy Parity Act of 2010 - Authorizes an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, and to applicable federal agencies, a plan to fully integrate into a single, coordinated, comprehensive program federally funded energy-related activities and programs, including programs for employment training, energy planning, financing, construction, and related physical infrastructure and equipment. Requires a plan to meet specified requirements and prohibits an agency from imposing additional requirements. Prohibits any other federal funding from being reduced, denied, or withheld as a result of plan participation by an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 with respect to: (1) Indian tribal energy resource development, including to direct the Secretary to provide assistance to interested Indian tribes or tribal energy resource development organizations in developing an energy resource development program; and (2) tribal energy resource agreements. Amends the Federal Power Act to include Indian tribes, along with states and municipalities, as having preference for the receipt of preliminary hydroelectric licenses. Amends the Indian Land Consolidation Act: (1) to revise the definition of "parcel of highly fractionated Indian land"; (2) with respect the purchase of trust, restricted, or controlled lands at no less than fair market value and the partition of highly fractioned Indian lands; (3) with respect to tribal authority to apply revenue against liens; and (4) to revise provisions concerning owner-managed interests. Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 concerning loan guarantees and insurance to direct the Secretary to consider more favorable equity terms or allow an increase in loan guarantees from 90% up to 95% of the unpaid principal and interest due on any loan made for energy development or manufacturing carried out on Indian land or within a tribal service area recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Amends provisions concerning leases on Indian land with respect to: (1) access, including access under the Indian Mineral leasing Act of 1938; (2) the Long-Term Leasing Act; and (3) leases on restricted land, including concerning tribal approval of leases. Amends provisions concerning oil and gas leases on Indian land, including to prohibit the collection of any oil or gas inspection fees. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct at least 10 distributed energy demonstration projects to increase the energy resources available to Indian tribes for use in homes and community or government buildings. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for: (1) a competitive process for making grants for an Indian energy efficiency program; and (2) direct grants to Indian tribes for the weatherization of Indian homes. Amends the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 to provide for at least four demonstration projects to promote biomass energy production on Indian forest land and in nearby communities.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Interior should take immediate action to expedite the review and appropriate approval of applications for shallow water drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico, the Beaufort Sea, and the Chukchi Sea.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) national energy security and the regional Gulf Coast economy depend upon the full and immediate restoration of shallow water drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) the long-term economic health of the state of Alaska depends upon the responsible development of the oil and natural gas reserves of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas; and (3) the Secretary of the Interior should provide written guidance regarding new safety requirements, and take immediate action to expedite the review and approval of applications for shallow water drilling permits in the outer Continental Shelf.

Green Credit Enhancement Program Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Green Credit Enhancement Program Act of 2010 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to public entities, private nonprofit entities, or consortia of such entities to demonstrate innovative means of enhancing credit for the financing of charter school acquisition, construction, or renovation. Requires each grantee to place its grant funds in a reserve account for use in facilitating one or more charter schools' access to private-sector capital. Conditions the grant on the grantee's using at least 50% of the grant to fund projects consistent with one of several green building certification programs that include: (1) the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System; (2) the Energy Star program; (3) the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) green building rating program; (4) the Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating system (Green Globes); or (5) any other green building certification program adopted by the state or entity that has authority over the local educational agency. Allows the waiver of such condition in certain circumstances.

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

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

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.

Gulf Security and Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Gulf Security and Iran Sanctions Enforcement Act - Declares the sense of Congress about sanctions for the government of Iran's illicit nuclear activities and support for international terrorism. Urges that foreign companies be prohibited from receiving Iranian capital, technology, and expertise, and that foreign energy-related companies, especially, be blocked from entering into joint ventures, investments, and partnerships for energy and energy-related projects outside of Iran. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to include in each lease issued after enactment of this Act that authorizes oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf a provision that requires: (1) the lessee to certify annually to the Secretary that it does not engage in any activity for which sanctions may be imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996; and (2) the Secretary to cancel the lease if the lessee fails to make such a certification or makes a false one. Requires such a lease also to require the lessee to disclose to the Secretary any participation in any energy-related joint venture, investment, or partnership located outside Iran that involves: (1) any person whose property and property interests are blocked pursuant to Executive Orders 13224 (for transacting business with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism) or 13382 (because they are weapons of mass destruction proliferators or their supporters); or (2) any entity on a specified list relating to Iranian Transactions Regulations. Requires cancellation of any lease whose lessee has failed to make such a disclosure or makes a false disclosure. Allows a national interest waiver of these requirements.

Strengthening Our Share (S.O.S.) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Strengthening Our Share (S.O.S.) Act - Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to revise and increase the allocations (planned sharing) with Gulf states of certain qualified outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues due and payable to the United States from specified Gulf of Mexico leases. Repeals the limitation placed upon the amount of distributed qualified OCS revenues.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees until four years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth provisions respecting OPIC transparency and accountability. Requires OPIC to: (1) maintain an Office of Accountability to provide project problem-solving services and to review OPIC compliance with environmental, social, worker rights, human rights, and transparency policies; (2) provide Congress with notice of consideration of approval of an extractive industry financing project of $10 million or more; and (3) notify Congress if specified OPIC's maximum insurance and outstanding financing liability at any one time exceeds it's maximum contingent liability for the preceding fiscal year by 25% or more. Gives preference to projects where the investor and the host country have agreed to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles. Requires OPIC to: (1) commit adequate staff and resources to assist small businesses and investors in the United States obtain insurance, reinsurance, financing, and other OPIC support; and (2) give preferential consideration to investment projects in less developed countries whose governments are receptive to private enterprise. Authorizes OPIC programs in Iraq. Prohibits OPIC assistance to an applicant who is involved in a "discouraged transaction" with state sponsors of terrorism. Defines "discouraged transaction" as: (1) an investment commitment of $20 million or more by the investor in the energy sector of a state sponsor of terrorism; (2) a loan or credit extension of more than $5 million to the government of a state sponsor of terrorism that is outstanding on the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor and for which payment is not required within 45 days; and (3) the transfer by the investor of goods that are included on the U.S. Munitions List to a state sponsor of terrorism within the three-year period preceding the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor. Exempts from such prohibition investments, business, or projects in certain areas of Sudan (Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei, Darfur) if OPIC determines that such activities will provide humanitarian relief, promote self-sufficiency, or support peace agreements. Prohibits OPIC assistance for any railway connection that connects Azerbaijan and Turkey without traversing or connecting with Armenia. Authorizes OPIC to insure, reinsure, guaranty, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is to be undertaken: (1) is eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and has not been determined to be ineligible for such designation based upon its record on worker rights or child labor; or (2) if not eligible for such GSP designation, the government has taken or is taking steps to afford workers internationally recognized worker rights. Exempts humanitarian assistance from such limitation. Gives project preference to countries that enforce laws providing international worker rights.

United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Establishment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Establishment Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) implement integrated spent nuclear fuel management consistent with federal policy on a self-sustaining basis through the use of a spent nuclear fuel management enterprise that will eliminate the need for federal funding; and (2) assume responsibility for the activities, obligations, and use of resources of the federal government with respect to spent nuclear fuel management. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Nuclear Fuel Management Corporation Fund. Directs the President to appoint a Transition Manager to transfer spent nuclear fuel management obligations, functions, personnel, and funds from the Secretary of Energy to the Corporation. Designates the Corporation the exclusive marketing agent on behalf of the United States for entering into contracts to provide spent nuclear fuel management and related products and services.

Heat is Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Heat is Power Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2016: (1) an energy tax credit for investment in wasted heat to electricity property; and (2) a tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources for wasted heat. Defines "wasted heat to electricity property" as property comprising a system which generates electricity through the recovery of a qualified wasted heat resource (e.g., exhaust heat or flared gas from any industrial process or waste gas or industrial tail gas, but not a heat resource from a process whose primary purpose is the generation of electricity using a fossil fuel).

Offshore Lease Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Offshore Lease Fairness Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase from 27% to 50% the revenues: (1) shared with states from leases within three miles of the coast line entered into after enactment of this Act; and (2) from energy-related activities for any lease, easement, or right-of-way granted after enactment of this Act. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to redefine current qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues as sums received by the United States from leases entered into between December 20, 2006, and the date of enactment of this Act. Requires for FY2010 and each ensuing fiscal year that new outer Continental Shelf revenues be deposited: (1) 50% into the general fund of the Treasury; and (2) 50% into a special account in the Treasury for disbursement to coastal states by the Secretary of the Treasury. Restricts allocation of new outer Continental Shelf revenues from leases in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean to states that are in, or border on, such specified geographical areas. Prescribes requirements for the timing and administration of the disposition of revenues.

Renewable Energy Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Renewable Energy Incentive Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) extend the grant program for investment in renewable energy property, including renewable resources used to produce electricity, and fuel cell, solar, wind, geothermal, and microturbine property, in lieu of tax credits, by extending the placed-in-service deadline for such property through 2012; and (2) expand eligibility for such grants to certain state power utilities and tax-exempt mutual or cooperative electric companies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an energy tax credit for investment in qualified solar manufacturing project property; (2) allow a tax credit for the purchase, consolidation, and use of contiguous high solarity disturbed private land to produce solar energy for use in a trade or business; and (3) limit the energy tax credit for solar energy equipment used to generate electricity or heat or cool a structure, as applied to swimming pools, to exclude those located at single-family residences. Defines "qualified solar manufacturing project property" as any tangible personal property purchased to re-equip, expand, or establish a manufacturing facility for producing solar energy equipment to generate electricity.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an investment tax credit for biomass heating property and repeal the passive activity limitation exception for working interests in oil and gas property.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in certain biomass heating property for periods ending before January 1, 2014; and (2) repeal the exemption from passive activity rules for working interests in oil or gas property.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit for installation of composite, recyclable power line poles.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a 30% qualifying advanced energy project tax credit for investment in utility poles or supports made from composite materials which are comprised of at least 15% recycled materials and are fully recyclable; and (2) a business-related tax credit for a qualified composite pole placed in service after December 31, 2010, and before January 1, 2016. Defines "qualified composite pole" as any pole which is used to support one or more wires to transmit or distribute electricity, which is comprised of not more than 85% virgin materials, and not less than 90% of which can be recycled.

Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2010 - Waives certain restrictive Federal Power Act exemption qualifications for any proposed hydroelectric project that seeks to use a conduit in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act to generate power that does not exceed 1.5 megawatts. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) include structures that have less than 10 feet of head or would result in less than 1 megawatt of capacity as part of a certain study and report required under the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (2) consult with nonfederal and noncontracting interests in implementing this requirement; and (3) implement this requirement on a nonreimbursable basis.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3534) to provide greater efficiencies, transparency, returns, and accountability in the administration of Federal mineral and energy resources by consolidating administration of various Federal energy minerals management and leasing programs into one entity to be known as the Office of Federal Energy and Minerals Leasing of the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5851) to provide whistleblower protections to certain workers in the offshore oil and gas industry.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3534) to provide greater efficiencies, transparency, returns, and accountability in the administration of Federal mineral and energy resources by consolidating administration of various Federal energy minerals management and leasing programs into one entity to be known as the Office of Federal Energy and Minerals Leasing of the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5851) to provide whistleblower protections to certain workers in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for a $500 million recovery fund focusing exclusively on travel and tourism to be administered by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility in the wake of the BP oil spill.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) BP should fund a $500 million dollar recovery fund focusing exclusively on travel and tourism; (2) the fund should be administered by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility through a transparent process with defined criteria for award; and (3) county or parish and state tourism boards and visitors bureaus in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida should all be eligible for funding based upon a demonstrated decline in travelers since the beginning of the BP oil spill.

Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010 - Big Oil Bailout Prevention Unlimited Liability Act of 2010 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) remove limits on liability for offshore facilities; and (2) authorize the Coast Guard, in the case of a spill of national significance, to obtain advances from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Federal Research and Technologies for Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 2010 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) revise the chairmanship of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research; (2) establish the Science and Technology Advisory Board; (3) modify the innovative oil pollution technology program; and (4) require the Secretary of the Interior to implement a program of research, development, and technology demonstration to address issues associated with the detection of, response to, and mitigation and cleanup of discharges of oil occurring on federal land managed by the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct deepwater, ultra deepwater, and other extreme environment oil discharge response demonstration projects; and (2) establish at institutions of higher education research centers of excellence for the research, development, and demonstration of technologies necessary to respond to, contain, mitigate, and clean up extreme-environment discharges of oil. Directs the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish at institutions of higher education research centers of excellence for research and innovation in the fate of, behavior and effects of, and damage assessment and restoration relating to discharges of oil. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a joint pilot program to conduct field tests of new oil discharge response, mitigation, and cleanup technologies in the waters of the United States. Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) modify the national policy for the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) prescribe a program of structural reform for management of the Outer Continental Shelf, including leasing, permitting and regulation bureaus; and (3) increase civil penalties for violations. Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), upon request of the Secretary, to conduct an independent investigation of any accident occurring in the outer Continental Shelf and involving activities under this Act. Establishes the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund. Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to publish monthly and report to Congress an evaluation of the effect of the moratoria resulting from the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and the effect of resulting hydrocarbon releases upon the environment, employment, and small businesses. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to implement a deepwater (in lieu of ultra-deepwater) technologies research and development program and establish a Program Advisory Committee. Establishes the National Commission on Outer Continental Shelf Oil Spill Prevention. Environmental Crimes Enforcement Act of 2010 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of offenses under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), in order to reflect the intent of Congress on increased penalties for specified offenses. Fairness in Admiralty and Maritime Law Act - Amends the Shipowners' Liability Act of 1851 to repeal the limitation on liability regarding: (1) a claim for wages; or (2) a claim resulting from a discharge of oil from a vessel or offshore facility pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Securing Health for Ocean Resources and Environment Act, or SHORE Act - Directs the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere to conduct a comprehensive review of: (1) the current capacity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to oil spills; and (2) the current ability of NOAA to observe, monitor, map, and track subsea hydrocarbons. Instructs the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish: (1) a hydrocarbon monitoring and assessment program; (2) a national information center on oil spills; and (3) an initiative on oil spills from aging and abandoned oil infrastructure. Directs such Under Secretary to develop an inventory of offshore abandoned or sunken vessels in the exclusive economic zone and identify priorities for potential preemptive removal of oil or other actions that may be effective to mitigate the risk of oil spills from offshore abandoned or sunken vessels. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund available for preparedness, response, damage assessment, and restoration. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to eligible coastal states to revise certain management programs to identify and implement new enforceable policies and procedures to ensure sufficient response capabilities to address the impacts of oil spills or other accidents resulting from Outer Continental Shelf energy activities. Requires the Secretaries of Commerce and of the Interior (Secretaries) and the EPA Administrator to implement a long-term marine environmental monitoring and research program for the marine and coastal environment of the Gulf of Mexico. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to direct research and take action to improve the ability of the United States to conduct oil spill prevention, response, and recovery in Arctic waters. Instructs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to assess and take action to reduce the risk and improve the capability of the United States to respond to a maritime disaster in the United States Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that an area contingency plan for the national response system develop a framework for advance planning and decision making regarding the closing and reopening of fishing grounds following an oil spill. Directs the Secretaries and the EPA Admninistrator to establish a program for the formal evaluation and validation of oil pollution containment, removal methods, and technologies. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to increase the frequency and comprehensiveness of safety inspections of all U.S.- and foreign-flag tank vessels that enter a U.S. port or place. Directs the President to establish a Gulf of Mexico Regional Citizens' Advisory Council. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to revise the limits on vessel liability. Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth an initiative for catastrophic incident planning. Grants subpoena and enforcement powers to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2010 - Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Commerce to provide assistance to any state, local, or territorial government agency with jurisdiction over coral reef ecosystems to address unforeseen or disaster-related circumstances pertaining to such ecosystems; and (2) direct that Secretary to establish in the Damage Assessment Restoration Revolving Fund the Emergency Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account. Subjects to liability to the United States persons who either engage in certain prohibited activities or create an imminent risk doing so. Establishes within DOE a Natural Gas Vehicle and Infrastructure Development Program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to promulgate an interim final rule establishing: (1) an infrastructure deployment program and a manufacturing development program; and (2) a program of direct loans to qualified manufacturers for the cost of reequipping, expanding, or establishing a domestic facility used to produce any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle or any eligible component. Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010 - Establishes within DOE a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop and provide guidance for model building and construction codes that include consideration of smart grid integration; and (2) award grants to training and education institutions to provide training and education for vocational workforce development to ensure skills needed to work on and maintain plug-in electric drive vehicles and the infrastructure required to support them. Sets forth a pilot program to deploy plug-in electric drive vehicles in the federal fleet. Establishes a targeted plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a program to fund research and development in advanced batteries, plug-in electric drive vehicle components, plug-in electric drive infrastructure, and other related technologies; (2) implement a materials recycling study; and (3) establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize for a 500-mile vehicle battery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 require electric utilities to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of not fewer than 200 qualified automotive batteries in a calendar year that have a total minimum power rating of 1 megawatt and use advanced battery technology. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force, chaired by the Secretary of Energy. Home Star Retrofit Act of 2010 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) the Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program; and (2) a Federal Rebate Processing System Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Home Star Efficiency Loan Program. Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2010 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to authorize funding through FY2021 and subsequent fiscal years. National Wildlife Refuge System Resource Protection Act of 2010 - Makes any person that destroys, damages, causes the loss of, or injures any refuge system resource liable to the United States for response costs and damages resulting from the destruction, loss, or injury. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to authorize a state that permits oil and natural gas drilling to require any person using hydraulic fracturing for an oil or natural gas well to disclose the chemicals used in each hydraulic fracturing process. Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a program of watershed restoration and job stabilization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend to December 31, 2020, the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate; (2) increase the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate to 45 cents a barrel; and (3) increase the per incident limitation on expenditures.

National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 - Amends the Antiquities Act of 1906 to require land reserved as part of a national monument to be confined to the smallest area necessary to ensure the proper care and management of the objects to be protected by the monument. Sets forth requirements for the designation of national monuments under the Act. Bars the President from issuing a proclamation to designate a national monument under this Act before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the proposed proclamation is provided by the President to Congress, the governor of each state, and specified local and tribal government officials having jurisdiction over any parcel of land within the boundary of the proposed monument. Requires at least one public hearing and a notice and comment period after the issuance of a proclamation to designate a national monument. Requires the President to report to Congress on any hearings held, any written comments received, and the impact of such designation on communities within the boundary of the monument, the nation's energy security, and interests, rights, and uses associated with the land within the monument. Makes a proclamation ineffective two years after its issuance, unless it is approved by an Act of Congress. Bars the issuance of a proclamation by the President that is substantially similar to a previously issued proclamation that Congress did not approve within the two-year period.

Economic Revitalization and Innovation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

Economic Revitalization and Innovation Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend funding for economic development assistance programs under such Act for FY2011-FY2015 and to revise grant program requirements and criteria to encourage regional development strategies, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Extends technical assistance eligibility under such Act to economic development districts and university centers. Authorizes and encourages the Secretary of Commerce to consult and cooperate with federal, state, and local entities in supporting economic and workforce development and in promoting regional innovation clusters. Requires the Secretary to coordinate activities with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant entities to leverage and maximize the economic development potential of federal investments in high-speed rail projects and ensure that the activities of a university center include conducting research and providing technical assistance for such projects. Extends eligibility for grants for public works and economic development and for economic adjustment to business incubator facilities and science and research parks, as defined by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award grants and loan guarantees for the development of a feasibility study or development plan, or both, for a science and research park development project; and (2) provide technical and other assistance (in lieu of the Brightfields demonstration program) to promote energy efficiency to enhance the economic competitiveness of an area, increase the use of renewable energy technologies, support energy efficiency or alternative energy development plans, studies, or analysis, and support community efforts to relocate a technology or manufacturing business to the United States. Expands eligibility criteria for public works and economic development assistance or economic adjustment in a distressed area to include the loss of a substantial employer, substantial outmigration or population loss, substantial foreclosure rates and underemployment, military base realignments, natural disasters, and substantial negative effects resulting from changing trade patterns. Requires public works and economic development grant recipients to establish job creation goals and authorizes the Secretary to impose a penalty on grantees who fail to satisfy such goals.

Roadmap for America's Energy Future

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010

A Roadmap for America's Energy Future - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 to have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior as a final oil and gas leasing program in full compliance with specified environmental law. Directs the Secretary to conduct a lease sale every 270 days in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning region for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas leases for OCS production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to: (1) modify the OCS leasing program; and (2) direct the Secretary to include, in each 5-Year Program, lease sales proposals offering for oil and gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area. Prescribes requirements for coordination with adjacent states regarding pipeline construction for crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Prohibits, on either federal OCS or state waters, uses that are incompatible with: (1) oil and gas leasing; or (2) full oil or natural gas exploration and production on geologically prospective tracts. Requires the Secretary to accept, in satisfaction of mitigation requirements, proposals for mitigation measures on a site away from the area impacted by exploration and production activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a leasing program for oil, gas and oil shale within the Alaska Coastal Plain (ANWR). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA) to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Allocates to the state of Alaska 50% of federal revenues derived from federal oil and gas leasing operations. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Requires the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop, construct, and operate a coal-to-liquids facility. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the limitation on federal agency contracting for procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels with respect to associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the American-Made Energy Trust Fund to receive certain revenues from oil, gas, and oil shale leases. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to: (1) issue operating permits for 200 new commercial nuclear reactors; (2) continue to review certain license applications to construct the nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain (Nevada); (3) use certain funds to develop, construct, and operate a facility for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel; (4) establish a process for licensing facilities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel; and (5) deem that sufficient capacity will be available for spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive waste disposal. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to promulgate regulations to conduct reverse auctions to award funds from the American-Made Energy Trust Fund to owners or operators of qualified renewable energy facilities to generate electric energy. Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Outer Continental Shelf Oil Spill Prevention to examine and report on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill of 2010.

PROMOTING A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY

United States · United States Senate · 27 July 2010

Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations for FY2011-FY2013 for: (1) core programs; (2) research and development technology (R & D) for the fuel cycle; (3) certain nuclear energy research programs; and (4) nuclear energy enabling technologies, including crosscutting nuclear energy concepts. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Energy implement: (1) the nuclear power 2010 program; (2) the generation IV nuclear energy systems initiative; and (3) the reactor production of hydrogen. Directs the Secretary to implement: (1) R & D to advance fission power systems and technologies (reactor concepts) to sustain currently deployed systems; (2) a small modular reactor program to promote R&D of small modular reactors; and (3) R&D on fuel cycle options that improve uranium resource utilization, maximize energy generation, minimize nuclear waste creation, improve safety, and mitigate risk of proliferation in support of a national strategy for spent nuclear fuel and reactor concepts. Instructs the Secretary, in carrying out certain optional initiatives, to consider the final report on a long-term nuclear waste solution produced by the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to support the integration of certain activities undertaken through R&D programs for reactor concepts and crosscutting nuclear energy concepts. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) the quantitative risks associated with the potential of a severe accident arising from the use of nuclear power; and (2) current technologies to mitigate the consequences of such an accident. Changes the location of the prototype Next Generation Nuclear reactor and associated Plant from the Idaho National Laboratory (IDL) to a construction site determined by the IDL-organized consortium of appropriate industrial partners through an open and transparent competitive selection process. Directs the Comptroller General to submit to Congress a status update of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant program. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a nuclear energy standards committee to facilitate the development or revision of technical standards for new and existing nuclear power plants and advanced nuclear technologies.

Renewable Energy Jobs and Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Renewable Energy Jobs and Security Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to propose rules establishing standards for the physical connection between specified types of renewable energy facilities and transmission facilities of transmitting utilities subject to FERC jurisdiction. Requires such standards to: (1) include separate expedited procedures for interconnecting 10-kilowatt maximum renewable energy facilities and for expediting interconnection for 2000-kilowatt maximum facilities; and (2) address safety, reliability, performance, cost, and network upgrades. Allows FERC to consider a clustering approach that allows concurrent interconnection of facilities where requests are placed within succeeding six-month periods. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to: (1) adopt standards for interconnection with renewable energy facilities as are necessary to ensure that renewable energy facilities are given priority interconnection and priority access to available capacity on the utility's transmission and distribution system over non-renewable energy facilities; and (2) permit any renewable energy facility to apply to the state regulatory authority for an order requiring the interconnection of such facility with the system of the utility. Requires the Secretary of Energy to transmit to Congress and to FERC a report that spatially maps national renewable energy resources and conducts cost assessments for renewable energy facility development with respect to all available technologies. Requires FERC to prescribe rules to encourage the purchase of electric energy by public utilities from renewable energy facilities on a priority basis, under a standard contract, and at rates established on a uniform national basis by FERC. Provides procedures for the setting and adjusting of such rates and for application of net metering. Requires reports concerning interconnection of renewable energy facilities by utilities to the Energy Information Administration and by the Secretary to Congress and the public. Requires FERC to design a regional cost redistribution mechanism consisting of a system benefits charge payable by every end-use consumer of an electric utility to the utility, to be transferred to a national renewable energy corporation for reimbursement of the costs associated with this Act's interconnection and power purchase requirements.

Commending the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New Meadowlands Stadium Project, and the people of the State of New Jersey for creating one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable sports complexes in the world.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Commends the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New Meadowlands Stadium Project, and the people of New Jersey for creating one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable sports complexes in the world.

CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010

Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of 2010 or CARE Act - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to transfer specified excess funds derived from coal mine operator-paid reclamation fees to the trustees of the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan for use solely to pay pension benefits required under such Plan.