Energy

Hydrogen for Ports Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2021

Hydrogen for Ports Act of 2021 This bill supports infrastructure for hydrogen-derived fuels, including ammonia, at ports and in the shipping industry. For example, the bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program that awards grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other eligible entities for infrastructure that supports hydrogen-derived fuels, including ammonia, at ports and in the shipping industry.

Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2021

Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a hydrogen infrastructure finance and innovation pilot program. Under the program, DOE must provide grants and low-interest loans to certain entities for hydrogen infrastructure, including projects for hydrogen transportation, storage, or delivery.

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2021

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act of 2021 This bill addresses the productivity and energy efficiency of the manufacturing sector as well as the development of smart manufacturing technologies (certain advanced technologies in information, automation, monitoring, computation, sensing, modeling, and networking). Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) may make grants to states for supporting the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies. States must use those grants to (1) provide access to shared supercomputing facilities to small- and medium-sized manufacturers, (2) fund research and development of transformational manufacturing processes and materials technology that advance smart manufacturing, and (3) provide tools and training to aid the adoption of energy management systems and implement smart manufacturing technologies in the manufacturers' facilities. In addition, DOE must expand the scope of technologies covered by its Industrial Assessment Centers to (1) include smart manufacturing technologies and practices, and (2) equip the centers' directors with the training and tools necessary to provide technical assistance in smart manufacturing technologies and practices. DOE must also (1) study how it can increase access to existing high-performance computing resources in its National Laboratories, and (2) facilitate access to the laboratories by small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

United States · United States Senate · 27 October 2021

Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2021

Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act This bill allows a new tax credit for the production and sale of certain solar equipment produced and sold in a taxpayer's trade or business.

GAS PRICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2021

Give Americans Stability at Pumps as Rising Inflation Causes Emergencies Act or the GAS PRICE Act This bill requires the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to report on any policy, regulation, or executive order with an effective date of January 20, 2021, or later that the EIA determines has increased or may increase energy prices in the United States.

NEXT in Transportation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2021

New, Emerging, and Exciting Technologies in Transportation Act or the NEXT in Transportation Act This bill establishes and expands activities concerning electrification of transportation systems and intelligent transportation systems and technology. Regarding transportation electrification, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Energy must (1) establish a temporary working group to make recommendations about incorporating electric vehicles into U.S. transportation and energy systems, and (2) develop a transportation electrification strategy based on those recommendations. The bill also provides funding for states to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure; includes programs to increase transportation energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels or electric vehicles in state energy conservation plans; and allows the use, subject to limits, of public transportation funds to install charging equipment for privately owned vehicles. Regarding intelligent transportation systems and technology, DOT must establish an internet-based resource for states and localities to use when developing intelligent transportation and related programs. DOT must also award grants to improve transportation efficiency and safety through advanced smart city or community technologies and systems. Eligible recipients include states, Indian tribes, localities, public transit agencies, and groups of such entities. Additionally, DOT must support workforce development in the intelligent transportation technologies and systems industry. This includes (1) contracting with the National Academies of Sciences to assess workforce needs, (2) establishing a working group to implement a workforce development plan, and (3) increasing public awareness of career opportunities in the transportation sector.

Battery Material Processing and Component Manufacturing Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2021

Battery Material Processing and Component Manufacturing Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish grant programs to support, enhance, and sustain a domestic supply chain for batteries, including grants to facilities for processing, manufacturing, and recycling batteries.

PROTECT Florida Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2021

Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in Florida Act or the PROTECT Florida Act This bill prohibits oil and gas exploration and leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf in certain areas off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. Specifically, the bill extends the moratorium until June 30, 2032, on oil and gas exploration, preleasing or leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the bill establishes a moratorium until June 30, 2029, on oil and gas exploration, preleasing or leasing, or any related activity (including seismic testing) in the (1) Straits of Florida Planning Area, and (2) the area in the South Atlantic Planning Area that is south of the northernmost lateral seaward administrative boundary of Florida.

Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2021

Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act This bill repeals the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard program, which requires transportation fuel to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel.

OFFSHORE WIND, ONSHORE BENEFITS: GROWING THE DOMESTIC WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 October 2021

A bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

This bill provides FY2022 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD). It also provides additional FY2022 appropriations for the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account. The bill also provides additional FY2022 appropriations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Military Construction, Family Housing Construction for the Army, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Within the Department of Energy, the bill provides additional FY2022 appropriations for (1) the National Nuclear Security Administration, and (2) Environmental and Other Defense Activities. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 This bill provides FY2022 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and several related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to Interior for the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, the Office of the Special Trustee For American Indians, Departmental Offices, and Department-Wide Programs. The bill also provides appropriations to the EPA and the Forest Service. Within the Department of Health and Human Services, the bill provides appropriations for the Indian Health Service, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The bill provides appropriations to several related agencies, including the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Commission of Fine Arts, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. the National Capital Planning Commission, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Presidio Trust, the World War I Centennial Commission, the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Alaska Offshore Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Alaska Offshore Parity Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to share more revenues derived from energy and mineral development in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) region with Alaska and its coastal political subdivisions. Currently, only revenue generated by certain nearshore areas of the OCS is shared with Alaska. Alaska may use the funding from such revenue for coastal protection, coastal infrastructure, systems to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, programs at institutions of higher education, and other related purposes.

COST Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Comparison of Sustainable Transportation Act or the COST Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a cost analysis of replacing certain federally owned or operated vehicles with electric vehicles or flex-fuel ethanol vehicles. In addition, the bill requires the Department of Energy to conduct an analysis of the overall greenhouse gas impacts of the following types of vehicles: (1) a conventional gasoline vehicle, (2) an E85 (a fuel containing 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) capable flex-fuel vehicle, or (3) a battery electric vehicle.

Clean Cities Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

Clean Cities Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a Clean Cities Coalition Program. Under the program, DOE must make awards to clean city coalitions or nonprofit organizations for projects and activities that reduce petroleum consumption, improve air quality, promote energy and economic security, and encourage deployment of a diverse, domestic supply of alternative fuels in the transportation sector. DOE must also ensure that there are active coalitions working in all states, the District of Columbia, and the territories. In addition, DOE must provide technical assistance and training to the coalitions, provide opportunities for communication and sharing of best practices among the coalitions, and maintain and publish a centralized database of information about the activities and accomplishments of the coalitions.

MADE HERE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2021

Manufacturing American Dynamism in Entrepreneurship and Harnessing Education to Retool Employees Act or the MADE HERE Act This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense to establish a manufacturing cluster program to award resources and grants to eligible manufacturing clusters, and it establishes an interagency entity to oversee and coordinate the activities of manufacturing cluster programs at federal agencies. A manufacturing cluster is a geographic concentration of companies and institutions within a particular field of manufacturing that engage collaboratively in workforce development, technology development, supply chain sourcing, and other activities. The program shall be comprised of three phases wherein awards shall be distributed to manufacturing clusters for (1) the development of a detailed implementation plan, (2) the implementation of such plan, and (3) continuing the activities of the cluster. Phase two and three awards may be used for purposes such as developing and deploying educational programs for cluster members, funding efforts with respect to supply chain sourcing and innovation, and developing shared infrastructure or resources for cluster members.

Supporting the recognition of October 8, 2021, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

This resolution supports the recognition of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2021 This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, to establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience; conduct an organizational review of all research and other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by federal entities; and appoint one or more officers or employees of NIST to liaise with nonfederal entities that are conducting research or other activities related to premise plumbing. The bill defines premise plumbing as the water distribution system within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. This term also includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment; and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.

A resolution designating October 6, 2021, as "Energy Efficiency Day" in celebration of the economic and environmental benefits that have been driven by private sector innovation and Federal energy efficiency policies.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

This resolution designates October 6, 2021, as Energy Efficiency Day.

COMPETES Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

Competitive Onshore Mineral Policy via Eliminating Taxpayer-Enabled Speculation Act or the COMPETES Act This bill revises the process of leasing public land for oil and gas development. For example, it requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue all onshore oil and gas leasing through a competitive bidding process. Further, the BLM must ensure the receipt by the United States of fair market value for any land or resources leased and any rights covered by the United States.

American Energy Worker Opportunity Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

American Energy Worker Opportunity Act of 2021 This bill establishes the Office of American Energy Workers in the Department of the Treasury to provide displaced coal workers with wage replacement, health care premiums, retirement savings contributions, and educational assistance. The bill also provides educational assistance for the children of displaced coal workers and provides an incentive for clean energy employers to hire displaced coal workers.

A resolution designating October 8, 2021, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

This resolution designates October 8, 2021, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to describe the scope of activities subject to a presumption of the applicability of an exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2021

This bill revises the environmental review of projects on federal lands to expedite geothermal exploration or development activities.

NOMINATIONS OF: HON. GABRIEL O. CAMARILLO TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF THE ARMY; ANDREW P. HUNTER TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE FOR ACQUISITION, TECHNOLOGY, AND LOGISTICS; RACHEL L. JACOBSON TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY FOR ENERGY, INSTALLATIONS, AND ENVIRONMENT; ALEX WAGNER TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2021

Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2021

Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2021 This bill requires congressional approval for a presidential import adjustment due to a national security threat from an import related to military equipment, energy resources, or critical infrastructure essential to national security. Specifically, the bill requires the President to submit a proposal to Congress, which Congress may approve by a joint resolution. Under current law, the President determines whether any adjustment of an import is necessary and must submit to Congress the reasons for any action taken or not taken. The Department of Defense (currently, the Department of Commerce) must investigate the effect of these imports on national security. The bill retroactively applies to any proposed action made four years before enactment of this bill. In general, any rate of duty modification occurring in the time period beginning four years before and ending the day before enactment of this bill must revert to the previous rate unless it receives congressional approval.

Maria Duaime Robinson, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Office of Electricity), vice Bruce J. Walker.

United States · United States Senate · 4 October 2021

Joseph F. DeCarolis, of North Carolina, to be Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, vice Linda Capuano.

United States · United States Senate · 4 October 2021

Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Whistleblower Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Whistleblower Protection Act This bill clarifies that the scope of whistleblower protections under the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 covers civil servants filing complaints against their employers, such as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), if the employers discharge or otherwise discriminate against civil servants who engage in certain protected activities, including (1) reporting alleged nuclear safety violations to the employer, (2) refusing to engage in certain unlawful practices, or (3) testifying at or participating in certain governmental proceedings. In 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Peck v. Department of Labor dismissed a complaint by a civil servant against the NRC for discriminating against the civil servant for whistleblowing activities on the grounds that the act does not waive sovereign immunity (i.e., the federal government's immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts). Specifically, the court held that (1) the whistleblower protections in the act authorize complaints against persons (e.g., corporate employers) that discriminate against their employees, and (2) federal employers like DOE and the NRC are not considered to be persons. The bill modifies the act to waive sovereign immunity by clarifying that the whistleblower protections apply to employees of any employer— not just a person — that discharges or otherwise discriminates against its employee for being a whistleblower of nuclear safety violations. Thus, the bill includes civil servants under the act's whistleblower protections on nuclear safety violations. 

Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act This bill allows a new tax credit for the production and sale of certain solar equipment produced and sold in a taxpayer's trade or business.

A REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF LAWS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

United States · United States Senate · 28 September 2021

Nuclear Waste Task Force Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2021

Nuclear Waste Task Force Act of 2021 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a task force that must evaluate the implications of amending the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to remove exemptions from environmental laws for spent nuclear waste and high-level radioactive waste in order to enable consent-based siting of disposal and storage solutions for such waste. The task force must provide a clear explanation of what constitutes consent-based siting . In addition, the task force may provide participation grants to help environmental justice communities on issues relating to the storage and disposal of such waste.

Nuclear Waste Task Force Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2021

Nuclear Waste Task Force Act of 2021 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a task force that must evaluate the implications of amending the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to remove exemptions from environmental laws for spent nuclear waste and high-level radioactive waste in order to enable consent-based siting of disposal and storage solutions for such waste. The task force must provide a clear explanation of what constitutes consent-based siting . In addition, the task force may provide participation grants to help environmental justice communities on issues relating to the storage and disposal of such waste.

An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021

This bill provides funding, establishes programs, and otherwise modifies provisions relating to a broad array of areas, including education, labor, child care, health care, taxes, immigration, and the environment. (The bill is commonly referred to as the Build Back Better Act.) For example, the bill provides funding for management of the National Forest System; job placement and career services; safe drinking water, energy-efficiency, and weatherization projects; electric vehicles and zero-emission, heavy-duty vehicles; public health infrastructure and supply chain resiliency; housing, rental, and homeowner assistance programs; cybersecurity programs; tribal infrastructure, housing, environmental, and health programs; wildfire prevention, drought relief, conservation efforts, and climate change research; small business assistance and development; transit services and clean energy projects in low-income communities; and infrastructure and administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the bill establishes programs to provide up to six semesters of free community college, free child care for children under the age of six, free universal preschool services, and health benefits for eligible individuals who reside in states that have not expanded Medicaid. The bill also includes provisions that establish a methane fee for certain petroleum and natural gas facilities; expand Medicare to cover dental, hearing, and vision care; provide certain aliens with a path to permanent resident status (e.g., those who entered the United States as minors); provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave; restructure and increase the tax rates for certain corporations and high-income individuals (e.g., individuals with income over $400,000); and require the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate maximum prices for certain brand-name drugs under Medicare.

Grid Hardening Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021

Grid Hardening Act of 2021 This bill expands the Smart Grid Investment Matching Grant Program within the Department of Energy to include grants for technology, equipment, or hardening measures that enable the electric grid to better withstand the effects of extreme weather, a wildfire, or any other natural disaster.

Advancing Energy Manufacturing in Coal Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2021

Advancing Energy Manufacturing in Coal Communities Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a program to award grants to certain manufacturing firms for qualifying advanced energy projects. To qualify for a grant, a project must (1) re-equip, expand, or establish a manufacturing or recycling facility for the production or recycling of advanced energy property (e.g., property designed to produce renewable energy); or (2) re-equip an industrial or manufacturing facility with equipment designed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of that facility substantially below the greenhouse gas emissions under current best practices. Further, the project must have a reasonable expectation of commercial viability and be located near or in an area where a coal mine has closed or coal-fired plant that produced electricity has been retired.

Investing in Energy Regions Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2021

Investing in Energy Regions Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of carrying out clean energy projects on current and former mine land. Under the program, DOE must select no more than five projects that will be carried out in geographically diverse regions. At least two of the projects must be solar projects.

American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2021

American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act of 2021 This bill revises the definition of qualifying advanced energy project for purposes of the tax credit for such project. Specifically, the bill expands the definition to include property designed to produce energy from water, property designed to produce energy conservation technologies, light-, medium-, or heavy-duty electric or fuel cell vehicles, certain hybrid vehicles, and manufacturing facilities designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The definition also includes projects located in a census tract in which a coal mine closed after 1999 and in which a coal-fired electric generating unit was retired after 2009, and provides additional credit allocations for projects to retool, expand, or build new facilities that make or recycle energy-related products, and for projects in communities where coal mines have closed or coal-fired electric units have been retired.

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act This bill revises the environmental review of geothermal energy projects on federal land in order to expedite such projects.

Indo-Pacific Strategic Energy Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Indo-Pacific Strategic Energy Initiative Act This bill requires and authorizes actions related to supporting energy projects in other countries, including projects to increase energy security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Department of State must prioritize U.S. government effort in helping the governments of Japan, India, and other like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region to increase their energy security and reduce energy emissions, including through providing diplomatic and political support as necessary. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency must provide early-stage support for energy infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific region that promote the reduction of greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions. The State Department, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Energy must identify projects appropriate for such support. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (1) may provide support for projects related to the importation of liquefied natural gas and the generation of low-emission energy, including projects owned by foreign government entities; and (2) may not prohibit or restrict support for a project on the basis of the type of energy involved. The Export-Import Bank must establish a strategic energy portfolio focused on financing projects that may increase U.S. energy exports and are related to the development or construction of (1) liquefied natural gas import terminals, (2) carbon capture and storage, (3) blue hydrogen infrastructure, or (4) other low-emission energy infrastructure.

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act This bill revises the environmental review of geothermal energy projects on federal land in order to expedite such projects.

A resolution proclaiming the week of September 20 through September 24, 2021, to be "National Clean Energy Week".

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

This resolution designates September 20-September 24, 2021, as National Clean Energy Week.

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2021 This bill expands two programs that compensate individuals who were exposed to radiation during certain nuclear testing or uranium mining and subsequently developed medical conditions, including cancers. First, the bill expands and extends a program that compensates individuals who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear testing or other sources and subsequently developed specified cancers. Under current law, this program compensates individuals who were present in a designated geographic area during a period of nuclear testing and certain individuals employed in uranium mining. The bill expands the designated areas to include Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Guam and additional areas in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah; makes more individuals who worked in uranium mining eligible for the program; increases the amount of compensation awarded to and provides medical benefits for eligible claimants; and extends for 19 years following the bill's enactment the fund that supports this program and the statute of limitations for filing claims (currently, the program terminates on July 10, 2022). Second, the bill makes certain individuals employed in uranium mines or mills eligible for a program that compensates workers, including Department of Energy employees and contractors, for illnesses caused by occupational exposure to radiation and hazardous substances during development and testing of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. The bill also establishes a grant program in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for institutions of higher education to study the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining and milling among individuals without occupational exposure.

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2021 This bill provides for programs and activities in support of forest restoration, wildfire mitigation, and energy resilience. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall select landscape-scale forest restoration projects located west of the 100th meridian to implement on National Forest System land and on land adjoining National Forest System land. USDA shall establish a pilot program under which USDA may enter into conservation finance agreements with public or private persons to implement and monitor such projects. The Department of Energy shall establish a program to support critical infrastructure and microgrids, including by improving the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities (e.g., hospitals) through the use of microgrids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduced electricity demand, and on-site storage. USDA and the Department of the Interior shall establish one or more centers in western states to train individuals in methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk. USDA shall establish a competitive grant program to support workforce development in forestry and fire management.

Reclaiming the Solar Supply Chain Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Reclaiming the Solar Supply Chain Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a program to award grants and loans to support a solar component manufacturing supply chain. Under the program, grants and loans must be used for (1) the construction of new facilities that manufacture solar components; and (2) retooling, retrofitting, or expanding existing facilities that manufacture solar components.

Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2021 This bill imposes sanctions related to the Taliban and addresses other related issues. The President must impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that knowingly provide significant support to the Taliban or senior Taliban members. The bill also repeals an exception to existing sanctions against certain entities related to energy, shipping, and shipbuilding in Iran. Specifically, the bill repeals a provision authorizing the President to exempt certain entities involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan from such sanctions. No federal department or agency may take any action that states or implies recognition of the Taliban's claim of sovereignty over Afghanistan. The bill also bars the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department of Defense from using federal funds to prepare or implement any policy that extends diplomatic recognition to the Taliban-controlled government in Afghanistan. The State Department must designate (1) the government of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, and (2) the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization. Furthermore, USAID must take appropriate steps to ensure that certain foreign assistance provided in or for certain countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, is not going to or through any individual or entity involved in terrorist activity. The bill also prohibits using certain federal funds to provide direct assistance to any country where the duly elected head of government has been deposed in a coup or decree in which the military played a decisive role.

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2021 This bill expands two programs that compensate individuals who were exposed to radiation during certain nuclear testing or uranium mining and subsequently developed medical conditions, including cancers. First, the bill expands and extends a program that compensates individuals who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear testing or other sources and subsequently developed specified cancers. Under current law, this program compensates individuals who were present in a designated geographic area during a period of nuclear testing and certain individuals employed in uranium mining. The bill expands the designated areas to include Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Guam and additional areas in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah; makes more individuals who worked in uranium mining eligible for the program; increases the amount of compensation awarded to and provides medical benefits for eligible claimants; and extends for 19 years following the bill's enactment the fund that supports this program and the statute of limitations for filing claims (currently, the program terminates on July 10, 2022). Second, the bill makes certain individuals employed in uranium mines or mills eligible for a program that compensates workers, including Department of Energy employees and contractors, for illnesses caused by occupational exposure to radiation and hazardous substances during development and testing of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. The bill also establishes a grant program in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for institutions of higher education to study the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining and milling among individuals without occupational exposure.

Supporting the designation of the week of September 20 through September 24, 2021, as "National Clean Energy Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

This resolution supports the designation of National Clean Energy Week.

Enhanced Protection from Unmanned Aircraft Attacks Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Enhanced Protection from Unmanned Aircraft Attacks Act This bill allows the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and Energy to contract with other entities in order to protect U.S. facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. The Federal Acquisition Regulation must be updated accordingly within 180 days of the date of enactment of the bill.

No Harbor for Terror Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

No Harbor for Terror Act This bill repeals authority granted to the President to except Iran's energy, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors from sanctions in order to provide for reconstruction assistance or economic development in Afghanistan.