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Bill· SS. 1806 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Energy Mobilization Board Act of 1979 - Establishes the Energy Mobilization Board to administer jointly with the Department of Energy a priority energy project program. Authorizes the Board to decide and administer all matters within the jurisdiction of the Board under this Act, and to take final action on any such matters, except as otherwise stated. Sets forth the power and authority of the Board, and stipulates that the Board shall not interfere with labor-management relations or take any actions which conflict with the terms of existing labor- management contracts. Directs the Board to periodically review its activities under this Act and report to the Congress on the functioning of the selection and designation process for priority energy projects, and other matters. Authorizes any person planning or proposing an energy project to apply to the Secretary of Energy for the selection of such project as a candidate priority energy project. Requires that such application identify all Federal, State, and local licensing or permitting actions necessary for approval and development of such project and to contain detailed information of the project's design, economics, and environmental impacts. Directs the Secretary to select from all pending applications for priority designation between eight and twenty-four candidate priority energy projects which are to be forwarded to the Board for further examination under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criteria for the Secretary's use in selecting such projects. Requires the Secretary to adopt procedures necessary to assure applicants, affected agencies and interested members of the public of the opportunity to participate in the Selection process. Authorizes the Board to make the final designation of priority energy projects based on the stated criteria. Allows the Board to extend the deadlines for receiving public comments on such designation and the time for ruling on an application for designation if more time is required for the comment period or the application is incomplete. Exempts the determinations made by the Secretary and the Board in designating such projects and the promulgation or revision of Project Decision Schedules from the environmental impact provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Requires the appropriate Federal agency to determine whether any Federal action relating to a designated project will be a major Federal action within the meaning of NEPA. Authorizes any person aggrieved by such determination to commence a civil action seeking judicial review of that determination under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Board, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality and appropriate State and local agencies, to require the preparation of a single environmental impact statement to reflect the actions of any or all Federal agencies to satisfy their obligations under NEPA. Stipulates that such statement may substitute for any similar requirement of State or local law if required by the Board, so long as such statement includes all information required under such laws. Provides for the appointment of a lead agency to supervise the preparation of such statement and sets forth the duties of such agency. Requires the Secretary to encourage applicants for priority energy project designation to file applications as soon as possible in order to expedite any eventual action or decision. Requires specified Federal agencies to submit certain information to the Board critical to their consideration of such projects. Requires that the Board notify the Governor and other appropriate local officials or agencies of any State which would be significantly affected by the completion of such projects and request them to supply compilations of significant actions required by State and local governments and by the applicant before the project can be completed and a tentative schedule for completing such actions. Directs the Board to establish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal, State, and local actions relating to a priority energy project. Requires that final agency action be completed no later than one year after the applicant's application for such actions is complete, unless otherwise required by existing statutory obligations. Provides that upon petition of any agency with authority governed by a Project Decision Schedule, or of the applicant or any other interested party, the Board may make a modification of such schedule. Authorizes the Board to make such modifications only upon the determination that continued adherence to the schedule would be impractical or not in the public interest, that such modification is consistent with other provisions in this Act, and that the agency or applicant, as the case may be, has exercised due diligence in attempting to comply with the schedule. Authorizes the Board to certify that agency review has been completed and all approvals on the schedule have been granted, performed, or are not found to be necessary, and that further judicial review is barred pursuant to this Act. Provides mechanisms for the enforcement of Project Decision Schedules by appropriate action in the specified Federal or State court. Requires the Board to monitor compliance by the applicant and the agencies to the Project Decision Schedule. Authorizes the Board to terminate the priority designation of a project if certain evidence of noncompliance exists. Exempts the granting or denying of a public comment period extension from judicial review except as may be required by the U.S. Constitution. Authorizes judicial review of the designation or termination of a priority energy project designation in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Prohibits a court from staying or enjoining such actions pending appeal or trial de novo. Sets time limits for filing appeals or petitions for review of actions taken pursuant to this Act and bars any challenges to such actions which are not in conformance with these provisions, except as otherwise provided for. Directs such courts to expedite and consolidate such review to the greatest extent practicable. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Supreme Court to review any judgment or order of the lower court pursuant to this Act and directs the Supreme Court to expedite such review to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits trial de novo by the reviewing court of any action pursuant to this Act. Directs the Board to revise a project decision schedule as necessary in the event a decision is rendered remanding any case or controversy to an agency. Terminates the authority of the Board on September 30, 1985.
Bill· HRH.R. 5372 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to promulgate a regulation to reestablish ceiling prices and mandatory allocation requirements for middle distillate fuels.
Law· SS. 1784 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Alaska Federal-Civilian Energy Efficiency Swap Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of any of the departments of the United States to sell or contract to sell surplus federally generated electrical power produced in Alaska if such action will result in reduced electrical costs to Federal or civilian consumers, and in the case of electrical energy produced at coal-fired powerplants, will result in reduced consumption of oil and natural gas.
Bill· SS. 1775 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to add a new "Title XX--Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Act" which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program in order to enable the United States to achieve net energy independence for agricultural and forestry production, processing, and marketing, and to reduce the petroleum and natural gas consumption of rural residents and communities by 50 percent by the year 2000. Directs the Secretary to establish an Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Board to assist the Secretary by: (1) making a comprehensive assessment of the Nation's agricultural, forestry and rural energy needs, resources, practices, legal authorities, programs, and related elements (such assessment to be updated at least every five years); and (2) preparing the Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program. Requires the Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program to: (1) inventory the specific needs and opportunities for public and private investment in agricultural, forestry, and rural energy production, use, and conservation projects; (2) identify estimated costs, returns, results, and benefits associated with such investments; and (3) discuss the priorities and options for the accomplishment of such Program. Requires cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations. Demands submission of the completed Program to the Secretary and to Congress within one year after enactment of this Act, with revision at least every five years. Requires annual reports on the Program to Congress by February 1 of each year, the first to be submitted by February 1, 1981. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an applied research program to develop: (1) economical and energy-efficient fuel hydrocarbons, and petrochemical substitutes from biomass; (2) techniques for using energy so derived in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural commodities and forest products; (3) economical ways for rural communities to use such energy; (4) the use of wood as an energy-efficient material in building construction; and (5) energy conservation systems and techniques for farmers, owners of forest land, rural residents, and rural communities. Authorizes annual appropriations not to exceed $50,000,000 solely for applied research at State agricultural experiment stations to develop agricultural, forestry, and rural energy production, use, and conservation. Requires the Secretary to study the feasibility of alternate crop-livestock systems to produce both foodstuffs and fiber for domestic and export markets and biomass for use in the production of energy. Directs the Secretary to implement an extension program to disseminate the results of rural energy research and to encourage rural residents and communities to adopt projects for the production and use of biomass energy and energy conservation techniques. Authorizes the annual appropriation of $50,000,000 under the Smith-Lever Act, and $5,000,000 under the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 for rural and forest energy extension work by State extension services. Directs the Secretary to establish (to the extent practicable, at existing Department of Agriculture research facilities) four Wood Energy Centers and four Agricultural Biomass Energy Centers, each in a different geographic region of the United States and located in an area containing substantial amounts of private forest land or intensively used farm land, as appropriate. Requires each Center, under Board direction, to: (1) perform applied wood or agricultural biomass energy production and use and energy conservation research projects; (2) develop an information bank; (3) field-test promising research findings; (4) provide technical assistance to landowners, colleges and universities, and other interested parties; (5) make demonstration projects; (6) disseminate information on new energy technologies; (7) perform energy need analyses for rural residents and communities; (8) perform similar research, field test, and demonstration programs with respect to agricultural commodities; and (9) implement solar energy model farms and demonstration projects. Permits the Secretary to make National Forest Systems wood and residues available to assist in such research and demonstrations. Authorizes annual appropriations of $30,000,000 for Wood Energy Centers and $30,000,000 for Agricultural Biomass Energy Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to share up to 75 percent of the cost of implementing wood energy production practices set forth in agreements for such purposes with owners of nonindustrial private forest land. Requires that such agreements be based on individual forest management plans ensuring maximum development of the land for wood for energy. Authorizes annual appropriations of $100,000,000 for such program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program of financial assistance to owners of nonindustrial private forest land which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the insuring and guaranteeing of loans providing periodic loan disbursements; (2) the consolidation for resale in private capital markets of the loan obligations of individual landowners; and (3) the loaning of funds to lending institutions in order to make such guaranteed loans. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood, provided the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any insured or guaranteed loan to any one landowner to $50,000 annually. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of that portion of the overall loan obligation which exceeds the market value of the assets securing such loan. Bases the amount of the periodic loan disbursement upon the future expected market value of the timber securing such loan, limiting the total principal and interest obligation to 80 percent of such value. Allows for adjustment of loan terms, as agreed by both landowner and lender, following periodic reviews of individual loan agreements and forest management plans. Entitles borrowers to prepayment of all or any part of an outstanding loan obligation without penalty. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower. Directs the Secretary to appoint a program development and evaluation committee to advise him regarding the financial assistance program. Requires funding for the program to be drawn from the Rural Development Insurance Fund. Authorizes necessary appropriations for administrative expenses. Limits the total annual expenditure: (1) for insured loans to a maximum $25,000,000; and (2) for guaranteed loans to a maximum of $10,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State for the employment of additional State foresters or equivalent officials to provide technical assistance to owners of private forest land in: (1) identifying the opportunities for, and increasing the production of, wood for energy; and (2) developing individual forest management plans under programs of this Act. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of such assistance, to consider the underuse of forest growth in the State and the potential for use of this material in energy production in the State. Permits the Secretary to take necessary actions to make wood energy use training programs available to such foresters. Authorizes the annual appropriation of not more than $8,500,000 for such financial assistance program. Directs the Secretary to establish State advisory committees in States with significant amounts of nonindustrial private forest land to advise the Secretary and the State forester periodically about the effectiveness of Federal programs and the potential for developing markets for wood energy. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to establish concentration and distribution centers that make fuelwood available to homeowners. Authorizes the annual appropriation of $10,000,000 for five fiscal years. Directs the Secretary to implement a program disseminating information and providing technical assistance with respect to the small-scale production and use of ethanol, methanol, low and medium British thermal unit gas, and other energy forms from agricultural biomass. Requires State extension services to conduct at least 100 workshops annually instructing: (1) interested parties on construction and operation of agricultural biomass energy production facilities; and (2) county extension agents on the conduct of agricultural biomass energy extension at the local level. Directs the Secretary to establish projects for rural energy conservation and the production and use of energy from biomass through direct, insured, and guaranteed loans to finance the construction and operation of commercial or on-farm projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make up to $10,000,000 worth of grants for demonstration for the same purposes. Limits the total amount of such loans made or insured in any fiscal year to not more than $250,000,000 with at least one-third allocated for projects using wood or wood wastes, and at least one-fourth allocated for small-scale facilities for the annual production of at most 2,000,000 gallons of ethanol, or the energy equivalent of other forms of biomass energy. Limits the annual total of guaranteed loans to $1,000,000,000 similarly allocated. Requires: (1) the execution of at least 75 percent of such loans, guarantees, and grants by May 31 of the fiscal year in question; and (2) the coordination of such programs with other specified agriculture and energy loan and grant programs. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize, for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, not to exceed: (1) $25,000,000 for community facility loans for rural electric cooperatives for projects to generate electricity using nonfossil energy sources including biomass and hydropower; (2) $50,000,000 for direct, insured, or guaranteed farm ownership (real estate) loans for nonfossil energy systems used on farms; (3) $20,000,000 for direct, insured, or guaranteed farm operating loans for equipment using biomass or solar energy or increasing energy conservation; (4) $250,000,000 for guaranteed and $20,000,000 for insured industrial development loans, with authority to transfer amounts between such categories, for commercial biomass energy production projects. Authorizes the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to make grants to owners of rural electric systems, or federations of such owners, for projects demonstrating alternate energy and conservation technologies. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to encourage the production credit associations, Federal land banks, and banks for cooperatives to use the existing authority in the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to make loans to farmers for the establishment or operation of commercially feasible biomass energy production or energy conservation projects. Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to authorize the Secretary to provide cost-sharing financial assistance and technical assistance to agricultural producers for shelter belts, minimum tillage systems, manure or other suitable fertilizer wastes, integrated pest management, energy-efficient irrigation water management, and water conservation measures necessary to improve crop yields in relation to the amount of energy used in crop production. Makes this Act effective October 1, 1979.
Bill· SS. 1778 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Limits the levying or collection of severance taxes by a State or within a State on coal, oil, natural gas, oil shale, or other energy resources mined or produced from Indian lands or other Federal lands.
Bill· HRH.R. 5333 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Transportation Energy Efficiency Act of 1979 - Title I: Energy Efficient Public Transportation - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1989 from the Energy Security Trust Fund to finance grants, loans, and/or contracts for: (1) Federal financial assistance to State and local agencies for the construction or improvement of mass transportation systems; (2) public transportation projects substituted for segments of Interstate highway; (3) buses and bus facilities; and (4) projects for the deployment of innovative techniques and methods in the management and operation of public transportation services. Limits the amount of such funds which may be appropriated for allocation by the President. Title II: Improved Automobile Use - Permits the Secretary of Transportation to increase the Federal share of Interstate Highway costs to at least 90 percent for energy conservation projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to governments and private organizations of 90 percent of the costs for energy conservation projects and for the purpose of planning, implementing, or evaluating innovative transportation strategies for more efficient use of automobiles and alternatives to low occupancy automobiles. Permits the inclusion in highway safety programs of programs for increased automotive fuel efficiency, including improved driver practices and vehicle operation and maintenance with funding provided from the Energy Security Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for fiscal years 1980 through 1989 for carrying out the national maximum speed limit, energy conservation projects, and highway safety programs. Limits the percentage of funds to be used for public information programs directed to improve automobile usage and administrative costs. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway trust fund for liquidation of obligations incurred for highway projects approved on or after the Transportation Energy Efficiency Act. Reduces the apportionments to States where a segment of the Interstate system is withdrawn for a substituted public mass transit project and makes a revised estimate of the Federal share of the costs of such segment available for highway substitution projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 5335 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the residential energy credit from 15 to 50 percent of energy conservation expenditures not in excess of $2,000. Qualifies energy efficient replacement furnaces or boilers and wood burning stoves for the residential energy credit. Allows an additional ten percent investment tax credit for small business investment in energy property. Includes "energy conservation expenditures" within the definition of energy property for purposes of the investment tax credit.
Bill· SS. 1764 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Palisades Powerplant Construction Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to design, construct, and operate the Palisades powerplant enlargement and appurtenant works, Idaho. Requires the Secretary to enter into contracts with the State for the payment of costs related to such project before construction may begin. Permits such contracts to provide for the marketing by the State of the hydroelectric power produced by such project. Requires the State to contract with the Bureau of Reclamation for the allocation of generation and operation and maintenance costs. Stipulates that such project shall not alter the release of water or operation of Palisades Reservior adversely to existing water rights. Authorizes the Secretary to provide basic outdoor recreation facilities in the vicinity of Palisades Dam.
Bill· SS. 1766 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a credit against the income tax for a portion of such individual's home heating costs. Sets the amount of such credit at 50 percent of the product of such costs multiplied by the percentage by which the appropriate heating price index exceeds the consumer price index. Establishes a $250 maximum credit ($125 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return). Treats unmarried individuals living together as one taxpayer, allowing each his or her ratable share of such credit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations applying such credit to renters and to condominium and cooperative owners. Requires reduction of the amount of such credit by ten percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income in excess of $25,000 ($12,500 in the case of a taxpayer for whom the maximum credit is $125). Amends the Social Security Act to provide a comparable energy allowance of $200 per year to recipients of supplemental security income (SSI), and an energy cost assistance grant and an administrative allowance amounts to any State which distributed an energy cost assistance allowance to households receiving aid to families with dependent children. Specifies formulae for the computation of such State grant and allowance amounts. Requires annual adjustment of such grant and allowance amounts for increases in home heating costs. Denies the tax credit established by this Act to any individual receiving an energy cost assistance allowance. Requires the Secretary to use a Residential Heating Price Index for each State and for the Nation prepared by the Secretary of Energy on a monthly basis and published in the Federal Register.
Bill· HRH.R. 5322 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Requires the distribution of surplus refinery stocks of No. 2 home heating oil to local distributors to meet residential and other end user demand.
Bill· HRH.R. 5318 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a refundable income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the total cost of heating oil purchased by such individual for use in a residence for residential purposes. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $150 for the taxable year. Reduces the amount of such credit by one percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $15,000.
Bill· SS. 1760 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 50 percent (not to exceed $2,000) the percentage of qualified energy conservation expenditures allowable as a residential energy credit against an individual's income tax. Eliminates the limitation that such qualified expenditures be made only with respect to the taxpayer's principal residence. Raises from $2,200 to $5,000 the maximum amount of qualified renewable energy source expenditures allowable as a residential energy tax credit. Qualifies the differential cost of renewable energy source property which is a structural component of a building as one such expenditure. Extends eligibility for the residential energy tax credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps (including water well heat pumps) eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture, and extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Includes the amount of such income tax credit in gross income for the applicable year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non-employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
Bill· HRH.R. 5304 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Energy Productivity Act of 1979 - Title I: Residential Energy Conservation - Establishes the Residential Energy Conservation Office within the Department of Energy to accept applications for reimbursement of residential energy conservation improvement expenditures made in accordance with regulations issued by the Director of such office. Sets forth requirements for such applications and imposes limitations upon the amount of reimbursement to be made to approved applicants for energy conservation improvements to houses, apartment buildings, and hotels. Directs the Director to coordinate such reimbursement program with the energy audit program established under the National Energy Conservation Act and to promote the availability of such audits in connection with such reimbursement program. Authorizes the Director to use any available means of communication to advertise such residential energy conservation reimbursement program. Requires the Director to conduct an evaluation of such program to determine its effectiveness in promoting residential energy conservation and its cost effectiveness in terms of probable energy savings. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the operations of the Residential Energy Conservation Office. Sets forth procedures for such audits. Authorizes appropriations for such residential energy conservation program. Requires sellers of energy conservation improvements to certify to purchasers that such improvements comply with regulations issued by the Director pursuant to this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for providing false information to the Director concerning any reimbursement application or improvement certification. Title II: Industrial Fuel Conservation - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loans to industrial firms to assist in paying engineering costs for industrial energy conservation projects. Sets forth criteria for issuing necessary regulations and terms and conditions for such loans. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1985. Authorizes appropriations for an accelerated energy productivity industrial research, development, and demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations providing for an energy rebate to industrial firms implementing energy conservation projects approved by the Secretary. Sets the amount of such rebate at $15 for each barrel of crude oil equivalent of critical fuel saved in the full year following such project implementation. Requires that such rebate be structured to provide incentive for investment in permanent conservation equipment and production procedures. Authorizes appropriations for such rebate program. Title III: Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program - Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Energy a Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to owners, developers, or builders of commercial property for the purchase of energy conservation systems. Prohibits participation of Program personnel and agents in matters affecting their personal interest or the interests of any entity with which they are associated. Directs the General Accounting Office to periodically audit the financial transactions of the program. Establishes an advisory board to provide advice to the Secretary in carrying out such loan program. Sets forth membership requirements for such Board. Excludes owners, developers, or builders of structures eligible for grants pursuant to title III of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act from eligibility for such loans. Defines the term "energy conservation systems" for the purpose of determining eligibility for such loans and sets forth terms thereof. Provides that where a borrower has entered into agreements with his tenants allowing energy savings passthroughs, such borrower may pass through annual loan payments to his tenants as operating energy expenses. Establishes criminal penalties for making false statements or misrepresentations concerning loans made under such program. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to the President and to both Houses of Congress on the operation of such program, recommendations for improvements, and identification of problem areas. Directs the Secretary to promote such loan program by informing financial institutions and commercial property owners, developers, and builders of the benefits of such program. Permits the use of Department of Energy personnel on such program. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.
Bill· HRH.R. 5297 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979
Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1980 - Establishes authorization ceilings for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be used for nuclear reactor regulation, inspection and enforcement, standards development, nuclear material safety and safeguards, nuclear regulatory research, program technical support, and program direction and administration. Limits the Commission's authority to reprogram funds for a specific line item by an increase or decrease in excess of $500,000 for a period of 30 calendar days after notifying the appropriate committees of Congress, unless each committee has transmitted a written notice stating it has no objections to the proposed action. Directs the Commission to establish a Senior Contract Review Board to review placements or modifications of contracts with Federal agencies or for research services in excess of $500,000, with any such contract in excess of $1,000,000 requiring the approval of a majority of the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to retain moneys received for cooperative research programs for salaries and expenses for such programs and to transfer sums from salaries and expenses to other government agencies which perform work for which the appropriation was made. Authorizes the Commission to use the amount of authorized funds necessary to: (1) establish standards for State radiological emergency expense plans for any facility required to be licensed by the Atomic Energy Act; (2) review all plans and other preparations respecting such an emergency made by each State which may be in some way affected by such emergency; (3) assess the adequacy of such plans and the ability of the States involved to effectuate emergency evacuations; (4) identify which States do not have adequate preparations and notify the Governor forthwith; and (5) submit a report to Congress containing results and recommendations. Directs the Commission, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Transportation, to promulgate regulations requiring that timely notice be provided to the Governor of a State prior to the transportation of nuclear materials from commercial facilities through or within the jurisdiction of such State. Title II: Authority to Make Payments - Authorizes payments under this Act only to the extent such amounts are provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Title III: Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 by increasing the maximum civil penalty which the Commission can impose for single license violations from $5,000 to $100,000, and removes the maximum total penalty ceiling. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Commission to protect certain unclassified but sensitive nuclear safeguards information from public disclosure. Subjects to civil penalties violators of regulations or orders issued to prevent such disclosures.
Bill· HRH.R. 5296 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979
Amends the Energy Tax Act of 1978 to make permanent the exemption of gasohol from the excise tax on motor fuels.
Bill· HRH.R. 5294 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979
Prohibits States or local authorities from levying or collecting any tax or fee on coal or lignite mined from Federal lands, unless such tax or fee is fairly related to services provided by such State or local authority in connection with such mining. Limits the total of such State or local taxes or fees which may be levied or collected.
Bill· HRH.R. 5282 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979
Domestic Energy Policy Act of 1979 - Establishes energy supply and demand targets in quadrillion Btu's per year for the United States for the years 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000, for specific forms of domestic energy production, including crude oil and other liquefied fuels, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources. Directs the President to submit an annual energy report to the Congress reviewing energy targets approved or revised by Congress in the previous year and proposing recommendations to the Congress for further revision of such targets. Specifies other components of such energy report. Requires the Congress to consider such targets in detail to arrive at a consensus set of figures representing the Nation's energy future, and to formalize such consensus by joint resolution. States that no legislative action authorizing new budget authority in any year for energy programs would be in order in any House until such joint resolution has been agreed to by such House. Requires the President to prepare an energy impact report on any public bill or resolution reported out of any committee of the House or Senate. Stipulates that the preparation of energy targets shall not be construed to comprise a "major Federal action significantly affecting the environment" for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Bill· SS. 1748 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Conservation Bank Act - Establishes a Conservation Bank to provide subsidies for below-market interest rate and principal-deferred loans made to owners or builders of commercial and residential structures for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures. Declares that the Bank shall be in the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and have succession until September 30, 1984. Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct periodic audits of the Bank. Empowers the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to fix and amend the levels of loan subsidies given by the Bank. Specifies that such subsidies shall not exceed six percent below the current maximum interest rate on insured mortgages under the National Housing Act, and the interest rate paid by borrowers on such loans. Enumerates factors to be considered by the Bank in subsidizing loans including prevailing interest rates, other Federal incentives for conservation, energy costs, and the level of subsidies needed to induce installation of energy conservation measures. Directs the Bank, beginning in fiscal year 1980, to provide subsidies to financial institutions which extend below-market interest rate and principal-deferred loans for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures as defined in the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Requires that the Bank provide such subsidies through lump-sum payments to a financial institution in an amount necessary to compensate the institution for the difference between the reduced interest rate and the market rate or the amount received by the institution with the deferred repayment of principal and the amount which would have been received under a conventional loan. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to set the interest rate subsidy on a principal-deferred loan so that its cost to the GNMA equals the prevailing below-market interest rate loan subsidy. Requires subsidies to be repaid if a borrower fails to meet the obligations under a loan. Authorizes the payment of subsidies only if: (1) the term of the loan is not more than 15 years or less than five years with no penalty for prepayment at any time; (2) the amount of the loan does not exceed $5,000 per unit in the case of a one-to-four family structure, $2,500 per unit in the case of a residential structure with more than four dwelling units up to a maximum of $250,000 per loan, and $200,000 in the case of any commercial structure; (3) the security for the loan meets the requirements of the GNMA; and (4) the energy conservation measures financed with the loan will be purchased and installed after enactment of this Act except that consumers who borrowed to purchase and install energy conservation measures after September 13, 1979, may have their loans refinanced with assistance from the Bank. Requires that 75 percent of the subsidy payments made in any year shall be for financing energy conservation measures in residential structures. Establishes penalties for fraud and misrepresentation with respect to loans assisted under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to submit a report to the Congress on the Bank's activities including recommendations for other methods of disbursing funds for energy conservation if the Bank has been unable to expend the funds provided by this Act. Directs the Secretary and the GNMA to promote the program established by this Act and to coordinate their efforts with the Department of Energy. Authorizes the Secretary to issue rules to insure the quality of the conservation measures subsidized under this Act. Directs the GNMA to implement the authority conferred upon it by the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to purchase loans to low- and moderate-income families for energy conserving improvements and to coordinate these purchases with the Conservation Bank.
Bill· SS. 1746 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to refund the amount of the gasoline excise tax imposed on any gasoline used by any person in producing a mixture of nine-tenths gasoline and one-tenth alcohol (gasohol). Allows for a quarterly refund of such tax in any quarter where $200 or more is payable. Terminates such refund requirement after September 30, 1984.
Bill· HRH.R. 5267 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Solar Energy Incentive Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional 40 percent investment tax credit for solar energy property. Extends the termination date for such credit to December 31, 1985. Increases the residential energy credit for renewable energy source expenditures to 50 percent of such expenditures up to $10,000. Qualifies solar energy property which performs more than one energy-related function for the residential energy credit.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 398 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Appropriates funds for the Community Services Administration for the energy crisis intervention program for fiscal year 1980.
Bill· HRH.R. 5263 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Middle Distillate Emergency Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to file a report to the Congress examining the middle distillate shortage and determining whether, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, decontrol of such fuels is warranted. Requires that the Secretary reimpose price and allocation controls on such fuels upon a finding that decontrol is unwarranted.
Bill· HRH.R. 5241 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Title I: Fuel Assistance for Low-Income and Elderly Households - Directs the Secretary of Health. Education, and Welfare (HEW), in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Community Services Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish procedures for determining the needs of eligible low- income and elderly households for increased weatherization and other energy-related assistance and for providing such assistance on a time basis. Earmarks specified funds for the purpose of creating public information and outreach programs designed to ensure maximum participation in the energy assistance program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of HEW, acting through the Social Security Administration, to establish a program to provide assistance to low-income and elderly households for meeting primary residential fuel costs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amount of such assistance, and requirements for eligibility. Specifies that the amount or value of benefits provided under such program shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes under any Federal or State law. Establishes a system of making payments to fuel suppliers supplying fuel to eligible recipients. Requires such suppliers to provide specified information to the appropriate State agency in order to qualify for such payments. Provides that such program shall be administered by the appropriate State agency according to an agreement between such agency and the Secretary, or, in the absence of such agreement, by the Secretary in accordance with regulations. Requires suppliers to keep full records and submit them to the Comptroller General as needed for auditing purposes. Prohibits suppliers from refusing to sell fuel to eligible participants solely on the basis of their participation in the fuel assistance programs established under this Act. Prohibits suppliers from terminating supplies of primary residential fuel to eligible households except in accordance with specified procedures. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such fuel assistance program. Directs the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish a crisis intervention program to supplement the fuel assistance program with evacuation procedures, emergency shelter, home repair, or payment of bills. Authorizes appropriations for such crisis intervention for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Title II: Middle-Income Energy Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to eligible taxpayers for amounts paid for heating oil for principal residences.
Bill· HRH.R. 5237 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Fuel Stamp Act of 1979 - Establishes a fuel stamp program to assist participants in the food stamp program to pay the cost of fuel consumed for residential heating during the period of December through March. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer such program. Sets the monthly value of such fuel stamps to an eligible household at the cost of fuel consumed by such household up to a maximum of $75. Limits the use of such fuel stamps to payment for fuel consumed by a household to heat its residence. Requires payment to and acceptance by any person who sells such fuel to such household. Prescribes criminal penalties for the violation of such requirements. Limits redemption of fuel stamps to persons who sell fuel. Directs the Secretary to prescribe for the printing and inventory control of fuel stamps. Requires every State agency administering the food stamp program to submit for the Secretary's approval a plan of operation, containing specified general provisions, for conducting the fuel stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to 50 percent of a State plan's administrative costs, and up to 75 percent of the cost of its investigations and prosecutions. Authorizes payment of a bonus for agencies with a less than five percent error rate. States that the value of any fuel stamp shall not be considered income or a resource under any Federal, State, or local law. Prohibits the reduction of State or local assistance to a household because of the receipt of fuel stamps. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to prohibit, in the calculation of household income, the consideration of the value of any fuel stamp as a household expenditure for shelter.
Bill· HRH.R. 5236 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to limit the primary term for a noncompetitive lease of oil and gas lands to five years with an extension of two additional years under specified circumstances.
Bill· HRH.R. 5227 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind-energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
Bill· SS. 1724 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Home Energy Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist eligible low-income households to meet increasing home energy costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to carry out this Act. Sets forth allotments from such appropriations for such grants to States and specified American territories and possessions for energy crisis related activities under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and for emergency energy disaster assistance to States. Stipulates that such grants may be used for making payments to home energy suppliers on behalf of eligible households and directly to such households in specified cases. Sets forth application procedures and requirements for such grants. Authorizes States receiving such grants to make grants to eligible households for meeting excessive cooling costs where such cooling is medically necessary under standards established by the Secretary. Requires States to comply with the uniform data collection standards established by the Secretary concerning home energy consumption, cost and type of fuels used, use by which income groups, and other information determined to be necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold payments under this Act for failure to comply with approved application provisions. Sets forth provisions for the administration of this Act. Stipulates that payments received by members of participating households are not to be considered income for determining eligibility for other Federal assistance programs.
Bill· SS. 1725 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to add a new title, Title XI "Comprehensive Energy Conservation Service," which may be cited as the Comprehensive Energy Conservation Services Act of 1979. Establishes a comprehensive energy conservation service program to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families, particularly the elderly, to participate in energy assistance programs designed to reduce energy consumption and the impact of high energy costs. Directs the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity to establish a weatherization program to improve the thermal efficiency of the dwellings of low-income and near-poor individuals and families and to provide access to low-cost, dispersed alternative energy sources. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States and to Indian tribal organizations for such purposes. Directs the Director to issue regulations to carry out such program, and sets forth the nature of such regulations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1989 and establishes allotments of such funds to be followed by the Director. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for the purchase of weatherization materials, for labor costs, and for program support. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit a weatherization plan in order to receive weatherization assistance. Describes required components of such plans, and directs the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plan. Requires States seeking such assistance to establish a State weatherization policy council to be appointed by the chief executive officer of the State. Sets forth the duties of such council, including the reviewing of the operation of weatherization programs conducted by each local project and the preparing of the weatherization plans required by this Act. Authorizes a State, after having been approved for financial assistance, to designate community action agencies or political subdivisions as local weatherization projects and to provide financial assistance to such projects. Sets forth requirements for obtaining such designation. States that individuals or families having incomes equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standard income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for participation in weatherization programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such programs. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of programs established under this Act, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on the weatherization assistance program for submission to Congress and the President. Directs the Director to establish an energy assistance payments program and a crisis intervention program. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States to help low- income and near-poor individuals pay for increased home energy costs, and to provide short-term assistance and counseling to such individuals and their families when threatened with hardship or danger to health or life from lack of fuel, utility shutoff, or other energy-related crises. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1983 and establishes allotments of such funds. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for energy assistance payments and for crisis intervention. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit an energy assistance and crisis intervention plan in order to receive financial assistance under this Act. Describes required components of such plans, and requires the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plans. States that individuals or families having income equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standards income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for energy assistance payments and for crisis intervention assistance. Authorizes payments under such programs to be made to residential energy suppliers, eligible individuals and families, or to some combination thereof. Requires a State to establish benefit levels, and sets forth criteria for setting such benefit levels. Requires eligible States or areas to designate agencies to administer such programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such program. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of such programs, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on such programs for submission to Congress and the President. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to projects and activities designed to educate and counsel low-income and near-poor energy consumers in energy-conservation practices and sound residential energy management, self-help activities in energy conservation and alternative energy applications, and maintenance of weatherization and alternative energy improvements. Directs the President to establish procedures assuring the coordination of all Federal energy assistance programs affecting low-income and near-poor individuals and families. Directs the Director to conduct outreach activities to inform and enroll such individuals and families in such programs. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, or pilot projects designed to assist in developing new approaches to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families to participate in energy conservation programs for reducing the impact of high energy costs and reducing energy consumption. Directs the Director to make a public announcement of the award of such grants or contracts and of the results or recommendations made as a result of such activities. Directs the Director to prepare summaries of the result of such activities for submission to the appropriate congressional committees. Stipulates that any assistance provided under this Act shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes, including the determination of eligibility for participation under any Federal, State, or local programs. Repeals provisions under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 requiring the establishment of an "Emergency Energy Conservation Services" program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5209 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify passive solar energy property for the residential energy tax credit.
Bill· SS. 1718 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Wood Lot Management for Energy Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a five-year pilot program of financial assistance to owners of nonindustrial private forest land which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the insuring and guaranteeing of loans providing periodic loan disbursements; (2) the consolidation for resale in private capital markets of the loan obligations of individual landowners; and (3) the loaning of funds to lending institutions in order to make such guaranteed loans. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood; provided, the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any insured or guaranteed loan to any one landowner to $50,000 annually. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of that portion of the overall loan obligation which exceeds the market value of the assets securing such loan. Bases the amount of the periodic loan disbursement upon the future expected market value of the timber securing such loan, limiting the total principal and interest obligation to 80 percent of such value. Allows for adjustment of loan terms, as agreed by both landowner and lender, following periodic reviews of individual loan agreements and forest management plans. Entitles borrowers to prepayment of all or any part of an outstanding loan obligation without penalty. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower. Directs the Secretary to appoint a program development and evaluation committee to advise him regarding the financial assistance program. Requires funding for the program to be drawn from the Rural Development Insurance Fund. Authorizes necessary appropriations for administrative expenses. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants through the Forest Service to the States for the employment of additional State foresters or equivalent State officials. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of such assistance, to consider the underuse of forest growth in the State and the potential use in the State of wood as a fuel in place of oil. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary by contract, grant, or other arrangement to conduct ten statewide demonstrations of cooperative forest programs involving the exercise of authorities conferred by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978, and the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978. Requires the Secretary to assure that each such program provides a model for comprehensive forest resource planning and development at the State level and provides for additional resource assessment and public involvement. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for fiscal year 1980, limiting the amount available for each demonstration project to $750,000. Requires annual reports to Congress on all the programs authorized by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5202 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Federal Buildings Solar Energy Systems Act of 1979 - Directs Federal department and agency heads to insure that new Federal buildings and new federally leased building space use solar energy to provide at least 25 percent of the energy needed for hot water, heating, and cooling. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the use of solar energy in new Federal buildings.
Bill· HRH.R. 5198 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $500 of the interest earned on a savings account.
Bill· HRH.R. 5194 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit landlords to claim a residential energy credit for energy conservation expenditures with respect to rental properties if energy savings attributable to such expenditures are passed through to the tenants.
Bill· SS. 1716 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Solar Energy Development Bank Act - Establishes a Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make below-market interest rate loans to promote the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Provides for a presidentially-appointed President of the Bank. Requires the General Accounting Office to periodically audit the Bank's financial transactions. Authorizes the Bank to impose fees for its services. Provides that the Bank shall be governed by a Board of Directors and sets forth the powers and duties of such Board, including the power to fix the level of subsidy on loans and interest rates. Prohibits specified conflicts of interest on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Establishes an Advisory Board to make annual reports to Congress and the President on the operation of the program established by this Act. Sets forth requirements for loan eligibility concerning the term and amount of the loan and necessary warranties for the solar energy systems covered by such loan. Authorizes the making of such loan subsidies to units of local government on behalf of low-income persons for projects carried out under other housing or rehabilitation programs. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Directs the Bank to conduct a program to promote the benefits of its loan subsidy program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5177 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish a national set-aside program to provide middle distillates to meet shortages in agricultural production and agricultural transportation requirements. Stipulates that such program shall be made effective only if such shortage has impaired or is likely to impair agricultural production and no State programs have been or are likely to be established to alleviate such shortages.
Bill· HRH.R. 5169 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Department of Energy Reorganization Act of 1979 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish in the Department of Energy the position of Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy Resources in order to consolidate all energy conservation, solar energy, and energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities currently under the jurisdiction of different Assistant Secretaries of Energy.
Bill· HRH.R. 5186 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Energy Development and Demonstration Corporation Act - Establishes the Energy Development and Demonstration Corporation. Establishes a Board of Directors consisting of seven members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board to designate projects to develop: (1) domestic nonnuclear energy production capacity; (2) increased energy conservation through improved energy efficiency techniques; and (3) transportation systems for nonnuclear fuels. Limits the nubmer of projects which the Board may support at any given time. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) provide loans or loan guarantees to cover all or any portion of the costs of the activities involved in such projects; (2) undertake projects alone or jointly. Authorizes the Corporation to enter into contracts for construction, operation, or maintenance activities associated with such projects. Stipulates that such contracts may not be made, directly or indirectly with any foreign government. Requires that such projects be given preference under any Federal expediting law. Authorizes the Board to appoint officers and employees of the Corporation. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such employment. Sets forth the powers and restrictions of such Corporation. Stipulates that such Corporation not be empowered to: (1) lease any of its facilities, directly or indirectly, to a foreign government without the approval of the President; (2) issue shares or declare or pay dividends; or (3) contribute to any political party. Directs the Corporation to publish an annual report to be submitted, with recommendations, to the President and the Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the transactions of such Corporation. Permits the Corporation with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, to issue bonds, notes, debentures, and other similar obligations. Sets forth term s and conditions of such obligations. Makes the United States the guarantor of such obligations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5187 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Commercialization Act of 1979 - Title I - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loans from funds available from the Geothermal Resources Development Fund to any municipality, electric cooperative, industrial development agency, nonprofit organization, or person for exploration for or confirming the economic viability of a geothermal energy reservoir. Sets forth requirements for amount, term, interest, and repayment of such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to cancel the balance of any loan upon determining that such reservoir is unacceptable for commercial development. Terminates such loan program on September 30, 1986. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 to be deposited in such Fund for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for such loan program. Title II: Technical Amendments to Public Law 93-410 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974 to transfer to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council all of the functions of the Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project. Revises, in relation to such transfer, the membership of such Council. Directs such Council to carry out its responsibilities by acting through the following agencies and departments: Department of Energy; National Science Foundation; Department of the Interior; Department of Commerce; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Department of Defense; Environmental Protection Agency; Department of the Treasury; and Department of Agriculture. Amends the loan guaranty program under such Act to guarantee up to 90 percent of the costs of loans made to an electric, housing, or other cooperative, or to a municipality for projects to foster commercial development of geothermal resources. Title III - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to include submerged lands on the Outer Continental Shelf and any lands withdrawn or acquired in aid of the functions of any department or agency of the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense. Revises the competitive bidding procedures of such Act. Increases the acreage limitation for geothermal leases to 266,560 acres in any one State, except as specified for leases in the State of Alaska. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consult with the head of any Federal agency or department to determine appropriate terms or conditions prior to issuing leases for lands under the jurisdiction of such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the use of geothermal resources in lands administered by him without requiring a lease or compensation therefor, upon his determination that such permit would be in the public interest, except that no such permit may be issued for generating electricity or for commercial applications. Authorizes the head of each Federal agency to develop for the use and benefit of such agency any geothermal energy resource within lands under his jurisdiction, provided that the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy concur that such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development. Sets forth procedures for applying for exploration permits. Makes various definitional changes in the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Geothermal Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974.
Bill· SS. 1708 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Small Scale Energy Technology Programs Reorganization Act - Defines the term "small-scale technology" to include renewable energy and other technologies, products, and services which contribute to energy production, conservation, and awareness among end users in a manner which is simple, environmentally sound, and reliant upon available labor. Establishes and Office of Small Scale Technology within the Department of Energy. Requires the Office to incorporate the energy technology small grants program of the Department. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Director of such Office, to: (1) make grants to small businesses and localities for small-scale technology; (2) certify the performance of small-scale technology equipment and demonstration models developed by grantees; (3) assist in the marketing of certified technologies; (4) provide information on the benefits and availability of small-scale technology and the role of small business in its production; (5) assist State and local governments in the use of such technology; and (6) coordinate domestic and international small-scale technology programs. Sets forth procedures for the administration by the Office of the small grants program. Limits any such grant to not more than $100,000 for any two-year period. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program to promote the use of small-scale technology and to improve the competitive position of small, energy-related businesses. Requires the Secretary to provide grants to small businesses and localities to expand the use of certified technologies. Requires the Director to conduct and submit to Congress a study on the practicality of integrating all functions of the Energy-Related Inventions Program into the Office of Small Scale Technology. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning: (1) policy recommendations to the Department for utilizing small-scale technologies to meet the Nation's energy needs; (2) the advisability of modifying the Department's patent policy to enable small businesses to commercialize emerging technologies; and (3) the activities of the Office. Establishes an Interagency Council on Small Scale Technology as an independent instrumentality of the U.S. in the executive branch. Directs the Council to review, coordinate, and report to Congress on the current and potential small-scale technology programs of the Government.
Bill· SS. 1699 (96th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Energy Impact Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to authorize State Governors or Indian tribal governing bodies to designate energy impact areas in accordance with specified conditions concerning increases in employment, population, use of public services and facilities, and lack of financial resources to meet needs for such increased use of services and facilities resulting from the existence of a major energy development in such areas. Requires State Governors and Indian tribal governing bodies to designate local planning units to prepare mitigation plans for each such energy impact area. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to eligible States and Indian tribes to carry out planning and management activities designed to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts of major energy developments, and directs the Governors of such States and Indian tribal governing bodies to make subgrants to such local planning units. Sets forth criteria for developing mitigation plans. Requires that States and Indian tribes having energy impacted areas submit to the Secretary a comprehensive investment strategy describing the intended use of energy impact assistance as a condition for receiving such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make mitigation plan implementation grants to eligible applicants prohibited by State law from incurring debt such as in the form of Federal loans. Authorizes the Secretary to make implementation loans where permitted by State law, and authorizes loan guarantees for the same purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, loans, loan guarantees, and payments of interest on loans to States and other eligible applicants to address the need for public facilities or services in a designated energy impact area on an expedited basis in the event energy development poses a serious threat to the public health and safety and such needs cannot be met in a sufficiently timely manner by other Federal programs. Sets forth requirements for the non-Federal share to be made for the cost of implementing a proposal for which assistance is made. Limits the assistance made under this Act to a total period of five years following the receipt of the first funds for facilities and services. Prohibits the appropriation of funds in support of any program for which Federal financial assistance is available to eligible applicants under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 or the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Establishes in the United States Treasury an Inland Energy Impact Fund to provide funds for the loans and loan guarantees made under this Act. Authorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission to apply for and receive energy impact assistance funds for energy impact areas located within the Appalachian Region. Authorizes regional commissions established under the Public Works and Economic Development Act to apply for and receive energy impact assistance funds for energy impact areas located within such regions. Directs the President to establish an interagency council to coordinate all Federal programs providing assistance to meet needs resulting from major energy developments. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold financial assistance from a recipient for failure to comply with this Act or regulations issued thereunder. Sets forth reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1985 to carry out the programs established under this Act. Sets forth criteria for the allocation of such funds as are appropriated. Prohibits specified actions or failures to act from being used as a legal basis for delaying or prohibiting the issuance of any licenses or other authority necessary for the development, construction, or operation of a major energy development. Requires the General Accounting Office to prepare and submit to the Congress a report on the implementation and effectiveness of the program of assistance established under this Act.
Bill· SS. 1684 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Domestic Refinery Development and Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: Office of Refinery Development - Establishes in the Department of Energy an Office of Refinery Development under the control of a presidentially-appointed Director. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Director, including the administration of programs established under this Act to provide for the development, improvement, and operation of domestic petroleum refineries capable of reducing foreign oil imports. Establishes in the United States Treasury the Refinery Development Fund into which shall be deposited fees levied on imported refined petroleum products. States that such fund is to be used to make payments to: (1) purchasers of domestically refined and shipped petroleum products of small and independent refiners; or (2) such refiners under specified circumstances; to increase competition in refined petroleum products imported into import-dependent regions of the United States. Sets forth qualifications for eligibility for and amounts of such payments. Imposes fees on every barrel of imported refined petroleum products. Removes import fees on crude oil and petroleum products imposed under authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, but maintains the President's authority to impose or remove fees under such Act, so long as he takes into account fees imposed under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exemptions from such fees to small or independent refiners or owners of new storage capacity, and to exempt new refineries from any or all petroleum pricing and allocation regulations of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Directs the President to amend the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 regulations affecting entitlements treatment for imports of refined petroleum products, subject to congressional approval in specified circumstances. Title II: Loan Guarantees - Establishes a Federal Independent and Small Refinery Loan Guarantee Fund to be used by the Secretary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make loan guarantees for the financing of construction of new, expanded, or retrofitted refineries, for the financing of purchases of independent and small refineries, and for the refinancing of obligations issued for such purposes. Imposes restrictions on such guarantees. Sets forth procedures in the event of default by the obligor of principal or interest due under a guaranteed obligation. Imposes criminal penalties for specified offenses related to the loan guarantee program. Authorizes the Secretary to hold in escrow under an appropriate agreement a portion of the proceeds of an obligation guaranteed under this title to be used as security for the Secretary's guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary to issue rules and regulations necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out this title. Title III: Priority Refinery Project Act - Authorizes the Secretary to designate priority refinery projects based on specified criteria. Directs any person planning such a facility to apply for such a designation. Exempts such designations from the impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to transmit to the Secretary various information and items needed for final approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Refinery Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to a priority refinery project and states that such schedule shall constitute the lawful decision-making deadlines for the project. Sets forth sanctions applicable to a Federal agency that does not meet a deadline in a Refinery Project Decision Schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action in the cases of exceptional national needs which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation. Requires the Secretary to request information from the Governor of a State in which a priority refinery project is located so as to permit the Secretary to establish a decision schedule for State and local agencies. Enumerates sanctions to be applied against a State whose agency or local government is unable or unwilling to implement a schedule for timely review and decision. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any provision of Federal, State, or local law which the Secretary determines must be waived to permit construction or operation of such projects. Prohibits such waivers of laws determining the use of surface or underground water rights. Exempts such waivers from the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. States that the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this title are not subject to judicial review except as provided in this title. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions taken pursuant to this title, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Gives the Supreme Court exclusive authority to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States through the Office of Refinery Development to support the establishment of a uniform, expedited procedure for granting State and local government permits relating to the siting, construction, expansion, and retrofit of refineries and the construction of new storage capacity. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 for such purposes. Title IV: Crude Oil Allocation for Small Refiners - Enumerates the conditions under which a small refiner is eligible for a crude oil allocation under this title, including lack of access to imported crude oil. Defines the size of the allocation which a qualified small refiner may purchase under this title. Permits small refiners to apply to the Secretary for an emergency allocation and sets forth eligibility criteria and amounts of such emergency allocations. Establishes the method for determining how much crude oil a refiner-seller, as defined under this Act, is obligated to sell to a small refiner. Limits the price for crude oil that a refiner-seller may charge a refiner-buyer pursuant to this title. Authorizes the Secretary to review eligibility for allocations, adjustments to purchase opportunities, and emergency allocations.
Bill· SS. 1637 (96th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 1979 - Alters the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to grant leases of oil and gas lands. Permits the Secretary to lease lands which are favorable for the discovery of oil or gas within a producing geologic province only by competitive bidding. Sets forth the conditions for such bidding. Permits the leasing of all other lands without such bidding. Increases the size of the tract which may be leased from 640 to 2,560 acres or larger, in the discretion of the Secretary. Establishes an initial period of five years for both competitive and noncompetitive leases. Permits an extension of such leases up to a total of five years under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to disapprove the assignment of such leases under specified conditions. Permits the Secretary to refuse to accept a bid or issue, readjust or assign a lease when such action would be inconsistent with the antitrust laws.
Bill· SS. 1641 (96th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Small Hydroelectric Power Development Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to allot funds for the planning, design, and construction of small hydroelectric projects, when deemed advisable by the Chief of Engineers. Requires the Secretary to enter into a written agreement with a non-Federal entity concerning the operation, maintenance, and repayment of the costs of such projects. Limits the size of and the Federal contribution to any such project.
Bill· SS. 1633 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow public utilities and home heating energy suppliers a refundable income tax credit for the cost of maintaining a program to supply home heating energy to the aged (age 60 or over) and the disabled (disability benefit recipients under the Social Security Act) at prices which are 25 percent lower than those prices charged other individuals. Specifies that such a program may qualify for the tax credit even if its prices exceed ten percent of the income of the eligible aged or disabled individual as long as such prices are less than 25 percent the cost at which energy is supplied to other individuals. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Administration on Aging, the administrators of various State public assistance programs, and the public utility commissions of the various States to devise a system for identifying eligible recipients and encouraging public utilities and home heating energy suppliers to establish programs for furnishing inexpensive energy for the age and disabled. Permits a taxpayer to apply for a tentative refund of any credit amount for which he is eligible under this Act at the end of the first quarter of the taxable year in which he qualifies.
Bill· SS. 1659 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat property which is placed in service after December 31, 1982, as energy property, for purposes of the investment tax credit, if such property qualifies as energy property and if the taxpayer is affirmatively committed on that date to its construction, reconstruction, erection, or acquisition. Defines "affirmative commitment" as (1) the completion of detailed engineering studies and the application for construction permits of licenses with local authorities; (2) the entry into a written, binding contract for the commencement of construction, reconstruction, or erection, or for the acquisition of the property; or (3) the placement of purchase orders for the acquisition of at least 50 percent of the total cost of all items of permanent equipment necessary for the construction, reconstruction, or erection of the property.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 222 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture act now, under the authority of existing law, to implement research, information, and loan programs to develop advanced technology and production facilities for obtaining energy from agricultural commodities produced by United States farmers and other renewable resources.
Bill· HRH.R. 5117 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Synthetic Fuels Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Loan Guarantees for Synthetic Fuel Demonstration Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to guarantee and to make commitments to guarantee interest payments on obligations issued for the purpose of financing the construction of demonstration facilities for the conversion of domestic coal, oil shale, tar sands, biomass, peat, and other domestic resources into synthetic fuels, and for other energy sources such as ocean thermal energy conversion. Stipulates that such guarantees shall be issued under a competitive bidding procedure to the extent possible. Prohibits the issuance of a guarantee for an oil-shale conversion facility until a modular facility of the same technology has been shown to be successfully operated. Limits the total amount of loan guarantees outstanding under this Act to $10,000,000,000, and prohibits issuance of such guarantees beyond five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for handling defaults in payments on any obligation issued and guaranteed under this Act. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund into which shall be deposited authorized administrative funds, interest and principal payments, or repayments and fees, and any other moneys derived from the operation of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in the event moneys available in the fund are insufficient to enable the Secretary to carry out this title. Stipulates that inventions made or conceived under a guarantee authorized by this title shall be subject to the appropriate sections of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development of 1974. Directs the Secretary to provide opportunities for small business to participate in such guarantee program. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report of the activities conducted under this title. Requires that regulations issued under this title be submitted to specified congressional committees. Repeals existing provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 relating to loan guarantees for alternative fuel demonstration facilities, excluding those provisions on the issuance of obligations for synthetic fuel conversion facilities and municipal waste energy generation facilities. Title II: Priority Energy Projects - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Exempts such designations from the impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1979, but requires that designated projects comply with the appropriate provisions of the Clear Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. States that the time allowed for completion of all final agency action and the issuance of all final agency decisions as to licenses, permits, and other authorizations shall be consistent with existing statutory obligations. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for the coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Governor of a State in which a priority energy project is to be located a voluntary decision schedule setting deadlines for State and local authorities to complete their actions relating to such project. Sets forth procedures authorizing the President to waive State or local law provisions causing delay in implementing the State decision schedule. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of any action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give expedited treatment to such matters. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Goals and Objectives - Establishes a national goal for the reduction of energy imports by the year 1990 to the equivalent of 25 percent of the crude oil and synthetic fuels consumed in the United States in that year. Directs the Secretary to conduct specified studies relating to the attainment of such goal. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to test the commercial feasibility of synthetic fuels by using such fuels in selected portions of the vehicle fleets of specified Federal agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 5146 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Establishes the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning Council, to be composed of the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration and one representative each from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, to direct the preparation of a regional electric power plan, and to adopt such plan within two years after the effective date of this Act. Requires the plan to be reviewed at least once every five years. Requires public hearings to be held concerning the plan in each member's State. Requires the plan to give first priority to the conservation of resources, second priority to renewable resources, third priority to generating resources utilizing waste heat and generating resources of high fuel conversion efficiency, and fourth priority to all other resources. Stipulates that all such resources must be cost effective and feasible. Requires the plan to: (1) set forth a general scheme for implementing conservation measures and developing resources to reduce or meet the Administrators obligations; and (2) include, among other things, model conservation standards, and areas for research and development. Authorizes the Administrator to impose additional charges, if recommended by the Council, on customers who have not implemented conservation measures comparable to those in the model standards. Directs the Administrator to inform the Pacific Northwest public of major regional power issues and to insure widespread public involvement in the formulation of regional power policies. Directs the Council to annually solicit recommendations from the region's State and Federal fisheries agencies and the appropriate Indian tribes which would aid in the preservation and enhancement of the fish resources of the Columbia River and its tributaries. Directs the Administrator to finance, from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund, fisheries research and development. Directs the Administrator, when requested, to offer electric power to each requesting public body and cooperative entitled to preference under the Bonneville Project Act of 1937 and to each requesting investor owned utility purchasing power from the Administrator, either for resale or direct consumption, to meet its firm power load which is in excess of its firm power load in the previous year. Permits the Administrator to restrict obligations, subject to stated exceptions, for such loads if adequate resources are not available. Authorizes the Administrator to sell electric power to Federal agencies in the region. Directs the Administrator, subject to certain stipulations, to purchase electric power from a Pacific Northwest utility if offered at the "average system cost" of resources then available to that utility and to offer, in exchange, to sell an equivalent amount of electric power to such utility for resale to that utility's residential users within the region. Directs the Administrator to determine the "average system cost," subject to review and approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the basis of a methodology developed by the Council. Authorizes the Administrator to sell electric power to direct service industrial customers which presently have contracts for the purchase of electric power from the Administrator, so long as such sale provides a portion of the reserves for firm power loads within the region. Prohibits the Administrator from selling amounts of electric power, including reserves, to new direct service industrial customers or amounts of electric power above the amount already sold to existing direct service industrial customers unless the Council approves the sale, such sale is consistent with the plan, and certain additional requirements are met. Directs the Administrator, to the maximum extent feasible, to implement all conservation measures determined to be consistent with the plan and if no plan is in effect the Administrator shall implement conservation measures which are feasible and consistent with this Act. Stipulates that no mandatory conservation requirements shall be set pursuant to this Act in the absence of a plan. Permits the Administrator, subject to certain conditions, to conduct demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of conservation measures and direct application renewable energy resources. Directs the Administrator, when proposing to acquire any major resource to conduct a public hearing, and to give notice of the proposed action to the Council, to customers, and to the State in which the resource would be acquired. Directs the Administrator to submit the administrative record of any major resource acquisition decision to Congress along with other specified information. Establishes procedures to be followed when the Administrator wishes to acquire a resource or undertake a conservation measure which is inconsistent with the plan. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire a resource for an experimental or demonstration project, other than a major resource, not meeting the criteria of this Act if it is a renewable resource and no utility or political subdivision is willing to construct such project at reasonable cost. Establishes procedures to be followed for entering into agreements for resources the Administrator determines to be consistent with the plan. Authorizes the Administrator to grant billing credits and provide services, subject to certain limitations, to a customer for such customer's independent conservation activities and for resources acquired by the customer which reduce the obligation of the Administrator to acquire resources. Directs the Administrator, at the request of any customer within the Pacific Northwest, to: (1) acquire any electric power required by any customer to replace resources determined to serve firm load, or by a direct service industrial customer to replace electric power that is or may be curtailed or interrupted by the Administrator; and (2) dispose of any electric power that a customer proposes to sell within or without the region at rates and terms specified by such customer, if such sale is acceptable to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to establish rates for: (1) the sale and disposition of electric power and the transmission of non-Federal power; and (2) electric power sold to meet the general requirements of public body, cooperative, Federal agency, and utility customers. Sets forth guidelines to be followed in establishing such rates. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to: (1) authorize the Administrator to make expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund for making such payments as are required under this Act; and (2) increase the aggregate principal amount of any bonds outstanding at one time, sold on behalf of the Bonneville Power Administration to assist in financing the system. Amends the Act limiting the transfer of electric energy generated at Federal hydroelectric plants in the Pacific Northwest for use outside the Pacific Northwest to redefine the term "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such contracts and agreements as necessary to carry out this Act. Exempts, subject to certain stipulations, from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any company which owns or operates facilities for the generation of electricity primarily for sale to the Administrator. Sets forth various savings provisions and waivers of preemption. Affirms the reservation of: (1) electric power for use in the State of Montana for the construction of Hungry Horse and Libby Dams and reservoirs; and (2) 50 percent of any electric power produced at Libby Reregulating Dam.
Bill· HRH.R. 5073 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Federal Buildings Solar Energy Systems Act of 1979 - Directs Federal department and agency heads to insure that new Federal buildings and new federally leased building space use solar energy to provide at least 25 percent of the energy needed for hot water, heating, and cooling. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the use of solar energy in new Federal buildings.
Bill· HRH.R. 5084 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Solar Energy Incentive Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set the amount of the investment tax credit for solar energy property at 30 percent and to extend the expiration date for such credit and the credit for energy property other than solar energy property until December 31, 1985. Permits noncorporate lessors of solar energy property to qualify for the investment tax credit, if within the first 12 month period after the letting of such property the sum of business related income tax deductions with respect to such property exceeds 15 percent of the rental income produced by such property. Limits the amount of basis to which the investment tax credit is applicable to $10,000. Allows a residential energy credit for solar energy property if the original use of such property begins with the taxpayer as the lessee of such property. Allows a residential energy credit with respect to solar energy property to the extent such property performs a solar function. Allows the amortization of solar energy property based on a 36 month period.