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Bill· HRH.R. 1774 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Act of 2003, or Freedom Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program in partnership with the private sector to facilitate: (1) production and conservation of energy; and (2) deployment of hydrogen energy and energy infrastructure, fuel cells, advanced vehicle technologies, clean fuels in addition to hydrogen, and codes, standards, and safety protocols (FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Program). Directs the President to establish an interagency task force chaired by the Secretary to coordinate implementation of the comprehensive interagency plan for the FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Program. Establishes the Hydrogen Technical and Fuel Cell Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1773 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Energy to conduct a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program on: (1) accelerated uses of hydrogen and related technologies in stationary and transportation applications; and (2) advanced vehicle technologies (FreedomCAR program). Requires the FreedomCAR program to address: (1) engine and emission control systems; (2) energy storage, electric propulsion, and hybrid systems; (3) automotive materials; (4) clean fuels in addition to hydrogen; and (5) other advanced vehicle technologies. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a coordinated plan for such programs and any other DOE programs directly related to fuel cells or hydrogen. Authorizes the Secretary to implement programs for: (1) interagency, intergovernmental, and international education, information exchange, and cooperation concerning hydrogen and hydrogen-related products; and (2) a technology transfer to the private sector to foster the exchange of generic, nonproprietary information and technology developed under this Act. Directs the President to establish an interagency task force to work toward development of: (1) a safe, economical, and environmentally sound hydrogen infrastructure; (2) uniform hydrogen codes, standards, and safety protocols; (3) fuel cells in government applications; and (4) vehicle hydrogen fuel system integrity safety performance. Replaces the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel with the Hydrogen Technical and Fuel Cell Advisory Committee. Authorizes DOE to represent U.S. interests regarding activities and programs under this Act before governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including: (1) other Federal, State, regional, and local governments; (2) industry representatives, including the energy and transportation industries; and (3) in consultation with the Department of State, foreign governments and international organizations. Repeals the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 1777 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Instructs the Secretary of Energy to transmit to Congress a coordinated plan for a program conducted in partnership with the private sector that addresses: (1) hydrogen production from diverse energy sources, including fossil fuels; (2) safe delivery and storage of hydrogen or hydrogen-carrier fuels (including ethanol and methanol); (3) advanced vehicle technologies; (4) development of fuel cells and fuel-flexible fuel cell power systems; and (5) development of necessary codes and standards and safety practices for the production, distribution, storage, and use of hydrogen, hydrogen-carrier fuels, and related products. Directs the Secretary, in partnership with the private sector, to facilitate the deployment of: (1) hydrogen energy and energy infrastructure; (2) fuel cells; (3) advanced vehicle technologies; and (4) clean fuels in addition to hydrogen. Directs the President to establish an interagency task force chaired by the Secretary to work toward the specified goals of this Act. Establishes the Hydrogen Technical and Fuel Cell Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on programs and activities. Mandates review of the implementation plan by a competitively selected nongovernmental entity, such as the National Academy of Sciences.
Bill· HRH.R. 1797 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal the authorization for the export of Alaskan North Slope crude oil. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to reimpose a prohibition against the export of such oil.
Bill· SS. 873 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Department of Energy Catalysis Research and Development Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, through the Director of the Office of Science, to establish a research and development program in catalysis science meeting certain criteria. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to review and report triennially on the program and on gains made in the fundamental science of catalysis, as well as progress made towards developing new fuels for energy production, material fabrication processes and global warming reduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 1758 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Reform of Energy Workers Compensation Act - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (EEOICPA) to provide for worker compensation benefit payments to contractor employees of the Department of Energy (DOE) who were exposed to toxic substances at DOE facilities. (This new subtitle D replaces the current provisions for DOE assistance to such employees in State workers compensation proceedings.) Requires DOE to review claims and determine causation within specified time limits (with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) continuing to appoint members of physician review panels for diagnosing such occupational illnesses). Requires the Secretary of Energy to appoint a Worker Advocacy Advisory Committee to advise on claims procedures and related matters. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting as a third-party administrator for DOE, to pay such benefits from the EEOICPA fund for claimants approved by DOE. Requires the Secretaries of Energy and of Labor to ensure that such claims are resolved in a nonadversarial manner. Revises EEOIPA subtitle B program administration provisions to add as covered illnesses: (1) chronic renal disease, for uranium workers; and (2) lung cancer, among beryllium-related diseases. Revises provisions relating to: (1) a special exposure cohort expansion procedure; (2) the radioepidemiologic model for determining compensation; and (3) additional specified cancers. Provides for coverage of individuals employed by atomic weapons employers or beryllium employees during a period of residual contamination. Requires the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to report to Congress on its access to information relating to performing radiation dose reconstructions. Provides administrative assistance for claimants under either subtitle B or D, including administrative relief and proof where medical records are not available, resource centers, and outreach programs. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Labor the Office of the Ombudsman for Occupational Illness Compensation, which is to coordinate activities of the Secretaries of Labor, Energy, and HHS under EEOICPA.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 189 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.R. 6 (enhancing energy conservation and addressing the issues of security and diversity in the energy supply for the American people).
Bill· HRH.R. 1697 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003
Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act, or the COAST Anti-Drilling Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in either the Mid-Atlantic planning area or the North Atlantic planning area.
Bill· SS. 821 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Energy Act of 2003 - George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Reauthorizes through FY 2010 and revises the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to emphasize fuel cell research, development, and demonstration activities. Renames the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technical Advisory Panel. Directs the President shall establish an interagency task force to coordinate Federal hydrogen and fuel cell energy activities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a public education program designed to increase public interest in and acceptance of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies. Mandates implementation of pilot projects to demonstrate the viability of: (1) fuel cells and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure; (2) hydrogen-powered vehicles and hydrogen fueling infrastructure along major transportation routes or in entire regions; and (3) fuel cells and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure in foreign countries. Requires a program of demonstration projects to test the technical and commercial viability of hydrogen production from renewable resources. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary to revise Federal building energy efficiency performance standards to require the use of fuel cells as a primary power source in new Federal buildings. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles in Federal fleets from ten percent in FY 2007 up to 75 percent in FY 2013. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide as a credit against tax for: (1) acquisition of fuel cell and hydrogen motor vehicles; (2) installation of qualified hydrogen-fuel vehicle refueling property; (3) retail sale of hydrogen fuel as motor vehicle fuel; and (4) expenditures for energy-efficient building property, both business and nonbusiness.
Bill· SS. 793 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and each agency head to implement fully all procurement requirements and incentives, including Federal procurement guidelines, that provide for the use of cement and concrete incorporating recovered mineral component in cement or concrete projects. Requires each agency head to give priority to achieving greater use of recovered mineral component in cement or concrete projects for which recovered mineral components historically have not been used or have been used only minimally. Instructs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Energy, to study and report to Congress on the extent to which current procurement requirements may realize energy savings and environmental benefits attainable with substitution of recovered mineral component in cement used in cement or concrete projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1644 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Amends Federal energy law with respect to specified areas of Federal energy policy. Provides for private development of energy resources on previously proscribed Federal lands. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act regarding energy conservation, energy assistance, and energy efficiency programs, including the Energy Star programs. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2003 - Sets forth a statutory framework for expedited approval, construction, and operation of an Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project as an alternative to the framework provided in the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976. Instructs the President to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to full capacity. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to repeal the temporary funding and exercise of authorities governing the SPR (thus making permanent the authority to operate the SPR and other energy programs). Prescribes guidelines for the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to implement a program for the recovery of unproven oil and natural gas reserves. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) extend to August 1, 2017, the authority to indemnify Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and nonprofit educational institutions; and (2) revise requirements concerning secure transfer of nuclear materials, contractor financial accountability, the carrying of firearms by licensee employees, sabotage of nuclear facilities or fuel, highly enriched uranium diversion, and related matters. Amends the USEC Privatization Act regarding uranium sales. FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Act of 2003, or Freedom Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct a program in partnership with the private sector to facilitate production and conservation of energy and deployment of energy infrastructure. Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) a fuel cell program at national parks; and (2) an advanced power system technology incentive program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot grant program for the acquisition of alternative fuel school buses and ultra-low sulfur diesel school buses; (2) establish an acquisition program for fuel cell-powered school buses; and (3) provide funding for demonstration sites that address the reliability of fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Secretary to establish energy programs that target: (1) advanced solid-state lighting technologies; (2) secondary electric vehicle battery use; (3) hybrid distributed power systems; (4) electrical transmission systems; (5) bioenergy; (6) nuclear energy research; (7) advanced fuel recycling technology research and development; (8) university nuclear science and engineering; and (9) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production. Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth implementation guidelines for: (1) establishment by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of incentive-based transmission rate treatments to promote capital investment in electric energy transmission facilities in interstate commerce; (2) the siting of interstate electrical transmission facilities; and (3) open access transmission by unregulated transmitting utilities. Creates a statutory mechanism for electric reliability standards incorporating Electric Reliability Organizations to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system, subject to FERC review. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2003 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing sales of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce, or transmission services in interstate commerce; (2) prohibit round trip trading; and (3) extend FERC jurisdiction over certain interstate sales of electric energy that violate FERC rules. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Outlines technical and financial criteria for Federal funding of a clean coal power initiative, including establishment of Centers of Excellence. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe guidelines for a renewable motor vehicle fuel program based upon cellulosic biomass ethanol. Establishes a safe harbor for renewable fuels containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) that is used for, or intended as motor vehicle fuel. Provides Federal funding for MTBE contamination.
Bill· HRH.R. 1645 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration program in genetics, protein science, and computational biology of microbes and plants to support the energy and environmental mission of the Department. Provides that the program shall support individual investigators and multidisciplinary teams of investigators through competitive, merit-reviewed grants. Establishes as the program goal developing technologies and methods, based on the biological functions of microbes and plants, that: (1) can facilitate the production of fuels; (2) convert carbon dioxide to organic carbon; and (3) detoxify soils and water at DOE facilities contaminated with heavy metals and radiological materials. Requires the Secretary to: (1) transmit to Congress a research plan describing how the program will accomplish that goal; (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review the plan; and (3) transmit the review to Congress along with the Secretary's response to recommendations. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting biomedical research in carrying out such program.
Bill· HRH.R. 6 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Amends Federal energy law with respect to specified areas of Federal energy policy. Provides for private development of energy resources on previously proscribed Federal lands. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to energy conservation, energy assistance, and energy efficiency programs, including the Energy Star programs. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2003 - Sets forth a statutory framework for the expedited approval, construction, and operation of an Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project as an alternative to the framework provided in the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976. Instructs the President to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to full capacity. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to repeal the temporary funding and exercise of authorities governing the SPR (thus making permanent the authority to operate the SPR and other energy programs). Prescribes guidelines for the Secretary of Energy to implement a program for the recovery of unproven oil and natural gas reserves. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend to August 1, 2017, the authority to indemnify Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and nonprofit educational institutions. Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth implementation guidelines for: (1) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) establishment of incentive-based transmission rate treatments to promote capital investment in electric energy transmission facilities in interstate commerce; (2) the siting of interstate electrical transmission facilities; and (3) open access transmission by unregulated transmitting utilities. Creates a statutory mechanism for electric reliability standards incorporating Electric Reliability Organizations to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system, subject to FERC review. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2003 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing sales of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce, or transmission services in interstate commerce; (2) prohibit round trip trading; and (3) extend FERC jurisdiction to certain interstate sales of electric energy that violate FERC rules. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Establishes a safe harbor for renewable fuels containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) that is used for or intended as a motor vehicle fuel. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan guarantee program for private sector construction of facilities to process and convert municipal solid waste into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct energy research and development programs concerning: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; and (3) renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy. Targets the following areas for program implementation: (1) bioenergy programs; (2) renewable energy in public buildings; (3) nuclear energy research programs; (4) advanced fuel recycling technology; (5) university nuclear science and engineering support; (6) fossil energy research, including coal mining technologies; and (7) technologies for ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources. Provides loan guarantees for: (1) a certain coal gasification project that produces power in deregulated energy generation markets; (2) a petroleum coke gasification polygeneration project; and (3) the owner of a specified experimental plant on such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Energy determines, including interest rates and upfront payments. Outer Continental Shelf Shallow Water Deep Gas Royalty Relief Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend royalties under existing leases for natural gas produced from deep wells on oil and gas lease tracts in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) mandate that a specified statutory bidding system be used on certain prospective oil or gas lease sales located on tracts within certain Planning Areas in the Gulf of Mexico and all tracts in a frontier area offshore Alaska; and (2) extend the royalty-suspension authority of the Secretary of the Interior to the planning areas offshore Alaska. National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, and the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 to permit easements for specified activities not otherwise authorized when such activities: (1) support exploration, development, production, transportation, or storage of oil, natural gas, or other minerals; or (2) produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2003 - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing program for lands within the Coastal Plain. Repeals the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal the 160-acre limitation for coal leases; (2) authorize further extension of the diligent development period for mining plans beyond the statutory forty-year maximum; and (3) prohibit requirement of financial assurance for certain coal leases. Prescribes implementation guidelines for: (1) corridor designations needed or useful for oil and gas pipelines and electricity transmission and facilities on Federal lands in specified Western States; (2) electricity transmission rights-of-way through a specified National Forest and other public lands; and (3) wind energy development projects on public lands. Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to credits and deductions pertaining to energy conservation, distribution, and production. Prescribes tax treatment of corporate expatriation. Amends specified statutes relating to Federal housing mortgage insurance to increase mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing.
Bill· HRH.R. 1627 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2003 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Prescribes procedural guidelines for both Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and State access to records of a holding company (including subsidiaries, associates, and affiliates) of a public utility or natural gas company. Instructs FERC to promulgate a final rule to exempt specified holding companies from such access requirements. Requires FERC to exempt any person or transaction from such access requirements if it finds that regulation of such person or transaction is irrelevant to the jurisdictional rates of a public utility or natural gas company. Retains the jurisdiction of FERC and State commissions to determine whether a public utility company or natural gas company may recover in rates any costs of associate company transactions. Declares this Act inapplicable to: (1) the United States; (2) a State or its political subdivision; and (3) a foreign governmental authority not operating in the United States. Grants FERC certain Federal Power Act enforcement powers. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal its conflict of jurisdiction guidelines.
Bill· HRH.R. 1570 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Outer Continental Shelf Shallow Water Deep Gas Royalty Relief Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend royalties under certain leases issued prior to January 1, 2001, for natural gas produced from deep wells on oil and gas lease tracts in certain shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Prescribes the amount of royalty relief for specified suspension volumes of production. Prohibits the Secretary from granting the royalty incentives if the average annual NYMEX natural gas price exceeds for one full calendar year the threshold price of $5 per million Btu, adjusted from the year 2000 for inflation.
Bill· SS. 762 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Supplemental Appropriations Act to Support Department of Defense Operations in Iraq for Fiscal Year 2003 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service; (2) the Department of Justice; (3) the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors; (4) the Department of Defense (DOD), including the Defense Emergency Response Fund; (5) the Department of the Interior; (6) the Department of Energy; (7) bilateral economic assistance, including the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund; (8) the Department of State; (9) military assistance; (10) the Department of Homeland Security; (11) the Department of Health and Human Services; (12) the Legislative Branch; (13) the Department of Transportation; (14) the Department of Commerce and related agencies; (15) the District of Columbia; (16) the Department of Labor; (17) the Department of Education and related agencies; (18) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (19) liquidation of obligations of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Makes specified transfers of DOD funds for drawdown support in the war against Iraq. Repeals the Iraq Sanctions Act of 1990. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the reconstruction of Iraq should be funded to the maximum extent possible from revenues produced by Iraqi oil. Makes specified funds from this Act available to DOD to carry out military construction projects necessary to respond to or protect against acts or threatened acts of terrorism or to prosecute operations in Iraq. Columbia Orbiter Memorial Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to construct in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, a memorial marker honoring the seven members of the crew of the Columbia Orbiter who died on February 1, 2003, during the landing of space shuttle mission STS-107. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for FY 2003 to: (1) reimburse the airline industry for certain increased aviation security costs; and (2) compensate air carriers for costs of strengthening flight deck doors and locks. Places specified limits on executive officer compensation for the provision by the Secretary of Transportation of war risk insurance or reinsurance for air carriers. Provides additional temporary extended unemployment compensation for displaced airline related workers.
Bill· SS. 758 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, through December 31, 2008, a limited credit for energy-efficient building property. Defines such property as a fuel cell power plant that: (1) generates electricity using an electrochemical process; (2) has an electricity-only generation efficiency greater than 30 percent; and (3) generates at least 0.5 kilowatt of electricity, using an electrochemical process. Allows, through December 31, 2008, a limited credit to an individual for nonbusiness energy-efficient building property (U.S. residential property) expenditures.
Bill· SS. 759 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Residential, Farm, Ranch, and Small Business Wind Energy Systems Act of 2003 or the Small Wind Energy Systems Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an annual credit for 30 percent of the cost of installing a qualified residential wind turbine. Limits such credit to $1,000 for each kilowatt of capacity. (Excludes swimming pools or any storage medium which has a function other than a storage function.) Allows an annual business credit for installation of a qualifying wind turbine on a farm, ranch, or small business. Limits such credit to the smaller of: (1) 30 percent of basis, including installation; or (2) $1,000 for each kilowatt of capacity.
Bill· HRH.R. 1550 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to make grants: (1) to improve the commercial value of forest biomass to produce electric energy, sensible heat, transportation fuels, or substitutes for petroleum-based products; and (2) to develop or research opportunities to improve the use of, or add value to, biomass, with preference given to preferred communities (as defined by this Act).
Bill· HRH.R. 1531 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish credits for the following: (1) residential solar energy property; (2) qualified fuel cell power plants; (3) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; (4) construction of new energy efficient home; (5) combined heat and power system property; (6) production of low sulphur diesel fuel; and (7) producing oil and gas from marginal wells. Repeals: (1) the 4.3-cent per gallon diesel fuel excise taxes on railroads and inland waterway transportation; (2) phaseouts for qualified electric vehicle credit and the deduction for clean fuel-vehicles; and (3) for two years, the alternative minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs for certain taxpayers and the minimum tax limitation on the oil recovery credit. Treats: (1) natural gas gathering lines as 7-year property; (2) natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property; and (3) electric transmission property treated as 15-year property. Extends and modifies the credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources; (2) producing fuel from a nonconventional source. Provides for: (1) reduced motor fuel excise tax on certain mixtures of diesel fuel; (2) the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with environmental protection agency sulfur regulations; (3) an increase in the barrel per day small refiner exception to oil depletion deduction; (4) treating of gain ratably over an 8-year period with respect to sales or dispositions to implement Federal energy regulatory commission or State electric restructuring policy; (5) modifications to the special rules for nuclear decommissioning costs; (6) the treatment of certain income of rural electric cooperatives; and (7) amortization, over a 2-year period, of delay rental payments and of geological and geophysical expenditures. Allows: (1) the prepayment of premium liability for coal industry health benefits; (2) generally, for the inapplicability of arbitrage rules to prepayments for natural gas; (3) the suspension, until December 31, 2006, of the limitation based on 65 percent of taxable income and of taxable income limit with respect to marginal production; and (4) certain business related energy credits against the regular and minimum tax.
Bill· SS. 739 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to reauthorize and revise requirements for the Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration programs, and to instruct the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive coordination plan for activities under this Act and under title II of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996. Renames the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel as the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on such programs. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to review progress under this Act every four years. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to revise requirements for the program for integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) solicit proposals for projects demonstrating hydrogen technologies needed to use fuel cells in Federal, State, and local government stationary and transportation applications; and (2) establish an interagency task force to develop an implementation plan for a fuel cell demonstration program that includes hydrogen-based infrastructure for fleet transportation systems and for distributed power generation. Requires the Secretary to enter into cooperative and cost-sharing agreements with Federal, State, and local agencies for participation in related demonstrations.
Bill· SS. 727 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
National Coal Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) perform an assessment that identifies cost and performance goals of technologies permitting continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, as chemical feedstocks, and as transportation fuel in 2007, 2015, and the years after 2020; and (2) implement a technology research, development, and demonstration program to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power through methods and equipment under specified Federal law. Prescribes conditions and criteria for the authorization of appropriations for a clean coal power initiative program. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) fund coal energy generation projects that advance efficiency, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond the level of technologies in operation as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) award competitive, merit-based grants to universities for the establishment of Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prescribe credits against tax for: (1) production from a qualifying clean coal technology unit; and (2) production from and for investment in a qualifying advanced clean coal technology unit. Prescribes guidelines for the treatment of persons not able to use the entire credit relating to clean coal technology.
Bill· HRH.R. 1458 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Homeland Infrastructure Power Security and Assurance Incentives Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish within the Department of Energy an Advanced Technology Incentives Program to provide funding to accelerate development and deployment of new advanced technologies such as fuel cells, turbines, hybrid, and storage system power technologies. Requires the use of such funding for: (1) eligible owners or operators to support efforts to reduce system costs, and improve the performance and reliability of advanced distributed power generation and energy storage systems; and (2) demonstrating the capability of new technologies to increase power generation through enhanced operational, economic, and environmental performance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate security and assurance performance improvement; (2) define locations and facilities that would benefit most from such improvements; and (3) determine the criteria for facilities that generate or store and distribute electric energy that improves the security and reliability of the nation's electricity grid and protects locations critical to its security (including military installations, financial institutions, medical and first responder facilities).
Bill· HRH.R. 1459 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish credits for: (1) qualified energy efficient improvements to existing homes; and (2) the construction of qualified new energy efficient homes. Allows a deduction for energy efficient commercial property expenditures.
Bill· HRH.R. 1491 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Securing Transportation Energy Efficiency for Tomorrow Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to authorize the Administrator of General Services to establish a program for the procurement and installation of photovoltaic solar electric systems for electric production in public buildings. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to evaluate the energy infrastructure of the Capitol Complex to determine how it could be augmented to become more energy efficient, using photovoltaic solar energy systems, district-heating, and other unconventional and renewable energy resources. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to carry out a demonstration program for the development of brightfield sites (brownfield sites redeveloped through the incorporation of solar energy technologies). Amends Federal transportation law to: (1) direct the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish a program of grants to State and local governments for fuel conservation projects; (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants for fuel cell bus technology projects; (3) direct the Secretary to establish a Conserve By Bicycling pilot program for projects to encourage the use of bicycles in place of motor vehicles; (4) require environmental impact statements for Federal-aid highway and transit projects to consider energy impacts as an environmental project consequence; and (5) direct the Secretary to establish a specified public-private research partnership dedicated to advancement of railroad technology, efficiency, and safety owned by the Federal Railroad Administration and operated in the private sector. Amends Federal transportation law to direct: (1) the Secretary to establish a pilot clean airport bus replacement and fleet expansion grant program; and (2) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to establish a public-private research partnership to develop a clean ground demonstrator engine utilizing specified National Aeronautics and Space Administration-developed technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish a public-private research partnership to develop and demonstrate technologies that increase fuel economy, reduce emissions, and lower costs of marine transportation, as well as the efficiency of intermodal transfers. Directs the Secretary of the Army to study and report to Congress on the potential for reduced fossil fuel consumption through an increase in U.S. hydropower capabilities. Encourages specified adjacent States to continue to prohibit off-shore drilling in the Great Lakes for oil and gas, and other adjacent States and the Canadian Province of Ontario to prohibit such drilling. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income as a qualifying transportation fringe benefit a commuting allowance of $75 per month for individuals who bicycle, carpool, or car-share to work.
Bill· HRH.R. 1461 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Clean School Buses Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a pilot program for awarding grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for the demonstration and commercial application of alternative fuel school buses and ultra-low sulfur diesel school buses. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for entering into cooperative agreements with private sector fuel cell bus developers to develop fuel cell-powered school buses, and subsequently with at least two units of local government using natural gas-powered school buses and such private sector fuel cell bus developers to demonstrate the use of fuel cell-powered school buses.
Bill· SS. 723 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Electricity Gouging Refund Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Power Act to instruct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order a refund (including interest) for that portion of charges on the transmission or sale of electric energy between June 1, 2000, and June 19, 2001, which the Commission finds unjust and unreasonable. States that the total amount of such refunds shall be not less than $8.9 billion. Directs the Commission to order the renegotiation of the long-term electricity contracts entered into between the energy companies and the State of California between January 1 and May 31, 2001.
Bill· SS. 716 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Federal Power Act Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that Federal regulation of electric energy transmission and sales shall not extend to those matters which are subject to regulation by the States, including the retail sale of electric energy and any component service. Denies the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over: (1) bundled retail sales of electric energy (sales of electric energy to retail customers where generation, transmission, distribution, and other services necessary to supply electric energy to such customers are sold as a single delivered service by a single seller); and (2) the transmission component of sales of electric energy to retail customers. Requires FERC, upon request of a Regional Transmission Organization or any FERC-authorized transmission entity, to authorize the recovery of costs on a participant-funding basis of transmission facilities that increase the transfer capability of the transmission system. Directs FERC to establish technical standards and procedures for the interconnection of facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce with facilities used for the generation of electric energy. Instructs FERC to ensure, in setting rates for transmission services, that all jurisdictional uses of transmission facilities bear an allocation of the embedded costs of the facilities, as well as the costs of other services ancillary to the transmission of electric energy. Directs FERC to promulgate pricing policies and standards to promote expansion and improvement of interstate transmission networks through incentive-based, performance-based, participant-funded and cost of service-based rate treatments to ensure reliability of the electric system, to support interstate wholesale markets for electric power, and to expand transmission transfer capacity needed to sustain wholesale competition. Directs FERC to convene regional discussions with State and other retail regulatory commissions to address whether wholesale electric markets in each region (especially regions without a regional transmission organization) are working effectively to provide reliable service to electric consumers in the region at the lowest reasonable cost. Authorizes FERC to require an unregulated transmitting utility to provide open access transmission services.
Bill· HRH.R. 1423 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
Preserving Our World's Energy and Resources Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include as energy property for purposes of claiming the energy (investment) credit equipment which uses wind to generate electricity and cool roof property. Allows a nonrefundable personal credit for qualified renewable resource property (solar, wind, and geothermal) and qualified cool roof property. Amends the Federal Power Act to require retail electric suppliers to comply with specified requirements concerning net metering.
Bill· HRH.R. 1436 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish credits for: (1) residential solar energy property; (2) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; (3) alternative motor vehicles credit; (4) production from qualifying advanced clean coal technology; and (5) producing oil and gas from marginal wells. Extends and expands the credit for electricity produced from renewable resources. Extends and modifies the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source. Provides for: (1) the treatment of natural gas gathering lines as 7-year property; (2) the temporary suspension of the limitation based on 65 percent of taxable income and the extension of suspension of taxable income limit with respect to marginal production; (3) the election to expense geological and geophysical expenditures for oil and gas wells; (4) a five-year net operating loss carryback for losses attributable to operating mineral interests of oil and gas producers.
Bill· SS. 694 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2003
Requires the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the retail price of gasoline in a State to determine if it is being artificially manipulated if, based on weekly data published by the Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy, the average price of regular grade gasoline has increased 20 percent or more for at least seven days during any three-month period. Requires the Commission to: (1) report investigation results to Congress; (2) present such results in a public hearing in the affected State; and (3) cooperate with the Attorney General of the affected State to take appropriate action if it finds market manipulation. Instructs the Secretary of Energy, within two weeks of notification by the Commission that such increase in gasoline prices is not due to market manipulation, to decide if the Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be used to assure adequate supplies of gasoline.
Bill· SS. 688 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2003
Transition to Competition in the Electric Industry Act - States that no electric utility shall be required, under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase or sell electricity or capacity from or to qualifying cogeneration and small power production facilities. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations designed to ensure that no electric utility shall be required to absorb, directly or indirectly, the costs associated with purchases of electric power or capacity from a qualifying facility pursuant to PURPA obligations before enactment of this Act.
Bill· SS. 682 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2003
The Genomes to Life Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application, to be known as the Genomes to Life Program, in systems biology and proteomics (the determination of the structure, function, and expression of proteins encoded in any genome, including new protein sequences encoded in a genome for which the structural or functional correlates are not currently known). Directs the Secretary to prepare a program plan describing how knowledge and capabilities would be developed and applied to Department of Energy missions relating to energy, environmental cleanup, and mitigation of global climate change.
Bill· SS. 681 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2003
The Electricity Market Manipulation Prevention Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to instruct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review, at least annually, the characteristics of each market in which a public utility is authorized to sell wholesale electric energy at market-based rates to determine whether sales by the public utility in that market are subject to effective competition. Requires FERC to revoke immediately the authority of a public utility to sell wholesale electric energy at market-based rates upon a determination that: (1) sales in a market by such utility are not subject to effective competition; (2) rates charged by the utility are unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory or preferential; (3) the public utility has intentionally engaged in an activity in a wholesale electric energy market that violates a FERC rule, tariff, or order; or (4) the public utility has engaged in or attempted to engage in fraudulent, manipulative, or deceptive activity in a wholesale electric energy market. Directs FERC, upon a finding of fraudulent, manipulative, or deceptive activity, to: (1) establish the just and reasonable rate for all prospective sales made by the public utility; and (2) require the public utility to refund any revenues collected in excess of the average wholesale power cost of service within the regional power market for the period in which the public utility engaged in the activity. Prohibits FERC from applying the public interest standard in reviewing a transaction executed at market-based rates, unless: (1) the standard is explicitly contained in the contract at issue; and (2) FERC does not find that the contract was not subject to effective competition.
Bill· HRH.R. 1379 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Declares that it shall be unlawful to sell gasoline at wholesale or retail for a price in excess of the price that grade of gasoline sold for in the same market on March 10, 2003. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 for each day on which a violation occurs. States that this prohibition shall expire 60 days after the Secretary of Energy reports to Congress an analysis of gasoline price fluctuations, giving particular attention to the occurrence of price gouging as cause of such fluctuations. Requires such report to include the Secretary's recommendations for legislative or administrative actions that could improve gasoline price stability and eliminate price gouging.
Bill· HRH.R. 1391 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon licensee request, to extend the time period for commencement of construction of the Mt. Hope Waterpower project until December 31, 2005, if the Commission determines that the licensee will take specified actions with regard to the project. Provides for license reinstatement if the period required for commencement of project construction has expired prior to the date of the enactment of this Act .
Bill· HRH.R. 1395 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program for fuel cell and hydrogen production, delivery, and storage technologies for transportation and stationary applications that meet specified goals.
Bill· SS. 658 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Energy Savings Performance Contracts Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to: (1) repeal the termination dates governing the authority to enter into energy savings performance contracts (thus extending such authority indefinitely); (2) allow as an approved benefit ancillary to an energy savings contract or energy savings performance contract providing for energy savings through construction of replacement facilities those savings resulting from reduced operation and maintenance costs at such facilities; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other interested Federal agencies to enter into a pilot program for energy savings performance contract investments in non-building energy efficiency improvement projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1370 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Interstate Transmission Act- Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish transmission pricing policies and standards for promoting the expansion of interstate transmission networks through incentive-based, performance-based, participant-funded, and/or cost-based rate treatments to ensure reliability of the electric system, to support interstate wholesale markets for electric power, and to expand transmission transfer capacity needed for wholesale competition. Grants FERC jurisdiction over Electric Reliability Organizations certified by FERC to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system. Exempts Hawaii and Alaska from application of this Act. Repeals the requirement for FERC prior authorization of the disposition of public utility facilities. Authorizes FERC to promote voluntary development of regional transmission organizations, independent transmission providers, and similar organizations in order to enhance electric energy transmission in interstate commerce. Creates State and Federal authority to site transmission facilities. Amends the Public Utility Holding Company Act to exclude from its purview a multistate independent transmission company or any action to otherwise affect such an organization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as an involuntary conversion, for which no gain shall be recognized for capital gains tax purposes, any disposition to an independent transmission company of property, stock, or partnership interest in an entity whose principal trade or business provides electric transmission services, if the transaction is meant to implement FERC or State electric restructuring policy.
Bill· HRH.R. 1366 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Aviation Industry Stabilization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to change from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of an American aircraft or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary authority to extend through calendar year 2007 the termination date of any insurance policy issued to an air carrier. Makes permanent the Secretary's authority to declare an air carrier a victim of terrorism not liable for third party claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends the period for an air carrier to apply for a loan guarantee or line of credit to pay for its aviation fuel costs or increases in aviation fuel costs under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act. Requires the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, after all cockpit doors are strengthened, to consider and report to Congress on whether it is necessary to require Federal air marshals to be seated in the first class cabin of an aircraft with strengthened cockpit doors. Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) undertake action necessary to improve the screening of mail so that it can be carried on passenger flights; and (2) reimburse air carriers for certain screening and related activities as well as the cost of fortifying cockpit doors, and for any financial losses attributed to the loss of air traffic resulting from the use of force against Iraq in calendar year 2003. Requires that an airlift services contract entered into by the Secretary of Defense and an air carrier provide for the air carrier to be compensated for the positioning, repositioning, and other ferry portions of missions performed under the contract. Requires the Secretary of Energy, if the use of force against Iraq is authorized in calendar year 2003, to drawdown and distribute petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the extent necessary to remedy a dislocation in the jet fuel market or an extraordinary increase in the price of jet fuel. Establishes an air cargo security working group composed of various groups to develop recommendations on the enhancement of the current known shipper program. Directs the Comptroller General to analyze factors contributing to the financial difficulties of air carriers to determine possible approaches to alleviate such difficulties.
Bill· HRH.R. 1356 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer as credits against income tax: (1) a fuel efficiency vehicle credit equal to 25 percent of the cost of any qualified fuel-efficient vehicle placed in service during the taxable year; and (2) a fuel-efficient vehicle assembly credit equal to $2,000 for every qualified fuel-efficient vehicle manufactured or produced in the United States during such year for first retail sale. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide loan guarantees of up to $100 million per loan (and up to $1 billion over all) to manufacturers of motor vehicles or of motor vehicle engines for the costs of conversion from the manufacture of motor vehicles or engines achieving less than 40 miles per gallon of gasoline to the manufacture of such products achieving more than 40 miles per gallon Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend permanently the credit for increasing research activities; and (2) increase the alternative incremental credit rates.
Bill· HRH.R. 1346 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to include as a function of the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy encouraging procurement policies that enhance the energy efficiency of the Government and decrease the Government's dependence on non-renewable energy resources.
Bill· SS. 645 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1338 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Designates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the lead agency for purposes of coordinating all applicable Federal authorization and related environmental review of a proposed electricity transmission or distribution facility upon request of a current or prospective applicant for Federal authorization related to such a facility. Instructs DOE to establish prompt and binding intermediate milestones and ultimate deadlines for the review of and Federal authorization decisions relating to the proposed facility. Sets a one-year deadline for completion of all permit decisions and related environmental reviews regarding an application. Requires the Secretary of Energy to consult regularly with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators on changes to the national grid that will improve reliability, relieve congestion, and enhance the capability of the grid to deliver electricity.
Bill· HRH.R. 1337 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Directs the Secretary of Energy to make incentive payments during a specified incentive period to the owner or operator of: (1) a turbine or other generating device owned or solely operated by a non-Federal entity which generates hydroelectric energy for sale and which is added to an existing dam or conduit (a qualified hydroelectric facility); and (2) hydroelectric facilities at existing dams for capital improvements that are directly related to improving their efficiency by at least three percent. Describes payment limitations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1334 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1343 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act of 2003 - Declares it shall be policy of the United States that its research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications programs be designed to enable 20 percent of domestic energy generated from stationary sources to be generated from nonhydropower renewable energy sources by the year 2020. Prescribes research and development program goals to implement such policy in connection with enhanced: (1) renewable energy; (2) energy efficiency; and (3) aeronautical system energy. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) submit to Congress an assessment of renewable energy resources available for commercial application; and (2) implement a Next Generation Lighting Initiative for advanced solid-state lighting technologies based on white light emitting diodes. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish: (1) an interagency group to develop a National Building Performance Initiative; and (2) an advisory committee to analyze and provide recommendations on potential private sector roles and participation in the Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) commission an independent assessment of innovative financing techniques to facilitate construction of new renewable energy and energy efficiency facilities; (2) establish a demonstration program for innovative technologies for renewable energy sources in buildings owned or operated by a State or local government; (3) provide assistance to small businesses and startup companies for the commercial application of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies developed by or with support from the Department of Energy; (4) establish an education and outreach program on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies; and (5) establish a competitive matching grant pilot program for voluntary local government programs that seek to promote innovative energy efficiency technologies and processes to reduce the industrial use of water and the discharge of wastewater from commercial and industrial entities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1341 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Ratepayer Protection Act - Declares that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to rules under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) requiring electric utilities to offer to sell electric energy to, and purchase it from, qualifying cogeneration facilities and qualifying small power production facilities (qualifying facilities). Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations to assure that no utility shall be required to absorb the costs associated with electric energy or capacity purchases from a qualifying facility pursuant to a legally enforceable obligation entered into or imposed under PURPA rules before this Act's enactment. (Thus assures that such utilities recover all costs associated with such purchases). Provides that regulations required by this Act shall be treated as rules enforceable under the Federal Power Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1332 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited energy efficient appliance credit for the eligible production of qualified energy efficient appliances produced by a taxpayer.
Bill· HRH.R. 1335 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
The National Parks Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service, to establish a program to provide funds to assist in the deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen infrastructure at one or more prominent National Parks.