Energy

Foreign Investment Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005

Foreign Investment Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 relating to authorized investigations of the effects on national security of a proposed acquisition, merger, or takeover (transaction) by or with foreign persons which could result in foreign control of persons engaged in U.S. commerce to: (1) extend the time to commence such investigation; (2) require the findings and recommendations of any investigation to be sent immediately to the President and specified congressional committees for review; (3) require certain factors to be considered as part of such investigation, including the effect on domestic production and long-term projections of U.S. requirements for sources of energy and other critical resources; (4) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to report quarterly to such committees a detailed summary and analysis of each transaction being, or likely to be, reviewed; and (5) subject the President's decision not to suspend or prohibit a transaction to a congressional approval process.

Eliminate Gas Price Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005

Eliminate Gas Price Discrimination Act - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit a franchise from placing a limitation on the source from which a franchisee may obtain motor fuel. Permits a franchise, however, to require the franchisee to obtain only motor fuels with respect to which the franchisor, or the refiner that supplies the franchisor, owns or controls a trademark.

FUEL Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005

Finding the Ultimate Energy Lifeline Act of 2005, or FUEL Act of 2005 - Directs the President to select individuals to serve on a working group to identify strategies and methods to reduce consumption of foreign oil to less than 25% of total United States motor vehicle fuel consumption not later than 2015. Requires such working group to: (1) identify alternative sources for motor vehicle fuels; (2) recommend appropriate federal actions for the development and use of such alternative sources; (3) assess the effectiveness of such federal actions; and (4) provide appropriate coordination of federal efforts.

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Authorizes the use of certain Department of Defense (DOD) and Louisiana National Guard funds for the payment of: (1) departure allowances in connection with the relocation of dependents of members of the uniformed services serving on active duty or of members of reserve components deployed in state service; and (2) claims for personal property damage and losses incurred by such members. Declares that the departure of civilian DOD employees and their dependents from Louisiana parishes designated as major disaster areas on or after August 28, 2005, shall be considered an evacuation for the purpose of federal government payment for transportation to a location of the employee's choice. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Federal Response to Energy Emergencies Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005

Federal Response to Energy Emergencies Act of 2005 - Declares unlawful: (1) unconscionable pricing of gasoline, oil, natural gas, and petroleum distillates during emergencies; (2) intentional reporting of false price information concerning wholesale prices of such products; and (3) market manipulation regarding the purchase or sale at wholesale of such products. Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency upon finding that the national health, safety, welfare, or economic well-being is at risk because of an actual or imminent shortage of such products due to a disruption of the national distribution system, or significant pricing anomalies in national or regional energy markets for the products. Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and State Attorneys General to enforce this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires fines and penalties collected under this Act to be deposited in a separate fund in the treasury to be known as the Consumer Relief Trust Fund to provide assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Directs the FTC to facilitate price transparency in wholesale markets for the sale of crude oil and essential petroleum products. Instructs the FTC to transmit a confidential report to Congress on the potential impact on domestic prices of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products that would result from the disruption for periods of one week, one year, and five years, respectively. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Energy Information Administration to review and report to Congress on expenditures and activities undertaken by certain size companies to protect the energy supply system from terrorist attacks, international supply disruptions, and natural disasters, and ensure a stable and reasonably priced supply of such products to consumers in the United States. Requires such report to assess the companies' preparations for the forecasted period of more frequent and more intense hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico and other vulnerable coastal areas.

ENERGY SUPPLIES IN EURASIA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. ENERGY SECURITY

United States · United States Senate · 27 September 2005

Outer Continental Shelf Energy Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Outer Continental Shelf Energy Relief Act - Declares that all provisions of existing federal law prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf have no force or effect. Revokes all existing withdrawals made by the President under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). States such withdrawals are no longer in effect with respect to natural gas leasing, exploration, development or production. Amends the OCSLA leasing program to instruct the Secretary, in each five-year program, to include lease sales that when viewed as a whole propose to offer for gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area. Prescribes guidelines for sharing with certain coastal states bonus bid and royalty revenues received from existing and future federal gas leases on lands located within state seaward boundaries. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for development and production only of natural gas and associated condensate (natural gas-only leasing).

Refinery Streamlined Permitting Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Refinery Streamlined Permitting Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to offer assistance to enable states to assign responsibilities delegated to them regarding construction or expansion of a petroleum refining facility in a coordinated and expeditious manner. Requires all federal and state agencies, to which permitting responsibilities for petroleum refining facilities have been delegated, to enter into a memorandum of understanding about facility construction or expansion. Requires an agency to: (1) prepare and submit a Statement of Energy Effects to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, for each proposed significant energy action; and (2) publish such Statement, or a summary of it, in each related Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and in any resulting Final Rule.

To amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to enhance the reliability of the electricity grid and reduce the threat of wildfires to electric transmission and distribution facilities on Federal lands by authorizing vegetation management on such lands.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, with respect to public lands under their respective jurisdictions, to ensure that existing and future authorizations of rights-of-way and easements for electrical transmission and distribution facilities (facilities) on such lands include provisions for utility vegetation management activities that enhance the reliability of the electricity grid and reduce the threat of wildfires to such facilities. Directs such Secretaries to provide owners and operators of such facilities on such lands with the option to develop and submit an integrated vegetation management plan for approval. Outlines a plan review, approval, and implementation process. Allows such owners and operators to conduct vegetation management activities to meet facilities' clearance requirements. Provides a liability waiver when the appropriate Secretary fails to allow such owners and operators to manage vegetation within a right-of-way or easement on such lands, with an exception in the case of contributory negligence. Encourages such Secretaries to develop a program to train appropriate federal personnel involved in vegetation management decisions relating to such facilities.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Makes continuing appropriations for FY2006. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY2005 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006; (2) Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006; (3) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006; (4) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House of Representatives) or the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate); (5) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006; (6) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006; (7) Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House) or the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate); (8) Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House) or the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate); (9) Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House) or the Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate), and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate). Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 18, 2005. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

Gas PRICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005

Gas Petroleum Refiner Improvement and Community Empowerment Act or the Gas PRICE Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration to give priority to the construction of petroleum-based refineries in communities affected by military base closures or realignments. Revises the process for issuing permits for the construction and operation of a refinery. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to (1) solicit applications for grants under the EPA Natural Gas STAR Program to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industries; and (2) conduct workshops to provide information to state officials on methane emission reduction techniques. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) hold states harmless for emission levels resulting from emergency waivers granted by EPA; and (2) require the Administrator to revoke the approval of certain fuels no longer included in a state implementation plan. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel; (2) evaluate the use of such fuel for reducing engine exhaust emissions; and (3) submit recommendations and reports to Congress. Authorizes loan guarantees for domestic coal and petroleum coke-based Fischer-Tropsch commercial demonstration projects.

Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005

Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005 - Sets forth a statutory framework in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to: (1) increase refinery capacity for gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel, and jet fuel; (2) reduce environmental and other regulations affecting refineries under the Clean Air Act; and (3) coordinate permitting requirements and other regulations affecting refineries at the federal, state, and local levels. Sets guidelines for federal-state regulatory coordination, including financial, technical and legal assistance, to facilitate refinery siting, construction, expansion, or operation. Instructs the President to designate sites on federal lands for siting a refinery, including closed military installations and those closed pursuant to a base closure law. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for coordinating all applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a federal refinery authorization schedule. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal guidelines governing federal-state regulatory coordination and assistance for refinery revitalization. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with non-federal entities that the Secretary determines to be the first non-federal entities to enter into firm contracts after enactment of this Act to construct new refineries in the United States or refurbish and return to commercial operation existing but nonoperating refineries. Establishes in the Treasury the Standby Refinery Support Account to implement refinery revitalization. Authorizes the President to take specified steps necessary for refinery construction and operation and for the manufacture of petroleum products for the U.S. Armed Forces. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) reform expeditiously the New Source Review programs under the Clean Air Act; and (2) use maximum legal flexibility to enable energy industry facilities promptly to undertake projects to maintain such facilities in the least-costly manner. Amends Clean Air Act requirements governing air pollution prevention to authorize the President, in order to alleviate an extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supply emergency resulting from a natural disaster, to waive temporarily: (1) any control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive; and (2) preempt any related or equivalent control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive prescribed by a state or local entity. Sets forth guidelines to extend the attainment date for certain downwind areas. Provides for discounted sales of royalty-in-kind oil to qualified small refineries. Instructs the Administrator to recommend to Congress how to streamline certain paperwork requirements under the Clean Air Act and corresponding requirements under state laws, particularly with regard to states whose requirements are more stringent than the federal ones. Requires Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorization to site, construct, expand, or operate a crude oil or refined petroleum product pipeline facility in interstate commerce. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to investigate nationwide gasoline prices in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, including any evidence of price-gouging by subject companies. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to drawdown and sell petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to fill it to its maximum authorized level. Establishes the SPR Expansion Fund in the Treasury to accomplish such purpose.

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued to a qualified borrower for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate the use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued to a qualified borrower for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate the use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

To provide for the designation of 3 closed military installations as appropriate sites for construction of an oil refinery.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Requires the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Defense, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to jointly designate three military installations closed pursuant to a base closure law as suitable for construction of an oil refinery. Prohibits the federal government, for two years, from selling or disposing of any such designated site except for purposes of oil refinery construction.

ENERGY PRICING

United States · United States Senate · 21 September 2005

A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to conduct an inquiry into the retail prices of natural gas and gasoline.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) initiate an inquiry into the retail prices (both before and after Hurricane Katrina) of natural gas and gasoline, including gasoline containing ethanol, within 14 days after enactment of this Act, to determine if they are being artificially manipulated by reduction of refinery capacity, by speculation in oil market, or by any other form of manipulation; (2) report the results to Congress within 14 days after initiation of the inquiry; and (3) hold a public hearing to present such results within 14 days after issuing the report. Directs the FTC to: (1) take appropriate action in cooperation with the attorney general of any affected state if it determines that the increase in natural gas and gasoline prices, including gasoline containing ethanol, is a result of market manipulation; and (2) notify the Secretary of Energy if it determines that the increase in such prices is not the result of market manipulation. Requires the Secretary, within 14 days after receiving the FTC notification, to decide if expanded use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be implemented to assure adequate supplies of gasoline.

Energy Emergency Consumer Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005

Energy Emergency Consumer Protection Act of 2005 - States that during any presidentially-declared energy emergency it is unlawful to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates in, or for use in, the area involved at a price that: (1) is unconscionably excessive; or (2) indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of the circumstances to increase prices unreasonably. Makes it unlawful to: (1) report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) false or misleading data and information regarding the wholesale price of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates; or (2) use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at wholesale, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance, in contravention of FTC-prescribed rules and regulations. Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency if the health, safety, welfare, or economic well-being of American citizens is at risk because there exists either: (1) an actual or imminent shortage of adequate supplies of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates due to a disruption in the national distribution system; or (2) significant pricing anomalies in national energy markets for such products. Empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Prescribes maximum civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Instructs the FTC to: (1) facilitate price transparency in wholesale crude oil and petroleum product markets; and (2) conclude a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and other appropriate agencies relating to information sharing. Instructs the Comptroller General to investigate periodically the extent to which major oil companies and automobile manufacturers have invested in alternative fuels production, infrastructure, and technology development. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to review expenditures and activities by major U.S. companies to protect the energy supply system from terrorist attacks, international supply disruptions, and natural disasters, and ensure a stable and reasonably priced supply of such products to consumers.

Fuel Supply Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005

Fuel Supply Improvement Act of 2005 - Prescribes guidelines to expedite federal permitting procedures for construction or expansion of a domestic petroleum refining facility. Applies such expedited permit procedures exclusively to permits under specified environmental protection statutes. Directs the Secretary of Energy, upon applicant request, to provide direct legal representation to a refining facility applicant to defend against a lawsuit regarding the permit approval procedure, or facility construction or expansion, if the Secretary believes the lawsuit is without merit, is brought solely to delay facility completion, or will have the effect of delaying facility completion in a period when U.S. domestic refining capability is insufficient. Instructs the Secretary to establish an office of regulatory assistance whose sole purpose is to assist applicants with permit applications, planning, and otherwise pursuing the construction or expansion of a domestic petroleum refining facility. Grants the Secretary contracting authority with sponsors of new large-sized petroleum refining facilities. Establishes in the Department of Energy the Refinery Standby Support Program Account and the Refinery Standby Support Grant Account to cover loan costs and costs resulting from certain construction delays. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide within new source review regulations that equipment replacement shall be considered routine maintenance and repair if it: (1) does not increase actual emissions of any air pollutant by more than 5%; and (2) does not increase actual emissions of any air pollutant by more than 40 tons per year. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to charge a discounted price in any sale to a qualified small refinery of crude oil obtained by the United States as royalty-in-kind.

Small Business, Homeowners, and Renters Disaster Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2005

Small Business, Homeowners, and Renters Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to: (1) small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives that demonstrate a direct adverse economic impact caused by Hurricane Katrina; and (2) nonprofit organizations for purposes of repairing damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or performing other hurricane relief services in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator to guarantee development company debentures issued for the purpose of rebuilding or resuming operations in a Hurricane Katrina-damaged area. Authorizes appropriations to the: (1) Department of Commerce to provide, in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida, bridge grants and loans to small businesses in areas which the President has designated as a disaster area as a result of Hurricane Katrina; and (2) SBA for entrepreneurial development for small businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide an outreach and technical assistance program for affected small businesses; and (2) make supplemental emergency loans to affected small businesses. Authorizes the making of loans to small businesses and farming operations that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after January 1, 2005, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs.

To terminate the effect of laws prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

States that all federal law prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf shall have no force or effect. Revokes all existing withdrawals by the President under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Declares that such withdrawals are no longer in effect. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a sale of oil and gas leases on all submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico that are depicted in a specified document entitled "Eastern Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale."

Military Family Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Military Family Assistance Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make an emergency adjustment in the rates of the basic allowance for housing in a particular military housing area in response to a sudden increase in energy costs resulting from higher charges for utilities or other causes. Allows such increase to remain in effect for up to six months. Requires the Secretary to notify Congress of such an adjustment and the reasons for such adjustment. Authorizes the Secretary to make an emergency adjustment in the cost-of-living allowance and establish temporary high cost areas during a fiscal year in response to a sudden increase in gasoline prices in an area. Provides the same six-month limitation and congressional notification requirement.

Oil Reserve Pricing Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Oil Reserve Pricing Reform Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in certain circumstances, to defer a petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) that is in excess of 700,000,000 barrels. Requires the Secretary, in determining whether to defer such acquisition, to: (1) use pre-2202 market-based practices when deciding to acquire petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (2) carry out and make public analyses of costs and savings; (3) report to Congress the impact such acquisition will have on the domestic and foreign supply of petroleum and the resulting price increases or decreases; and (4) consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security on the security consequences of such acquisition or deferral.

Gasoline Availability Stabilization Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Gasoline Availability Stabilization Reserve Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a Gasoline Availability Stabilization Reserve (GAS Reserve) system with a total capacity of 20 million barrels of regular unleaded gasoline; (2) determine a site for one GAS Reserve each in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, and one in California; and (3) transmit to Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Governor of each state in which a reserve will be sited a transportation plan for the transportation of the contents of the GAS Reserve to consumers in the event of an emergency sale. Requires the Secretary to sell gasoline from the GAS Reserve upon written notification by a state Governor that cites a physical disruption in the system supplying gasoline to the Governor's state likely to result in price volatility for retail gasoline markets in that state. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary is authorized to conduct purchases and sales of gasoline at wholesale for maintenance of the GAS Reserve system.

Restoring Excellence in Fuel Independence and National Energy (REFINE) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Restoring Excellence in Fuel Independence and National Energy (REFINE) Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) prohibit states from prescribing or attempting to enforce any control or prohibition on motor vehicle fuels or fuel additives; (2) direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue regulations to require the sale of a single blend of gasoline with a uniform chemical composition throughout the United States (identical to the composition of the gasoline most widely sold in the United States before enactment of this Act in areas other than nonattainment areas); and (3) repeal provisions relating to oxygenated fuels for nonattainment areas. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study to identify the most viable locations in the United States for the construction of 15 new gasoline refineries. Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts for the construction of such refineries and their sale to private entities.

Gasoline Price-Gouging Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005

Gasoline Price-Gouging Act of 2005 - States that it is unlawful for a commercial vendor to sell either gasoline or diesel fuel at a price that is a 10% or greater increase from the average price prevailing in an area prior to its having been declared or designated as a major disaster area. Excepts from such prohibition a fuel price that is: (1) attributable to a reasonable additional cost incurred attendant to a major disaster; or (2) consistent with national or international market trends. Makes such prohibition applicable for 90 days after a declaration or designation is made. Grants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforcement powers to treat violation of this prohibition as an unfair or deceptive act or practice. Requires the FTC, within five days following a declaration of a major disaster, to post on its Internet website the average price of gasoline and diesel fuel in such area for the 30-day period preceding the declaration.

To require higher standards of automobile fuel efficiency in order to reduce the amount of oil used for fuel by automobiles in the United States by 10 percent beginning in 2016, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005

Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation by regulation to prescribe (corporate) average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles manufactured after 2008 that ensure that the CAFE achieved by automobiles manufactured after 2015 is at least 33 miles per gallon, and meets other specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to establish separate standards for different classes of automobiles according to size. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a CAFE credit trading program to allow a manufacturer that exceeds fuel economy standards to sell credits to another manufacturer.

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report describing the method by which existing reporting systems within the Department of Energy can be coordinated to provide timely reporting of significant supply interruptions in the transmission of petroleum and petroleum-related products.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005

Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, on existing plans and procedures of the Department of Energy (DOE) relating to a significant interruption in the transmission of petroleum or a petroleum-related product. Requires such report to include: (1) the method by which the Secretary shall notify the Governor and any federal elected official of a state affected by a significant interruption in such transmission; and (2) recommendations for legislative action relating to the implementation or efficiency of a DOE contingency plan.

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report describing the method by which existing reporting systems within the Department of Energy can be coordinated to provide timely reporting of significant supply interruptions in the transmission of petroleum and petroleum-related products.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2005

Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, on existing plans and procedures of the Department of Energy relating to a significant interruption in the transmission of petroleum or a petroleum-related product. Requires such report to include: (1) the method by which the Secretary shall notify the Governor and any federal elected official of a state affected by a significant interruption in the transmission of petroleum or a petroleum-related product; and (2) recommended legislative action relating to the implementation or efficiency of a contingency plan of the Department of Energy.

Edward F. Sproat III, of Pennsylvania, to be Director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Department of Energy, vice Margaret S. Y. Chu, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Energy Emergency Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Energy Emergency Relief Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend the application of any federal law granting any person relief from requirements to pay royalty for oil or natural gas production from federal lands (including submerged lands) during any period in which: (1) the average price of crude oil in the United States over the most recent four consecutive weeks is greater than $40 per barrel; and (2) the average wellhead price of natural gas in the United States over the most recent four consecutive weeks is greater than $5 per thousand cubic feet. Authorizes the President use the royalties so obtained to: (1) provide disaster relief authorized under any other federal law; and (2) carry out the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Federal Trade Commission to submit to Congress a report on gasoline prices by November 8, 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to make November 8, 2005, the deadline for the Federal Trade Commission's report to Congress on its investigation into whether the price of gasoline is being artificially manipulated by reduction in refinery capacity or by any other form of market manipulation or price gouging practices.

To authorize and require the President of the United States to allocate crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products to deal with existing or imminent shortages and dislocations in the national distribution system, which jeopardize the national economy, and public health, safety, and welfare.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Directs the President to promulgate a regulation providing for the temporary mandatory allocation of crude oil, including a provision that the retail sale of gasoline may not exceed $2.50 per gallon. Prescribes additional provisions for: (1) protection of public health, safety, and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating and cooling), and the national defense and homeland security; and (2) maintenance of all public services (including municipal, cooperative, or investor-owned utilities and mass transportation facilities and services). Instructs the President to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop criteria for determining the length of the mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual oil, and refined petroleum products under this Act, not to exceed one year. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to develop criteria for declaring a fuel emergency in the future. Requires revival, in the event of such an emergency, of the authority under this Act for mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual oil, and refined petroleum products.

Gas Stamps Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Gas Stamps Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a program for the equitable allocation among the states of gas stamps for distribution to individuals eligible to receive food stamps who can demonstrate a need for gasoline; and (2) provide for the distribution of gas stamps in conjunction with the distribution of food stamps, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets a $330 million limit for such national distribution in each of the first three months after enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax upon the sale in the United States of any crude oil, natural gas, and any fuel which is a product of crude oil or natural gas, equal to the windfall profit on such sale. Defines "windfall profit" as so much of the profit on such sale as exceeds a 15 percent pretax rate of return. Imposes liability for the windfall profits tax upon the seller.

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Temporary Energy Price Freeze Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Temporary Energy Price Freeze Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to: (1) issue orders and regulations to freeze temporarily wholesale and retail prices of gasoline and other petroleum products at or below the levels prevailing on August 27, 2005; and (2) delegate the performance of any function under this Act to federal officers, departments, and agencies as he considers appropriate. Declares that anyone who willfully violates any such order or regulation shall be fined an amount up to three times the amount of the gain from such violation. Authorizes the President, or any delegatee, to seek a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent or halt violations of orders or regulations issued under this Act. Terminates the authority under this Act upon a finding by the President that the domestic supply of petroleum products meets or exceeds the level of domestic supply as of August 27, 2005.

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Temporary Energy Price Freeze Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Temporary Energy Price Freeze Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to: (1) issue orders and regulations to freeze temporarily wholesale and retail prices of gasoline and other petroleum products at or below the levels prevailing on August 27, 2005; and (2) delegate the performance of any function under this Act to federal officers, departments, and agencies as he deems appropriate. Declares that anyone who willfully violates any such order or regulation shall be fined an amount up to three times the amount of the gain from such violation. Authorizes the President, or any delegatee, to seek a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent or halt violations of orders or regulations issued under this Act. Terminates the authority under this Act upon a finding by the President that the domestic supply of petroleum products meets or exceeds the level of domestic supply as of August 27, 2005.

Consumer Reasonable Energy Price Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Consumer Reasonable Energy Price Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a windfall profit tax on crude oil, natural gas, or fuel which is the product of crude oil or natural gas. Defines "windfall profit" as so much of the profit as exceeds a reasonable profit. Establishes a Reasonable Profits Board to determine reasonable profit. Dedicates the proceeds of such tax to the low-income home energy assistance program.

To require the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the consolidation of the refiners, importers, producers, and wholesalers of gasoline with the sellers of such gasoline at retail.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the consolidation of the refiners, importers, producers, and wholesalers of gasoline with retail sellers of such gasoline. Requires the study to analyze the impact of such consolidation upon: (1) the retail price of gasoline; (2) small business ownership; (3) other corollary effects on the market economy of fuel distribution; (4) local communities, and (5) other market impacts of such consolidation.

Jeffrey D. Jarrett, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil Energy), vice Michael Smith, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 6 September 2005

A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to conduct an inquiry into the retail price of gasoline.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) initiate an inquiry and report to Congress on whether the retail price of gasoline both before and after Hurricane Katrina, including the price of gasoline containing ethanol, is being artificially manipulated by reducing refinery capacity, by speculation in oil market, or by any other form of manipulation; and (2) hold a public hearing to present the inquiry results. Instructs the FTC to take appropriate action in cooperation with the attorney general of any affected state if it determines that the increase in gasoline prices, including gasoline containing ethanol, is a result of market manipulation. Sets a deadline for the Secretary of Energy to decide whether to implement expanded use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to assure adequate gasoline supplies, if the FTC determines that the increase in gasoline prices is not the result of market manipulation.

Gas Price Relief and Oil Conservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 September 2005

Gas Price Relief and Oil Conservation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to promulgate regulations to: (1) prevent companies from raising wholesale prices for gasoline more than once every 24 hours; and (2) limit, immediately and until the end of FY2006, the profits of oil companies that sell gasoline on the wholesale market to no more than the average of their profits during the five-year period from FY2001-FY2005. Directs the appropriate federal departments and agencies, as identified by the President, to propose voluntary, regulatory, and other actions sufficient to reduce demand for oil in the United States by at least one million barrels per day from projected demand for oil in 2013, for purposes of reducing waste of oil and decreasing demand for foreign oil. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether price gouging has occurred in the wholesale and retail gasoline markets in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and whether consolidation in the markets has led to higher prices for consumers.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a 3-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to assign a three-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices placed in service before January 1, 2008. Defines "energy management device" as a meter or metering device to measure and record electricity usage data on a time-differentiated basis in at least four separate time segments per day.

A bill to facilitate the transfer of Spearfish Hydroelectric Plant Number 1 to the city of Spearfish, South Dakota, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Exempts the Spearfish Hydroelectric Plant Number 1 located in Lawrence County, South Dakota, from the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, to study the hydrology of Spearfish Creek, South Dakota. Expresses the sense of Congress that the city of Spearfish, South Dakota, in order to provide for the restoration and improvement of Spearfish Creek, should: (1) uphold the Memorandum Agreement of the city of Spearfish and the Spearfish Canyon Landowners Association, dated September 14, 2004; and (2) take action to release additional water flow of approximately five to 10 cubic feet per second between the Maurice Intake Dam and the Spearfish Diversion.

A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require electric utilities to provide net metering service.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to make net metering service available upon consumer request. Permits a state regulatory authority, one year after enactment of this Act, to determine whether it is in the public interest to decline to implement such requirement. Permits a state to establish incentives to encourage on-site generating facilities and net metering in addition to the requirements of this Act. Requires an electric utility to charge the owner or operator of an on-site generating facility rates that are identical to those charged to its other electric consumers in the same rate class. Bars such utility from charging the owner or operator of an on-site generating facility any additional standby, capacity, interconnection, or other charges. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) electric energy sales to the owner or operator of an on-site generating facility; and (2) measurements of electric energy consumed. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate additional control, testing, and interconnection requirements for on-site generating facilities and net metering systems deemed necessary to protect public safety and system reliability.

20/20 Biofuels Challenge Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

20/20 Biofuels Challenge Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations ensuring that motor vehicle fuel sold or dispensed to consumers in the contiguous United States, on an annual average basis, contains specified volumes of renewable fuel for calendar years 2006-2020. Amends federal transportation law to require that personal and commercial land and water transportation and shipping vehicles and vessels, as well as large farm equipment manufactured after model year 2010, and capable of operating on either gasoline or diesel fuel, also be capable of operating on a flexible fuel mixture. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring a vehicle or vessel manufacturer to include certain consumer information concerning a vehicle's capability of operating on a flexible fuel mixture (alternative biofuels). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) support development of cellulosic feedstock by directing that erosion-preventing, renewable fuel-producing crops be grown on certain arable land in a specified conservation reserve program established under the Food Security Act of 1985; and (2) implement an integrated 10-year research program to improve crop productivity and cost for cellulosic-based ethanol and biodiesel feedstock. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement an eight-year research and development plan to improve significantly processes for converting: (1) cellulosic feedstock into ethanol production; and (2) biodiesel feedstock into biodiesel fuel.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that it should be a goal of the United States to reduce the amount of oil projected to be imported in 2025 by 40 percent and that the President should take measures to reduce the dependence of the United States on foreign oil

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it should be a goal of the United States to reduce the amount of foreign oil that will be imported in 2025 by 40 percent from the amount the Energy Information Administration estimates will be imported in that year; (2) the President should take specified measures to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by developing and implementing certain measures to reduce oil in end-uses throughout the U.S. economy; and (3) the President should report to Congress on progress made, according to the most recent edition of the Annual Energy Outlook published by the Energy Information Administration, toward the goal of reducing dependence on foreign oil imports by 2025.

ALTERNATIVE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

ALTERNATIVE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

United States · United States Senate · 28 July 2005

Gasoline Price Stabilization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Gasoline Price Stabilization Act of 2005 - Sets forth circumstances under which the President may issue orders and regulations to stabilize prices for wholesale and retail gasoline to levels at or below levels prevailing on March 1, 2004. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include, among prerequisites to a drawdown and sale from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a presidential determination that a severe price increase resulting from an emergency situation is likely to cause a major adverse impact upon a state or regional economy. Expands the scope of "severe energy supply interruption" to encompass a reduction in supply that is substantially caused by conduct that lessens competition (or tends to create a monopoly) by: (1) at least one foreign country or international entity; or (2) at least one producer, refiner, or marketer of petroleum products. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish mandatory minimum inventory levels of crude oil and petroleum products in order to limit the impact of unexpected supply disruptions on wholesale and retail prices. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal the authorization to export Alaskan North slope oil. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an excise tax on the sale in the United States of any crude oil, gasoline, or other taxable product equal to the applicable percentage of the windfall profit on such sale; and (2) allow a tax credit for the cost of any qualified passenger vehicle purchased by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Amends the Clayton Act to: (1) prohibit certain oil industry mergers; and (2) place a moratorium upon large petroleum and crude oil mergers. Amends federal transportation law to increase the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks. Requires federal agency heads to manage vehicle procurement in a manner that results in specified increases in the average fuel economy of the federal fleet of vehicles.

Environmental Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Environmental Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a transferable business tax credit for waste coal energy production; and (2) the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds for waste coal processing facilities.