Energy

Energy and Technology Advancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Energy and Technology Advancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, in order to further the adoption of technologies developed by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to establish criteria and procedures to facilitate and encourage businesses and other organizations to: (1) rent government equipment and property for the development of new and improved products and processes; (2) authorize USDA and private sector employees to work together in experimental or production facilities owned by the federal government or a private entity; (3) provide business support services to start-up and small businesses; and (4) enter into cooperative agreements with educational and governmental units to support business incubators for businesses that use technologies and products of interest to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a plan for the development and construction of a biorefinery pilot plant that is able to: (1) produce liquid fuels from woody, agricultural, and other biomass in a flexible, multi-bioproduct manner, in a sustainable manner that addresses life-cycle inputs and outputs, and in quantities sufficient to provide proof of process and to allow for business incubator and support services; and (2) employ thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes in the production of liquid fuels. Requires the Secretary to include in the plan a comprehensive estimate of each cost relating to the development and construction of the biorefinery pilot plant.

Electricity Prize Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Electricity Prize Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a competition to award a cash prize to the first participant that develops the ability to store multi-megawatt electricity for 30 consecutive days with less than a 10% decrease in the electricity stored.

To authorize the President or a designee of the President to waive any legal requirement under any provision of Federal law otherwise applicable to a covered energy project as the President or such designee determines necessary to ensure expeditious conduct of such project, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Authorizes the President or a designee to waive any legal requirement under any federal law otherwise applicable to a covered energy project, including any provision of law relating to any administrative protest of any agency action taken with respect to such a project, as the President or such designee determines necessary to ensure expeditious conduct of such project. Defines "covered energy project" as the construction, operation, or maintenance of any building, structure, or other facility for the development, production, processing, or transmission of energy, including: (1) construction, operation, or maintenance of any oil or natural gas pipeline or refinery; and (2) the leasing of federal lands (including submerged lands) for the exploration, development, production, processing, or transmission of oil, natural gas, or any other source or form of energy.

THE FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPING NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES: BASIC ENERGY RESEARCH IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) OFFICE OF SCIENCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 September 2008

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: R&D NEEDS TO MEET AMERICA'S ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 September 2008

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish pilot project offices to improve Federal permit coordination for renewable energy.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Energy to: (1) designate field or district offices of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming to serve as Renewable Energy Pilot Project Offices for coordination of federal permits for renewable energy projects and transmission lines to integrate renewable energy; and (2) enter into an amended memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Chief of Engineers to provide for the inclusion of the additional Renewable Energy Pilot Project Offices in the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to make the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Fund available to the Secretary of the Interior for expenditures for the coordination and processing of oil and gas and renewable energy use authorizations on onshore federal land under the jurisdiction of the Pilot Project Offices.

Energy View Into Securing Independence for Our Nation Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Energy View Into Securing Independence for Our Nation Act – Requires the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to facilitate competitions to develop: (1) a direct drop-in replacement fuel for aviation; and (2) a prototype and manufacturing plan for alternative technology vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to establish and operate an anti-idling power unit research program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify and set forth provisions concerning tax credits for clean renewable energy bonds, bi-fuel vehicle property, electricity produced from certain renewable resources, residential energy efficiency, and automobile efficiency upgrades in connection with a qualified trade-ins. Requires the Secretary to reestablish a federal contribution to the FutureGen project to develop carbon sequestration technology, build a near-zero emissions fossil fuel power plant, and identify useful applications for the emissions. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to the Secretary for Energy Frontier Research Centers for activities to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies. Establishes: (1) the Energy View Into Securing Independence for Our Nation (VISION) Commission; and (2) the Energy VISION Fund to be used for the research and development of strategic unconventional fuels, solar and wind technology, renewable energy, innovative technology incentives, geothermal energy, and energy storage. Declares existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and natural gas to be without force or effect. Revokes: (1) all withdrawals from leasing on federal submerged lands of the OCS; and (2) presidential authorities with respect to such leasing, except in the interest of national security. Amends of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize a state governor to petition the Secretary of the Interior to issue leases for oil and natural gas exploration and extraction activities in any area that is at least 50 miles beyond the state's coastal zone. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit revenues from leasing operations into designated funds and accounts. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal a provision concerning the prohibition on leasing or other development leading to the production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain Coastal Plain lands as Special Areas requiring special management and regulatory protection, including the Sadlerochit Spring area. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified lands to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use amounts in the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to provide assistance to entities that are directly impacted by the exploration for or production of oil and gas on the Coastal Plain. Declaring a Change in our Operating System for the Promotion of Nuclear Energy Act – Amends the Atomic Energy Act to revise provisions concerning hearings and judicial review under such Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to set forth provisions concerning standby loans for qualifying coal-to-liquid projects.

Government Shutdown Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Provides for automatic continuing appropriations if any regular appropriation for a fiscal year (or, if applicable, for each fiscal year in a biennium) does not become law before the beginning of such fiscal year, or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect. Appropriates amounts necessary to continue any project or activity for which funds were provided in the preceding fiscal year: (1) in the corresponding regular appropriation Act for such preceding fiscal year; or (2) if such legislation did not become law, then in the joint resolution making continuing appropriations for such preceding fiscal year. Requires the appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted, for any fiscal year for a project or activity to be available for the period beginning with the first day of a lapse in appropriations and ending with the earlier of: (1) the date on which the applicable regular appropriation bill for such fiscal year becomes law (whether or not such law provides for such project or activity) or a continuing resolution making appropriations becomes law, as the case may be; or (2) the last day of such fiscal year. Declares that this Act imposes no prohibition on the expenditure of funds: (1) to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 or to conduct an oil shale lease sale; (2) by the Department of the Interior for the conduct of offshore preleasing, leasing, and related activities placed under restriction in the President's moratorium statement of June 12, 1998, in specified areas; or (3) by the Department to conduct oil and natural gas preleasing, leasing and related activities in the mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic planning areas.

Iraq Self-Sufficiency and American Energy Independence Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Iraq Self-Sufficiency and American Energy Independence Act of 2008 - Transfers to the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and to the Office of Science for research, development, and demonstration to develop renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in the United States unexpended amounts: (1) in the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund; (2) in the Iraq Security Forces Fund; and (3) authorized for the Economic Support Fund that are available to Iraq.

To amend the commodity provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to permit producers to aggregate base acres and reconstitute farms to avoid the prohibition on receiving direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, or average crop revenue election payments when the sum of the base acres of a farm is 10 acres or less, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to exempt from the prohibition on receiving direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, or average crop revenue election payments when the sum of a farm's base acres is 10 acres or less: (1) a farm owned by a socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmer or rancher; or (2) a producer whose aggregate total base acres of all farms are greater than 10 acres, including farms owned by a producer or operated by a producer with the owner's concurrence, including farms operated under a crop-share lease arrangement. Permits a producer to reconstitute any farms to exceed the 10 base acre minimum through consolidation of the farms' base acreage.

Strengthening Our Economy Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Strengthening Our Economy Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend: (1) the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program through FY2022; and (2) the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program through FY2023. Increases, for FY2009 and thereafter, the percentage allocation of a federal agency's annual extramural research and development budget that may be allocated to SBIR and STTR programs. Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award levels for program participation at phase one and two levels. Includes energy, security, transportation, and water related research topics as "special consideration" SBIR research topics. Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the Airborne Laser program.

ENERGY SUPPLY AND CONSTRAINTS IN WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA

United States · United States Senate · 3 September 2008

THE IMPACT OF HIGH ENERGY COSTS IN RURAL ALASKA NATIVE COMMUNITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALTERNATIVE AND CONVENTIONAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States Senate · 28 August 2008

Nuclear Facility and Material Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Nuclear Facility and Material Security Act of 2008 - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue a final rule requiring: (1) all commercial nuclear power reactors approved for construction after enactment of this Act to be designed to withstand a large commercial aircraft impact; and (2) certain spent fuel security enhancements. Directs the NRC to issue an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation security final rule that: (1) makes such installations subject to specified security evaluation requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (2) incorporates such installations into a certain design basis threat rule. Requires the NRC to consider the likely consequences of a potential terrorist attack in any review it is required to undertake under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 to repeal the statement that certain requirements to make potassium iodide tablets available to state and local governments for stockpiling shall cease to apply if the President determines that there is an alternative and more effective prophylaxis or preventive measures for adverse thyroid conditions that may result from the release of radionuclides from nuclear power plants. Vests the Secretary of Health and Human Services with all federal authority over the distribution of potassium iodide as a medical prophylaxis for radiological exposure in humans. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for studies on appropriate emergency response plans to nonroutine releases of radioactive materials, including from nuclear power plants, spent fuel storage facilities, radiological dispersal devices, and improvised nuclear explosive devices. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for the stockpiling and distribution of potassium iodide tablets in the event of a nuclear incident. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Office of the Inspector General of the NRC a unit with appropriate and adequate technical staff with nuclear power plant experience to audit NRC regulatory oversight regarding civilian nuclear facilities. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the NRC to promulgate final rules governing radiation source protection measures. Directs the NRC to publish final rules: (1) revising regulations on security requirements for transportation of radiation sources; (2) requiring carriers and transporters transporting radiation sources within the United States to be licensed by the NRC; (3) revising National Source Tracking System regulations to require technologies and systems that can provide real-time tracking and enable locating of specified radiation sources; and (4) establishing requirements leading to the replacement of all high-risk radiation sources. Authorizes appropriations for the acceptance, storage, and disposition of high-risk radiation sources by the Department of Energy United States Radiological Threat Reduction Program.

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008 - Subjects Iran to specified economic sanctions, including import and export prohibitions. Subjects a U.S. person to penalties for violations of certain sanctions committed by a subsidiary established by such person outside of the United States that would be subject to prohibitions if committed inside the United States or by a U.S. person. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Urges the President to impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian banks engaged in the support of terrorist groups. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of assets in, persons that have direct or indirect investments in Iran's energy sector of more than $20 million. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by companies with such investments in the energy sector of Iran. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report to the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and appropriate congressional committees on all countries of concern with respect to the transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain export controlled items to Iran. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Possible Diversion Concern if appropriate to carry out activities to strengthen that country's export control systems. Requires the United States to initiate such activities on a government-to-government basis. Defines a Destination of Diversion Concern as any country whose government is directly involved in the transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of U.S.-originating controlled items to unverifiable end users or to Iran, or that has failed to adequately strengthen its export control systems. Requires a license to export to a country designated a Destination of Diversion Concern controlled items that could contribute to Iran's obtaining nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or its support for acts of international terrorism. Requires the Director to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) any country that may be transshipping, reexporting, or diverting controlled items to a country other than Iran if such other country is seeking to obtain nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, defense technologies, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or other defense items, or provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) the feasibility and advisability of including such countries in the system for designating countries as Destinations of Possible Diversion Concern and Destinations of Diversion Concern.

Liquefied Natural Gas Import Terminal Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Liquefied Natural Gas Import Terminal Authorization Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to prohibit siting, constructing, expanding, or operating a liquefied natural gas import terminal within a state unless: (1) an application to do so is submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to the agency with siting authority in the state in which the liquefied natural gas import terminal is located; and (2) FERC and the state agency issue an order approving the application. Sets forth terms and conditions for application approval. Amends federal transportation law to permit a state to adopt additional or more stringent safety standards for liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities if those standards are compatible with the minimum standards prescribed under federal pipeline safety law. Prohibits a state authority from adopting or continuing in force safety standards for interstate pipeline facilities or transportation, except in the case of liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities.

A bill to reauthorize the National Oilheat Reliance Alliance Act of 2000, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to adjust its focus upon oilheat to a focus upon oilheat fuel. Defines "oilheat fuel" as distillate liquid used as a fuel for nonindustrial commercial or residential space or hot water heating. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises the membership of the National Oilheat Research Alliance. Provides that, other than the public members of the Alliance, members shall be full-time managerial owners or employees of members of the oilheat fuel industry. Revises assessment requirements. States that the assessment rate for calendar years 2008 and 2009 shall be equal to two-tenths of 1% per gallon of distillate liquid (currently, No. 1 distillate and No. 2 dyed distillate). Declares that, beginning with calendar year 2010, the annual assessment rate shall be sufficient to cover the costs of the plans and programs developed by the Alliance. Sets forth: (1) a maximum assessment rate; and (2) limitations on any assessment increase. Prohibits any consumer education activity undertaken with funds derived from Alliance assessments from including a direct reference to a competing product. Repeals the termination date for the Act (thus making it permanent).

Nuclear Facility and Material Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Nuclear Facility and Material Security Act of 2008 - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue a final rule requiring: (1) all commercial nuclear power reactors approved for construction after enactment of this Act to be designed to withstand a large commercial aircraft impact; and (2) certain spent fuel security enhancements. Directs the NRC to issue an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation security final rule that: (1) makes such installations subject to specified security evaluation requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (2) incorporates such installations into a certain design basis threat rule. Requires the NRC to consider the likely consequences of a potential terrorist attack in any review it is required to undertake under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 to repeal the statement that certain requirements to make potassium iodide tablets available to state and local governments for stockpiling shall cease to apply if the President determines that there is an alternative and more effective prophylaxis or preventive measures for adverse thyroid conditions that may result from the release of radionuclides from nuclear power plants. Vests the Secretary of Health and Human Services with all federal authority over the distribution of potassium iodide as a medical prophylaxis for radiological exposure in humans. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for studies on appropriate emergency response plans to nonroutine releases of radioactive materials, including from nuclear power plants, spent fuel storage facilities, radiological dispersal devices, and improvised nuclear explosive devices. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for the stockpiling and distribution of potassium iodide tablets in the event of a nuclear incident. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Office of the Inspector General of the NRC a unit with appropriate and adequate technical staff with nuclear power plant experience to audit NRC regulatory oversight regarding civilian nuclear facilities. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the NRC to promulgate final rules governing radiation source protection measures. Directs the NRC to publish final rules: (1) revising regulations on security requirements for transportation of radiation sources; (2) requiring carriers and transporters transporting radiation sources within the United States to be licensed by the NRC; (3) revising National Source Tracking System regulations to require technologies and systems that can provide real-time tracking and enable locating of specified radiation sources; and (4) establishing requirements leading to the replacement of all high-risk radiation sources. Authorizes appropriations for the acceptance, storage, and disposition of high-risk radiation sources by the Department of Energy United States Radiological Threat Reduction Program.

Spurring Our Limitless and Abundant Renewable Energy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Spurring Our Limitless and Abundant Renewable Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increased residential energy efficient tax credit for solar electric property placed in service in a principal residence in 2009.

SEA Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Security and Energy for America Act of 2008 or the SEA Act of 2008 - Secure Rural Schools and Counties Act of 2008 - Amends federal law governing payment for certain federal lands (entitlement land) to prescribe: (1) a transitional funding schedule for payments in lieu of taxes; and (2) transitional payments to states and counties previously entitled to payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act of 2000. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) amounts made available by a state to certain counties to support public schools should be in addition to, and not in lieu of, general state funds to support such schools; and (2) a state should not adjust education funding allocations to reflect specified receipts. State Enhanced Authority for Coastal and Ocean Resources Act of 2008 or SEACOR - Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) to: (1) revise the seaward boundaries of states; and (2) except from confirmation and establishment of states' title, power, and rights any oil and gas mineral rights located within the revised seaward boundaries. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Sets forth procedures for the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to grant and administer oil and natural gas leases on the OCS. Revises provisions concerning oil and gas leases. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund Act of 2008 - Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund to monitor and manage wildlife and fish and other natural resources related to energy and minerals development on federal lands. Declares without force or effect existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds to: (1) conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities, or to issue a lease for any OCS; or (2) issue final commercial leasing regulations or any other function related to oil shale and tar sands. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting construction or operation of any facility, or from designating or maintaining a restricted transportation corridor or operating area, on either federal OCS or state waters that will be incompatible with oil, gas, or natural gas leasing, and with exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulations governing onshore surface-disturbing activities. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends OCSLA to prescribe procedures to use decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms and other facilities for artificial reef and scientific research. Establishes the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act Fund to enable maintenance and restoration of existing and historic petroleum and mining engineering programs. Redesignates the Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act as the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act. Instructs the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters for the Atlantic OCS Region and the Pacific OCS Region. Freedom Fuels Act - Establishes the Freedom Fuels Fund, to be used for specified programs including: (1) geologic and geophysical programs; (2) geothermal and geopressure energy renewable resource management; (3) unconventional energy resources management; and (4) renewable energy management. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for production of: (1) liquid fuels from strategic unconventional resources; and (2) oil and gas resources using advanced CO2 enhanced recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program, among other purposes, for: (1) geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy production; (2) FEED grants for projects for coal-to-liquids, petroleum coke-to-liquids, oil shale, tar sands, and Alaska natural gas-to-liquids and the production of low-rank coal water fuel; and (3) production of renewable energy from designated resources. Amends the OCSLA to: (1) repeal the Coastal Impact Assistance program; and (2) revise royalty-in-kind requirements. Amends the the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) prescribe default requirements if the Secretary of Energy does not issue regulations governing payments for research, development, and demonstration leases, and for commercial leases for oil shale and tar sands; (2) require the Secretary to grant royalty relief for natural gas production from gas hydrates; (3) direct the Secretary to reduce royalties for certain federal oil and gas leases; and (4) instruct the Secretary of the Interior to use specified estimates and considerations when compiling oil and gas resource assessments. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish specified fees for conservation resources; (2) require that OCS oil and gas exploration utilize technology to minimize air emissions and discharges into the water; (3) establish Federal OCS Joint Regional Permitting Offices; and (4) develop, upon lessee request, oil spill response plans for each OCS Planning area. Exempts certain oil and gas leasing and exploration from federal agency coordination requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delegate to the Minerals Management Service permitting and enforcement authority for specified federal OCS activities.

Fulfilling U.S. Energy Leadership Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Fulfilling U.S. Energy Leadership Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an inventory of oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), other than the Gulf of Mexico. Directs the Secretary to offer for oil and natural gas leasing all areas for which an inventory is conducted. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting an inventory for any areas of the OCS located within 50 miles of a state coastline or between 50 and 100 miles from a coastline if a state objects to an inventory in that area. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into: (1) standby loan agreements with up to six qualifying CTL projects, at least one of which shall be owned by two or more small coal producers; and (2) a profit-sharing agreement with the project at the time the standby loan agreement is executed. Defines "qualifying CTL project" as: (1) a commercial-scale project that converts coal to liquid or gaseous transportation fuels; or (2) not more than one project at a facility that converts petroleum refinery waste products into liquids or gaseous transportation fuels. Establishes in the Treasury the Next Generation Energy and Efficiency Fund for research and development of technologies to decrease America's reliance on traditional fossil fuels and increase energy efficiencies. Allocates royalties from OCS oil and gas leases to the Fund. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to: (1) expand the authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over matters involving trading manipulations, trading limitations, and recordkeeping; (2) allow the CFTC to regulate certain transactions by foreign boards of trade; (3) provide for additional CFTC employees for enforcement; (4) require detailed reporting by index traders and swap dealers; and (5) disaggregate and make public monthly the number of positions and total value of index fund in energy markets and data on speculative positions relative to bona fide physical hedgers in those markets. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to carry out a Nuclear Power 2010 Program to position the United States to commence construction of new nuclear power plants by not later than 2010 or the first later calendar year practicable. Establishes an interagency working group to promote domestic nuclear capacity and the export of nuclear energy products and services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2014 the energy tax credit for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Provides funding for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance electricity production from certain renewable resources and for qualified energy conservation bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to identify and report on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects. Allows accelerated depreciation for certain property used to produce cellulosic biofuel. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Exempts from the heavy truck excise tax idling reduction devices and certain insulation. Revises the program of tax incentives for investment in the New York Liberty Zone. Excludes from gross income reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2008 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Allows a tax credit for the installation of a biomass fuel burning stove in a residence. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for expenditures for energy efficient commercial buildings. Revises and extends the tax credit for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation for smart electric meters and grid systems. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects. Delays until 2019 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit.

Energy View Into Securing Independence for Our Nation Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Energy View Into Securing Independence for Our Nation Act – Requires the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to facilitate competitions to develop: (1) a direct drop-in replacement fuel for aviation; and (2) a prototype and manufacturing plan for alternative technology vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to establish and operate an anti-idling power unit research program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify and set forth provisions concerning tax credits for clean renewable energy bonds, bi-fuel vehicle property, electricity produced from certain renewable resources, and residential energy efficiency. Requires the Secretary to reestablish a federal contribution to the FutureGen project to develop carbon sequestration technology, build a near-zero emissions fossil fuel power plant, and identify useful applications for the emissions. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to the Secretary for Energy Frontier Research Centers for activities to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies. Establishes: (1) the Energy View Into Securing Independence for Our Nation (VISION) Commission; and (2) the Energy VISION Fund to be used for the research and development of strategic unconventional fuels, solar and wind technology, renewable energy, innovative technology incentives, geothermal energy, and energy storage. Declares existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and natural gas to be without force or effect. Revokes: (1) all withdrawals from leasing on federal submerged lands of the OCS; and (2) presidential authorities with respect to such leasing, except in the interest of national security. Amends of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize a state governor to petition the Secretary of the Interior to issue leases for oil and natural gas exploration and extraction activities in any area that is at least 50 miles beyond the state's coastal zone. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit revenues from leasing operations into designated funds and accounts. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal a provision concerning the prohibition on leasing or other development leading to the production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain Coastal Plain lands as Special Areas requiring special management and regulatory protection, including the Sadlerochit Spring area. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified lands to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use amounts in the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to provide assistance to entities that are directly impacted by the exploration for or production of oil and gas on the Coastal Plain. Declaring a Change in our Operating System for the Promotion of Nuclear Energy Act – Amends the Atomic Energy Act to revise provisions concerning hearings and judicial review under such Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to set forth provisions concerning standby loans for qualifying coal-to-liquid projects.

PRO Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Promoting Real Opportunities for Energy Security Act or the PRO Energy Security Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to acquire advanced biofuels for the purpose of filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if the average weighted price of oil exceeds $75 per barrel for three consecutive days. Defines "advanced biofuel" to mean renewable fuel, other than ethanol derived from corn starch, that has lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are at least 50% less than baseline lifecycle GHG emissions. Authorizes the following types of fuels to be eligible for consideration as "advanced biofuel": (1) ethanol derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin; (2) ethanol derived from sugar or starch (other than corn starch); (3) ethanol derived from waste material; (4) biomass-based diesel; (5) biogas (including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas) produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; (6) butanol or other alcohols produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; and (7) other fuel derived from cellulosic biomass. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to specified congressional committees a report containing: (1) a description of how the Secretary will acquire advanced biofuels for such purpose; and (2) recommendations for criteria and procedures for making advanced biofuels available from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to appropriate federal and nonfederal entities.

Energy for Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Energy for Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) state educational agencies (SEAs) in order to award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to assist public schools with the increased costs of fuel for school buses and energy for public school buildings; and (2) LEAs that do not receive a subgrant from an SEA.

Families and Small Business Energy Tax Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Families and Small Business Energy Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer an income-based refundable tax credit for the lesser of 50% of such taxpayer's residential energy costs for a taxable year or $750 ($1,500 for married taxpayers filing jointly). Defines "residential energy costs" as amounts paid in 2008 or 2009: (1) to any utility for natural gas used in the taxpayer's principal residence during the heating season (September through March); and (2) for heating oil or propane. Allows a certain small farming or commercial fishing businesses (gross receipts of not more than $20 million) a tax credit for up to 15% of amounts paid in 2008 or 2009 for gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, propane, and natural gas. Increases and makes permanent the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures. Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize additional appropriations for outreach activities to inform eligible households of available energy-related assistance and for residential weatherization and repair activities for low-income households.

Home Heating Oil Assistance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Home Heating Oil Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer an income-based refundable tax credit for the lesser of 33% of such taxpayer's residential energy costs for a taxable year, or $500. Defines "residential energy costs" as amounts paid: (1) to any utility for electricity or natural gas used in the taxpayer's principal residence during the heating season (October through March); and (2) for any qualified fuel (e.g., propane, heating oil, kerosene, wood, and wood pellets) used as the primary fuel for heating the taxpayer's principal residence.

Enable Divestment from Sudan and Iran Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Enable Divestment from Sudan and Iran Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the divestment of investments in Iran or the Sudan by pemitting the deferral of tax on any gain from the sale of securities in any business that is engaged in certain discouraged activities in Iran or the Sudan if the holder of such securities purchases replacement securities from a business not engaged in such discouraged activities. Includes as discouraged activities in Iran: (1) the sale of munitions to the Iranian government; (2) loans aggregating more than $20 million to the Iranian government; (3) investments of over $20 million in the Iranian energy sector; or (4) conducting business with or making charitable donations to any Iranian person designated as a terrorist. Defines "Sudan discouraged activity" as an investment in any business operation described in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (e.g., businesses engaged in power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish and update every six months a list of business entities engaging in any Sudan or Iran discouraged activities.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for the purchase of new neighborhood electric vehicles.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the purchase of a new neighborhood electric vehicle. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $1,000 or the amount paid for such vehicle. Defines "new neighborhood electric vehicle" as a U.S. manufactured vehicle which: (1) draws propulsion energy solely from onboard sources of a rechargeable energy storage system; (2) is classified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a low-speed vehicle; (3) has four wheels; (4) has a top attainable speed in one mile of more than 20 mph and not more than 35 mph on a paved level surface; and (5) has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 2,500 pounds. Terminates such credit after 2013.

MEGA

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Metro Economies Green Act or MEGA - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a metro area green zone grant program to make grants to local government units to support and establish green job programs that: (1) target low-income, difficult-to-employ, and formerly incarcerated persons; and (2) involve local business, academia, trade associations, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in energy-efficient economic development and green job training and creation. Authorizes the Secretary also to establish competitive programs to make grants to local government units to support and establish: (1) a similar mini-metro green program that engages smaller communities in green economic and workforce development; and (2) an alternative green academies program that provides green job training, employment opportunities, and other life skills to high school dropouts, formerly incarcerated youth, and individuals unable to attend traditional institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to select one unit of general local government or nonprofit organization designated by such a unit to establish and operate a Metro Area Green Institute to serve as a national resource center to support municipally based, green economic and workforce development efforts.

To authorize the State of Virginia to petition for authorization to conduct natural gas or crude oil (or both) exploration and extraction activities in any area that is at least 50 miles beyond the coastal zone of the State, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the governor of Virginia to petition the Secretary of the Interior for authorization to conduct natural gas or crude oil (or both) exploration and extraction activities in any area that is at least 50 miles beyond the state's coastal zone. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into a Clean Energy Fund of 50% of all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, and other sums due and payable to the United States from leases entered into under this Act for natural gas or crude oil (or both) exploration and extraction activities. Requires deposit of the other 50% into a special account in the Treasury from which the Secretary shall disburse: (1) 75% to the state; (2) 12.5% to provide financial assistance to states in accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965; and (3) 12.5% to a reserve fund to be used to mitigate for any environmental damage that occur as a result of extraction activities authorized under this Act. Specifies alternative mandatory uses of such funds by Virginia. Declares that the lines extending seaward and defining the state's Adjacent Zone are as indicated on the map entitled "Atlantic OCS Region State Adjacent Zones and OCS Planning Areas," dated September 2005 and on file in the Office of the Director, Minerals Management Service.

Healthy Forests, Healthy Planet Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Healthy Forests, Healthy Planet Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the National Forest System, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to other federal land, or both Secretaries acting jointly when a Carbon Cooperative Zone will include multiple types of federal land, to: (1) establish Carbon Cooperative Zones consisting of forested federal land and forested land in the same contiguous geographical area in private ownership or owned by a state or local government or Indian tribe; and (2) establish, for each Zone, a Carbon Cooperative and Partnership Council that is comprised of a Carbon Cooperative and a Carbon and Biomass Partnership. Declares the purpose of such Zones to be: (1) identification of viable biofuels and carbon storage market areas from forested land within a contiguous geographic area; (2) management of effects on forest ecosystems from potential activities that drive carbon storage and biofuels markets; (3) management of effects of potential leakage, permanence, and other market distortions in a carbon trading system; and (4) management of the forest carbon registry. Sets forth the duties of the Council, Cooperative, and Partnership, including requiring the Council to: (1) coordinate the land ownership plans of partnering entities in the corresponding Cooperative in order to sustain forest ecosystems in the Zone while developing the biomass and carbon storage markets of the Zone; (2) administer the Forest Carbon Registry for the Zone; and (3) establish the forest carbon baseline for the Zone and determine all credits due to partnering entities in the Cooperative. Establishes an Environmental Services Standards Board to develop consistent performance standards for quantifying carbon storage credits to facilitate the development of credit markets for conservation and land management activities that are forest based. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to serve as the Board's chairperson; and (2) such Board to promulgate rules for tradable forest carbon credits and a forest carbon replacement reserve. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning credits for energy produced within such Zones and credits for forest biomass producers. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to make grants for small energy generation facilities where the output is expected to be used within a single Zone. Requires biomass production from federal lands to be generated through forest activities that enhance ecosystem services.

ENERGY IN THE AMERICAS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 31 July 2008

HEARING ON RENEWING AMERICA'S FUTURE: ENERGY VISIONS OF TOMORROW, TODAY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 31 July 2008

Accuracy in Fuel Economy Standards Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Accuracy in Fuel Economy Standards Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to calculate maximum feasible fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and non-passenger automobiles based on the most recent high gasoline price projection issued by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Defines the "applicable high gasoline price projection" as the greatest of a range of estimated gasoline prices that the EIA issues as part of its annual energy outlook, short-term energy outlook, or similar analyses for: (1) the year (or years) corresponding to the model year (or model years) for which the Secretary is prescribing an average fuel economy standard; and (2) the range of years considered by the Secretary in determining the costs and benefits associated with such standard.

Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for public transportation formula grants. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants for: (1) operating costs of equipment and facilities being used to provide the public transportation the grant recipient is no longer able to pay as a result of reducing fares; (2) operating and capital costs of equipment and facilities being used to provide transportation services that the recipient incurs as a result of expanding such services; (3) the avoidance of increased fares or decreased services; (4) the costs of acquiring clean or alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment or facilities; and (5) administrative costs in establishing or expanding services to provide commuters with information about alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use. Requires a grant that involves acquiring clean or alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment or facilities for complying with the Clean Air Act to be for 100% of the net project cost unless the grant recipient requests a lower percentage. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to require federal employees in urbanized areas served by fixed route public transportation to be offered transit pass transportation fringe benefits. Requires: (1) the Secretary to issue guidance on nationwide implementation of a transportation fringe benefit program; and (2) agencies to report on program implementation. Requires the Secretary to establish a pilot program to carry out vanpool demonstration projects in not more than three urbanized areas and two other areas. Requires a grant for a capital project during FY2008-FY2009 that involves additional parking facilities at an end-of-line fixed guideway station or at a park-and-ride lot that serves a fixed route commuter bus route that is more than 20 miles in length to be for 100% of the net capital cost of the project unless the grant recipient requests a lower percentage. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a national consumer awareness program on the environmental, energy, and economic benefits of public transportation alternatives to the use of single occupancy vehicles. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to allow a federal agency to enter into a contract to purchase a generally available fuel that is not an alternative or synthetic fuel or a fuel predominantly produced from a nonconventional petroleum source if: (1) the contract does not specifically require the contractor to provide such an alternative, synthetic, or nonconventional fuel; (2) the purpose of the contract is not to obtain such a fuel; and (3) the contract does not provide incentives for a refinery upgrade or expansion to allow a refinery to use or increase its use of fuel from a nonconventional petroleum source.

FREE Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Furthering Renewable Energy and Exploration Act or the FREE Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to commence promptly an oil and gas leasing program for public lands within the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Independence Trust Fund, into which shall be deposited: (1) rental payments and royalties received by the United States each fiscal year under leases issued under such program; and (2) federal income tax received by the United States each fiscal year attributable to sales of oil and gas produced under such leases. Requires payment of the amounts deposited into the Fund each fiscal year of: (1) 50% to the state of Alaska; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of Agriculture, half to provide business and industry loan guarantees under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, and half for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, in the succeeding fiscal year.

CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Compensation and Respect for Energy Workers Act of 2008 or the CARE Act - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to expand the diseases for which individuals who were exposed to radiation from nuclear testing may claim compensation to include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, posterior subcapsular cataracts, nonmalignant thyroid nodular disease, parathyroid adenoma, malignant tumors of the brain and central nervous system, and brochio-alveolar carcinoma, and benign neoplasms of the brain and central nervous system. Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to: (1) provide to potential claimants of compensation a list of physicians qualified to perform medical and impairment screenings and a written notice of benefits for which they may be eligible under such Act; (2) require exposure assessments of contaminated sites to identify by trade name (if any) any chemical commonly used in such sites; (3) require the Secretary of Labor to provide the public with site profiles and other information used to evaluate claims for compensation; (4) require payment of compensation to a claimant's estate if such claimant dies after filing a claim but before any compensation is paid and leaves no survivors; (5) expand the duties of the Office of the Ombudsman in the Department of Labor to include providing benefit information to claimants and contracting for expert services; (6) extend to one year the limitation period for filing a petition for review in federal district court of any denial of a compensation claim; and (7) include within the definition of "member of the Special Exposure Cohort" certain Department of Energy (DOE) employees or contractors at the Rocky Flats site in Colorado. Allows claimants under the Act 120 days to respond to a request for information from the Secretary. Requires the promulgation of regulations for: (1) the direct payment to providers of personal care services and transportation expenses for claimants who receive medical benefits under the Act; (2) providing clear, concise, and easily understandable explanations of the claims process, including denials of claims; and (3) the retention of records in the Departments of Energy and Labor that might be used by claimants in the claims process.

Carbon Reduction Technology Bridge Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Carbon Reduction Technology Bridge Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) seven-year amortization of mechanical or electronic systems that are installed on a coal-fired electric generation unit after 2007 and that reduce carbon dioxide emissions; (2) a tax credit for the production of electricity using closed-loop biomass co-fired with coal; (3) a tax credit for investment in qualified clean coal electric generation units; (4) a tax credit for investment in carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage property which is part of a qualified coal-fired electric generation unit; and (5) a tax credit for investment in clean energy coal bonds.

GUST Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Generating Energy Using Small Turbines Act of 2008 or the GUST Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a residential energy efficiency tax credit for 30% of qualified small wind energy property expenditures. Defines "qualified small wind energy property expenditure" as an expenditure for property which uses a wind turbine to generate electricity for use in a principal residence located in the United States.

National Bioenergy Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

National Bioenergy Partnership Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Bioenergy Partnership to provide coordination among programs of state governments, the federal government, and the private sector that support the institutional and physical infrastructure necessary to promote the deployment of sustainable biomass fuels and bioenergy technologies for the United States. Creates five regions in the Partnership. Requires the Partnership to be administered by the CONEG Policy Research Center, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, the Southern States Energy Board, the Western Governors Association, and the Pacific Regional Biomass Energy Partnership led by the Washington State University Energy Program.

Promoting New American Energy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Promoting New American Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify as three-year property for depreciation purposes: (1) any industrial steam and electric generation and/or distribution system, electric utility nuclear or steam production plant, electric utility transmission and distribution plant, or electric utility combustion turbine production plant fueled by natural gas that is described in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Revenue Procedure 87-56; (2) certain pollution control equipment; and (3) certain solar energy property.

Emergency Energy Cut the Red Tape Now Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Emergency Energy Cut the Red Tape Now Act of 2008 - Declares without force or effect all: (1) federal prohibitions against the leasing of federal Outer Continental Shelf, Bureau of Land Management, or National Forest lands or federal submerged lands for exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or oil shale; (2) federal withdrawals of such lands from such leasing; or (3) federal prohibitions against the expenditure of federal funds for such leasing. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to waive the application of any federal law that requires a permit to engage in drilling for oil or gas under a lease of federal lands or federal submerged lands during any period in which the most recent spot market price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil at the domestic spot market at Cushing, Oklahoma, is less than $100 per barrel. Requires such a waiver during any period in which the most recent spot price is greater than $100 per barrel. Requires the Department of Energy to act as the lead agency to coordinate all applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. Requires each federal and state agency or official required to provide a federal refinery authorization to cooperate with the Secretary of Energy and comply with deadlines the Secretary establishes. Requires the Secretary to establish a schedule for all federal refinery authorizations with respect to a designated refinery. Requires the Secretary to approve an application for a federal refinery authorization within 30 days after any failure of a federal or state administrative agency or official to complete an approval proceeding in accordance with the schedule established by the Secretary.

National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act - Terminates all federal prohibitions on expenditures of funds to conduct natural gas, oil, oil shale, and energy production leasing and preleasing activities for federal lands. Revokes withdrawals of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from leasing for natural gas and oil exploration, development, and production. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition on using funds to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any lease authorizing exploration for, or development of, natural gas or oil in any OCS area that is located: (1) within 25 miles of the coastline of a state; or (2) more than 25 miles and less than 50 miles from the coastline of a state that has enacted, within one year, a law disapproving of such a lease. Provides for the allocation of sums collected under qualified leases on submerged land made available for leasing under this Act. Establishes the Conservation Reserve, the Environment Restoration Reserve, the Renewable Energy Reserve, and the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Reserve. Establishes the state seaward boundaries under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Amends the Clean Air Act to allow the use of woody biomass from federal forest lands for the production of renewable energy. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting federal procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel supplied must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning tax credit extensions and deductions for renewable energy, alternative fuel, and energy conservation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish a plan for exchanging light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for heavy grade petroleum. Establishes and provides for the allocation of the Energy Independence and Security Fund, including providing funding for: (1) researching and developing wind, solar, ocean and wave, and geothermal energy; (2) conducting energy efficiency projects; and (3) fostering the development of domestic energy production.

Drill Offshore to Pay Less Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Drill Offshore to Pay Less Act - Declares without force or effect for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) more than 50 miles off the Virginia coast all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities. Revokes all withdrawls from leasing of federal OCS submerged lands more than 50 miles off the Virginia coast. Prohibits the availability of any area of the OCS off the Virginia coast for leasing for exploration for, or the development or production of, oil or natural gas unless the Governor of Virginia, with the concurrence of the Virginia legislature, has requested the Secretary of the Interior to make such area available. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take necessary action to ensure that oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities under federal leases of areas off the Virginia coast will result in no significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife, their habitat, subsistence resources, and the environment. Provides for allocation of oil and gas lease revenues under this Act. Prohibits any person from engaging in any exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas off the Virginia coast that would conflict with any military operation, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

BARREL Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Bolster America's Resources through Responsible Exploratory Leasing Act or the BARREL Act - Declares as having no force or effect federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct oil and gas leasing and preleasing activities for areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the United States adjacent to Cuba. Revokes all withdrawals of federal submerged lands of the OCS adjacent to Cuba from leasing for exploration for, and development and production of, oil and natural gas. Terminates certain restrictions under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 on the use of funds for certain offshore leasing and related activities with respect to any location on the OCS adjacent to Cuba. Directs the Secretary of the Interior promptly to conduct lease sales for such locations on the OCS in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other federal law.

Renew Through Green Jobs Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Renew Through Green Jobs Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that certain renewable energy production facilities be placed in service before 2009 to qualify for the renewable electricity production credit. Directs the Secretary of Labor to award grants to institutions of higher education for sustainability workforce training and education in industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) green construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) green chemistry, nanotechnology, or technology; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agricultural and culinary practices.

United States Climate Action Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

United States Climate Action Now Act - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise provisions that require states to update their building energy efficiency codes. Modifies the duties of the Secretary of Energy under such Act relating to: (1) updating the national model building energy codes and standards for residential and commercial buildings; (2) reporting requirements; (3) providing technical assistance to model code-setting and standard development organizations; and (4) providing incentive funding to states for implementing updates of building energy efficiency codes. Requires states to certify to the Secretary that they have reviewed and updated the provisions of their residential and commercial building energy efficiency codes and to certify compliance with such codes. Imposes additional requirements on states that fail to meet compliance deadlines. Amends the Federal Power Act to require the President to: (1) report to Congress on barriers to constructing new transmission lines for increasing renewable electric power generation capacity; (2) designate areas as a National Renewable Energy Zone; and (3) identify, and provide public notice of, new transmission facilities that could substantially increase the generation of electricity from renewable entities. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish interconnection standards for state electric utilities not subject to the Federal Power Act. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Bioenergy Partnership to coordinate efforts between governmental entities and the private sector to promote the deployment of sustainable biomass fuels and bioenergy technologies. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a study of black carbon emissions.

To encourage greater energy efficiency in building codes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise provisions that require states to update their building energy efficient codes. Modifies the duties of the Secretary of Energy under such Act relating to: (1) updating the national model building energy codes and standards for residential and commercial buildings; (2) reporting requirements; (3) providing technical assistance to model code-setting and standard development organizations; and (4) incentive funding to states for implementing updates of building energy efficiency codes. Requires states to certify to the Secretary that they have reviewed and updated the provisions of their residential and commercial building energy efficiency codes and to certify compliance with such codes. Imposes additional requirements on states that fail to meet compliance deadlines.

Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) calculate the annual fuel expense cost for all United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles according to gasoline prices reported by the Energy Information Administration Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update; and (2) report such information to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Renewable Fuel Pipelines Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Renewable Fuel Pipelines Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow federally-guaranteed loans for renewable fuel pipeline construction without regard to whether an appropriation for the cost has been made. Includes ethanol and biodiesel as renewable fuel. Allows a maximum guarantee by the Secretary of Energy of 90% of the project cost and more than one guarantee for a project (as long as the total guaranteed amount does not exceed 90%). Sets forth factors to be considered in guarantee determinations, including volume and quality of fuel, size of markets served, experience of the entity working with renewable fuel, and associated storage, production, and terminal facilities. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning appropriations for such guarantees. Directs the Secretary to publish a final rule for carrying out the loan guarantee program (or modify existing applicable rules and regulations in accordance with this Act).