Energy

Energy Impact Assistance Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Energy Impact Assistance Act of 1981 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to authorize the designation of an energy impacted area in a State or an area under the control of an Indian tribe if: (1) there is or will be a major energy development (a facility used for obtaining depletable energy resources, the construction or operation of an electric generation facility designed to consume coal or meet the energy needs of a synthetic fuels project, any major federally funded energy project and uranium processing, nuclear spent fuel storage and waste facilities, or the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System) in such area; (2) as a result of such energy development, employment in, or population directly related to, energy development activities has increased by eight percent or more or will increase by 24 percent or more within a specified time period; (3) such population or employment increases require substantial increases in public facilities and services in such area; and (4) the State and local governments or the governing body of an Indian tribe lack the financial and other resources to meet the needs for such facilities and services. Requires approval of such a designation by the Secretary of Energy. Terminates approval of energy impacted area designations five years after approval. Requires that a local planning unit selected by the Governor or governing body of an Indian tribe prepare for each energy impacted area a mitigation plan which shall: (1) identify (A) the projected impact of each major energy development on the economy of such area, the surrounding communities, and the State, (B) the specific needs for public facilities and services in such area and specific proposals to mitigate such needs, and (C) the availability and location of funds and resources, the authority, and the steps the State, local government, or governing body of an Indian tribe will take to implement such proposals; (2) insure the return of the proceeds from any loan repayments by a State or Indian tribe to the Treasury; (3) provide for review and revision of the mitigation plans; and (4) be consistent with any planning assisted or required by any Federal law. Requires approval of such plan by the Secretary of Agriculture prior to the provisions of assistance under such Act. Prohibits the provision of funds to implement approved mitigation plans unless a comprehensive investment strategy describing the intended use within a State or by an Indian tribe of all financial assistance requested is submitted to, and approved by, the Secretary of Agriculture. Permits modification and resubmission of a comprehensive investment strategy which the Secretary of Agriculture has disapproved. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make implementation grants to an applicant if no practical alternative for providing financial assistance is available or if the applicant has or will have extraordinary short-term increases in demand for public facilities or services during the construction of a major energy development and there is no reasonable assurance of repayment of financial assistance within 30 years. Restricts a grant in the latter case to 45 percent of the costs of providing public facilities and services to meet the peak demand. Allows grants made in other cases to be used for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of public facilities and services. Limits to two percent of any such grant the amount which may be used for administrative expenses. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make direct and insured implementation loans to energy impacted areas for public facilities and services if there is a reasonable expectation of repayment. Permits such loans to be expended directly by the recipient or redistributed by the recipient to nonprofit public entities. Requires that interest rates on such loans be determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to modify the loan terms and conditions, make a supplemental loan, or forgive all or any portion of a loan (under specified circumstances) if a loan recipient is unable to meet its obligations despite good faith efforts. Makes a loan recipient for which any loan obligation is forgiven ineligible for further loans for two years from the date of such forgiveness. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans to applicants to carry out approved mitigation plans. Provides that the interest rate on such loans shall be agreed upon by the lender and borrower but may not exceed a rate determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes such Secretary to purchase the guaranteed portion of any loan guaranteed under this Act if such portion does not exceed an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance and accrued interest on the guaranteed portion. Authorizes the designation of an area as an emergency energy impacted area if such area is an approved energy impacted area, there is a serious threat to the public health and safety within such area because of the major energy development, and a preliminary mitigation plan has been submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes grants, loans, payments to reduce interest on loans, and loan guarantees to any eligible applicant on an expedited basis for public utilities or services in a designated emergency energy impacted area if such needs cannot be met with other assistance programs. Requires a grant recipient to provide 25 percent of the total costs of implementing the proposal for which assistance is made. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury an Energy Impact Insurance Fund to be used by the Secretary of Agriculture to discharge obligations under contracts guaranteeing or insuring energy impact loans. Limits such obligations to $400,000,000 per fiscal year. Requires that, to the extent feasible, assistance be provided to States for redistribution to other applicants so as to facilitate statewide planning and coordination of energy impact assistance. Authorizes the payment of funds to regional commissions for multi-state assistance for areas impacted by increased coal or uranium production. Directs the President to establish an interagency council to coordinate all Federal programs providing energy impact assistance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate an organizational unit to administer the energy impact assistance program, provide information about Federal assistance programs and energy impact mitigation, and make recommendations for improving coordination of such Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to carry out the energy impact assistance program. Provides for termination of energy impact assistance if the State or governing body of an Indian tribe receiving such assistance fails to comply with the terms of such assistance. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress an annual report on the energy impact assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Limits the amounts from such appropriations which may be used for grants and expedited assistance and the total principal amount of loans which may be guaranteed. Specifies appropriations for the Energy Impact Insurance Fund. Prohibits the delay of any major energy development. Requires the General Accounting Office to report to Congress on the status and effectiveness of the energy impact assistance program. Prohibits the transfer of the authority of the Secretary of Energy or the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act to any other Secretary or Federal agency.

A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prohibit retail electric and gas utility rate increases in excess of the cost of living.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prohibit annual retail electric and gas utility rate increases in excess of the cost of living for the preceding calendar year. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to any rate increase which is charged to an electric consumer under an automatic fuel adjustment clause of a rate schedule which permits rate increases or decreases without prior hearing by a State regulatory authority. Treats the amount of any rate increase which is disallowed for any calendar year as an automatic rate increase for the next calendar year.

Oil Fair Pricing Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Oil Fair Pricing Act - Title I: Crude Oil and Imported Petroleum Products - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish a ceiling price for crude oil produced in each region (Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts) equal to the average wellhead prices on April 10, 1981, in each region, until the President determines that the Federal Oil Trading Corporation (established by this Act) is fully operational. Requires the Economic Regulatory Administration to: (1) determine the average unit production costs of crude oil in each region and its profitability; (2) develop proposed pricing rules for oil in each region; (3) develop a method to adjust oil prices monthly; (4) determine prices to refiners; (5) develop a level of prices to refiners such that costs to the Corporation will be recovered under a policy of uniform prices to all refiners; and (6) prepare specified reports. Directs the President within 30 days of the final report to prescribe prices which shall apply to the Corporation in its first year of operation. Establishes the Federal Oil Trading Corporation. Prohibits, after the date the Corporation becomes fully operational, any person from: (1) selling crude oil to any person other than the Corporation; (2) selling imported crude oil or petroleum products to any person other than the Corporation; and (3) purchasing crude oil or imported petroleum products from any person other than the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to sell all the crude oil and imported petroleum products it acquires to qualified refiners, with specified exceptions for periods of shortage and for diversions of crude oil into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Requires the Corporation to annually: (1) propose pricing rules for the purchase and sale of crude oil and imported petroleum products; (2) report to the Congress and the President; (3) receive testimony relating to the rules; and (4) after completion of a public comment period, specify the annual pricing rules. Sets forth provisions relating to the Corporation concerning: (1) the Board of Directors; (2) the Chairman; (3) Officers and employees; (4) the nonprofit nature of the Corporation; (5) the general authority of the Corporation; and (6) annual reporting requirements. Establishes the Public Energy Fund into which revenue from activities of the Corporation shall be deposited. Provides that sums authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act shall be deposited in the fund. Requires an annual audit of the Corporation. Title II: Domestic Petroleum Products - Requires the Economic Regulatory Administration to: (1) determine the profitability of domestic petroleum products to refiners and marketers; (2) develop a proposed price for each petroleum product at the wholesale level, the refinery, and retail level; (3) provide for the monthly adjustment of prices; and (4) prepare specified reports. Directs the President within 30 days of the final report to establish pricing rules at the wholesale, refinery, and retail levels. Title III: Emergency Authorities - Authorizes the President, if necessary to assure the attainment of the objectives of this Act, to: (1) require adjustments in the operations of any refinery with respect to the proportions of any petroleum product produced; (2) require adjustments in the amounts of crude oil or petroleum products held in inventory; (3) prohibit hoarding; and (4) require the allocation of any petroleum product in specified amounts. Title IV: Administration and Enforcement - Provides that the administration and enforcement provisions of the Emergency Energy Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 shall apply to this Act.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide a refundable income tax credit for certain elderly taxpayers for increased costs of residential energy.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who have attained age 62 a refundable income tax credit for increases in the cost of residential energy over the previous year. Reduces the amount of such credit by 50 percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $25,000. Defines "residential energy" as any fuel (including electricity) used by the taxpayer for residential purposes. Terminates such credit after 1985.

An original bill to authorize appropriations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in accordance with section 261 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and section 305 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981

Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for fiscal years 1982 and 1983, and allocates the funds for: (1) nuclear reactor regulation, including licensing review work for a fast breeder reactor plant project and gas-cooled thermal reactor preapplication review; (2) inspection and enforcement, including the Nuclear Data Link System; (3) nuclear material safety and safeguards; (4) nuclear regulatory research, including fast breeder reactor safety research, gas-cooled thermal reactor safety research, and the Loss of Fluid Test Facility research program; (5) program technical support; and (6) program direction and administration. Limits the NRC's authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with universities to not more than one percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for nuclear regulatory research. Prohibits the NRC from reprogramming the funds authorized to be appropriated for any activity under this Act by an increase or decrease in excess of $500,000 for a period of 30 calendar days after notice of such action has been sent to the appropriate congressional committees, unless each committee has transmitted a written notice that it has no objection to such action. Authorizes the NRC to retain monies received for cooperative nuclear research programs for salaries and expenses for such programs and to transfer sums from the amounts appropriated under this Act to other government agencies which perform the work for which such appropriations were made. Authorizes payments under this Act only to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Title II: Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the NRC to issue to a nuclear powerplant an interim operating license which authorizes fuel loading, testing, and operation at a specific power level, pending final action by the NRC on the final operating license application for such facility. Limits the power levels at which a facility may operate under such an interim license. Requires that the filing of the final safety evaluation on the application by the NRC staff and a State, local, or utility emergency preparedness plan for the facility precede the filing of a petition for an interim license. Removes the requirement that the NRC hold a hearing on such a petition after ten days notice and publication once in the Federal Register. Permits the NRC to issue an interim operating license or an amendment thereto upon finding that: (1) all legal requirements, except a required hearing, are met; (2) there will be adequate protection of public health and safety and the environment during the period of interim operation; and (3) denial of such license will result in a delay in the operation of the powerplant. Requires that a final order for the issuance of such a license be transmitted to specified congressional committees. Makes such final orders subject to judicial review. Requires parties to the final operating license application hearing to notify the NRC of any violations of an interim license or any dangers to the public health and safety and the environment during interim operation. Directs the NRC to minimize the issuance of such licenses. Terminates the NRC's authority to issue such licenses on December 31, 1983. Authorizes the NRC to issue and make immediately effective license amendments which involve no significant hazards consideration, notwithstanding a request for a hearing. Subjects to criminal penalties any person who intentionally and willfully disrupts or attempts to disrupt the normal operation of any licensed nuclear facility. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the NRC to promulgate regulations for determining whether a license amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. Authorizes the NRC to issue an operating license for a nuclear powerplant in the absence of an approved emergency preparedness plan if there exists an adequate plan for the public health and safety. Directs the NRC to establish an independent, temporary Advisory Panel to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on the nuclear powerplant licensing process. Directs the NRC to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy for the removal and disposal of radioactive materials resulting from the cleanup of Unit 2 of the Three Mile Island powerplant.

Georgiana H. Sheldon, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 20, 1984. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 14 May 1981

A bill to amend the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide that a current connection with the railroad industry is not lost by reason of certain employment with the Department of Energy.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981

Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide that a current connection with the railroad industry is not lost by reason of certain employment with the Department of Energy.

Energy Assistance Block Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981

Energy Assistance Block Grant Act - Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, title XXI (Block Grants for Energy and Emergency Assistance). Establishes the Energy Assistance Trust Fund in the Treasury. Appropriates amounts to the trust fund, through fiscal year 1985, out of amounts received from the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress concerning the fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make allotments from the Fund to each State, from which a State must spend at least 90 percent for home energy assistance to assist individuals and families most in need, and to meet emergency income maintenance needs. Directs the Secretary to make payments in accordance with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. Requires a State, before a grant is made, to complete and publish a report after holding public hearings covering the use of funds available under this Act. Requires each report to: (1) include a program of coordinated delivery of weatherization and energy assistance; (2) give priority to the elderly, the handicapped, and those individuals who are neediest by virtue of having the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs in relation to income; (3) provide for outreach activities; (4) assure that those individuals eligible for assistance based on income eligibility under Federal law will not be treated differently from others not so eligible; (5) treat renters and homeowners the same; (6) provide that benefits be related to home energy costs in relation to income; and (7) prohibit benefits to households with incomes higher than the lower living standard income level or 125 percent of the poverty level, whichever is higher. Requires a State to annually report on and audit its expenditures. Repeals the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980, specified provisions of part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act relating to emergency assistance, and the Emergency Energy Conservation Services program authorized pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

National Security Oil and Gas Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981

National Security Oil and Gas Reserve Act - Directs the President to designate, as part of a National Security Gas and Oil Reserve, public lands (including coastal zones) with sufficient undeveloped oil and natural gas supplies to adequately supply energy in times of war or prolonged oil and natural gas shortages.

Charles M. Butler, III, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring October 20, 1983, vice Charles B. Curtis, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 May 1981

National Home Weatherization Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

National Home Weatherization Act of 1981 - Allows a State to submit an annual grant application requesting financial assistance under this Act for energy assistance and weatherization programs authorized under the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act, the Emergency Energy Conservation Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the National Energy Extension Service Act, and any other Federal law. Requires that 65 percent of such assistance be used for low-income weatherization assistance programs unless the Governor determines that an insufficient or limited need for such assistance exists in such State. Sets forth the circumstances under which a State application will not be approved. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial and technical assistance to States and Indian tribes to fund energy programs and State energy plans. Requires a State to submit a State energy plan in order to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that State energy plans contain: (1) a plan for coordinating and apportioning responsibilities for development and implementation of the State energy plans; (2) an implementation plan for a low- income weatherization assistance program; (3) a plan to coordinate the administration of various Federal low-income energy assistance programs; (4) a plan and a description of the proposed uses of funds for the implementation of the State energy plan; (5) a description of State energy supply and demand and State energy conservation goals and policies; and (6) a description of how the State and local governments plan to implement any other State energy programs. Directs the Secretary to approve a State energy plan or modification thereto unless the plan or modification fails to comply with this Act or with Federal law. Requires Federal agencies which produce or consume significant quantities of energy within a State to provide energy-related information to the State upon request. Directs a State to hold public hearings on the development of its first State energy plan and any plan modifications. Requires that a State give priority to the needs of the poor, the handicapped, and the elderly in its State energy plan. Directs the Secretary to provide written notice of and an opportunity for a hearing concerning: (1) disapproval of a State application for assistance, a waiver request under this Act, or a State energy plan or plan modification; or (2) a finding that a recipient of assistance has not complied with this Act or any other law. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend financial assistance upon issuance of such a notice. Prohibits the payment of financial assistance for any State energy plan or other activities if the Secretary makes a final determination of noncompliance. Sets forth the allocation of the funds available under this Act. Restricts the expenditures of such funds. Directs the Secretary to reserve a portion of the funds annually for the benefit of Indian tribes. Limits the total amount allocated for any State in any year to ten percent of the total allocation for all the States. Requires a State receiving financial assistance to provide local governments and regional councils with funds commensurate with their responsibilities with respect to the State energy plan. Permits a State to participate in interstate or multistate organizations that coordinate State energy plans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984.

Low Income Energy Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist eligible households to meet home energy costs. Defines "eligible households" as those households: (1) in which one or more individuals are eligible for (a) aid to families with dependent children under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, (b) supplemental security income under title XVI of such Act, (c) food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, or (d) certain veterans' benefits; and (2) with certain income levels. Specifies circumstances under which a household shall not be eligible for home energy assistance. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1986. Specifies the allotment formulas to be used to determine State allocations under this program. Reserves specified amounts to be apportioned among U.S. territories and possessions and used for energy crisis activities and outreach activities for the elderly and handicapped. Requires the Secretary to approve State plans for assistance which comply with the requirements under this Act. Directs the Secretary to withhold assistance payments to a State if there has been a substantial failure to comply with any provisions in the approved State plan. Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who violates this Act or knowingly provides false information in any report required under this Act. Repeals the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980.

A bill to repeal the Residential Conservation Service Program and the Commercial and Apartment Conservation Service Program.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Repeals the residential energy conservation program and the energy conservation program for commercial buildings and multifamily dwellings under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act.

Energy Conservation Assistance Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Energy Conservation Assistance Amendments of 1981 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal references to State school facilities agencies and State hospital facilities agencies. Authorizes (currently requires) the Secretary of Energy to terminate and recover the remaining financial assistance for State, school, and hospital energy conservation projects which are not in compliance with the State plan. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate less than the current mandatory percentage of State technical assistance funds to schools or hospitals. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation project grants to schools and hospitals for fiscal years 1982-1984. Revises the method by which such appropriations are allocated among the States. Amends the Energy Conservation and Policy Act to replace the technical assistance program with energy conservation project grants for energy conservation measures for buildings owned by local government units and public care institutions. Directs the Secretary of Energy to prescribe criteria for determining which local government units and public care institutions may be classified as being in a hardship class. Authorizes the use of energy conservation project grants to pay up to 90 percent of the costs of an energy conservation project if such project meets the hardship criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate and recover the remaining financial assistance for any local government unit or public care institution which is not in compliance with its application for an energy conservation project grant. Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for energy audits and energy conservation projects for fiscal years 1982-1984. Revises the method of allocating such grants among the States.

Synthetic Fuels Pilot Plant Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Synthetic Fuels Pilot Plant Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Security Act: (1) to require the Synthetic Fuels Corporation, in establishing a comprehensive strategy to achieve the national synthetic fuel production goal established under such Act, to consider new synthetic fuel technologies requiring demonstration of their technical and economic feasibility; and (2) to provide for the funding of projects to demonstrate the feasibility of such technologies.

A bill to eliminate the requirement under section 107 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 that the price allowable under that section is permitted only if elected in lieu of any tax incentive allowed for the production of the natural gas involved.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981

Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to repeal the provision permitting the maximum lawful price for high-cost natural gas upon the sale of such gas only if elected in lieu of any tax incentive allowed for the production of the gas involved.

Nuclear Liability Reform Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1981

Nuclear Liability Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to limit the maximum aggregate liability of a licensee and other persons who may be liable for damages resulting from a nuclear incident to the sum of: (1) the financial protection required; and (2) any indemnity provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) if the persons indemnified are (a) NRC contractors, (b) nonprofit educational institutions, or (c) connected with the nuclear ship Savannah. Limits such aggregate liability under an indemnification agreement with an NRC contractor for a nuclear incident outside the United States to $100,000,000 plus the contractor's required protection. Prohibits payment for public liability arising from a single nuclear incident involving a facility licensed on or after the enactment of this Act from any source except the financial protection required until that protection is exhausted. Requires that specified licensees under such Act make arrangements which satisfy the NRC that the manufacturer and the architect-engineer of a licensed facility will participate in the industry retrospective rating plan. Revises to one year after enactment of this Act the date by which the NRC must determine the maximum amount of financial protection required of licensees involved in nuclear incidents. Requires that such insurance be made available to, and required of, each licensee, manufacturer, and architect-engineer of a nuclear facility. Specifies the deferred premiums which shall be charged under an industry retrospective rating plan to a licensee, a manufacturer, and an architect-engineer following any nuclear incident. Increases the statute of limitations for suits based on nuclear incidents from 20 to 40 years for purposes of waiver of defenses. Specifies the standard of proof which shall apply in determining liability for damages caused by a nuclear incident. Prohibits the courts from considering claims by the owner or operator of a nuclear reactor until all other claims permitted under the Act have been resolved.

A bill to authorize appropriations for the Department of Energy for fiscal year 1982.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981

Title I: Power Marketing - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Department of Energy for the following power marketing programs: (1) the Alaska Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. Title II: Commercial Nuclear Waste Management, Uranium Enrichment, Nuclear Waste Remedial Action, and Three Mile Island Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) specified nuclear waste management activities; (2) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for (a) interim spent nuclear fuel management activities, (b) remedial action program activities, and (c) uranium resource assessment; (3) plant and capital equipment for a specified project in the uranium resource assessment program; (4) operating expenses for uranium enrichment; (5) plant and capital equipment for specified uranium enrichment projects; and (6) operating expenses and capital equipment for Three Mile Island activities. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act to assist the General Public Utilities Corporation in the decontamination, cleanup, repair, or rehabilitation of Three Mile Island Unit 2.

Oil Import Purchase Authority Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981

Oil Import Purchase Authority Act of 1981 - Makes the Secretary of Energy responsible for the importation of petroleum into the United States. Provides that after October 1, 1981, no petroleum shall be imported except pursuant to a bid submitted to and accepted by the Secretary. Imposes civil and criminal penalties on persons who import petroleum in violation of this Act. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for allocation by sale of all imported petroleum at prices not to vary more than ten percent above or below the cost of acquisition, taking into account the preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry and other factors. Repeals the President's emergency authority to exercise the exclusive right to import and purchase petroleum under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973.

A resolution to direct the Senate Legal Counsel to appear as amicus curiae in Consumer Energy Council of America, Inc., et al. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981

Directs the Senate Legal Counsel to appear as amicus curiae in the name of the Senate in Consumer Energy Council of America, Inc., et al. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Energy and Emergency Assistance Block Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981

Energy and Emergency Assistance Block Grant Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to a State to be used to provide home energy and emergency assistance to low-income individuals. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Requires that payments to a State for any fiscal year be expended in such fiscal year or in the succeeding fiscal year. Permits a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotted funds for support of health services, health promotion, disease prevention activities, or social services. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce a State's allotment under this Act if such state fails to provide energy and emergency assistance to an Indian tribe eligible for such assistance under this Act. Requires the chief executive officer of a State to report on the intended use of grants received under this Act. Authorizes a State to use such amounts as are necessary to pay administrative costs. Prohibits the use of grants under this Act for the purchase or improvement of land or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility except under specified circumstances. Requires a State to report to the Secretary on its activities and audit its expenditures under this Act for each fiscal year. Requires a State to repay to the United States any amounts not expended in accordance with this Act, or authorizes the Secretary to offset such amounts against future grants to such State. Prohibits exclusion from participation in or denial of benefits from any program or activity funded under this Act on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or a handicap. Repeals: (1) specified provisions of part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act; (2) the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980; and (3) the Emergency Energy Conservation Services program established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

Department of Energy Civilian Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981

Department of Energy Civilian Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for Department of Energy operating expenses and capital equipment expenses not related to construction for programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy coal; (2) fossil energy oil; (3) fossil energy enhanced gas recovery; (4) conservation research and development; (5) solar energy research and development; (6) nuclear fission; (7) magnetic fusion; (8) geothermal energy; (9) electric energy systems; (10) energy storage systems; (11) supporting research and technical analysis; (12) life sciences research and nuclear medicine applications; (13) high energy physics; (14) nuclear physics; (15) high energy and nuclear physics program administration; (16) uranium enrichment process development; (17) uranium enrichment advanced isotope separation technology; and (18) environmental research and development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for supply research and development plant and capital equipment for specified projects in programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy; (2) nuclear fission; (3) magnetic fusion; (4) geothermal energy; (5) supporting research and technical analysis; (6) high energy physics; (7) nuclear physics; (8) uranium enrichment process development; (9) uranium enrichment advanced isotope separation technology; and (10) environmental research and development. Title II: Conservation, Commercialization, and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for operating expenses for the renewable resources and conservation activities programs. Title III: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) the Economic Regulatory Administration; (2) the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (4) the Energy Information Administration; and (5) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Title IV: Power Marketing and Federal Leasing - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for expenses for the following power marketing programs: (1) the Alaska Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for expenses for the mineral fuels and petroleum and natural gas data program. Title V: Nuclear Assessment, Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Management, and Commercial Waste Remedial Action - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for uranium resource assessment; (2) plant and capital equipment for a specified project in the uranium resource assessment program; and (3) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for interim spent nuclear fuel management and remedial action. Title VI: Other Renewable Resources and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for: (1) operating expenses for (a) fossil energy program administration and (b) international applications of solar technology; and (2) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for the conservation activities, buildings, and community systems program. Title VII: Uranium Enrichment, Other Commercial Waste Management Activities, West Valley Demonstration Project Activities, and Three Mile Island Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for uranium enrichment; (2) uranium enrichment activities plant and capital equipment with respect to specified projects; (3) operating expenses for specified commercial waste management activities; and (4) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for (a) the West Valley Demonstration project and (b) Three Mile Island activities. Title VIII: Departmental Administration - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for departmental administration activities; and (2) departmental administration activities plant and capital equipment with respect to specified projects. Title IX: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 for the programs in this Act. Title X: United States Energy Projections - Sets forth U.S. energy projections for 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000.

A bill repealing title III of the Energy Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981

Repeals title III of the Energy Security Act requiring that energy targets for net imports, domestic production, and end-use consumption of energy for 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000 be transmitted biennially by the President to Congress and included in Department of Energy authorization bills for fiscal years 1982 and 1984.

A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to remove provision for the special 2 percent interest rate for insured loans.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to eliminate the special two percent interest rate for insured loans currently available to specified electric and telephone borrowers.

Uranium Enrichment Fund Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Uranium Enrichment Fund Act of 1981 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish in the United States Treasury a uranium enrichment fund consisting of: (1) all receipts, collections, and recoveries of the Secretary of Energy from the provision of services for the production or enrichment of uranium in the isotope-235, and the sale, lease, distribution, or transfer of uranium; (2) all proceeds derived from the sale of bonds by the Secretary pursuant to such Act;(3) proceeds from the investment of fund moneys; (4) the unexpended balance of any funds available prior to the effective date of this Act relating to production or enrichment of uranium; and (5) any appropriations made by Congress to the fund. Sets forth requirements concerning the Secretary's authority to make expenditures from such fund for uranium production and enrichment activities. Authorizes the Secretary to request the investment of funds in excess of current needs by the Secretary of Treasury in United States obligations. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) decreasing the funds authorized for a particular uranium enrichment activity by more than ten percent by reprogramming funds among such activities; or (2) reprogramming money from the fund to activities other than uranium enrichment activities. Requires the Secretary to fund plant and capital equipment construction projects from an account separate from operating expenses. Permits the use of operating expenses for: (1) any uranium enrichment construction project costing $500,000 or less; (2) the conceptual design of any project; (3) individual research and development or testing components which are not an integral part of a basic facility or construction project; and (4) experimental test equipment not for long-term research and development use. Specifies procedures for initiating major construction projects in advance of the next annual budget cycle where it is in the national interest to do so. Authorizes the Secretary to issue and sell to the Secretary of the Treasury bonds and notes to assist in financing uranium production and enrichment facilities and activities. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the operation and financial activities of the uranium enrichment fund.

Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to a State upon application to be used to provide home energy and emergency assistance to low-income individuals. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Sets forth requirements for grant applications. Prohibits the allocation of funds to a State after the first fiscal year in which such State receives funds under this Act unless the State legislature has allocated the expenditure of such funds after holding public hearings on their use and distribution. Requires that payments to a State for any fiscal year be expended in such fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce a State's allotment under this Act if such State fails to provide energy and emergency assistance to an Indian tribe eligible for such assistance under this Act. Requires the chief executive officer of a State to report on the intended use of grants received under this Act. Authorizes a State to use such amounts as are necessary to pay administrative costs. Prohibits the use of grants under this Act for the purchase or improvement of land or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility except under specified circumstances. Requires a State to report to the Secretary on its activities and audit its expenditures under this Act for each fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to audit a State's expenditures as well. Requires a State to repay to the United States any amounts not expended in accordance with this Act, or authorizes the Secretary to offset such amounts against future grants to such State. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate periodically State expenditures under this Act. Permits a State to choose, for fiscal year 1982 only, between operating programs under the block grant established under this Act and operating programs under the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980, part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act, or the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Prohibits exclusion from participation in or denial of benefits from any program or activity funded under this Act on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or a handicap. Repeals: (1) the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980; (2) specified provisions of part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act which authorize an emergency assistance program for needy families with children; and (3) the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which authorizes Community Service Administration programs (but does not repeal title VII of such Act, which authorizes a Community Economic Development program). Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish the official poverty line.

Low Income Weatherization Assistance Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Act of 1981- Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require a State application for weatherization assistance to contain a State plan which shall include: (1) a description of the State grantee; (2) an analysis of the area to be served; (3) administrative arrangements; (4) the methods for selecting dwellings to be weatherized; (5) priority assistance for the elderly and severely handicapped low-income individuals; (6) information services with respect to the weatherization assistance program; (7) labor policies; (8) plans for the weatherization of rental properties; (9) procedures for keeping financial records; (10) plans for the treatment of Indian tribes; and (11) procedures for dealing with urban and rural areas. Prohibits the payment of funds to States which have not fulfilled their plans for the preceding fiscal year. Limits the average expenditure per dwelling unit assisted in a State during any year to $1,600. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish eligibility, and to allocate funds, for weatherization assistance in accordance with standards established in the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980.

A bill to amend section 21 of the Act of February 25, 1920, commonly known as the Mineral Leasing Act.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease additional lands to the holder of an oil shale lease for purposes, other than the removal of minerals contained therein, that the lessee demonstrates are necessary for the development of an oil shale operation. Permits the lessee to use the land to, among other things: (1) dispose of oil shale waste; and (2) build plants, reduction works, and other needed facilities. Requires a lease to contain provisions providing for proper protection of environmental and other resource values. Sets forth guidelines for determining the duration of the lease and the rental fee.

A bill to amend the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to remove provisions for incremental pricing of natural gas.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981

Repeals the Federal requirement of incremental pricing under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

A bill to amend section 21 of the Act of February 25, 1920, commonly known as the Mineral Leasing Act.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981

Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to lease lands containing oil shale deposits. Permits such leases to exceed 5,120 acres of land if necessary to permit long-term commercial operations. Revises guidelines pertaining to the number of leases which may be issued to any one person, association, or corporation. Authorizes holders of oil shale leases to acquire additional leases for purposes, other than the removal of mineral deposits, connected with the development of an oil shale operation. Establishes guidelines for other lease provisions including environmental considerations, rent, and duration.

Natural Gas Utilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981

Natural Gas Utilization Act - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions on the use of natural gas as a primary energy source in existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Repeals the system compliance option provisions of the Act, which provides that existing powerplants owned or operated by a utility shall be considered in compliance with prohibitions relating to natural gas usage if the utility has in effect an approved system compliance plan. Permits local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed, and receiving natural gas, before the enactment of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Requires each local distribution company, in accordance with rules established by the Secretary of Energy, to: (1) periodically inform its customers of the amount of natural gas consumed by outdoor lighting; and (2) report such information method to the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to grant a permanent exemption from the prohibitions on the use of natural gas in a gas-coal mixture in a new powerplant or installation if: (1) emissions would be reduced; and (2) disregarding any variances, the proportion of natural gas in a mixture complies with applicable environmental requirements. Repeals the Federal requirement of incremental pricing under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

Public Energy Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981

Public Energy Competition Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to prohibit any person, association, or corporation which was a major oil company on any day during the five-year period immediately preceding a proposed coal lease acquisition from directly or indirectly acquiring such lease from the Secretary of the Interior after December 31, 1981. Prohibits such a major oil company from directly or indirectly locating or recording any claim for uranium or for any other fissionable material. Allows any person, association, or corporation which holds any lease under the Mining Lease Act of 1920, with the approval of the Secretary of Interior, to modify or revise its lease to include lands contiguous to those originally leased, not to exceed a specified acreage limit.

Department of Energy Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1982-Civilian Applications

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981

Department of Energy Civilian Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for Department of Energy operating expenses and capital equipment expenses not related to construction for programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy coal; (2) fossil energy oil; (3) fossil energy enhanced gas recovery; (4) conservation research and development; (5) solar energy research and development; (6) nuclear fission; (7) magnetic fusion; (8) geothermal energy; (9) electric energy systems; (10) energy storage systems; (11) supporting research and technical analysis; (12) life sciences research and nuclear medicine applications; (13) high energy physics; (14) nuclear physics; (15) high energy and nuclear physics program administration; (16) uranium enrichment process development; (17) uranium enrichment advanced isotope separation technology; and (18) environmental research and development. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for supply research and development plant and capital equipment for specified projects in programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy; (2) nuclear fission; (3) magnetic fusion; (4) geothermal energy; (5) supporting research and technical analysis; (6) high energy physics; (7) nuclear physics; (8) uranium enrichment process development; (9) uranium enrichment advanced isotope separation technology; and (10) environmental research and development. Title II: Conservation, Commercialization, and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for operating expenses for the renewable resources and conservation activities programs. Title III: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) the Economic Regulatory Administration; (2) the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (4) the Energy Information Administration; and (5) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Title IV: Power Marketing and Federal Leasing - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for expenses for the following power marketing programs: (1) the Alaska Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for expenses for the mineral fuels and petroleum and natural gas data program. Title V: Nuclear Assessment, Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Management, and Commercial Waste Remedial Action - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for uranium resource assessment; (2) plant and capital equipment for a specified project in the uranium resource assessment program; and (3) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for interim spent nuclear fuel management and remedial action. Title VI: Other Renewable Resources and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses for (a) fossil energy program administration and (b) international applications of solar technology; and (2) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for the conservation activities, buildings, and community systems program. Title VII: Uranium Enrichment, Other Commercial Waste Management Activities, West Valley Demonstration Project Activities, and Three Mile Island Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for uranium enrichment; (2) uranium enrichment activities plant and capital equipment with respect to specified projects; (3) operating expenses for specified commercial waste management activities; and (4) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for (a) the West Valley Demonstration project and (b) Three Mile Island activities. Title VIII: Departmental Administration - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for departmental administration activities; and (2) departmental administration activities plant and capital equipment with respect to specified projects. Title IX: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1983 for the programs in this Act. Title X: United States Energy Projections - Sets forth U.S. energy projections for 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000. Repeals title III (Energy Targets) of the Energy Security Act.

W. Kenneth Davis, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, vice Lynn R. Coleman, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 1981

A bill to amend the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to remove the fuel use prohibitions applicable to existing powerplants and major fuel-burning installations.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981

Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal provisions restricting the use of natural gas or petroleum, or both, as a primary energy source in existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Makes conforming amendments.

A bill to amend the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to remove the price controls on certain natural gas produced after April 1981.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981

Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to provide that, effective April, 1981, price controls for natural gas shall not apply to the sale of natural gas which is: (1) produced from any new well more than 2.5 miles from the nearest marker well; (2) subject to stated exceptions, produced from a reservoir from which natural gas was not produced before April, 1981, in commercial quantities; (3) high-cost natural gas; or (4) stripper well gas produced from a new well.

Joseph J. Tribble, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Conservation and Renewable Energy), vice Thomas Eugene Stelson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 April 1981

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amendments Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the President to increase crude oil storage in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to an average annual rate of at least 300,000 barrels per day as a sustained average annual daily rate of fill which would fully utilize funds available in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account. Amends the Energy Security Act to establish in the Energy Security Reserve a subaccount, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be used to acquire petroleum for the Reserve. Authorizes funds for Strategic Petroleum Reserve petroleum acquisition borrowing authority from funds appropriated to the Energy Security Reserve. Prohibits, unless either there is at least 750,000,000 barrels of crude oil stored in the Reserve or the crude oil in storage will be increased at an average rate of at least 300,000 barrels daily, any portion of the United States share of crude oil in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1, 2, or 3 or any Federal royalty oil from being: (1) sold, unless proceeds are deposited in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account or the appropriate subaccount; (2) exchanged, other than for oil to be stored in the Reserve; or (3) otherwise disposed of, other than for storage in the Reserve. Requires that the proceeds from any sale of the Federal share of petroleum produced from the Naval Petroleum Reserves be deposited in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account. Authorizes the President, acting through the Secretary of Energy, to contract with any State to store petroleum in the Reserve the title to which shall remain with the State. Directs the President, by October 1, 1981, acting for the Secretary of the Treasury, to issue Strategic Petroleum Reserve Securities for sale in the private securities market. Directs the President to transmit to Congress a study on implementation of an Industrial Petroleum Reserve as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or as additional storage.

Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981

Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1981 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Revises the findings and purposes of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to delete references to natural gas. Sets forth the purposes of this Act and definitions used in this Act. Title II: Petroleum Displacement Act of 1981 - Petroleum Displacement Act of 1981 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions on the usage of natural gas as a primary energy source in existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Repeals the systems compliance option provisions of the Act which provide that existing powerplants owned or operated by a utility will be considered in compliance with any prohibition relating to natural gas usage if the utility has in effect an approved system compliance plan. Makes conforming amendments. Title III: Gas Transportation Program - Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish procedures for expedited consideration of transportation certificates for transporting natural gas from seller to buyer. Permits either a buyer or a transporting pipeline to apply for a transportation certificate. Permits the Commission to deny a certificate application only upon determining that: (1) approval would interfere with natural gas need rules; or (2) the transporting pipeline has inadequate capacity. Title IV: Administration and Reporting Requirements - Directs the Commission to report to Congress concerning the effectiveness of the procedurer established under Title III. Provides for the expiration of this Act in 20 years.

Energy Mobilization Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981

Energy Mobilization Act of 1981 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to improve the United States' balance of payments, reduce the threat of economic disruption from oil supply interruptions, and reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil by establishing a process for expediting agency action with respect to priority energy projects designed to facilitate energy conservation, production, and research and development. Defines the terms used in this Act. Excludes from coverage under this Act nuclear energy projects. Title II: Council on Energy Mobilization - Directs the President to establish within the Executive Office of the President a Council on Energy Mobilization to carry out this Act. Empowers the Council to issue subpoenas. Requires the Council to provide Congress with any information it may request. Directs the Council, upon designation of any energy project as a priority energy project, to notify the Governor of each State in which such project is or may be located. Authorizes each such Governor to appoint a nonvoting representative to participate in matters respecting such project. Title III: Priority Energy Projects - Directs the Council to establish procedures for submission of applications to the Council for an order designating an energy project as a priority energy project. Permits any person planning or proposing an energy project to apply to the Council for a priority designation. Directs the Council to publish a notice in the Federal Register of any applications filed and make such applications available for public inspection and comment. Requires the Council to designate a project as a priority energy project, reject the application, or determine additional time is needed to consider the application within 60 days of receipt of an application. Requires publication of such Council decisions in the Federal Register. Directs the Council to publish in the Federal Register a Project Decision Schedule for all Federal agency decisions and actions relating to a priority energy project within 30 days of a priority designation. Requires the Council to negotiate and enter into written cooperative agreements, where possible, with affected non-Federal agencies to establish deadlines for non-Federal agency decisions or actions on a Project Decision Schedule. Limits Project Decision Schedules to 12 months, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Council to establish special procedures in the Project Decision Schedule for any Federal agency subject to such schedule designed to consolidate agency procedures, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and provide uniformity. Directs the Council to request affected non-Federal agencies to suggest a timetable for their actions with respect to priority energy projects. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to determine if a Federal agency decision or action with respect to a priority energy project will be a major Federal action significantly affecting the environment and to designate, if necessary, a lead agency to supervise the preparation of an environmental impact statement. Authorizes the Council to make such determination or designation if the CEQ fails to do so before establishment of the Project Decision Schedule. Permits all Federal agencies governed by a Project Decision Schedule to establish special procedures to aid them in meeting the deadlines under such schedules. Directs the Council to monitor compliance by the agencies and the project with a Project Decision Schedule. Authorizes the Council to modify a Project Decision Schedule at any time. Empowers the President to act upon Council recommendation, in lieu of any Federal agency which fails to make a decision or take action within the time required by a Project Decision Schedule. Permits a Project sponsor to bring an action in U.S. district court to require compliance if a Federal agency has failed or is likely to fail to comply with a Project Decision Schedule. Grants the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals exclusive jurisdiction to review all rulings of such district court. Permits the Council to terminate a priority designation at any time. States that such a termination renders this Act no longer applicable to such project. Permits reapplication for a priority designation. Title IV: Judicial Review - Sets forth procedures governing judicial review by the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals of actions with respect to priority energy projects. Makes judgments or orders by the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals subject to review by the Supreme Court under certain circumstances. Limits any grant of temporary injunctive relief to 120 days. Specifies the types of actions over which the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals shall have original and exclusive civil jurisdiction, as well as those actions which shall not be subject to judicial review. Title V: Application of New Federal Statutes or Regulations to Priority Energy Projects - Permits the sponsor of a priority energy project to petition the Council for relief from any Federal law or regulation enacted or issued after the date of the priority designation but before commercial operation begins which would substantially impede project completion. Authorizes the Council to recommend to the President the suspension of final regulations or statutes as they apply to such a project. Permits such a suspension only upon Council determination that it would not threaten public health or safety and only for a period of up to ten years. Requires a separate suspension for each Federal statute affected. Makes each suspension granted applicable to only one priority energy project. Prohibits suspensions which: (1) relate to labor standards, civil rights, securities laws, the Internal Revenue Code, or antitrust laws; (2) violate a primary air quality standard under the Clean Air Act; (3) abridge any person's Constitutional rights; (4) contravene any interstate compact, State or local law, or Federal contract relating to water rights; or (5) suspend, modify, or amend any Federal, State, or local criminal code. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Council to report annually to Congress on the current status of its activities, on the status of each priority energy project, and on energy projects which are being delayed for any reason. Requires an annual report to Congress which contains a comprehensive list and analysis of all Federal laws that significantly hinder energy project completion. States that this Act shall not affect State law governing the appropriation, use, or diversion of water. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Natural Gas Utilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981

Natural Gas Utilization Act - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions on the use of natural gas as a primary energy source in existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Permits local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed, and receiving natural gas, before the enactment of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Requires each local distribution company, in accordance with rules established by the Secretary of Energy, to: (1) periodically inform its customers of the amount of natural gas consumed by outdoor lighting; and (2) report such information method to the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to grant a permanent exemption from the prohibitions on the use of natural gas in a gas-coal mixture in a new powerplant or installation if: (1) emissions would be reduced; and (2) disregarding any variances, the proportion of natural gas in a mixture complies with applicable environmental requirements. Repeals the Federal requirement of incremental pricing under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

New England Regional Power Planning and Distribution Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981

New England Regional Power Planning and Distribution Act of 1981 - Title I: Establishment of Authority - Establishes within the Department of Energy a New England Regional Power Planning Authority. Requires the Regional Authority to report annually to Congress on its operations. Title II: Regional Planning - Directs the Regional Authority to prepare, adopt, and publish a regional energy service plan for the New England Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) which shall include: (1) an energy power demand forecast for the Region; (2) a forecast of the additional power resources necessary to meet the projected demand; (3) a system for determining priorities among the alternative resources available to meet the projected demand; (4) an analysis of the reserve and reliability requirements affecting electric power use and availability in the Region; and (5) rate guidelines for the sale of power by the Regional Authority. Requires that public hearings be held in each affected State within the Region before the adoption of or any subsequent amendment to such plan. Title III: Purchase and Sale of Gas or Electric Power - Authorizes the Regional Authority to purchase for resale gas or electric power generated from imported hydroelectric facilities located in Canada or from utilities or power authorities in the United States. Authorizes the Regional Authority to enter into long-term contracts to purchase power from new hydroelectric capacity in Canada and make funds available to assist in the construction of such facilities. Requires the adoption of both the regional energy service plan and a treaty between the United States and Canada with respect to the purchase by the Regional Authority of gas or electric energy generated in Canada before the Regional Authority can acquire such power. Authorizes the Regional Authority to sell such power to electric utilities for resale within the Region. Directs the Regional Authority to establish and revise rates for the sale of such power. Makes such rates effective only upon approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission based on findings that such rates will cover specified expenses. Requires public notice of and public hearings on proposed rates. Title IV: Financing Authority - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a New England Power Fund, and authorizes the Regional Authority to issue and sell to the Secretary of the Treasury bonds to cover the financial needs of the Regional Authority. Title V: General Provisions - Declares that nothing in this Act shall preempt State or local authority with respect to electric energy generation, the purchase or sale of electric energy, or electric utilities. Requires complete accounts of all operations of the Regional Authority.

District Heating and Cooling Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981

District Heating and Cooling Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to a qualified municipality (a self-governing town or city with a population of 100,000 or less which meets Federal assistance requirements prescribed by the Secretary) to fund 70 percent of the costs of: (1) feasibility studies to assess the potential for district heating or cooling (a system providing residential, commercial, and industrial heating or cooling from electric powerplants or other thermal or cooling sources through pipelines) in such municipality; and (2) engineering and design studies for such system. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make guaranteed interest loans to a qualified municipality to cover 40 percent of the costs of establishing a district heating or cooling system. Sets forth the requirements for loan application approval. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a District Heating and Cooling Revolving Fund for such loans. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for the five fiscal years following enactment of this Act. Conditions Federal assistance under this Act on disclosure to the Secretary of complete information on any district heating or cooling system. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for studies by the States and local governments on problems related to district heating and cooling.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow the residential energy credit and the investment tax credit for certain property which enables the taxpayer to use hot or cold water or steam provided by a district heating or cooling system.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the residential energy credit expenditures for property which is installed in connection with a principal residence and which uses hot or cold water or steam from a district heating or cooling system to heat, cool, or provide hot water for use within the dwelling unit. Defines "district heating or cooling system" as a system comprised of a thermal or cooling source connected to a piping network which provides hot or cold water or steam to at least two buildings for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Qualifies for the investment tax credit: (1) property which enables the taxpayer to use in his trade or business hot or cold water or steam from a district heating or cooling system or to sell energy to such a system on a proportionate basis; and (2) any amount paid or incurred for connection to a district heating or cooling system. Excludes from treatment as energy property any district heating or cooling property used as public utility property.

A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to remove provision for the special 2 percent interest rate for insured loans.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to eliminate the special two percent interest rate for insured loans currently available to specified electric and telephone borrowers.

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, to authorize the Commission, upon determination that such action is necessary in the public interest, to issue an interim operating license authorizing fuel loading, low-power operation and testing of a nuclear power reactor in advance of the conduct of a hearing.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue an interim operating license for a nuclear power reactor prior to the completion of a required hearing if the Commission determines that it is in the public interest to avoid unnecessary delay in the operation of such reactor. Requires notice in the Federal Register of the Commission's intent to issue such a license and an opportunity for parties to comment on the necessity of such licenses. Terminates the Commission's authority to issue such licenses on December 31, 1983.

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act to clarify that no prior public hearing is required for applications for amendment which involve no significant hazards consideration and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue and make immediately effective: (1) license amendments which involve no significant hazards consideration, notwithstanding a request for a hearing; and (2) license amendments and orders which are required to protect the public.

Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Programs and Projects 1982 Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Programs and Projects 1982 Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for Department of Energy operating expenses for research and development programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy; (2) solar energy; (3) geothermal energy; (4) the Geothermal Resources Development Fund; (5) energy conservation; (6) general science and research; (7) basic energy research; (8) nuclear fission; (9) magnetic fusion; (10) hydropower; (11) electric energy systems and storage; and (12) environmental research and development. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for capital equipment for: (1) fossil energy research and development; (2) energy conservation; (3) energy supply, research, and development activities; (4) Tevatron I, Fermilab; (5) the OTEC pilot plant; (6) Impurity Studies Experiment Modification, Tennessee; (7) the Small Community Solar Thermal Power Experiment; (8) the Second 50 MWe Demonstration Power Plant, Heber, Georgia; (9) the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, Michigan; (10) Elmo Bumpy Torus, Tennessee; (11) the Mirror Fusion Test Facility, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, California; (12) the Mike McCormack Fusion Materials Test Facility, Washington; and (13) the Intersecting Storage Accelerator (ISABELLE), Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for supply research and development and for plant and capital equipment for: (1) specified General Plant Projects; (2) specified Accelerator Improvement projects; (3) the Surface Water Containment and Waste Water Treatment Facility, Pennsylvania; (4) the Central Receiver Utility Repowering Project; (5) the Nuclear Test and Evaluation Facility; (6) Modifications to Reactors; (7) the High Temperature Materials Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee; (8) 300 Area Utilities, Washington; (9) Security Facilities, Argonne Laboratory, Illinois; (10) Traffic Safety Improvements, Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory, Washington; (11) Railroad Modification, INEL, Idaho; (12) Modifications and Additions to Environmental Research Facilities; (13) the Argonne Tandem/Linac Accelerator System; and (14) Tevatron II, Fermilab. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize commercial or remedial action activities.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that, for purposes of computing the residential energy credit, the taxpayer may take into account qualified energy conservation expenditures with respect to any dwelling unit which is owned by the taxpayer and which is the principal residence of any individual other than the taxpayer.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax credit for qualified energy conservation expenditures with respect to a home which is owned by the taxpayer and is used by an individual other than the taxpayer as his principal residence.

Alcohol Fuels Transfer Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981

Alcohol Fuels Transfer Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Security Act to authorize the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation to guarantee loans for synthetic fuel projects using biomass resources. Transfers to the Corporation the responsibilities of the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture over biomass energy projects and municipal waste energy projects for which loan guarantees or commitments have been approved prior to enactment of this Act. Makes the Director of the Office of Alcohol Fuels responsible for any functions related to alcohol which the Secretary of Energy may delegate.