Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 817 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve, upon application by a public utility and after examination of the propriety of the costs involved, the inclusion in the wholesale rate base of the costs associated with construction work in progress (defined as utility plants under construction but not yet in service which will generate or transmit electric energy) with respect to: (1) construction of pollution control facilities; or (2) conversion of oil or gas-fired facilities. Provides that public utility charges based upon costs associated with other construction work in progress shall be considered unreasonable.
Bill· SS. 823 (98th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Fair Marketing Act of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to define the term "abuse" so as to include misrepresentation, imprudence on the part of the pipeline, failure by a pipeline to bargain at arms-length with any producer, and the entering into of or operating pursuant to any contract by any pipeline with any producer if such contract materially prevents the pipeline from responding to changes in customer demand or other market forces. Voids any cost passthrough if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the amount paid by a pipeline for natural gas was excessive due to abuse. Prohibits any contract price provision for the first sale of natural gas to any pipeline which does not establish a specific unit price predictable with certainty over the duration of the contract (indefinite price escalator provisions). Deems any contract for the first sale of natural gas to any pipeline to allow the pipeline to escape the contract or to negotiate a new lower price if the natural gas is not marketable at the contract price (market-out provisions). Deems any contract for the first sale of natural gas to any pipeline to include a purchase requirement adjustment provision which, as a general rule, authorizes a pipeline, without obligation to pay, to exercise a right not to accept delivery of any portion of the volume of natural gas which the pipeline has contracted to accept, if the pipeline has determined that it cannot market the total volume of gas contracted for. Prohibits a pipeline from reducing, pursuant to these contract provisions, the volume of natural gas the pipeline accepts delivery of below a level equal to 50 percent of the volume contracted for. Deems any contract for the sale of natural gas to a pipeline to include a transportation obligation clause which provides that whenever a pipeline has exercised its right under any contract provision to reduce the volume of natural gas the pipeline is obligated to take delivery of on the grounds that the pipeline cannot market the total volumes for which it is so obligated, the pipeline shall provide, on behalf of the seller, transportation of any of the volume of the natural gas: (1) which is involved in the reduction; (2) which is resold by the seller to another purchaser; and (3) which the pipeline would be required to pay for in the absence of the exercise of such contract provision. Provides that the consideration for any transportation provided under these contract provisions shall be five cents per million Btu's plus the cost of such transportation. Directs FERC, in cooperation with the affected State commissions and the national organization of the State commissions, to endeavor to restructure relationships between pipelines and local distribution companies for the purpose of reducing gas distribution purchase costs through increased reliance on competitive market forces. Directs FERC to issue regulations requiring first sale purchasers of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Repeals incremental pricing provisions of the Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
Bill· HRH.R. 2154 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market out option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the pipeline has failed to adopt practices minimizing amounts paid to purchase natural gas. Declares any minimum commodity beill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the January 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price for any first sale shall be 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after January 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
Bill· HRH.R. 2164 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Fair Marketing Act of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to define the term "abuse" so as to include misrepresentation, imprudence on the part of the pipeline, failure by a pipeline to bargain at arms-length with any producer, and the entering into of or operating pursuant to any contract by any pipeline with any producer if such contract materially prevents the pipeline from responding to changes in customer demand or other market forces. Voids any cost passthrough if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the amount paid by a pipeline for natural gas was excessive due to abuse. Prohibits any contract price provision for the first sale of natural gas to any pipeline which does not establish a specific unit price predictable with certainty over the duration of the contract (indefinite price escalator provisions). Deems any contract for the first sale of natural gas to any pipeline to allow the pipeline to escape the contract or to negotiate a new lower price if the natural gas is not marketable at the contract price (market-out provisions). Deems any contract for the first sale of natural gas to any pipeline to include a purchase requirement adjustment provision which, as a general rule, authorizes a pipeline, without obligation to pay, to exercise a right not to accept delivery of any portion of the volume of natural gas which the pipeline has contracted to accept, if the pipeline has determined that it cannot market the total volume of gas contracted for. Prohibits a pipeline from reducing, pursuant to these contract provisions, the volume of natural gas the pipeline accepts delivery of below a level equal to 50 percent of the volume contracted for. Deems any contract for the sale of natural gas to a pipeline to include a transportation obligation clause which provides that whenever a pipeline has exercised its right under any contract provision to reduce the volume of natural gas the pipeline is obligated to take delivery of on the grounds that pipeline cannot market the total volumes for which it is so obligated for, the pipeline shall provide, on behalf of the seller, transportation of any of the volume of the natural gas: (1) which is involved in the reduction; (2) which is resold by the seller to another purchaser; and (3) which the pipeline would be required to pay for in the absence of the exercise of such contract provision. Provides that the consideration for any transportation provided under these contract provisions shall be five cents per million Btu's plus the cost of such transportation. Directs FERC, in cooperation with the affected State commissions and the national organization of the State commissions, to endeavor to restructure relationships between pipelines and local distribution companies for the purpose of reducing gas distribution purchase costs through increased reliance on competitive market forces. Directs FERC to issue regulations requiring any first sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Repeals incremental pricing provisions of the Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 139 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
States that the Government should restore balance to the Department of Energy's FY 1984 budget by maintaining funding for energy conservation, solar and renewable energy, and weatherization programs and by distributing information on conservation and renewable and solar energy.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 88 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the schedule for domestic natural gas price deregulation should not be accelerated.
Bill· HRH.R. 2098 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Bonneville Power Administration Regional Accountability Act of 1983 - Requires the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to annually submit the Administration's draft budget for each fiscal year to the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council for review, beginning in calendar year 1983. Directs the Administrator to inform the Council of any budget modifications proposed by the Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires the Administrator to submit a report to the Council and to Congress whenever the Administrator finds an alternative budget proposal by the Council unacceptable. Provides that the Administrator shall cooperate with and assist the Council in order to facilitate the Council's review of the draft budget and modifications. Requires the Administrator to conform the budget to the requirements of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act and to the regional electric power and conservation plan and the fish and wildlife program adopted pursuant to such Act. Amends the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act to require the Council to: (1) review, and report to Congress on, the initial budget proposal plus any budget modifications for the Bonneville Power Administration; and (2) submit to Congress an alternative budget or alternative figures for parts of the budget.
Bill· HRH.R. 2111 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Bonneville Power Administration Regional Accountability Act of 1983 - Requires the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to annually submit the Administration's draft budget for each fiscal year to the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council for review, beginning in calendar year 1983. Directs the Administrator to inform the Council of any budget modifications proposed by the Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires the Administrator to submit a report to the Council and to Congress whenever the Administrator finds an alternative budget proposal by the Council unacceptable. Provides that the Administrator shall cooperate with and assist the Council in order to facilitate the Council's review of the draft budget and modifications. Requires the Administrator to conform the budget to the requirements of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act and to the regional electric power and conservation plan and the fish and wildlife program adopted pursuant to such Act. Amends the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act to require the Council to: (1) review, and report to Congress on, the initial budget proposal plus any budget modifications for the Bonneville Power Administration; and (2) submit to Congress an alternative budget or alternative figures for parts of the budget.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 192 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1983
Provides for the expiration, effective December 15, 1983, of the waiver of laws granted for the Alaska natural gas transportation system unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues, on or before such date, a final certificate of public convenience and necessity for the approved transportation system. Prohibits any Federal agency from providing financial assistance for the transportation system after approval of this resolution.
Bill· SS. 760 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to specified submerged areas located in the Pacific Ocean off the California coastline and in the Atlantic Ocean off the Massachusetts coastline, from: (1) issuing any oil and gas lease; (2) granting any license or permit for any activity which both affects the areas and involves drilling for oil and gas; and (3) approving any exploration plan or any development and production plan which provides for such activities. Terminates the provisions of this Act of January 1, 2000.
Bill· HRH.R. 2054 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require a pipeline to carry natural gas, upon application by a producer or purchaser of natural gas, unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission finds that: (1) the pipeline has no available capacity to carry such gas; (2) carriage of such gas would place an undue burden on the pipeline; (3) construction of new facilities by the pipeline would be required; or (4) carriage of the gas would impair the pipeline's ability to give adequate service to its existing customers. Sets the consideration for such transportation at five cents per million Btu's plus the cost of transportation.
Bill· HRH.R. 2059 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to specified submerged areas located in the Pacific Ocean off the California coastline and in the Atlantic Ocean off the Massachusetts coastline, from: (1) issuing any oil and gas lease; (2) granting any license or permit for any activity which both affects the areas and involves drilling for oil and gas; and (3) approving any exploration plan or any development and production plan which provides for such activities. Terminates the provisions of this Act of January 1, 2000.
Bill· HRH.R. 2058 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Geothermal Steam Act of 1983 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in any land administered by another Federal agency or department, including public, withdrawn, or acquired lands. Redefines the term "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures for that purpose. Requires lands within a known geothermal resource area which are offered for lease and which receive no bids to be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if it is designated as a known geothermal resource area within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than 15 percent of the value of energy produced and sold for nonelectrical use. Eliminates the limits on the duration of: (1) geothermal leases with respect to which geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities (under current law, such leases may not be extended beyond the primary term of ten years for more than 40 additional years); and (2) leases with respect to which actual drilling operations were commenced before the end of their primary terms and geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities (under current law, such leases may not be extended beyond the primary term for more than 35 additional years). Provides that, in certain cases, the term "commercial quantities" shall include a drilled well and either a bona fide sale for delivery to utilization facilities installed or to be constructed or proof of commitment to construct such facilities. Requires the Secretary to grant extensions of up to 15 years on a primary lease if construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or due to the demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the maximum holding in any one State, after public hearings, to a maximum of 115,200 acres. Exempts from such limitations those leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and those leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning: (1) 20 years after the date commercial production is commenced for nonelectric uses; and (2) 20 years after the first generation of electricity for sale for electric generation use. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on the acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Directs the Secretary to identify and publish in the Federal Register the geothermal features located on lands within national parks and monuments. Authorizes the issuance of geothermal leases on Federal land within specified geographic zones outside such parks or monuments only after a determination that geothermal exploration activities pursuant to such a lease will not adversely affect nationally significant geothermal features. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial applications of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction, provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial.
Bill· SS. 740 (98th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require that any existing or future contract for the first sale of natural gas, excluding any contract for the first-sale of gas which is forever regulated, contain a market-out clause. Provides that such clause shall allow the buyer to nominate a new lower price or escape the contract if the gas is not marketable at the contract price. Declares that contracts not containing such a clause within 60 days after enactment of this Act shall be unenforceable. Sets limitations on the volume reductions and maximum new lower prices that may be established through renegotiation of such a purchase contract.
Bill· HRH.R. 2012 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief and Market Correction Act - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to repeal provisions providing for the decontrol of natural gas prices. Provides that in the case of any price which is established under any contract for the first sale of natural gas and which does not exceed the applicable maximum lawful price, such maximum lawful price shall not supersede or nullify the effectiveness of the contract price. Provides for the reimposition of price controls on certain categories of previously decontrolled high-cost natural gas. Provides for the recomputation of the maximum lawful price to eliminate the increases in effect which are in addition to the rate of inflation for: (1) new natural gas and natural gas from the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) natural gas from new, onshore production wells; (3) sales of gas under existing interstate contracts; and (4) stripper well gas. Declares any take-or-pay clause of any contract applicable to the first sale of natural gas or applicable to any subsequent sale of natural gas to any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines a take-or-pay clause as any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for in the event the purchaser fails to take delivery. Requires every contract for the sale of natural gas to any pipeline to contain an adjustment clause (market-out clause) which authorizes the purchaser (under the general rule), without obligation to pay, to exercise a right not to accept delivery of any portion of the volumes of natural gas the purchaser has contracted to accept if the purchaser has determined that the total volume of natural gas contracted for cannot be marketed. Eliminates the authority the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to increase ceiling prices for sales of natural gas dedicated to interstate commerce, sales under rollover contracts, and other categories of natural gas. Eliminates the authority of FERC to establish new categories of high-cost gas. Prohibits a natural gas company from increasing its rates on the basis of any increase in the cost of acquiring gas (cost passthroughs) until the Commission has conducted an investigation of the increase and determined, after an opportunity for a hearing, that the increase is just and reasonable and in the public interest. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1984 and 1985, in addition to funds otherwise authorized, to carry out the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981. Prohibits the importation of natural gas unless that gas is imported at prices that reflect the current natural gas market and the importation is determined to be justified, taking into account the availability and cost of natural gas produced in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 2004 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to prohibit an electric or gas utility from terminating electric or natural gas service to any residential consumer without the consent of such consumer: (1) from October 15 to April 14 of any year; or (2) in situations in which such termination would be dangerous to health. Requires both State regulated and nonregulated electric and gas utilities to transmit to State regulatory authorities weekly reports of involuntary terminations of service to consumers. Directs the State regulatory authorities to make such reports available to the public. Provides that during any period when termination of service to an electric or gas consumer would be dangerous to health, such service may not be terminated if the consumer establishes that he or she is able to pay in accordance with a qualified deferred payment program.
Bill· SS. 710 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,500. Phases out such credit in annual increments after 1988. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1983 and before January 1, 1992.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 84 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should provide the resources to achieve a specified fill rate for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in FY 1984, consistent with the Energy Emergency Preparedness Act of 1982.
Bill· SS. 689 (98th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Natural Gas Policy Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: congressional findings concerning natural gas, and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to add to the definition of Btu. Sets forth a method of determining the number of Btu's per unit volume of natural gas. Defines definite price provision, indefinite price provision, market-out provision, and take-or-pay provision, for purposes of the use of such terms in a contract for the first sale of natural gas. Requires the price under any contract for the first sale of natural gas in effect on November 8, 1978, to remain the price after November 8, 1978, unless the contract expressly and specifically by its plain language authorizes prices established by Congress, in which case any price not in excess of the applicable maximum lawful price may apply. Repeals the annual inflation adjustment factors. Provides that the maximum lawful price for any first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include all costs necessary to, or associated with, the delivery of marketable natural gas to the purchaser. Authorizes an adjustment to the seller for necessary costs which deprive the seller of a just and reasonable return. Authorizes the purchaser an adjustment if the purchaser provides the seller consideration in addition to the maximum lawful prices. Establishes a transportation rate of no less than $0.05 per million Btu's and requires all revenues in excess of such amount to be credited back to the pipeline's customers. Declares null and void all indefinite price provisions in all contracts for the first sale of natural gas. Deems all contracts for the first sale of natural gas which is affected by deregulation to include a market-out provision. Deems all take-or-pay provisions in effect as of enactment to be reduced by 50 percent. Declares null and void any first sale contract which restricts the right of the purchaser to contest the contract. Requires all first sale contracts to be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and made available to the public. Confers jurisdiction on the FERC to resolve contract disputes, on petition by any party to a contract. Directs the FERC to promulgate a final rule establishing the interest rate at which refunds shall be paid by natural gas companies on any collections made in excess of approved rates. Directs the FERC to undertake and complete a comprehensive study of minimum bill and related provisions in interstate pipeline tariffs.
Bill· SS. 670 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
New England Regional Power Planning and Distribution Act of 1983 - 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 to 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. Provides that international energy purchases in place as of the enactment of this Act shall be reviewed by the Regional Authority as part of the regional energy development plan and a treaty adopted between the United States and Canada protecting existing contracts. 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. Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO) to review and recommend alternative financing options for the Regional Authority, in addition to the bond options. Title VI: Regional Power Planning and Regulation Study - Directs GAO to conduct a study on the economic impact of Federal legislation: (1) allowing multi-State agreements not subject to congressional approval for regional power planning and regional regulation and authorizing State development of energy services; and (2) increasing regional electric regulatory authority and reducing the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by shifting FERC jurisdiction over intrastate and interstate wholesale transactions to individual States or regional regulatory bodies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1883 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,500. Phases out such credit in annual increments after 1988. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1983 and before January 1, 1992.
Bill· HRH.R. 1884 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Renewable Energy Tax Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990.
Bill· HRH.R. 1876 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an investment tax credit for energy property used in producing methane-containing gas for fuel or electricity by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials.
Bill· SS. 652 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Hydrogen Research and Development Act - Title I: Hydrogen Production and Utilization - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send Congress annual reports which include any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Requires that the areas to be addressed in such program include production, liquefaction, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilization. Requires priority to be given to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology and to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen demonstration plan. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive technology application plan which shall include: (1) the potential applications for the use of hydrogen; (2) technical market and economic readiness assessments for such potential applications; (3) an assessment of Government actions needed to develop such applications; and (4) an analysis of the impact of such applications on domestic energy supplies. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out this program. Requires the establishment of a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires the Panel to submit an annual report on the program to the Energy Research Advisory Board which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title II: Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Research and Development - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive program management plan for a research and development program for the development of a domestic hydrogen- fueled aircraft capability within the shortest practical time. Requires the Administrator to transmit to Congress annual reports which include any necessary modifications with respect to the plan. Requires the Administrator to establish such program within NASA and to prepare and transmit to Congress a comprehensive flight demonstration plan which shall confirm the technical feasibility, economic viability, and safety of liquid hydrogen as a fuel for commercial transport aircraft. Provides that the research and development program under this title shall include, at a minimum, the development of the systems associated with the production, transportation, storage, and handling of liquid hydrogen for commercial aircraft application. Provides that the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out the program. Establishes a Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the programs established by this title. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Administrator on its activities and on the status of such programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 46 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to commence a rulemaking relating to natural gas pipeline rate designs and to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and the appropriate congressional committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1829 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Authorizes the President to nullify and cancel any Federal agency rule or regulation which may: (1) be harmful to human life; (2) restrict the Nation's production of fuel or energy resources; (3) threaten the Nation's supplies of food and fiber; (4) interfere with military maneuvers and national security; or (5) have an adverse effect on the Nation's economy disproportionate to its ecological benefits. Permits Congress to countermand such presidential action provided both Houses vote to vacate it within 30 days of its issuance.
Bill· HRH.R. 1759 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Natural Gas Price Relief and Market Correction Act - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to set the maximum lawful price on any first sale of natural gas from December 13, 1982, through January 1, 1985, at: (1) the maximum lawful price applicable to such sale on October 1, 1982; or (2) for gas not covered by wellhead price controls, the contract price specified for deliveries of such natural gas on October 1, 1982. Declares that any contract for the first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include a volume adjustment option with respect to any natural gas the first sale of which could occur after the effective date of this Act. Defines "volume adjustment option" as a contract provision under which the purchaser may elect to refuse to take delivery under such contract of any volume of natural gas without incurring an obligation to pay any fee or charge. Defines "abuse" under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to include the purchase by any natural gas pipeline company of any natural gas delivered on or after the effective date of this Act at an excessive price, unless the purchase of such gas is necessary to prevent waste. Considers the price of natural gas delivered to any natural gas pipeline company on any day excessive if that price exceeds the price of any other natural gas which could have been acquired by such pipeline company for delivery on that day under any contract to which the pipeline is a party. Requires every natural gas pipeline company to file every three months with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: (1) a statement concerning the volume adjustment clause, as well as steps it has taken to avoid the acquisition of natural gas at an excessive price; and (2) a modification of the costs to be recovered by the pipeline under a purchased gas adjustment clause by reason of steps taken by such pipeline to comply with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1760 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Regulatory Reform Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Purchased Gas Cost - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to prohibit, until 1986, the guaranteed passthrough to natural gas customers of price increases resulting from an interstate pipeline paying more for its gas, unless the pipeline applies to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an increase and such application is approved. Directs the FERC to permit recovery if the costs sought to be recovered were just, reasonable, and prudently incurred. Title II: Removal of Wellhead Price Control and Repeal of Jurisdiction Over Certain First Sales - Provides for the removal of price controls on all first sales of natural gas by January 1, 1986. Repeals FERC jurisdiction over all interstate sales of committed or dedicated natural gas, as of January 1, 1985. Repeals provisions permitting the President or Congress to reimpose price controls. Title III: Transitional Price and Contract Provisions - Sets forth transitional pricing provisions establishing price limits which terminate upon the removal of all price controls. Grants purchasers subject to a take-or-pay contract the right to refuse volumes in excess of 70 percent of available deliverability. Authorizes either party to a contract for the first sale of natural gas which was in effect as of enactment to terminate the contract beginning January 1, 1985, provided the terminating party: (1) gives notice as specified; (2) does not materially breach the contract prior to the end of the notice as specified; and (3) offers the other party a release from all future duties and obligations. Sets forth the obligations of parties upon termination. Provides that no price escalator clause can operate to establish a price for natural gas higher than the gas cap price (a price used in determining maximum price during the transitional period). Title IV: Removal of Impediments to Interstate Movements of Gas - Revises provisions relating to interstate and intrastate sales and transportation to: (1) authorize the FERC to permit any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; (2) authorize the FERC to permit any intrastate pipeline or local distribution company to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; and (3) authorize the FERC to permit any pipeline or local distribution company to sell natural gas to any pipeline or local distribution company. Authorizes the FERC to permit any pipeline or local distribution company to assign surplus gas to any other pipeline or distribution company. Provides that interstate pipelines and local distribution companies shall not be subject to FERC jurisdiction on the basis of their buying natural gas in certain "covered transactions." Directs the FERC to order any interstated pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry gas under contract between producer and purchaser upon such terms and subject to such conditions as it considers just and reasonable if the Commission finds that the pipeline has the available capacity. Provides that the consideration for such carriage shall be five cents per million Btu's plus the cost of such transportation. Title V: Repeal of Certain Restrictions on Natural Gas and Petroleum Use Pricing - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers used for space heating; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
Bill· HRH.R. 1752 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Natural Gas Policy Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth: (1) ten Congressional findings concerning natural gas; and (2) the purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to add to the definition of Btu. Sets forth a method of determining the number of Btu's per unit volume of natural gas. Defines definite price provision, indefinite price provision, market-out provision, and take-or-pay provision, for purposes of the use of such terms in a contract for the first sale of natural gas. Requires the price under any contract for the first sale of natural gas in effect on November 8, 1978, to remain the price after November 8, 1978, unless the contract expressly and specifically by its plain language authorizes prices established by Congress, in which case any price not in excess of the applicable maximum lawful price may apply. Repeals the annual inflation adjustment factors. Provides that the maximum lawful price for any first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include all costs necessary to, or associated with, the delivery of marketable natural gas to the purchaser. Authorize an adjustment to the seller for necessary costs which deprive the seller of a just and reasonable return. Authorizes the purchaser an adjustment if the purchaser provides the seller consideration in addition to the maximum lawful prices. Establishes a transportation rate of no less than $0.05 per million Btu's end requires all revenues in excess of such amount to be credited back to the pipeline's customers. Declares null and void all indefinite price provisions in all contracts for the first sale of natural gas. Deems all contracts for the first sale of natural gas which is affected by deregulation to include a market-out provision. Deems all take-or-pay provisions in effect as of enactment to be reduced by 50 percent. Declares null and void any first sale contract which restricts the right of the purchaser to contest the contract. Requires all first sale contracts to be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and made available to the public. Confers jurisdiction on the FERC to resolve contract disputes, on petition by any party to a contract. Directs the FERC to promulgate a final rule establishing the interest rate at which refunds shall be paid by natural gas companies on any collections made in excess of approved rates. Directs the FERC to undertake and complete a comprehensive study of minimum bill and related provisions in interstate pipeline tariffs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1775 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Renewable Energy Tax Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 75 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the fill rate proposed by the administration for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is insufficient and inconsistent with existing law; and (2) the reserve should be filled at least at the minimum rate prescribed by law.
Bill· SS. 623 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Bonneville Power Administration Regional Accountability Act of 1983 - Requires the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to annually submit the Administration's draft budget for each fiscal year to the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council for review, beginning in calendar year 1983. Directs the Administrator to inform the Council of any budget modifications proposed by the Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires the Administrator to submit a report to the Council and to Congress whenever the Administrator finds an alternative budget proposal by the Council unacceptable. Provides that the Administrator shall cooperate with and assist the Council in order to facilitate the Council's review of the draft budget and modifications. Requires the Administrator to conform the budget to the requirements of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act and to the regional electric power and conservation plan and the fish and wildlife program adopted pursuant to such Act. Amends the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act to require the Council to: (1) review, and report to Congress on, the initial budget proposal plus any budget modifications for the Bonneville Power Administration; and (2) submit to Congress an alternative budget or alternative figures for parts of the budget.
Bill· SS. 618 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy Employment Act - Title I: Jobs Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures, and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technology. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require the Secretary of Labor to administer employment and training programs for Native Americans to meet the specific energy conservation and renewable energy training needs peculiar to their situation. Requires that employment and training programs for veterans under such Act include renewable energy and energy conservation job training for veterans. Title II: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Title III: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy systems windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States.
Bill· SS. 615 (98th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Regulatory Reform Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Purchased Gas Cost - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to prohibit, until 1986, the guaranteed passthrough to natural gas customers of price increases resulting from an interstate pipeline paying more for its gas, unless the pipeline applies to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an increase and such application is approved. Directs the FERC to permit recovery if the costs sought to be recovered were just, reasonable, and prudently incurred. Title II: Removal of Wellhead Price Control and Repeal of Jurisdiction Over Certain First Sales - Provides for the removal of price controls on all first sales of natural gas by January 1, 1986. Repeals FERC jurisdiction over all interstate sales of committed or dedicated natural gas, as of January 1, 1985. Repeals provisions permitting the President or Congress to reimpose price controls. Title III: Transitional Price and Contract Provisions - Sets forth transitional pricing provisions establishing price limits which terminate upon the removal of all price controls. Grants purchasers subject to a take-or-pay contract the right to refuse volumes in excess of 70 percent of available deliverability. Authorizes either party to a contract for the first sale of natural gas (which was in effect as of enactment and was not amended) to terminate the contract beginning January 1, 1985, provided the terminating party: (1) gives notice as specified; (2) does not materially breach the contract prior to the end of the notice as specified; (3) offers the other party a release from all future duties and obligations. Sets forth the obligations of parties upon termination. Provides that no price escalator clause can operate to establish a price for natural gas higher than the gas cap price (a price used in determining maximum price during the transitional period). Title IV: Removal of Impediments to Interstate Movements of Gas - Revises provisions relating to interstate and intrastate sales and transportation to: (1) authorize the FERC to permit any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; (2) authorize the FERC to permit any intrastate pipeline or local distribution company to transport natural gas on behalf of any person; and (3) authorize the FERC to permit any pipeline or local distribution company to sell natural gas to any pipeline or local distribution company. Authorizes the FERC to permit any pipeline or local distribution company to assign surplus gas to any other pipeline or distribution company. Provides that interstate pipelines and local distribution companies shall not be subject to FERC jurisdiction on the basis of their buying natural gas in certain "covered transactions." Directs the FERC to order any interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry gas under contract between producer and purchaser upon such terms and subject to such conditions as it considers just and reasonable if the Commission finds that the pipeline has the available capacity. Provides that the consideration for such carriage shall be five cents per million Btu's plus the cost of such transportation. Title V: Repeal of Certain Restrictions on Natural Gas and Petroleum Use Pricing - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers used for space heating; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
Bill· SS. 619 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the residential energy credit applicable to expenditures for items which serve a purpose in addition to increasing energy efficiency in a dwelling (such as thermal draperies). Includes passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Assistance Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Requires State regulatory authorities to implement standardized contracts for renewable energy systems generating less than 100 kilowatts for: (1) the sale of electric energy from utilities to small power production facilities; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by small power production facilities by such utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review". Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
Bill· SS. 616 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the investment tax credit for renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Increases such credit for solar, wind, and geothermal property. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that not less than 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank shall be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales. Requires that a portion of such loan authority be made available for transactions involving renewable energy. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to specify rules for the rates for purchase by electric utilities of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility. Amends a specified reorganization plan to require the Department of Commerce to provide export assistance to businesses involving renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Innovation Act of 1982 to require that renewable energy and energy conservation businesses receive a reasonable portion of the Department of Energy's small business research and development funds.
Bill· SS. 617 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoiled and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoiled and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1701 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal the requirement that Congress approve the comprehensive strategy established by the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation to achieve the national synthetic fuel production goal established by such Act. Requires that preference in selecting proposals for synthetic fuels projects for financial assistance be given to proposals which are for research and development of synthetic fuel production and use. Eliminates the authority of the Corporation with respect to joint ventures by the Corporation for synthetic fuel project modules and Corporation synthetic fuel construction projects. Establishes a national goal of facilitating research and development in order to achieve domestic synthetic fuel production capability when the synthetic fuel industry matures and synthetic fuels become price competitive. (Under current law, there is a national goal of achieving a synthetic fuel production capability of at least 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil by 1987 and of at least 2,000,000 barrels per day of crude oil by 1992 from domestic resources.) Repeals the limitation on the authorization of financial assistance under such Act to any one synthetic fuel project or to any one person. Limits the funds available to the Corporation for obligation under the Energy Security Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1685 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Amends the National Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare unenforceable and against public policy, in any natural gas contract: (1) "indefinite price escalator clauses"; and (2) "take-or-pay clauses." Makes an exemption to such rule on "take-or-pay clauses" if necessary to recover certain costs. Defines a "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision requiring payment for a minimum amount of natural gas if the purchaser fails to take delivery. Prohibits a pipeline from passing on its costs of natural gas (cost passthroughs) if the costs were incurred due to waste or imprudence.
Bill· HRH.R. 1686 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to provide that the maximum lawful price computed under this Act shall apply to any first sale of natural gas if the gas is sold under any contract which : (1) was entered into on or before the effective date of this Act if the contract is not renegotiated as to price on or after such date or does not contain a market-out clause; and (2) was entered into after such effective date if such contract does not contain a market-out clause. Provides that the maximum lawful price, per million Btu's, under this Act shall be: (1) in the case of any contract entered into on or before such effective date, the price applicable under the contract for deliveries on January 1, 1983; and (2) in the case of any contract entered into after such effective date, the maximum lawful price determined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to be applicable under the wellhead pricing provisions for deliveries of the category of natural gas involved which occurred on January 1, 1983, or in the case of high-cost natural gas the maximum lawful price which would have been applicable if such natural gas were not decontrolled. Authorizes the purchaser under a market-out clause, subject to stated limitations, without obligation to pay, to exercise a right not to accept delivery of any portion of the volumes of natural gas the purchaser has contracted to accept if the purchaser has determined that the total volume of natural gas contract for cannot be marketed.
Bill· SS. 590 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Low Income Home Emergency Assistance Amendments Act - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to require as part of the annual application for home energy grants that States certify that they agree to specify: (1) the percentage of funds to be used by them for low-cost residential weatherization or energy-related home repair for low-income households; and (2) the weatherization and home repair activities to be conducted with such funds. Increases the amount of funds available to States for FY 1983 and 1984 for low-cost residential weatherization and energy-related home repairs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data on the number and income levels of households assisted by funds for low-cost residential weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
Bill· SS. 581 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 1983 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to alter the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to grant leases of oil and gas lands. Permits the Secretary to lease onshore Federal lands for oil and gas development by competitive bidding only, on the basis of bidding systems set forth in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Directs the Secretary to issue a lease to the highest responsible qualified bidder for each tract offered at a sale. Directs the Secretary, at least once each quarter, to invite public nomination of areas favorable for the discovery of oil or gas. Provides that any area which the Secretary determines to be available and suitable for oil and gas leasing shall automatically be offered for lease if the area receives either: (1) two or more public nominations; or (2) a single nomination in two successive quarters. Directs the Secretary to hold quarterly competitive oil and gas lease sales, consisting of nominated tracts and any additional areas selected by the Secretary. Increases the size of leasable tracts by a specified amount. Provides for an initial lease period of five years and an extension of up to five years. Requires extension applications to include an exploration plan. Authorizes extensions only if the lessee could not explore during the initial lease period due to adverse technical, economic, or environmental conditions. Increases the minimum annual rental fee from 50 cents to two dollars per acre. Prescribes an increased minimum royalty of four dollars per acre (up from one dollar) in lieu of rental. Provides that actions taken by the Secretary pursuant to the bidding, nomination, and leasing procedures under this Act shall not be considered "major Federal actions" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act. Permits the Secretary to disapprove an assignment of a lease in specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations within 180 days of enactment.
Bill· SS. 558 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to redefine the term "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in any lands administered by another Federal agency or department, including public, withdrawn, or acquired lands. Requires lands within a known geothermal area which are offered for competitive lease and which receive no bids to be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Requires the Secretary to offer at least ten percent of all lands offered for sale in any year on a basis other than cash bonus bidding. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if the land involved is designated as a known geothermal resource area within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant or lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that a reasonable number of leasing tracts, up to a maximum of ten percent of the acreage leased in any year, be offered to public bodies, including rural electric cooperatives, for lease for the production of energy for their own use or for sale to their members or customers. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than ten percent of such value produced for nonelectrical use. Authorizes the Secretary to defer royalty payments for nonelectric geothermal developments when it is in the public interest, for municipal, cooperative, or other political subdivision lessees where legal limitations on front-end financing would prohibit or significantly deter development. Provides, in certain cases, that the term "commercial quantities" shall include either: (1) a drilled well and a bona fide sale for delivery; or (2) proof of a commitment to construct utilization facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to consider an additional extension of up to ten years for an extended primary lease term if: (1) construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities; and (2) there has been substantial investment in development of the lease. Requires the lessee to make bona fide efforts to resolve such problems. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Exempts from such limitation those leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning 20 years after the date production is commenced. (Currently, such readjustment is permitted at ten year intervals beginning ten years after geothermal steam is produced). Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on the acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Directs the Secretary to identify and publish in the Federal Register the geothermal features located on lands within national parks and monuments. Authorizes the issuance of geothermal leases on Federal lands within specified geographic zones outside such parks or monuments only after a determination that geothermal exploration activities pursuant to such a lease will not adversely affect such geothermal features. Prohibits the issuance of a loan, grant, or license for geothermal exploration within such geographic zone or on non-Federal lands within such park or monument unless boundary the activities so assisted will not adversely affect such geothermal features. Provides that prior to the issuance of geothermal leases in a geographic zone adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, or Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Secretary must determine that: (1) a valuable geothermal resource exists; and (2) geothermal development will not adversely affect the thermal features of such parks. Prohibits the issuance of geothermal leases in the Island Park Known Geothermal Resource Area adjacent to Yellowstone National Park until after the Secretary has completed a study to determine whether there is any thermal geological connection between such area and the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park. Requires that the study include methods for protecting the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park in connection with geothermal leasing in such area. Authorizes the Secretary to issue geothermal leases in such area 60 days after completion of the study if: (1) a valuable geothermal resource exists; (2) development of such resource will not adversely affect the thermal features of the Yellowstone National Park and (3) the thermal features of the Yellowstone National Park will be protected. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial application of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction, provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial. Directs the Secretary to establish diligence requirements for exploratory and developmental activities on leased lands.
Bill· HRH.R. 1618 (98th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Federal Power Act to exempt conduit hydroelectric facilities from the requirements for the development of water power and resources under such Act. Permits the operator of such a facility to apply for a license under such Act for the exempt facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 1598 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy Employment Act - Title I: Jobs Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technologies. Title II: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Title III: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy system windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 1595 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Solar Energy National Security and Employment (SENSE) Act of 1983 - Title I: Use of Solar and Other Renewable Forms of Energy Developed By Private Sector - Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the energy percentage for energy property which is used in determining the qualified investment tax credit. Treats biomass recycling equipment as biomass property and includes biomass property as "energy property" for purposes of the energy percentage. Eliminates the requirement that the primary energy sources for a facility producing alcohol for fuel purposes not be oil or natural gas or a product of either one in order for such alcohol to be treated as "qualified fuel" for purposes of the energy percentage. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that a minimum of 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank in any fiscal year be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales and include an amount of loan authority for renewable energy transactions that is appropriate to the demand for such loans. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that the rates for purchases by an electric utility of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility be established at the incremental cost of alternative electric energy of such utility, unless the State regulatory authority or a nonregulated electric utility determines that a different rate would encourage cogeneration and small power production, would not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers, and would be in the consumers' and the public's interest. (Currently, such rates must be just and reasonable to the consumers and in the public interest and must not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers.) Requires a cogeneration facility or small power production facility to pay reasonable interconnection costs incurred by an electric utility which is required to offer to interconnect with such facility. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to issue policy guidance to departments and agencies with respect to international trade issues involving renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to require that a reasonable portion of the funds appropriated for nonnuclear programs of the Department of Energy be set aside for renewable energy and energy conservation businesses. Title II: Renewable Energy National Security - Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoilt and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoilt and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations. Title III: Federal Training and Economic Development Programs to Create Jobs in Energy Conservation Industries - Part A: Short Title; Findings - Renewable Energy Employment Act - Sets forth the short title of this title and congressional findings. Part B: Job Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures, and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technologies. Part C: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Part D: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy systems windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States. Title IV: Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives - Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as a "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities to adopt and publish standard contracts with respect to: (1) the sale of electric energy by utilities to small power production facilities of not more than 100 kilowatts capacity; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by such facilities by utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review." Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1599 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities to adopt and publish standard contracts with respect to: (1) the sale of electric energy by utilities to small power production facilities of not more than 100 kilowatts capacity; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by such facilities by utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review". Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1597 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoiled and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoiled and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1594 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Home Heating Protection and Utility Regulation Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities, with respect to each electric or natural gas utility for which they have ratemaking authority, to adopt the standards governing termination and reconnection of utility service established by this Act. Provides that a State regulatory authority's failure to adopt such standards shall result in the State's ineligibility for financial assistance for the State's energy conservation plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Prohibits an electric or natural gas utility from terminating utility service or refusing to reinstate utility service terminated before the enactment of this Act to a residential customer during the winter period before: (1) certifying to the State regulatory authority that its action will not endanger the customer's health; and (2) notifying the customer of its intentions. Grants a notified customer five business days to request a hearing before the State regulatory authority on the utility's decision. Requires the customer to establish at such a hearing that: (1) the lack of utility service will endanger the health of a person in his or her household; and (2) the customer is unable to pay his or her entire account. Prohibits the termination of, or refusal to reinstate, utility service to a residential customer during the winter period if such customer's household contains a person who is blind, permanently disabled, or severely handicapped, a child under the age of ten, or an individual who is 65 years or older. Requires that a residential customer protected against termination of utility service under this Act and the utility that services such customer enter into a deferred payment agreement. Authorizes a State regulatory authority to order a binding deferred payment agreement in any case where such a customer and a utility cannot reach an agreement. Permits a utility to terminate service in any case where a customer refuses to enter into such an agreement after proper notice and a hearing by the State regulatory authority if requested by the customer and upon approval by the State regulatory authority. Provides that where a landlord is delinquent in paying for utility service billed to the landlord, the utility may not terminate utility service during the winter period unless the tenant is notified of the proposed termination and given the opportunity to receive utility service in such tenant's own name. Permits such a tenant to deduct amounts paid for such utility service from the rent due the landlord. Prohibits the termination of, or refusal to reinstate, utility service during the winter period where a landlord's account is delinquent and where it is not practicable for a tenant to receive utility service in such tenant's own name. Permits a utility in such a case to petition for appointment of a receiver of rent payments due the landlord until arrearages have been satisfied. Requires State regulatory authorities to report periodically to the Secretary of Energy data relating to utility service terminations. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse State regulatory authorities, upon application, for expenses incurred in carrying out this Act. Prohibits grants under this Act to the Tennessee Valley Authority. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1596 (98th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the investment tax credit for specified energy property from 1985 to 1990. Increases such credit for solar, wind, and geothermal property. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that not less than 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank shall be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales. Requires that a portion of such loan authority be made available for transactions involving renewable energy. Amends the Public Utlilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to specify rules for the rates for purchase by electric utilities of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility. Amends a specified reorganization plan to require the Department of Commerce to provide the same treatment and export assistance to businesses involved in renewable energy as it does to other U.S. industries. Amends the Small Business Innovation Act of 1982 to specify that renewable energy and energy conservation businesses shall receive a reasonable portion of the Department of Energy's small business research and development funds.