Energy

Electricity Gouging Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Electricity Gouging Relief Act of 2001 - Instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order a refund of unjust and unreasonable rates and charges by public utilities on sales of electric energy for use in the area covered by the Western Systems Coordinating Council of the North American Electric Reliability Council. Applies such refunds to charges paid between June 1, 2000, and the enactment of this Act. Authorizes State enforcement of this Act.

To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing oil and gas leases on portions of the Outer Continental Shelf located off the coast of New Jersey.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease, permit, or license for the exploration or extraction of oil or gas from specified submerged lands located off the coast of New Jersey.

Domestic Energy Enhancement and Security Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Domestic Energy Enhancement and Security Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for the phaseout of certain energy production-related tax preferences; (2) make the depreciation adjustment inapplicable to oil and gas assets; (3) eliminate certain adjustments based on adjusted current earnings related to inventories, intangible drilling and development cost, and oil and gas percentage depletion; (4) allow the enhanced oil recovery credit and the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source against the minimum tax; (5) extend the enhanced oil recovery credit to certain nontertiary recovery methods; and (6) provide, respecting percentage depletion for oil and gas property, for a ten-year carryback and the elimination of the net income limitation.

Electricity Gouging Relief Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001

Electricity Gouging Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Power Act to instruct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order a refund (including interest) for the portion of charges on the transmission or sale of electric energy between June 1, 2000, and June 19, 2001, which the Commission deems to be unjust and unreasonable.

Energy Efficiency and Assistance Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

Energy Efficiency and Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to redefine "leveraged resources" to include any State program which facilitates the collection of donations by electric and gas utilities to be used by public agencies or private nonprofit organizations to pay the utility bills of specified individuals with insufficient financial resources to pay such bills. Extends authorization of appropriations for home energy grants to FY 2005. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to include residential energy efficiency improvement loans among the assets of a savings association that qualify as qualified thrift investments. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor, when determining consumer eligibility for a residential energy efficiency improvement loan, to take into account estimated future savings attributable to energy efficiency improvements. Amends the following Acts to instruct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop and implement measures that promote financial incentives for increased energy efficiency: (1) National Housing Act; (2) the Housing Act of 1949; (3) the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act; and (4) the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act.

Assist municipalities and local communities to explore and determine options for the alternative provision of electricity and to create new public power systems, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

Establishes the Community Power Investment Revolving Loan Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loans from such Fund to a State, local, or municipal government in sound financial standing for the development of alternative energy and energy delivery systems. Prescribes loan repayment guidelines. Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prohibit any public utility or State regulatory authority from imposing any fee or charge on any electric consumer, State, or municipality for the purpose of recovering wholesale stranded costs it may incur when retail electric consumers cease to be served by that public utility by reason of the provision of electric service by a State or local government. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the restriction placed upon the use of tax-exempt bonds to acquire nongovernmental output property.

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002- Makes appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related agencies for FY 2002. Title I: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for: (1) land and resource management; (2) wildland fire management; (3) remedial action of hazardous waste substances; (4) construction; (5) payments in lieu of taxes to local governments; (6) land acquisition; (7) Oregon and California grant lands; (8) range improvements; (9) service charges, deposits, and forfeitures with respect to public lands; and (10) miscellaneous trust funds. Appropriates funds to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for: (1) resource management; (2) construction; (3) land acquisition; (4) the establishment of a Landowner Incentive Program that provides assistance to private landowners for private conservation efforts; (5) the establishment of a Private Stewardship Grants Program; (5) expenses related to carrying out the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (6) the National Wildlife Refuge Fund; (7) expenses related to carrying out the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; (8) financial assistance for projects to promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds; (9) expenses related to carrying out the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994; and (10) wildlife conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Indian tribes. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to the National Park Service (NPS) for: (1) the National Park System; (2) the U.S. Park Police; (3) reimbursement to the District of Columbia for benefit payments by the District to U.S. Park Police annuitants; (4) national recreation and preservation activities; (5) expenses related to carrying out the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978; (6) expenses related to carrying out the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996; (7) construction; and (8) land acquisition and State assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Rescinds specified contract authority to obligate funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for FY 2002. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to: (1) the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research; (2) the Minerals Management Service for royalty and offshore minerals management and oil spill research; (3) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for regulation and technology and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; (4) the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for operation of Indian programs, construction, Indian land and water claim settlements and miscellaneous payments to Indians, and Indian guaranteed loans; (5) assistance to U.S. territories and for carrying out the Compacts of Free Association with respect to Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau; (6) departmental management and the Offices of the Solicitor and of the Inspector General; (7) trust programs for Indians; (8) a program for consolidation of fractional interests in Indian lands by direct expenditure or cooperative agreement; and (9) natural resource damage assessment. Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of specified funds. (Sec. 107) Prohibits the use of funds provided in this title for specified offshore leasing and related activities in the areas of or including California, the North Atlantic, Washington and Oregon, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the North Aleutian Basin planning area, and the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic planning areas. (Sec. 112) Bars the NPS from developing a reduced entrance fee program to accommodate non-local travel through a unit. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to provide for and regulate local non-recreational passage through National Park System units, allowing each unit to develop guidelines and permits for activity appropriate to such unit. (Sec. 115) Provides that, for purposes of reducing the backlog of Indian probate cases in the Department of the Interior, certain hearing requirements with respect to descent and distribution of Indian lands are deemed satisfied by a proceeding conducted by an Indian probate judge appointed by the Secretary without regard to requirements for competitive service appointments. (Sec. 116) Allows the Secretary to redistribute any Tribal Priority Allocation funds to alleviate tribal funding inequities by transferring funds to address identified, unmet needs, dual enrollment, overlapping service areas, or inaccurate distribution methodologies. Prohibits any reduction in such funds of more than ten percent in FY 2002 for any tribe. (Sec. 117) Prohibits the use of funds in this Act to establish a new National Wildlife Refuge in the Kankakee River basin that is inconsistent with Army Corps of Engineers efforts to control flooding and siltation in that area. (Sec. 119) Requires the Secretary to ensure that the lands composing the Huron Cemetery in Kansas are used only for religious and cultural purposes compatible with their use as a cemetery and a burial ground. (Sec. 120) Bars the use of funds appropriated for the Department of the Interior by any Act to study or implement any plan to drain Lake Powell or to reduce its water level below the range required for the operation of the Glen Canyon Dam. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 to extend through FY 2002 the Secretary's authority to obligate expenditure of fees, before they are received, under a transportation services contract at Zion National Park. (Sec. 123) Allows the NPS to authorize, through a cooperative agreement, the Golden Gate National Parks Association to provide fee-based education, interpretive, and visitor service functions within the Crissy Field and Fort Point Areas of the Presidio. (Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to provide grants to Indian tribes for half the costs of constructing tribally controlled schools. (Sec. 126) Directs the Administrator of General Services to sell specified improvements and equipment situated on the White River Oil Shale Mine in Uintah County, Utah. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes FY 2002 appropriations for the Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) for: (1) forest and rangeland research; (2) State and private forestry; (3) National Forest System; (4) wildland fire management; (5) land acquisitions, including specified National Forest areas in Utah, Nevada, and California; (6) Federal land management in Alaska; and (7) specified administrative activities. Makes appropriations for the Department of Energy for the following areas: (1) fossil energy research and development that includes acquisition of real property, plants or facilities, technological investigations and research targeting mineral substances and a Clean Coal Power Initiative; (2) engineering studies regarding development of Shannon Formation at Naval Petroleum Reserve Number3; (3) installment payments pertaining to the Elk Hills School Lands Fund; (4) implementation of energy conservation activities; (5) implementation of activities of the Office of Hearings and Appeals, and of the Energy Information Administration; (6) Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (7) Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; and (8) specified administrative items pertaining to the General Services Administration. States that, unless specifically provided for in an appropriations Act, funds made available to the Department of Energy under this Act may not be used to: (1) finance or implement authorized price support or loan guarantee programs; or (2) issue or process procurement documents for various enterprises. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Indian health facilities. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; and (2) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. Sets forth requirements for uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Makes appropriations in specified amounts for various purposes to: (1) the Smithsonian Institution (earmarking certain funds for the National Museum of the American Indian, the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, the National Zoological Park, and other specified programs); (2) the National Gallery of Art; (3) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (4) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (5) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services, for Office of Museum Services grants and administration; (7) the Challenge America Arts Fund, for Challenge America Grants for arts education and public outreach activities to be administered by the NEA; (8) the Commission of Fine Arts, including expenses for National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs; (9) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (10) the National Capital Planning Commission; (11) the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, for the Holocaust Memorial Museum; and (12) the Presidio Trust Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) planning or offering timber from giant sequoias on BLM or Forest System lands for sale in a manner different than such sales were conducted in FY 2001; (2) entering by the NPS into a concession contract which provides for the removal of the underground lunchroom at Carlsbad Caverns National Park; (3) demolishing the bridge between Jersey City, New Jersey, and Ellis Island, or preventing its use, if safe, by pedestrians; and (4) accepting or processing applications for a patent for mining or mill site claims located under the general mining laws, unless the Secretary takes specified actions. (Sec. 310) Provides that amounts appropriated to or earmarked in committee reports for the BIA and the IHS for payments to tribes and tribal organizations for contract support costs associated with self-determination or self-governance contracts, grants, compacts, or annual funding agreements are the total amounts available for FY 1994 through 2001 for such purposes, except that, for the BIA, such entities may use their tribal priority allocations for unmet indirect costs. (Sec. 311) Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to limit competition for watershed restoration project contracts as part of the Jobs in the Woods Program established in Region 10 of the Forest Service to individuals and entities in timber-dependent areas in Washington, Oregon, northern California, and Alaska that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands. (Sec. 312) Extends the authority to collect fees under the recreational fee demonstration program through FY 2006. Makes funds available in accounts established under such program through FY 2009. (Sec. 314) Bars the use of funds made available in any Act to designate any portion of Canaveral National Seashore in Brevard County, Florida, as a clothing-optional area or area in which public nudity is permitted if such designation would be contrary to county ordinance. (Sec. 315) Requires the Chairperson of the NEA to: (1) award grants to individuals only for literature, National Heritage, or American Jazz Masters fellowships; and (2) establish procedures to ensure that no funding provided through a grant, except one made to a State or local arts agency or regional group, may be used to make a grant to any other individual or organization to conduct activities independent of the grant recipient. Prohibits NEA grants from being used for seasonal support to a group unless the application is specific to the contents of the season. (Sec. 317) Requires the Chairperson of the NEA to: (1) ensure that priority is given to providing services or awarding financial assistance for projects or programs that serve underserved populations; and (2) establish a grant category for programs of national impact or availability or able to tour several States. (Sec. 323) Sets forth requirements for the sale of timber in Region 10 of the Forest Service, including western red cedar timber. (Sec. 324) Requires the Forest Service to review its campground concessions policy to determine if modifications can be made to its campgrounds contracts so that such concessions are exempted from the Service Contract Act. Requires the Forest Service to offer concession prospectuses under the regulatory exemption in FY 2002. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to limit competition for fire and fuel treatment and watershed restoration contracts in the Giant Sequoia National Monument and the Sequoia National Forest. Gives employment preference to dislocated and displaced workers in Tulare, Kern, and Fresno Counties, California, for work associated with the establishment of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. (Sec. 327) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to complete revisions to all land and resource management plans as expeditiously as practicable. (Sec. 328) Provides that, until the end of FY 2003, the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a cooperative agreement for the facilitation of the administration of Forest Service programs and activities includes the use of that legal instrument when the principal purpose of the resulting relationship is to the benefit of the Forest Service and the other party or parties to the agreement, including nonprofit entities. (Sec. 329) Provides for a pilot program through FY 2005 under which the Secretary of Agriculture may by sale or exchange make up to ten conveyances of excess buildings and other structures on National Forest System lands. Requires the concurrence of the congressional appropriation committees in advance of each such conveyance. Requires sales proceeds to be retained for maintenance and rehabilitation within the Region in which the building or structure is located. (Sec. 330) Amends the Land Between the Lakes Protection Act of 1998 to extend procurement authority with respect to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area through FY 2004. (Sec. 331) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to extend through FY 2005 the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to use Forest Service funding for entering into cooperative watershed restoration and enhancement agreements with public and private entities.

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

2001 Supplemental Appropriations Act - Makes supplemental appropriations (with some offsetting rescissions) for FY 2001 for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) for military personnel, operation and maintenance (including funds for repair of the U.S.S Cole and for facilities repair and damages resulting from natural disasters), procurement, research, development, test and evaluation, revolving and management funds, the Defense Health Program, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (2) the Department of Energy (DOE) for certain defense-related activities; (3) military construction and family housing, and base realignment and closure; (4) the District of Columbia for various programs and authorities; (5) DOD for certain activities of the Army Corps of Engineers; (6) DOE for certain energy programs and power marketing administrations; (7) the Department of the Interior for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service; (8) the Department of Agriculture for State and private forestry, the National Forest System, wildland fire management, and capital improvement and maintenance, (9) the Department of Health and Human Services for low income home energy assistance; (10) the Department of Education for education for the disadvantaged and for educational research, statistics, and improvement; (11) the Legislative Branch for certain salaries and expenses, the Government Printing Office, and the Library of Congress; (12) the Department of Transportation for the Coast Guard; (13) the Department of the Treasury for the Financial Management Service and the Internal Revenue Service; (14) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Benefits Administration; (15) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund and the Federal Housing Administration; and (16) the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hydrogen Future Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Hydrogen Future Act of 2001 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to include among its purposes the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes greenhouse gas production, and the promotion of hydrogen as a major energy source. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report annually to Congress on programs and activities authorized under the Act; (2) give particular attention to developing an understanding and resolution of critical technical issues preventing the introduction of hydrogen into foreign markets, particularly where an energy infrastructure is not well developed; (3) require a cost-share commitment from non-Federal sources of at least 25 percent (currently 50 percent) of the cost of a hydrogen research project (with Secretarial discretion to reduce or eliminate such cost-share commitment, including the cost-share commitment for critical technology demonstrations). Directs the Secretary to conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program designed to accelerate wider application in foreign countries to increase the global market for hydrogen technologies and to foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects. Modifies guidelines for the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel to require: (1) between nine and 15 members; and (2) staggered three-year terms. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996, with respect to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems, to: (1) revise the general requirement for proposed projects to specify that they shall prove the feasibility of integrating fuel cells into Federal, State, and local government facilities for stationary and transportation applications; and (2) direct the Secretary to establish an interagency task force to develop an implementation plan that focuses upon development and demonstration of integrated systems and components for specified hydrogen-based production and uses.

A bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Nevada.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon licensee request, to extend for three consecutive two-year periods the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction of a specified hydroelectric project in the State of Nevada.

Consumer Energy Commission Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Consumer Energy Commission Act of 2001 - Establishes the Consumer Energy Commission to study and report to Congress on significant price spikes in the following energy products during the ten years preceding the date of this Act: (1) electricity; (2) gasoline; (3) home heating oil; (4) natural gas; and (5) propane.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to make receipts collected from mineral leasing activities on certain naval oil shale reserves available to cover environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance costs incurred by the United States with respect to the reserves.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement for specific authorization and appropriation for the use of moneys received from mineral leasing activities on certain naval oil shale reserves for reimbursement of environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance costs incurred by the United States. Makes such receipts available to cover such costs without further appropriation until September 30, 2006.

Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration activities leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Repeals as a purpose the development of renewable energy resources as a primary source of energy for hydrogen production. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report annually to Congress on programs and activities authorized under the Act; (2) conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program designed to accelerate wider application in foreign countries, increase the global market for hydrogen technologies, and foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects; and (3) enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to establish an advisory board to replace the current Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems.

Preserving Our World's Energy and Resources Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Preserving Our World's Energy and Resources Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include as energy property for purposes of claiming the energy (investment) credit equipment which uses wind to generate electricity and cool roof property. Allows a nonrefundable personal credit for qualified renewable resource property (solar, wind, and geothermal) and qualified cool roof property. Amends the Federal Power Act to require retail electric suppliers to comply with specified requirements concerning net metering.

Renewable Energy Production Incentive Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Renewable Energy Production Incentive Reform Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify renewable energy production incentive payment guidelines to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from establishing criteria or procedures that have the effect of assigning to incentive payment applications a higher or lower priority for eligibility or allocation of appropriated funds on the basis of the energy source proposed. Redefines a qualified renewable energy facility as one: (1) owned by certain tax-exempt electricity-generating cooperatives, certain public utilities, governmental entities, or an Indian tribal government; and (2) which may involve electricity generation by landfill gas or incremental hydropower. Repeals the requirement that a facility be owned by a State or local government or instrumentality, or by a nonprofit electrical cooperative. Extends through FY 2013 the deadline for first use of a facility eligible for incentive payments.

Energy Efficiency Investment Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Energy Efficiency Investment Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for qualified energy property (certain building envelope components or heating or cooling equipment) placed in service or installed in a U.S.-sited principal residence.

Renewable Energy Act for Credit on Taxes

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Renewable Energy Act for Credit on Taxes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable limited credit through tax year 2006 for expenditures for qualifying renewable energy property (solar water heating, photovoltaic, wind energy, or fuel cell properties) installed on or in connection with a U.S.-sited residential or nonresidential structure.

Encouraging and promoting greater involvement of fathers in their children's lives, especially on Father's Day.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Recognizes: (1) the need to encourage active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children; and (2) that while millions of fathers serve as wonderful caring parents for their children, there are children on Father's Day who will have no one to celebrate with. Urges fathers to: (1) participate in their children's lives, both financially and emotionally; (2) understand the level of responsibility required when fathering a child; and (3) fulfill that responsibility. Encourages fathers to devote time, energy, and resources to their children. Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to assisting absent fathers to become more responsible and engaged in their children's lives. Calls upon fathers around the country to use the day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives, to spend Father's Day with them, and to express their love and support for them.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding oil and gas pipeline routes in the South Caucasus.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should not subsidize any oil or gas pipeline in the South Caucasus the commercial viability of which is in doubt or which hinders the U.S. goal of integrating Armenia into a secure and prosperous regional economic framework; (2) all proposals for South Caucasus oil and gas pipeline routes should be carefully evaluated to ensure that all Caucasus nations are included in consideration of energy and trade routes; (3) any engineering and feasibility study, and any project implementation, that utilizes U.S. Government funds, regarding the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline or similar energy transportation projects, must include trans-Armenian routes; and (4) the Trade Development Agency should fund and support a feasibility study to determine the cost savings of a trans-Armenia Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.

Military Environmental Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001

Military Environmental Responsibility Act - Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and defense-related agencies (the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Office of Naval Nuclear Reactors, and any others as designated by the President) to fully comply with designated Federal and State environmental laws, including those related to public health and safety, to the same extent as any other entities subject to such laws. Waives any immunity of the United States with respect to such laws as applied to DOD and any defense-related agency. Provides for administrative enforcement actions. Requires the Secretary of Defense , for each weapon system for which congressional budget justification is required, to ensure that all development and procurement decisions comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Repeals: (1) a Federal provision prohibiting the use of certain military appropriation accounts for the payment of fines and penalties for environmental noncompliance; and (2) a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 which prohibits the use of defense funds to conduct treatment, storage, or disposal activities at sites designated under the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program.

Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001

Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2001- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish limited credits for qualified energy efficiency improvements for: (1) an individual for energy efficiency improvements to a U.S.-sited principal residence; and (2) a contractor for installing energy efficient property in a new home. Applies such credit to: (1) individuals for installations through December 31, 2005; and (2) contractors for dwellings purchased through December 31, 2005.

To extend the deadline under Part I of the Federal Power Act for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Nevada.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001

Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon licensee request, to extend for three consecutive two-year periods the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction of a specified hydroelectric project in the State of Nevada. Provides for reinstatement of the license if it has already expired.

Department of Defense Energy Reduction Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001

Department of Defense Energy Reduction Act of 2001 - Directs the President to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Defense to use all qualified electric generators during electric power emergencies in the area encompassed by the Western Systems Coordinating Council of the North American Electric Reliability Council ("western region") to generate electric energy for Department of Defense (DOE) facilities, or to provide additional electric energy for sale at cost for consumption or for resale; (2) direct the Secretary immediately to develop a plan for the deployment of available mobile electric generation facilities owned or operated by DOE in the event of energy emergencies; and (3) coordinate implementation of this Act with the Western Systems Coordinating Council of the North American Electric Reliability Council, as well as with State and local air quality management agencies. Instructs the Secretary to require all facilities under the Secretary's jurisdiction to implement energy conservation measures. Authorizes the President to exclude any electric generation facility in order to ensure military readiness or facility availability to respond to natural disasters.

Department of Energy University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001

Department of Energy University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, to support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promote interactions between university and Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories; and (2) provide student fellowships at DOE nuclear science laboratories. Authorizes appropriations through FY2006 that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) communication and outreach related to nuclear science and engineering; (5) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (6) re-licensing assistance; (7) reactor research and training award program; and (8) university-DOE laboratory interactions.

Recognizing and honoring Joseph Henry for his significant and distinguished role in the development and advancement of science and electricity.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001

Recognizes and honors Joseph Henry for his significant and distinguished role in the development and advancement of science and electricity.

A bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of North Carolina.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2001

Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon licensee request, to extend for three consecutive two-year periods the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction of a specified hydroelectric project in the State of North Carolina.

Climate Change Strategy and Technology Innovation Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2001

Climate Change Strategy and Technology Innovation Act of 2001 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Director of the National Office of Climate Change Response (established in the Executive Office of the President by this Act) to: (1) develop the United States Climate Change Response Strategy; and (2) establish the United States Climate Change Response Interagency Task Force to assist in developing and updating the Strategy and preparing annual reports. Requires the directors of the major national laboratories to annually meet with the President and certify whether U.S. energy technology research and development programs are proceeding consistent with the Strategy and the long-term goal of stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations. Establishes in the Department of Energy: (1) the Office of Carbon Management to plan and manage an energy technology research and development program that directly supports the Strategy and advise the Secretary on climate change-related issues; and (2) the Center for Strategic Climate Change Response to support integrated assessment of alternative climate change response scenarios and Strategy implementation, including designing and carrying out an international carbon dioxide sequestration monitoring and data program. Establishes the United States Climate Change Response Strategy Review Board to review the Strategy and updates to it, the President's progress reports, and national laboratory certifications.

Renewable Fuels for Energy Security Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2001

Renewable Fuels for Energy Security Act of 2001 - Sets forth requirements for a renewable fuel program under which the motor vehicle fuel placed into commerce by a refiner, blender, or importer shall be composed of renewable fuel measured according to a statutory formula for specified calendar years. Establishes civil penalties for non-compliance with such program.

Great Smoky Mountains Clean Air Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001

Great Smoky Mountains Clean Air Act of 2001 - Amends the Clean Air Act to identify aggregate emission reduction objectives in connection with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) powerplants. Sets a modernization deadline for outdated TVA powerplants. Prohibits TVA from increasing hydroelectric energy generation in order to achieve such mandated objectives if the increase would require a drawdown of any contiguous lake or reservoir between Memorial Day and August 1.

Energy Security and Tax Incentive Policy Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001

Energy Security and Tax Incentive Policy Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to establishing and revising tax credits and deductions concerning: (1) energy efficient property used in business; (2) residential energy systems; (3) electricity facilities and production; (4) commercial applications of advanced clean coal technologies; (5) heating fuels and storage; and (6) oil and gas production and petroleum products.

A resolution encouraging and promoting greater involvement of fathers in their children's lives and designating Father's Day 2001, as "National Responsible Father's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001

Designates Father's Day 2001 as National Responsible Father's Day. Recognizes: (1) the need to encourage active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children; and (2) that while millions of fathers serve as a wonderful caring parent for their children, there are children on Father's Day who will have no one to celebrate with. Urges fathers to: (1) participate in their children's lives, both financially and emotionally; (2) understand the level of responsibility required when fathering a child; and (3) fulfill that responsibility. Encourages fathers to devote time, energy, and resources to their children. Declares that the Senate is committed to assisting absent fathers to become more responsible and engaged in their children's lives. Calls upon fathers around the country to use the day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives, to spend National Responsible Father's Day with them, and to express their love and support for them.

Safer Truck Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001

Safer Truck Act - Amends Federal highway law to authorize a State to allow a single unit truck or bus without a trailer to operate on the Interstate System while carrying up to 20 metric tons (44,080 pounds) of cargo, packaging, and load securement materials regardless of the overall weight of the vehicle, its axle weights, or weight of its safety and energy conservation devices if the cargo is evenly distributed in a compartment or combined compartments at least 40 feet long, the overall height of the vehicle and cargo does not exceed the width of the wheelbase, the axles are positioned at the extreme ends of the vehicle, the gross weight and certified empty weight of the vehicle (including detachable cargo compartments) are marked conspicuously on the front of the vehicle in contrasting three-inch or taller letters and numbers. Amends Federal transportation law to revise certain commercial motor vehicle width limitations on vehicles operating on the Interstate System and on Federal-aid highways to exclude from width calculations with respect to such limitations safety devices that reduce the possibility of death and injury if such devices fit entirely within the legal travel lanes of all roads upon which the vehicle operates.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a windfall profits tax on electric generating facilities having excess profits.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose (on sellers) a windfall profits tax on electric generating facilities having excess profits. Exempts electricity produced from renewable sources from such tax. Expresses the sense of Congress that such tax should be used to: (1) reduce taxes for consumers and moderate the impact of high prices on the poor or small businessmen; and (2) encourage alternative energy source development through research tax credits.

Residential Solar Energy Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001

Residential Solar Energy Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit through tax year 2006 for residential solar energy property equal to the sum of: (1) 15 percent of the taxpayer's qualified photovoltaic property expenditures during the taxable year; and (2) 15 percent of the taxpayer's qualified solar water heating property expenditures during the same year.

Vicky A. Bailey, of Indiana, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (International Affairs and Domestic Policy), vice David L. Goldwyn, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 5 June 2001

To authorize the National Science Foundation to establish regional centers for the purpose of plant genome and gene expression research and development and international research partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology in the developing world.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001

Authorizes the National Science Foundation to make grants for the establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression research and development centers to: (1) develop capabilities in basic plant genome research; (2) extend basic plant genomics research through plant breeding programs and accelerate its application to development and testing of new varieties of enhanced food crops and crops that can be used as alternative energy sources; (3) develop alternative uses of agricultural crops; and (4) serve as centers for scientific and safety information on plant genomics.

Electric Power Industry Tax Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001

Electric Power Industry Tax Modernization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a governmental unit to make an irrevocable election to terminate certain tax-exempt bond financing for electric output facilities. Sets forth provisions concerning independent transmission companies. Provides for the exclusion from gross income as contributions to capital of certain amounts received by electric utilities. Revises the special rules concerning the tax treatment of nuclear decommissioning costs.

Healthy and High Performance Schools Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001

Healthy and High Performance Schools Act of 2001 - Establishes in the Department of Education a High Performance Schools Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to States to provide subgrants to local educational agencies for renovation projects to make existing elementary school and secondary school buildings energy-efficient and environmentally healthy.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Ohio.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001

Instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to: (1) extend to September 24, 2002, the time period during which a certain licensee is required to commence construction of a specified hydroelectric project in the State of Ohio; and (2) extend such time period for two consecutive two-year periods upon licensee request. Provides for reinstatement of such license if it has expired.

To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of the feasibility of developing regional vehicle fuel specifications for the United States and of implementing the use of a uniform blend of gasoline in the Midwest region of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Energy Information Administration, to study the feasibility of: (1) developing regional vehicle fuel specifications; and (2) alleviating gasoline supply problems and inflated gasoline prices through the use of a uniform blend of ethanol-based gasoline in the various regions of the United States, focusing on the production and use of a single blend for the Midwest region.

Energy Efficient Appliances Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001

Energy Efficient Appliances Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an annual credit of 50 percent of the amount paid by a taxpayer for the purchase of a qualified energy efficient appliance (and proper disposal of the old appliance). Limits the credit to $1,000 per individual per year.

Renewable Energy from Agricultural Products (REAP) Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001

Renewable Energy from Agricultural Products (REAP) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources to: (1) extend the credit; (2) expand the scope of qualifying closed-loop facilities; (3) make qualifying biomass (other than closed-loop biomass) and biomass facilities eligible for the credit; and (4) include electricity produced from agricultural and animal waste within the credit. Establishes a reduced excise tax rate for qualified biodiesel mixtures. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to permit harvesting of switch grass on conservation reserve acreage for energy production purposes. Requires Federal diesel vehicles to use biodiesel fuel unless cost-prohibitive.

Ethanol Energy Promotion Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001

Ethanol Energy Promotion Act of 2001 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether as a fuel additive. Removes authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the reformulated gasoline oxygen content requirement for an ozone nonattainment area. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations permitting a person who refines, blends, or imports and certifies gasoline with an oxygen content exceeding the minimum to take a volatility credit, based on the gasoline's ozone forming potential, to offset applicable Reid Vapor Pressure levels requirements. Requires Federal agency fleet vehicles to be certified as capable of using ethanol and to use ethanol wherever economically feasible. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the small ethanol producer credit to: (1) authorize credit allocation among a cooperative's patrons; (2) increase the gallon capacity for eligible producers; (3) make the credit a non-passive income credit; and (4) remove the credit from the alcohol fuel credit gross income inclusion.

Western States Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001

Western States Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2001 - Instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue orders which make applicable to all interstate public utility electric energy sales in the western energy market a specified State of California market monitoring and mitigation plan that is based upon competitive bids to replicate competitive pricing. Authorizes termination of such plan if the Secretary of Energy determines that it results in decreased supply or increased demand for electric energy within the territory encompassed by the Western States Coordinating Council. Directs FERC to require a vendor of bundled natural gas transported into the State of California to disclose that portion of the sale price attributable to: (1) the price paid by the seller for such gas; and (2) the price paid for transportation of the gas. Precludes FERC and the Secretary from requiring sales of electric energy or natural gas in any State in the western region without a reasonable assurance of payment. Authorizes a State public utility commission in the western energy market to prohibit electric energy sales outside the service area of the pertinent public utility if that would impair the ability of such utility to meet in-State demand. Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines to accelerate the effective date of FERC-ordered wholesale rate refunds.

Residential Solar Energy Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001

Residential Solar Energy Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit, as specified, to holders of residential solar energy bonds. Defines such bonds.

Combined Heat and Power Advancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001

Combined Heat and Power Advancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe procedural guidelines for: (1) the interconnection of a generating facility with the distribution facilities of the local distribution utility; (2) the interconnection of a generating facility with the transmission facilities of a transmitting utility; and (3) offers to sell backup power by a local distribution utility and by a transmitting utility to an interconnected generating facility.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to the postponement of the effective date of energy conservation standards for central air conditioners.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001

Declares that: (1) Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to the postponement of the effective date of energy conservation standards for central air conditioners (published at 66 Fed. Reg. 20191 (2001)); and (2) such rule shall have no force or effect.

Combined Heat and Power Advancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001

Combined Heat and Power Advancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe implementation guidelines for: (1) the interconnection of a generating facility with the distribution facilities of the local distribution utility; (2) the interconnection of a generating facility with the transmission facilities of a transmitting utility; and (3) sales of backup power by a local distribution utility and by a transmitting utility to an interconnected generating facility. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to energy property to provide an investment tax credit for such combined heat and power systems.

Electric Refund Fairness Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001

Electric Refund Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Power Act with respect to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) power to fix a refund effective date. Repeals the current range of dates for such an effective date to mandate that such date be: (1) the date the complaint is filed, in the case of a proceeding instituted on complaint; or (2) the date of publication by FERC of notice of its intention to initiate such a proceeding, in the case of a proceeding instituted by FERC upon its own motion. Requires certain refunds ordered by FERC to include any appropriate penalties as well as interest.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2001

Low-Income Energy Assistance Reinvestment Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to make available for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program five percent of the money received by the United States from onshore Federal oil and gas development.