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Bill· HRH.R. 6741 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2018 the tax credit for producing electricity from certain renewable resources, including wind, biomass, geothermal energy, landfill gas, refined coal, and hydropower; (2) include marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit; (3) extend through 2018 the energy tax credit for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property; (4) repeal the dollar per kilowatt limitation for fuel cell property for purposes of the energy tax credit; (5) extend the energy tax credit to public electric utilities; and (6) expand and extend through 2018 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property.
Bill· HRH.R. 6720 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Natural Gas Strategy - Establishes the Commission on Comprehensive Strategies for the Placement of Natural Gas Infrastructure to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. natural gas policy to identify problems and make recommendations that will ensure that specified goals of such policy are met.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1407 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Recognizes the importance of increasing renewable and alternative fuel use in reducing imports of foreign oil.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 401 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Calls for the enactment of laws that: (1) make more American energy available for exploration and production, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Offshore Continental Shelf, and federal lands onshore, including for shale oil and coal-to-liquid production; and (2) streamline the permitting process for building American refineries and allow the construction of refineries on federal lands.
Report· HearingH.Hrg.110published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 30 July 2008
Report· HearingS.Hrg.110-664published
United States · United States Senate · 30 July 2008
Record· NominationPN1930 (110th)open
United States · United States Senate · 30 July 2008
Bill· HRH.R. 6653 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Consumer Energy Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny major integrated oil companies a tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil, gas, or primary products thereof; (2) conform tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (3) impose a windfall profits tax on major integrated oil companies; and (4) establish an Energy Independence and Security Trust Fund funded by revenues raised by this Act. Allows distributions from such Trust Fund for low-income home energy assistance, home weatherization, grants for research and development of renewable energy sources, and financing the purchases of hybrid vehicles, energy efficient vehicles, and energy efficient appliances. Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to extend the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to include energy commodities. Declares it unlawful for a supplier to sell crude oil, natural gas, gasoline, petroleum distillates, or biofuel at an unconscionably excessive price in an area for which the President has declared an energy emergency. Grants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce this Act. Authorizes state attorneys general to bring civil actions to enforce this Act. No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2008 or NOPEC - Amends the Sherman Act to make it illegal for any foreign state to act with another foreign state to: (1) limit the production or distribution of oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product; (2) set or maintain prices for such products; or (3) otherwise take any action in restraint of trade for such products. Denies sovereign immunity or act of state doctrine protections for foreign states that engage in such conduct. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to require the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to: (1) determine that foreign boards of trade subject to CFTC jurisdiction regulate and provide information on off-shore oil trading; and (2) set increases in margin levels for all oil futures trades, contracts, or transactions to reduce excessive speculation and protect consumers.
Bill· HRH.R. 6673 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Amends competitive lease provisions of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to set forth conditions under which areas that adjoin federal or nonfederal land for which a qualified company or individual holds a legal right to develop geothermal resources may be made available to the company or individual for noncompetitive lease at the fair market value per acre. Includes as such conditions that sufficient data has been submitted by a qualified geothermal professional to the relevant federal land management agency to engender a belief that: (1) there is a valid discovery of geothermal or geothermal steam resources on the lands for which the company or individual holds the right to develop the resources; and (2) the thermal feature extends into the adjoining areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 6651 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Food Security Act of 2008 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as renamed by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) to increase to 12 months the amount of time certain work capable adults can receive supplemental nutrition assistance benefits (formerly, food stamp benefits). Revises the definition of "covered individual."
Bill· HRH.R. 6670 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Long-Term Energy Assurance and Security Enhancement Act of 2008 or the LEASE Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to open certain areas in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas leasing. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to distribute certain Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues to: (1) the general fund of the Treasury; (2) the Energy Independence and Security Fund (established by this Act); (3) Gulf producing states; and (4) financial assistance to states. Allocates funds among Gulf producing states and coastal political subdivisions. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) protect the environment and the conservation of the natural resources of the OCS; and (2) establish lateral boundaries between coastal states in areas of the OCS that are outside the Gulf of Mexico and under exclusive federal jurisdiction in order to lease areas for oil and natural gas exploration and production. Authorizes the governor of a coastal state to request the Secretary of the Interior to assess OCS oil and gas resources. Terminates federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing in specified areas of the OCS. Establishes the Energy Independence and Security Fund, whose amounts shall be distributed to designated research and development programs, including: (1) assessments of oil and gas resources; (2) wind energy research; (3) solar energy; (4) marine and hydrokinetic renewable electric energy; and (5) the Weatherization Assistance Program. Energy Markets Emergency Act of 2008 - Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to: (1) curb immediately the role of excessive speculation in any contract market within its jurisdiction and control that trades energy futures or swaps; and (2) eliminate unlawful activity causing major market disturbances that prevent the market from accurately reflecting the forces of supply and demand for energy commodities. Consumer Energy Supply Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) sell light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and acquire an equivalent volume of heavy grade petroleum; and (2) deposit the cash proceeds into the SPR Petroleum Account.
Bill· HRH.R. 6661 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Nanotechnology Innovation and Prize Competition Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to award prizes to eligible persons for achievement in one or more applications of nanotechnology for: (1) improvement of the environment, consistent with Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) development of alternative energy that has the potential to lessen the dependence of the United States on fossil fuels; (3) improvement of human health, consistent with regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (4) development of consumer products; and (5) advancement in the field of nanoelectronics. Describes an eligible person as an individual who is: (1) a citizen or legal resident of the United States; (2) a member of a group that includes U.S. citizens or legal residents; or (3) an entity that is incorporated and maintains its primary place of business in the United States. Requires establishment of a board to administer and make awards under such program by: (1) holding a financial award competition and making an award to the first competitor to meet such criteria as the board shall establish; and (2) recognizing (without financial remuneration) an eligible person for superlative achievement in one or more of the nanotechnology applications described above. Authorizes the board to contract with a private organization to administer such a financial award competition. Prohibits the federal government from acquiring an intellectual property right in any product or idea by virtue of the submission of such product or idea in any such competition. Requires the board to submit annual reports to Congress on the nanotechnology award program established by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6655 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Liberia Stabilization, Economic Empowerment, Development and Security Act of 2008 or the Liberia SEEDS Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Liberia for the following: (1) roads and bridges; (2) rehabilitation of Monrovia Freeport; (3) water and sanitation; (4) the electricity sector; (5) vocational education programs for war-affected youth and ex-combatants; (6) establishment of a government employee training institute and enhancement of government accountability and effectiveness; (7) narcotics control and law enforcement; (8) educational exchanges; and (9) the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia.
Bill· HRH.R. 6672 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Rural Energy Equity Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions requiring a reduction in the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources by grants and other credits to exempt certain loan guarantees or grants issued by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (i.e., Rural Energy for America (REAP) Program).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1391 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Declares that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives to consider any resolution providing for adjournment for more than three calendar days during July or August of 2008 until it has approved a bill to establish a comprehensive national energy plan that addresses energy conservation and the expansion of renewable and conventional energy sources.
Bill· HRH.R. 6648 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Family Energy Relief Act of 2008 or the FERA Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer a $500 tax credit ($1,000 in the case of a joint return). Allows an additional $250 tax credit for each dependent of the taxpayer.
Bill· HRH.R. 6643 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Accuracy in Fuel Economy Standards Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to calculate maximum feasible fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and non-passenger automobiles based on the most recent high gasoline price projection issued by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Defines the "applicable high gasoline price projection" as the greatest of a range of estimated gasoline prices that the EIA issues as part of its annual energy outlook, short-term energy outlook, or similar analyses for: (1) the year (or years) corresponding to the model year (or model years) for which the Secretary is prescribing an average fuel economy standard; and (2) the range of years considered by the Secretary in determining the costs and benefits associated with such standard.
Bill· HRH.R. 6647 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Energy Fraud and Fairness Reform Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and report to Congress on whether the price of gasoline is being artificially manipulated by speculation in the oil markets, specifically at the Intercontinental Exchange in Atlanta, Georgia. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit from 30% to 50% of the cost of such a property placed in service by a taxpayer during the year. Allows a tax credit for conversion of gas and diesel propelled motor vehicles to vehicles propelled by alternative fuel, clean fuel, or fuel cells. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the refinery capacity of the United States.
Bill· SS. 3349 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2008
Energy Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2011 for the home weatherization program. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Assistance Fund to finance low interest loans for the purchase and installation of energy efficient property, idling reduction devices and advanced insulation for heavy trucks, and alternative refueling stations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a tax credit, up to $500, for the cost of replacing a residential wood stove with: (1) a wood-burning stove that complies with current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards; and (2) a pellet or corn-burning stove. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property through 2014. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Provides funding for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance electricity production from certain renewable resources and for qualified energy conservation bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to identify and report on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects. Allows accelerated depreciation for certain property used to produce cellulosic biofuel. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Exempts from the heavy truck excise tax idling reduction devices and certain insulation. Excludes from gross income reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2008 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Allows a tax credit for the installation of a biomass fuel burning stove in a residence. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for expenditures for energy efficient commercial buildings. Revises and extends the tax credit for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation for smart electric meters and grid systems. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects.
Bill· SS. 3345 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2008
Future Fuels Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish the Future Fuels Corporation as a government corporation. Requires the Corporation, beginning in FY2009, to expend funds transferred by the Secretary of Energy to: (1) promote and deploy coal and coal cofired polygeneration technologies; (2) reduce the carbon footprint of coal consumption and the production of coal-based byproducts; and (3) conduct widespread carbon sequestration research, development, and deployment activities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a 10-year carbon capture and storage (currently, sequestration) research, development, and demonstration program; (2) establish a program to achieve the goal of annually sequestering at least 1,000,000 tons of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2015; (3) verify, analyze, and report on the results of assessments conducted by other federal agencies or states relating to geological storage capacity and the potential for carbon injection rates; (4) submit to congressional committees recommendations on regulatory and advisory mechanisms for the determination of best technologies, the identification and evaluation of strategies for carbon capture and storage technologies, the selection and operation of carbon dioxide sequestration sites, and the transfer of liability for the sites to the United States; (5) develop model interstate compacts to govern the transportation, injection, and storage of carbon dioxide; and (6) conduct geological sequestration demonstration projects involving operations in a variety of geological settings. Authorizes appropriations of such programs for FY2009-FY2014. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into standby loan agreements for no more than 10 qualifying coal-to-liquid (CTL) projects, at least one of which may be a qualifying CTL project primarily designed to produce pipeline-quality natural gas from domestic coal. Defines a "qualifying CTL project" to include specified commercial-scale projects that convert coal to industrial feedstocks or liquid or gaseous fuels for transportation or other uses or projects conducted at facilities that convert petroleum refinery waste products into gaseous transportation fuels. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a coal-based transportation fuel pipeline tax credit; (2) apply the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source to the capture or extraction of coalmine methane gas; (3) modify the qualifying advanced coal project credit; (4) establish a credit for investment in a clean coal energy bond; and (5) establish a new tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration.
Bill· SS. 3336 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2008
New Clean Energy Tax Extenders Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various energy production and conservation provisions. Extends through 2012: (1) the tax credits for producing electricity from certain renewable resources (e.g., for wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower facilities), for residential energy efficient property, and for investment in clean renewable energy bonds; and (2) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Expands the tax credit for production of electricity from renewable resources to include marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credits for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Repeals the dollar per kilowatt limitation on the energy tax credit for fuel cell property. Extends through 2011 the tax credit for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Makes biomass fuel burning stoves eligible for such credit. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Denies major integrated oil companies a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production of oil, gas, or any primary product thereof. Revises the treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit.
Bill· SS. 3335 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the tax credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit for solar energy and the residential energy efficient property tax credit through 2016. Extends the energy tax credits for fuel cell and microturbine property through 2017. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Provides funding for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance electricity production from certain renewable resources and for qualified energy conservation bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects. Allows accelerated depreciation for certain property used to produce cellulosic biofuel. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Exempts from the heavy truck excise tax idling reduction devices and certain insulation. Excludes from gross income reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation for smart electric meters, electric grid systems, and certain reuse and recycling property. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects. Extends through 2008: (1) the increased exemption amounts for the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and related AMT provisions; (2) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (3) the tax deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses and for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (4) tax rules for treatment of stock and dividends of regulated investment companies and for qualified investment entities; (5) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (6) the tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. Extends through 2008 various business-related tax provisions, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) the tax credits for Indian employment and railroad track maintenance; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for improvements to retail space, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (4) the expensing allowance for environmental remediation costs; (5) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (6) the special rule for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (7) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (10) the special rule for charitable contributions of food and book inventories; (11) the increased tax deduction for corporate contributions of computer equipment and technology for educational purposes; (12) the special rule for the reduction in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions of property; (13) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2008); (14) increases in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (15) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Extends through 2009: (1) the new markets tax credit; (2) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; (3) the expensing allowance for advanced mine safety equipment; (4) the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operations overseas; (5) special rules for the tax treatment of payments between related controlled foreign corporations; and (6) expensing of costs of certain film and television productions. Extends through 2014: (1) the suspension of tariff duties on certain wool products; and (2) the Wool Research Trust Fund. Makes permanent the authorities for: (1) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disclosure of tax information relating to terrorist activities; and (2) IRS undercover operations. Lowers in 2008 the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Allows individuals who receive a settlement from Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation to average any settlement or judgment-related income over a three-year period or contribute such income to a tax-exempt retirement account. Allows an excise tax exemption for certain wooden arrow shafts. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health insurance plans to provide equal benefits for mental health or substance use disorders. Modifies criteria for penalties on tax return preparers who understate tax liabilities. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend such Act through FY2011. Transfers from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund. Provides special tax benefits for individuals and businesses in federally-declared disaster areas, including: (1) expensing of business-related disaster expenses; (2) extended net operating loss carryover periods; (3) waiver of certain requirements for mortgage revenue bond eligibility; (4) income averaging; (5) additional tax exemptions for providing housing for individuals displaced by disasters; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) extension of the replacement period for nonrecognition of gain for property; and (8) suspension of limitations on the tax deduction for charitable contributions; and (9) increased mileage rates for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable purposes. Revises the program of tax incentives for investment in the New York Liberty Zone. Sets forth revenue provisions relating to: (1) the inclusion in gross income of deferred compensation paid by certain foreign entities; and (2) increases in estimated tax payments of certain large corporations. Requires brokers who are required to report gross proceeds from the sale of any publicly-traded security to report the holder's adjusted basis in such security and whether any gain or loss with respect to such security is long or short term. Delays until 2019 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit.
Bill· SS. 3323 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Weatherization, Assistance, and Relief for Middle-Income Households Act of 2008 or the WARM Act of 2008 - Makes additional appropriations in FY2008 for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a income-based tax credit for 50% of home heating oil expenditures made on or after June 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2009, up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns); (2) deny major integrated oil companies a tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production, refining, processing, transportation, or distribution of oil, gas, or primary products thereof; and (3) establish a fair market value standard for determining foreign oil and gas extraction income.
Bill· SS. 3329 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Compensation and Respect for Energy Workers Act of 2008 or the CARE Act - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to expand the diseases for which individuals who were exposed to radiation from nuclear testing may claim compensation to include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, posterior subcapsular cataracts, nonmalignant thyroid nodular disease, parathyroid adenoma, malignant tumors of the brain and central nervous system, and brochio-alveolar carcinoma, and benign neoplasms of the brain and central nervous system. Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to: (1) provide to potential claimants of compensation a list of physicians qualified to perform medical and impairment screenings and a written notice of benefits for which they may be eligible under such Act; (2) require exposure assessments of contaminated sites to identify by trade name (if any) any chemical commonly used in such sites; (3) require the Secretary of Labor to provide the public with site profiles and other information used to evaluate claims for compensation; (4) require payment of compensation to a claimant's estate if such claimant dies after filing a claim but before any compensation is paid and leaves no survivors; (5) expand the duties of the Office of the Ombudsman in the Department of Labor to include providing benefit information to claimants and contracting for expert services; and (6) extend to one year the limitation period for filing a petition for review in federal district court of any denial of a compensation claim. Allows claimants under the Act 120 days to respond to a request for information from the Secretary. Requires the promulgation of regulations for: (1) the direct payment to providers of personal care services and transportation expenses for claimants who receive medical benefits under the Act; (2) providing clear, concise, and easily understandable explanations of the claims process, including denials of claims; and (3) the retention of records in the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Labor that might be used by claimants in the claims process.
Bill· HRH.R. 6618 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Stop Deceptive Advertising of Gas Prices Act - Requires retailers of transportation fuel to publicly display the price charged for the purchase of such fuel with cash and with other forms of payment (including processing fees charged to consumers for purchases made with credit cards, charge cards, debit cards, or other non-cash methods of payment). Requires incomplete displays of fuel prices to be treated as unfair or deceptive trade acts or practices. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirements of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6623 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Amends the USEC Privatization Act with respect to certain actions in U.S. district court related to accrued, vested pension benefits of employees of an operating contractor of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) at one or both of the two USEC gaseous diffusion plants following: (1) termination of or a change in contractor; and (2) consequent transfer of pension plan assets and liabilities. Authorizes specified active or retired participants (or beneficiaries) under the contractor's pension plan to bring an action against the Department of Energy in U.S. district court for relief, in the form of a one-time lump sum payment, in connection with such a transfer of plan assets and liabilities. Authorizes commencement of such an action on or before June 30, 2011. Waives U.S. sovereign immunity to any such an action.
Bill· HRH.R. 6604 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to define "energy commodity." Prohibits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its U.S-located members with access to the CFTC electronic trading system and order matching system for energy or agricultural commodities unless such board meets requirements similar to those imposed upon U.S. exchanges. Subjects swap transactions, transactions for agricultural and energy commodities, and large traders in over-the-counter contracts to reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Commission to: (1) set position limits for any one person with respect to designated contract markets, derivative transaction execution facilities, and electronic trading facilities; (2) convene a Position Limit Agricultural Advisory Group and a Position Limit Energy Group; (3) appoint at least 100 new full-time employees; (4) review prior actions to ensure compliance with this Act; and (5) review over-the-counter markets. Revises the core principles applicable to position limits for contracts in agricultural and energy commodities to require position limits for speculators. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of: (1) the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives; and (2) speculators' effects on agriculture and energy futures markets and prices. Directs the Commission to: (1) require regular reporting of fungible over-the-counter agricultural and energy transactions; and (2) determine if such transactions have the potential to disrupt market liquidity or cause market or price disturbances, and if so, to use its discretion to impose position limits. Authorizes the Commission to use expedited procedures to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6593 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Domestic Drilling Act - Declares as having no force or effect all federal prohibitions against: (1) the leasing of any area of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) or the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas; or (2) the spending of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing, preleasing, and related activities. Revokes and declares as no longer in effect all withdrawals of federal lands and submerged lands by the President under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) inventory the oil and natural gas resources of all submerged lands of the OCS and all ANWR lands; and (2) prepare a strategic five-year plan for the sale of oil and natural gas leases for such submerged lands and lands. Sets forth a schedule for the allocation of revenues collected by the United States under federal oil and gas leases in such areas. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Energy Reserve Fund, to be available for the cost of subsequent legislation to: (1) promote research, development, and use of clean domestic energy; and (2) increase domestic energy independence and energy security.
Bill· HRH.R. 6601 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Small Business Tax Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions affecting small business taxpayers to: (1) allow an alternative standard tax deduction for the business use of a personal residence and establish a de minimis standard for determining personal use; (2) repeal restrictions on the depreciation deduction for cellular telephones and similar telecommunications equipment; (3) allow nonresident aliens to be S corporation shareholders; (4) increase the limit on the tax deduction for business meals and entertainment expenses; and (5) allow accelerated depreciation for energy-efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or commercial refrigeration systems installed in nonresidential and residential rental buildings before January 1, 2012.
Bill· HRH.R. 6578 (110th)failed
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008
Consumer Energy Supply Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to publish a plan to: (1) sell prescribed amounts of light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and acquire an equivalent volume of heavy grade petroleum; (2) deposit cash proceeds from those sales into the SPR Petroleum Account; and (3) withdraw from such proceeds the administrative and operational costs of the sale and acquisition. Requires an offer for sale of 70 million barrels of light grade petroleum from the SPR. Requires the sale to: (1) commence within 30 days after enactment of this Act, regardless of whether the Secretary's plan has been published; and (2) be completed within six months after enactment, with at least 20 million barrels offered for sale within the first 60 days after enactment. Sets forth an acquisitions schedule for heavy grade petroleum to replace the light grade petroleum sold under this Act. Encourages the Secretary to grant requests to defer scheduled deliveries of petroleum to the SPR if deferral will result in a premium paid in additional barrels of oil which will reduce the cost of oil acquisition and increase the volume of oil delivered to the SPR or yield additional cash bonuses.
Bill· HRH.R. 6592 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008
Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute Land Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to convey specified land identified as Parcel A (including any improvements) to the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in New Mexico only for research, scientific, or educational use. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Air Force to complete any real property actions, including the revocation of any federal withdrawals of Parcels A and B, that are necessary to allow the Secretary to convey Parcel A or to transfer administrative jurisdiction over Parcel B to the Secretary of the Air Force. Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to retain ownership and control of: (1) portions of the utility system and infrastructure on Parcel A; and (2) rights of access determined to be necessary to operate and maintain the utilities on such parcel. Requires the Institute to pay or reimburse costs incurred in the conveyance of Parcel A, including related survey costs. Instructs the Institute to take fee title to Parcel A and any improvements, as contaminated. Makes the Institute responsible for completing all environmental remediation required with respect to such parcel for all environmental conditions related to or arising from contamination. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide the Institute with: (1) access for employees and invitees of the Institute across Kirtland Air Force Base to Parcel A; and (2) access to utility services for such parcel. Requires the Secretary of Energy to arrange and pay for the removal of any improvements made to Parcel B.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1367 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008
Makes it in order at any time on the legislative day of Thursday, July 24, 2008, for the Speaker of the House of Representatives to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules relating to H.R. 6578 (Consumer Energy Supply Act of 2008).
Report· HearingS.Hrg.110-1023published
United States · United States Senate · 22 July 2008
Bill· SS. 3306 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008
American Oil for American Families Act of 2008 - Bans the export from the United States of petroleum extracted from public lands in the United States (including lands located on the outer continental shelf (OCS)), or a petroleum product produced from such petroleum.
Bill· HRH.R. 6566 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008
American Energy Act - Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) regarding delineation of offshore state boundaries with respect to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as well as related oil and gas mineral rights. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) allow the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to grant natural gas leases in the outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and (2) revise provisions concerning oil and gas leases and withdrawals of unleased land. Provides for federal agency coordination with adjacent states on the construction of pipelines for crude oil or petroleum products or natural gas produced from the OCS. Sets forth provisions concerning the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to OCS programs. Declares existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing OCS oil and natural gas to be without force or effect. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting certain activities on the federal OCS or in state waters that are incompatible with: (1) oil or natural gas leasing; and (2) full exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Directs the Secretary to establish OCS Regional Headquarters in designated locations. Repeals: (1) the coastal impact assistance program; and (2) the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to terminate the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Provides for the authorization of Special Areas to be managed so as to protect and preserve the area's unique and diverse character including its fish, wildlife, and subsistence resource values in the Coastal Plain. Requires the Secretary to designate Sadlerochit Spring as a Special Area. Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue specified rights-of-ways and easements across the Coastal Plain for the transportation of oil and gas; and (2) convey specified estates to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund and the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to terminate the prohibition against using federal funds to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth provisions concerning credits for fuel efficiency, alternative fuel vehicles, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, and renewable energy. Requires the Secretary of Energy to provide awards for activities concerning the: (1) research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of innovative energy technologies and new energy sources; (2) manufacture of midsized sedan automobiles that operate on gasoline and can travel 100 miles per gallon; and (3) manufacture of advanced batteries. Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to states or tribes to facilitate the hiring of personnel with expertise in federal refinery authorizations. Requires the President to: (1) appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations; and (2) designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery and at least one for producing biofuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal restrictions on federal agencies procuring alternative or synthetic fuel for mobility-related uses. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to auction to the public coal-to-liquid fuel put option contracts. Provides for standby loans for qualifying coal-to-liquid projects. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise provisions concerning the recycling and disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste.
Bill· HRH.R. 6570 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008
New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that 10% of new vehicles sold in the United States should be natural gas vehicles by December 31, 2018. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property tax credit with respect to natural gas fuel; (2) allow new tax credits for investment in energy security bonds and natural gas vehicle production bonds; (3) allow a new tax credit for producing vehicles fueled by natural gas or liquified natural gas; (4) allow an increased alternative motor vehicle tax credit for the purchase of vehicles fueled by natural gas or liquified natural gas; and (5) extend through 2017 the tax credits for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures and for new qualified alternative fuel vehicles. Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to study whether the federal fleet should increase the number of its natural gas vehicles. Requires each retail automotive fueling station owned by a major integrated oil company to have at least one pump dispensing natural gas for automotive purposes by January 1, 2018. Imposes a civil fine on oil companies that fail to comply with such requirement.
Bill· SS. 3292 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2008
Emergency Energy Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the credit percentage for purposes of the earned income tax credit for taxable years beginning in 2008. Makes appropriations for FY2008 for payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP Program). Makes appropriations for FY2008 to carry out the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons under the Energy Conservation and Production Act.
Bill· SS. 3288 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2008
Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; (14) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (15) plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; (16) the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada; (17) international fisheries commissions; (18) international broadcasting operations; (19) the Asia Foundation; (20) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (21) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (22) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (23) East-West Center, Hawaii; (24) the National Endowment for Democracy; (25) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (26) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (27) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (28) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (29) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; (30) the United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group; (31) migration and refugee assistance; and (32) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Makes FY2009 appropriations for: (1) operating and international development expenses of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of Inspector General; (2) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) global health and child survival; (4) specified development assistance; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) global food security; (7) development credit authority; (8) the Economic Support Fund; (9) promotion of democracy; (10) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (11) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (12) counterdrug activities in the Andean region of South America; (13) the Peace Corps; (14) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (15) the Inter-American Foundation; (16) the African Development Foundation; (17) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities and debt restructuring; (18) international organizations, financial institutions, and clean energy technology; (19) the Enterprise of the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (20) the Asian Development Fund; and (21) the African Development Fund. Makes FY2009 appropriations for: (1) international military education and training; (2) foreign military financing grants; and (3) international peacekeeping operations. Makes FY2009 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank, including the Office of Inspector General, direct and guaranteed loan and insurance programs, and administrative expenses; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses, and for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.
Report· HearingH.Hrg.110published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 July 2008
Bill· SS. 3279 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Home Energy Assistance Today Act - Provides additional funding in FY2008 for state allotments and emergency allotments under the low-income home energy assistance program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny major integrated oil companies a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production of oil, gas, or primary products thereof.
Bill· SS. 3281 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008 - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) redefine renewable fuel to include renewable and nonrenewable natural gas (NG), including compressed natural (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG); and (2) require fuel credit program regulations to provide for generation of credits for renewable and nonrenewable natural gas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit for dual fueled automobiles. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to conduct a program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration, with a particular emphasis on streamlining the certification of NG conversion systems. Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) establish a demonstration program to assist states in facilitating the development of alternative-fueled vehicles; and (2) waive requirements for recertification of certain kits for the conversion of vehicles to NG.
Bill· SS. 3282 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Emergency Energy Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to make grants to states to pay the federal share of the cost of establishing and implementing response plans to address rising heating oil, natural gas, diesel, and other energy costs.
Bill· SS. 3280 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
American Affordable Fuels Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator), upon request, to enter into a domestic fuels facility permitting agreement with the requesting state or Indian tribe under which the process for obtaining all permits necessary for the construction and operation of a domestic fuels facility shall be improved using a systematic interdisciplinary multimedia approach. Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration, in making community assistance grants to communities whose economies are injured by military base closures or realignments, to give priority to projects to support commercial-scale cellulosic biomass ethanol projects and coal-to-liquids facilities. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to appoint a task force to report to Congress on: (1) modernization of the SEC hydrocarbon reserves disclosures classification system; and (2) creation of a renewable reserves classification system for cellulosic biofuels feedstocks. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend: (1) the taxpayer election to expense certain refineries; and (2) the special allowance for cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property to all cellulosic biofuel plant property. Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) to: (1) modify the seaward boundaries of states to 12 miles offshore; and (2) exclude from the rights of states, and declare federal, oil and gas mineral rights for land beneath navigable waters located within specified expanded offshore state seaward boundaries. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to: (1) modify the determination of Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) subsoil and seabed; (2) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant natural gas leases; (3) modify the OCS leasing program; and (4) require the concurrence of the adjacent state for any construction of a petroleum pipeline within the part of its Adjacent Zone withdrawn from oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Program to manage wildlife and natural resources related to energy and minerals development on federal lands. Declares without force or effect all existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing OCS oil and natural gas. Requires the Secretary to repurchase and cancel certain federal oil and gas, geothermal, coal, oil shale, tar sands, or other mineral leases, whether onshore or offshore. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends the OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for an artificial reef, scientific research, or other authorized uses. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement to conduct a comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds to certain institutions of higher education that maintain engineering programs for petroleum, mining, or mineral engineering. Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Petroleum and Mining Schools. Instructs the Secretary to establish a Committee on Petroleum, Mining, and Mineral Engineering and Energy and Mineral Resource Education. Establishes a Physical Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship Program. National Geo Fund Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for production of: (1) fuels from strategic unconventional resources; and (2) oil and gas resources using CO2 enhanced recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish grant programs for production of: (1) geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy; (2) liquid fuels; and (3) renewable energy from ocean waves, currents, and thermal resources. Amends OCSLA to repeal the coastal impact assistance program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement for payments for oil shale and tar sands leases. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prescribe requirements for treatment of oil shale or tar sands lease revenues and royalty rates for commercial leases. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. Sets forth a leasing program for exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain (Alaska). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund within the Alaska state treasury. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under a lease issued under this Act. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the limitation placed upon a federal contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel (including fuel produced from nonconventional petroleum sources) for any mobility-related use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal wells; and (2) allow a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit for dual fueled automobiles. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) redefine renewable fuel to include renewable and nonrenewable natural gas (NG), including compressed natural (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG); and (2) require fuel credit program regulations to provide for generation of credits for renewable and nonrenewable natural gas. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to conduct a program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration, with a particular emphasis on streamlining the certification of NG conversion systems. Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) establish a demonstration program to assist states in facilitating the development of alternative-fueled vehicles; and (2) waive requirements for recertification of certain kits for the conversion of vehicles to NG.
Bill· HRH.R. 6538 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Home Energy Assistance Through Emergency Relief Act - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP Program). Makes appropriations for FY2008 to carry out the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons under the Energy Conservation and Production Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 6544 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Relief Now on the Road to Renewable Energy Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate certain tax regulations relating to election to expense certain refineries. Provides for tax-exempt financing of domestic use oil refinery facilities. Instructs the President to designate sites for oil or natural gas refineries on federal lands, including closed military installations. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from denying an application for a license or permit based upon either insufficient capacity or nonavailability for disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the business-related credit for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) nuclear component certification; (2) apply the tax credit for producing fuel from nonconventional sources to gas produced onshore from formations more than 15,000 feet deep; and (3) grant a tax credit for carbon dioxide captured from industrial sources and used as tertiary injectant in enhanced oil and natural gas recovery. Terminates congressional moratoria on oil and gas development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing program on the Arctic Coastal Plain, that includes: (1) federal and state distribution of revenues; (2) rights-of-way across the Coastal Plain; and (3) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a tax deduction for certain commuting expenses of individuals; and (2) a tax credit for fuel expenses of truckers. Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to establish a coal-to-liquid facilities loan program. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to: (1) construct storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base; and (2) acquire coal-to-liquid products for storage, transport, or exchange. Authorizes appropriations for the Air Force Research Laboratory to test and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement a program to evaluate emissions of Fischer-Tropsch products used as transportation fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a tax credit for investment in coal-to-liquid fuels projects; (2) authorize taxpayer election to expense certain coal-to-liquid fuels facilities; (3) extend the alternative fuel credit for fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process; (4) provide enhanced credit for projects using qualified carbon dioxide; (5) prescribe special rules for enhanced oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane recovery, and the capture and sequestration credit against the alternative minimum tax; and (6) modify the tax credit for energy efficient vehicles. Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the tax credit for: (1) renewable energy production, including solar energy and fuel cell investment; (2) residential energy efficient property; (3) clean renewable energy bonds; and (4) wind production. Extends and modifies the tax credit for: (1) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; (2) energy efficient new homes; (3) certain energy efficient appliances; and (4) energy efficient commercial buildings. Sets forth an investment tax credit for oil shale extraction and processing using in-situ conversion technology. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain public lands for production of renewable biomass for biofuels.
Bill· HRH.R. 6545 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs, including: (1) the short- and long-term outlook for prices, supply, and demand for key forms of energy such as crude oil, natural gas, and alternative fuels; (2) the plans and intentions of key energy-producing and exporting nations with respect to energy production and supply; and (3) the national security implications.
Bill· HRH.R. 6529 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Maximize Offshore Resource Exploration Act of 2008, or the MORE Act of 2008 - Declares without force or effect all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and pre-leasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Revokes all withdrawals of federal submerged lands from leasing for oil and natural gas exploration and production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from granting an oil or natural gas lease for any OCS located within 25 miles of a state coastline unless the state has enacted a law approving the issuance of such leases by the Secretary. Sets forth an allocation schedule for a 75% state share of revenues derived from U.S. royalties under qualified oil and gas leases on submerged lands located within the seaward boundaries of a state. Extends the jurisdiction of state civil and criminal law, as appropriate, to the Alaska, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic OCS Region State Adjacent Zones and OCS Planning Areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 6552 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Incentivizing Renewable Energy Production Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow loan guarantees for closed-loop ethanol plants. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for the production of livestock-derived renewable energy; (2) allow an increased tax credit for research expenses relating to any clean-burning fuel and closed-loop system (including any anaerobic digester); (3) allow a tax credit for the production of biomaterials from certain renewable resources; and (4) increase the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to: (1) require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to support development in biofuel technologies; and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2019 for the grant program for the production of advanced biofuels. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make publicly available at least 100 hydrogen fueling pumps at retail gas stations by 2014 in specified regions of the United States. Authorizes appropriations for the purchase of fuel cell vehicles by the federal government in FY2012-FY2014. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require committee reports to include a domestic energy impact statement prepared by the Comptroller General.
Bill· SS. 3274 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the 21st Century Nanotechology Research and Development Act to expand the scope of the National Nanotechnology Program (the Program), including directing the Program to utilize the perspectives of the industrial community to promote the rapid commercial development of nanoscale-enabled devices, systems, and technologies. Requires issuing guidance to agencies that describes a strategy for transitioning research into commercial products and technologies. Revises requirements regarding the Program's triennial strategic plans. Requires participating agencies to support the activities of the committees of standards setting bodies involved in the development of standards for nanotechnology. Requires the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office to be supported by funds from each participating agency. Makes the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel a distinct entity. Instructs the Panel to establish a subpanel to enable it in assessing whether societal, ethical, legal, environmental, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program. Rewrites provisions for triennial external review of the Program. Designates a Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology, who shall convene a panel to develop a research plan. Establishes an Education Working Group to coordinate, prioritize, and plan the educational activities supported under the Program. Provides for one or more grants to establish Nanotechnology Education Partnerships to recruit and help prepare secondary school students to pursue postsecondary level courses in nanotechnology. Requires agencies supporting nanotechnology research facilities to provide access to companies that are developing prototypes of nanoscale products, devices, or processes. Sets forth provisions concerning nanotechnology related projects under existing nanotechnology transfer programs. Makes it an objective of the Program to establish industry liaison groups. Requires coordination and leveraging of federal investments with nanotechnology research, development, and technology transition initiatives. Requires the Program to include support for nanotechnology research and development in areas of national importance. Requires the Program to support nanomanufacturing research, including in green nanomanufacturing, energy production, water purification, agriculture, and health care. Requires specified reviews by the Advisory Panel of certain program component areas and nanotechnology research facilities. Sets forth provisions regarding nanoscale characterization and metrology. Requires: (1) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of nanotechnology related codes, standards, and regulations; and (2) public outreach.
Bill· SS. 3269 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
Nanotechnology Innovation and Prize Competition Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to award prizes to eligible persons for achievement in one or more applications of nanotechnology for: (1) improvement of the environment, consistent with Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) development of alternative energy that has the potential to lessen the dependence of the United States on fossil fuels; (3) improvement of human health, consistent with regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and (4) development of consumer products. Describes an eligible person as an individual who is: (1) a citizen or legal resident of the United States; (2) a member of a group that includes U.S. citizens or legal residents; or (3) an entity that is incorporated and maintains its primary place of business in the United States. Requires establishment of a board to administer and make awards under such program by: (1) holding a financial award competition and making an award to the first competitor to meet such criteria as the board shall establish; and (2) recognizing (without financial remuneration) an eligible person for superlative achievement in one or more of the nanotechnology applications described above. Authorizes the board to contract with a private organization to administer such a financial award competition. Prohibits the federal government from acquiring an intellectual property right in any product or idea by virtue of the submission of such product or idea in any such competition. Requires the board to submit annual reports to Congress on the nanotechnology award program established by this Act.