Energy

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2910) to provide for Federal and State agency coordination in the approval of certain authorizations under the Natural Gas Act, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2883) to establish a more uniform, transparent, and modern process to authorize the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of international border-crossing facilities for the import and export of oil and natural gas and the transmission of electricity; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 218) to provide for the exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land in the State of Alaska for the construction of a road between King Cove and Cold Bay; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2017

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2910) to provide for Federal and State agency coordination in the approval of certain authorizations under the Natural Gas Act, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2883) to establish a more uniform, transparent, and modern process to authorize the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of international border-crossing facilities for the import and export of oil and natural gas and the transmission of electricity; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 218) to provide for the exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land in the State of Alaska for the construction of a road between King Cove and Cold Bay.

To require the Secretary of Energy to initiate the development of voluntary model pathways for modernizing the electric grid, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2017

This bill requires the Department of Energy to initiate development of voluntary model pathways for modernizing the electric grid through a collaborative, public-private effort and establish a steering committee to facilitate development of the pathways.

Know Your Oil Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2017

Know Your Oil Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue regulations that require companies that extract, refine, or transport oil or refined products to disclose oil data, including the amounts and sources of greenhouse gas emitted during the oil extraction, refining, and combustion process. DOE must consult with federal agencies and state and tribal governments to carry out this bill. Additionally, DOE must publicly disclose and maintain the data it collects on greenhouse gas emissions and oil field resources.

Water and Energy Sustainability through Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2017

Water and Energy Sustainability through Technology Act This bill addresses the link between energy and water systems (energy-water nexus), including: (1) the water needed to produce energy; (2) the energy needed to transport, reclaim, treat, store, and reuse water and wastewater; (3) the energy available in organic wastewaters and wet waste streams (e.g., methane); and (4) the waste heat available in industrial process and cooling water discharges, steam system condensate and cooling water, and thermoelectric cooling water discharge. The bill provides support for increasing: the availability of energy-water nexus data about surface water, groundwater, or recycled water; the use of energy-water nexus technology; the energy efficiency of certain water systems; the use of water efficiency methods and products; water quality; the recharge of groundwater; the ability of water systems to address climate-related impacts on water quality or quantity; and the infrastructure of water and wastewater systems. In addition, the bill establishes a United States-Israel Water Cooperation Working Group to seek to strengthen dialogue between the United States and Israel in order to: (1) improve the use of water resources through water-saving technologies and practices; (2) counter water shortages; (3) modernize pipeline and other applicable infrastructure; and (4) pursue best practices in drip irrigation, water recycling, and desalination. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate certain tax incentives related to the extraction of oil, gas, or certain minerals.

Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2017

Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2017 This bill codifies the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense program, which identifies, labels, and promotes water efficient products, buildings, landscapes, and services. This bill also establishes a program to provide financial incentives for consumers to purchase and install residential water efficient products and services labeled under the WaterSense program. In order to meet procurement requirements for a water consuming product or service, federal agencies must purchase a WaterSense product or service, or a Federal Energy Management Program designated product. Agencies do not have to procure those products or services if they are not cost-effective, or not reasonably available. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individual taxpayers any amount received under an incentive program for the purchase and installation of residential water efficient products and services.

RIVER Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2017

Reliable Investment in Vital Energy Reauthorization Act of 2017 or the RIVER Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to extend the eligibility for and reauthorize through FY2027 the program of hydroelectric production incentives and incentive payments to the owners or operators of hydroelectric facilities at existing dams to make capital improvements directly related to improving efficiency.

To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider greenhouse gas emissions related to natural gas pipelines, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2017

This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline when considering whether to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the pipeline. FERC shall also consider the greenhouse gas impacts of the production, transportation and combustion of the natural gas transported through the pipeline.

ENERGY (IN)SECURITY IN RUSSIA'S PERIPHERY

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to complete a national plan for smart manufacturing technology (certain advanced technologies in information, automation, monitoring, computation, sensing, modeling, and networking) development and deployment to improve the productivity and energy efficiency of the U.S. manufacturing sector. DOE must expand the scope of technologies covered by Industrial Assessment Centers to include smart manufacturing technologies and practices and to equip the centers' directors with the training and tools necessary to provide technical assistance in smart manufacturing technologies and practices. DOE must: (1) study how it can increase access to existing high-performance computing resources in the National Laboratories, and (2) facilitate access to the laboratories by small and medium manufacturers. DOE may make grants to states for supporting the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies. States must use those grants to: (1) provide access to shared supercomputing facilities to small and medium manufacturers, (2) fund research and development of transformational manufacturing processes and materials technology that advance smart manufacturing, and (3) provide tools and training to aid the adoption of energy management systems and implement smart manufacturing technologies in the manufacturers' facilities.

Rare Earth Element Advanced Coal Technologies Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017

Rare Earth Element Advanced Coal Technologies Act This bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy to create a program for the development of advanced separation technology to extract and recover rare earth elements and minerals from coal and coal byproducts.

Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2017

Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 This bill directs the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury and the Director of National Intelligence to submit a strategy every two years for deterring conventional and asymmetric Iranian activities that threaten the United States and key allies. The President shall impose specified sanctions against: (1) any person that materially contributes to Iran's ballistic missile or weapons of mass destruction programs, and (2) Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated foreign persons. The President may impose specified sanctions against any person responsible for extrajudicial killings or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against individuals in Iran. The President shall submit for congressional review certain proposed actions to terminate or waive sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation. The President may waive specified cyber- and Ukraine-related sanctions. Specified executive order sanctions against Russia shall remain in effect. The bill provides sanctions for activities concerning: (1) cybersecurity, (2) crude oil projects, (3) financial institutions, (4) corruption, (5) human rights abuses, (6) evasion of sanctions, (7) transactions with Russian defense or intelligence sectors, (8) export pipelines, (9) privatization of state-owned assets by government officials, and (10) arms transfers to Syria. The provisions of this bill shall not apply to National Aeronautics and Space Administration activities. The bill authorizes FY2018-FY2019 appropriations for: (1) the Countering Russian Influence Fund, and (2) energy security in Ukraine. The State Department shall work with the government of Ukraine to increase Ukraine's energy security and decrease its reliance on Russian energy imports. The bill: (1) directs Treasury to develop a national strategy for combating the financing of terrorism, and (2) includes the Secretary of the Treasury on the National Security Council.

FUTURE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2017

Furthering carbon capture, Utilization, Technology, Underground storage, and Reduced Emissions Act or the FUTURE Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. The bill modifies the credit to apply it to carbon oxide sequestration. (Carbon oxide refers to any of the three oxides of carbon: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon suboxide.) The bill also: allows certain new industrial or direct air capture facilities to qualify for the credit if construction begins before January 1, 2024; allows qualified projects to claim the credit for 12 years, beginning on the date the equipment was originally placed in service; increases the separate credit amounts, with respect to projects placed in service upon or after the enactment of this bill, that apply to captured carbon oxide that is: (1) disposed of in secure geological storage, and (2) used as a tertiary injectant in an enhanced oil or natural gas recovery project and disposed of in secure geological storage; expands the purposes for which captured carbon oxide may be used; establishes separate carbon oxide capture thresholds for electricity generating facilities, direct air capture facilities, and facilities used for other purposes; specifies that the 75 million metric ton cap on the carbon dioxide that may qualify for the credit applies to carbon oxide and only to projects placed in service before the enactment of this bill; and allows the credit to be transferred from the entity that owns and uses the capture equipment to the entity that disposes of or uses the carbon oxide.

Paul Dabbar, of New York, to be Under Secretary for Science, Department of Energy, vice Franklin M. Orr, Jr.

United States · United States Senate · 11 July 2017

Mark Wesley Menezes, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Energy, vice Kristina M. Johnson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 11 July 2017

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2017

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 This bill authorizes FY2018 appropriations and sets forth policies regarding the military activities of the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and the defense activities of the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill authorizes appropriations, but does not provide budget authority for discretionary programs, which is included in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for Procurement; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; the Revolving and Working Capital Funds; the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Defense-Wide Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; and Overseas Contingency Operations. The bill also authorizes the FY2018 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding military personnel, compensation and other personnel benefits, health care, acquisition policy and management, DOD organization and management, civilian personnel matters, navy vessels and shipyards, DOE national security programs, and matters relating to foreign nations. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 The bill authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies regarding military construction for the Army, Navy, Air Force, defense agencies, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program, and Guard and Reserve Forces facilities. The bill also authorizes appropriations for base realignment and closure activities.

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of the Interior, and the Council on Environmental Quality from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, or nitrous oxide as part of any cost benefit analysis in the rule making process, unless a federal law is enacted authorizing such consideration. They may also consider those social costs if they use an estimate that: (1) complies with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget's "Circular A-4" document; (2) uses the discount rates of three and seven percent specified in that document; (3) considers only the domestic costs and benefits of the activity; and (4) uses only the most up to date and empirically estimated equilibrium climate sensitivity distributions, and realistic time horizons. The EPA must report on the number of proposed and final rulemakings, guidance documents, and agency actions since January 2009 that use those social costs, including as part of any cost benefit analysis required under Executive Order 12866 or other relevant authority.

Capitalizing on American Storage Potential Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Capitalizing on American Storage Potential Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the Department of Energy's existing loan guarantee program to any strategic energy infrastructure project that is a regional project which supports a more effective energy market performance and that has the potential to significantly contribute to the economic resilience of the region in which the project is located.

Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make certain amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund available, without appropriation, to pay 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs of specified portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (a system of locks, canals, and channels in Canada and the United States that permits oceangoing vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes) as well as those assigned to commercial navigation of all U.S. harbors and inland harbors; rebates of certain tolls or charges on the seaway; and all expenses of administration relating to harbor maintenance tax incurred by the Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Commerce. The bill also amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to require allocation to certain donor ports and energy transfer ports of at least 20% of amounts made available each fiscal year from the trust fund, and the Department of the Army to make allocations equally between these types of ports.

BTU Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2017 or the BTU Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include 30% of qualified biomass fuel property expenditures for property placed in service before 2022 in the residential energy efficient property tax credit. A "qualified biomass fuel property expenditure" is an expenditure for property which uses the burning of biomass fuel (a plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis) to heat a dwelling used as a residence, or to heat water for use in such dwelling, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%. The bill also allows: (1) a 15% energy tax credit until 2022 for investment in open-loop biomass heating property, including boilers or furnaces that operate at thermal output efficiencies of at least 65% and provide thermal energy in the form of heat, hot water, or steam for space heating, air conditioning, domestic hot water, or industrial process heat; and (2) a 30% credit until 2022 for investment in such property that operates at a thermal output efficiency of at least 80%.

Public Housing Tenant Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Public Housing Tenant Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2017 Public Housing One-for-One Replacement and Tenant Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 regarding: (1) demolition, disposition, or both pursuant to conversion of any public housing unit; and (2) the taking of public housing units through the use of eminent domain. The bill exempts from specified requirements for demolition and disposition of public housing, public housing projects removed from a public housing agency (PHA) inventory under the program for conversion of demolished or distressed public housing dwelling units to tenant-based assistance. Real property containing dwelling units in public housing is excluded from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal regulations or any substantially similar regulations with respect to: certain real estate; and implementing HUD requirements for demolition or disposition of public housing projects, and conversion of public housing to tenant-based assistance. Public Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation Act of 2017 The public housing Capital and Operating Funds are reauthorized. HUD may guarantee notes or other obligations issued by PHAs to finance: (1) the rehabilitation of PHA public housing; (2) the modernization of such housing through energy efficiency improvements; or (3) the construction, rehabilitation, purchase, or conversion of public housing units to replace any demolished, disposed of, or converted. Requirements are specified for PHAs that utilize housing tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code for rental housing units. The bill eliminates a specified limitation on the use of amounts from the Capital Fund or Operation Fund by a PHA to construct new public housing units. Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2017 HUD must make competitive grants to local governments, PHAs, or nonprofit entities owning a major housing project to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty and severely distressed housing. Together We Care Act of 2017 HUD shall establish a competitive grant pilot program for eligible entities to train public housing residents as home health aides and as providers of home-based health services for residents of public housing or federally-assisted rental housing who are elderly, disabled, or both.

To amend section 111 of the Clean Air Act to exclude energy efficiency projects, pollution control projects, and reliability projects from the definition of a modification.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

This bill amends the Clean Air Act to exclude energy efficiency projects, pollution control projects, and reliability projects from the new source review process (requiring stationary sources of air pollution to get approval before construction or modification).

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2022 a diesel emissions reduction program. The program authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants, rebates, or loans for reducing diesel emissions from certain diesel vehicles or fleets by retrofitting or replacing their engines.

Expand and Strengthen Defense Network of Partners Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Expand and Strengthen Defense Network of Partners Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish one or more multi-institution task order arrangements to facilitate expedited access to university technical expertise in support of DOD missions in specified areas, including cybersecurity, shipbuilding, undersea warfare, drones, and energy. Such arrangements may not be used to fund research programs that can be executed through other DOD basic research activities.

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of the Interior, the Department of Transportation, and the Council on Environmental Quality from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or greenhouse gas as part of any cost benefit analysis in the rule making process, unless a federal law is enacted authorizing such consideration. They may also consider those social costs if they use an estimate that: (1) complies with the requirements of the "Circular A-4" document of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), (2) uses only the discount rates specified in that document, (3) considers only the domestic costs and benefits of the activity, and (4) has been reviewed by the OMB for compliance with the circular A-4 document and consistency across federal agencies. The EPA must report on the number of proposed and final rulemakings, guidance documents, and agency actions since January 2009 that use those social costs, including as part of any cost benefit analysis required under Executive Order 12866 or other relevant authority.

Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2017 This bill requires that certain public buildings that are open to the public and contain a public restroom provide a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that is hygienic and is available for use by members of the public to express milk. The lactation room must be shielded from view, be free from intrusion, and contain a chair, a working surface, and (if the building is supplied with electricity) an electrical outlet.

Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make certain amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund available, without appropriation, to pay 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs of specified portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (a system of locks, canals, and channels in Canada and the United States that permits oceangoing vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes) as well as those assigned to commercial navigation of all U.S. harbors and inland harbors; rebates of certain tolls or charges on the Seaway; and all expenses of administration relating to harbor maintenance tax incurred by the Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Commerce. The bill also amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to require allocation to certain donor ports and energy transfer ports of at least 20% of amounts made available each fiscal year from the trust fund, and the Department of the Army to make allocations equally between these types of ports.

BTU Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2017 or the BTU Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include 30% of qualified biomass fuel property expenditures for property placed in service before 2022 in the residential energy efficient property tax credit. A "qualified biomass fuel property expenditure" is an expenditure for property which uses the burning of biomass fuel (a plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis) to heat a dwelling used as a residence, or to heat water for use in such dwelling, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%. The bill also allows: (1) a 15% energy tax credit until 2022 for investment in open-loop biomass heating property, including boilers or furnaces that operate at thermal output efficiencies of at least 65% and provide thermal energy in the form of heat, hot water, or steam for space heating, air conditioning, domestic hot water, or industrial process heat; and (2) a 30% credit until 2022 for investment in such property that operates at a thermal output efficiency of at least 80%.

Defense Siting Clearinghouse Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017

Defense Siting Clearinghouse Improvement Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a Defense Siting Clearinghouse to serve as a clearinghouse to: (1) coordinate DOD review of applications for energy projects filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and received by DOD from DOT, and (2) accelerate the development of planning tools necessary to determine the acceptability to DOD of proposals included in an application for an energy project.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 28 June 2017

Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2017

Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the research and development of domestic advanced, affordable, and clean nuclear energy. Specifically, DOE must enter into one or more agreements to carry out at least four advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects. DOE must establish goals for research relating to advanced nuclear reactors, including by coordinating with members of private industry to advance the demonstration of various designs of advanced nuclear reactors.

Energy Storage Goals and Demonstration Projects Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2017

Energy Storage Goals and Demonstration Projects Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish new goals for its energy storage program and enter into agreements to carry out at least three grid-scale energy storage demonstration projects. (The energy storage program supports the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.)

Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2017

Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 with respect to energy efficiency for sectors such as buildings, transportation, schools, and manufacturing. Energy infrastructure concerns are addressed, including cybersecurity threats, pipeline permitting, and requirements for enhanced electric grid storage and security as well as bulk-power system reliability. The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and specified other Acts regarding: (1) hydroelectric power, (2) geothermal energy, (3) marine hydrokinetic renewable energy, (4) thermal energy, (5) oil and gas, (6) helium, (7) specified critical minerals, (8) fossil energy, (9) nuclear energy, (10) 21st century energy workforce development, and (11) recycled carbon fiber and non-recycled mixed plastics. The bill revises the Department of Energy's loan program for innovative technologies. Additionally, the bill addresses energy and water sustainability; energy innovation, management, markets, and affordability; and repeals the mandates for various specified studies, reports, plans, and programs. The bill establishes and revises requirements for specified conservation programs and sets forth polices regarding land conveyances, national park system management, and hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal land. The bill also addresses matters regarding water infrastructure projects, natural hazards systems and programs, and Indian tribal energy development.

LNG Now Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2017

License Natural Gas Now Act of 2017 or the LNG Now Act of 2017 This bill amends the Natural Gas Act to prohibit the federal government from imposing any restriction on the importation and exportation of natural gas.

Water Conservation Tax Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2017

Water Conservation Tax Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax exclusion for energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities to exclude from gross income subsidies provided (directly or indirectly): (1) by a public utility to a customer, or by a state or local government to a resident of such state or locality, for the purchase or installation of any water conservation or efficiency measure; and (2) by a storm water management provider to a customer, or by a state or local government to a resident of such state or locality, for the purchase or installation of any storm water management measure.

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2017

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2022 a diesel emissions reduction program. The program authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants, rebates, or loans for reducing diesel emissions from certain diesel vehicles or fleets by retrofitting or replacing their engines. The bill modifies requirements governing how the EPA must prioritize projects when providing grants, rebates, and loans. Specifically, the EPA must recognize differences in how vehicles, engines, equipment, and fleets are used across the country as it prioritizes projects that include certified engine configurations, verified technologies, or emerging technologies that have a long expected useful life. Under current law, the EPA must use a certain percentage of the funds made available for the program to support state administered programs for reducing diesel emissions. If a state does not quality for funds, then the funds for the unqualified state must be reallocated to qualified states. This bill requires the funds for the unqualified state to be reallocated to the national diesel emissions reduction program.

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2017

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017 This bill amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate a program to consolidate and temporarily store commercial spent nuclear fuel during the development, construction, and operation of a permanent nuclear waste repository. The bill addresses federal land withdrawal and related management issues, including the permanent withdrawal of specific federal land for repository use by DOE, updating the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing process and conditions for the repository, and limiting activities relating to developing a separate defense waste repository used for storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel derived from the atomic energy defense activities of DOE. DOE may enter into agreements to provide benefits to state, local, and Tribal governments that might host or be affected by facilities related to storing nuclear waste. The bill revises the method by which DOE funds its nuclear waste management activities though the collection and usage of the Nuclear Waste Fund.

Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2017

Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017 This bill designates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for coordinating all federal authorizations and reviews related to hydropower license applications, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. FERC must establish a process to set a schedule for the review and disposition of each federal authorization following the filing of an application for a license, license amendment, or exemption. The bill expands the definition of "renewable energy" to include electric energy generated from hydropower projects. The bill authorizes FERC to extend the length of time of preliminary permits and to extend the time limit that a licensee has to commence construction on a hydropower project. The bill authorizes the use of trial-type hearings to resolve disputes related to a hydropower license application. Under certain circumstances, the hearing may be demanded by applicants or other parties for any disputed issues of material fact. FERC must consult with federal and state agencies and the public to compile best practices for performing studies and environmental reviews in connection with the timely and efficient completion of hydropower license proceedings. The bill creates a process to approve license amendments for qualifying hydropower projects.

Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2017

Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide financial assistance to states for the implementation, review, and revision of a state energy security plan that assesses the state's existing circumstances and proposes methods to strengthen the ability of the state to have a reliable, secure, and resilient energy infrastructure. A state energy security plan must contain specified content, including a risk assessment of energy infrastructure and cross-sector interdependencies, and address potential hazards to each energy sector or system, including physical threats and cybersecurity threats. Upon request of a state, the Department of Energy may provide information and technical assistance, and other assistance, in the development, implementation, or revision of a state energy security plan.

THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 22 June 2017

LNG Now Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

License Natural Gas Now Act of 2017 or the LNG Now Act of 2017 This bill amends the Natural Gas Act to prohibit the federal government from imposing any restriction on the importation and exportation of natural gas. The bill does not limit the President's ability to restrict the importation or exportation of natural gas: (1) during national emergencies or disasters, and (2) to foreign countries if the President declares a national emergency with respect to such country.

Technologies for Energy Jobs and Security Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

Technologies for Energy Jobs and Security Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify tax credits for residential energy efficient property and investments in energy property. The bill modifies the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to extend through 2021 the credits for expenditures for fuel cell property, small wind energy property, and geothermal heat pump property. For each extended credit, the bill phases out the current credit rate of 30% of expenditures by reducing it to 26% or 22%, depending on the date that the property is placed in service. The bill extends the tax credit for investments in energy property for the following property with construction that begins before January 1, 2022: fiber-optic solar energy property, thermal energy property. fuel cell property, microturbine property, combined heat and power system property, and small wind energy property. The bill phases out the current credit rate of 30% for investments in geothermal energy property, fiber-optic solar energy property, fuel cell property, and small wind energy property by reducing it to 26% or 22%, depending on the date that the property is placed in service. The bill also allows an energy tax credit through 2021 for investment in waste heat to power property that does not have a capacity in excess of 50 megawatts. "Waste heat to power property" is property comprising a system which generates electricity through the recovery of a qualified waste heat resource.

A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the issuance of Green Bonds and to establish the United States Green Bank, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

This bill establishes a U.S. Green Bank that provides financial support to assist regional, state, and local institutions finance: (1) clean energy (e.g., solar or wind energy) projects, or (2) energy efficiency projects that reduce energy use or substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of the Treasury must issue green bonds to provide the bank with: (1) an initial capitalization of $10 billion; and (2) additional capitalization, upon the bank's request, of no more than $50 billion in aggregate at any one time. The bill also establishes in the Treasury a revolving Green Bank Establishment Fund.

A resolution welcoming the President of the Republic of Korea on his official visit to the United States and celebrating the United States-Republic of Korea relationship, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

Welcomes: (1) the President of the Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in, on his first official visit to the United States; and (2) opportunities to strengthen security consultation, cooperation, and partnership on matters such as space, cyber, and missile defense. Reaffirms the importance of: (1) the U.S.-South Korea alliance, as enshrined in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953; and (2) the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea under Article III of that treaty. Reinforces U.S. commitments to provide extended deterrence to South Korea. Supports efforts to: (1) strengthen such alliance and defend it against provocations by North Korea, (2) protect U.S. Armed Forces stationed on the Korean Peninsula, and (3) peacefully achieve a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons through a diplomatic process. Urges the United States and South Korea to work together: (1) with members of the United Nations Security Council and other member states, to enforce existing sanctions and consider the need to pass additional new measures under Article 41 of the United Nations Charter; and (2) to implement all aspects of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement. Encourages the U.S. and South Korean governments to continue to broaden and deepen the alliance by enhancing cooperation and building new partnerships in the security, economic, energy, scientific, health, education, and cultural spheres.

To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the issuance of Green Bonds and to establish the United States Green Bank, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2017

This bill establishes a U.S. Green Bank that provides financial support to assist regional, state, and local institutions finance: (1) clean energy (e.g., solar or wind energy) projects, or (2) energy efficiency projects that reduce energy use or substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of the Treasury must issue green bonds to provide the bank with: (1) an initial capitalization of $10 billion; and (2) additional capitalization, upon the bank's request, of no more than $50 billion in aggregate at any one time. The bill also establishes in the Treasury a revolving Green Bank Establishment Fund.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 21 June 2017

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to replace provisions that established the Public Lands Corps with provisions establishing the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) to: engage youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to conserve, rebuild, and enhance the natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets of the United States; increase public access to, and use of, public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources, while spurring economic development and outdoor recreation and addressing backlogged maintenance on public land; conserve, restore, and enhance such resources by carrying out high-quality, cost-effective projects; ensure that the activities and expertise of corpsmembers will be accessible to any public, nonprofit, or tribal entity responsible for the stewardship of land and water in coordination with the land or water owner; place youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance U.S. natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets in a cost-effective manner without undue duplication or overlap of federal agency activities or programs; and channel widespread interest among youth and veterans in serving in such positions to help conserve, restore, and enhance public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and to develop the next generation of outdoor stewards, entrepreneurs, recreationists, and sportsmen. The 21CSC shall be implemented jointly by the participating entities, which shall include the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Labor, Energy, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Education, and Housing and Urban Development. Such entities shall: (1) establish a process for an organization to become a 21CSC organization, and (2) support 21CSC projects. A 21CSC organization shall provide to each youth or veteran corpsmember a wage, stipend, living allowance, and/or an educational credit, as well as skills development, credentials, and education, for participation in a 21CSC project that involves: specified conservation and restoration projects; the support, development, and enhancement of outdoor recreation or urban green space; service that is primarily indoors with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures; or a project on private land or water having a direct or recognized public or environmental benefit or the funding of which originated from a governmental entity. The bill sets forth provisions governing 21CSC conservation centers and program support, the provision of resource assistants, and Corpsmember eligibility for a noncompetitive hiring status and national service educational awards. A participating entity may offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with a tribal agency or a 21CSC organization to establish and administer the Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, which shall carry out 21CSC projects on tribal land or water.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to replace provisions that established the Public Lands Corps with provisions establishing the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) to: engage youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to conserve, rebuild, and enhance the natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets of the United States; increase public access to, and use of, public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources, while spurring economic development and outdoor recreation and addressing backlogged maintenance on public land; conserve, restore, and enhance such resources by carrying out high-quality, cost-effective projects; ensure that the activities and expertise of corpsmembers will be accessible to any public, nonprofit, or tribal entity responsible for the stewardship of land and water in coordination with the land or water owner; place youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance U.S. natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets in a cost-effective manner without undue duplication or overlap of federal agency activities or programs; and channel widespread interest among youth and veterans in serving in such positions to help conserve, restore, and enhance public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and to develop the next generation of outdoor stewards, entrepreneurs, recreationists, and sportsmen. The 21CSC shall be implemented jointly by the participating entities, which shall include the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Labor, Energy, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Education, and Housing and Urban Development. Such entities shall: (1) establish a process for an organization to become a 21CSC organization, and (2) support 21CSC projects. A 21CSC organization shall provide to each youth or veteran corpsmember a wage, stipend, living allowance, and/or an educational credit, as well as skills development, credentials, and education, for participation in a 21CSC project that involves: specified conservation and restoration projects; the support, development, and enhancement of outdoor recreation or urban green space; service that is primarily indoors with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures; or a project on private land or water having a direct or recognized public or environmental benefit or the funding of which originated from a governmental entity. The bill sets forth provisions governing 21CSC conservation centers and program support, the provision of resource assistants, and Corpsmember eligibility for a noncompetitive hiring status and national service educational awards. A participating entity may offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with a tribal agency or a 21CSC organization to establish and administer the Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, which shall carry out 21CSC projects on tribal land or water.

Natural Gas Export Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

Natural Gas Export Expansion Act This bill amends the Natural Gas Act regarding natural gas imports or exports to expand the expedited application and approval process to any nation, even if not a party to a free trade agreement with the United States, that is not specifically excluded by this bill. The bill excludes any nation subject to sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by the United States or excluded by the President or Congress for national security reasons.

Fairness in Forgiveness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

Fairness in Forgiveness Act of 2017 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include as a public service job for purposes of the public service loan forgiveness program a full-time job as an employee of a management and operating contractor of a national laboratory owned by the Department of Energy. This bill and its amendments take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2007.

Climate Solutions Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2017

Climate Solutions Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) to promulgate regulations that require the percentage of electric energy generated from renewable sources that is sold at the retail level to increase each year beginning in 2020 so that in 2050 and each subsequent year, the percentage is at least 80%. DOE must also promulgate regulations that set cumulative energy savings targets for retail electric energy and natural gas suppliers that require each supplier to secure annual savings that are achieved through end-use efficiency improvements at customer facilities. For electric energy suppliers, the targets must increase from .25% of sales in 2020 to 1.5% of sales in 2025 and each year thereafter through 2030. For natural gas suppliers, the target must increase from .25% of sales in 2020 to .5% of sales in 2025 and each year thereafter through 2030. DOE must allow suppliers to achieve the targets through a market-based trading system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must promulgate annual emission reduction targets for each of 2030 through 2050 to ensure that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions: (1) in 2035 are at least 40% below those in 1990, and (2) in 2050 are at least 80% below those in 1990. The EPA must promulgate final regulations to implement those targets within 7 years and review them at least every 5 years thereafter.