Energy

RISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

Research Investment to Spark the Economy Act or the RISE Act This bill authorizes the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, the Interior, and Health and Human Services and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation, and Environmental Protection Agency to provide support for research regarding COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) or research disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Support under this bill shall be provided through federal science agencies with at least $50 million in basic and applied research obligations in FY2020. Support may be used to provide supplemental funding to extend the duration of a grant to a research institution or national laboratory that was awarded prior to the enactment of this bill, or to expand the purposes of such a grant as specified; provide supplemental funding through existing competitively awarded cooperative agreements and contracts to cover the increased costs of construction of scientific facilities and equipment that have been delayed because of COVID-19; and award grants and cooperative agreements to institutions of higher education to conduct research on the behavioral, social, or economic effects of COVID-19 and the responses to the disease or on the effectiveness of such responses. Agencies must provide the support as rapidly as possible. Provided funds shall remain available for expenditure for up to two years.

Recognizing that for 45 years, Papua New Guinea and the United States have shared a close friendship based on shared goals of stability, prosperity, and peace in the region, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States will continue to remain a strong, reliable, and active partner in the Pacific.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

This resolution commends the subsistence of democratic institutions in Papua New Guinea and encourages deepened U.S. cooperation with Papua New Guinea in areas of mutual interest. The resolution also recognizes Papua New Guinea's participation in multinational organizations and applauds the country's multilateral efforts to ensure access to electricity throughout the region.

Open Back Better Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

Open Back Better Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide grants to federal and state agencies and tribal organizations to implement building projects that increase resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and grid integration. It also provides grants for projects that may have combined heat and power and energy storage as project components. States must use at least 40% of grant funds to implement projects in environmental justice communities or low-income communities that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. No funds may be used for a project unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States, with specified exceptions. The bill also directs DOE to hire a specified number of employees to carry out the grant program, including at least 300 full-time employees in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Climate Action Planning for Ports Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

Climate Action Planning for Ports Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to award grants for developing climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or other air pollutants at ports or port facilities or implementing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at one or more ports or port facilities. Climate action plans must demonstrate that the measures proposed to be implemented through the grants will do at least two of the following: improve energy efficiency at ports or port facilities, deploy technology or processes that reduce idling of vehicles at ports or port facilities, or reduce the direct emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants with a goal of achieving zero emissions.

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish (1) criteria for a HOPE Qualification for contractors to advance their capabilities to efficiently retrofit homes, including a list of courses that meet the criteria and information on how individuals and entities may apply for grants to achieve such qualification; and (2) a Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program to provide rebates for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improvements.

Open Back Better Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

Open Back Better Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide grants to federal and state agencies and tribal organizations to implement building projects that increase resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and grid integration. It also provides grants for projects that may have combined heat and power and energy storage as project components. States must use at least 40% of grant funds to implement projects in environmental justice communities or low-income communities that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. No funds may be used for a project unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States, with specified exceptions. The bill also directs DOE to hire a specified number of employees to carry out the grant program, including at least 300 full-time employees in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

DOE EPSCoR Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

DOE EPSCoR Modernization Act This bill revises the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program of the Department of Energy (DOE). The objectives of the EPSCoR must include (1) increasing the number of researchers in specified jurisdictions (i.e., the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), especially at institutions of higher education (IHEs), capable of performing nationally competitive science and engineering research in support of the mission of DOE in the areas of applied energy research, environmental management, and basic science; and (2) improving science and engineering research and education programs at IHEs in such states and enhancing their capabilities to develop, plan, and execute research that is competitive. The EPSCoR must provide grants to such jurisdictions to carry out and support applied energy research and research in all areas of environmental management and basic science sponsored by DOE. DOE must contract with a federally funded research and development center, the National Academy of Sciences, or a a similar organization to carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of EPSCoR, including an assessment of the progress made towards achieving the objectives of the program.

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020

HOPE for HOMES Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish (1) criteria for a HOPE Qualification for contractors to advance their capabilities to efficiently retrofit homes, including a list of courses that meet the criteria and information on how individuals and entities may apply for grants to achieve such qualification; and (2) a Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program to provide rebates for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improvements.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 This bill authorizes FY2021 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for Procurement, including aircraft, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and missiles; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; Working Capital Funds; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; Overseas Contingency Operations; and Military Construction. The bill authorizes the FY2021 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding military personnel; acquisition policy and management; Space Force matters; international programs; National Guard and Reserve Forces facilities; compensation and other personnel benefits; health care; DOD organization and management; civilian personnel matters; matters relating to foreign nations; and strategic programs, cyber, and intelligence matters. The bill authorizes appropriations for base realignment and closure activities, and maritime matters. The bill also authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Energy national security programs, including the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

TREE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Tackling Residential Energy burdens Efficiently Act of 2020 or the TREE Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a grant program for states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other entities to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods throughout the United States.

SAVE Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Save American Vital Energy Jobs Act or the SAVE Jobs Act This bill extends energy-related tax provisions and expands incentives for job creation in the energy sector during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Specifically, the bill extends for one year the construction period for carbon oxide sequestration facilities for purposes of the tax credit, suspends capitalization rules in 2020 to permit immediate expensing of certain inventory costs, reduces the required deposit of certain motor fuel excise taxes from 95% to 25%, allows expensing of intangible drilling costs in 2020, permits extensions and suspensions of production and operations under onshore and offshore leases during the COVID-19 emergency period, requires a royalty rate reduction during the COVID-19 emergency period for a maximum 180-day period, and requires the Department of the Interior to delay until July 1, 2022, the effective date for compliance with the 2016 final rule titled Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform.

A bill to express the sense of Congress regarding the need for a nationwide moratorium on electric and natural gas utility disconnections during the nationwide emergency relating to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

This bill calls for states and electric or natural gas utilities to place a moratorium on utility disconnections during the emergency relating to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. In addition, the bill calls for states and utilities to ensure that reasonable efforts are made to safely reconnect electric and natural gas consumers that have lost service; fees for reconnection services, late fees, and other penalties are waived; and there are no increases in cost-of-service to consumers.

Housing Efficiency Standards Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Housing Efficiency Standards Act of 2020 This bill updates energy efficiency requirements for new construction or rehabilitation of certain federally assisted housing, as well as for new construction of manufactured housing. Specifically, new construction or rehabilitation of certain federally assisted housing must comply with recently updated energy efficiency standards issued by certain industry bodies. Current law requires compliance with older versions of these standards. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture may establish additional or different energy efficiency requirements if they are at least as stringent as the otherwise applicable standards. Additionally, new construction of manufactured housing must comply with standards issued by certain industry bodies or by the Department of Energy.

Regional Clean Energy Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Regional Clean Energy Innovation Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish an Office of Advanced Clean Energy Technologies to manage a network of Regional Energy Innovation and Development Institutes (REIDIs) that accelerate clean energy innovation in the post-research stage. The term REIDIs means partnerships between governments, academic institutions, businesses, DOE national laboratories, and other clean energy entities that advance the development of early-stage innovations and support after proof concept to help clean energy innovations reach viability for commercial demonstration and deployment.

Integrated Energy Systems Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Integrated Energy Systems Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish an Integrated Energy Systems Program. Under the program, DOE must maximize energy production and efficiency. In addition, DOE must develop energy systems involving the integration of nuclear energy with renewable energy, fossil energy, and energy storage. Finally, DOE must expand the use of emissions-reducing energy technologies into nonelectric sectors to achieve significant reductions in environmental emissions.

A bill to approve certain advanced biofuel registrations, to require the consideration of certain advanced biofuel pathways, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

This bill sets forth an approval process for advanced biofuel registrations and directs the Environmental Protection Agency to take final action on certain pending petitions for renewable fuel pathways.

THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON THE ENERGY INDUSTRY

United States · United States Senate · 16 June 2020

REVIVING OUR ECONOMY: COVID-19'S IMPACT ON THE ENERGY SECTOR

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 June 2020

GRID Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

Guaranteeing Resilient Installations for Defense Act of 2020 or the GRID Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a two-year pilot program under which DOE must implement mitigating actions to address vulnerabilities assessed at critical defense facilities and their associated defense critical electric infrastructure, after consultation with, and with the consent of, the owners of such infrastructure. DOE shall identify, designate, and mitigate vulnerabilities at facilities located in any state that are (1) critical to the defense of the United States, and (2) vulnerable to a disruption of the supply of electric energy provided to such facility by an external provider.

National Defense Net Zero Review Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

National Defense Net Zero Review Act of 2020 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on (1) the progress of the Department of Defense (DOD) toward reaching net zero energy goals, and (2) DOD operational energy usage. The bill also requires DOD to (1) annually report on total emission levels for each of the ten preceding fiscal years, and (2) develop a master plan for achieving DOD-wide net zero for energy, water, waste management, and emissions.

Utility Resilience and Reliability Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Utility Resilience and Reliability Act This bill addresses the reliability of electric energy provided by the bulk-power system, which includes facilities and control systems necessary for operating an interconnected electric energy transmission network. Specifically, the Electric Reliability Organization must file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a proposed reliability standard that addresses the resilience of the bulk-power system. For example, the standard must address the system's ability to withstand and rapidly recover from disruptions, such as extreme weather conditions. The standard must take into account regional differences. In addition, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program to provide information and recommendations to states and electric utilities on how to improve the resilience of electric grids. DOE must also post on its website a report that provides recommendations on how to minimize the need for, effects of, and duration of planned electric power outages that are due to extreme weather conditions.

Electric Power Infrastructure Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Electric Power Infrastructure Improvement Act This bill allows a tax credit for investment in a qualifying electric power transmission line property. The bill defines qualifying electric power transmission line property as (1) any overhead, submarine, or underground transmission facility that is capable of transmitting electricity at a voltage of not less than 345 kilovolts, has a transmission capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts, is an alternating current or direct transmission line, and delivers power produced in either a rural area or offshore; and (2) conductors or cables, or other specified equipment, necessary for the proper operation of the facility.

Defending Against Rosatom Exports Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020

Defending Against Rosatom Exports Act This bill extends limits on the importation of Russian low-enriched uranium, a fuel for nuclear reactors, and contains other related provisions. (These limits stem from a 1992 agreement with Russia to end a Department of Commerce antidumping investigation into Russian uranium imports.) The bill extends these limits, which are currently set to expire in 2020, to 2035. The bill also specifies the maximum amounts of qualifying uranium that may be imported each year for 2021-2035. Currently, qualifying uranium imported for use in the initial core of a new reactor or for the Department of Energy inventory does not count against these limits. The bill eliminates these two exceptions but maintains an exception for uranium imported for reprocessing and reexportation. No more than 25% of qualifying uranium may be imported each year under a contract other than a contract exclusively for separative work units. (A separative work unit is the standard unit of measurement for effort expended to enrich uranium.)

Offshore Cap Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020

Offshore Cap Parity Act This bill eliminates the cap on the revenue that states may receive from oil and gas drilling off their coasts in the Gulf of Mexico.

A resolution recognizing that for 45 years, Papua New Guinea and the United States have shared a close friendship based on shared goals of stability, prosperity, and peace in the region, and expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States will continue to remain a strong, reliable, and active partner in the Pacific.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020

This resolution commends the subsistence of democratic institutions in Papua New Guinea and encourages deepened U.S. cooperation with Papua New Guinea in areas of mutual interest. The resolution also recognizes Papua New Guinea's participation in multinational organizations and applauds the country's multilateral efforts to ensure access to electricity throughout the region.

Great American Outdoors Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020

Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.

Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Clarification Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020

Protecting Europe's Energy Security Clarification Act of 2020 This bill expands existing sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that engage in certain activities relating to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream energy pipelines. Current law generally imposes visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that knowingly took actions such as selling or leasing vessels that engaged in pipe laying related to the pipelines. Under this bill, the President shall also impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that engage in other specified activities, such as (1) providing underwriting services or insurance for such vessels, (2) installing welding equipment for such vessels, or (3) providing testing or inspection services for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020

Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to support the efforts of state and local governments to provide for priority COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing of transportation workers who are categorized as essential critical infrastructure workers. ( Essential critical infrastructure employees include, but are not limited to, medical and health care, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.) Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, DOT must require (1) the owners and operators of equipment or facilities used by passenger or freight transportation employers implement personal protective equipment and disinfection and sanitization procedures; and (2) an air carrier to submit to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a proposal to permit pilots to wear masks or protective face coverings in the flight deck, including a safety risk assessment with respect to such proposal. The bill sets forth requirements for owners or operators who cannot acquire necessary personal protective equipment due to market unavailability. For the duration of the COVID-19 national emergency, the FAA must (1) provide certain employees, including any air traffic controller and airway transportation systems specialist, with personal protective and sanitizing equipment; (2) ensure that each air traffic control facility is cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized frequently; and (3) ensure its contractors provide their employees with personal protective equipment.

American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020

American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act of 2020 This bill addresses the availability, development, and production of domestic critical minerals, including by providing incentives to increase domestic production of critical minerals that are needed to ensure the economic and national security of the United States.

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2020

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act This bill revises requirements for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address underutilized storage facilities. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to lease such storage facilities to private entities. Currently, DOE may only lease these storage facilities to foreign governments. DOE must ensure that leasing of facilities to foreign governments will not impair national security. In addition, DOE must conduct a pilot program to lease storage capacity for up to 200 million barrels of petroleum products.

Right to Timely Rehearings at FERC Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020

Right to Timely Rehearings at FERC Act of 2020 This bill revises the rehearing process for petitioners aggrieved by an order issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with respect to licensing for projects under the Federal Power Act.

Landowners’ Right to Due Process in Rehearings at FERC Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020

Landowners' Right to Due Process in Rehearings at FERC Act of 2020 This bill revises the rehearing process for petitioners aggrieved by an order issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with respect to natural gas pipeline projects. Specifically, the bill sets forth a 60-day deadline for FERC to respond to a rehearing request from a petitioner. During this time, FERC is prohibited from authorizing construction-related activity that is related to the order, and the holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity that is the subject of the order may not exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire land or other property to carry out the pipeline project.

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act This bill revises requirements for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address underused storage facilities. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to lease such storage facilities to private entities. Currently, DOE may only lease these storage facilities to foreign governments. DOE must ensure that leasing of facilities to foreign governments will not impair national security. In addition, DOE must conduct a program to lease storage capacity for up to 200 million barrels of petroleum products at storage facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and related facilities.

A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reauthorize the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Under the program, the Department of Energy provides grants to local governments, states, and Indian tribes for energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs. This bill expands the allowable uses of grant funds to include the deployment of energy distribution technologies that significantly expand access to alternative fuels.

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to support state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions in providing (1) priority COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing for essential critical infrastructure employees; and (2) priority access to personal protective equipment, sanitizers, face coverings, and health-related or protective supplies necessary to safely perform essential critical infrastructure work. ( Essential critical infrastructure employees include, but are not limited to, medical and health care, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.)

Energy Infrastructure Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

Energy Infrastructure Protection Act of 2020 This bill revises provisions related to protecting energy infrastructure (including critical electric infrastructure), including by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide assistance to certain entities relating to methods and tools that owners and operators of energy infrastructure may use to defend assets against threats.

Nuclear Energy for the Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

Nuclear Energy for the Future Act This bill addresses advanced nuclear energy research and development at the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE must carry out a program to conduct research relating to the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies that may offer improved safety, functionality, and affordability; make available nuclear energy research infrastructure to industry partners in order to achieve faster and cost-effective development of advanced nuclear energy technologies toward commercial readiness; select industry partners for awards on a competitive merit-reviewed basis; construct a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source which shall operate as a national user facility; and ensure the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities of its high-performance computation collaborative research program to develop new reactor technologies with other research entities of DOE, including the National Laboratories.

ReWIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Resources for Workforce Investments, Not Drilling Act or the ReWIND Act This bill limits the financial assistance that fossil fuel companies may receive from programs that provide relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, the Department of Interior's authority with respect to fossil fuels, the types and amount of oil that may be placed in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), and the issuance or modification of rules until the COVID-19 national emergency terminates. Specifically, it prohibits fossil fuel businesses from receiving financial assistance, loans, and loan guarantees under specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Further, certain financial institutions (e.g., banks) that receive funding under the CARES Act may not operate or invest in such businesses for two years. In addition, Interior may not (1) conduct lease sales for oil or natural gas; (2) issue leases for oil, natural gas, or coal; (3) modify regulations related to fossil fuel; or (4) reduce or eliminate royalty rates for fossil fuel leases on federal lands and in federal waters. The bill decreases the storage cap on the SPR and declares that privately-owned oil may not be stored in the SPR. Finally, the bill suspends the issuance of new rules until the national emergency terminates unless the rules are specifically required to respond to, or recover from, COVID-19.

ReWIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Resources for Workforce Investments, Not Drilling Act or the ReWIND Act This bill limits the financial assistance that fossil fuel companies may receive from programs that provide relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, the Department of Interior's authority with respect to fossil fuels, the types and amount of oil that may be placed in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), and the issuance or modification of rules until the COVID-19 national emergency terminates. Specifically, it prohibits fossil fuel businesses from receiving financial assistance, loans, and loan guarantees under specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Further, certain financial institutions (e.g., banks) that receive funding under the CARES Act may not operate or invest in such businesses for two years. In addition, Interior may not (1) conduct lease sales for oil or natural gas; (2) issue leases for oil, natural gas, or coal; (3) modify regulations related to fossil fuel; or (4) reduce or eliminate royalty rates for fossil fuel leases on federal lands and in federal waters. The bill decreases the storage cap on the SPR and declares that privately-owned oil may not be stored in the SPR. Finally, the bill suspends the issuance of new rules until the national emergency terminates unless the rules are specifically required to respond to, or recover from, COVID-19.

America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2020

America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 This bill modifies water resources development projects operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and clean water programs operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill modifies cost share requirements for the construction and major rehabilitation of certain inland waterways navigation projects. Additionally, the nonfederal cost share for certain projects may be reduced if a small or disadvantaged community's sustainability would be threatened without the project. Similarly, the Corps of Engineers may recommend a project without national economic development benefits if the project is necessary for an underserved, economically distressed, or rural community's sustainability. The Corps of Engineers must also construct small water storage projects in rural states. The bill authorizes new projects, including projects for ecosystem restoration, flood risk management, and navigation. The bill also establishes programs for the prevention and control of certain invasive species. Additionally, the EPA must provide specified assistance to small and medium publicly owned treatment works. Further, the EPA must award grants to small publicly owned treatment works for activities including those related to improving energy and waste efficiency. The EPA must also award grants to reduce emissions at ports from vessels. Further, the bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides financing for water quality infrastructure projects. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2030 the Indian Irrigation Fund, which provides funds to maintain and repair Indian irrigation projects. The Government Accountability Office must report on federal dams and reservoirs in western states.

A bill to appropriate funds for the SPR Petroleum Account.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2020

This bill provides $3 billion in appropriations to the Department of Energy for expenses related to the acquisition, transportation, and injection of domestic petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The appropriations are available through FY2021 and are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.

Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act This bill allows a new tax deduction for 10% of the cost of specified domestically-produced materials if such materials are acquired directly from the domestic smelter or processor of the materials. The bill defines specified domestically-produced materials as materials that are smelted or processed in the United States by direct smelting of ore, from a mine product, by a taxpayer in the trade or business of smelting or processing such materials. The term specified material includes minerals necessary for national defense and security, for U.S. energy infrastructure, for community resiliency, to support domestic manufacturing, agriculture, housing, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure, or for U.S. economic security and balance of trade. The term does not include fuel minerals, water, ice, or snow, or sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, or clay.

COVID Research Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020

COVID Research Act of 2020 or the Computing Opportunities to Vanquish Infectious Diseases Research Act of 2020 This bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to undertake specified actions related to forecasting emerging infectious diseases. The OSTP, acting through the National Science and Technology Council, must establish an interagency working group to coordinate federal activities concerning infectious disease prediction and forecasting. Among other tasks, the working group must identify challenges in predicting outbreaks and develop a strategic plan to address them. The bill also provides statutory authority for the Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The committee must provide expertise to the working group and otherwise facilitate science and policy discussions concerning emerging infectious diseases. The committee must issue public reports and brief Congress on its activities. In coordination with specified entities, DOE shall carry out, and report to Congress on, a competitive research program for the National Laboratories and others to leverage analytical tools and computational and networking capabilities to prevent and respond to emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). DOE must also establish the Emerging Infectious Diseases High Performance Computing Research Consortium to support the research program.

To realign the nuclear forensics and attribution activities of the Federal Government from the Department of Homeland Security to the National Nuclear Security Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2020

This bill reorganizes nuclear forensics and attribution activities of the federal government. Specifically, the bill transfers nuclear forensics activities currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear forensics is the examination of nuclear and other radioactive materials to determine the origin and history of the material for purposes of law enforcement investigations or assessment of nuclear security vulnerabilities. The bill also establishes the National Nuclear Forensics Center within the NNSA. The center must coordinate stewardship, planning, assessment, and other functions for all federal nuclear forensics and attribution activities. Additionally, the NNSA must develop and implement a plan to modify its university-based research collaboration program to include the development of expertise in nuclear forensics in supporting scientific and engineering advancement in DOE defense and national security program areas.

To appropriate funds for the SPR Petroleum Account.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

This bill provides $3 billion in appropriations to the Department of Energy for expenses related to the acquisition, transportation, and injection of domestic petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The appropriations are available through FY2021 and are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.

Emergency Water is a Human Right Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Emergency Water is a Human Right Act This bill creates a grant program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide funds to states and Indian tribes to assist low-income households that pay a high proportion of household income for drinking water and wastewater services. Further, any entity receiving financial assistance under this grant program must ensure that no home energy service or public water system service is or remains disconnected or interrupted during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.

Recognizing the heroism of our Nation's essential employees, including drivers, tradesmen, convenience store workers, manufacturers, airport workers, restaurant employees, farmers, energy employees, public utility workers, and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

This resolution recognizes drivers, tradesmen, grocery store workers, manufacturers, airport workers, restaurant employees, farmers, energy employees, public utility workers, and other essential employees for their contributions during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus 2019) public-health emergency.

STOP Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

Stop Trump's Oil Payoff Act of 2020 or STOP Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from suspending, waiving, or reducing rents or royalties that the government receives for the production of certain mineral resources (e.g., fossil fuel) on leased public land, including royalties or net profit shares received from oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Mark Wesley Menezes, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, vice Dan R. Brouillette, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 March 2020

OFFSHORE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Opening Federal Financial Sharing to Heighten Opportunities for Renewable Energy Act of 2020 or the OFFSHORE Act of 2020 This bill expands revenue sharing for offshore wind projects on the Outer Continental Shelf, including for fees, rentals, bonuses and royalties.