Energy

Dirty Bomb Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Dirty Bomb Prevention Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to promulgate regulations: (1) prohibiting the export of a radiation source unless it has found specified requirements have been met; and (2) establishing a mandatory tracking system for all radiation sources in the United States. Subjects violations of such regulations to a specified civil penalty. Establishes a task force on radiation source protection and security to provide recommendations to ensure the security of radiation sources from potential terrorist threats, including acts of sabotage, theft, or use of such radiation sources in a radiological dispersal device. Expands the definition of byproduct material to include treatment of accelerator-produced and other radioactive material. Instructs the NRC, in its promulgation of implementing rules, to consider the impact on the availability of radiopharmaceuticals to the physicians and patients whose medical treatment relies on them. Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to exclude from its definition of low-level radioactive waste the byproduct material defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Requires the Secretary, within six months of the enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on the location and status of all nuclear fuel exported by the federal government.

Coal-based Generation Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Coal-based Generation Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide certain financial incentives for the deployment of advanced coal-based generation technologies. Allows sponsors of projects using advanced coal-based generation technology to elect certain tax benefits, including an investment tax credit and accelerated depreciation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in clean energy bonds. Directs the Secretary to designate a federal project coordinator to facilitate federal agency approvals of eligible advanced coal generation projects.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the credit period for electricity produced from renewable resources at certain facilities, to extend the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the credit period for the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources to 10 years for all renewable resources eligible for such credit; and (2) extend such tax credit through 2007 for qualified facilities placed in service before January 1, 2011, pursuant to a written binding contract in effect on December 31, 2007.

A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to monitor and investigate gasoline prices under certain circumstances.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the retail price of gasoline in a state in which the average price of regular grade gasoline has increased 20 percent or more for at least seven days during any three-month period in order to determine if the price is being artificially manipulated by reducing refinery capacity or by any other form of manipulation. Requires the FTC to: (1) report to Congress within 14 days after initiating an investigation; and (2) present investigation results, within 14 days after reporting to Congress, at a public hearing in the state in which the retail price of gasoline was investigated. Requires the FTC, in cooperation with the Attorney General of the relevant state, to take appropriate action if it determines that the increase in gasoline prices in a state is a result of market manipulation. Requires the FTC to notify the Secretary of Energy, who shall, within two weeks of such notification, decide if the Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be used to assure adequate supplies of gasoline, if the FTC determines that the increase in gasoline prices in a state is not the result of market manipulation.

Clean Coal Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Clean Coal Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a clean coal power initiative to provide assistance to specified projects that: (1) operate within the United States with U.S. coal; and (2) advance efficiency, reliability, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness, or develop alternative technology pathways beyond the levels of technologies that are either currently in commercial service, or have demonstrated that commercial service is viable. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program of technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for coal and power systems. Sets forth a program to provide federal financial: (1) assistance for projects that will use integrated gasification combined cycle or other advanced coal-based generation technologies; and (2) incentives for deployment of advanced coal-based generation technologies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to designate certified coal property as entitled to the energy investment tax credit. Allows a credit against tax for holders of clean energy bonds. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish an industrial gasification technology research, development, and demonstration program; (2) establish an Office of Industrial Gasification Coordination; and (3) identify cost and performance goals of industrial gasification technologies whose deployment would permit the continued cost-competitive gasification of certain fuels to produce chemical feedstocks or ammonia-based fertilizers and liquid transportation fuels. Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive program to consider and award certifications for investment and production tax credits to industrial gasification project sponsors. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow: (1) a synthesis gas production tax credit for production from certified industrial gasification projects; and (2) an investment tax credit for property involved in such projects.

United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the United States-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD), or the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF), to establish a grant program for joint ventures, composed of both Israeli and U.S. private business entities or of U.S. and Israeli academic persons, to implement projects to encourage cooperation between the United States and Israel on research, development, or commercialization of alternative energy, improved energy efficiency, or renewable energy sources. Establishes in the Department of Energy an International Energy Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the grant program and grant recipients.

To encourage the availability and use of motor vehicles that have improved fuel efficiency, in order to reduce the need to import oil into the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for 25 percent of the cost of certain automobiles, trucks, or vans with fuel efficiency ratings of not less than 40 miles per gallon (35 percent for ratings of not less than 50 miles per gallon); (2) allow a business tax credit for the manufacture or production in the United States of qualified fuel-efficient automobiles for first retail sale; (3) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; and (4) increase the rates of the alternative incremental tax credit for research activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide loan guarantees up to $100 million per loan (up to $1 billion aggregate) to automobile manufacturers for the cost of converting to automobiles with a fuel efficiency rating of more than 40 miles per gallon. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from considering any automobile allowed a fuel-efficiency tax credit under this Act in calculating the average fuel economy of a manufacturer.

Community Economic Development Expertise Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Community Economic Development Expertise Enhancement Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to increase the capacity and expertise of qualifying community-based economic development organizations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an assessment of such organizations' capability needs; and (2) establish the Advisory Council on Community Economic Development. Directs the President to include with each annual budget request a report regarding Federal financial support for community economic development. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a limited housing infrastructure business credit for qualified housing infrastructure property placed in service. Defines such property as property located in an empowerment zone, enterprise community, or renewal community, when substantially all of the use of which is to provide water, sewer, electricity, or natural gas service to residents. Doubles, and extends through 2009 (currently 2005), for employment beginning after the enactment of this Act, the: (1) work opportunity credit; (2) welfare-to-work credit; (3) empowerment zone employment credit; and (4) renewal community employment. Increases, through 2009, the Indian employment credit. Increases and extends, through 2009, deductions for expensing the cost of certain depreciable business assets, commercial revitalization, and environmental remediation. Extends, through 2009, the special deduction for property used on Indian reservations.

North American Cooperative Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

North American Cooperative Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to provide a framework for enhanced security management, communication, and coordination among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months regarding: (1) security, cargo security, and the movement of goods; (2) border infrastructure and wait times; (3) security clearances and document integrity; (4) immigration and visa management; (5) visa policy coordination and immigration security; (6) North American visitor overstay program; (7) terrorist watch lists; (8) money laundering, income tax evasion, currency smuggling, and alien smuggling; (9) counterterrorism programs; (10) law enforcement cooperation; (11) biosecurity cooperation; (12) protection against nuclear and radiological threats; (13) emergency management cooperation; (14) cooperative energy policy; and (15) feasibility of a common external tariff and development assistance with Mexico. Authorizes the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to negotiate border-related information sharing agreements with Mexico. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish a program to: (1) improve Mexico's southern border security, including U.S., Canadian, and Mexican financial and technical assistance to Belize and Guatemala to help secure their borders; (2) establish a database to track Central American gangs; (3) examine the feasibility of an agreement with Panama and other Central American countries regarding the aerial interdiction program that in similar contexts is commonly referred to as Airbridge Denial; and (4) negotiate with other countries to accept the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 9 one-time travel document in lieu of official travel documents if an inadmissible alien has not presented official travel documents or has presented fraudulent ones, and facilitate the removal and repatriation of inadmissible aliens from the United States, with a focus on criminal aliens who are dangerous or potential terrorists. Directs the Secretary of Defense to examine the feasibility of strengthening institutions for consultations on intelligence sharing and defense and border issues among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Dirty Bomb Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Dirty Bomb Prevention Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to promulgate regulations: (1) prohibiting the export of a radiation source unless it has found specified requirements have been met; and (2) establishing a mandatory tracking system for all radiation sources in the United States. Subjects violations of such regulations to a specified civil penalty. Establishes a task force on radiation source protection and security to provide recommendations to ensure the security of radiation sources from potential terrorist threats, including acts of sabotage, theft, or use of such radiation sources in a radiological dispersal device. Expands the definition of byproduct material to include treatment of accelerator-produced and other radioactive material. Instructs the NRC, in its promulgation of implementing rules, to consider the impact on the availability of radiopharmaceuticals to the physicians and patients whose medical treatment relies on them. Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to exclude from its definition of low-level radioactive waste the byproduct material defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Requires the Secretary, within six months of the enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on the location and status of all nuclear fuel exported by the federal government.

Expressing the sense of the House that the President should take immediate action to initiate measures to lower the burden of gasoline prices on the economy of the United States, prevent Members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries from reaping windfall profits on sales of oil to the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should communicate directly to the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that the United States: (1) believes that restricting supply in the growing market for crude oil does serious damage to the efforts that OPEC members have made to demonstrate that they represent a reliable source of crude oil supply; (2) believes that stable crude oil prices and supplies are essential for strong economic growth throughout the world; and (3) seeks an immediate increase in OPEC crude oil production quotas. Directs the President to suspend temporarily further acquisitions of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Suspends immediately further purchases of oil to the SPR. Declares that the existing statutory cap of 700 million barrels of crude oil in the SPR should not be increased while crude oil prices remain at current high levels. Instructs the President to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General to exercise vigorous oversight over the oil markets to protect the American people from price gouging and unfair practices at the gas pump. Directs the FTC to issue regulations requiring full disclosure by refiners and distributors of their wholesale motor fuel pricing policies, with a separate listing of each component contributing to prices, including the cost of crude oil, refining, marketing, transportation, equipment, overhead, and profit, along with portions of any rebates, incentives, and market enhancement allowances.

To require the Federal Trade Commission to monitor and investigate gasoline prices under certain circumstances.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the retail price of gasoline in a state in which the average price of regular grade gasoline has increased 20 percent or more for at least seven days during any three-month period in order to determine if the price is being artificially manipulated by reducing refinery capacity or by any other form of manipulation. Requires the FTC to present investigation results at a public hearing in the state in which the retail price of gasoline was investigated. Requires the FTC, in cooperation with the Attorney General of the relevant state, to take appropriate action if it determines that the increase in gasoline prices in a state is a result of market manipulation. Requires the FTC to notify the Secretary of Energy, who shall, within two weeks of such notification, decide if the Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be used to assure adequate supplies of gasoline, if the FTC determines that the increase in gasoline prices in a state is not the result of market manipulation.

REDUCING THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR TERRORISM: A REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S GLOBAL THREAT REDUCTION INITIATIVE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 May 2005

H.R. 1071, TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY TO MAKE INCENTIVE PAYMENTS TO THE OWNERS OR OPERATORS OF QUALIFIED DESALINATION FACILITIES; AND OVERSIGHT ON ``REDUCING POWER AND OTHER COSTS OF THE DESALINATION PROCESS.''

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 May 2005

Oil Shale and Tar Sand Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Oil Shale and Tar Sand Development Act of 2005 - Establishes the Strategic Fuels Task Force to develop a five-year commercial development plan for strategic fuels (domestic and military fuels derived from strategic hydrocarbon resources, to be managed and developed under the guidance and authorities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve). Requires the Task Force to direct the Office of Strategic Fuels (created by this Act) to formulate a five-year plan and coordinate with representatives of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of the Interior to promote the development of strategic fuels by industry. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and manage comprehensive leasing programs for strategic fuels on federal land that address all stages of the leasing process from research and development to full commercial leasing. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to increase from 50 cents per acre to $2.00 per acre the royalty owed to the United States for the privilege of mining, extracting, and disposing of oil or other minerals covered by a lease. Grants a preference right to lessees to lease a specified maximum of additional lands for commercial production facilities. Requires the reduction of royalties owed to the United States by specified percentages pegged to certain increases in the price of a barrel on the date on which the strategic fuel is sold until the project for extraction of strategic fuel reaches payback . Establishes the Office of Strategic Fuels to coordinate the creation and implementation of a commercial strategic fuel development program for the United States. Prescribes guidelines for DOD procurement of unconventional fuels derived from coal, oil shale, and tar sand. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income of qualified oil shale and oil sands technology expenditures.

Reinforce the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Reinforce the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Act of 2005 - Reaffirms congressional support for the objectives of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and expresses support for appropriate measures to strengthen the NPT. Calls on all parties participating in the Seventh Review Conference on the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons to make good faith efforts to: (1) comply with NPT nonproliferation obligations; (2) establish more effective controls on sensitive technologies that can be used to produce nuclear weapons material; (3) expand the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) inspection and monitoring ability; (4) demonstrate the international community's opposition to the Iranian nuclear weapons program; (5) support U.S. diplomatic efforts in the context of the six-party talks to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons programs; (6) pursue diplomacy to address regional security problems in Northeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, which would facilitate nonproliferation and disarmament efforts in those regions; (7) accelerate programs to safeguard and eliminate nuclear weapons-usable material; (8) halt the use of highly enriched uranium in civilian reactors; (9) strengthen national and international export controls and relevant security measures; (10) agree that no state may withdraw from the NPT and escape responsibility for prior Treaty violations or retain access to controlled materials and equipment acquired for "peaceful" purposes; (11) accelerate efforts to reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and weapons-grade fissile material; and (12) strengthen Proliferation Security Initiative support.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2419) making appropriations for energy and water development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2419) making appropriations for energy and water development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

Mineral Leasing Act Amendments of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2005

Mineral Leasing Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the circumstances and reinstatement petition filing deadlines for reinstatement of an oil or gas lease that was cancelled: (1) during the period beginning on September 1, 2001, and ending on the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) after the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Declares that this Act shall not apply to a lessee that received a notice of lease termination from the Secretary within 13 months after termination of the lease.

National Gasification Strategy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2005

National Gasification Strategy Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a federal incentive program that provides loan guarantees and grants for either an integrated gasification combined cycle or an industrial gasification project that will: (1) gasify coal, biomass, or petroleum residues; (2) remove pollutants from the resulting gas; (3) use the resulting gas for industrial purposes or burn it in a turbine to generate electricity; and (4) remove pollutants from the resulting flue gas. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance (including grants and loan guarantees) for a project to produce energy from coal mined in the western United States using appropriate advanced integrated gasification combined cycle technology, including repowering of existing facilities, that minimizes and offers the potential to sequester carbon dioxide emissions.

Liquefied Natural Gas Import Terminal Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2005

Liquefied Natural Gas Import Terminal Authorization Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to prohibit siting, constructing, expanding, or operating a liquefied natural gas import terminal within a state unless: (1) an application to do so is submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to the agency with siting authority in the state in which the liquefied natural gas import terminal is located; and (2) FERC and the state agency issue an order approving the application. Sets forth terms and conditions for application approval. Amends federal transportation law to permit a state to adopt additional or more stringent safety standards for liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities if those standards are compatible with the minimum standards prescribed under federal pipeline safety law. Prohibits a state authority from adopting or continuing in force safety standards for interstate pipeline facilities or transportation, except in the case of liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities.

Oil Shale Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2005

Oil Shale Development Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) make available for leasing public land considered necessary to conduct research and development activities with respect to innovative technologies for the recovery of shale oil; (2) complete a programmatic environmental impact statement that analyzes potential leasing for commercial development of oil shale resources on public land; and (3) implement a national assessment of oil shale resources for the purposes of evaluating and mapping oil shale deposits, in specified geographic areas. Declares that this Act does not preempt or affect any state water law or interstate compact relating to water.

Research and Development Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2005

Research and Development Investment Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy, if there are insufficient appropriations in any given year, to assign 60 percent of appropriated funds under the renewable energy production incentive program to facilities that use solar, wind, geothermal, or closed-loop biomass to generate electricity; (2) redefine "qualified renewable energy facility"; (3) extend the eligibility period for payments under the program through FY2015; (4) include landfill gas as a renewable energy resource; and (5) extend the termination date and program funding through FY2025. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the tax credit for production of electricity from certain renewable resources until 2011; (2) include incremental geothermal and hydropower facilities as qualified energy resources for purposes of such credit; (3) allow a tax credit for 10 percent of residential solar and geothermal energy property expenditures; and (4) delay the phaseout of the tax deduction for clean-fuel vehicles and the tax credit for qualified electric vehicles until 2006.

THE IMPACTS OF HIGH ENERGY COSTS TO THE AMERICAN CONSUMER

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 May 2005

Landfill Gas-to-Energy Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Landfill Gas-to-Energy Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend until January 1, 2009, the eligibility of landfill gas facilities for the tax credit for the production of electricity from the biodegration of municipal solid waste; (2) modify the adjustment to the tax credit rate for landfill gas facilities; (3) allow an extension of the termination date applicable to the tax credit for landfill gas facilities for facilities placed in service before July 1, 2009, pursuant to a binding written contract in effect before January 1, 2009; and (4) allow a tax credit for the production of fuel from landfill gas facilities placed in service before such date.

Waste-to-Energy Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Waste-to-Energy Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend until January 1, 2009, the eligibility of trash combustion facilities for the tax credit for the production of electricity from municipal solid waste; (2) modify the adjustment to the tax credit rate for trash combustion facilities; and (3) allow an extension of the termination date applicable to the tax credit for trash combustion facilities for facilities placed in service before July 1, 2009, pursuant to a binding written contract in effect before January 1, 2009.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2006 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency; (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (8) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (9) National Reconnaissance Office; (10) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (11) Coast Guard; and (12) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2006, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2006 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY 2006, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2006 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the ongoing nuclear efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran constitute a threat to the national security of the United States and to international peace and security.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the acquisition of nuclear weapon capabilities by the Islamic Republic of Iran would constitute a threat to both U.S. and international security; (2) the European diplomatic effort to urge Iran to abandon its nuclear aspirations has not yielded definitive results; and (3) the President should urge the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to refer Iran's noncompliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to the United Nations (UN) Security Council in the event that European Union (EU)-Iran negotiations fail.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Makes appropriations for energy and water development for FY 2006 for: (1) the Department of the Army (including the Corps of Engineers) for civil functions pertaining to rivers and harbors, flood and storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration; (2) the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project Completion Account and the Bureau of Reclamation; and (3) the Department of Energy for energy supply and conservation, including nuclear waste disposal, atomic energy defense activities, and environmental and other defense activities. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (6) the Office of Inspector General; and (7) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board.

James A. Rispoli, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Environmental Management), vice Jessie Hill Roberson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 17 May 2005

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2006 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs necessary for national security, with specified allocations for weapons activities, defense nuclear nonproliferation, naval reactors, and the Office of the Administrator for Nuclear Security; and (2) environmental management activities in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental management, other defense activities, and defense nuclear waste disposal. Requires reports from the Secretary of Energy on: (1) achieving compliance under the Design Basis Threat issued by DOE; (2) a cost estimate for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Project at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington; and (3) the management of border security programs in countries of the former Soviet Union and other countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY2006 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Revises required receipt objectives for previously authorized disposals from the National Defense Stockpile.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense, military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy for FY2006. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects, ballistic missile defense, and manufacturing technology; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (6) Guard and Reserve forces facilities; and (7) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military justice, including statutes of limitations with respect to murder, rape, and child abuse, and the establishment of the offense of stalking; (3) defense dependents' education, including assistance to local educational agencies; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management, including the establishment of defense contract support acquisition centers and certain defense acquisition workforce improvements; (6) DOD organization and management, including an advisory committee on DOD space control, and the authority to exempt from public disclosure certain operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency; (7) budget and financial matters, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for U.S. border reconnaissance, and certain counter-drug activities; (8) DOD civilian personnel policy; (9) matters relating to other nations, including increased assistance for the detection and clearing of landmines; (10) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; and (11) the national defense stockpile. Authorizes emergency supplemental appropriations for DOD for FY2006 for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism, specifically for: (1) procurement; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the defense health program; (4) military personnel; and (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes military construction, military family housing, and certain military land conveyances.

Environmentally Responsible Windpower Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2005

Environmentally Responsible Windpower Act of 2005 - States that an onshore and above-water wind turbine project must file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) its Local Approval Authorization (a resolution of approval or denial from the local governing body and local senior executive) prior to FERC issuance of its Exempt-Wholesale Generator Status, Market-Based Rate Authority, or Qualified Facility rate schedule. Prohibits FERC from issuing any of them to a wind project if the local authorities deny the siting of the project.

Electric Reliability Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Electric Reliability Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to extend Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction for purposes of approving reliability standards and enforcing compliance with this Act over a FERC-certified electric reliability organization (ERO), a regional entity, and users, owners, and operators of a bulk-power system. Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) certification as an ERO; (2) filing of reliability standards; and (3) imposition of penalties by either an ERO or FERC for noncompliance with this Act. Requires an ERO to file with FERC for approval of any proposed rule or rule change. Urges the President to negotiate international agreements with the governments of Canada and Mexico to provide for effective compliance with reliability standards and the efficacy of the ERO in the United States, Canada or Mexico. Requires an ERO to assess periodically the reliability and adequacy of the interconnected bulk-power system in North America. Directs FERC to establish a regional advisory body upon the petition of at least two-thirds of the States within a region that have more than one-half of their electric loads served within the region. Exempts Alaska or Hawaii from the coverage of this Act.

COMPETE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Collaborative Opportunities to Mobilize and Promote Education, Technology, and Enterprise Act of 2005 - COMPETE Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for research and education by: (1) extending a research credit; (2) increasing rates of an alternative incremental credit for research; (3) establishing an alternative simplified credit for qualified research expenses; (4) providing a credit for information and communications technology education; and (5) setting an alternative percentage limitation for corporate charitable contributions to the mathematics and science partnership program. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to award grants to partnerships of institutions of higher education (IHEs) and other entities to establish 10 regional training and research Making America Competitive (MAC) Centers to help maintain U.S. workforce and education investment and infrastructure in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make partnership bonus grants annually to a certain number of elementary and of secondary schools in each state that show the most improvement in mathematics and in science, respectively. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Science of the Department of Energy to award matching grants to IHEs to: (1) provide stipends or other financial assistance for students enrolled in graduate programs in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and (2) support outreach and mentoring activities to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics at all or any level of education, including elementary, secondary and postsecondary education. Amends federal patent law to require the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, for any fiscal year when estimated fee collections exceed appropriations to the Office, to reduce fees under the Trademark Act of 1946 for that fiscal year or its remainder so that estimated collections equal the amount appropriated.

Desalination Water Supply Shortage Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Desalination Water Supply Shortage Prevention Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to make specified incentive payments to the owners or operators of qualified desalination facilities (facilities first used to produce desalinated water after enactment of this Act) for up to ten years to partially offset the cost of electrical energy required to operate such facilities.

Resource Efficient Appliance Incentives Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Resource Efficient Appliance Incentives Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production of certain water and energy efficient appliances (e.g., dishwashers, clothes washers, and refrigerators). Bases the amount of such credit on specified energy and water efficiency ratings.

Stewardship for Our Coasts and Opportunities for Reliable Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Stewardship for Our Coasts and Opportunities for Reliable Energy Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer certain Outer Continental Shelf revenues deposited in the Treasury to the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to make payments to producing states and coastal political subdivisions. Sets forth disbursement and allocation guidelines, including requirements for payments to coastal political subdivisions. Requires the Governor of a producing state to submit a coastal impact assistance plan to the Secretary by July 1, 2008. Directs the Secretary to delineate the lateral boundaries between coastal states in areas of the outer Continental Shelf under exclusive federal jurisdiction, to the extent of the exclusive economic zone of the United States, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of December 10, 1982. Prescribes expedited petition and approval procedures under which the Governor of a state whose seaward lateral boundaries have been delineated as restricted for leasing may petition the Secretary for a resource assessment, if the leasing is for: (1) oil and gas leasing; (2) gas-only leasing; or (3) any other energy source leasing, including renewable energy leasing. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a lease, easement, or right-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf for activities not otherwise authorized under existing law if those activities: (1) support exploration, development, production, transportation, or storage of oil, natural gas, or other minerals; (2) produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas; or (3) use, for energy-related or marine-related purposes, facilities in use on or before the date of enactment of this Act for activities authorized under this Act.

Chemical Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2005

Chemical Security Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to: (1) designate certain combinations of chemical sources and substances of concern as high priority categories based on the severity of the threat posed by an unauthorized release from the chemical sources; and (2) require each owner and operator of a high priority category chemical source to conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of the source to a terrorist attack or other unauthorized release, identify hazards that may result from an unauthorized release, and prepare a prevention, preparedness, and response plan. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide owners and operators of chemical sources with relevant threat information; (2) each such owner and operator to certify that it has conducted such assessments, completed such plan, and reviewed the adequacy of the assessment or plan; and (3) the Administrator to develop protocols necessary to protect copies of such assessments and plans from unauthorized disclosure. Directs the Administrator: (1) to establish a publicly available clearinghouse to compile and disseminate information on the use and availability of inherently safer technologies; (2) and the Secretary of Energy to establish and administer a Technology Transition Fund to provide grants to assist chemical facilities that demonstrate financial hardship in implementing inherently safer technologies; and (3) to make grants to provide for training of first responders and of employees at chemical sources in identifying opportunities to reduce the chemical source's vulnerability to a release of a substance of concern through the use of safer technologies or in emergency response procedures. Sets forth provisions regarding Administrator: (1) certifications of source compliance with assessment and plan requirements; (2) provision of compliance assistance; (3) authorization to order compliance; and (4) actions to secure relief necessary to abate a terrorist threat. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for source violations.

Jill L. Sigal, of Wyoming, to be Assistant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs), vice Rick A. Dearborn.

United States · United States Senate · 9 May 2005

Safe Storage of Radiological Materials Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2005

Safe Storage of Radiological Materials Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress: (1) an official notification of the final designation of an entity within the Department of Energy to have the responsibility of completing activities needed to provide a facility for safely disposing of all greater-than-Class C low-level radioactive waste; (2) a cost-estimate and a proposed schedule to complete an environmental impact statement and record of decision for a permanent disposal for greater-than-Class C radioactive waste; and (3) a plan to ensure the continued recovery and storage of greater-than-Class C low-level radioactive sealed sources that pose a security threat until a permanent disposal facility is available.

Gas Price Spike Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Gas Price Spike Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a windfall profit tax on crude oil, natural gas, or products of crude oil or natural gas. Defines "windfall profit" as so much of the profit on a sale of crude oil, natural gas, or related products as exceeds a reasonable profit. Establishes the Reasonable Profits Board to determine levels of reasonable profit from the sale of such products. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of certain fuel-efficient, American-made passenger vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to operators of mass transit systems, including bus and commuter rail systems, to reduce passenger fares on such systems.

Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require operators producing oil or gas (including coalbed methane) to: (1) replace water supplies affected by drilling; and (2) submit water management plans along with their lease applications. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require state permits for pollution discharge of waters extracted from a subsurface formation in connection with oil or gas, including coalbed methane. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing exploration and drilling operations on lands where title to oil and gas resources is owned by the United States but the surface estate is owned by a non-federal entity unless: (1) an agreement has been reached with the surface owner (with the possibility of arbitration); or (2) the operator has made a good faith attempt to secure such an agreement and meets other specified requirements. Permits the Secretary to authorize such operations, subject to certain conditions, in the absence of an agreement with the surface estate owner or owners. Requires the Secretary to give surface owners advance notice of lease sales. Requires operators to meet specified reclamation standards for lands affected by oil or gas production and to post reclamation bonds. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a federal remediation program for abandoned wells drilled to explore or develop federally owned minerals or located on federal lands; and (2) establish a technical assistance program for states and Indian tribes addressing environmental problems caused by abandoned wells on other lands.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 29 April 2005

Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a clean coal power initiative under which the Secretary shall provide assistance for projects that advance efficiency, reliability, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness. Prescribes technical conditions and criteria for projects, including gasification projects. Instructs the Secretary to award competitive, merit-based grants to institutions of higher education for the establishment of centers of excellence for energy systems of the future, including clean coal technology. Prescribes guidelines for the Secretary to conduct a program of technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for coal and power systems, including programs to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power.

Clean Energy Bonds Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Clean Energy Bonds Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow holders of clean energy bonds a nonrefundable tax credit of 25 percent of an annual credit amount as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Defines "clean energy bond" as any bond issued by a clean energy bond lender, a cooperative electric company, a governmental body, or the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that is used for capital expenditures for specified projects for producing electricity from certain renewable resources, such as wind, biomass, solar energy, small irrigation power, and municipal solid waste. Sets forth rules for maturity limitations, arbitrage, and expenditures, including a requirement that 95 percent of proceeds from the sale of a bond issue be spent on a renewable resource project within five years from the date of a bond issuance. Terminates the authority to issue clean energy bonds after 2008.

To prevent the retroactive application of changes to Trans-Alaska Pipeline Quality Bank valuation methodologies.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Prohibits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from approving any retroactive application of TAPS quality bank valuation methodologies when it reviews Trans-Alaska Pipeline carrier tariffs. Defines such methodologies as valuation methodologies applied for the purpose of establishing monetary adjustments paid by or to shippers of oil on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline through the operation of a quality bank to compensate for differentials in the value of shippers' oil commingled in the pipeline.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the $25,000 offset for individuals under the passive loss rules to apply to investments in wind energy facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt investors in wind energy facilities from the income-based phaseout of the $25,000 offset for individuals under rules limiting passive activity losses and credits.

PRIORITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 April 2005

Clean Air Planning Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Clean Air Planning Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require integrated air quality planning for the electric generating sector. Establishes national pollutant tonnage limitations for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and carbon dioxide. Provides for review and revision of annual tonnage limitations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) trading programs for nitrogen oxide and mercury allowances; and (2) reserves of nitrogen oxide and mercury allowances as set asides for new units. Establishes a nitrogen oxide and mercury allowance transfer system. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a carbon dioxide allowance trading program; and (2) a reserve of carbon dioxide allowances for new units and new renewable energy sources. Makes allowances available to projects certified by a newly established independent review board. Sets forth guidelines for board certification. Establishes a carbon dioxide allowance transfer system. Revises the new source review program to cover specified unit changes after 2008 and to permit the lowest achievable emission rate standard to take cost into account. Revises the sulfur dioxide allowance program to establish an allowance reserve for new units and to establish maximum emissions for states in the Western Regional Air Partnership.

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technology and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives affecting: (1) energy efficient commercial building property; (2) new energy efficient homes; (3) certain energy efficient property used in business; (4) nonbusiness energy property; and (5) combined heat and power system property. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to expand the scope of consumer products that fall within the Energy Conservation Program (other than automobiles), including: (1) vending machines and commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; and (2) commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a rulemaking regarding: (1) the effectiveness of the consumer products labeling program in assisting consumers to make purchasing decisions and to improve energy efficiency; and (2) changes to the labeling rules that would improve the effectiveness of consumer product labels. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prescribe guidelines under which the head of an executive agency shall procure either an Energy Star product or a Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated product in order to meet agency requirements for an energy consuming product. Repeals the termination of authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts (thereby making such authority permanent). Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish certain revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the mandatory activities funded by the Capital Fund: (1) installing fixtures and fittings to improve energy and water-use efficiency; and (2) integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate energy efficiency standards for rehabilitation and new construction of certain public and assisted housing. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization, including any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving specified reliability standards.