Energy

Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009

Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research and development program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind turbines; (2) optimize the design and adaptability of wind energy systems to the broadest practical range of atmospheric conditions; and (3) reduce the cost of construction, generation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. Requires the program to focus on research and development of specified areas, including: (1) new materials and designs to make larger, lighter, less expensive, and more reliable rotor blades; (2) technologies to improve gearbox performance and reliability; (3) automation, materials, and assembly of large-scale components to reduce manufacturing costs; (4) advanced generators; (5) wind technology for offshore applications; (6) methods to assess and mitigate the effects of wind energy systems on radar and electromagnetic fields; and (7) wind turbines with a maximum electric power production capacity of 100 kilowatts or less. Directs the Secretary to conduct a wind energy demonstration program that: (1) is of sufficient size to measure wind energy system performance under the full productive range of wind conditions in the United States; and (2) includes demonstration projects conducted in collaboration with industry that yield data that is useful for the research and development program. Requires the Secretary to carry out such demonstration program in compliance with provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding cost sharing and merit review of proposals.

Israel Foreign Assistance Appropriations Act, 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009

Israel Foreign Assistance Appropriations Act, 2010 - Appropriates FY2010 funds for Israel for: (1) refugee resettlement; and (2) foreign military credit sales. Conditions the availability of: (1) FY2010 appropriations for a voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) upon a determination by the Secretary of State that Israel is not being denied IAEA participation; and (2) certain appropriations to support a Palestinian state upon a determination by the Secretary that the Palestinian governing entity has demonstrated a commitment to peaceful co-existence with Israel and is taking appropriate counterterrorism measures. Expresses the sense of Congress against the Arab League boycott of Israel. Prohibits the expenditure of specified funds to create in any part of Jerusalem a new government office of any U.S. department or agency for the purpose of conducting official U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority (PA) or successor governing entity over Gaza and Jericho.

New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009

New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an excise tax credit through 2019 for alternative fuels and fuel mixtures involving compressed or liquefied natural gas; (2) an modified income tax credit through 2019 for alternative fuel motor vehicles powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas; (3) an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for tax credits for alternative fuel motor vehicles and refueling property and provide for the transferability of such credits; (4) a tax credit through 2019 for investment in natural gas vehicle project bonds; (5) expensing of property used to manufacture vehicles fueled by compressed or liquefied natural gas; and (6) a tax credit through 2019 for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property relating to compressed or liquefied natural gas. Requires federal agencies to purchase dedicated alternative fuel vehicles for their fleets unless such agencies can show that alternative fuel is unavailable or purchasing such vehicles would be impractical. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to manufacturers of light and heavy duty natural gas vehicles for the development of engines that reduce emissions, improve performance and efficiency, and lower cost. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should streamline the certification process for natural gas vehicle retrofit kits.

Radio Spectrum Inventory Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009

Radio Spectrum Inventory Act - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create and maintain an inventory of each radio spectrum band of frequencies used in the United States Table of Frequency Allocations from 225 megahertz to 10 gigahertz and report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. Sets forth provisions concerning national security.

To extend the program to provide grants for specified energy property in lieu of tax credits.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009

Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to extend the grant program for investment in renewable energy property, including renewable resources used to produce electricity and fuel cell, solar, wind, geothermal, and microturbine property, in lieu of tax credits, by extending the placed-in-service deadline for such property through 2012. Extends through September 30, 2013, the deadline for submitting grant applications for such program.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide additional incentives for facilities producing electricity from wind.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) individual taxpayers investing in wind facilities used to produce electricity an exemption from limitations on passive activity losses and credits; and (2) tax credit amounts for producing electricity from wind facilities to offset alternative minimum tax liability.

MOVING AMERICA TOWARD A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY AND REDUCING GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION: LEGISLATIVE TOOLS

United States · United States Senate · 7 July 2009

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2009

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to increase milk income loss contract payments for the period March 1, 2009-November 30, 2009.

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2009

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2010 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 cleanup, other defense activities, and defense nuclear waste disposal. Provides that amounts authorized shall be available for such programs, projects, and activities in the amounts specified in the funding table accompanying this Act. Repeals the Reliable Replacement Warhead program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth Maritime Administration provisions.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2009

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2010. 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; (3) operation and maintenance; (4) active and reserve military personnel; (5) Working Capital Funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (12) overseas contingency operations; (13) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (14) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (15) base closure and realignment activities; and (16) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy, including education and training and military family readiness; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) military health care, including wounded warrior matters; (4) acquisition policy and management; (5) DOD organization and management, including space and intelligence matters; (6) financial matters, including counter-drug activities; (7) civilian personnel matters; (8) matters relating to foreign nations, including assistance and training; (9) cooperative threat reduction; and (10) matters relating to military construction and military family housing. Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2009 - Provides for the joint DOD-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use of a medical facility in North Chicago and Great Lakes, Illinois, to be known as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) for DOE national security programs; and (2) the Secretary of Transportation for the Maritime Administration. Authorizes the obligation and expenditure of amounts specified in funding tables for a DOD project, program, or activity authorized under this Act.

IMPACT Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology Act of 2009 or the IMPACT Act of 2009 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to states to establish revolving loan funds to provide loans to small and medium-sized manufacturers for producing clean energy technology and energy efficient products and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing facilities; and (2) include within the activities of Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology the establishment of a clean energy manufacturing supply chain initiative.

Stop Nuclear Assistance to State Sponsors of Terrorism Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Stop Nuclear Assistance to State Sponsors of Terrorism Act of 2009 - Prohibits funds from any U.S. assessed or voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from being used to support assistance provided by the IAEA through its Technical Cooperation Program to any country, including North Korea, that is: (1) a state sponsor of terrorism; or (2) in breach of or noncompliance, or under investigation for breach or noncompliance, with its obligations regarding IAEA safeguards, specified treaties, or the U.N. Charter or relevant U.N. resolutions. Directs the Secretary of State to withhold specified voluntary and assessed IAEA contribution amounts. Authorizes the waiver of such withholding if: (1) the IAEA has suspended all Program assistance to such countries; or (2) the President certifies that such countries no longer pose a threat to U.S. security and allies.

Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009 - Designates certain U.S. cities as Food Desert Zones. Defines a "qualified food desert business" as a wholesale or retail business that derives at least 25% of its gross receipts from the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grants certain tax benefits to a qualified food desert business, including an increased tax credit rate for rehabilitation expenditures, empowerment zone status, and tax-exempt bond financing. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to: (1) increase to 100% the federal share of costs associated with hunger-free communities program activities in a Food Desert Zone in FY2010-FY2015; and (2) extend the authorization of appropriations for such program through FY2015. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit annual reports to Congress on the Food Desert Oasis Pilot Program under this Act.

Energy Efficiency in Housing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Energy Efficiency in Housing Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish: (1) annual energy efficiency participation incentives for HUD programs to achieve substantial improvements in energy efficiency; (2) budget-neutral incentives to encourage lenders to make energy-efficient and location-efficient mortgages; (3) incentives for increasing the energy efficiency of multifamily housing subject to mortgages insured under the National Housing Act; and (4) an energy efficiency demonstration program for multifamily housing projects assisted with project-based rental asistance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to: (1) require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to assign an additional housing credit for compliance with Federal Mortgage Insurance Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) housing goals for energy efficient mortgages; and (2) require the HUD Secretary to establish a commission to develop and recommend model mortgage products and underwriting guidelines that provide market-based incentives to incorporate energy efficiency upgrades and location efficiencies in new mortgage loan transactions. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop loan products and flexible underwriting guidelines to facilitate a secondary market for energy-efficient and location-efficient mortgages for low and moderate income families and for second and junior mortgages made for purposes of energy efficiency or renewable energy. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary, in applying underwriting standards for mortgages on single-family housing, to consider the impact on the income of borrowers under Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs and Native American and Native Hawaiian loan guarantee programs from savings on utility costs resulting from energy efficiency standards established by this Act. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to require the collection of information on energy-efficient and location-efficient mortgages. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a pilot program for the financing of capital improvements to improve the energy efficiency and conservation of assisted housing projects. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit the Secretary from making a site revitalization grant unless the applicant's proposed revitalization plan meets specified Green Developments requirements. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to require real estate appraisals, in determining the value of a property, to consider any renewable energy sources or energy-conserving improvements or features of the property. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund to provide loans to states and Indian tribes to carry out renewable energy and energy conservation activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit organizations to increase low-income community development capacity. Authorizes the Secretary to make loan guarantees for the financing of renewable energy systems leased for residential use. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to establish green banking centers to provide energy efficiency information to consumers seeking a mortgage, home improvement loan, or home equity loan. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the impact of this Act on the availability of affordable mortgages. Requires the Secretary to obtain information from public housing agencies on the energy costs of their housing units and report such information to Congress.

Fueling America Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Fueling America Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to: (1) conduct a natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration program; and (2) address the streamlining of manufacturer certification of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas aftermarket conversion systems to comply with federal requirements and in-use emission standards. Requires the Administrator of General Services to study and report to Congress on whether the federal fleet should increase the number of its light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to increase from 50% to 65% of acquisition costs the federal matching grants for replacing school buses under the clean school bus program. Extends eligibility for such grants to clean school buses with: (1) engines manufactured in model years 2010-2014 that satisfy federal requirements for emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter; or (2) engines only fueled by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas (including eligibility for a grant for an additional 25% of the acquisition costs of such school buses). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the percentage rate of, and extend through calendar 2014, the tax credit for the purchase of natural gas vehicle refueling property and liquefied petroleum gas vehicle refueling property. Doubles the incremental cost limits for vehicles fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas in the formula for determining the new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit.

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Compensation Program Act of 2000 to replace the current requirements for occupational illness compensation to the survivors of a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employee. Requires payment to a survivor of the compensation the deceased contractor employee would otherwise have been paid, if the employee dies after applying for the compensation but before receiving it. Requires payment of the compensation, if no survivors exist, to a claimant's surviving family members. Requires a survivor eligible for contractor employee compensation under this Act as well as survivor compensation under the regular compensation schedule for survivors to elect one or the other. Prohibits any payment to a survivor of both kinds of compensation.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2454) to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2454) to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy.

HEARING TO REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 June 2009

Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy Act of 2009 - Establishes the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund to support specified energy grants, incentives, technologies, and activities. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 with respect to: (1) the Nuclear Waste Fund budget status; (2) use of such Fund for grants to or contracts with private-sector entities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from denying a license, permit, or other authorization under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 because of insufficient spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste disposal capacity. Establishes an interagency working group to promote the increase of domestic manufacturing capacity and the export of domestic nuclear energy products and services. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal a certain requirement for federal purchases of alternative or synthetic fuel. Limits to 25 years the maximum multiyear contract authority of the Secretary of Defense for fuel derived from coal, oil shale, and tar sands. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 regarding the cancellation or termination costs of U.S. Forest Service stewardship multiyear contracts. Strengthening America's Science and Technology Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make research grants to institutions of higher education and other institutions for science and technology education, including certain scholarships and fellowships. Prescribes requirements for allocation of outer continental shelf (OCS) receipts from oil and gas leasing planning areas to adjacent states and their coastal political subdivisions. Deems approved as a final oil and gas leasing program The Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015, issued by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary). Directs the Secretary to conduct annual OCS lease sales in specified Planning Areas. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Instructs the Secretary to conduct an oil and gas leasing program within the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. Requires distribution of 50% of leasing revenues to the state of Alaska. Establishes a Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Directs the Secretary to offer certain public lands for leasing for research, commercial exploration, development, and production of oil shale resources. Revises requirements for natural gas pipeline integrity reassessment intervals based on risk. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) require a study of small refineries; and (2) redefine air pollutant to exclude carbon dioxide, methane from agriculture or livestock, or water vapor. Directs the Secretary to establish a separate Alaska Offshore Continental Shelf Coordination Office. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to: (1) require temporary exemption from critical habitat prohibitions of certain actions to avoid or ameliorate the impact of a declared emergency; and (2) prohibit the consideration of the impact of a greenhouse gas upon fish, wildlife, or plants. Revises requirements for completion and review of environmental impact statements. Declares new source review requirements inapplicable to routine maintenance, repairs, and replacement of equipment at facilities in compliance with requirements of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to conduct a national assessment of capacity for carbon dioxide. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow new tax credits for the cost of obtaining a certification under the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Component Certification program, for investments in property for producing energy from an advanced nuclear power facility or from clean-coal equipment, for investment in nuclear power manufacturing projects or equipment, and for home energy audit expenses; (2) make permanent the tax credits for nonbusiness energy property, for gas produced from biomass, and for synthetic fuels produced from coal; (3) extend the excise tax credit for alternative fuels; (4) extend tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures, new qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles, new energy efficient home expenditures, and energy efficient appliances; (5) extend the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and (6) allow bonus depreciation of coal-to-liquid plant property. Describes the following as acts that unreasonably burden and discriminate against interstate commerce. Prohibits states, political subdivisions, and any other taxing authority from: (1) assessing natural gas pipeline property at a value that has a higher ratio to its true market value than the ratio used to assess other commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; (2) levying or collecting a tax on such an assessment; (3) levying or collecting an ad valorem property tax on natural gas pipeline property at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; or (4) imposing any other tax that discriminates against a natural gas pipeline providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

A bill to establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle and simple cycle power generation systems.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation systems and to identify the technologies that will lead to gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of 65%. Requires the program to: (1) support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas turbine design for utility-scale electric power generation; (2) include technology demonstration through component testing, subscale testing, and full scale testing in existing fleets; (3) include field demonstrations of the developed technology elements to demonstrate technical and economic feasibility; and (4) assess overall combined cycle system performance. Delineates as the goals of the program: (1) in phase I, to develop the conceptual design of advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62% combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis and to develop and demonstrate the technology required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62% combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and (2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65% combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis. Directs the Secretary, in selecting program proposals, to emphasize the extent to which the proposal will: (1) stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States; and (2) promote and enhance U.S. technology leadership.

Carbon Neutral Government Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Carbon Neutral Government Act of 2009 - Authorizes federal agencies and legislative branch offices to purchase qualified tradeable: (1) greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets; and (2) renewable energy credits. Requires the Secretary of Energy to promulgate rules regarding approved open market transactions involving such offsets and credits. Requires such rules to accommodate forward purchasing and crediting of offsets and credits on an estimated basis from small scale offset and renewable energy generators and other open market transactions that help enable short-term purchases of offsets and credits to contribute to the implementation of such generators. Defines "greenhouse gas offsets" to mean a reduction in GHG emissions that results from actions that would not have occurred in the absence of the opportunity to sell an offset for the resulting reduction.

Investment in American Steel Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Investment in American Steel Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to adjust the rate of the tax credit for investment in projects to produce energy from wind based upon the percentage of domestic steel content in such projects.

Climate Change Center and Clearinghouse Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Climate Change Center and Clearinghouse Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish: (1) the Office of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change within the Small Business Administration (SBA); and (2) the Climate Change Center and Clearinghouse within such Office. Requires the Office to: (1) oversee and administer the Center; (2) promote energy efficiency efforts for, and efforts to reduce energy costs of, small businesses; and (3) oversee efforts by small businesses to develop renewable energy technologies. Requires the Center to: (1) provide information to small businesses on assessing and managing the impacts of climate change and on cost savings and revenue gains possible through carbon credit trading opportunities and federal and state renewable energy and energy efficiency tax relief programs, purchase incentives, and rebate programs; (2) ensure that such information is provided to small businesses on an accessible website and through nationwide workshops; (3) coordinate federal agency efforts to provide support to small businesses for the purpose of maintaining competitiveness while developing green products or services, implementing green business practices, or reducing pollution; (4) develop a baseline study that provides a broad analysis that aggregates small business energy consumption and emissions; (5) raise awareness among small businesses of the information, technical support, and network opportunities made available through the Energy Star Program to reduce energy waste and energy costs; (6) develop a carbon footprint website that contains information on how small business concerns can reduce their carbon footprint, links to other carbon footprint websites, and a calculator for obtaining an estimate of a small business's carbon emissions based on electricity usage, heating fuel usage, and fleet mileage; and (7) develop a marketing plan. Directs: (1) the President to establish an interagency working group to establish goals and priorities for the Center and to provide for interagency coordination of Center activities; and (2) the Administrator of SBA to specify a detailed definition for the terms "green products or services" and "green business practices."

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and modify the section 45 credit for refined coal from steel industry fuel, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend permanently the credit period for the production of steel industry fuel; (2) extend through 2011 the placed-in-service date requirement for refined coal production facilities; (3) revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow mixtures of petroleum coke in such fuel; and (4) set forth ownership requirements for coal production facilities for purposes of such tax credit.

Dairy Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Dairy Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to annually index for inflation payments under the milk income loss contract program.

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to increase milk income loss contract payments for the period March 1, 2009-November 30, 2009.

American-Made Energy Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

American-Made Energy Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the American-Made Energy Trust Fund for alternative and renewable energy incentives and projects (e.g., wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal resources, waste to energy, hydropower, nuclear power, and coal to liquid technology). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish, implement, and administer a competitive oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Repeals the prohibition against production or leasing of oil and gas resources from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Declares that the oil and gas leasing programs and activities in the Coastal Plain authorized by this Act are deemed in compliance with the purposes for which ANWR was established. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to a total of 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a special area, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough. Permits directional drilling in such special areas. Prescribes guidelines for implementation of lease sales. Sets forth: (1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities; (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review; and (3) a plan for federal and state distribution of revenues. Directs the Secretary to issue rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for the transportation of oil and gas. Provides for financial assistance for local government impact aid and community service assistance. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Terminates all existing federal laws prohibiting expenditures to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities in the Outer Continental Shelf.

Streamlining America's Various Energy Needs Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Streamlining America's Various Energy Needs Act - Directs federal agencies to expedite their review of permits and take other actions as necessary to accelerate completion of projects that will increase energy production, transmission, or conservation, while maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. Establishes an interagency task force to monitor and assist federal agencies to: (1) comply with this Act; and (2) set up mechanisms to coordinate federal, state, tribal, and local permitting in geographic areas where increased permitting activity is expected. States that nothing in this Act affects judicial review of an agency action.

Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 - Extends through 2010 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2009 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve Armed Forces. Provides for the: (1) recomputation of retired pay and adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees to reflect post-retirement service; (2) election to receive retired pay for non-regular service for service in an active reserve status performed after attaining eligibility for regular retirement; and (3) expansion of eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation to include certain disability retirees regardless of their disability rating percentage or years of service. Provides, with respect to federal employees: (1) credit for certain unused sick leave; (2) a limited expansion of the class of individuals eligible to receive an actuarially reduced annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS); (3) a computation of certain annuities based on part-time service; (4) the authority to deposit refunds under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS); and (5) retirement credit for certain employees transferred from District of Columbia service to federal service. Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act of 2009 or Non-Foreign AREA Act of 2009 - Revises federal employee locality-based comparability payments provisions to include U.S. territories and possessions, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, within a pay locality. Sets forth maximum rates of pay for Senior Executive Service (SES) personnel in such areas. Revises the calculation of allowances based on living costs and conditions of environment for pay of employees stationed outside the continental United States or in Alaska to apply it only to areas designated as of December 31, 2009. Provides a formula for adjustment of such rate using a transition schedule for calendar years 2010 and thereafter. Requires adjustment of special rates of pay determined to be necessary to obtain or retain the services of persons specified by statute in such a cost-of-living area in accordance with regulations to be prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under this Act. Allows a temporarily raised limitation on the amount of special rates during the transition period of January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2012. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to pay disparities and locality areas for federal positions located in Alaska, Hawaii, or a U.S. territory. Allows an employee subject to this Act's transition schedule who retires from service during the period from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2012, to elect to have any COLA paid during that period considered as basic pay for purposes of annuity computation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions relating to the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research Fund.

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a combined efficiency and renewable electricity standard that requires specified retail electricity suppliers to supply an increasing percentage of their demand from a combination of energy efficiency savings and renewable energy (6% in 2012, 9.5% in 2014, 13% in 2016, 16.5% in 2018, and 20% in 2021-2039). Provides for issuing, trading, banking, retiring, and verifying renewable electricity credits. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) certifying and permitting geologic sequestration; (2) regulating sequestration wells; (3) establishing performance standards for new coal-fired power plants; (4) developing plug-in electric drive and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure for such vehicles; (5) assessing and supporting smart grid technology and peak demand reduction goals and related requirements; (6) planning for future transmission of electricity, including electricity grid planning that facilitates the deployment of zero-carbon energy sources; (7) expanding the definition of "renewable biomass" for purposes of the renewable fuel standard; (8) advancing or encouraging clean, renewable, alternative, innovative and/or efficient energy technology, projects, research and/or practices; (9) establishing and/or revising efficiency standards for industrial equipment, lighting, appliances, electric motors, buildings, and consumer products; (10) creating water use efficiency programs; (11) establishing rebate programs, including rebates for the replacement of manufactured homes owned by low-income families and rebates to reimburse low-income households for their estimated loss in purchasing power resulting from the Safe Climate Act provisions of this Act; (12) replacing wood or pellet stoves that do not meet specified performance standards; (13) establishing transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals and standards; and (14) reducing emissions of black carbon. Safe Climate Act - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to: (1) cap and reduce GHG emissions, annually, so that GHG emissions from capped sources are reduced to 97% of 2005 levels by 2012, 83% by 2020, 58% by 2030, and 17% by 2050; and (2) establish a federal GHG registry. Designates carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from a chemical manufacturing process at an industrial stationary source, perfluorocarbons, and nitrogen trifluoride as GHGs. Requires EPA to establish specified emission allowances (tonnage limits) for: (1) each of 2012-2049; and (2) 2050 and thereafter. Provides for the establishment and distribution of compensatory allowances for the destruction and conversionary use of fluorinated gases and the nonemissive use of petroleum-based or coal-based liquid or gaseous fuel, petroleum coke, natural gas liquid, or natural gas as a feedstock. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, introducing into interstate commerce, or emitting a significant quantity of certain fluorinated gas that is generated as a byproduct during the production or use of another fluorinated gas. Phases in prohibitions against covered entities (including electricity sources, fuel producers and importers, industrial gas producers and importers, geological sequestration sites, industrial stationary sources, industrial fossil fuel-fired combustion devices, natural gas local distribution companies, nitrogen trifluoride sources, algae-based fuels, and fugitive emissions) exceeding allowable emission levels. Requires covered entities to demonstrate compliance through: (1) holding emission allowances at least as great as attributable emissions; or (2) using offset credits. Provides for trading, banking and borrowing, auctioning, selling, exchanging, transferring, holding, or retiring emission allowances. Sets forth provisions governing the disposition of emission allowances, including giving: (1) proceeds from auctions of allocations to benefit energy consumers and low income consumers and to address the impacts of climate change; and (2) free allocations to energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries, local distribution companies, merchant coal units, generators, and refineries. Requires EPA to promulgate regulations to phase down the consumption of, and regulate the production of, HFCs. Specifies consumption allowances for: (1) each of 2012-2032; and (2) 2033 and thereafter. Provides for: (1) the distribution, auction, banking, exchange, and international transfer of such allowances; and (2) the issuance of offset credits for the destruction of chlorofluorocarbons. Requires: (1) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to promulgate regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of markets for regulated allowances; and (2) the President to establish an interagency working group on carbon market oversight. Provides for transactions in derivatives that involve energy commodities. Gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over the establishment, operations, and oversight of markets for regulated allowance derivatives. Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act to give FERC cease-and-desist authority to prevent violations of such Acts. Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2009 - Requires the President to establish: (1) the United States Global Change Research Program to improve understanding of climate change; and (2) a Global Change Research Information Exchange. National Climate Service Act of 2009 - Provides for the establishment of a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the Secretary of State to establish an International Climate Change Adaptation Program.

National Strategic Gasoline Reserve for Purposes of National Security Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

National Strategic Gasoline Reserve for Purposes of National Security Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Strategic Gasoline Reserve system with a total capacity of 10 million barrels of regular unleaded gasoline. Directs the Secretary to: (1) transmit to Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the governor of each state in which a Gasoline Reserve will be sited a plan for the transportation of its contents to wholesale or retail markets in the event of an emergency sale; (2) complete the process of filling the Gasoline Reserve to a minimum of 90% within two years of submitting a transportation plan to Congress; (3) review the gasoline supply annually to ensure the reserves in the Gasoline Reserve do not exceed their shelf life; and (4) have in place a plan for assuring that the inventory is sold and replaced in a manner that assures the integrity of the product at all times. Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell gasoline from the Gasoline Reserve if the governor of an affected state submits a written request and the President issues an Executive order requiring immediate release from any or all Gasoline Reserves at any time that the President determines certain emergency conditions are satisfied.

Warren F. Miller, Jr., of New Mexico, to be Director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Department of Energy, vice Edward F. Sproat III, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 June 2009

Energy-Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2009

Energy-Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to each state agency responsible for developing state energy conservation plans under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide owners of dated manufactured homes (manufactured homes constructed before January 1, 1976) rebates to use toward the purchase of new Energy Star qualified manufactured homes. Restricts rebates to owners of dated manufactured homes that are used on a year-round basis as a primary residence that will be destroyed (including appropriate recycling) and replaced in the same general location with an Energy Star qualified manufactured home. Limits rebates to: (1) one owner per household; (2) households with total incomes not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level in the applicable area; and (3) $7,500 per manufactured home. Allows a state agency to supplement the amount of the rebate using state or other funds. Permits a state agency conducting a program the purpose of which is to replace dated manufactured homes with Energy Star qualified manufactured homes to use the amounts provided under this Act to support the program. Directs the Secretary to seek to achieve the purpose of this Act through similar federal programs, including: (1) the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons; and (2) the Department of Energy's (DOE's) State Energy Program.

Maritime Administration Authorization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Maritime Administration Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make cooperative agreements to carry out Maritime Administration and merchant marine provisions. Amends the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 to make 25% of the amount credited to the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund that is attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet that are scrapped or sold available: (1) to carry out the National Maritime Heritage Grants Program; or (2) for the preservation and presentation to the public of maritime heritage property of the Maritime Administration. Establishes a program for the improvement of port facilities and a Port Infrastructure Development Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a short sea transportation program of grants to: (1) facilitate and support marine transportation initiatives at the state and local levels to facilitate commerce, mitigate landside congestion, reduce the transportation energy consumption, reduce harmful emissions, improve safety, assist in environmental mitigation efforts, and improve transportation system resiliency; and (2) provide capital funding to address short sea transportation infrastructure and freight transportation needs for ports, vessels, and intermodal cargo facilities. Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for FY2010.

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Compensation Program Act of 2000 to replace the current requirements for occupational illness compensation to the survivors of a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employee. Requires payment to a survivor of the compensation the deceased contractor employee would otherwise have been paid, if the employee dies after applying for the compensation but before receiving it. Requires payment of the compensation, if no survivors exist, to a claimant's surviving family members. Requires a survivor eligible for contractor employee compensation under this Act as well as survivor compensation under the regular compensation schedule for survivors to elect one or the other. Prohibits any payment to a survivor of both kinds of compensation.

Water System Adaptation Partnerships Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Water System Adaptation Partnerships Act of 2009 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to water systems to assist in planning, designing, constructing, implementing, or maintaining any program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement to: (1) conserve water or increase water use efficiency; (2) carry out water metering to measure water efficiency effectiveness of a water efficiency program; (3) preserve or improve water quality; (4) enhance water management by increasing source water preservation and protection, or natural or engineered green infrastructure, in the management, conveyance, or treatment of water, wastewater, or stormwater; (5) increase energy efficiency or the use and generation of renewable energy in the management, conveyance, or treatment of water, wastewater, or stormwater; (6) support the adoption and use of advanced water treatment, water supply management, or water demand management technologies or processes that maintain or increase water supply or improve water quality; (7) complete studies or assessments to project how climate change may impact the future operations and sustainability of the water system; or (8) carry out any other activity or project to address any ongoing or forecasted climate-related impact on the water quality or quantity of a region of the United States that increases the resiliency of a water system to the impacts of climate change. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires the Administrator to conduct a competitive process to select and fund applications, giving priority to applications that: (1) are submitted by water systems that are at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant climate-related negative impacts; (2) will impact the largest numbers of water users; and (3) will provide the greatest benefit per dollar expended. Limits the federal share to 50% of the cost.

FAIR CREDIT Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Fair Allocation of Internal Revenue Credit for Renewable Electricity Distribution by Indian Tribes Act of 2009 or the FAIR CREDIT Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian tribe, in the case of a facility that uses a renewable energy resource to produce electricity in which such tribe has an ownership interest in the gross sales from such facility, to assign to any other person who has such an ownership interest in such facility any portion of the production from the facility that would, but for this Act, be allocated to such tribe for purposes of the renewable electricity production tax credit.

James J. Markowsky, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil Energy), vice Jeffrey D. Jarrett, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 18 June 2009

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 18 June 2009

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), at the request of the project licensee, and after reasonable notice, in accordance with specified good faith, due diligence, and public interest requirements and FERC procedures, to extend for up to three consecutive two-year periods the time period during which the licensee must commence construction of hydroelectric project numbered 12187 (in Illinois). Authorizes FERC to reinstate the license, effective as of its expiration date, if the existing period required for commencement of construction has expired before enactment of this Act.

To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for mohair producers.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009

Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for mohair producers.

Enhanced Supply and Price Reduction Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009

Enhanced Supply and Price Reduction Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to publish a plan to: (1) sell light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and acquire an equivalent volume of heavy grade petroleum or refined petroleum product; (2) deposit the cash proceeds from such sales into the SPR Petroleum Account established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; and (3) withdraw, from the cash proceeds deposited, the amount necessary to pay for the direct administrative and operational costs of the sale and acquisition.

Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require each state regulatory authority with ratemaking authority, and each nonregulated electric utility, to conduct a hearing, and on the basis of such hearing, adopt a net metering standard. Requires retail electric suppliers to make net metering available to retail customers on a first-come-first-served basis. Prescribes implementation requirements regarding: (1) net energy measurement; (2) billing practices; (3) ownership of credits; (4) safety and performance standards; and (5) determination of compliance. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to publish model interconnection standards for the physical connection between local distribution systems and qualified generation units and qualified electric generation units that do not exceed 5 megawatts of capacity. Requires states to adopt such model standards, subject to FERC approval. Prohibits a state or nonregulated utility from adopting or enforcing any standard or requirement concerning net metering or interconnection that restricts access to the electric power transmission or local distribution system by qualified generators beyond those established under this Act. Allows states to adopt or enforce additional incentives or requirements to encourage qualified generation and net metering, including any that afford: (1) greater access to the electric power transmission and local distribution systems by qualified generators; or (2) greater compensation or credit for electricity generated by qualified generators. Authorizes a contract for renewable energy for public buildings and properties for a maximum period of 30 years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to condition receipt of certain community development block grant (CDBG) funds upon grantee certification that the cost of any permit or license, for construction or installation of any solar energy system for any structure, complies with certain requirements. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue regulations to prohibit any restriction impairing the ability of the owner or lessee of a one-family residential structure to install or use a solar energy system upon such property. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Center for Advanced Solar Research and Development. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations also requiring that the application for approval of such a system: (1) be processed and approved in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification to the property; and (2) not be willfully avoided or delayed.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that electricity produced in certain possessions of the United States and other areas is eligible for the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources is available to taxpayers in various possessions and other areas of the United States, including: (1) Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau; or (3) any U.S. installation worldwide, including miltary bases.

Ocean Thermal Energy Tax and Energy Credits Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Ocean Thermal Energy Tax and Energy Credits Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for producing electricity from ocean thermal energy; (2) specify that such tax credit is available to taxpayers in certain possessions and other areas under U.S. control; and (3) allow an energy tax credit for investment in equipment which uses ocean thermal energy to generate electricity, to cool (or provide cold water for use in) a structure, or to produce fresh water.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the nonbusiness energy property and residential energy efficient property tax incentives to residents of certain possessions of the Unites States and other areas.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the tax credits for nonbusiness energy property and for residential energy efficient property are available to taxpayers in certain U.S. possessions and other areas, including: (1) Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands; the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau; and (3) military bases, embassies, and other facilities owned or leased by the U.S. government.

Energy Market Manipulation Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009

Energy Market Manipulation Prevention Act - Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to eliminate excessive speculation in energy contract markets, unwarranted energy price fluctuations, or other unlawful activities that prevent energy prices from accurately reflecting supply and demand. Requires the Commission to: (1) classify immediately each bank holding company engaged in energy futures trading as a noncommercial participant subject to strict position limits; (2) require immediately hedge funds engaged in energy futures trading to register as noncommercial participants subject to strict speculation limits; (3) eliminate conflicts of interest in which one entity has a hand in predicting oil prices, operating oil assets, and buying or selling oil derivatives; and (4) revoke immediately each staff no-action letter that covers a foreign board of trade that has established trading terminals in this country to trade U.S. commodities to U.S. investors.

Solar Villages Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009

Solar Villages Initiative Act - Authorizes the President, through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries to increase the availability of credit, savings, and other services to microfinance and microenterprise clients lacking full access to capital, training, technical assistance, and business development services. Includes in such projects assistance for small and micro businesses that loan or sell solar lanterns or lamps and other solar energy technologies.

American Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2009

American Energy Act - Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2009 - Considers the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 released by the Secretary of the Interior to have been approved as final under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and to be in full compliance with all requirements of applicable laws. Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; and (2) promulgate regulations that establish management of the surface occupancy of the portion of the OCS near the coastline. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to extend to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Excepts from the operation of provisions concerning the rights of states all of the oil and gas mineral rights for lands beneath the navigable waters that are located within the expanded offshore seaward boundaries. Deems such rights to be federal property and part of the federal OCS for purposes of OCLA. Revises the procedure for determining each state's Adjacent Zone and each OCS Planning Area. Provides a means of voluntary relinquishment of any portion of a geologically prospective lease. Revises procedures for the granting of OCS leases concerning multiple leases for the same tract, payment of receipts, joint bidding restrictions in Alaska, price thresholds applicable to royalty suspension volumes, and a conservation of resources fee for nonproducing leases. Provides schedules for the sharing and allocation of OCS receipts. Prohibits leasing east of the military mission line (86 degrees, 41 minutes West Longitude, and extending south from the coast of Florida to the outer boundary of U.S. territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico). Revises OCS leasing provisions concerning: (1) timing and location under each five-year program; (2) consideration of other laws affecting leasing; (3) suggestions from government entities and other persons; and (4) estimates of resources within a state's Adjacent Zone and projections of receipts expected to be shared with each Adjacent State and its political subdivisions. Provides rules for the approval by a federal agency or a state of a petroleum or natural gas pipeline, respectively. Provides guidelines for the preparation of environmental impact statements. Prohibits uses on the federal OCS or in state waters by federal agencies that are incompatible with oil and gas leasing and substantially full exploration and production of geologically prospective tracts. Authorizes the repurchase and cancellation of certain leases that were subject to litigation in the Court of Federal Claims. Allows environmental mitgation requirements associated with leasing activities to be satisfied at a site away from the area affected. Requires the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters. Allows a lessee of an existing oil and gas lease for an area located completely within 12 nautical miles of the coastline within the California or Florida Adjacent Zones the option of exchanging such lease for a new oil and gas lease having a primary term of 5 years. Repeals the program of coastal impact assistance to producing states and political subdivisions. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of Alaska's Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to terminate the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Directs the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources, under the terms offered in a specified solicitation of bids. Allows the temporary reduction of royalties, fees, rentals, bonus, or other payments for leases of federal lands for the development and production of such resources as necessary to incentivize and encourage their development. Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to states to hire personnel with expertise relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal agency responsible for refinery authorization to provide nonfinancial assistance to facilitate state consideration of such authorizations. Directs the President to appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations. Instructs the President to designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery. Requires that at least one such site be designated as potentially suitable for construction of a refinery to produce biofuel. Requires the redevelopment authority for each such installation to consider the feasibility and practicability of siting a refinery on the installation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the income tax credits for: (1) the purchase of a new qualified alternative fuel vehicle; (2) the cost of qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; and (3) qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles placed in service. Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program of awards to advance the development and application of innovative energy technologies and new energy sources, including for innovative gasoline-operated automobile and advanced battery manufacturing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various energy efficiency tax incentives. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement that the associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of government-procured alternative or synthetic fuels not exceed those from equivalent fuel from conventional petroleum sources. Provides for the procurement of coal-to-liquid fuel and loans to facilities that produce such fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various renewable energy tax credits and to include in certain incentives advanced nuclear power and clean-coal equipment. Establishes in the Treasury the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish an expedited procedure for issuing combined construction and operating licenses for new reactors. Sets a goal of licensing 100 new reactors, or the megawatt equivalent, by 2030. Requires creation of a uranium supply-disruption mitigation reserve and the convening of a national summit on uranium resources. Establishes policies concerning the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Nuclear Energy Council to advise the Secretary and assist nuclear energy-related investors. Revises NEPA environmental assessment procedures with respect to the consideration of alternative locations or actions for renewable energy projects. Excludes greenhouse gases and climate change from regulation under the Clean Air Act. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the consideration of the impact of greenhouse gases upon species of fish, wildlife, or plants. Sets forth jurisdictional rules and procedures for claims that arise concerning any energy project under a federal lease.

John R. Norris, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2012, vice Joseph Timothy Kelliher, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 11 June 2009