Energy

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1873) to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to enhance the reliability of the electricity grid and reduce the threat of wildfires to and from electric transmission and distribution facilities on Federal lands by facilitating vegetation management on such lands, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1654) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate Federal and State permitting processes related to the construction of new surface water storage projects on lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture and to designate the Bureau of Reclamation as the lead agency for permit processing, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2017

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1873) to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to enhance the reliability of the electricity grid and reduce the threat of wildfires to and from electric transmission and distribution facilities on Federal lands by facilitating vegetation management on such lands, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1654) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate Federal and State permitting processes related to the construction of new surface water storage projects on lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture and to designate the Bureau of Reclamation as the lead agency for permit processing.

North American Development Bank Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2017

North American Development Bank Improvement Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury to subscribe to and make a payment for 150,000 additional shares of the capital stock of the North American Development Bank. Treasury shall direct the U.S. representatives to the Board of Directors of the bank to use the voice and vote of the United States to support the financing of projects related to: environmental infrastructure relating to water pollution, wastewater treatment, water conservation, municipal solid waste, and related matters; natural gas, including natural gas pipelines and combined cycle power plants, with major emphasis on cross-border energy distribution and consumption and the energy security of the United States and Mexico; and the expansion or new construction of international land border crossings to facilitate the flow of goods and people across the international land border between the United States and Mexico while reducing wait times at border crossings and improving air quality by reducing pollution related to vehicular and commercial traffic. Treasury shall also direct such representatives to seek to require the bank to: develop and implement efficiency improvements to streamline and accelerate the bank's project certification and financing process, and develop performance measures that demonstrate how the projects and financing approved by the bank are meeting its mission and providing value to the region near such border.

Community Economic Assistance Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2017

Community Economic Assistance Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of community economic assistance zones that are eligible for certain tax deductions and credits. A zone must be nominated by the governor of the state where it is located and designated by the Department of the Treasury. A nominated area must: have received a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice after December 31, 2014, and met other criteria related to loss of employment; have been (or will be) seriously impacted by changes in trade through loss of employment; or satisfy at least two specified conditions, including status as an energy-transitioning or low-income community and other factors related to employment and economic activity. For businesses or individuals located in or investing in a zone, the bill allows: an employment tax credit, increased expensing, nonrecognition of gain from certain investments, a 3-year carryback of net operating losses, a tax credit for bonds issued for a community economic development plan, a 15-year depreciation period for certain rebuilt and retrofitted property, an increased deduction for start-up expenditures, and an increased new markets tax credit. Treasury must approve community economic development plans using specified criteria and may award grants for assessments to develop the plans. The Department of Commerce must deploy teams to provide support and assistance to a region if: (1) it is requested by the governor, and (2) the region is experiencing or threatened with an abrupt rise of unemployment or other specified economic hardships.

Congratulating and honoring Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory on 50 years of groundbreaking discoveries.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Congratulates and honors the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) on its semicentennial. Wishes Fermilab success in continuing to help the people of the United States understand the mysteries of matter, energy, space, and time.

Planning for American Energy Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Planning for American Energy Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of the Interior to develop and publish a quadrennial federal onshore energy production strategy for energy development and department resource allocation in order to promote the energy security and national security of the United States.

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the lead agency for the purpose of coordinating all applicable federal authorizations and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) with respect to authorizing a natural gas pipeline project under the Natural Gas Act. Federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review. FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. A federal, state, or local agency may not participate if it informs FERC that it does not have the necessary authority or expertise, or does not intend to submit comments. An agency that is not designated may not conduct an environmental review unless it is legally required to do so and the agency requires information that FERC could not obtain through its NEPA review. The bill establishes a 90 day deadline to complete an authorization application for other authorizing agencies and requires concurrent reviews when multiple agencies are involved in the authorization process. If a federal or state agency considering an aspect of an application for authorization requires the person applying for such authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits. FERC must track and publicly display on its website specific information related to the actions required to complete an authorization.

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study and issue a report that quantifies the energy savings benefits of operational efficiency programs and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, and governmental entities.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

This bill requires the Department of Energy to study and issue a report that quantifies the energy savings benefits of operational efficiency programs and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, and governmental entities, including federal agencies. Those programs and services use information and communications technologies to operate buildings and equipment in the optimum manner at the optimum times. The report must recommend methodologies or protocols for utilities, utility regulators, and federal agencies to evaluate, measure, and verify energy savings from operational efficiency programs and services.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 14 June 2017

Pipeline Fairness and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2017

Pipeline Fairness and Transparency Act This bill amends the Natural Gas Act to address eminent domain, environmental review for interstate natural gas pipeline projects, and the environmental impacts of natural gas pipeline projects on national scenic trails. This includes requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold public meetings in each county (or equivalent subdivision) in which a project will be located.

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue and amend licenses and preliminary permits for closed-loop pumped storage projects (in which the upper and lower reservoirs do not impound or directly withdraw water from navigable waters, or that are not continuously connected to a naturally flowing water feature). Before issuing such a license, FERC must assess the safety of existing dams and other structures related to the project, including the possible consequences of project failures.

Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act (FPA) to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to exempt from FPA license requirements any qualifying facility (a facility that meets criteria specified in this bill). No federal authorization required for a qualifying facility may include any condition or other requirement that results in any material change to the storage, control, withdrawal, diversion, release, or flow operations of the associated qualifying nonpowered dam. Unless FERC determines that its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for granting exemptions under this bill can be met through a categorical exclusion, its environmental review of a proposed exemption shall be only an environmental assessment.

Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act This bill prohibits any person from constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining a border-crossing facility for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity across an international border of the United States without obtaining a certificate of crossing. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with respect to oil or natural gas pipelines, or the Department of Energy (DOE), with respect to electric transmission facilities, must issue a certificate of crossing for the border-crossing facility within 120 days after final action is taken under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, unless it is not in the public interest. DOE, as a condition of issuing a certificate, must require that the border-crossing facility be constructed, connected, operated, or maintained consistent with specified policies and standards. The bill amends the Natural Gas Act to require FERC to approve within 30 days after receipt any application for the importation or exportation of natural gas to or from Canada or Mexico. No presidential permit as required under specified executive orders shall be necessary for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of an oil or natural gas pipeline or electric transmission facility, including any border-crossing facility. No certificate of crossing shall be required for a modification to an existing facility that is operating for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity prior to the enactment of this bill. FERC and DOE must publish a final rule in the Federal Register within one year to carry out the requirements of this bill.

Capitalizing on American Storage Potential Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

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

RIVER Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

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

Appalachian Energy and Manufacturing Infrastructure Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2017

Appalachian Energy and Manufacturing Infrastructure Revitalization Act This bill authorizes the Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce to designate an Appalachian regional energy hub project as a critical energy infrastructure project eligible for expedited federal permitting. The bill defines "Appalachian regional energy hub" as a hub that is for natural gas and natural gas liquids, including storage and associated pipelines, and located in the region comprised of Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.)

INNOVATION IN ACTION_MICROGRIDS AND HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEMS

United States · United States Senate · 10 June 2017

COST REDUCTIONS IN EMERGING ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES WITH A SPECIFIC FOCUS ON HOW RECENT TRENDS MAY AFFECT TODAY'S ENERGY LANDSCAPE

United States · United States Senate · 8 June 2017

Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow energy tax credits through 2021 for investments in: (1) qualified biogas property, or (2) qualified manure resource recovery property. The bill also permits new clean renewable energy bonds to be used for such properties. "Qualified biogas property" comprises a system that: (1) uses anaerobic digesters or other specified processes to convert biomass into a gas which is at least 52% methane, and (2) captures the gas for use as a fuel. The term includes property that cleans and conditions the gas for use as a fuel. "Qualified manure resource recovery property" comprises a system that uses specified processes to recover the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from a non-treated digestate or animal manure by reducing or separating at least 50% of the nutrients, excluding any reductions during the incineration, storage, composting, or field application of the non-treated digestate or animal manure. The term also includes certain processing equipment. The Department of the Treasury must enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for a study of biogas and report to Congress on the study.

Methane Emissions Mitigation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Methane Emissions Mitigation Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to perform research and develop technology in methane leak detection and mitigation. DOE must also establish a technology clearinghouse for public access to information relating to technologies and best practices for methane leak detection and mitigation.

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon request, to extend for up to six years the time period during which construction must commence on the Enloe Hydroelectric Project located on the Similkameen River in Okanogan County, Washington. Additionally, FERC shall reinstate the construction license if it is expired.

ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTH AMERICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 June 2017

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 7 June 2017

Fight Russian Corruption Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Fight Russian Corruption Act This bill amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to require the Department of State to establish the Office of Anti-Corruption relating to Illicit Russian Financial Activities in Europe. Such office shall: (1) analyze financial networks of the Russian Federation operating in European countries that relate to real estate, energy, media, infrastructure, and other sectors; and (2) train U.S. liaison officers to serve in key U.S. diplomatic and consular posts in such countries to cooperate with foreign partners in uncovering and prosecuting illicit Russian financial activity. The bill authorizes the State Department to provide assistance to European countries to combat corruption, including to support: (1) activities of such office; (2) foreign programs focused on investigative journalism and independence of the media environment to expose Russian corruption; and (3) activities in Europe related to anti-corruption, anti-propoganda, and anti-Russian malign influence. The State Department shall seek to work with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to: (1) elevate anti-corruption as an element of NATO's Readiness Action Plan, (2) task the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Warning with monitoring Russian influence in NATO member states, and (3) prioritize the combating of Russian influence under the NATO-European Union framework. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall submit a National Intelligence Estimate on: (1) purchases made in the last five years by individuals and entities of key sectors in European countries, particularly purchases that provide monopolistic control of a sector; and (2) the individuals and entities making such purchases, including any links to the Russian Federation.

SADD Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Standing Against Dirty Diplomacy Act or the SADD Act This bill amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to prohibit the Export-Import Bank from guaranteeing, insuring, extending credit, or participating in the extension of credit in connection with the purchase or sale of any good or service for a high carbon intensity project that: (1) is designed to generate electricity, and (2) if completed would produce at least 500 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the project.

Pipeline Fairness and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Pipeline Fairness and Transparency Act This bill amends the Natural Gas Act to address eminent domain, environmental review for interstate natural gas pipeline projects, and the environmental impacts of natural gas pipeline projects on national scenic trails. This includes requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold public meetings in each county (or equivalent subdivision) in which a project will be located.

A resolution congratulating and honoring Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory on 50 years of groundbreaking discoveries.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

Congratulates and honors the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) on its semicentennial. Wishes Fermilab success in continuing to help the people of the United States understand the mysteries of matter, energy, space, and time.

To amend the Federal Power Act with respect to the criteria and process to qualify as a qualifying conduit hydropower facility.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2017

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to revise the criteria for a facility to qualify as a qualifying conduit hydropower facility. Under current law, a hydropower facility must have a capacity that does not exceed five megawatts. This bill eliminates such requirement. Additionally, the bill revises the timeframe for an entity to contest whether its hydroelectric facility meets the qualifying criteria.

David S. Jonas, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy, vice Steven Croley, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 25 May 2017

[H.A.S.C. No. 115-51] Fiscal Year 2018 Priorities For Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activity

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 May 2017

American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require electric utilities to obtain a minimum percentage of the electricity they sell in 2019 through 2042 from renewable resources. The required annual percentage increases from 10% in 2019 to 35% for 2032 through 2042. The utilities must submit to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a quantity of federal renewable electricity credits that is equal to at least the annual percentage requirement. However, they may submit alternative compliance payments in lieu of credits. The bill establishes requirements governing the issuance, tracking, verification, trading, banking, and retirement of federal renewable electricity credits. States may set the rates for a sale of electric energy by a facility generating electric energy from renewable energy sources pursuant to a state-approved, voluntary production incentive program. The Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program under which each electric utility and natural gas utility must meet performance standards for 2019 through 2032 with respect to cumulative electricity savings and cumulative natural gas savings, respectively. The performance standard increases from 1% in 2019 to 20% in 2032 for electric utilities and from 0.5% in 2019 to 13% in 2032 for natural gas utilities. In addition, the bill establishes requirements for performance standards for 2033 through 2042, and for subsequent years. DOE must review the standards at 10-year intervals and increase the standards if additional cost-effective energy efficiency potential is achievable. Utilities may use electricity or natural gas savings purchased from another utility, a state, or a third-party efficiency provider to meet the standards. The bill provides for state administration of an energy efficiency program to meet the requirements of this bill.

Renewable Energy Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Renewable Energy Jobs Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to carry out a pilot program to train individuals for careers in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, specifically: the energy-efficient building, construction, or retrofits industry; the renewable electric power industry, including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy industries; or the energy efficiency assessment industry that serves the residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. Labor must also award grants under the program to the five states with the highest installed alternative energy power capacity, which is the amount of wind, solar, and geothermal power generation installed in a state.

Reaffirming the strategic partnership between the United States and Canada, recognizing bilateral cooperation that advances United States national interests, and urging increased bilateral cooperation on security, economic issues, and energy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the U.S.-Canadian partnership. Supports: (1) stronger trade relations with Canada and the creation of more American jobs, and (2) an increased focus on energy security through greater energy infrastructure integration. Encourages greater security collaboration in the areas of defense, border security, cyber-security, and Arctic security.

State Mineral Revenue Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

State Mineral Revenue Protection Act This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to provide a mechanism for states to receive their entitled percentage of sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals for all public land or deposits located in the state. The bill eliminates the 2% fee that the federal government currently deducts from a state's entitled share to cover administrative or other costs. On request of a state, the Department of the Interior must convey to the state their entitled percentage of all right, title, and interest for all public land or deposits located in the state. Interior must provide prompt notice of any such conveyance and the duty of the leaseholder to make direct payments to the state.

Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of Department of Defense (DOD) funds: (1) for procuring more than eight Columbia-class submarines; (2) to maintain more than 150 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles; or (3) through FY2024, for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or the procurement of the B-21 long-range penetrating bomber aircraft. The bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of DOD or Department of Energy (DOE) funds: to maintain more than 1,000 deployed strategic warheads, as counted under the New START Treaty; to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; for extending the life of tactical versions of the B61 gravity bomb; for the RDT&E or procurement of a new air-launched cruise missile or for the W80 warhead life extension program; for the RDT&E or procurement of the ground-based strategic deterrent or any new intercontinental ballistic missile; for the IW-1 life extension program; for the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility project at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina; or for the Uranium Processing Facility located at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. DOD and DOE must report to Congress on the plans for, and the estimated cost savings from, carrying out this bill.

Nuclear Cruise Missile Reconsideration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Nuclear Cruise Missile Reconsideration Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of more than specified amounts by the Department of Defense (DOD) on development of the long-range standoff weapon or any other nuclear-capable air-launched cruise missile, or by the Department of Energy on the life extension program for the W80-4 warhead, until DOD submits to specified congressional committees a Nuclear Posture Review that includes an assessment of: the anticipated capabilities of the long-range standoff weapon to hold targets at risk beyond other already existing and planned nuclear-capable delivery systems; the anticipated ability of such weapon to elude adversary integrated air and missile defenses compared to the B-21 bomber; and the anticipated effect of such weapon on strategic stability relative to other nuclear-armed countries, on the offensive nuclear weapons capabilities and programs of other nuclear-armed countries, on the response of other nuclear-armed countries to proposals to decrease or halt the growth of their nuclear stockpiles, and on the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.

Public Engagement at FERC Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Public Engagement at FERC Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act to revise and expand the Office of Public Participation in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and rename it as the Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy. The office may participate in FERC proceedings on rates, service, and infrastructure siting to represent the interests of the public and issue guidance for potential improvements to industry and FERC practices. Additionally, the office must establish a Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee to review rates, services, and disputes and make recommendations to the office.

State Mineral Revenue Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

State Mineral Revenue Protection Act This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to provide a mechanism for states to receive their entitled percentage of sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals for all public land or deposits located in the state. The bill eliminates the 2% fee that the federal government currently deducts from a state's entitled share to cover administrative or other costs. On request of a state, the Department of the Interior must convey to the state their entitled percentage of all right, title, and interest for all public land or deposits located in the state. Interior must provide prompt notice of any such conveyance and the duty of the leaseholder to make direct payments to the state.

Dry Cask Storage Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Dry Cask Storage Act of 2017 This bill amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to require each licensee of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to submit a plan for: (1) transfer (including on-going additional transfers) to spent nuclear fuel dry casks of any spent nuclear fuel stored by the licensee for at least seven years in spent nuclear fuel pools, and (2) configuration of the remaining spent nuclear fuel in the pool in a manner that minimizes the chance of a fire if there is a loss of water in the pool. The NRC must approve or disapprove the plan within 90 days after its submission. The NRC may provide grants to any licensee with an approved plan to assist in the cost of transferring spent nuclear fuel to dry casks under the plan. The bill requires the emergency planning zone applicable to each civilian nuclear power reactor to be at least 10 miles in radius until all spent nuclear fuel at the reactor has been transferred to dry casks. The NRC must expand to 50 miles in radius the emergency planning zone applicable to each reactor not in compliance with an approved plan. The licensee is responsible for all costs associated with the expansion. The Department of the Treasury must transfer annually to the NRC, to pay the costs of the grant program, 10% of the interest generated during the preceding fiscal year from investments of the Nuclear Waste Fund.

Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection Act This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit conducting geological or geophysical activities in support of oil, gas, or methane hydrate exploration and development on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. The geological and geophysical activities are described in a final programmatic environmental impact statement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management entitled "Atlantic OCS Proposed Geological and Geophysical Activities, Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Planning Areas."

Public Engagement at FERC Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Public Engagement at FERC Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act to revise and expand the Office of Public Participation in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and rename it as the Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy. The office may participate in FERC proceedings on rates, service, and infrastructure siting to represent the interests of the public and issue guidance for potential improvements to industry and FERC practices. Additionally, the office must establish a Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee to review rates, services, and disputes and make recommendations to the office.

Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of Department of Defense (DOD) funds: (1) for procuring more than eight Columbia-class submarines; (2) to maintain more than 150 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles; or (3) through FY2024, for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or the procurement of the B-21 long-range penetrating bomber aircraft. The bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of DOD or Department of Energy (DOE) funds: to maintain more than 1,000 deployed strategic warheads, as counted under the New START Treaty; to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; for extending the life of tactical versions of the B61 gravity bomb; for the RDT&E or procurement of a new air-launched cruise missile or for the W80 warhead life extension program; for the RDT&E or procurement of the ground-based strategic deterrent or any new intercontinental ballistic missile; for the IW-1 life extension program; for the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility project at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina; or for the Uranium Processing Facility located at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. DOD and DOE must report to Congress on the plans for, and the estimated cost savings from, carrying out this bill.

Safer Pipelines Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Safe and Accountable Federal Energy Review for Pipelines Act of 2017 or the Safer Pipelines Act of 2017 This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), before granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a proposed pipeline expansion project for which a challenge has been raised, to assign an administrative law judge to hold a full trial-type evidentiary hearing on the need for the expansion or conduct an evidentiary hearing after conducting limited discovery, and issue a staff report publishing the findings with respect to each factor which includes the data and analyses relied upon in reaching those findings. Additionally, FERC must (1) conduct a cumulative review of planned energy infrastructure projects in the region of the proposed expansion; (2) consider, in the case of interstate pipeline projects, the cumulative environmental impacts of other interstate or regional projects; and (3) monitor approved pipeline projects for five years to ensure that environmental mitigation steps have been implemented.

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2017 This bill authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application of vehicles and related technologies for FY2018-FY2022. The bill requires DOE to: conduct a program of research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application activities (R&D activities) on materials, technologies, and processes with the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate petroleum use and the emissions of U.S. passenger and commercial vehicles; ensure that it continues to support R&D activities and maintains competency in mid- to long-term transformational vehicle technologies with potential to achieve reductions in emissions; carry out a research, development, and demonstration program on the secondary uses of electric vehicle batteries and develop guidelines for projects that demonstrate the secondary uses and innovative recycling of such batteries; carry out a program of R&D activities on advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies and practices; carry out a program of cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial, vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles; conduct a competitive grant program to demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies on Class 8 (heavy-duty) truck and trailer platforms; develop standard testing procedures and technologies for evaluating the performance of advanced heavy vehicle technologies under a range of representative duty cycles and operating conditions and evaluate heavy vehicle performance using work performance-based metrics other than those based on miles per gallon and appropriate metrics based on the work performed by nonroad systems; and undertake a pilot program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications of technologies to improve total machine or system efficiency for nonroad mobile equipment and seek opportunities to transfer relevant research findings and technologies between the nonroad and on-highway equipment and vehicle sectors. DOE may construct heavy-duty truck and bus testing facilities.

RISK Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017

Reporting on Influence and Subversion by the Kremlin Act or the RISK Act This bill directs the Department of State to submit to Congress an assessment of subversive activities by the Russian Federation. The assessment shall be conducted by a federally funded research and development center or another appropriate independent entity with expertise in diplomatic and military developments in Europe and the Russian Federation. Such entity may use and incorporate information from previous studies and shall include assessments of: disinformation and propaganda activities of the Russian Federation; support by the Russian Federation for separatist activities and other aggressive actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty of foreign countries, particularly in Ukraine and the Baltic countries; cyber intrusions by the Russian Federation to influence the infrastructure and democratic processes in the United States and other countries; the use of energy exports by the Russian Federation for purposes of political or economic coercion and significant investment in energy infrastructure by the Russian government or Russian-controlled entities; and the deterioration of democratic conditions in the Russian Federation. The President is authorized to establish in the Department of the Treasury the Countering Russian Influence Fund to be used by the State Department for bilateral assistance to counter activities carried out in countries in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia by the Russian Federation to support disinformation and propaganda, interfere in foreign elections, and undermine financial transparency and governance. Amounts in the fund may be made available to carry out its purposes through civil society and other organizations that seek to mitigate the expansion of Russian influence and aggression, including through public awareness campaigns and exchange activities.

Appalachian Ethane Storage Hub Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Appalachian Ethane Storage Hub Study Act This bill directs the Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce to study the feasibility of establishing an ethane storage and distribution hub in the Marcellus, Utica, and Rogersville shale plays located in the Appalachian region of the United States. The study must include potential locations for the hub, the economic feasibility and benefits of the project, infrastructure needs, and potential benefits of the hub to energy security.

Renew America's Schools Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2017

Renew America's Schools Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy to provide competitive grants for making energy improvements in schools. Specifically, grants may be awarded for: any improvement, repair, or renovation to a school that will result in a direct reduction in school energy costs; any improvement, repair, renovation, or installation that leads to an improvement in teacher and student health, such as indoor air quality; and the installation of renewable energy technologies (e.g., wind power) involved in the improvement, repair, or renovation to a school.

Clean Energy Grid Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2017

Clean Energy Grid Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the integration of clean distributed energy into electric grids. Clean distributed energy means energy (e.g., solar and wind energy) that is generated on customer sites and interconnected with the electric grid. Specifically, DOE must: study the status of integration of clean distributed energy into electric grids, identify issues requiring additional research or regulatory development, make grants for research proposals that address technical barriers identified in the study, and convene a working group of stakeholders to address regulatory barriers to deployment of intelligent grid integration of clean distributed energy technologies. DOE may make grants to implement integration demonstration projects.

ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTH AMERICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 May 2017

21st Century Power Grid Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2017

21st Century Power Grid Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a financial assistance program to carry out eligible projects related to the modernization of the electric grid, including the application of technologies to improve observability, advanced controls, and prediction of system performance on the distribution system and related transmission system inter-dependencies. To be eligible for financial assistance, a project shall: (1) be designed to improve the performance and efficiency of the future electric grid, while ensuring the continued provision of safe, secure, reliable, and affordable power, and provide new options for customer-owned resources; (2) demonstrate secure integration and management of energy resources and secure integration and interoperability of communications and information technologies; and (3) include the participation of a partnership consisting of two or more entities. Each project shall include: (1) the development of a cybersecurity plan written in accordance with guidelines developed by DOE; and (2) a privacy impact assessment that evaluates the project against the five core concepts in DOE's Voluntary Code of Conduct (commonly known as the DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program), or the most recent revisions to DOE's privacy program.

Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow's America Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2017

Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow's America Act This bill authorizes appropriations for the nation's infrastructure, including appropriations for: secure broadband internet access, with a prioritization on expanding broadband access in unserved areas; drinking water improvements, such as appropriations for the drinking water state revolving fund and programs for reducing lead in drinking water; the electric power grid, with a focus on grid modernization, security, resiliency, and efficiency; energy efficiency in buildings, including homes and schools; incentives for natural gas distribution companies to improve the public safety and environmental performance of the natural gas distribution system (e.g., pipeline replacements); the deployment of renewable energy systems; the incorporation of clean energy into community development and revitalization efforts; revitalization of brownfield sites (commercial properties that are hindered from reuse or redevelopment due to the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant); hospital infrastructure, with a prioritization given to projects that include cybersecurity; outpatient health care facilities in the Indian Health Service; and the improvement, renovation, or modernization of the infrastructure at clinical laboratories, teaching health centers, or behavioral health care centers. In addition, the bill reauthorizes funding for: (1) a diesel emissions reduction program for certain diesel vehicles or fleets, (2) ensuring the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is operated and maintained in an environmentally sound manner; and (3) establishing a Southeast Refined Product Reserve to mitigate the impacts of a severe energy supply interruption in the Southeast.