Energy

Reaffirming Property Rights Through Natural Gas Act Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020

Reaffirming Property Rights Through Natural Gas Act Modernization Act This bill addresses the use of eminent domain by the holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity to acquire land or property with respect to the construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline facility, including by (1) ending the legal presumption that natural gas exports are by definition in the public interest, (2) requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider certain factors in issuing certificates of public convenience and necessity for natural gas projects, and (3) prohibiting the holder of a certification of public convenience and necessity from exercising the right of eminent domain for a pipeline designed to export liquefied natural gas to a foreign country.

AN EXAMINATION OF EMERGING OFFSHORE AND MARINE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING OFFSHORE WIND, MARINE AND HYDROKINETIC ENERGY, AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS FOR MARITIME SHIPPING

United States · United States Senate · 22 September 2020

PEOPLE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020

Public Engagement Opportunity on Public Land Exploration Act of 2020 or the PEOPLE Act of 2020 This bill revises requirements related to public notice and comment periods with respect to oil and gas lease sales.

Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020

Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act This bill establishes incentives and requirements to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells, including by (1) establishing a program to remediate, reclaim, and close such wells located on federal land, state land, or land under the jurisdiction of Indian tribes; and (2) revising bonding requirements for oil and gas development on public land leased from the federal government. Such bonds are required to ensure developers have adequate financial resources to remediate and reclaim public land, water, or other resources after wells are abandoned or oil and gas development ceases.

Forest Incentives Program Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020

Forest Incentives Program Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish two programs to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Specifically, USDA must establish (1) a forest incentives program to achieve emission reductions and carbon sequestration on private forest land through carbon incentives contracts and conservation easement agreements, and (2) an incentives program to achieve emission reductions from material choices in buildings. USDA shall pay owners of forest land under a contract or agreement for (1) certain forestry practices that measurably increase carbon sequestration and storage over a designated period on such land, with appropriate crediting for the carbon benefits of harvested wood products; or (2) conservation easements on such land. USDA shall pay owners of nonresidential buildings used for commercial or state or local government for using less energy-intensive commercial or industrial products in new construction or building renovation.

POWER Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020

Plugging Orphan Wells and Environmental Restoration Act of 2020 or the POWER Act of 2020 This bill addresses orphaned, abandoned, or idled oil and gas wells on federal, tribal, state, or private lands. The bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the program to remediate, reclaim, and close orphaned, abandoned, or idled oil and gas wells located on federal land. The Department of the Interior must establish a program to provide grants to states and Indian tribes to remediate, reclaim, and close orphaned oil and gas wells located on state, tribal, or private lands. In providing grants, priority must be given to states and Indian tribes that already have an established program to carry out such activities. The Department of Energy must provide technical assistance to oil and gas producing states and Indian tribes to ensure practical and economical remedies for environmental problems caused by orphaned or abandoned oil and gas well sites on state, tribal, or private land.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4447) to establish an energy storage and microgrid grant and technical assistance program; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6270) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers to make certain disclosures relating to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8319) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2021, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4447) to establish an energy storage and microgrid grant and technical assistance program; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6270) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers to make certain disclosures relating to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8319) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2021.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 21 through September 25, 2020, as "National Clean Energy Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020

This resolution supports the designation of National Clean Energy Week.

Nuclear Energy Reactor Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Nuclear Energy Reactor Demonstration Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the research and development of domestic advanced, affordable, and clean nuclear energy. Specifically, DOE must enter into agreements to (1) complete at least two advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects by December 31, 2025, and (2) demonstrate at least two and not more than five additional operational advanced reactor designs by December 31, 2035. DOE must establish goals for research relating to advanced nuclear reactors, including by coordinating with members of private industry to advance the demonstration of various designs of advanced nuclear reactors. DOE must also carry out a program to conduct research relating to (1) next-generation light water reactor fuels that demonstrate improved performance and accident tolerance, and (2) innovative advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate improved proliferation resistance and use of resources.

Advanced Recycling Research and Development Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Advanced Recycling Research and Development Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy to implement research, development, and demonstration programs to (1) accelerate innovation in energy-efficient recyclable plastics, next-generation plastics, and composites recycling and upcycling strategies and technologies; and (2) support the development of advanced materials for batteries and innovative technologies to reclaim and recycle critical materials from advanced and lithium-ion based battery technologies used in consumer electronics, defense, stationary storage, and transportation applications.

TREE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

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

QUEST Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

QUEST Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish and carry out a program (to be known as the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program or the QUEST program) to encourage and facilitate access to U.S. quantum computing hardware and quantum computing clouds for research purposes in order to (1) enhance the quantum research enterprise of the United States, (2) educate the future quantum computing workforce, and (3) accelerate the advancement of U.S. quantum computing capabilities.

Future Generations Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Future Generations Protection Act This bill prohibits (1) the emission of any greenhouse gas in any quantity from a new electric utility steam generating unit, (2) hydraulic fracturing on all onshore and offshore land in the United States, and (3) exports of domestically produced crude oil and natural gas, with specified exceptions.

A resolution proclaiming the week of September 21 through September 25, 2020, to be "National Clean Energy Week".

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

This resolution designates September 21-September 25, 2020, as National Clean Energy Week.

Forest Health and Biomass Energy Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Forest Health and Biomass Energy Act of 2020 This bill addresses biomass energy, particularly with respect to materials removed from high-hazard areas (e.g., areas that pose wildfire risks). The bill directs the Department of Energy, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to assess the potential to produce biomass energy from certain land under the administrative jurisdiction of Interior and USDA. With respect to the removal of timber located within certain high-hazard areas, USDA shall not charge a stumpage rate or assign any value to (1) certain trees, (2) forest processing residues or byproducts of forest restoration, or (3) a large dead tree that is not suitable for higher-valued wood products because of decay. The bill establishes the High Hazard Area Wood Biomass Fund, into which USDA may deposit a percentage of the revenue generated from base stumpage rates of timber sales that occur on National Forest System land to assist timber operators and biomass energy producers with the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of biomass material removed from high-hazard areas. The President shall include in the annual budget submission an annual performance metric, which shall be established by USDA, for the harvest of wood biomass material in green tons made available for bioenergy markets.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2020 This bill (1) provides a mechanism for states, tribal and local governments to play a role in the development of post-shutdown decommissioning activities regarding the shutdown of a nuclear facility; and (2) establishes a grant program to support community advisory boards that aim to foster communication between a licensee involved in decommissioning activities and members of a community that may be affected by such activities.

Energizing Technology Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Energizing Technology Transfer Act This bill establishes and expands various clean energy technology programs of the Department of Energy and supports the commercialization of clean energy research.

To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify the definition of water heater under energy conservation standards, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

This bill modifies the definition of water heater , and otherwise revises energy conservation standards and sets forth labeling requirements for water heaters.

Quantum Network Infrastructure Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

Quantum Network Infrastructure Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a research, development, and demonstration program to accelerate innovation in quantum network infrastructure in order to (1) facilitate the advancement of distributed quantum computing systems through the internet and intranet, (2) improve the precision of measurements of scientific phenomena and physical imaging technologies, and (3) develop secure national quantum communications technologies and strategies. The DOE shall submit to Congress a four-year research plan that identifies and prioritizes basic research needs relating to quantum network infrastructure.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify the definition of water heater under energy conservation standards, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

This bill modifies the definition of water heater , and otherwise revises energy conservation standards and sets forth labeling requirements for water heaters.

Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2020 This bill directs revenues generated from leases for wind energy development on offshore federal lands to the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund. Under current law, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation may use the fund to provide grants to coastal communities to help them understand and utilize ocean and coastal resources and infrastructure, such as resources to help them prepare for extreme weather events.

Spent Nuclear Fuel Solutions Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Spent Nuclear Fuel Solutions Research and Development Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct an advanced fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program for spent nuclear fuel. The program must improve fuel cycle performance and support a variety of options for used nuclear fuel storage, use, and disposal, including advanced nuclear reactor concepts. In carrying out the program, DOE must ensure all activities and designs incorporate state of the art safeguards technologies and techniques to reduce risk of proliferation. In addition, DOE must consider the potential benefits and other impacts of those activities for civilian nuclear applications, environmental health and safety, and national security. DOE must also consider the economic viability of all activities and designs.

BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY: LEVERAGING DOE'S UNIQUE CAPABILITIES TO RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 September 2020

504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill modifies the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program, which provides a small business with SBA financing—through a certified development company (CDC) intermediary—for expansion or modernization. Specifically, the bill adds policy goals, at least one of which a CDC must demonstrate to be eligible for assistance. These include (1) enhancing the ability of a small business to reduce costs by using energy efficient products and generating renewable energy, and (2) aiding the revitalization of any area for which a disaster has been declared or determined. The bill also authorizes a CDC to take specified actions to facilitate the closing of a 504 loan, such as correcting borrower or lender information on loan documents or reallocating up to 10% of the cost of a project, and it establishes an express loan closing program for a 504 loan that is less than $500,000. For small manufacturers, the bill (1) increases the maximum loan amount from $5.5 million to $6.5 million, (2) reduces the amount that they must contribute to project costs, (3) increases job retention requirements, and (4) revises collateral requirements and debt refinancing considerations. Further, each SBA district office must partner with a resource partner to provide certain training for small manufacturers.

National Security Through America’s Resources and Permitting Reform Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

National Security Through America's Resources and Permitting Reform Act of 2020 This bill revises the federal permitting approval process for projects related to the extraction, recovery, or processing of critical minerals, rare-earth elements, microfine carbon, or carbon from coal, coal waste, coal processing waste, pre-or post-combustion coal byproducts, or acid mine drainage from coal mines for the purposes of securing the economic and national security of the United States.

BATTERY Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Bolster American Technology Through Expanding Recycling Yield Act of 2020 or the BATTERY Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a research, development, and demonstration program of recycling of energy critical materials embedded within energy storage systems (e.g., batteries). Energy critical materials means chemicals that have a high risk of a supply disruption and are critical to one or more energy-related technologies; a substantial supply disruption of such material would significantly inhibit large-scale deployment of technologies that produce, transmit, store, or conserve energy. DOE must seek to ensure that any activity receiving funding under the program (1) does not release toxic byproducts into the environment, (2) sufficiently minimizes potential fire risk in facilities where energy storage systems are stored and in the transportation of such systems, and (3) protects the health and safety of all persons involved in or in proximity to such activity.

Department of Energy Organization and Management Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

Department of Energy Organization and Management Improvement Act This bill sets forth new reporting requirements relating to the general management of the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE must submit to Congress a report containing an evaluation of the general management of DOE, including management and mission support functional programs that have responsibility for legal services, administration, accounting, budgeting, contract and project management, and human resources management; a description of impediments to effective management; a description of recommended measures to improve management; a strategic plan for continuous improvement in management; an evaluation of the status of the improvement of management; a description of the status of all orders issued by DOE relating to its management; and a schedule for updating such orders to ensure effective management, including management of DOE personnel and budget formulation.

Consumers REBATE Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

Consumers Rebate to ban Emissions and Boost AlTernative Energy Act or the Consumers REBATE Act This bill imposes an excise tax on the carbon dioxide content of coal, oil, and natural gas. The tax must be paid by the producer, miner, or importer of the taxable carbon substance and does not apply to exports of the substances. Beginning in 2021, the tax rate is $25 per ton of carbon dioxide content of the life-cycle emissions from the taxable carbon substance. After 2021, the tax increases by $10 each year and does not apply if specified emissions reduction benchmarks have been attained. The bill also includes provisions that require certain fees or refunds for taxable carbon substances that are exported or imported. Funds equivalent to the revenues received from the tax must be transferred to a Carbon Trust Fund established by this bill. The funds must be used, as provided by appropriations Acts, to offset reductions in individual income tax rates, pay quarterly dividends to certain individuals with valid Social Security numbers; and for specified worker transition assistance, energy, research, and infrastructure priorities.

Affordable Solar Energy for Our Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

Affordable Solar Energy for Our Communities Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program to provide financial assistance, such as grants or low-interest loans, to certain entities for the planning or installation of solar facilities that benefit certain low-income households.

Energy and Environmental Innovation: Wyoming's Leadership in Using and Storing Carbon Dioxide Emissions

United States · United States Senate · 19 August 2020

Natural Gas Blowout Prevention, Oversight, and Liability Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 2020

Natural Gas Blowout Prevention, Oversight, and Liability Act of 2020 This bill sets forth federal standards related to natural gas blowouts. A blowout is the loss of control of any well that leads to the release of combusted or uncombusted natural gas into the atmosphere. Specifically, the bill requires operators of wells to report natural gas blowouts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 72 hours after a blowout occurs; directs the EPA to establish and maintain a public database of all blowouts; imposes penalties for natural gas or flared natural gas that is released as a result of a well blowout, based on the volume released; establishes a grant program to reduce the scale and regularity of blowouts and the burden to states and local governments with respect to emergency responses to blowouts; and directs the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to submit a report that describes each natural gas blowout from the past 10 years and includes recommendations to reduce the number of blowouts.

Green Neighborhoods Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2020

Green Neighborhoods Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish annual energy efficiency participation incentives to encourage participants in HUD programs to achieve substantial improvements in energy efficiency.

Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020 This bill addresses wildfire preparedness and response. Among other things, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to select three forest landscapes on which to conduct projects to reduce the risk of wildfire, restore ecological health, or adapt to the increased risk of wildfire due to climate change. USDA and the Department of the Interior shall expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment in areas at risk of wildfire, expedite related permitting, expand the use of satellite data to assist wildfire response, and establish a center to train individuals in methods to mitigate wildfire risk. The bill excludes certain forest management activities from environmental review requirements. Interior may make a determination that an emergency situation exists regarding National Forest System land and authorize specified emergency actions. Such a determination and such actions are not subject to administrative review. Interior shall provide grants, loans, and loan guarantees to support biomass conversion facilities. The bill allows the export of unprocessed timber of dead and dying trees from federal land in California. Interior shall establish a grant program to assist in the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development in the forest sector, raise public awareness about the forest sector, and connect individuals to careers in the forest sector. The Department of Energy shall provide support to improve the energy resilience, power needs, and energy efficiency of critical facilities.

La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior, after receiving a request from La Paz County, Arizona, to convey approximately 4,800 acres of identified land managed by the Bureau of Land Management to the county. Interior shall exclude from the conveyance any federal land that contains significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources. As a condition of the conveyance, La Paz County and any subsequent owner shall make good faith efforts to avoid disturbing tribal artifacts; minimize impacts on tribal artifacts if they are disturbed; coordinate with the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Historic Preservation Office to identify artifacts of cultural and historic significance; and allow tribal representatives to rebury unearthed artifacts at, or near, where they were discovered. The federal land is withdrawn from the operation of U.S. mining and mineral leasing laws.

GREEN Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation's Workforce Act or the GREEN Workforce Act This bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to award grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and clean and renewable energy industry representatives to develop programs of study focused on emerging careers and jobs in the fields of clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation. The bill authorizes DOE to award grants to partnerships of local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions to promote development of career and technical education facilities that are energy efficient and promote the use of renewable energy practices.

La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior, after receiving a request from La Paz County, Arizona, to convey approximately 4,800 acres of identified land managed by the Bureau of Land Management to the county. Interior shall exclude from the conveyance any federal land that contains significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources. As a condition of the conveyance, La Paz County and any subsequent owner shall make good faith efforts to avoid disturbing tribal artifacts; minimize impacts on tribal artifacts if they are disturbed; coordinate with the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Historic Preservation Office to identify artifacts of cultural and historic significance; and allow tribal representatives to rebury unearthed artifacts at, or near, where they were discovered. The federal land is withdrawn from the operation of U.S. mining and mineral leasing laws.

America's Clean Future Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

America's Clean Future Fund Act This bill imposes various standards and programs related to clean energy, climate change resiliency, and emissions standards, including by (1) establishing the Climate Change Finance Corporation to finance clean energy and climate change resiliency activities; (2) establishing a carbon fee and emissions targets on the use, sale, or transfer of certain fuels by specified entities; and (3) providing grants to eligible entities for transition assistance to a low-carbon economy.

Adopt GREET Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

Adopt the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation Model Act or the Adopt GREET Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to update the methodology it uses in life cycle greenhouse gas assessments for corn-based ethanol and biodiesel fuels used in vehicles. The assessments are used to evaluate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of such fuels.

A bill to amend Public Law 106-511 to reauthorize the Navajo electrification demonstration program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

This bill reauthorizes the Navajo Electrification Demonstration Program, under which the Department of Energy must provide implementation grants to the Navajo Nation for bringing electricity to Navajo households.

Pipeline Fairness, Transparency, and Responsible Development Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

Pipeline Fairness, Transparency, and Responsible Development Act of 2020 This bill addresses provisions related to natural gas pipeline projects, including provisions related to the permitting process, eminent domain, environmental reviews, and the visual impacts of such projects on national scenic trails.

FEDERAL AND INDUSTRY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CYBERSECURITY FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR, INCLUDING HOW TO IMPROVE COLLABORATION ON VARIOUS CYBERSECURITY AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION INITIATIVES

United States · United States Senate · 5 August 2020

Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020

Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020 This bill addresses wildfire preparedness and response. Among other things, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to select three forest landscapes on which to conduct projects to reduce the risk of wildfire, restore ecological health, or adapt to the increased risk of wildfire due to climate change. USDA and the Department of the Interior shall expedite the placement of wildfire detection equipment in areas at risk of wildfire, expedite related permitting, expand the use of satellite data to assist wildfire response, and establish a center to train individuals in methods to mitigate wildfire risk. The bill excludes certain forest management activities from environmental review requirements. Interior may make a determination that an emergency situation exists regarding National Forest System land and authorize specified emergency actions. Such a determination and such actions are not subject to administrative review. Interior shall provide grants, loans, and loan guarantees to support biomass conversion facilities. The bill allows the export of unprocessed timber of dead and dying trees from federal land in California. Interior shall establish a grant program to assist in the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development in the forest sector, raise public awareness about the forest sector, and connect individuals to careers in the forest sector. The Department of Energy shall provide support to improve the energy resilience, power needs, and energy efficiency of critical facilities.

Energy Innovation Corps

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020

Energy Innovation Corps This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out the Energy Innovation Corps Program. Under the program, DOE must help participants of the program develop skills and accelerate the commercial application of clean energy technologies and other technologies related to DOE's mission. Employees at DOE's national laboratories as well as researchers, students, and clean energy entrepreneurs may participate in the program.

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2020

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

Scenic Trail Viewshed Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020

Scenic Trail Viewshed Protection Act This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a natural gas pipeline project that crosses or impacts the view from a national scenic trail under certain conditions. Specifically, FERC may issue such certificate only if it determines that the pipeline is the only alternative to meet an overriding public need; the applicant considered alternatives in order to result in no, or minimal, adverse effect to the trail; minimal road construction will be required to construct and operate the pipeline; construction of the pipeline will use the best available technology in order to minimize the potential for leakage; the pipeline will intersect the trail at a point that already has significant infrastructure crossing and only crosses the trail once; the pipeline will not affect the viewshed of a trail in an area of high conservation, recreational, or scenic value, a protected wilderness area, an old-growth forest or alpine area, or the designated location for a shelter or campsite; construction techniques for the pipeline will produce a minimal disturbance to the trail and surrounding conserved lands; plans for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the pipeline ensure that it is done in a way that minimizes impact on the trail; and the applicant acknowledges that it has a duty to protect the trail and ensure the health and safety of the public who use such trail and the surrounding environment.

Mark C. Christie, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2025, vice Bernard L. McNamee, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 29 July 2020

Allison Clements, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2024, vice Cheryl A. LaFleur, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 29 July 2020

Renewable Energy Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020

Renewable Energy Jobs Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a pilot program to award competitive grants to certain eligible entities (i.e., renewable energy and energy efficiency employers and workforce development boards as primary entities and institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and labor organizations as secondary entities) to train individuals for careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Toxic Exposure Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020

Toxic Exposure Safety Act of 2020 This bill expands an existing program to provide compensation to Department of Energy (DOE) employees and contractors for illnesses caused by occupational exposure to radiation and certain substances to cover additional workers with illnesses caused by toxic substances. The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program shall cover DOE employees and contractors who are members of the Toxic Special Exposure Cohort established under this bill. The Department of Health and Human Services shall establish rules for determining whether a DOE employee or contractor qualifies as a cohort member, including a list of qualifying diseases. The bill also requires the Department of Labor to create or update assessments of toxic substance exposure in each DOE facility. The bill also appropriates funds as necessary for DOE's assistance with certain Labor activities related to DOE facilities. Furthermore, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shall conduct or support research on the epidemiological impacts of toxic substance exposure at DOE facilities.

Clean Energy Innovation Funding Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020

Clean Energy Innovation Funding Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Office of Science, the Office of Electricity, and the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs of the Department of Energy.