Energy

Housing Efficiency Standards Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

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

Regional Clean Energy Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

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

Integrated Energy Systems Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020

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

THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON THE ENERGY INDUSTRY

United States · United States Senate · 16 June 2020

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

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

GRID Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

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

National Defense Net Zero Review Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

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

Utility Resilience and Reliability Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

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

Electric Power Infrastructure Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

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

Defending Against Rosatom Exports Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020

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

Offshore Cap Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020

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

Great American Outdoors Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020

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

Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Clarification Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020

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

Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020

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

American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020

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

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2020

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

Right to Timely Rehearings at FERC Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020

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

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

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

Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020

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

Energy Infrastructure Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

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

Nuclear Energy for the Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

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

ReWIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

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

ReWIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

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

America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2020

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

A bill to appropriate funds for the SPR Petroleum Account.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2020

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

Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

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

COVID Research Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2020

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

To appropriate funds for the SPR Petroleum Account.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

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

Emergency Water is a Human Right Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

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

STOP Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

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

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

United States · United States Senate · 12 March 2020

OFFSHORE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

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

A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal a provision relating to the suspension, waiver, or reduction of rents or royalties by the Secretary of the Interior to promote development or operation, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to limit the authority of the Secretary to reduce or eliminate certain royalties and net profit shares, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

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

National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 This bill establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and sets forth related activities. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) shall establish or designate the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office to carry out the responsibilities described in this bill with respect to the initiative. The National Science and Technology Council shall establish or designate an Interagency Committee to coordinate federal programs and activities in support of the initiative. The Department of Energy (DOE) shall establish the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee to advise the President and the Initiative Office on matters related to the initiative. DOE must also carry out an artificial intelligence research and development program to (1) advance artificial intelligence tools, systems, capabilities, and workforce needs; and (2) improve the reliability of artificial intelligence methods and solutions relevant to DOE's mission. The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall enter into a contract with the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study of the current and future impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce of the United States. The General Accountability Office shall conduct a study of artificial intelligence computer hardware and computing required in order to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence research and development. The NSF shall establish a program to award financial assistance to eligible entities or their consortia to establish and support Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes. The National Institute of Standards and Technology shall develop voluntary standards for artificial intelligence systems, among other things. The NSF shall fund research and education activities in artificial intelligence systems and related fields.

Investing in State Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020

Investing in State Energy Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to distribute funds for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the state energy assistance program within 60 days of Congress making the funds available for such programs. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency. The State Energy Program supports state energy conservation plans and energy emergency planning and response.

Solar VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020

Solar Vocational Education and Training for our Servicemembers Act or the Solar VETS Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a training course for careers in solar-related occupations to be (1) made available at military installations and to eligible members of the Armed Forces, and (2) administered by institutions of higher education pursuant to an agreement with DOE.

Great American Outdoors Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020

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

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND LONGER-TERM PROSPECTS FOR GLOBAL ENERGY MARKETS, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE UNITED STATES, FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

United States · United States Senate · 5 March 2020

Oil and Water Don’t Mix Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020

Oil and Water Don't Mix Act of 2020 This bill establishes requirements governing oil or gas operations, such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. Specifically, the bill eliminates certain exemptions for oil or gas operations from environmental requirements, including requirements concerning drinking water, stormwater runoff, hazardous air pollutants, and solid waste disposal. The bill also revises drinking water requirements to require fracking operations to disclose the chemicals they use in underground injections. The bill sets forth requirements to protect the quality and quantity of surface or ground water systems, including by requiring oil or gas operations to replace certain water supplies that have been affected by the production of oil or gas. In addition, the bill requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue regulations governing the use of fracking under oil and gas leases for federal lands. Until the BLM issues those regulations, the bill reestablishes the requirements of the repealed rule titled Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Land . The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue a rule that adds hydrogen sulfide to the list of hazardous air pollutants. The EPA must also publish a list of categories and subcategories of major sources and area sources of hydrogen sulfide, including oil and gas wells. Finally, the bill requires the EPA to issue regulations for solid waste associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy if the EPA determines that the waste is hazardous.

Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020

Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act This bill expands programs at the Department of Energy for nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization.

Northern Mariana Islands Coronavirus Emergency Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020

Northern Mariana Islands Coronavirus Emergency Assistance Act This bill provides $100 million in appropriations to the Northern Mariana Islands for general government operations. The bill also requires the Department of Energy to draw down and sell up to $100 million of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for FY2020.

S. 2610, THE TRIBAL ENERGY REAUTHORIZATION ACT; AND S. 2891, THE TRIBAL WILDLIFE CORRIDORS ACT OF 2019

United States · United States Senate · 4 March 2020

Water Power Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020

Water Power Research and Development Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out programs of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for water power technologies, hydropower, and marine energy technologies. Additionally, DOE must award grants to institutions of higher education for the continuation and expansion of research and development at the National Marine Energy Centers and the establishments of new centers.

THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

United States · United States Senate · 3 March 2020