Energy

SAFE PLAY Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act of 2020 or the SAFE PLAY Act of 2020 This bill directs several agencies to undertake specified activities and expand surveillance related to cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among young athletes. The bill also establishes requirements for schools with respect to concussions and excessive heat. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must (1) develop information for schools, childcare centers, and others on high-risk cardiac conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults; and (2) incorporate questions about cardiac conditions in an existing school-based health survey. In addition, the CDC must develop guidelines for emergency action plans for youth athletics programs, and the Food and Drug Administration may issue guidelines related to youth consumption of energy drinks. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award matching grants to local educational agencies for automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainings. The Department of Education, in consultation with HHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, must develop public education materials focused on the health risks of exposure to extreme heat and humidity, and public schools must develop action plans for athletic activities during periods of excessive heat or humidity. The bill establishes minimum requirements for elementary and secondary schools related to concussions, including but not limited to (1) implementing a standard plan for concussion safety and management, and (2) ensuring students returning to academics after a concussion receive certain services and supports.

Nuclear Workers’ Ombudsman Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Nuclear Workers' Ombudsman Extension Act This bill reauthorizes the Office of the Ombudsman, within the Department of Labor, for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (which compensates current and former employees of the Department of Energy who are diagnosed with specified employment-related illnesses) until October 28, 2025. Currently, the authority for the office expires on October 28, 2020.

Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Act of 2020 This bill generally provides for the reuse and recycling of batteries, including by directing the Department of Energy to award grants (1) to entities for battery recycling and reuse research, development, and demonstration projects; and (2) to state and local governments for battery collection, recycling, and reprocessing programs.

SAFE PLAY Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act or the SAFE PLAY Act This bill directs several agencies to undertake specified activities and expand surveillance related to cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among young athletes. The bill also establishes requirements for schools with respect to concussions and excessive heat. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must (1) develop information for schools, childcare centers, and others on high-risk cardiac conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults; and (2) incorporate questions about cardiac conditions in an existing school-based health survey. In addition, the CDC must develop guidelines for emergency action plans for youth athletics programs, and the Food and Drug Administration may issue guidelines related to youth consumption of energy drinks. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award matching grants to local educational agencies for automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainings. The Department of Education, in consultation with HHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, must develop public education materials focused on the health risks of exposure to extreme heat and humidity, and public schools must develop action plans for athletic activities during periods of excessive heat or humidity. The bill establishes minimum requirements for elementary and secondary schools related to concussions, including but not limited to (1) implementing a standard plan for concussion safety and management, and (2) ensuring students returning to academics after a concussion receive certain services and supports.

MADE HERE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2020

Manufacturing American Dynamism in Entrepreneurship and Harnessing Education to Retool Employees Act or the MADE HERE Act This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense to establish a manufacturing cluster program to award resources and grants to eligible manufacturing clusters, and it establishes an interagency entity to oversee and coordinate the activities of manufacturing cluster programs at federal agencies. A manufacturing cluster is a geographic concentration of companies and institutions within a particular field of manufacturing that engage collaboratively in workforce development, technology development, supply chain sourcing, and other activities. The program shall be comprised of three phases wherein awards shall be distributed to manufacturing clusters for (1) the development of a detailed implementation plan, (2) the implementation of such plan, and (3) continuing the activities of the cluster. Phase two and three awards may be used for purposes such as developing and deploying educational programs for cluster members, funding efforts with respect to supply chain sourcing and innovation, and developing shared infrastructure or resources for cluster members.

Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2020 This bill supports the expansion of community solar energy and doubles the allowable time period for a long-term contract between the General Services Administration (GSA) and a public utility. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program for expanding community solar energy options, including options for low-income and moderate-income individuals. In addition, DOE must expand existing grant, loan, and financing programs to include community solar projects as specified by the bill. Further, the bill revises requirements for electric utilities, including by requiring each electric utility to offer a community solar program. Finally, the bill allows the GSA to make a public utility contract for a period of up to 20 years. Currently, the GSA may make a public utility contract for up to 10 years.

Restore and Modernize Our National Labs Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Restore and Modernize Our National Labs Act This bill provides funding to the Department of Energy (DOE) for deferred maintenance, critical infrastructure needs, and modernization of National Laboratories. DOE shall submit, with the annual budget submission of the President through FY2025, a list of projects for which DOE will provide funding under this bill.

Leveraging our National Labs to Develop Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Leveraging our National Labs to Develop Tomorrow's Technology Leaders Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Programs within the Department of Energy (DOE). Under the programs, DOE must provide grants for entrepreneurial fellowships, with access to the research facilities, lab expertise, and mentorship opportunities of a National Laboratory, to perform research and development and gain expertise in the commercial application of research ideas.

Fair Returns for Public Lands Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Fair Returns for Public Lands Act of 2020 This bill increases royalty rates, rental rates, and minimum bidding standards for onshore oil and gas leasing on public lands.

Joint Long-Term Storage Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Joint Long-Term Storage Act of 2020 This bill addresses long-term renewable energy storage technologies and systems. Specifically, it requires the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) in the Department of Energy to establish an initiative composed of demonstration projects focused on the development of long-duration energy storage technologies. The goals of the initiative include demonstrating the potential benefits of long-duration energy storage to efficient use of the electricity grid and increasing the commercial viability of long-duration energy storage technologies. As part of the initiative, ARPA-E must establish a joint program with the Department of Defense's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program office to (1) demonstrate promising long-duration energy storage technologies at different scales; and (2) help new, innovative long-duration energy storage technologies become commercially viable. In addition, the bill authorizes through FY2024 the Duration Addition to electricitY Storage program to develop energy storage systems that provide power to the electric grid for durations of 10 to approximately 100 hours.

James P. Danly, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2023, vice Kevin J. McIntyre.

United States · United States Senate · 12 February 2020

SAVING ENERGY: LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND STORAGE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 February 2020

Congressional Oversight of Sanctions Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Congressional Oversight of Sanctions Act This bill limits the duration of a declaration of national emergency by the President, directs the President to allow certain exports to a country under sanctions, and requires the President to provide specified information when exercising emergency economic powers. Specifically, the bill provides that any national emergency declared by the President shall terminate 60 days after the first day on which either house of Congress is in session following the declaration, unless Congress enacts a joint resolution to extend the emergency. If Congress does not enact a joint resolution to extend the emergency, the President may not declare a new national emergency based on substantially similar facts during the 1-year period following such 60-day period. The President must allow the export of certain equipment and material to a territory that is controlled by a person that is otherwise subject to sanctions if the material is intended for (1) civilian health care facilities, (2) water infrastructure, (3) civilian energy infrastructure, or (4) primary or secondary educational facilities. When exercising any international emergency economic powers, the President must issue a report that includes (1) the goals and outcomes expected to be achieved through such actions; (2) other tools considered to address the emergency and the reason for the chosen response; (3) a list of countries imposing similar sanctions; and (4) the strategy to provide compliance guidance to entities in the private sector, humanitarian organizations, and peace-building organizations.

Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program Reform Act This bill expands the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program of the Department of Energy. The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study on the barriers to the application for, and issuance of, direct loans under the program, including potential changes to reduce such barriers in order to increase the number of loans.

New Energy Frontiers Through Carbon Innovation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

New Energy Frontiers Through Carbon Innovation Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and support the research, development, and demonstration of carbon capture, storage, and utilization technologies and techniques. Specifically, DOE must establish and operate a national Carbon Utilization Energy Innovation Hub which must focus on early stage research and development activities, including post-combustion and pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxide; carry out a program to award competitive grants to certain entities for the capture of carbon dioxide produced during the generation of natural gas-generated power; accelerate the development of commercially viable carbon capture technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including to improve the thermodynamics, kinetics, scalability, durability, and flexibility of carbon capture technologies used during the generation of electricity from natural gas power systems; enter into cooperative agreements with certain entities to construct and operate no more than five facilities to capture carbon dioxide from natural gas generating power facilities; and identify any barriers to the commercial development of carbon capture technologies.

Agriculture Resilience Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Agriculture Resilience Act This bill addresses national greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts in the U.S. agriculture sector, including a national goal to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2040. Among other things, the bill expands the purposes of federally supported agricultural research, extension, and education to include accelerating the ability of agriculture and the food system of the United States to first achieve net zero carbon emissions and then go further to be carbon positive by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national network of regional hubs for risk adaptation and mitigation to climate change; creates a soil health grant program for state and tribal governments; revises the agricultural conservation easement program to require owners that receive cost-share assistance to have a conservation plan in place that addresses applicable resource concerns for the land subject to the easement, including soil health and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; establishes an alternative manure management program to support non-digester dairy and livestock methane management strategies to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to maximize environmental benefits; directs USDA to study dual-use renewable energy systems, including an assessment on the compatibility of different species of livestock and crop types with dual-use renewable energy system designs; and provides competitive grants and technical assistance for local educational agencies to implement food waste measurement and reporting, prevention, education, and reduction projects.

ASSET Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020

Allowing Steady Savings by Eliminating Tests Act or the ASSET Act This bill prohibits the use of asset tests or resource limits in certain means-tested public assistance programs and increases the resource limits to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs. Under the bill, states may not use asset or resource limits to determine eligibility for (1) programs funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grants, (2) the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or (3) the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In addition, an individual may have up to $10,000 in certain resources (or up to $20,000 for a couple) and qualify for SSI. Under current law, the limit is $2,000 for an individual (or $3,000 for a couple).

ASSET Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020

Allowing Steady Savings by Eliminating Tests Act or the ASSET Act This bill prohibits the use of asset tests or resource limits in certain means-tested public assistance programs and increases the resource limits to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs. Under the bill, states may not use asset or resource limits to determine eligibility for (1) programs funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grants, (2) the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or (3) the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In addition, an individual may have up to $10,000 in certain resources (or up to $20,000 for a couple) and qualify for SSI. Under current law, the limit is $2,000 for an individual (or $3,000 for a couple).

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Kleen Energy Systems natural gas explosion.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2020

This resolution honors the memories of the workers killed in the Kleen Energy Systems natural gas explosion in Middletown, Connecticut, in 2010.

EV Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020

Electric Vehicle Freedom Act or the EV Freedom Act This bill establishes a national network of publicly available electric vehicle charging stations along public roads and the National Highway System in the United States.

E–Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020

Access to Consumer Energy Information Act or the E-Access Act This bill revises federal guidelines for state energy conservation plans. The bill authorizes state energy conservation plans to include programs that (1) enhance consumer access to, and understanding of, electric energy and natural gas usage and cost information, including consumers' own residential and commercial retail electric energy and natural gas information; and (2) facilitate the development and adoption of innovative products and services to assist consumers in managing energy consumption and expenditures. The Department of Energy (DOE) must issue guidelines that establish model data sharing standards and policies for states to provide electric and gas consumers with access to retail electric energy information and retail natural gas information. States may submit to DOE a description of their data sharing standards and policies for certification that they meet such guidelines. DOE must periodically review and revise the guidelines to reflect changes in technology, privacy needs, and the market for electric energy and natural gas and related services.

Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Whistleblower Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020

Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Whistleblower Protection Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for employees of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy to have whistle-blower rights and protections.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2021

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 February 2020

MANAGEMENT AND SPENDING CHALLENGES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 February 2020

Ceiling Fan Improvement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020

Ceiling Fan Improvement Act of 2020 This bill revises the energy conservation standard for ceiling fans. Specifically, it sets forth energy efficiency standards for electricity used by large-diameter ceiling fans manufactured on or after January 21, 2020, and exempts such fans from certain requirements under the rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Ceiling Fans .

Grid Security Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020

Grid Security Research and Development Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a program to protect the electric grid and energy systems from cyber and physical attacks by by increasing cyber and physical security capabilities of the energy sector and accelerating the development of relevant technologies and tools. As part of the program, DOE must award research, development, and demonstration grants, including to (1) identify cybersecurity risks to information systems within, and impacting, the electricity sector, energy systems, and energy infrastructure; and (2) develop technologies that improve the physical security of information systems. Additionally, DOE must establish a research, development, and demonstration competitive grant program to enhance resilience and strengthen emergency response and management pertaining to the energy sector; provide technical assistance to certain entities for the commercial application of technologies to improve the resilience of the electric grid and commercial application of technologies; collaborate with other federal agencies, state agencies, and the private sector to develop guidance for research and demonstration activities to improve cybersecurity capabilities of the energy sector; work with stakeholders to identify information, research, staff training, and analytical tools needed to evaluate cybersecurity issues and challenges in the energy sector; support the development of a cybersecurity workforce that includes collaboration between relevant federal agencies, institutions of higher education, and other entities best suited to provide national leadership on cybersecurity-related issues; and develop a coordinated interagency strategic plan to advance cybersecurity capabilities in the energy sector.

Electric Vehicles for Underserved Communities Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2020

Electric Vehicles for Underserved Communities Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess the state of, challenges to, and opportunities for the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban areas, particularly in underserved or disadvantaged communities. If practicable, DOE must ensure that relevant programs provide access to electric vehicle infrastructure, address clean transportation needs, and provide improved air quality in such communities.

Jobs, On-the-Job Earn-While-You-Learn Training, and Apprenticeships for Young African-Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2020

Jobs, On-the-Job "Earn While You Learn" Training, and Apprenticeships for Young African-Americans Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to encourage labor unions, general contractors, and businesses that will rebuild infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems to actively recruit, hire, train, and provide apprenticeships to African Americans ages 18 to 39 through existing jobs, apprenticeships, and programs. Labor must help coordinate such recruitment. The jobs, training, and apprenticeships must be conducted in conjunction with Labor, labor unions and associations involved in infrastructure rebuilding, and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Labor unions, contractors, and businesses involved with such infrastructure or systems must recruit by seeking assistance from the African American community, churches, and civil rights organizations.

Energy PRICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2020

Energy Prices Require Including Climate Externalities Act or the Energy PRICE Act This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to direct electric utilities to take greenhouse gas emissions into account when they set their rates for the wholesale sale of electricity. Specifically, if FERC determines that the rates do not incorporate the cost of such emissions to public health, safety, or welfare, then FERC must find that the rates are unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory, or preferential.

Protecting Natural Gas Consumers from Overcharges Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

Protecting Natural Gas Consumers from Overcharges Act of 2020 This bill provides authority for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish a refund effective date and order refunds for rates and charges by any natural-gas company in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas.

COAL TeCC Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020

Creating Opportunities And Leveraging Technologies for Coal Carbon Act of 2020 or the COAL TeCC Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish two programs concerning coal-derived carbon products. First, DOE must establish a program of research, development, and demonstration for carbon engineering solutions to enable new uses for coal-derived carbon for a variety of purposes, such as commercial, military, or medical purposes. Second, DOE must establish a pilot and demonstration program to accelerate the commercial deployment of coal-carbon products.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTING HUMAN HEALTH, THE CLIMATE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT, ON THE FOLLOWING BILL, AND OTHER RELATED MEASURES: H.R. 5636, "TRANSPARENCY IN ENERGY PRODUCTION ACT OF 2020"

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 January 2020

Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act of 2020 This bill extends through FY2029 the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Science of the Department of Energy, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The bill sets forth programs, projects, and activities, including those regarding federal research security, the science and technical workforce, basic energy sciences research and upgrades to certain facilities, computational materials and chemistry science, advanced scientific computing, high energy physics, biological systems science and environmental science, fusion energy sciences research, nuclear physics, carbon utilization research infrastructure, enhanced geothermal energy, quantum information science and technology research, cybersecurity research, artificial intelligence and data science, engineering biology research, next generation digital radar, Antarctic nongovernmental activities and environmental liability requirements, and federal government inventions. The OSTP shall submit a comprehensive national science and technology strategy, and complete a review of U.S. science and technology enterprise. The Office of Science shall continue to leverage U.S. participation in the Large Hadron Collider, prioritize international partnerships and investments in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, and prioritize international collaboration that would provide U.S. researchers access to the most advanced accelerator facilities in the world. The Government Accountability Office shall evaluate NIST's Center for Neutron Research. The NSF shall contract the National Academy of Public Administration to study the organizational and management structure of the NSF.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act, 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act, 2020 This bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations and expands tax credits to respond to recent natural disasters and emergencies that affected Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides $4.67 billion in FY2020 supplemental appropriations for programs within the Department of Energy, the Department of Education, the Federal Highway Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Agriculture. The programs address issues such as cybersecurity, energy security, and emergency response; the electric grid; the educational needs of individuals affected by natural disasters and emergencies; repairs to roads affected by natural disasters and emergencies; community development; and disaster nutrition assistance. The bill also expands tax credits and modifies related requirements that affect the residents of Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. The bill includes provisions regarding the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, the low-income housing tax credit, the new markets tax credit, the amount of distilled spirits excise taxes covered over (paid) to the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and an employee retention tax credit.

Offshore Accountability Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Offshore Accountability Act of 2020 This bill establishes disclosure and reporting requirements for operators of offshore oil or gas facilities after equipment failures of critical systems. Such operators must notify the Department of the Interior and the manufacturers of the equipment of such failures. In addition, the operators must provide equipment failure analyses to Interior and the manufacturers. Interior must post the analyses on its website. Finally, operators must report to Interior on (1) changes made by such manufacturers to the design of critical systems as the result of reported failures, and (2) changes in the operators' procedures as a result of reported failures.

Solar and Geothermal Tax Credit Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

Solar and Geothermal Tax Credit Expansion Act This bill extends the energy tax credit for certain renewable resources, including solar and geothermal properties, and the credit for residential energy efficient property for five years.

Affirming the United States vital interest in liberty in Europe and resolute support for Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian aggression and continue its trajectory among the community of democracies.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

This resolution expresses support for increased U.S. assistance to Ukraine and the integration of Ukraine into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); condemns Russia's military incursions and ongoing malicious activities toward Ukraine; reaffirms opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Russian threats to U.S. energy security, and calls upon the U.S. government and its allies to continue to pressure Russia to uphold its international obligations towards Ukraine.

Transparency in Energy Production Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Transparency in Energy Production Act of 2020 This bill requires certain disclosures by entities seeking a lease or holding a lease to develop renewable energy operations or fossil fuel operations on public lands. The disclosures are those described in the Sustainability Accounting Standard for the Renewable Resources & Alternative Energy Sector or the Extractives & Mineral Processing Sector. Every two years, the Department of the Interior must submit a report to Congress that includes, among other things (1) for fossil fuel operations on public lands, the annual and two-year totals of greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, water management, biodiversity impacts, production, and the number of sites according to the metrics specified in the Sustainability Accounting Standard for Oil & Gas - Exploration & Production; and (2) for renewable energy operations on public lands, greenhouse gas emissions that would result from the production of the same amount of energy using fossil fuels.

Federal Energy and Water Management Performance Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Federal Energy and Water Management Performance Act of 2020 This bill revises federal energy and water performance requirements for federal buildings and directs the Department of Energy to implement a Federal Energy Management Program.

Consumer Access to Grid Information Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020

Consumer Access to Grid Information Act of 2020 This bill requires the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy to establish a grant program for the creation of a cellular phone application (app). The app must allow the public to monitor power grids, including by enabling the public to view the demand and capacity of the energy grid, the types of energy sources that are serving the grid, and regional energy prices.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S OFFICE OF SCIENCE: EXPLORING THE NEXT FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 January 2020

STRANDED Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

Sensible, Timely Relief for America's Nuclear Districts' Economic Development Act of 2020 or the STRANDED Act of 2020 This bill addresses communities affected by stranded nuclear waste. The bill defines stranded nuclear waste as nuclear waste or spent nuclear fuel stored in dry casks or spent fuel pools at the site of an eligible civilian nuclear power plant. Specifically, the bill provides a first-time homebuyer tax credit for homeownership in nuclear affected communities; directs the Economic Development Administration to establish a competitive prize competition to award prizes to affected communities for proposals to carry out alternatives to nuclear facilities, generating sites, and waste sites; and provides grants to nuclear-affected communities to offset the economic and social impacts of stranded nuclear waste on such communities, and to support such communities that are facing decreased tax revenues or assessed valuation as a result of decommissioning a civilian nuclear power plant.

TREES Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

The Residential Energy and Economic Savings Act or the TREES Act This bill provides incentives for retail power providers or cities to plant trees to reduce energy costs. Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program to award grants to retail power providers that partner with nonprofit tree-planting organizations to establish or continue operating tree-planting programs. Under the program, retail power providers must give residential consumers free or discounted trees that provide maximum amounts of shade during the summer or wind protection during the fall and winter. Retail power providers include entities that generate, distribute, or provide retail electricity, natural gas, or fuel oil service. In addition, DOE must annually give an award that designates communities or other areas as the Arbor City of America. The award must recognize communities for superior efforts in increasing tree canopy coverage and assisting residents in reducing energy costs. DOE must give award recipients funding for green infrastructure or green spaces.

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020 This bill provides for security assistance to Israel and authorizes actions to further U.S.-Israel cooperation. Specifically, under the Foreign Military Financing Program, the bill makes no less than $3.3 billion annually available to Israel through FY2028. The bill also extends through FY2025 (1) authority to stockpile war reserves in Israel, and (2) loan guarantees to Israel for up to $9 billion. The President is authorized to transfer munitions from reserve stocks to Israel for its self-defense. Further, the President must report on steps to include Israel in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception, which authorizes exports, reexports, and in-country transfers in lieu of a license that would otherwise be required. Lastly, the President must establish and update contingency plans to provide Israel with defense articles and services necessary for its defense. The Department of State is authorized to (1) enter into memoranda of understanding with Israel with a focus on strengthening mutual ties and cooperation with nations throughout the world; and (2) establish a program between the United States, Israel, and other countries or territories to provide for cooperation in the Middle East region by financing and cooperating in programs related to innovation and advanced technologies. Further, the United States is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with Israel and developing countries to identify and support local solutions for addressing sustainability challenges. The Department of Defense is authorized to carry out activities with Israel to establish directed energy capabilities that address threats to the United States, deployed forces of the United States, or Israel.

USA Electrify Forward Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020

USA Electrify Forward Act This bill addresses the development, production, manufacturing, and distribution of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure for such vehicles in the United States.

Tribal Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020

Tribal Power Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and otherwise revises the Indian Energy Education Planning and Management Assistance Program. The program is administered by the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs within the Department of Energy (DOE). Specifically, the bill revises the program to (1) expand the definition of Indian land to include any land in a census tract in which the majority of the residents are Alaska Natives, thereby permitting such areas to receive program grants; and (2) allow the office to reduce a tribe's cost share in order to receive a grant if certain criteria are met, including financial need. The bill also requires DOE to assess the availability and reliability of electricity for those individuals residing in tribal communities or on Indian land.

NO EXHAUST Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020

New Opportunities to Expand Healthy Air Using Sustainable Transportation Act of 2020 or the NO EXHAUST Act of 2020 This bill addresses programs at the Department of Energy (DOE) related to domestic manufacturing and the use of fuel efficient and zero emission vehicles in the transportation sector, including by directing DOE to (1) establish a rebate program to encourage investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and (2) conduct an assessment of the challenges to, and opportunities for the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban areas, particularly in underserved or disadvantaged communities.

To require the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program for States to provide incentives to natural gas distribution companies for the improvement of natural gas distribution systems, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program for states to improve public safety and environmental performance of the natural gas distribution system by offsetting rate increases to low-income households and providing incentives for natural gas distribution companies to accelerate, expand, or enhance improvements to the natural gas distribution system. Grants must be used for (1) replacement of cast and wrought iron and bare steel pipes and other leak-prone components of the natural gas distribution system, or (2) inspection and maintenance programs for such system. In awarding grants under the program, DOE must prioritize applications based on the expected results of a project with respect to (1) quantifiable benefits for public safety, (2) the magnitude of methane emissions reductions, (3) innovation in technical or policy approaches, (4) the number of low-income households anticipated to benefit from the assistance, and (5) overall cost-effectiveness of the project.

21st Century Power Grid Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

21st Century Power Grid Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to provide financial assistance for projects designed to improve the resiliency, performance, or efficiency of the electric grid, while ensuring the provision of safe, secure, reliable, and affordable power. The projects must demonstrate (1) secure integration and management of energy resources, or (2) secure integration and interoperability of communications and information technologies related to the electric grid. Each project must include the development of a cybersecurity plan and a privacy effects analysis that evaluates the project in accordance with DOE's Voluntary Code of Conduct, commonly known as the DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program. The projects may be designed to deploy a new product or technology that could be used by customers of an electric utility.

To require the Secretary of Energy to carry out a Clean Cities Coalition Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019

This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a Clean Cities Coalition Program. Under the program, DOE must make awards to clean city coalitions for projects and activities that reduce petroleum consumption, improve air quality, promote energy and economic security, and encourage deployment of a diverse, domestic supply of alternative fuels in the transportation sector. In addition, DOE must provide technical assistance and training to the coalitions, provide opportunities for communication and sharing of best practices among the coalitions, and maintain and publish a centralized database of information about the activities and accomplishments of the coalitions.