Energy

Green Transportation Efficiency Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Green Transportation Efficiency Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) a Green Transportation Efficiency Program through which the Secretary of Energy shall: (1) authorize issuance of an electronic voucher to offset the purchase or lease price for a new fuel efficient automobile or motorcycle upon the surrender to a participating dealer of an eligible trade-in vehicle; (2) certify dealers for Program participation; (3) make electronic payments to them for vouchers they accept between January 1, 2009, and three years after implementing regulations are promulgated; (4) provide for the payment of rebates to qualifying persons; and (5) establish enforcement of measures to prevent and penalize fraud under the Program. Prescribes requirements, including combined fuel economy, for $2,500, $3,500, and $4,500 vouchers to offset the purchase or lease price for a qualifying passenger automobile, truck, or motorcycle. Limits the number of vouchers to one per customer, including joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle. Requires a dealer to certify about each eligible trade-in vehicle that the dealer: (1) has not and will not sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of the vehicle for use as an automobile in the United States or in any other country; and (2) will transfer the vehicle to an entity that will ensure that it will be crushed or shredded within the Program period, and has not been, and will not be, sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of for use as an automobile anywhere in the world. Declares that such restrictions shall not prevent a person who dismantles or disposes of such vehicle from selling any of its parts (except the engine block and drive train, unless they have been crushed or shredded) and retaining sale proceeds. Makes any person who purchased or leased a new fuel efficient vehicle after January 1, 2009, and before the enactment of this Act eligible for a cash rebate equivalent to the appropriate voucher amount. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly to violate this Act or any regulations issued under it, particularly by fraud. Prescribes civil penalties for any such violation. Directs the Secretary to make Program information available on an Internet website and through other means. Prescribes standards which any regulations issued by the Secretary for the Program must meet.

Green Jobs Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Green Jobs Improvement Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make nonunion training programs eligible for federal funding under the energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program (Green Jobs program). Applies certain worker protections and nondiscrimination requirements to such programs.

Home Energy Retrofit Finance Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Home Energy Retrofit Finance Program Act - Directs the Secretary to Energy (DOE) to: (1) provide Home Energy Retrofit Finance Program grants to states to establish or expand revolving finance funds to support financing for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy improvements to existing homes and residential buildings; and (2) conduct and report to Congress on an evaluation of such Program.

American Energy Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

American Energy Innovation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, including by: (1) allowing accelerated depreciation of cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property, coal-to-liquid plant property, dedicated ethanol distribution lines, solar and fuel cell property, smart electric meters, and certain clean coal power plants; (2) making permanent tax credits for increasing research activities, nonbusiness energy property, gas produced from biomass, and synthetic fuels produced from coal; (3) allowing new tax credits for pollution abatement equipment, the manufacture of natural gas-powered vehicles, nuclear power manufacturing and construction projects, and carbon dioxide capture from industrial sources; (4) extending the income tax credits for the production of electricity from renewable resources, for energy efficient home expenditures, and for the conversion of motor vehicles to natural gas powered vehicles; (5) extending the excise tax credit for alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles; (6) extending the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and (7) increasing the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Establishes: (1) a pilot project for leasing federal lands for the development of commercial photovoltaic and concentrating solar power energy systems; (2) an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Innovation Prize; (3) the Office of the Federal Oil and Gas Permit Coordinator; and (4) the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund into which Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) receipts derived from leases of tracts available as a result of this Act shall be deposited. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) exclude from the meaning of "air pollutant" carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride; and (2) revise the renewable fuel standard. Repeals: (1) the authorization to withdraw or reissue the "Interagency Cooperation under the Endangered Species Act" rule and the "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Special Rule for Polar Bear"; (2) specified energy efficiency standards for lamps; (3) the prohibition against oil and gas leasing in certain areas of Gulf of Mexico and oil and gas production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; (4) the limitation on using funds for implementing a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land; and (5) the Oil Shale, Tar Sands, and Other Strategic Unconventional Fuels Act of 2005. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the Alaska Offshore Continental Shelf Coordination Office; and (2) assess the capacity of a storage formation that can retain carbon dioxide. Revises the Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Program. Sets forth provisions concerning loans for the construction of coal-to-liquid facilities and technology. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) conduct a natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration program; and (2) audit coal-fired electric generation facilities. Provides for: (1) oil and gas leasing in the OCS, the Atlantic Planning Area, the Pacific Planning Area, the Alaska Planning Area, the Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, and the Coastal Plain; (2) the leasing of oil shale resources; and (3) the treatment of revenues received through oil shale or tar sand leases. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain Coastal Plain lands, including the Sadlerochit Spring area, as Special Areas requiring special management and regulatory protection. Requires the DOE Secretary to implement a Nuclear Power 2010 Program and establish a National Nuclear Energy Council. Authorizes the DOE Secretary to use amounts in the Waste Fund to make grants or contracts with private sector entities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel.

Energy Market Manipulation Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009

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

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 June 2009

ALLOWANCE ALLOCATION POLICIES IN CLIMATE LEGISLATION: ASSISTING CONSUMERS, INVESTING IN A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE, AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 June 2009

Commercializing Small Business Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2009

Commercializing Small Business Research and Development Act - Amends the Small Business Act to state as the policy of Congress that Small Business Administration (SBA) research and development (R&D) programs should focus on promoting R&D of projects governed by commercial business plans which have significant potential to produce products or services for the marketplace or for acquisition by federal agencies. Includes energy-related and rare disease-related research topics as deserving special consideration under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program research topics. Includes nanotechnology-related topics within authorized research topics under the SBIR Program and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program. Requires each federal agency that is required to have an SBIR program and that awards annually $5 billion or more in procurement contracts to establish, for FY2010 and thereafter, annual goals for the commercialization of projects funded by SBIR awards. Directs each federal agency required to conduct an SBIR program to establish a commercialization program that supports the progress of SBIR awardees to the third (final) phase. Provides funding for such commercialization programs.

To declare nuclear energy to be clean energy, for purposes of Federal law.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2009

Declares nuclear energy to be clean energy, for purposes of federal law.

Consumer Assistance Rebate for Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009

Consumer Assistance Rebate for Energy Act - Requires any federal climate change law to return to the American people all proceeds from the sale of allowances or credits, from a tax or fee imposed on greenhouse gas emissions, or from other means through reductions in individual taxes, increases in social security or unemployment benefits, and other direct means.

Roadmap for Addressing Climate Change in China and India Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Roadmap for Addressing Climate Change in China and India Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to prepare an interagency report on climate change and energy policy in China and India and submit such report to specified committees of Congress.

Carbon Leakage Mitigation Study Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Carbon Leakage Mitigation Study Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct studies of: (1) the risk of carbon leakage and changes in U.S. industrial output and investment resulting from the implementation of a cap-and-trade program; and (2) the impact of potential compensatory measures to prevent carbon leakage resulting from a cap-and-trade program.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2010, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2010 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2010, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009 - Establishes: (1) national transportation objectives to provide a 21st century vision for the national surface transportation system, including to promote energy efficiency and achieve energy security, ensure environmental protection and safety for all transportation users, improve economic competitiveness and transportation system conditions, and provide equal access to transportation in urban, suburban, and rural communities; and (2) national transportation performance targets to meet such objectives, including to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled by 16% and transportation-generated carbon dioxide levels by 40%, triple walking, biking, and public transportation use, increase freight transportation provided by railroad and intermodal services by 20%, and improve public safety and lower congestion costs by reducing traffic crashes by 50%. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) develop baseline levels and appropriate data collection systems for meeting the national transportation performance targets; and (2) develop and implement a National Surface Transportation Performance Plan.

To authorize the designation of National Environmental Research Parks by the Secretary of Energy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to designate as permanent protected outdoor research reserves for the purpose of conducting long-term environmental research on the impacts of human activities on the natural environment: (1) Savannah River National Environmental Research Park; (2) Idaho National Environmental Research Park; (3) Los Alamos National Environmental Research Park; (4) Fermi Lab National Environmental Research Park; (5) Hanford National Environmental Research Park; (6) Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park; and (7) Nevada National Environmental Research Park. Requires each site to support environmental research and monitoring activities and public outreach and education activities to characterize and monitor site conditions and serve as control areas for comparison with environmental impacts of DOE land management, energy technology development, remediation, and other site activities outside the Park areas. Requires areas of research and monitoring on the sites to include: (1) ecology of the site and the region; (2) population biology and ecology; (3) radioecology; (4) ecosystem science; (5) pollution fate and transport research; (6) surface and groundwater modeling; and (7) student training. Requires DOE to enter into a cooperative agreement with specified universities to ensure the independence of the research, monitoring, public education, and outreach activities. Requires each site to support an outreach program to inform the public of the diverse ecological activities conducted and to educate students at various levels in environmental science.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 June 2009

A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make loans to electric utilities to carry out projects to comply with any Federal renewable electricity standard, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009

Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct the Secretary of Energy to make loans to electric utilities to reduce their costs of complying with federal renewable energy standards and minimize the impact such standards have on consumers' electricity rates. Requires the use of such loans on projects that are approved by the Secretary, which may include the construction of renewable energy generation facilities or installation of energy efficiency or electricity demand reduction technology. Sets the interest rate on such loans, which may not exceed 30 years, at 0.5% more than the federal funds rate.

Rubbish to Renewables Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009

Rubbish to Renewables Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to fund projects to develop and implement technologies to generate renewable energy from municipal solid waste, generate clean energy jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve landfill space. Provides that a landfill gas control measure in cap-and-trade legislation enacted after the enactment of this Act that reduces greenhouse gas emissions at a level greater than required under federal, state, or local laws shall be considered to meet additionality criteria under that legislation.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 2 June 2009

Next Generation Homes Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009

Next Generation Homes Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the dollar limits on the new energy efficient home tax credit and revise the energy savings requirements for such credit; and (2) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of an energy efficient principal residence.

Clean Energy Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009

Clean Energy Promotion Act - Requires the United States to annually deposit into the BLM Wind Energy and Solar Energy Permit Processing Improvement Fund up to $5 million received as annual wind energy and solar energy right-of-way authorization fees under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Makes the amounts deposited available for salaries and expenses related to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices dedicated to the coordination and processing of wind energy and solar energy permit applications. Authorizes the expenditure or transfer of such amounts as are necessary to: (1) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and (3) state agencies involved in the processing of wind and solar permits on federal lands under the jurisdiction of the BLM.

Supporting the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009

Supports the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week. Recognizes and reaffirms the nation's commitment to High-performance Buildings by promoting awareness about their benefits and new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to information. Recognizes the unique role that the Department of Energy (DOE) plays through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Building Technologies Program, which works closely with the building industry and manufacturers to conduct research and development on technologies and practices for building energy efficiency. Recognizes the important role that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays in developing the measurement science needed to develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate the new building technologies. Encourages further research and development of high-performance building standards, research, and development.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 May 2009

Responsible Use of Coal Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Responsible Use of Coal Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory to carry out a research, development, and demonstration program to advance carbon capture and storage and coal power generation technologies. Requires such program to include a large-scale commercial demonstration program to evaluate the most promising carbon capture and storage technologies and research and development programs for carbon capture technologies, carbon dioxide storage, and advanced clean coal power generation technologies.

Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) include the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy in renewable fuel program activities under such Act; (2) require the Secretary of Energy to periodically update the baseline lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions; (3) revise the definition of "biomass-based diesel" to include certain renewable fuel produced after December 19, 2007; (4) revise the definition of "lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions" to base the measurement of such emissions on recent observable data and consideration of regional differences of renewable fuel production, rather than on indirect land use changes; (5) expand the definition of "renewable biomass"; and (6) require a periodic review of adjustments in greenhouse gas reduction levels.

To reauthorize surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Directs the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) develop a strategic plan annually to guide DOT surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities for the following three years; (2) develop and execute a review process to assess the performance of university transportation centers (UTCs); and (3) report to Congress on how best to strengthen the transfer of transportation-related technology, including through the establishment of transportation technology extension centers at UTCs. Authorizes the Administrator, in order to expand the workforce of transportation professionals, to establish a grant program to fund internships for students participating in the UTC program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a visiting committee on surface transportation research. Moves the Office of Climate Change and Environment into RITA and requires it to coordinate research, development, and technology transfer activities: (1) that focus on transportation-related emissions and energy reduction strategies; and (2) on the impacts of climate change on surface transportation infrastructure. Revises the surface transportation, research, development, and technology program to direct the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education (including consortia) to establish regional UTCs to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities in the field of green transportation infrastructure (i.e., infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes, utilizes natural design techniques, and minimizes energy consumption and pollution). Directs the Administrator to: (1) contract with the National Research Council to review the research, development, and technology transfer activities at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research facility; and (2) establish a pavement research, deployment, and education program. Reauthorizes: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and technology program; and (2) university transportation research.

Affordable Gas Price Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Affordable Gas Price Act - Declares without force or effect all provisions of existing federal law that prohibit spending appropriated funds to conduct oil or natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf. Revokes all existing withdrawals by the President under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal: (1) the withdrawal of public lands within the Coastal Plain from entry or appropriation under federal mining or mineral leasing laws; and (2) the prohibition against the production, leasing, and development of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to shield from judicial review mandatory statements by certain federal officials regarding the environmental impact of federal actions upon the quality of the human environment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) set forth additional incentives for investment in oil refineries; (2) suspend the tax on highway motor fuels when retail gasoline exceeds a certain benchmark; and (3) increase mileage reimbursement rates. Authorizes the President to extend normal trade relations treatment to the products of the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan.

No More Excuses Energy Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

No More Excuses Energy Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow the issuance of tax exempt facility bonds for the financing of domestic use oil refinery facilities; (2) extend the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources; (3) extend through 2018 the energy tax credit for solar energy; (4) set the rate of the excise tax on liquefied natural gas to 24.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel; (5) extend through 2010 the excise tax credit for alternative fuel; (6) allow tax credits for the production of electricity from nuclear energy and the production of fuel from certain onshore wells; and (7) repeal the minimum gas capture requirement for purposes of the carbon dioxide sequestration tax credit. Requires the President to designate at least 10 sites for oil or natural gas refineries on federal lands and make such sites available to the private sector for construction of refineries. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from denying an application for nuclear waste disposal on the grounds of present or future insufficient capacity. American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Repeals the prohibition against producing oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Sets forth requirements for the sale of oil and natural gas leases in the Coastal Plain, environmental protection, transportation easements, and royalty payments to Alaska. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to assist Alaska jurisdictions that are directly impacted by oil and gas exploration and production in the Coastal Plain.

Energy-Efficient Commercial Roofs Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Energy-Efficient Commercial Roofs Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, through 2013, a tax credit for 30% of expenditures for the installation of commercial roofing that meets certain energy efficiency standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Renewable Energy Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Renewable Energy Parity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate after 2010 the reduction in the rate of the tax credit for electricity produced from open-loop biomass, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities (thus allowing the same credit rate for all renewable resource facilities).

Protecting Investment in Oil shale the Next generation of Environmental, Energy and Resource Security (PIONEERS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Protecting Investment in Oil shale the Next generation of Environmental, Energy and Resource Security (PIONEERS) Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources under the terms offered in the solicitation of bids for such leases published on January 15, 2009. Applies the oil shale management final rules published by the Department of the Interior on November 18, 2008, to all commercial leasing for the management of federally owned oil shale, and any associated minerals, located on federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce temporarily any royalties, fees, rentals, bonus, or other payments for leases of federal lands for oil shale resources development and production as necessary to incentivize and encourage development of such resources, if the Secretary determines that such payments, otherwise authorized by law, are hindering production of such resources.

America's Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

America's Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2009 - Amends the Clean Air Act to replace the renewable fuel program with a low-carbon transportation fuel program beginning on January 1, 2015. Defines "low-carbon fuel" as transportation fuel (including renewable fuel, electricity, hydrogen, and other forms of energy) that achieves a specified percentage of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions below a baseline established for transportation fuel sold or distributed in 2005. Requires reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels by an increasing percentage of the baseline between 2015 and 2030 (20% in 2015 to 42.5% in 2030). Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set percentages for 2031 and thereafter using specified criteria. Requires 10% of transportation fuel sold or introduced into U.S. commerce in 2015 to be low-carbon fuel. Increases such percentage by 1.5% each year until 2030. Requires the Administrator to determine percentages for 2031 and subsequent years using specified criteria. Authorizes the Administrator to adjust or waive low-carbon fuel requirements under certain conditions. Allows for the generation of credits for excess production of low-carbon fuel and the transfer of such credits to another person for the purpose of complying with low carbon fuel requirements. Requires the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to assist the EPA Administrator in determining low-carbon fuel requirements by providing an estimate in each year between 2005 and 2021 of the volumes of transportation fuel and low-carbon fuel projected to be sold or introduced into commerce in the United States. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to perform a market concentration analysis of low-carbon fuel production, import, and distribution industries to determine whether there is sufficient competition among industry participants to avoid price-setting and other anticompetitive behavior.

REAP Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Renewable Energy Alternative Production Act or the REAP Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a new tax credit for the production of non-electric energy from renewable resources; (2) an energy tax credit for investment in property used to replace non-electric energy at the production site for such energy; and (3) new clean renewable energy bond financing for renewable non-electiric energy production property.

STORAGE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Storage Technology of Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2009 or the STORAGE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property directly connected to the electrical grid (i.e., state systems of generators, transmission lines, and distribution facilities) and designed to receive, store, and convert energy to electricity and deliver such electricity for sale; (2) make such property eligible for new clean renewable energy bond financing; (3) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property used at the site of energy storage; and (4) allow a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for the installation of energy storage equipment in a principal residence.

OILSAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Oil Independence, Limiting Subsidies, and Accelerating Vehicle Efficiency Act or the OILSAVE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of fuel-efficient motor vehicles; (2) allow a business-related tax credit for the installation of fuel savings components in motor vehicles; and (3) revise the gas guzzler tax for automobiles with fuel economy ratings of less than 24.2 miles per gallon of gasoline (or equivalent amount of other fuel) consumed. Increases civil penalties for violations of manufacturer corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a program to support deployment of low-greenhouse gas and fuel-saving technologies; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce to define and collect data on characteristics of the U.S. truck fleet, with emphasis on data relating to fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas performance.

Community College Energy Training Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Community College Energy Training Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to create a program awarding grants to community colleges to provide workforce training and education in sustainable energy industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) energy efficient construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) sustainable energy technologies; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agriculture and farming. Requires at least one-half of the grant funds to be awarded to community colleges with existing sustainability programs leading to certificates or degrees in one or more of the industries or practices listed above.

Energy Fairness for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Energy Fairness for America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production of oil, natural gas, or related products; (2) terminate the tax credit for producing crude oil and gas from marginal wells; (3) repeal the exception from passive activity rules for working interests in oil or gas property; (4) extend to seven years the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenditures; (5) terminate the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs; and (6) terminate the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas wells.

EnergySmart Transport Corridors Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

EnergySmart Transport Corridors Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) establish an EnergySmart Transport Corridor program; and (2) coordinate the planning and deployment of measures, as well as designate EnergySmart transport corridors, to increase the energy efficiency of the Interstate System and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other environmental pollutants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to states to assist in the development of corridors. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations through FY2015 for the Idle Reduction and Energy Conservation Deployment Program.

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish an EnergyGrant Competitive Education Program to competitively award grants to consortia of institutions of higher education in regions to conduct research, extension, and education programs relating to the energy needs of the region.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive matching grants to consortia of institutions of higher education (IHEs) located in at least six regions covering all the states to conduct research, extension, and education programs relating to the energy needs of such regions. Includes among such needs: (1) the promotion of low-carbon clean and green energy and related jobs; (2) the development of low-carbon green fuels to reduce dependency on oil; (3) the development of energy storage and energy management innovations for intermittent renewable technologies; and (4) the accelerated deployment of efficient-energy technologies in buildings and manufacturing facilities. Allows federally funded research and development centers to be members of such consortia. Requires each grantee to maintain an Energy Analysis Center to provide the IHEs in the region with analysis and data management support. Authorizes appropriations for this Act's grant program and the Department of Energy's Sun Grant program, which supports research involving bioenergy and biofuels production.

REPAIR Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Renewable Energy Parity and Investment Remedy Act or REPAIR Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate after 2010 the reduction in the rate of the tax credit for electricity produced from open-loop biomass, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities (thus allowing the same credit rate for all renewable resource facilities).

Reenergize America Loan Program Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Reenergize America Loan Program Act of 2009 - Establishes: (1) within the Department of Energy (DOE) the Reenergize America Loan Program, under which the Secretary of Energy shall allocate funds to states for use in providing zero-interest loans to qualified persons to carry out residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation energy efficiency and renewable generation projects contained in approved state energy conservation plans; and (2) the Reenergize America Loan Program Fund. Requires the Secretary, in allocating funds, to consider: (1) the likely energy savings and renewable energy potential of the plans; (2) regional energy needs; and (3) the equitable distribution of funds among regions. Requires states that seek to receive allocations to: (1) submit to the Secretary a five-year plan for the administration and distribution of funds; (2) agree to annual audits; and (3) reapply for a subsequent allocation at the end of the five-year period. Limits the amount of a loan provided by a state to $5 million and the term of a loan to four years. Authorizes states that receive allocations to: (1) impose on loan recipients a fee to cover the costs incurred by the state in administering the loan; and (2) retain the return of principal from loans for the purpose of making additional loans.

National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2009 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Development Bank as a wholly owned government corporation. Makes the Bank's Board of Directors responsible for monitoring and overseeing energy, environmental, telecommunications, and transportation infrastructure projects. Authorizes the Board to: (1) issue public benefit bonds and provide direct subsidies to infrastructure projects; (2) borrow on the global capital market and lend to entities and commercial banks for funding infrastructure projects; and (3) purchase, pool, and sell infrastructure-related loans and securities on such market. Requires the Board to establish criteria for determining project eligibility for financial assistance under this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Bank's executive committee and audit committee. Requires the Bank to establish a risk management committee, which shall: (1) create financial, credit, and operational risk management guidelines for the Bank; (2) set standards to ensure diversification of lending activities by both region and infrastructure project type; and (3) create conforming standards for infrastructure finance securities. Exempts all notes, debentures, bonds or other such obligations issued by the Bank, and the interest on or credits with respect to such bonds or other obligations, from state or local government taxation. Terminates the Bank after 15 years.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the credit period for certain open-loop biomass facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the credit period for open-loop biomass facilities eligible for the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources.

Community Development Block Grant Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Community Development Block Grant Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to revise requirements for activities eligible for community development block grant (CDBG) assistance. Increases from 15% to 50% the limitation on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used to provide public services (e.g., those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs). Repeals certain conditions on the use of such assistance by a local government.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2009

Philip L. Verveer, of the District of Columbia, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Communications and Information Policy in the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs and U. S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy.

United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2009

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2009

Foreign Relations Authorization and Reform Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Foreign Relations Authorization and Reform Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - Authorizes FY2010-FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Department of State (Department) for the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) centers and foundations. Revises provisions regarding local guard and protective service contracts in high risk areas abroad. Extends the program of grants for scholarships to U.S.-sponsored elementary and secondary schools in countries with predominantly Muslim populations. Names scholarships under the United States-South Pacific Scholarship Program as Burton Scholarships. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an educational exchange program between the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries (Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program). Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an exchange and scholarship program in cooperation with the Women's Legislative Caucus in Liberia; and (2) a public diplomacy plan in the event that temporary protected status is extended to Haitian nationals in the United States. Extends the passport surcharge authority. Directs the President to provide grants to nongovernmental organizations to support sustainable economic development, cultural and historical preservation, health care, education, and environmental projects for Tibetan communities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in the the People's Republic of China (PRC). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Tibet Section within the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, PRC, until such time as a U.S. consulate in Tibet is established. Directs the Secretary to seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship Program and a Security Officers Exchange Program under which the Secretary may temporarily assign a Foreign Service member to a position with any designated country or entity that permits an employee to be assigned to a Department position. Revises Foreign Service member-related provisions. Directs the Secretary to provide for the protection of intellectual property rights of U.S. persons in other countries. States that it should be U.S. policy to ensure that same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service Officers are provided with the same benefits, protections, and services currently provided to eligible family members under the Foreign Affairs Manual. Authorizes appropriations for the refurbishment or replacement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. Prohibits U.S. contributions from being made to: (1) the Durban Review Conference; (2) Iran-led organizations within the United Nations; (3) the United Nations Human Rights Council; and (4) the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Withholds certain U.N. funds. Authorizes appropriations for international broadcasting. Establishes permanent authority for Radio Free Asia. United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2009 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to: (1) shifting the funding mechanism for the regular budget of the United Nations from an assessed to a voluntary basis; (2) reform of U.N. peacekeeping operations; and (3) Security Council expansion. Withholds a portion of nonvoluntary U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations unless the Secretary of State makes specified certifications. Establishes the Office of the United States Inspector General for Contributions to the United Nations System. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of a U.S. contribution to any U.N. entity unless the entity has provided the Inspector General with a transparency certification. Withholds annual U.S. contributions to UNRWA and to the United Nations Human Rights Council until certain conditions are certified. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to: (1) establish an Office of Compliance in the Secretariat of the IAEA; and (2) prohibit Iran's access to nuclear material, technology, equipment, or assistance until the IAEA determines that Iran is providing full access to IAEA inspectors and has permanently ceased and dismantled all nuclear-enrichment and reprocessing activities. Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act of 2009 - Authorizes the President to impose specified sanctions on any country in the Western Hemisphere that the President has determined is engaged in state sponsored terrorism, is carrying out policies that threaten U.S. national security interests, or is not fully cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism or nonproliferation efforts. Redirects 50% of the U.S. contribution to the Organization of American States (OAS) to the OAS Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, the OAS Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, and the Western Hemisphere Regional Coordination Centers. Directs the Secretary to negotiate the establishment of: (1) Western Hemisphere Regional Coordination Centers; and (2) the Western Hemisphere Nonproliferation Partnership Initiative. Places restrictions on nuclear cooperation with countries assisting the nuclear program of Venezuela or Cuba. Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the President to perform a strategic review and assessment of the U.S. export controls system. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for specified performance requirements for license applications to export or import United States Munitions List items; (2) ensure that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has the necessary staff and resources; and (3) review the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the United States Munitions List to determine those technologies and goods that warrant different or additional controls. Authorizes the President, under specified conditions, to provide for special licensing authorization for exports of spare and replacement parts or components of defense items exported to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand. Directs the President to make available to the appropriate congressional committees Arms Export Control Act-related directives concerning export policies, practices, and regulations. Authorizes the President to remove satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List, except for any satellite or related component that may be transferred to, or launched into outer space by, the PRC. Directs the Inspector General to review Department investigations of possible misuse of United States-origin defense items. Revises penalty provisions with respect to: (1) control of arms exports and imports; and (2) military sales agent fees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide training, procurement, and capacity-building for foreign military and counterterrorism forces in order to: (1) conduct counterterrorist operations; or (2) participate in military and stability operations with the United States. Extends through FY2011 the President's authority to transfer excess items to the Department of Defense War Reserve Stockpile. Authorizes the President for FY2010-FY2011 to provide for the crating, packing, handling, and transportation of excess defense articles to specified countries. Directs the President to designate a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Implement the Merida Initiative. Authorizes the the President to incorporate the CARICOM countries into the Merida Initiative. Sets forth specified reporting and assessment provisions. Authorizes assistance to support the reunification of Cyprus. Places specified limitations on assistance to: (1) the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM); and (2) the Palestinian Authority (PA). Sets forth U.S. policy and sense of Congress statements regarding: (1) Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarchate; (2) civilian nuclear cooperation with Jordan; (3) religious freedom in Vietnam; (4) Israel; and (5) the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC). Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to administer a grant program to promote freedom of the press worldwide. Directs the President, through the Secretary, to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage in developing countries. Authorizes a program to improve building construction in Haiti. Makes FY2010-FY2011 funds available for contributions to the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance. Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to direct the President to impose two or more current sanctions under such Act if a person has, with actual knowledge, made an investment of $20 million or more (or any combination of investments of at least $5 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $20 million in any 12-month period) that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources. (Under current law the sanction thresholds are $40 million, $10 million, and $40 million, respectively.) Directs the President to impose: (1) sanctions established under this Act (in addition to any current sanctions imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996) if a person has, with actual knowledge, sold, leased, or provided to Iran any goods, services, technology, information, or support that would allow Iran to maintain or expand its domestic production of refined petroleum resources; and (2) sanctions established under this Act if a person has, with actual knowledge, provided Iran with refined petroleum resources or engaged in any activity that could contribute to Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources. Establishes additional sanctions prohibiting specified foreign exchange, banking, and property transactions. Limitation on Nuclear Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates Act of 2009 - Prohibits any agreement for cooperation from entering into force or any license to be issued for the export of nuclear material, equipment, or technology between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unless the President makes specified certifications. Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2009 - Provides that a state law creating a cause of action against an insurer or related company based on a claim arising out of a covered policy (in effect at any time after January 30, 1933, and before December 31, 1945, issued to a policyholder in any Nazi-controlled area) shall not be invalid by reason of any Executive agreement between the United States and any foreign country. Belarus Arms Transfers Accountability Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding: (1) exports of weapons and related services by the government of Belarus and Belarusian enterprises; (2) whether civilian nuclear cooperation agreements and activities involving Iran, Belarus, or Venezuela are being used to spread nuclear arms technology and expertise; and (3) sale or delivery of weapons or weapons-related technologies from Belarus to any country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Richard G. Newell, of North Carolina, to be Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, vice Guy F. Caruso.

United States · United States Senate · 18 May 2009

Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 - States that it is the policy of the United States to support the decision of state and local governments and educational institutions to divest from, and to prohibit the investment of assets they control in, persons that have investments of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit the investment of assets they control in, such persons, including financial institutions which extend them credit to so invest. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by such persons. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to shield from treatment as breaching a fiduciary duty any person divesting employee benefit plan assets from, or avoiding investing plan assets in, such persons.