Energy

Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study and establish research and demonstration sites on agrivoltaic systems. The bill defines agrivoltaic system as a system under which solar energy production and agricultural production, including crop or animal production, occur in an integrated manner on the same piece of land through the duration of a project. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to study agrivoltaic systems, which includes conducting a review of current research and identifying research gaps. USDA must also develop a five-year plan for using USDA's research, extension, outreach, conservation, and renewable energy activities to better support agrivoltaic systems that do not displace agricultural production. USDA must also develop a definition for agrivoltaic system for the purposes of incorporating these systems into federal agriculture and energy programs, and investment tax credits. In addition, the Agricultural Research Service must establish and maintain a network of agrivoltaic systems research and demonstration sites in multiple U.S. regions to investigate increasing agricultural productivity and profitability, enhancing agricultural resilience, protecting biodiversity, and increasing economic opportunities in rural communities.

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2023

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 This bill increases the federal debt limit, establishes new discretionary spending limits, rescinds unobligated funds, and expands work requirements for federal programs. Specifically, the bill suspends the federal debt limit through January 1, 2025, and increases the limit on January 2, 2025, to accommodate the obligations issued during the suspension period. In addition, the bill establishes new discretionary spending limits for FY2024 and FY2025 that are enforced with sequestration (i.e., automatic spending cuts). It also changes the limits to 1% below the FY2023 base funding levels if a continuing resolution is in effect on or after January 1, 2024, or on or after January 1, 2025, because all 12 regular appropriations bills were not enacted by the end of the prior year. The bill also includes provisions that rescind certain unobligated funds that were provided to address COVID-19 and to the Internal Revenue Service; provide funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs Cost of War Toxic Exposure Fund; provide funding for the Department of Commerce Nonrecurring Expenses Fund; provide statutory authority through 2024 for the requirement for agencies that propose certain administrative actions that will increase direct spending to also propose at least one administrative action that will decrease direct spending by at least the same amount (commonly known as administrative pay-as-you-go rules); terminate the suspension of federal student loan payments; expand the work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and expedite the permitting process for certain energy projects.

WORKER Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Widening Opportunities to Recapture Key Energy Roles Act or the WORKER Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE), when considering awards for existing grant programs, to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing-related jobs. Further, DOE must prioritize the education and training of underrepresented groups in such jobs. In carrying out the bill, DOE must establish a clearinghouse to (1) maintain and update information and resources on training and workforce development programs for such jobs; and (2) provide technical assistance for states, schools, and other specified entities. DOE must also conduct outreach to minority-serving institutions of higher education and dislocated energy and manufacturing workers.

Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of Renewable Fuels Month. It also recognizes the role renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices, supporting rural communities, and lessening the reliance of the United States on foreign adversaries.

Financing Our Energy Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Financing Our Energy Future Act This bill expands the types of partnerships that qualify for treatment as publicly traded partnerships instead of as corporations for tax purposes. Under current law, partnerships that meet certain gross income requirements (i.e., at least 90% of the partnership's gross income in a taxable year consists of qualifying income) are excepted from being treated as a corporation for tax purposes. This bill expands the sources of income that are considered qualifying income and make a partnership eligible for such an exception. Specifically, the bill provides that income derived from the generation of specified alternative energy, alternative fuel projects, or the associated property, storage, or transportation for such projects (e.g., the conversion of renewable biomass into renewable fuel or the storage or transportation of such fuel) is considered qualifying income.

GROWING THE DOMESTIC ENERGY SECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN AND MANUFACTURING BASE: ARE FEDERAL EFFORTS WORKING?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 May 2023

American Offshore Wind Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

American Offshore Wind Opportunity Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study analyzing the policy and regulatory options that could be adopted to  increase the roles of U.S. vessels and mariners in offshore wind turbine installation to meet the goal of developing 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The bill requires the study to assess the number of workers needed to crew offshore vessels, the number of workers needed for related jobs (e.g., manufacturing and operating offshore wind projects), the skills required for such employment, and the gaps in the availability of registered apprenticeship programs. The study must also assess the capacity of U.S. shipyards to build wind turbine installation vessels and consider the investments that would best promote the use of a U.S. manufactured fleet of offshore wind vessels. 

Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Wildfire Grid Resiliency Act This bill requires the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response of the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a Resilience Accelerator Demonstration Program. Under the program, the office must make awards to DOE's National Laboratories for projects that demonstrate innovative technologies to improve the electric grid's resilience to wildfires, such as technologies for monitoring vegetation management or enhancing the safety of first responders who respond to electric grid emergencies.

National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to support domestic research and development of unmanned aircraft systems (e.g., drones) and advanced air mobility (e.g., new aircraft models that transport passengers, goods, and services more efficiently or to areas that are difficult to reach). For example, the bill establishes an interagency working group to coordinate federal efforts and develop a strategic plan to support this technology. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the procurement and use of foreign-made technology by the federal government.  In addition, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must establish a program to create institutes that support interdisciplinary research into this technology through public-private partnerships. The National Institute of Standards and Technology must also support these institutes and develop technical standards for this technology, such as security standards.  The National Science Foundation must support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and training about this technology, such as though grants to educational institutions and nonprofits. The bill also directs several agencies to research the potential of this technology and how it can be integrated into their programs and activities, including NASA, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill specifically prohibits using any funds that are authorized under this bill to purchase, acquire, or operate technology from North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, or any other foreign country of concern, other than to further research and development of U.S. technology.  

TAX INCENTIVES IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT: JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN ENERGY COMMUNITIES

United States · United States Senate · 18 May 2023

Mountain Valley Pipeline Completion Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Mountain Valley Pipeline Completion Act This bill establishes requirements to expedite the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which is a natural gas pipeline located in Virginia and West Virginia. Specifically, the bill ratifies and approves all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to federal law related to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. In addition, the bill establishes a deadline by which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must issue permits or verifications necessary to complete the construction of the pipeline across the waters of the United States and to allow for the operation and maintenance of the pipeline, the Forest Service must amend the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Jefferson National Forest as specified by the bill, and the Department of Interior must grant specified rights-of-way and temporary use permits. Finally, the bill prohibits judicial review of certain approvals related to the pipeline. 

Domestic USA Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Domestic Uranium Saves America Act or the Domestic USA Act This bill includes uranium on the critical minerals list. In 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) published a list of critical minerals, including uranium, in response to an executive order that called for a federal strategy to ensure secure and reliable supplies of critical minerals. The USGS updates the list every three years and includes certain minerals that are essential to economic or national security and have a supply chain vulnerable to disruption. In 2022, USGS removed uranium from the list. The bill reinstates uranium as a critical mineral. 

Advanced Nuclear Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

21st Century American Atomic Energy Age Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

EVs for All Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Electric Vehicles for All Act of 2023 or the EVs for All Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy to carry out a program that awards grants to eligible entities (i.e., public housing agencies, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations) to facilitate electric vehicle sharing services operated at public housing projects.

BAN Fossil Fuel Exports Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Block All New Fossil Fuel Exports Act or the BAN Fossil Fuel Exports Act This bill requires the President to ban the exportation of crude oil and natural gas produced in the United States. The President may provide an exemption to the ban in specified circumstances. 

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act This bill imposes prohibitions and limitations on funding for various Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) weapons programs. Weapons subjected to prohibitions or limitations under this bill include Columbia-class submarines, intercontinental ballistic missiles, low-yield nuclear warheads, and space-based missile defense systems. The bill also requires various reports to Congress, including a joint report from DOD and DOE outlining the estimated cost savings resulting from this bill.

ARC Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Advanced Reactor Coordination Act or the ARC Act This bill directs the President to consider the feasibility of leveraging existing activities or frameworks or, as necessary, establishing an Advanced Reactor Coordination and Resource Center to assist embarking civil nuclear nation countries in developing or expanding civil nuclear energy programs. An  embarking civil nuclear nation means a country that (1) does not have a civil nuclear energy program; (2) is in the process of developing or expanding a civil nuclear energy program; (3) is in the process of selecting, developing, constructing, or utilizing advanced light water reactors, advanced nuclear reactors, or advanced civil nuclear technologies; or (4) had an annual per capita gross domestic product of no more than $28,000 in 2020. The term excludes China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Burma, and certain countries that pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States or support acts of international terrorism. The term  civil nuclear means activities relating to nuclear plant construction or operations, nuclear fuel services, nuclear energy financing, nuclear plant regulation, nuclear medicine, nuclear safety, community engagement, infrastructure support for nuclear energy, nuclear plant decommissioning, nuclear liability, safe storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel, environmental safeguards, nuclear nonproliferation and security, and technology related to such activities. 

Strategic Nuclear Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Strategic Nuclear Infrastructure Act This bill establishes a Strategic Infrastructure Fund Working Group to provide input to the National Security Council and other appropriate federal agencies on the feasibility of establishing a Strategic Infrastructure Fund that may be used to support capital-intensive infrastructure projects related to civil nuclear technologies, microprocessors, and other strategic investments.

Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Supporting American Independence in Innovation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Supporting American Independence in Innovation Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Energy from disbursing any financial award, such as a grant, to any entity that (1) is in a joint venture with a state-owned enterprise owned by China, or (2) has a board of directors that includes an individual who has participated in a foreign talent recruitment program administered by China. 

Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

SARFA Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Securing American Research from Foreign Adversaries Act or the SARFA Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to administer polygraphs to foreign nationals of countries of concern as a condition of their employment at or internal access to the department's national laboratories. Covered countries include China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, and any other country designated by the Department of State. The bill also specifically applies provisions that require the department to assess the security risks of certain research activities, and that prohibit entities of concern from participating in these activities, to all programs and activities of the department, including the department's national laboratories.

No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Indo-Pacific Strategic Energy Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2023 This bill provides for programs and activities in support of forest restoration, wildfire mitigation, and energy resilience. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall establish a pilot program under which it may enter into conservation finance agreements with public or private persons to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration and land management projects across the National Forest System. The bill provides for an increased federal cost share for conservation finance projects that would primarily benefit one or more low-income communities and for which the nonfederal entities involved cannot meet a specified cost share requirement. The Department of Energy shall establish a program to support critical facilities (e.g., hospitals), including by improving the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities through the development and use of microgrids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduced electricity demand, and on-site storage. The bill expands the weatherization assistance program to support the use of fire-resistant materials. The bill directs USDA and the Department of the Interior to take actions to improve the detection and monitoring of wildfires. USDA and Interior shall establish one or more centers in western states to train individuals in methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk. USDA shall establish a competitive grant program to support workforce development in forestry and fire management. USDA may issue grants to increase community capacity for land stewardship activities.

EVs for All Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Electric Vehicles for All Act of 2023 or the EVs for All Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy to carry out a program that awards grants to eligible entities (i.e., public housing agencies, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations) to facilitate electric vehicle sharing services operated at public housing projects.

BAN Fossil Fuel Exports Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Block All New Fossil Fuel Exports Act or the BAN Fossil Fuel Exports Act This bill requires the President to ban the exportation of crude oil and natural gas produced in the United States. The President may provide an exemption to the ban in specified circumstances. 

Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act of 2023 This bill makes changes to grant programs administered by the Forest Service to promote wood products. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies a program that supports capital costs for installing community wood energy systems and building innovative wood products facilities, including by increasing the maximum grant amount per facility. The bill also modifies a program that provides grants to develop and expand the market for innovative wood products. Specifically, the bill (1) modifies the grant priorities, and (2) increases the portion of a project's cost that may be covered by such a grant.

La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

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

Emergency Wildfire Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2023 This bill provides for programs and activities in support of forest restoration, wildfire mitigation, and energy resilience. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall establish a pilot program under which it may enter into conservation finance agreements with public or private persons to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration and land management projects across the National Forest System. The bill provides for an increased federal cost share for conservation finance projects that would primarily benefit one or more low-income communities and for which the nonfederal entities involved cannot meet a specified cost share requirement. The Department of Energy shall establish a program to support critical facilities (e.g., hospitals), including by improving the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities through the development and use of microgrids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduced electricity demand, and on-site storage. The bill expands the weatherization assistance program to support the use of fire-resistant materials. The bill directs USDA and the Department of the Interior to take actions to improve the detection and monitoring of wildfires. USDA and Interior shall establish one or more centers in western states to train individuals in methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk. USDA shall establish a competitive grant program to support workforce development in forestry and fire management. USDA may issue grants to increase community capacity for land stewardship activities.

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2023 This bill allows for the reporting of certain positive consumer-credit information to consumer reporting agencies. Specifically, a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development may report information related to a consumer's performance in making payments either under a lease agreement for a dwelling or pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. However, information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications service may be reported only to the extent that the information relates to payment by the consumer for such service or other terms of the provision of that service. Furthermore, an energy-utility firm may not report a consumer's outstanding balance as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of that plan. Specified provisions that establish civil liability with respect to furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies shall not apply to any violation of the bill. The Government Accountability Office must report on the consumer impact of such reporting.

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2023 This bill allows for the reporting of certain positive consumer-credit information to consumer reporting agencies. Specifically, a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development may report information related to a consumer's performance in making payments either under a lease agreement for a dwelling or pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. However, information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications service may be reported only to the extent that the information relates to payment by the consumer for such service or other terms of the provision of that service. Furthermore, an energy-utility firm may not report a consumer's outstanding balance as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of that plan. Specified provisions that establish civil liability with respect to furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies shall not apply to any violation of the bill. The Government Accountability Office must report on the consumer impact of such reporting.

Reclaiming the Solar Supply Chain Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Reclaiming the Solar Supply Chain Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program that awards grants and direct loans to support a solar component manufacturing supply chain. Under the program, DOE must award grants and loans to manufacturers and other eligible entities for (1) constructing new facilities that manufacture solar components; and (2) retooling, retrofitting, or expanding existing facilities that manufacture solar components.

Mission not Emissions Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Mission not Emissions Act This bill prohibits any requirement for recipients of federal contracts to (1) disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risk, (2) report on greenhouse gas emissions, or (3) develop and submit greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for validation by nongovernmental organizations.

End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2023 This bill specifies requirements for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with respect to certain federal land that is covered by a reasonably foreseeable development scenario (i.e., a long-term projection of oil and gas development), must not offer the land for lease until such scenario includes an assessment of the land's oil and gas potential that specifically identifies the potential for all acres subject to decisions on availability for leasing. If certain federal land that is otherwise available for leasing of oil and gas resources is not covered by a reasonably foreseeable development scenario, the BLM must complete such a scenario prior to making the land available for lease in accordance with the requirements and factors described in this bill. In general, the BLM must not offer for lease certain federal land otherwise available for leasing of oil and gas resources if such land is designated in the applicable reasonably foreseeable development scenario as having low or no potential for the development of oil or gas resources. However, the bill provides for a variance process. With respect to each of these requirements, exceptions apply for federal land that is leased for the purpose of preventing oil or gas drainage or that meets specified requirements related to size and proximity to an oil- or gas-producing well.

National Infrastructure Investment Corporation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

National Infrastructure Investment Corporation Act of 2023 This bill establishes the National Infrastructure Investment Corporation as a government corporation to finance infrastructure projects that are beyond the financing capabilities of states and cities, including to (1) prioritize projects in a fair and efficient manner, and (2) minimize financial costs to the federal government. The corporation must provide loans, loan guarantees, and bonds to eligible applicants for infrastructure projects (including transportation, energy, environment, and telecommunications projects) in the United States. The corporation must submit a report to Congress describing each application 60 days before any loan or loan guarantee is awarded under this bill. The corporation may award the loan or loan agreement after such period unless Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the application with an explanation for such disapproval. An application that addresses the basis for the disapproval may be resubmitted to the corporation. Every five years, the Government Accountability Office must evaluate the activities of the corporation from the previous five fiscal years and submit a report to Congress.

HAVENS Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Housing America's Veterans and Ensuring they have Needed Services Act or the HAVENS Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a six-year pilot program to provide grants for the creation of five villages of tiny homes for homeless veterans. Under the bill, the villages must have associated supportive services to allow veterans to live in energy efficient homes, maintain social connections with each other, learn skills, and receive critical counseling. Under the bill, a tiny home is an individual housing unit that is approximately 240 square feet for one person or approximately 340 square feet if the home is for a family.

Fuels Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Manufactured Housing Affordability and Energy Efficiency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Commending the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

This resolution commends the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility corporation, on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933. It also honors the accomplishments of the TVA in improving navigation, controlling floods, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing electricity. Further, it recognizes the TVA, its employees, and its retirees for their service in the areas of energy, the environment, and economic development in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of May 2023 as the Renewable Fuels Month. It also recognizes the role renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices, supporting rural communities, and lessening the reliance of the United States on foreign adversaries.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONGRESS TO REFORM THE PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ENERGY AND MINERAL PROJECTS

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2023

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S EXECUTIVE OVERREACH AND ITS IMPACT ON AMERICAN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 May 2023

THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 May 2023

Energy Emergency Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Energy Emergency Leadership Act This bill expands the list of functions that the Secretary of Energy must assign to assistant secretaries under the Department of Energy Organization Act to include energy emergency and energy security functions, such as responsibilities with respect to infrastructure and cybersecurity. The Department of Energy must ensure that such functions are performed in coordination with relevant federal agencies.

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions of the low-income housing tax credit and renames it as the affordable housing tax credit . The bill increases the per capita dollar amount of the credit and its minimum ceiling amount beginning in 2023 and extends the inflation adjustment for such amounts. The bill modifies tenant income eligibility requirements and the average income formula for determining such income. It also revises rules for student occupancy of rental units and tenant voucher payments, and prohibits any refusal to rent to victims of domestic abuse. The bill further modifies the credit to increase state allocations of the credit; repeal the qualified census tract population cap; prohibit consideration of local approval and local government contribution requirements for housing projects; increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households; increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies; eliminate the basis reduction for properties that receive certain energy-related tax benefits; and increase the population cap for difficult development areas (i.e., areas with high construction, land, and utility costs relative to area median gross income). The bill also includes Indian and rural areas as difficult development areas and modifies other requirements relating to casualty losses, tax-exempt bond financing, and foreclosures.

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions of the low-income housing tax credit and renames it as the affordable housing tax credit . The bill increases the per capita dollar amount of the credit and its minimum ceiling amount beginning in 2023 and extends the inflation adjustment for such amounts. The bill modifies tenant income eligibility requirements and the average income formula for determining such income. It also revises rules for student occupancy of rental units and tenant voucher payments, and prohibits any refusal to rent to victims of domestic abuse. The bill further modifies the credit to increase state allocations of the credit; repeal the qualified census tract population cap; prohibit consideration of local approval and local government contribution requirements for housing projects; increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households; increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies; eliminate the basis reduction for properties that receive certain energy-related tax benefits; and increase the population cap for difficult development areas (i.e., areas with high construction, land, and utility costs relative to area median gross income). The bill also includes Indian and rural areas as difficult development areas and modifies other requirements relating to casualty losses, tax-exempt bond financing, and foreclosures.

CREST Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies Act of 2023 or the CREST Act of 2023 This bill expands the current research and development programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for capturing and storing carbon dioxide to include methods that harness natural processes, such as the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its storage in geological, biobased, or ocean reservoirs. In addition, the bill establishes a five-year pilot program under which DOE must purchase from certain facilities carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere or upper hydrosphere.