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351 records in US in 1979
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Energy should issue a rule to assure that activities directly related to coal exploration, extraction, and production receive 100 percent of their current needs for diesel fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to accelerate the development of geothermal energy in the United States. Title II: Amendments to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 -Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to expand the acreage limitation on holders of geothermal leases to 51,200 acres, except as specified. Provides for an expedited bidding and leasing system for lands within any known geothermal resources area. Establishes the Interagency Geothermal Leasing Committee to review the activities of the several agencies and departments pursuant to this Act and to take such action as necessary to fully implement this Act. Directs such Committee to report to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council in response to any requests for information or recommendations. Directs such Committee to commission a training and education program on geothermal leasing and operations for Federal surface management field managers in the appropriate departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe amendments to existing rules and regulations and to issue any necessary new rules and regulations to carry out this Act, and exempts such actions from being construed as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to develop cooperative agreements with the Governor of each State in which are located lands subject to this Act for coordination of Federal, State, and local decisionmaking related to environmental analyses, permit approvals, and land use planning. Sets forth geothermal lease application and permits procedures. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior, to establish annual goals for the five future fiscal years for geothermal leasing. Requires the development of an expedited procedure for consideration and approval of permits for exploration and testing for geothermal resources. Stipulates that the establishment of such procedure shall be deemed to satisfy any requirements of NEPA applicable to any such exploration and testing activities. Permits any applicant for a geothermal lease to use a conditioned development lease with a phased environmental assessment and leasing procedure which shall limit the scope of consideration by the Secretary of the Interior as to compliance with the requirements of NEPA. Stipulates that any lessee seeks to conduct any operations of a developmental nature must prepare a detailed plan of development and utilization in accordance with requirements specified by the Secretary. Sets deadlines for review and final action on such plans. Permits exploration and testing activities on lands subject to this Act included in wilderness study areas pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act, so long as such activities are not conducted in a manner which would permanently impair wilderness values. Authorizes the Secretary to grant no-cost permits to specified surface owners or occupants of lands subject to this Act or to the Stock Raising Homestead Act for use of geothermal resources within such lands. Authorizes any Federal agency with an installation or facility located on or contiguous to lands subject to this Act to apply for a geothermal lease for use of geothermal resources by such installation or facility, provided that a determination has been made that such lease will not discourage or preclude commercial development of geothermal resources on such lands. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement orderly and expeditious procedures for the processing of all lease and permit applications pursuant to this Act. Title III: Amendments to the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 - Geothermal Research, Development, and Demonstration Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to establish the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council to be assisted by an Advisory Committee on Geothermal Energy. Extends the period of guaranties and interest assistance under the loan guaranty program of such Act to ten years beyond September 3, 1979. Authorizes guaranties of up to 90 percent of the aggregate cost of a geothermal resource project conducted by a publicly owned utility. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Administrator of the Rural Electric Administration, the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, with the approval of the Secretary of Energy, to utilize funds in the Geothermal Resources Development Fund established by such Act for loan or loan guaranty assistance for geothermal energy development and directly related activity by means of loan and loan guarantee programs otherwise authorized by law in such agencies and departments. Limits the total amount of such fund available for such purposes to $50,000,000 per fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for the accelerated development of geothermal resources for non-electric applications by geothermal utility districts, geothermal industrial development districts, and projects, and other persons. States that such loans shall be funded by the Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to such Fund for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement expeditious procedures for the processing of loan guarantee applications under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a complete review of all considerations associated with the accelerated development of geopressured methane in the United States and on the Outer Continental Shelf, addressing legal, institutional, and regulatory barriers to such development and the current status of technology development to support such accelerated development. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a similar review of accelerated development of the energy potential of hot dry rock systems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Committee and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a complete review of the need for environmental control technology, generic or specialized for a particular form of geothermal energy, to support the accelerated development of all forms of geothermal energy. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a program in cooperation with the insurance and reinsurance industry to provide reservoir insurance to any qualified eligible applicant having a total direct investment of not less than $1,000,000 in the development and use of a geothermal resource associated with a reservoir. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for the purposes of such program. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the utilization of geothermal energy in Federal buildings, facilities, and installations in the United States, to be developed in full coordination with existing programs for solar utilization and energy conservation. Title IV: Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act - Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious process for Federal approval of geothermal energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority geothermal energy projects based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such project. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency of department fails to meet its deadline. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions pursuant to this title and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title V: Geothermal Amendments of 1979 to the National Energy Act of 1978 - Geothermal Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Energy Tax act of 1978 to: (1) qualify geothermal equipment for the investment tax credit; (2) provide that the time period during which geothermal equipment may qualify for such credit shall extend to December 31, 1989; (3) eliminate as an item of tax preference, for purposes of the minimum tax, the amount by which the intangible drilling costs incurred with respect to geothermal properties exceed the net income of the taxpayer from such properties for the taxable year; and (4) permit the deduction of intangible drilling and development costs related to geothermal reinjection wells in the taxable year in which such costs are incurred. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to include facilities which produce energy from geothermal resources within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish a national goal, beginning five years after the date of enactment of this Act, for the domestic production of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks ("synthetics") at a daily rate equivalent to 500,000 barrels of crude oil. Directs the President, after determining that such goal would not otherwise be attainable, to: (1) enter into contracts to purchase or commit to purchase synthetics to the extent necessary to assure the attainment of that goal; and (2) (A) provide that such synthetics be used to meet the Government's fuel and chemical feedstock requirements to the extent the President determines appropriate, or be transferred to and stored in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; or (B) exercise the option under the contract not to take delivery of synthetics not to be used or stored. Sets forth certain contract requirements, including: (1) time of entry; (2) price; (3) bidding procedure; (4) quantity limitations per person or affiliate; (5) location and financing of the manufacturing facilities; (6) payment; and (7) transportation, storage, processing, and refining. Directs the President to submit annual reports to Congress detailing: (1) actions taken under this provision; (2) recommendations; and (3) the identity of persons awarded such contracts. Authorizes appropriations for payments under this Act for the fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Residential Energy Audit Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require a residential building owner offering his building for sale to make a copy of the energy unit audit report on such building available to the purchaser, if the building is served by a utility offering a residential energy conservation program, and is financed by any institution the deposits of which are insured by a Federal agency. Prohibits any such financial institution from providing financing for the purchase of a residential building served by such a utility unless such institution has received a current energy audit report on the building.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Residential Furnace Improvement and Cost Savings Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require the Secretary of Energy to publish in the Federal Register a list of energy conservation retrofit devices found to improve energy efficiency of home heating and cooling devices and which can qualify for the residential energy credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires manufacturers of home heating devices to issue procedures for the modification of home heating devices to permit the utilization of energy conservation retrofit devices. Directs the Secretary to invite State governors to submit plans for the certification of contractors qualified to install such devices, and sets forth criteria for such certification plans. Prohibits, after January 1, 1981, the financing of the sale of any residential building by any financial institution whose deposits are insured by any agency of the Federal Government without: (1) State or Federal certification that the home heating devices contained in such building (a) has been modified by the installation of an energy conservation retrofit device, or (b) meets minimum efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy; and (2) evidence of a contract to retrofit a home heating device in such a building. Imposes a fine of not less than $2,500 for the failure of the new owner of a residential building to make such modifications to the building's heating device. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each State having an approved contractor certification plan for the costs of administration of such plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal program to carry out the provisions of this Act in States which do not have approved certification plans. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to establish a program of assistance for low-income residential building owners to assist them in obtaining the energy conservation retrofit devices required under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Emergency Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funds to specified State agencies to provide assistance to low-income and elderly persons in the event of an energy emergency, which is defined as a shortage or unavailability of heating fuels to low-income households, or an increase of 20 percent or more in the price of a major fuel or utility service from the previous year, or as a period when a State or an area within a State is experiencing excessively cold weather. Limits eligibility to such assistance to households eligible for benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Directs the Director to contract with specified State agencies to administer and distribute such assistance upon receipt and approval by the Director of a State plan for such administration. Sets forth criteria for obtaining such approval. Authorizes reimbursement to a State for reasonable costs incurred in administering such program. Directs the Treasury of the United States to finance the printing of fuel assistance stamps or coupons and obligates the Treasury for payment at face value of such coupons redeemed in accordance with this Act. Requires the Director to issue regulations concerning the issuance, distribution, and redemption of such coupons. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982, to carry out this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Industrial Equipment Efficiency Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe standard, labeling rules, or guidelines for each standard classification of industrial equipment, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, where such standards, rules, or guidelines would result in: (1) improvements in energy efficiency which are technologically feasible and economically justified with respect to such class; and (2) significant energy savings. Sets forth the factors the Administrator must consider in determining what is economically justified, including: (1) the economic impact of such standards on the manufacturers and purchasers of the equipment subject to such standard; (2) the savings in operating costs over the life of the equipment; (3) the lessening of the utility or the performance of the equipment likely to result; (4) the impact on competition; and (5) the need of the Nation to conserve energy. Requires manufacturers of industrial equipment to submit to the Administrator any information or reports considered necessary to assist in establishing test procedures, labeling rules, or energy efficiency standards. Directs the Administrator to prescribe test procedures for each standard classification before promulgating any rule requiring energy efficiency labeling or establishing energy efficiency standards. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate labeling guidelines for the use of manufacturers of a class of industrial equipment wherever it is determined that mandatory labeling rules are not likely to be necessary to encourage the availability of information concerning energy efficiency. Stipulates that either mandatory labeling rules or guidelines, where appropriate, be promulgated within three years of the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act of 1979. Directs the Administrator to prescribe energy efficiency standards for certain classes of industrial equipment at varying times after the promulgation of test procedures and labeling rules for such classes. Sets forth the procedures the Administrator must follow in promulgating such standards, including notice requirements and the opportunity for public comment. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress, within two years of the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act of 1979, a report on improvements in energy efficiency of industrial equipment. Establishes civil monetary penalties for violations of rules promulgated pursuant to this Act. Vests jurisdiction for such violations in the appropriate United States district court. Exempts industrial equipment manufactured, sold, held or intended for export from the labeling requirements and/or standards prescribed by this Act. Prohibits the import of industrial equipment not in compliance with such requirements, except as the Secretary of Treasury may authorize. Establishes an appeals process for those persons adversely affected by such requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to accelerate the development of geothermal energy in the United States. Title II: Amendments to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970-Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to expand the acreage limitation on holders of geothermal leases to 51,200 acres, except as specified. Provides for an expedited bidding and leasing system for lands within any known geothermal resources area. Establishes the Interagency Geothermal Leasing Committee to review the activities of the several agencies and departments pursuant to this Act and to take such action as necessary to fully implement this Act. Directs such Committee to report to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council in response to any requests for information or recommendations. Directs such Committee to commission a training and education program on geothermal leasing and operations for Federal surface management field managers in the appropriate departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe amendments to existing rules and regulations and to issue any necessary new rules and regulations to carry out this Act, and exempts such actions from being construed as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to develop cooperative agreements with the Governor of each State in which are located lands subject to this Act for coordination of Federal, State, and local decision making related to environmental analyses, permit approvals, and land use planning. Sets forth geothermal lease application and permit procedures. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, to establish annual goals for five future fiscal years for geothermal leasing. Requires the development of an expedited procedure for consideration and approval of permits for exploration and testing for geothermal resources. Stipulates that the establishment of such procedure shall be deemed to satisfy any requirements of NEPA applicable to any such exploration and testing activities. Permits any applicant for a geothermal lease to use a conditioned development lease with a phased environmental assessment and leasing procedure which shall limit the scope of consideration by the Secretary of the Interior as to compliance with the requirements of NEPA. Stipulates that any lessee seeking to conduct any operations of a developmental nature must prepare a detailed plan of development and utilization in accordance with requirements specified by the Secretary. Sets deadlines for review and final action on such plans. Permits exploration and testing activities on lands subject to this Act included in wilderness study areas pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act, so long as such activities are not conducted in a manner which would permanently impair wilderness values. Authorizes the Secretary to grant no-cost permits to specified surface owners or occupants of lands subject to this Act or to the Stock Raising Homestead Act for use of geothermal resources within such lands. Authorizes any Federal agency with an installation or facility located on or contiguous to lands subject to this Act to apply for a geothermal lease for use of geothermal resources by such installation or facility, provided that a determination has been made that such lease will not discourage or preclude commercial development of geothermal resources on such lands. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement orderly and expeditious procedures for the processing of all lease and permit applications pursuant to this Act. Title III: Amendments to the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 - Geothermal Research, Development, and Demonstration Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to establish the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council to be assisted by an Advisory Committee on Geothermal Energy. Extends the period of guaranties and interest assistance under the loan guaranty program of such Act to ten years beyond September 3, 1979. Authorizes guaranties of up to 90 percent of the aggregate cost of a geothermal resource project conducted by a publicly owned utility. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Administrator of the Rural Electric Administration, the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, with the approval of the Secretary of Energy, to utilize funds in the Geothermal Resources Development Fund established by such Act for loan or loan guaranty assistance for geothermal energy development and directly related activity by means of loan and loan guarantee programs otherwise authorized by law in such agencies and departments. Limits the total amount of such fund available for such purposes to $50,000,000 per fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for the accelerated development of geothermal resources for non-electric applications by geothermal utility districts, geothermal industrial development districts and projects, and other persons. States that such loans shall be funded by the Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to such fund for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement expeditious procedures for the processing of loan guarantee applications under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a complete review of all considerations associated with the accelerated development of geopressured methane in the United States and on the Outer Continental Shelf, addressing legal, institutional, and regulatory barriers to such development and the current status of technology development to support such accelerated development. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a similar review of accelerated development of the energy potential of hot dry rock systems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Inter-agency Geothermal Coordinating Committee and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a complete review of the need for environmental control technology, generic or specialized for a particular form of geothermal energy, to support the accelerated development of all forms of geothermal energy. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a program in cooperation with the insurance and reinsurance industry to provide reservoir insurance to any qualified eligible applicant having a total direct investment of not less than $1,000,000 in the development and use of a geothermal resource associated with a reservoir. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for the purposes of such program. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the utilization of geothermal energy in Federal buildings, facilities, and installations in the United States, to be developed in full coordination with existing programs for solar utilization and energy conservation. Title IV: Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act - Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious process for Federal approval of geothermal energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority geothermal energy projects based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such project. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency of department fails to meet its deadline. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions pursuant to this title and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title V: Geothermal Amendments of 1979 to the National Energy Act of 1978 - Geothermal Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Energy Tax Act of 1978 to: (1) qualify geothermal equipment for the investment tax credit; (2) provide that the time period during which geothermal equipment may qualify for such credit shall extend to December 31, 1989; (3) eliminate as an item of tax preference, for purposes of the minimum tax, the amount by which the intangible drilling costs incurred with respect to geothermal properties exceed the net income of the taxpayer from such properties for the taxable year; and (4) permit the deduction of intangible drilling and development costs related to geothermal reinjection wells in the taxable year in which such costs are incurred. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to include facilities which produce energy from geothermal resources within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations: (1) for fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for grants to schools and hospitals for energy conservation projects; and (2) for each fiscal year through September 30, 1983, for the administrative costs of this program. Stipulates that any mandatory transcript of any meeting held to develop or implement an international voluntary agreement or plan of action concerning the international energy program be made available to representatives of committees of Congress within 14 days. Extends the authority for the international voluntary agreement provisions through January 19, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Generated Electricity Tax Equity Act of 1979 - Amends present Federal law to prohibit the taxation by a State with respect to the generation or transmission of electricity within that State which is transmitted to, and consumed in, another State.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Extends to January 19, 1986, the existing antitrust exemption for oil companies that participate in the Agreement on an International Energy Program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Energy Development and Management Authority Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to expedite the production of liquid and gaseous fuels from coal. Establishes a Government corporation to be known as the Energy Development and Management Authority to establish the Office for the Production of Energy from Coal, which shall conduct research on coal conversion technologies, develop facilities for the production of liquid and gaseous fuels from coal, and sell such fuels. States that such Authority shall also develop a plan for increasing the Nation's energy supplies by the production of such fuels and examine solar, geothermal, steam, wind, oil shale, and other energy sources to determine the need to establish programs for expedited development of such energy sources. Provides that such Authority shall be administered by a Board of Supervisors and sets forth the composition, duties, and powers of such Board, including the power to conduct research, explore for and purchase coal, construct and operate facilities for converting coal to liquid and gaseous fuels, provide financial and technical assistance to private industry to increase the Nation's energy supplies, and request the right to explore and develop coal located on Federal lands except national parks, wilderness areas, national seashores, or wildlife refuge areas. Exempts the Authority from State and local statutes or controls which are deemed by the Board to interfere with its activities as required by this Act. Authorizes the Authority to exercise the right of eminent domain in the name of the United States. Authorizes the Authority to incur debt in the form of bonds, debentures, securities, and other obligations in an amount not exceeding $50,000,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000,000 to carry out this Act. Amends the Government Corporation Control Act to include within its purview the Energy Development and Management Authority.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Federal Petroleum Production Control Act - Repeals the Connally Hot Oil Act which prohibits the shipment or transportation in interstate commerce of petroleum and its constituent parts which was produced, transported, or withdrawn from storage in excess of the amounts permitted under the laws or regulations of a State. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to determine the maximum efficient rate of production and the temporary emergency production rate for each field, whether or not on Federal lands, which produces or is determined to be capable of producing significant volumes of crude oil. Authorizes the Secretary, under such Act, to require crude oil production from fields designated by the Secretary: (1) at a rate not in excess of the maximum efficient rate of production; or (2) at the temporary emergency production rate during a severe energy supply interruption. Transfers to the Secretary of Energy from the Secretary of the Interior the duty of making the determination required by this Act with respect to crude oil production and by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to the production of natural gas on any field on Federal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Energy commission an independent audit of the crude oil and refined petroleum products held by or under the control of domestic oil companies and report the results of that audit to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1979
Industrial Energy Conservation Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop a research, development, and demonstration program concerning energy-conserving industrial technologies, including the making of grants to facilitate incorporation of such technologies into ongoing commercially conducted industrial enterprises and processes. Sets forth priorities in determining the activities of such program and in selecting contract and grant recipients. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation, or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Sets forth priorities for selecting recipients for such loans and loan guarantees and states requirements for regulations to be issued by the Secretary concerning such loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to private industrial concerns to help establish and implement industrial energy conservation projects. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 to carry out the research, development, and demonstration program and technical assistance provisions of this Act, and up to $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 to carry out the loan provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $500,000,000 in the aggregate for the loan guarantee provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Impact Reduction of Energy Resources Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to study petitions for reorganization in bankruptcy of railroad lines or applications for abandonment of railroad lines and rail transportation to determine the impact of such plans and applications upon the transportation of coal. Directs the Secretary to oppose such actions as he determines may reduce or curtail present or future coal shipments. Provides for loans or grants to an applicant for the maintenance of coal transportation services. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to make railroads eligible for assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Coal Pipeline Act of 1979 - Title I: Rights-of-Way for Federal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon, or through Federal lands for coal pipelines and related facilities, under terms and conditions set forth under this Act which are necessary: (1) to protect Federal property and economic interests; (2) to provide efficient management of such lands and protection of other lawful users of such lands; and (3) to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Non-Federal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to any person, upon application, proposing to construct a coal pipeline. Sets forth criteria for issuing such certificates, including requirements that specified findings be made by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Energy, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Prohibits the issuance of such certificates to users or suppliers of coal to be transported by such pipelines. Directs the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust review to determine the effects upon competition of such certificates. Authorizes any person who proposes to construct a coal pipeline to acquire any right-of-way necessary for construction, operation, or maintenance of such pipeline and related facilities by the exercise of the power of eminent domain in the appropriate United States district court, but only if such person is unable to acquire such right-of-way by negotiation and such person holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under this Act. Exempts specified lands from being taken by eminent domain. Title III: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to seek appropriate equitable remedies to enforce any provision under this Act or any regulation or order issued under this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for any violation or failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes any State issuing a State water permit or authorization to a pipeline for which a certificate of public convenience and necessity was issued or a right-of-way was granted under this Act to condition the water rights of such pipeline to effectuate a legitimate State public interest. Requires that right-of-way permits and certificates of public convenience and necessity issued under this Act contain terms and conditions necessary to protect the environment from adverse effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of such pipeline. Requires that all such pipelines be buried underground.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act 1980 - Title I: Department of Energy - Appropriates funds for fiscal year 1980 within the Department of Energy for the following: operating expenses; plant and capital equipment; special foreign currency programs; power marketing operations; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Prohibits any funds appropriated to be available for: (1) the issuing of a license to operate the waste isolation pilot plant, Delaware Basin, New Mexico, and (2) the storage at such plant of radioactive waste not resulting from the national defense activities of the Department of Energy. Title II: Department of Defense-Civil - Makes appropriations within the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, for the following for fiscal year 1980: construction (general), flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, general expenses, general investigations, operation and maintenance (general), revolving fund, and special recreation use fees. Stipulates that specified appropriated funds shall not be expended to discharge sewage overflow from the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago into the Illinois Waterway. Title III: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 as follows for the Bureau of Reclamation: general investigations; construction and rehabilitation; Upper Colorado River Storage Project; Colorado River Basin project; Colorado River Basin Sanitary Control Projects; operation and maintenance; loan program; general administrative expenses; and special funds. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Appropriates funds for fiscal year 1980 to the following: Appalachian programs, Delaware River Basin Commission, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Tennessee Valley Authority and Water Resources Council. Title V: General Provisions - States that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond fiscal year 1980 unless expressly so provided.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Public Oil and Gas Lands Leasing Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease Federal lands with oil or gas deposits to the highest bidder by competitive bidding. Sets forth requirements and conditions for such bidding and leasing which will encourage diligent oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Repeals the provision concerning the primary term of such leases under such Act. Deletes the provisions concerning termination of leases because of cessation of production or failure to produce oil or gas in paying quantities. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a rule prohibiting the bidding for such leases by any person in which more than one major oil company, oil company affiliate, or both, have a significant ownership interest, with specified exceptions. Prohibits the Secretary from leasing to a major oil company more than ten percent of the available Federal lands having oil or gas deposits with specified exceptions. Revises the requirement under such Act which limits the assignment of oil and gas leases.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify energy property which is at least ten percent more energy efficient than property which it replaces for the investment tax credit. Qualifies certain small boilers fueled by oil or gas for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the refund of excise tax on gasoline which is used to produce gasohol.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Authorizes the appropriation of specified funds to the Department of Energy under the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 for fiscal years 1980 through 1986 for defraying approximately one-half of the cost of plant and capital equipment for a demonstration project consisting of a peat-fueled electrical generating plant in North Carolina, to be operated by the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, which shall pay the other half of such costs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Energy Management Partnership Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for a State Basic Energy Program and for special energy projects. Declares that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to provide assistance to States and local governments for development and implementation of national energy policy objectives; (2) to provide States with greater flexibility in energy program design and implementation; (3) to promote coordination of Federal and State activities during periods of national emergency; and (4) to streamline administrative requirements imposed on States to obtain federal financial assistance for State energy programs. Directs the Secretary of Energy to prescribe guidelines for initial applications for such financial assistance. Directs the Secretary to invite State Governors to submit initial applications for financial assistance for the development of State Energy plans and for the continuation of programs developed pursuant to the Energy Conservation and Policy Act, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, or the Energy Extension Service Act, until such time as the State Energy Plan is approved or for one year, whichever period is shorter. Sets forth the components of such initial applications. Requires each State receiving such financial assistance to submit a State Energy Plan for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for such plans and provides for waivers of any requirements for good cause. Requires each State receiving such financial assistance to provide for energy conservation programs and measures including: (1) energy extension service activities such as information dissemination and energy evaluations or audits for commercial, residential, and agricultural energy users; (2) implementation of the Building Energy Performance Standards program; (3) right turn on red laws or regulations; (4) lighting efficiency standards for State and local public buildings; (5) promotion of vanpool, carpool, and public transportation programs; and (6) promotion of energy efficiency in State and political subdivision procurement practices. Directs each State to include in its State energy plan reasonable measures to promote the use of renewable energy resources in the State. Requires each State receiving financial assistance under this Act to provide appropriate financial assistance to units of local government in an amount proportionate to the responsibilities shared between such units and the State in the implementation of the State energy plan. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to development and implementation of programs for energy conservation, renewable resources, and energy emergency measures, and relating to approval of State energy plans. Directs the Secretary to allocate annually from the sums available for financial assistance under this Act 75 percent according to State population and 25 percent equally among the States. Requires each State receiving such financial assistance to provide funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to 20 percent of that allocated to such State for development, modification, or implementation of the State energy plan and related programs and activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to an Indian tribe for energy-related programs as the need is demonstrated. Prohibits the use of funds for construction or land acquisition costs, equipment costs other than for office equipment, public transportation fare subsidies, or for such other purposes as prescribed by the Secretary. Provides for the transition to the State Basic Energy Program from existing programs under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and the National Energy Extension Service Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold funds for a State's failure to comply with this Act until compliance is resumed. Authorizes the appropriation of $105,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 to 1984 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides a method for submitting consolidated applications for financial assistance provided for under this Act and any other State energy programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to units of local government and to Indian tribes to assist in developing and implementing special energy projects, and directs the Secretary to prescribe guidelines therefor. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 to 1984 for the purpose of providing assistance for such special energy projects. Amends the National Energy Extension Service Act by deleting all sections except the short title, findings and purposes, and the description of energy conservation programs to be developed and implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Prohibits the Departments of State and of Energy, and any other agency or instrumentality of the United States, from initiating any in-house feasibility studies or negotiations with foreign nations for the storage within the United States (including any territory or possession) of spent fuel from any foreign nuclear reactor until the Secretary of Energy has established, and published in the Federal Register, the technical specifications which will apply to the permanent storage of spent fuel from nuclear reactors.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Nuclear Incident Liability Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require persons who are issued licenses for nuclear facilities after enactment of this Act to obtain the maximum amount of liability insurance available from private sources. Requires that such licensees participate in an industry retrospective rating plan in addition to maintaining such insurance. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish rules specifying the rates for deferred premiums charged to licensees under such plan in the event of any nuclear incident resulting in public liability which exceeds or appears likely to exceed the level of a licensee's primary financial protection and the amount otherwise available from such licensee for the satisfaction of such liability. Authorizes the Commission to loan to such a licensee, at prescribed interest rates, the amount by which an assessment of deferred premiums exceeds the amount which the licensee is able to pay within a reasonable time following any nuclear incident without impairing its ability to provide electric utility service. Makes any licensee who obtains an operating license after enactment of this Act ineligible to receive indemnification from the Commission for liability in excess of the level of financial protection required of the licensee. Eliminates the $500,000,000 ceiling on indemnification of contractors of the Commission against claims for liability, arising out of contractual activities, which are above the amount of financial protection required of contractors. Eliminates the limitation on liability for a single nuclear incident in the case of any facility which is issued a construction permit after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Commission to require the insurance policies of licensees who obtain construction permits after enactment of this Act to include provisions which waive defenses: (1) relating to the conduct or fault of persons required to obtain financial protection; (2) relating to charitable or governmental immunity; and (3) based on any statute of limitations if suit is instituted within three years from the date on which the claimant first knew, or reasonably could have known, of an injury and its cause.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Wind Energy Systems Utilization Act - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 to establish a wind energy systems program for the accelerated utilization of wind energy for electric power production in Federal facilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to acquire and install wind energy systems in Federal facilities and authorizes the Secretary to issue necessary rules and regulations concerning site selection, maintenance and repair of such systems, and transfers of ownership to State or local governments. Directs the Secretary to establish a wind energy systems evaluation and purchase program to stimulate the early development of a permanent low-cost private wind energy systems production capability and stimulate the private sector market for such systems in the United States. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $500,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the major oil companies should continue to provide supplies and other services to independent oil dealers so that such dealers may continue their summer fill-up programs of home heating oil.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Energy Management Partnership Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for a State Basic Energy Program and for special energy projects. Declares that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to provide assistance to States and local governments for development and implementation of national energy policy objectives; (2) to provide States with greater flexibility in energy program design and implementation; (3) to promote coordination of Federal and State activities during periods of national emergency; and (4) to streamline administrative requirements imposed on States to obtain Federal financial assistance for State energy programs. Directs the Secretary of Energy to prescribe guidelines for initial applications for such financial assistance. Directs the Secretary to invite State Governors to submit initial application for financial assistance for the development of State Energy plans and for the continuation of programs developed pursuant to the Energy Conservation and Policy Act, the Energy Conservation and Protection Act, or the Energy Extension Service Act, until such time as the State Energy Plan is approved or for one year, whichever period is shorter. Sets forth the components of such initial applications. Requires each State receiving such financial assistance to submit a State Energy Plan for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for such plans and provides for waivers of any requirements for good cause. Requires each State receiving such financial assistance to provide for energy conservation programs and measures including: (1) energy extension service activities such as information dissemination and energy evaluations or audits for commercial, residential, and agricultural energy users; (2) implementation of the Building Energy Performance Standards program; (3) right turn on red laws or regulations; (4) lighting efficiency standards for State and local public buildings; (5) promotion of vanpool, carpool, and public transportation programs; and (6) promotion of energy efficiency in State and political subdivision procurement practices. Directs each State to include in its State energy plan reasonable measures to promote the use of renewable energy resources in the State. Requires each State receiving financial assistance under this Act to provide appropriate financial assistance to units of local government in an amount proportionate to the responsibilities shared between such units and the State, in the implementation of the State energy plan. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to development and implementation of programs for energy conservation, renewable resources, and energy emergency measures, and relating to approval of State energy plans. Directs the Secretary to allocate annually from the sums available for financial assistance under this Act 75 percent according to State population and 25 percent equally among the States. Requires each State receiving such financial assistance to provide funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to 20 percent of that allocated to such State for development, modification, or implementation of the State energy plan and related programs and activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to an Indian tribe for energy-related programs as the need is demonstrated. Prohibits the use of funds for construction or land acquisition costs, equipment costs other than for office equipment, public transportation fare subsidies, or for such other purposes as prescribed by the Secretary. Provides for the transition to the State Basic Energy Program from existing programs under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and the National Energy Extension Service Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold funds for a State's failure to comply with this Act until such compliance is resumed. Authorizes the appropriation of $105,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 to 1984 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides a method for submitting consolidated applications for financial assistance provided for under this Act and any other State energy programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to units of local government and to Indian tribes to assist in developing and implementing special energy projects, and directs the Secretary to prescribe guidelines therefore. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 to 1984 for the purpose of providing assistance for such special energy projects. Amends the National Energy Extension Service Act by deleting all sections except the short title, findings and purposes, and the description of energy conservation programs to be developed and implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Impact Reduction of Energy Resources Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to study petitions for reorganization in bankruptcy of railroad lines or applications for abandonment of railroad lines and rail transportation to determine the impact of such plans and applications upon the transportation of coal. Directs the Secretary to oppose such actions as he determines may reduce or curtail present or future coal shipments. Provides for loans or grants to an applicant for the maintenance of coal transportation services. Requires the Secretary to provide temporary assistance to any coal-fired electric generating utilities when such utility is partially or completely serviced by a railroad or a rail carrier which has filed for reorganization in bankruptcy or for abandonment. Limits the use of such assistance to the lease or purchase of coal cars to maintain service which contributes to meeting a balanced overall utilization of domestic energy supplies. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to make railroads eligible for assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Terminates the Department of Energy on January 15, 1982, unless prior to such date a law is enacted continuing such Department. Requires the President, within 60 days after termination, to submit to Congress a plan for transferring the functions of such Department to other Federal agencies. States that such plan shall take effect unless disapproved within 30 days by either House of Congress. Requires submission of successive reorganization plans until one is not disapproved by either House. Prohibits any such reorganization plan from creating a new executive department.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to increase the income ceiling for a family's eligibility for energy conservation loans from 100 percent of the median income in an area to 150 percent of such median income.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
New Energy Source Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to $3 for each barrel of oil or bitumen produced from any rock type that is not producible by primary recovery methods due to the viscosity and the lack of natural mobility of the oil in-place. Increases the amount of such credit by the amount of production credit carryovers and carrybacks for the taxable year. Reduces the standard $3 per barrel credit proportionately by: (1) the amount of Federal grant funds, if any, used by the taxpayer in the production of oil or bitumen; and (2) the amount by which the adjusted reference price (average daily market price per barrel during the preceding calendar year for certain Arabian light crude oil, adjusted for inflation) exceeds $20.50. Authorizes the President to adjust the amount of the credit (but not higher than $3) when such action is in the national interest. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for the credit, that the oil or bitumen be produced within the United States or its possessions. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish the adjusted reference price, and an explanation of the method and data used in computing it, if such price exceeds $20 per barrel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that State and local governments and certain tax-exempt organizations shall be eligible for the refund of the investment tax credit for solar and wind energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to: (1) conduct a study of unmarketed consumer energy conservation devices; (2) compile a list of such promising devices; and (3) report to the Congress recommendations concerning legislative and executive measures necessary to promote the development of such devices. Establishes a joint select committee to prepare such legislation as may be necessary to market or promote such devices.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Gasohol Marketing Freedom Act of 1979 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit the termination of a gasoline dealer's franchise due to its selling, consigning, or distributing gasohol, and prohibits any reprisals or discrimination against retailers or distributors of gasohol because of such sale, consignment, or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Basic Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Community Services Administration (CSA), and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish a Community outreach and information program to assist and encourage the low-income elderly and others eligible for assistance under this Act in obtaining Federal, State, or local energy-related assistance, including energy audits, counseling, educational services, alternate energy technologies, and weatherization. Establishes a program to provide assistance to such persons for meeting primary residential fuel costs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amount of such assistance, and requirements for eligibility. Directs the Secretary of HEW to contract with specified State agencies to administer and distribute such assistance payments, and authorizes reimbursement of 90 percent of the costs of such program administration. Sets forth a system of making payments to fuel suppliers supplying fuel to eligible recipients. Requires suppliers to keep full records and submit them to the Comptroller General as needed for auditing purposes. Prohibits suppliers from refusing to sell fuel to eligible participants solely on the basis of their participation in the basic fuel assistance program. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Director of CSA to establish a crisis intervention program to supplement the basic fuel assistance program with evacuations, emergency shelter, home repair, or payment of bills. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982, for such crisis intervention program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should pursue a policy of displacing a specified percentage of foreign oil with domestic coal.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Energy Antimonopoly Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any entity, or subsidiary thereof, which produced or had an interest in a total of 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids in 1976 from acquiring control or a majority of the assets of any other entity whose assets exceed $100,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Emergency Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Conservation Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to establish an emergency gasoline and diesel oil conservation program. Defines "fuel" as gasoline and diesel oil. Imposes a $5 minimum fuel purchase requirement upon all fuel consumers. Stipulates that such purchase requirement shall apply in every State where: (1) the Governor of such State submits a request to the Secretary of Energy to have such requirements applicable therein; and (2) the Governor of such State lacks the authority to invoke comparable requirements but the State could administer and enforce the Federal requirements under a delegation of authority pursuant to Federal law; or (3) the President has found that nationwide implementation of such purchase requirements would be appropriate. Exempts from such minimum purchase requirements motorcycles, motorpowered bicycles, or comparable vehicles, as determined by the Secretary's regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the minimum purchase level in certain circumstances. Imposes a fine of up to $100 for violation of such requirements. Stipulates that compliance with such requirements shall not be considered a violation of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 or any Federal or State law requiring labeling or disclosure of the maximum price per gallon of fuel. Directs the President to establish emergency fuel conservation targets for the Nation generally and for such State. Bases such targets on a uniform percentage reduction in fuel usage as compared to fuel usage during a uniform base period considered appropriate by the President, taking into consideration past and projected fuel supply and demand nationally and in each State, international commitments, and other appropriate factors. Authorizes the President to adjust such targets where considered appropriate. Directs the Secretary to determine and publish monthly in the Federal Register national and State fuel consumption levels and success with meeting the targets. Directs the Governor of each State to submit to the Secretary a State emergency fuel conservation plan designed to meet or exceed targets established for such State. Authorizes the Secretary to extend for good cause the 45 day period for submission of such plans. Sets forth criteria for State emergency fuel conservation plans to reduce public and private use of fuel, and criteria for the Secretary's approval of such plans. Delegates administrative and enforcement authority for approved State plans to the Governor of a State and other State and local officers and employees designated by the Governor. Imposes a fine of up to $100 for violation of State plan provisions. Directs the Governor of each State to submit to the Secretary reports and information on that State's plan, as necessary. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds or other assistance under the program of Federal assistance to States for development, implementation, or modification of State energy conservation plans under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for failure to submit a plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a standby emergency fuel conservation sticker plan to restrict operation of automobiles on specified days, with exceptions for emergency uses, off-highway agricultural uses, national defense uses, taxicab or similar common carrier uses, rental automobile use, United States Postal Service uses, regulated commercial uses, and other uses determined by the Secretary to require an exemption. Directs the President to implement such sticker plan in any State for which the Secretary finds that fuel conservation targets have not been met. Directs the President to implement such plan nationally upon a finding that: (1) implementing such plan is required by a severe energy supply interruption or in order to fulfill international energy program obligations, pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; or (2) fuel conservation targets established by this Act have not been met, and upon transmission of such finding to the Congress with a statement of the effective date of such measure. Authorizes the States to administer and enforce such plan. Sets forth the Secretary's responsibilities in establishing such plan, including preparation and distribution of stickers and collection of fees. Imposes a fine of up to $100 for violation of such plan. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the commercial and industrial storage of gasoline and middle distillates in specified storage facilities. Sets forth the components of such report. Delegates to the Governor of any State, and other State and local officers and employees designated by the Governor, the authority to administer and enforce this Act. Revokes such delegation upon written request for waiver of authority signed by the Governor or upon the President's determination that such delegation be revoked. Authorizes States to retain fees and penalties collected pursuant to this Act to cover administrative and enforcement costs. Directs the Secretary to use the authority provided under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to secure any information necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue interim and final regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to review actions taken under this Act and to submit to each House of Congress a report thereon, with any appropriate recommendations. Terminates this Act and any actions taken thereunder 18 months after the date of enactment, with specified exceptions. Makes technical amendments to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Provides that, for the purposes of funding the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, this Act shall be treated as a contingency plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Diesel Supply Safeguard Act - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit motor fuel franchisors from terminating any franchise for the retail distribution of diesel fuel under which the franchisee regularly sells diesel fuel for agricultural or other essential uses, unless the franchisee can obtain diesel fuel and gasoline elsewhere on at least equal terms or the franchisor cannot meet its supply requirements due to circumstances beyond its control. Amends such Act to limit court-ordered continuations or renewal of such franchises where the above circumstances exist.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) coal production, distribution, and utilization; (2) energy policy; (3) energy regulation and conservation; (4) energy related aspects of deepwater ports; (5) energy development; (6) hydroelectric power; (7) uranium mining and production; (8) conservation, development, and use of naval petroleum and oil shale reserves; (9) oil and gas production and distribution; and (10) solar energy systems. Declares that the committee shall have the special oversight function of reviewing and studying on a continuing basis, all laws, programs and government activities relating to nuclear energy and nonmilitary nuclear energy and research and development, including the disposal of nuclear waste.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President immediately establish and appoint a National Energy Council to: (1) study the energy shortage, its impact, and the credibility of energy data; (2) present a written report to the President and the Congress concerning energy data credibility enhancement; and (3) compile and publish a national energy audit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
National Alcohol Fuel and Farm Commodity Production Act of 1979 - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to replace the current program of loan guarantees for pilot project production of industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities with a program under which the Secretary of Agriculture may guarantee payment of 50 percent of loans made by private lenders to persons constructing and maintaining plants for the production of fuel alcohol derived from agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such commodities to such loan recipients and to acquire and use distilled dried grains plus solubles (DDGS) from them. Specifies conditions for such loan guarantees and sets the maximum cumulative total of outstanding principal and interest during the period from October 1, 1979, through September 30, 1984, at $600,000,000. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Alcohol Fuel Plant Loan Guarantee Fund, and authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 for deposit in such Fund for fiscal year 1980. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the loan level for corn at $2.10 per bushel, and the established price for the 1982 crop at $2.75 per bushel. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the uses and marketing of the byproducts resulting from the production of alcohol fuel, including, if appropriate, a market promotion program identifying the foreign markets for such byproducts for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President immediately establish and appoint a National Energy Council to: (1) study the energy shortage, its impact, and the credibility of energy data; (2) present a written report to the President and the Congress concerning energy data credibility enhancement; and (3) compile and publish a national energy audit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives certain information related to the current oil situation, including data on: (1) shortages, supplies, demand, and allocation of crude oil; and (2) refinery yield reductions and capacity utilization.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the energy crisis demands strong and positive action and leadership on the part of the Government and that the President should exercise his powers to assure that the energy needs of the people shall be met. States that if the President lacks authority to assure the maximum production of energy, Congress will immediately consider a Presidential request for such authority.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President immediately establish and appoint a National Energy Council to: (1) study the energy shortage, its impact, and the credibility of energy data; (2) present a written report to the President and the Congress concerning energy data credibility enhancement; and (3) compile and publish a national energy audit.