Energy

Methane Hydrate Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Methane Hydrate Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 2000 to reauthorize the methane hydrate research and development program through FY 2010. Extends the current grant, contract, and cooperative agreement program to research to: (1) identify methane hydrate resources through remote sensing; and (2) acquire and reprocess seismic data suitable for characterizing methane hydrate accumulations. Instructs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel consisting of representatives of industrial enterprises, institutions of higher education, oceanographic institutions, State agencies, and environmental organizations with knowledge and expertise in the natural gas hydrates field. Requires the Secretary to offer to enter into an agreement with the National Research Council for a new report to Congress on program progress and recommendations by the end of FY 2009.

Interstate Transmission Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Interstate Transmission Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish, by rule, incentive-based, performance-based, participant-funded, and cost-based rate treatments for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce by public utilities. Grants FERC jurisdiction over an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) certified by FERC, regional entities, and all users, owners, and operators of the bulk-power system, for purposes of approving reliability standards and enforcing compliance with this Act. Prescribes guidelines for ERO certification and reliability standards. Urges the President to negotiate international agreements with the governments of Canada and Mexico to provide for: (1) effective compliance with reliability standards; and (2) the effectiveness of the ERO in the United States and Canada or Mexico. Instructs FERC to establish a regional advisory body on the petition of at least two-thirds of the States within a region that have more than one-half of their electric load served within the region. Exempts Hawaii and Alaska from application of electric reliability standards under this Act. Repeals the requirement for FERC prior authorization of the disposition of public utility facilities. Prescribes FERC preferences for the formation of a transmission organization. Prescribes guidelines for the designation as a national interest electric transmission corridor of any geographic area experiencing or likely to experience electric energy transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely affects consumers. Grants FERC permitting authority for the construction or modification of electric transmission facilities in a national interest electric transmission corridor. Grants the consent of Congress to three or more contiguous States to enter into an interstate compact establishing regional transmission siting agencies to facilitate siting of future electric energy transmission facilities within such States and to carry out the electric energy transmission siting responsibilities of such States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat electric transmission property as 15-year property for depreciation income tax deduction purposes under the accelerated cost recovery system.

Hydrogen Liberty Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Hydrogen Liberty Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Cogeneration Project; (2) establish a national steering committee to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology on the project; (3) seek international cooperation, participation, and financial contribution in the project; and (4) establish cost-shared partnerships with domestic industry or international participants for the research, development, design, construction, and operation of the research facility. Grants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing and regulatory authority for any reactor authorized under this Act. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) prepare a detailed roadmap to implement certain recommendations related to advanced nuclear reactor technologies, solar energy technologies, and wind energy technologies; and (2) provide for the establishment of five projects in diverse geographic areas to demonstrate the commercial production of hydrogen at existing nuclear power plants, including one demonstration project at a national laboratory or institution of higher education using an advanced gas-cooled reactor. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the NRC to give priority to the licensing of a utilization facility that is collocated with a hydrogen production facility. Directs the Secretary to support research programs at institutions of higher education for the development of advanced nuclear reactor energy technologies, solar energy technologies, and wind energy technologies for the production of hydrogen.

Boutique Fuels Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Boutique Fuels Reduction Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to temporarily waive controls or prohibitions on the use of a fuel or fuel additive regulated under specified provisions of that Act or prescribed in an applicable State Implementation Plan (SIP) if the Administrator determines that: (1) extreme and unusual circumstances exist in a State or region that prevent distribution of an adequate supply of the fuel or fuel additive to consumers; (2) such circumstances are the result of a natural disaster, an Act of God, a pipeline or refinery equipment failure, or another unforeseeable event; and (3) it is in the public interest to grant the waiver. Permits such a waiver only if specified requirements are met. States that the Administrator shall have no authority, when considering a SIP or SIP revision regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives, to approve any fuel: (1) if doing so would increase the total number of approved and fully implemented fuels as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs; and (2) unless that fuel was approved and fully implemented in at least one SIP in the applicable Petroleum Administration for Defense District (with the exception of fuels with a specified summertime Reid Vapor Pressure). Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy jointly to study and report to Congress on the effects of SIPs adopted pursuant to CAA provisions regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives.

Liquefied Natural Gas Safety and Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Liquefied Natural Gas Safety and Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Natural Gas Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulating Commission (FERC) from authorizing an applicant to site, construct, expand, or operate a liquefied natural gas import facility, unless FERC has required the applicant to develop a cost-sharing plan in cooperation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and State and local agencies that provide for the safety and security of the liquefied natural gas import facility and any vessels that serve it. Requires FERC to review annually all pending applications for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a liquefied natural gas import facility in a region and, after consultation with the pertinent States and the Commandant, determine: (1) whether liquefied natural gas import facilities are needed in a region; and (2) the number of liquefied natural gas import facilities so needed. Denies FERC authority to preempt a State permitting determination related to a liquefied natural gas import facility. Amends Federal law governing standards for liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations establishing standards to promote the remote siting of liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities. Directs the Commandant to issue regulations establishing thermal and vapor dispersion exclusion zone requirements for vessels transporting liquefied natural gas.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for certain fuel cell property.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for energy-efficient building property. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of 30 percent (10 percent for other energy property) of the basis of such energy-efficient building property or $1,000 for each kilowatt of capacity of such property. Defines "energy-efficient building property" as a fuel cell power plant which generates at least 0.5 kilowatt of electricity using an electrochemical process. Allows a similar tax credit for the installation of qualified energy-efficient building property in a taxpayer's residence. Terminates both tax credits after December 31, 2009.

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives affecting: (1) energy efficient commercial building property; (2) new energy efficient homes; (3) certain energy efficient property used in business; (4) nonbusiness energy property; and (5) combined heat and power system property; and (6) energy efficient appliances. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to expand the scope of consumer products that fall within the Energy Conservation Program (other than automobiles), including: (1) commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; and (2) commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a rulemaking regarding: (1) the effectiveness of the current consumer products labeling program in assisting consumers to make purchasing decisions and to improve energy efficiency; and (2) changes to the labeling rules that would improve the effectiveness of consumer product labels. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prescribe guidelines under which the head of an executive agency shall procure either an Energy Star product or a Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated product in order to meet agency requirements for an energy consuming product. Repeals the termination of authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts (thereby making such authority permanent). Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish certain revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the mandatory activities funded by the Capital Fund: (1) installing fixtures and fittings to improve energy and water-use efficiency; and (2) integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate energy efficiency standards for rehabilitation and new construction of certain public and assisted housing. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization, including any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving specified reliability standards.

Fuels Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Fuels Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require that motor vehicle fuel contain a specified volume of renewable fuel. Establishes a system of: (1) tradeable credits for motor vehicle fuel containing more renewable fuel than required; and (2) waivers for States and small refineries. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require Federal agency heads to ensure that ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel-blended diesel fuel is purchased for agency vehicles in areas where such fuel is available at competitive prices. Amends the Clean Air Act to eliminate the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish standards for toxic air pollutants from the use of reformulated gasoline; and (2) within 30 days of enactment of this Act, determine the adequacy of any petition from a State Governor to exempt gasoline sold in the State from certain requirements for reformulated gasoline. Permits States additional opt-in areas under the reformulated gasoline program. Requires Federal enforcement of State fuels requirements. Sets forth various data collection and reporting requirements.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Act of 2005 - Renames the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 as the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a research and development program on technologies relating to the production, purification, distribution, storage, and use of hydrogen energy, fuel cells, and related infrastructure; (2) establish an interagency Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Task Force to advise on program implementation; and (3) implement certain technology transfer programs. Instructs the Secretary to carry out a program to demonstrate developmental hydrogen and fuel cell systems for mobile, portable, and stationary uses, using improved versions of the learning demonstrations program concept. Prescribes implementation guidelines for Federal procurement of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen energy systems, including Federal procurement of stationary, portable, and micro fuel cells. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to, or offer to enter into contracts with, entities the Secretary determines appropriate to support timely and extensive development of safety codes and standards relating to fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen energy systems, and stationary, portable, and micro fuel cells. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should provide any necessary tax incentives to encourage investment in and production and use of hydrogen and fuel cell systems during critical stages of market growth.

Clean Smokestacks Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Clean Smokestacks Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to achieve specified reductions in aggregate emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury from powerplants (electric generation facilities with a nameplate capacity of 15 megawatts or more that use a combustion device to generate electricity for sale) by January 1, 2010. States that regulations promulgated under this Act may require additional emissions reductions if the Administrator determines that the specified reductions are not reasonably anticipated to protect public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to coordinate with other Federal and State agencies to increase energy efficiency, to increase the use of renewable energy, and to implement cost saving advanced demand and supply side policies. Requires powerplants, on the later of the date 30 years after the powerplant commenced operation or five years after this Act's enactment, to comply with the most recent new source performance standards under CAA provisions regarding air quality and emissions limitations and with specified requirements for modified sources.

Resource Efficient Appliance Incentives Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Resource Efficient Appliance Incentives Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production of certain household appliances (clothes washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators) with a specified energy efficiency rating. Imposes an aggregate limitation of $75 million on such credit for all taxable years ($35 million for certain other appliances), and an annual limitation based on taxpayer gross receipts (two percent of taxpayer average annual gross receipts for the three previous taxable years).

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for certain energy-efficient property.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified fuel cell property. Limits the amount of such credit to 30 percent (10 percent for other energy property) of the basis of such fuel cell property up to a maximum of $500 for each 0.5 kilowatt of capacity of such property. Defines "qualified fuel cell property" as a fuel cell power plant which generates at least 0.5 kilowatt of electricity using an electrochemical process. Allows a similar tax credit for the installation of qualified fuel cell property in a principal residence. Terminates both tax credits after December 31, 2009.

To prevent certain discriminatory taxation of natural gas pipeline property.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Describes the following as acts that unreasonably burden and discriminate against interstate commerce, and prohibits States, political subdivisions, and any other taxing authority from: (1) assessing natural gas pipeline property at a value that has a higher ratio to its true market value than the ratio used to assess other commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; (2) levying or collecting a tax on such an assessment; (3) levying or collecting an ad valorem property tax on natural gas pipeline property at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; or (4) imposing any other tax that discriminates against a natural gas pipeline providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Grants jurisdiction to U.S. District Courts and provides for specified relief for claims of discriminatory taxation of natural gas pipeline property.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat electric transmission property as 15-year property for depreciation purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 15-year recovery period for the depreciation of certain property used in the transmission at 69 or more kilovolts of electricity for sale.

ENERGY DEMAND IN THE 21ST CENTURY: ARE CONGRESS AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH MEETING THE CHALLENGE?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 March 2005

U.S. ENERGY AND MINERAL NEEDS, SECURITY AND POLICY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 March 2005

ENERGY AND WATER, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 15 March 2005

To allow the refurbishment and operation of a small hydroelectric facility in central Montana by adjusting the amount of charges to be paid to the United States under the Federal Power Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2005

Instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to: (1) extend the preliminary permit for a specified small hydroelectric facility in central Montana for a period of three years from its current expiration; and (2) reinstate the preliminary permit for a period of three years at the permittee's request if such permit has expired. Declares that any political subdivision of the State of Montana which holds a Federal Power Act license in Granite and Deer Lodge Counties, Montana, shall be required to pay the lesser of $25,000 or such annual charge for the use of its lands as any Federal department or agency may assess, as long as such political subdivision continues to hold the project license.

Reliable Fuels Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2005

Reliable Fuels Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require that gasoline contain a specified volume of renewable fuel. Establishes: (1) a system of tradeable credits for gasoline containing more renewable fuel than required; (2) a system of waivers for States and small refineries; and (3) a renewable fuel safe harbor from liability for manufacturers and distributors. Requires a procedure for States to eliminate a particular vapor pressure limitation for ethanol blends when necessary to prevent increased emissions. Authorizes funding for loan guarantees to carry out cellulosic biomass commercial demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out not more than three such projects. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants for the development of renewable fuel production technologies. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to merchant producers of cellulosic biomass ethanol for the construction of production facilities that use cellulosic biomass feedstocks. Federal Reformulated Fuels Act of 2005 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to permit the use of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) remediation purposes. Restricts the future use of MTBE as a fuel additive. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to merchant producers of MTBE for production facility conversion. Amends the Clean Air Act to eliminate the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Requires the Administrator to establish standards for toxic air pollutants from the use of reformulated gasoline. Permits the commingling at retail stations of reformulated gasoline containing and not containing ethanol. Permits States additional opt-in areas under the reformulated gasoline program. Requires Federal enforcement of State fuels requirements. Sets forth various data collection and reporting requirements.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2005 and 2007 through 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2005

Sets forth the congressional budget for the Federal Government for FY 2006, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2005 and 2007 through 2010. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2005 through 2010, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security and specified major functional categories for FY 2005 through 2010. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (3) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (4) Energy and Natural Resources; (5) Environment and Public Works; (6) Finance; and (7) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Requires the Committee on Finance to report a reconciliation bill to the Senate that increases the statutory debt limit. Provides for certain reserve funds for: (1) health information technology and pay-for-performance; (2) an Asbestos Injury Trust Fund; (3) the uninsured; (4) the Land and Water Conservation Fund; (5) the Federal Pell Grant Program; (6) higher education; (7) energy legislation; and (8) safe importation of prescription drugs. Provides for adjustments with respect to discretionary spending for surface transportation. Prohibits Senate legislation that would require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception. Enables Congress, if in the absence of an extension of the discretionary spending limits and PAYGO requirements under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), to designate provisions of legislation as an emergency (meeting specified criteria) in order to exempt such measures from enforcement of this resolution with respect to the new budget authority, outlays, and receipts resulting from them. Includes measures making supplemental appropriations for FY 2006 for overseas contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism. Continues the supermajority enforcement requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as a Senate rule through FY 2010. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Declares the sense of the Senate on: (1) precluding consideration of unauthorized appropriations; (2) establishing a committee to review the performance of programs; (3) granting access to TRICARE for members of the Department of Defense Reserve Components; (4) restraining Medicaid growth; (5) funding tribal colleges and universities; (6) supporting the President's request for Federal funding of State and local homeland security assistance programs; (7) rejecting the President's proposed elimination of per diem reimbursement to State Veterans Homes; (8) funding Impact Aid; and (9) modifying payment limitations in mandatory agricultural programs.

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006, revising appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2005, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 through 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2005

Sets forth the congressional budget for the Federal Government for FY 2006, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2005 and 2007 through 2010. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2005 through 2010, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 2005 through 2010. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and the Workforce; (3) Energy and Commerce; (4) Financial Services; (5) the Judiciary; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; (8) Veterans' Affairs; and (9) Ways and Means. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means to report a reconciliation bill providing for revenue reduction. Provides for contingency procedures for surface transportation. States that if legislation is reported that makes supplemental appropriations for FY 2005 or 2006 for contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism, or for any emergency requirements, then the resulting new budget authority, new entitlement authority, outlays, and receipts shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) for the provisions of such measure that are designated as making appropriations for such contingency operations. Authorizes the House Committee on Appropriations to make a separate suballocation for general appropriations for the legislative branch for the first fiscal year of this resolution. Deems such allocation to be made under CBA and to be treated as such for all purposes under it. Declares the sense of Congress that concurrent resolutions on the budget for FY 2007 through 2010 should include reconciliation instructions to committees biennially to achieve significant savings in mandatory spending.

ENERGY AND WATER, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 10 March 2005

Electric Transmission and Reliability Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Electric Transmission and Reliability Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to require an unregulated transmitting utility to provide transmission services: (1) at rates comparable to those that it charges itself; and (2) on terms and conditions comparable to FERC rules requiring public utilities to offer open access transmission services that are not unduly discriminatory or preferential. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for conducting environmental review of electric power transmission corridors across Federal lands. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to give priority for electric power transmission corridor rights-of-way across Federal lands. Grants FERC jurisdiction over: (1) Electric Reliability Organizations; (2) regional entities; and (3) all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system. Exempts Alaska and Hawaii from such provisions. Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. States that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase electric energy or capacity from a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility (qualifying facility). Requires FERC to issue rules establishing an electronic information system for public access to information that facilitates price transparency and participation in markets subject to FERC jurisdiction. Prohibits the filing of false information regarding the wholesale price of electricity, and round trip trading. Increases civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act.

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to provide for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology to enhance productivity and technological performance in U.S. manufacturing through the enabling of supply chain manufacturers to continuously improve products and processes, increase energy efficiency, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize resources and technologies with the aim of reducing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program to award grants to institutions of higher education to support their efforts to revise their undergraduate curriculum in chemistry and chemical engineering to incorporate green chemistry concepts and strategies. Requires such Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to conduct a study of the factors that constitute barriers to the successful commercial application of promising results from green chemistry research and development.

Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax credits for: (1) qualified energy efficient improvements to existing homes; and (2) the construction of qualified new energy efficient homes. Allows a tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building property expenditures.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GEOSS: A REVIEW OF THE ALL-HAZARDS WARNING SYSTEM AND ITS BENEFITS TO PUBLIC HEALTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 March 2005

Rocky Flats Special Exposure Cohort Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Rocky Flats Special Exposure Cohort Act - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to provide compensation (for beryllium- and radiation-related health conditions) for employees of the Department of Energy (DOE) or of a DOE contractor employed for an aggregate number of at least 250 work days before January 1, 2006, at the Rocky Flats (nuclear weapons production and testing) site in Colorado.

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems each of the following actions undertaken by a Federal agency to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a detailed environmental impact statement is required in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: (1) any action having as a purpose the resumption of nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device tests at the Nevada Test Site; or (2) use of any other location for such testing. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to certain kiloton categories of weapons. Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act. Requires: (1) advance public notice of each test; (2) prompt notice of each release of radiation beyond the boundaries of the Nevada Test Site; and (3) a public meeting after each test to discuss test results. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the safety and health of citizens in the vicinity of the Nevada Test Site. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Nevada Test Site Citizens Review Board. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to institutions of higher education to acquire and operate, for ten years, radiation detection equipment and sensors. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency, to monitor the nature and extent of any radiation released into the atmosphere as a result of such testing. Requires: (1) DOE radiation containment assessment; and (2) public notice of monitoring data. Requires the: (1) Director of the National Institutes of Health to make a grant to establish the National Center for the Study of Radiation and Human Health; and (2) Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of individuals exposed to nuclear weapons tests.

Home Energy Assistance Targeted for Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Home Energy Assistance Targeted for Seniors Act - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to rename it the Low-Income and Senior Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981. Redefines low-income households as households with incomes which do not exceed that of State median income, with at least 50 percent of the household income attributable to persons who are at least 65 years old.

To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Reauthorizes the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988 through 2010. Modifies the list of priorities that the Secretary of Energy must consider in reviewing research and development activities for possible inclusion in the Steel Initiative Research Plan to include the development of: (1) advanced sheet and bar steel; and (2) technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to extend for 5 years the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2010 the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources (e.g., wind, biomass, poultry waste); (2) allow certain organizations, including tax-exempt organizations, State and local governments, and Indian tribal governments, to sell unused amounts of such tax credit.

David Garman, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Energy, vice Robert Gordon Card, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 March 2005

PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2006 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

United States · United States Senate · 3 March 2005

Rural Renaissance Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Rural Renaissance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Rural Renaissance Corporation to issue rural renaissance bonds to finance qualified projects for rebuilding rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in rural renaissance bonds. Describes qualified projects as: (1) a water or waste treatment project; (2) a conservation project, including any project to protect water quality or air quality (including odor abatement), any project to prevent soil erosion, and any project to protect wildlife habitat, including any project to assist agricultural producers in complying with Federal, State, or local regulations; (3) an affordable housing project; (4) a community facility project, including hospitals, fire and police stations, and nursing and assisted-living facilities; (5) a value-added agriculture or renewable energy facility project for agricultural producers or farmer-owned entities, including any project to promote the production or processing of ethanol, biodiesel, animal waste, biomass, raw commodities, or wind as a fuel; (6) a rural venture capital project for, among others, farmer-owned entities; (7) a distance learning or telemedicine project; (8) a project to expand broadband technology; and (9) a rural teleworks project.

Energy Markets Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Energy Markets Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to promulgate regulations establishing an electronic information system to provide FERC and the public with access to information appropriate to facilitate price transparency and participation in markets subject to its jurisdiction. Declares it shall be unlawful for any person or entity knowingly to: (1) enter into any contract or other arrangement to execute a round trip trade; or (2) use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of electric energy or transmission services subject to FERC jurisdiction, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance to affect the price, availability, or reliability of such electric energy or transmission services. Authorizes revocation of the authority of a public utility to charge market-based rates if FERC finds that the utility has knowingly employed any manipulation, deception, or contrivance in violation of this Act. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to bring within its regulatory purview over-the-counter transactions in energy commodities, energy transactions, and electronic energy trading facilities. Prohibits fraudulent transactions in connection with contracts of sale of any commodity for future delivery or certain other agreements, contracts, or transactions involving excluded or exempt commodities other than securities. Subjects violations to civil and criminal penalties.

Desalination Water Supply Shortage Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Desalination Drought Protection Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make specified incentive payments to the owners or operators of qualified desalination facilities (facilities first used to produce desalinated water after enactment of this Act) for up to ten years to partially offset the cost of electrical energy required to operate such facilities; and (2) support research and development of promising novel technology approaches for the cost-effective desalination of water.

Renewable Energy Production Incentive Reform and Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Renewable Energy Production Incentive Reform and Reauthorization Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to revise requirements for the program of renewable energy production incentive payments. Requires payment to the owner or operator of qualified renewable energy facilities by: (1) the Secretary of Energy for electric energy generated and sold from solar, wind, or geothermal energy; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture for electric energy generated and sold from biomass (unless the electric energy is generated from heat derived from landfill gases); and (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for electric energy generated and sold from heat derived from landfill gases. Prohibits such officials from establishing criteria or procedures that have the effect of assigning to an eligible, qualified renewable energy facility a higher or lower priority for eligibility or allocation of payments on the basis of the energy source used at such facility. Identifies the eligibility window for such payments as occurring before October 1, 2016. Increases the per kilowatt hour incentive payment. Extends the program through September 30, 2026.

Fuel Efficiency Truth in Advertising Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Fuel Efficiency Truth in Advertising Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise certain Federal vehicle fuel economy test procedures to take into consideration higher speed limits, faster acceleration rates, variations in temperature, use of air conditioning, shorter city test cycle lengths, and the use of other fuel depleting features.

Interstate Transmission Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Interstate Transmission Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) establish incentive-based rate treatments for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce by any public utility in order to ensure reliability and to decrease the cost of delivered power by reducing transmission congestion; and (2) provide for incentives to each transmitting utility or electric utility that joins a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) or Independent System Operator. Prescribes guidelines for open nondiscriminatory access by unregulated transmitting utilities. Prohibits FERC from requiring an unregulated transmitting utility to transfer control or operational control of its transmitting facilities to an RTO or any other Commission-approved independent transmission organization designated to provide nondiscriminatory transmission access. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat electric transmission property treated as 15-year property. Repeals the requirement for FERC prior authorization of the disposition of public utility facilities. Grants FERC jurisdiction over Electric Reliability Organizations certified by FERC to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system. Exempts Hawaii and Alaska from application of this Act. Prescribes guidelines governing the obligations of electric utilities to provide electric service to either end-users or to a distribution utility (native load service obligation). Specifies conditions under which FERC is required to approve a voluntary transmission pricing plan containing criteria for determining the person or persons that will be required to pay for any construction of new transmission facilities or expansion, modification or upgrade of transmission facilities, or new generator interconnection. Authorizes FERC to promote voluntary development of regional transmission organizations, independent transmission providers, and similar organizations in order to enhance electric energy transmission in interstate commerce.

Jeffrey Clay Sell, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, vice Kyle E. McSlarrow, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 28 February 2005

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to assess the economic implications of the dependence of the State of Hawaii on oil as the principal source of energy for the State.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Directs the Secretary of Energy to assess the economic implications of the dependence of the State of Hawaii on oil as its principal source of energy, including: (1) the short- and long-term prospects for crude oil supply disruption and price volatility and potential impacts on the economy of Hawaii; (2) the economic relationship between oil-fired generation of electricity from residual fuel and refined petroleum products consumed for ground, marine, and air transportation; (3) the technical and economic feasibility of increasing the contribution of renewable energy resources for generation of electricity, on an island-by-island basis; (4) the technical and economic feasibility of using liquefied natural gas to displace residual fuel oil for electric generation; and (5) the technical and economic feasibility of using renewable energy sources (including hydrogen) for ground, marine, and air transportation energy applications to displace the use of refined petroleum products. Instructs the Secretary to report to Congress, detailing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from such assessment.

Electric Reliability Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Electric Reliability Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act (FPA) to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over a domestic electric reliability organization, any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk power system for purposes of approving reliability standards. Directs FERC, upon petition of certain States, to establish a regional advisory body to provide advice regarding: (1) an existing or proposed regional reliability entity; and (2) proposed standards and fees. Excludes Alaska and Hawaii from the provisions of this Act. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop a model code to ensure electric facility safety and reliability. Establishes an Electricity Outage Investigation Board to investigate the causes of a major domestic bulk-power system failure. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a System Benefits Trust Fund Board which shall create the System Benefits Trust Fund to provide matching funds to States and Indian tribes for public benefits programs. Requires electric retail suppliers to: (1) implement energy efficiency and peak load reduction programs in retail customer facilities and the distribution systems that serve them; and (2) produce savings by specified percentages in total peak power demand and electricity use by retail customers. Directs the Secretary to publish a final rule by a certain date to determine whether the standards in effect for central air conditioners and heat pumps should be amended. Grants the Secretary loan guarantee authority for activities that enhance the reliability, security, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electricity generation, transmission, or distribution. Amends PURPA to require electric utilities to make net metering service available upon request of any electric consumer. Amends the FPA to prescribe interconnection guidelines to distribution and transmission facilities. Instructs the Secretary to establish a demonstration program for innovative technologies for renewable uninterruptible power supply systems located in eligible buildings (on-site generation for emergency facilities).

Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require retail electric suppliers to submit to the Secretary of Energy renewable energy credits in an amount equal to the required annual percentage of the retail electric supplier's total amount of kilowatt-hours of non-hydropower electricity sold to retail consumers during the previous calendar year (excluding incremental hydropower). States that a renewable energy credit that is not used to satisfy the minimum requirement for that year may be carried over for use within the next two years. Specifies a schedule of the minimum percentage of renewable energy sources that must be used to generate the total amount of non-hydropower electricity sold by each retail electric supplier during a calendar year (excluding incremental hydropower). Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to issue, monitor the sale or exchange of, and track renewable energy credits; and (2) make funds available under this Act to State energy agencies for grant programs for renewable energy research and development, and for loan guarantees to encourage construction of renewable energy facilities.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects in Connecticut, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend through May 30, 2007, the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction for projects numbered 11547, 10822, and 10823 in the State of Connecticut. Requires the Commission thereafter, upon licensee request, to extend the time period for construction of such project for two consecutive two-year periods. Directs the Commission to reinstate the licenses for such projects effective as of their respective expiration dates. States that the first authorized extension for each such project shall take effect on its expiration date.

To provide for the disposition of United States Government uranium inventories.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Amends the USEC Privatization Act to repeal Federal guidelines governing inventory sales of natural and low-enriched uranium and Federal transfers of enriched uranium. Establishes rising limits of aggregate annual deliveries of uranium in any form (including natural uranium concentrates, natural uranium hexafluoride, enriched uranium, and depleted uranium) that are sold or transferred by the U.S. Government from three million pounds U308 equivalent per year through calendar 2009 to ten million pounds U308 equivalent per year through calendar 2013 and thereafter. Exempts specified kinds of sales or transfers from these limits. States that any uranium sales or transfers by the U.S. Government (excluding the Tennessee Valley Authority) shall be limited to long-term contracts with end users of no less than three years duration. Requires the Secretary of Energy to review annually the available excess Government uranium inventories and determine the level of inventory to be sold or transferred to end users.

To amend title VI of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a Federal renewable energy portfolio standard for certain retail electric utilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe guidelines for a Federal Renewable Portfolio Standard for calendar years 2008 through 2037. Specifies a schedule of graduated annual percentages of a supplier's base amount, from one percent in 2008 up to 20 percent in 2027 and thereafter, that shall be generated from renewable energy resources. Authorizes a supplier to satisfy such requirements through the submission of renewable energy credits to the Secretary of Energy. Provides for energy credit trading or borrowing among suppliers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage federally-owned utilities, municipally-owned utilities, and rural electric cooperatives that sell electric energy to electric consumers for purposes other than resale to participate in the renewable portfolio standard program; and (2) establish by December 31, 2007, a State renewable energy account program.

Electric Reliability Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Electric Reliability Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over a FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), established under this Act to enforce, subject to FERC review, reliability standards for the bulk-power system. Includes within such jurisdiction regional entities and all users, owners, and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving reliability standards and enforcing compliance with this Act. Urges the President to negotiate international agreements with the governments of Canada and Mexico to provide effective compliance with reliability standards and the effectiveness of the ERO in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Restricts to the bulk-power system only the ERO authority to develop and enforce compliance with reliability standards. Declares that this Act does not authorize the ERO or FERC to order construction of additional generation or transmission capacity, or to set and enforce compliance with standards for adequacy or safety of electric facilities or services. Directs FERC to establish a regional advisory body on the petition of at least two-thirds of the States within a region that have more than one-half of their electric load served within the region. Authorizes such body to advise the ERO, a regional entity, or FERC. Declares this Act inapplicable to Alaska or Hawaii.

National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and administer: (1) a national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions information system to collect annual lists required to be submitted under this Act of an entity's GHG emissions; and (2) a national GHG registry (included in such system) to collect voluntarily reported information on emissions reductions. Directs the Administrator to submit a draft design of the system to Congress and to publish all information in the system through the EPA's website unless national security concerns are present. Establishes mandatory reporting of GHG emissions for entities that meet specified threshold requirements. Sets forth factors for the adjustment of emissions records by a reporting entity. Requires the Administrator and the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy jointly to work with the States, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to develop: (1) protocols for quantification and verification of GHG emissions; (2) electronic methods for quantification and reporting of such emissions; and (3) GHG accounting and reporting standards. Requires such protocols and methods to conform to best practices to the extent practicable. Directs the Administrator to publish, annually, a national GHG emissions inventory and to include in the inventory's analysis a comparison of the indirect emissions of manufactured products reported and the indirect emissions of comparable products carrying the Energy Star label.

To require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to consider certain criteria in relicensing nuclear facilities, and to provide for an independent assessment of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station by the National Academy of Sciences prior to any relicensing of that facility.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 regarding relicensing criteria for nuclear facilities to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to evaluate a facility for health risks, vulnerability to terrorist attack, evacuation plans, population increases, ability to store nuclear waste, safety and security record, and the impact of a nuclear accident. Prohibits relicensing of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station until after the NRC has: (1) arranged with the National Academy of Sciences to provide an independent assessment of safety performance and recommendations for relicensing; (2) transmitted those recommendations to Congress; and (3) given appropriate consideration to those recommendations. Directs the Academy to provide an independent assessment of: (1) conformance of the Station to its design and licensing bases; (2) operational safety performance and risk factors; (3) health risks, vulnerability to terrorist attack, evacuation plans, population increases, ability to store nuclear waste, safety and security record, and the impact of a nuclear accident; (4) the effectiveness of licensee self-assessments, corrective actions, and improvement plans; and (5) the cause of safety problems and overall performance.

Nuclear Waste Terrorist Threat Assessment and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005

Nuclear Waste Terrorist Threat Assessment and Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate the development and implementation of an interagency plan to prepare for and defend against terrorist crimes targeting the Yucca Mountain Project (high-level nuclear waste repository being studied at Yucca Mountain, Nevada). Requires that the plan: (1) include a comprehensive analysis of the safety and vulnerability of the Project to Federal crimes of terrorism; (2) address specified types of attacks; (3) give special emphasis to addressing the use of nuclear waste as a radiological weapon, the use of specified technologies, and sabotage or theft of high-level nuclear waste; (4) include a comprehensive strategy for defending against terrorism; and (5) include an analysis of the economic, public health, and environmental costs and impacts of implementing the interagency plan. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate the development and implementation of a comprehensive interagency plan to ensure that Federal, State, and local government response plans and programs can respond adequately to the consequences of terrorism against the Project. Requires the Secretary and FEMA to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Research Council for technical review of the plans. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from submitting a license application regarding, and prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing a license for, a Yucca Mountain repository unless: (1) such plans are completed and included in the final environmental impact statement for Yucca Mountain; (2) public hearings have been held for affected populations; (3) the Secretary has certified that the Project is not vulnerable to terrorism; and (4) the Secretary has prepared and transmitted to Congress a report on the potential liability costs and damages resulting from a wide range of Federal terrorism crimes against the Project.