Energy

PROSPECTS FOR ADVANCED COAL TECHNOLOGIES: EFFICIENT ENERGY PRODUCTION, CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 May 2007

SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK: SUMMER 2007

United States · United States Senate · 15 May 2007

Foreign Investment Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Foreign Investment Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 relating to authorized investigations of the effects on national security of a proposed acquisition, merger, or takeover (transaction) by or with foreign persons which could result in foreign control of persons engaged in U.S. commerce to: (1) extend the time to commence such investigation; (2) require the findings and recommendations of any investigation to be sent immediately to the President and specified congressional committees for review; (3) require certain factors to be considered as part of such investigation, including the effect on domestic production and long-term projections of U.S. requirements for sources of energy and other critical resources; (4) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to report quarterly to such committees a detailed summary and analysis of each transaction being, or likely to be, reviewed; and (5) subject the President's decision not to suspend or prohibit a transaction to a congressional approval process.

Marine Renewable Energy Research and Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Marine Renewable Energy Research and Development Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to support programs of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to expand the use of marine renewable energy production from marine renewable energy technology systems, including programs regarding: (1) existing marine renewable energy extraction technologies; and (2) advanced marine renewable energy systems and technologies. Instructs the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) for the establishment of National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers.

Syria Accountability and Liberation Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Syria Accountability and Liberation Act - States that U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to Syria shall remain in effect until the President certifies that Syria has ceased support for terrorism, has dismantled biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons programs and has committed to combat their proliferation, respects the boundaries and sovereignty of all neighboring countries, and upholds human rights and civil liberties. Imposes specified trade, assistance, and military sanctions, as appropriate, on persons or countries that transfer goods or technology so as to contribute to Syria's biological, chemical, nuclear, or advanced conventional weapons programs. Imposes specified sanctions aimed at Syria's energy sector. Sets forth diplomatic measures intended to isolate the government of Syria. Directs the President to provide assistance to support a democratic transition in Syria. Authorizes appropriations.

Federal Energy Price Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Federal Energy Price Protection Act of 2007 - Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person to sell crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, or any biofuel at a price that constitutes price gouging. Instructs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate enforcement rules within six months after enactment of this Act. Grants enforcement authority exclusively to: (1) the FTC; (2) the Attorney General of the United States; or (3) state attorneys general. Prescribes guidelines for enforcement of civil actions by state attorneys general. Preempts state action while federal action is pending. Subjects violations of this Act to specified civil and criminal penalties.

Climate Change Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007

Climate Change Education Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Climate Change Education Program to: (1) broaden the understanding of climate change, possible long and short-term consequences, and potential solutions; (2) apply the latest scientific and technological discoveries to provide learning opportunities to people; and (3) emphasize actionable information to help people understand and to promote implementation of new technologies, programs, and incentives related to energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction. Requires such Program to include: (1) a national information campaign to disseminate information on and promote implementation of the new technologies, programs, and incentives; and (2) a competitive grant program to provide grants to states, municipalities, educational institutions, and other organizations to create materials relevant to climate change and climate science, develop climate science kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum and supplementary educational materials, or publish climate change and climate science information.

A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to monitor and investigate gasoline prices under certain circumstances.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the retail price of gasoline in a state in which the average price of regular grade gasoline has increased 20 percent or more for at least seven days during any three-month period in order to determine if the price is being artificially manipulated by reducing refinery capacity or by any other form of manipulation. Requires the FTC to: (1) report to Congress within 30 days after initiating an investigation; and (2) present investigation results, within 14 days after reporting to Congress, at a public hearing in the state in which the retail price of gasoline was investigated. Requires the FTC, in cooperation with the Attorney General of the relevant state, to take appropriate action if it determines that the increase in gasoline prices in a state is a result of market manipulation.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make geothermal heat pump systems eligible for the energy credit.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat geothermal heating and cooling equipment as energy property for purposes of the energy tax credit.

Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007

Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to support research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs to expand geothermal energy production from hydrothermal systems. Specifies programs to: (1) develop advanced geophysical, geochemical, and geologic tools to assist in locating hidden hydrothermal resources and increase the reliability of site characterization; (2) demonstrate technologies and techniques of exploratory drilling for undiscovered resources in a variety of geologic settings; (3) research, develop, demonstrate, and apply commercially components and systems capable of withstanding extreme geothermal environments and necessary to develop, produce, and monitor geothermal reservoirs and produce geothermal energy; and (4) research, develop, demonstrate, and apply commercially enhanced geothermal systems. Instructs the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) to establish two Centers for Geothermal Technology Transfer. Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on advanced uses of geothermal energy.

Energy Conservation through Smart Meters' Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007

Energy Conservation through "Smart Meters" Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to assign a five-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices placed in service by a supplier of electric energy or a provider of electric energy services. Defines an "energy management device" as any time-based meter and related communication equipment used to measure and record electricity usage data on a time-differentiated basis in at least 24 separate time segments per day.

ADMINISTRATION PROPOSALS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 May 2007

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Enhancement Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a geographically diverse, interdisciplinary Center for Nanotechnology Research and Engineering (the Center) to focus on: (1) the science and engineering of manufacturing at the nanoscale in multiple dimensions; or (2) nanotechnology for sustainable energy, water, agriculture, and the environment. Allows the Center to be a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center or a National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network node. Requires that the Center shall consist of: (1) a lead academic institution located in an EPSCoR (the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) state; and (2) at least one additional academic institution located in a second EPSCoR state. Permits the Center to include other institutions within or outside of the United States. Requires the Center to: (1) conduct state-of-the-art research on nanomanufacturing; (2) collaborate with other NSF grantees, and with grantees from other federal agencies, working on nanomanufacturing; (3) share resources with the programs of such grantees for the purpose of mutual advantage; and (4) work toward a nanomanufacturing network that encourages extensive industrial collaboration.

Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007

Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend such credit through 2013; (2) allow a credit for the production of thermal energy; (3) allow a credit for investment in resources that produce electricity without carbon emissions; and (4) modify the definition of "closed-loop biomass" and "nonhydroelectric dams" for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax credit for holders of clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the annual national limitation for such bonds to $5 billion between 2009 and 2014. Extends through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Eliminates the 30% limitation on solar electric property expenditures. Allows such credit for energy storage air conditioner property used in a principal residence. Calculates the maximum allowable amounts of such credit for solar property based upon kilowatt capacity. Extends through 2016 the energy investment tax credit. Extends through 2012 the tax credits for: (1) nonbusiness energy property expenditures; and (2) new energy efficient homes. Extends through 2014 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Increases the rate of such deduction to $2.25 per square foot. Assigns a five-year recovery period for the depreciation of any qualified energy management device ("smart meter") that is placed in service before 2012 and that measures and records electricity usage data on a time-differentiated basis of at least 10 minutes.

Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish, maintain, and operate a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve of gasoline and jet fuel. Instructs the Secretary to determine between three and five regionally strategic Reserve sites throughout the United States. Permits the Secretary to release gasoline or fuel from the Reserve only if: (1) the President finds that there is a severe fuel supply disruption; or (2) the governor of a state requests a release from the Reserve, accompanied by specified findings. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Fund.

To expedite the construction of new refining capacity on closed military installations in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Requires the President to designate not less than three closed military installations or portions thereof that are appropriate for siting a refinery for gasoline or other fuel. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for coordinating applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. Gives the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions relating to federal refinery authorizations.

Eliminate Gas Price Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Eliminate Gas Price Discrimination Act - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit a franchise from placing a limitation on the source from which a franchisee may obtain motor fuel. Permits a franchise, however, to require the franchisee to obtain only motor fuels with respect to which the franchisor, or the refiner that supplies the franchisor, owns or controls a trademark.

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 - Applies this Act to any mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim located under the general mining laws. Conditions federal issuance of a patent for any mining claim located under the general mining laws upon specified determinations made by the Secretary of the Interior. Subjects production of locatable minerals from a mining claim to a royalty of 8 % of the net smelter return. Sets forth requirements governing: (1) lands open to location; (2) environmental protection standards, including reclamation, in connection with mineral activities on mining claims, millsite claims, or tunnel site claims; and (3) state or local law that meets or exceeds requirements of this Act. Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund and the Locatable Minerals Community Impact Assistance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) to establish user fees to reimburse federal expenditures in administering this Act. Requires the Secretaries to inspect and monitor mineral activities to ensure compliance with the environmental protection requirements of this Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to subject oil shale claims to the reclamation requirements of this Act. Declares the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and specified federal law regarding unpatented mining claims, applicable to all mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act. Subjects deposits of specified mineral materials to disposal only under the Materials Act of 1947.

Rural America Energy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Rural America Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to redefine "bioenergy" to include: (1) cellulosic cogeneration; (2) biomass gasification; and (3) hydrogen made from cellulosic commodities for fuel cells. Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to make available increased funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to implement: (1) the bioenergy program; (2) renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements; and (3) grants for small projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a five-year extension of credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources; and (2) allow a tax credit for certain wind energy property placed in service or installed by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to spend up to $1 million to fund feasibility studies for the construction of dedicated ethanol pipelines. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend the conservation reserve program through calendar 2012; and (2) direct the Secretary to ensure that, as contracts expire and lands are taken out of the program, the lands are replaced with the most environmentally sensitive acres, so that the program continues to protect highly erodible lands while increasing the acreage outside of the program available for the production of crops to accommodate biofuel production. Instructs the Secretary to make transitional assistance payments to an agricultural producer during the first year in which the producer devotes land to the production of a qualified cellulosic crop. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise specified accounting practices of persons engaged in crude oil or natural gas production in the United States to establish a renewable reserves classification and disclosure system, which shall treat contracted biomass crops for a cellulosic biorefinery as renewable reserves.

Nuclear Waste Storage Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Nuclear Waste Storage Prohibition Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from using any funds made available for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership initiative for the transfer or storage of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste to any site that is not a site where facilities for reprocessing of that fuel or waste have been constructed or are under construction. Prohibits spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste from being retained for long-term storage at such a site where facilities for reprocessing of fuel or waste have been constructed or are under construction.

FARM BILL POLICY PROPOSALS RELATING TO FARM AND RURAL ENERGY ISSUES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States Senate · 9 May 2007

CHESSEA Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

Chesapeake's Healthy and Environmentally Sound Stewardship of Energy and Agriculture Act of 2007 or CHESSEA Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend funding for the the environmental quality incentives program. Gives program allocation priority to interstate watersheds. Provides a cost-share payment exception for limited resource and beginning farmers. Provides: (1) cost-share and incentive payments for private forest owners to carry out specified conservation activities; and (2) state performance incentives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to enter into agreements with states and the District of Columbia containing all or a portion of a large waterbody or its tributaries (including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries) for water quality initiatives. Authorizes appropriations. Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary to pay the cost of conservation innovation grants. Makes such grants available for projects that include a technology transfer plan. Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the conservation security program; and (3) the wetlands reserve program. Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation planning pilot program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) extend the agricultural management assistance program; and (2) make Virginia eligible for such assistance. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to the biorefinery and biofuel grant program to: (1) extend such program; and (2) provide grants for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to develop the commercial viability of no-till soybean biodiesel production, cellulosic ethanol production, manure to energy processes, and other technologies that promote the conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals and the reduction of nutrient impacts to water. Extends the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program. Obligates amounts for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states.

To better provide for compensation for certain persons injured in the course of employment at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include within the meaning of the term “member of the Special Exposure Cohort” a Department of Energy employee, Department of Energy contractor employee, or atomic weapons employee who was so employed for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days before January 1, 2006, at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California. Provides that a claim that an individual qualifies for compensation or benefits under such Act shall be considered notwithstanding any denial of any other claim for compensation with respect to such individual.

United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, in implementing the Agreement between the Department of Energy of the United States of America and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of Israel Concerning Energy Cooperation, to establish a grant program to support research, development, and commercialization of alternative renewable energy sources. Authorizes grants to promote the following: (1) solar energy; (2) biomass energy; (3) energy efficiency; (4) wind energy; and (5) fossil energy. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to: (1) monitor how such grants are awarded; and (2) provide periodic performance reviews of actions taken to carry out the grant program.

EEOICPA Ombudsman Extension and Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

EEOICPA Ombudsman Extension and Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to: (1) make permanent the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman of the Department of Labor; and (2) increase the duties of the Ombudsman under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program, including to assist in making claims for benefits for Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employees who have contracted a covered illness through exposure at a DOE facility and to act as an advocate for such employees in appropriate cases.

To prevent certain discriminatory taxation of natural gas pipeline property.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

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.

ENERGY SECURITY AND OIL DEPENDENCE

United States · United States Senate · 8 May 2007

Coal Liquid Fuel Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Coal Liquid Fuel Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into: (1) standby loan agreements with up to six qualifying CTL projects, at least one of which shall be owned by two or more small coal producers; and (2) a profit-sharing agreement with the project at the time the standby loan agreement is executed. Defines "qualifying CTL project" as: (1) a commercial-scale project that converts coal to liquid or gaseous transportation fuels; or (2) not more than one project at a facility that converts petroleum refinery waste products, including petroleum coke, into liquids or gaseous transportation fuels, and demonstrates the capture, sequestration, or disposition of carbon dioxide produced in the conversion process.

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make and guarantee loans for biofuel production, distribution, development, and storage. Sets forth loan eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a related revolving fund. Authorizes the Secretary to administer a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve to: (1) provide feedstocks in furtherance of biofuel-based energy production; and (2) support the biofuels energy industry when production is at risk due to feedstock reductions or commodity price increases. Sets forth related provisions respecting commercial commodity purchases, release of commodity stocks, and storage payments.

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as specified activities, including international and security-related activities, of the Departments of Defense (Military, including funds for Iraqi and Afghan security forces), of Justice, of Energy, of Homeland Security, of Defense (military construction and base closure), of State (including international peacekeeping operations), related agencies, and the House of Representatives and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Provides funds to enable military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to inspect annually military medical treatment facilities, including military quarters housing medical hold or holdover personnel, to insure that they meet acceptable standards for their maintenance and operation. Requires additional inspections of identified deficiencies. Provides funds to the Government of Iraq to support the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of militias and illegal armed groups. Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Woodrow W. Keeble for valor during the Korean War. Provides funds to local education agencies (LEAs) in districts adversely affected by significant changes in the military population. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) as battalions of the Iraqi security forces achieve a level of combat proficiency to conduct independent combat operations without support from Iraqi Coalition forces, U.S. Armed Forces units should be redeployed from Iraq; and (2) regular, accurate accounts of the combat proficiency of Iraqi battalions security forces are necessary for the American public to gauge the development of them. Prohibits the use of funds to deploy or redeploy any unit of the Armed Forces to Iraq unless the President has certified to the congressional appropriations committees in advance that the unit is fully mission capable. Sets a maximum number of days for deployment or redeployment in Iraq for military units. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition and deployment or redeployment limits on a unit-by-unit basis for reasons of national security. Provides that such limitations shall not be construed to require force levels in Iraq to be decreased below total U.S. force levels before January 10, 2007. Prohibits the use of funds to close Walter Reed Army Medical Center until equivalent medical facilities at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, and/or the Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Community Hospital have been constructed and equipped. Specifies conditions for assistance to Lebanon. Provides funds to assist Liberia in retiring its debt arrearages. Requires the Department of State to provide GAO staff members the country clearances, life support, and logistical and security support necessary for them to establish a presence in Iraq for at least 45 days. Makes additional appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Justice, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of Homeland Security, of the Interior, of Education, of Transportation, of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Small Business Administration (SBA). Makes other emergency appropriations for specified purposes to the Departments of Defense (Civil), of the Interior, of Agriculture, of Health and Human Services (for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and for response to an influenza pandemic), of Veterans Affairs (particularly veterans' health programs), of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the legislative branch. Makes appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to eliminate the FY2007 shortfall in funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day. Applies federal minimum wage requirements to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and to American Samoa. Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend and revise certain tax provisions affecting small business owners, including the work opportunity tax credit and expensing of small business assets; (2) extend and expand certain tax incentives for investment in the Gulf Opportunity (GO) Zone; (3) revise requirements relating to subchapter S corporations; and (4) modify certain miscellaneous tax administration requirements.

To provide a reduction in the aggregate greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy consumed by vehicles and aircraft, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Amends the Clean Air Act to require: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate low carbon fuel performance standards for fuels and other sources of energy used to propel vehicles; and (2) such standards to begin to apply in 2015. Sets forth a declining standard that represents a graduated percentage reduction in aggregate emissions of GHG per Btu for each five-year period beginning in 2015. Requires the Administrator to review available control technology, safety considerations, and land and other resources available for production of fuels and other sources of energy used to propel vehicles. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate a more stringent standard if, based on such review, the Administrator determines it to be requisite to protect the public health and welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects associated with GHG emissions. Requires the Administrator, not later than January 1, 2010, to promulgate a low carbon fuel performance standard for fuels and other sources of energy used by aircraft. Provides that such standard shall: (1) apply for 2015-2019; and (2) remain in effect unless, for each five-year period thereafter beginning in 2020, the Administrator and the Secretary of Transportation determine after a thorough review of available technology and safety considerations that a more stringent standard is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth provisions concerning compliance with the standard and calculations of the GHG emission rate per Btu. Requires the Administrator, not later than January 1, 2009, to identify and label low-carbon transportation fuels based on specified criteria. Prohibits transportation fuel sold in interstate commerce after January 1, 2010, from being derived from biomass from: (1) lands where ecosystem conversion has occurred after enactment of this Act; (2) sensitive lands; (3) specified lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program or the wetlands reserves program; (4) specified national interest lands; (5) recyclable postconsumer waste paper, painted, treated, or pressurized wood, or wood contaminated with plastic or metals; (6) municipal solid waste; or (7) materials produced, harvested, acquired, transported, or processed pursuant to an exemption from otherwise applicable environmental laws. Requires the Administrator to ensure that no transportation fuel sold or introduced in interstate commerce after January 1, 2010, shall result in average per gallon vehicle emissions of air pollutants in excess of the 2007 emission levels or in a violation of any motor vehicle emission or fuel content limitation under such Act. Authorizes sums to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for a cooperative program of research and development relating to lower carbon alternatives for aircraft jet fuel and fuel for other vehicles.

National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel standard for FY2009-FY2012. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a fuel emission baseline; (2) identify qualifying low-carbon transportation fuels; (3) establish a low-carbon fuel certification and marketing process; and (4) require each obligated party to reduce the average lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of energy of the aggregate quantity of fuels introduced into commerce to specified levels by not later than January 1, 2010, through the use of low-carbon fuels and improvements in the production of conventional fuels. Requires the average lifecycle GHG emissions of the aggregate quantity for 2012 to be at least 3% below the 2007 average should emission limitation regulations not be promulgated. Authorizes an obligated party to apply to the Administrator to receive a temporary suspension of the requirement to comply with such regulations if events outside of the control of the party could lead or have led to disruptions in the transportation fuel supply. Permits obligated parties to receive credits for achieving greater reductions in lifecycle GHG emission of the fuel produced, distributed, or imported than are required. Requires the Administrator to ensure that fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States (except in noncontiguous states or territories) contains, on an annual average basis, at least the specified volume of ultra-low carbon fuel for 2012-2025. Prohibits such regulations from restricting geographic areas in which low-carbon transportation fuel and ultra-low carbon fuel may be used or from imposing any per-gallon obligation for the use of those fuels. Sets forth a minimum applicable volume for 2026 and thereafter. Requires the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to provide to the EPA Administrator an estimate of the volumes of conventional fuels projected to be sold or introduced into commerce. Requires the EPA Administrator to determine the fuel obligations based on such an estimate. Requires regulations concerning ultra-low carbon fuel to provide for the generation of specified credits by obligated parties. Authorizes the EPA Administrator, on the receipt of a petition of one or more states, to waive ultra-low carbon regulations by reducing the national quantity of Category I or Category II ultra-low carbon fuel in the conventional transportation fuel pool if it is determined that: (1) implementation of the regulations would severely harm the economy or environment; or (2) there is an inadequate domestic supply of such fuel. Considers 1 gallon of cellulosic biomass ethanol or waste derived ethanol to be the equivalent of 2.5 gallons of renewable fuel through 2017 (currently there is no time limit). Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) a carbon intensity number and a green index number as part of the renewable identification number program; and (2) a set of standards to minimize the negative environmental impacts of an increase in the volume of fuels required by such Act and to ensure long term resource sustainability from the sourcing and production of low-carbon fuels.

Energy Savings Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Energy Savings Act of 2007 - Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act of 2007 - Sets forth a schedule for motor vehicle fuel, home heating oil, and boiler fuel to contain specified volumes of renewable fuel by calendar year 2022. Prescribes a pilot program to establish refueling infrastructure corridors for gasoline blends containing renewable fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) increase funding for bioenergy research and development; (2) establish bioresearch centers that target biofuels; and (3) authorize loan guarantees for renewable fuel facilities. Establishes a grants program for: (1) renewable fuel production in states with low rates of ethanol production; and (2) transportation of biomass to local biorefineries. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a biorefinery information center. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to impose a fuel tank cap labeling requirement for alternative fueled vehicles. Requires studies on specified renewable fuels and biofuels. Energy Efficiency Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act regarding advanced lighting technologies. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prescribe new energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with respect to high efficiency vehicles, advanced batteries, and energy storage. United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a research and development program for energy storage systems for motor transportation and electricity transmission and distribution; and (2) establish an Energy Storage Advisory Council. Sets forth national goals for: (1) energy savings in transportation; and (2) national energy efficiency improvement. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act regarding federal fleet conservation requirements. Prescribes requirements for implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives with respect to federal facilities. Extends programs assisting state and local governments with energy efficiency programs. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 regarding utility energy efficiency programs. Provides: (1) technical assistance to governmental entities for energy efficiency and demand response programs, including an energy and environmental block grant; and (2) energy efficiency grants to institutions of higher education. Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a carbon capture and storage research and demonstration program.

Knowledge Is Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Knowledge Is Power Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require electric utilities to disclose prominently on consumers' periodic billing statements the percentage mix of energy technologies and fuels used to generate the electricity sold within the distribution utility's distribution area. Requires such disclosure to specify the percentage of electricity generated from coal, from gas, from nuclear, from any other fuel, and from any particular type of renewable energy (including solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, ocean tidal, ocean wave, ocean current, ocean thermal, geothermal, municipal solid waste, or hydroelectric). Declares compliance requirements inapplicable if before enactment of this Act: (1) the state has implemented for such utility the standard concerned, or a comparable one; (2) the state regulatory authority or relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider the standard's implementation; or (3) the state legislature has voted on its implementation.

Bristol Bay Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2007

Bristol Bay Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the conduct of oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities in areas of the outer Continental Shelf located in the North Aleutian Basin Planning Area. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to exclude such Planning Area from a mandated inventory of oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf.

FULL COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE IMPACT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION IN RURAL AMERICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 May 2007

Support Our Troops Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Support Our Troops Act of 2007 - Makes emergency appropriations for FY2007 for the Global War on Terror, including for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service; and (2) the Department of Justice for salaries and expenses, the U.S. Marshals Service, the National Security Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (4) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (6) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (7) procurement; (8) research, development, test and evaluation; (9) revolving and management funds; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; and (12) the Intelligence Community Management Account. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (2) DOD for military construction; (3) diplomatic and consular programs; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) international peacekeeping activities; (7) international broadcasting operations; (8) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (9) international disaster and famine assistance; and (10) the Economic Support Fund. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic states; (2) international narcotics and law enforcement; (3) migration and refugee assistance; (4) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (5) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance; (2) the Foreign Military Financing Program; (3) peacekeeping operations; and (3) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account, 2005.

Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a methodology for use in determining the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of transportation fuel in commerce; (2) determine a fuel emission baseline; (3) establish a transportation fuel certification and marketing process concerning specified fuels; and (4) establish a requirement applicable to each fuel provider to reduce the average lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of energy of the aggregate quantity of transportation fuel produced, blended, or imported by the fuel provider to a specified level. Authorizes an electricity provider to participate in the advanced clean fuel program under this Act if the provider: (1) provides and separately tracks electricity used for transportation; and (2) generates more than 15% of the electricity it sells from renewable energy sources. Requires the regulations promulgated to carry out such program to permit fuel providers to receive credits for achieving greater reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions. Revises provisions concerning the applicable volume of renewable fuel in gasoline, including by: (1) directing the Administrator to require the aggregate quantity of transportation fuel sold to contain such volume of renewable fuel that will result in the specified total minimum volume for 2011-2025 (currently there are applicable volumes of renewable fuel in gasoline for 2006-2012); (2) requiring the Administrator to ensure that gasoline containing renewable fuel does not result in average per gallon motor vehicle emissions of air pollutants in excess of 2007 emission levels or in a violation of any motor vehicle emission or fuel content limitation under the Clean Air Act; (3) requiring that the determination of the total applicable volume for 2026 and thereafter be based on a review of the implementation of the advanced clean fuel volume standard during 2011-2025 (currently the Administrator is required to determine the applicable volume for 2013 and thereafter); and (4) repealing provisions concerning the required volumes of renewable fuel that are derived from cellulosic biomass. Requires the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on whether the total applicable volume of renewable fuel set forth for 2011-2025 or the advanced clean fuel performance standards for any year would reasonably be anticipated to result in one or more adverse lifecycle impacts or to be technically infeasible. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) a voluntary renewable fuels labeling program to promote consumer awareness of renewable fuels; and (2) a grant program to provide for research support concerning sustainable markets and technologies that produce and use woody biomass and other cellulosic biomass for the production of thermal and electric energy, biofuels, and bioproducts. Authorizes the Administrator to control or prohibit the manufacture or sale of any motor or nonroad vehicle fuel or fuel additive an emission product of which causes or contributes to air or water pollution (currently, air pollution) that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health or welfare.

WEnD Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Wind Energy Development Act of 2007 or the WEnD Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2012 the tax credit for production of electricity from certain renewable resources; (2) modify the inflation adjustment applicable to such credit; (3) extend through 2012 the tax credit for holders of clean renewable energy bonds and increase the limitation on the amount of such bonds authorized for issuance; and (4) set forth allocations of bond amounts for certain projects.

Rural Energy for America Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Rural Energy for America Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to rename the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program as the rural energy for America program (REAP). Makes rural school districts eligible for REAP. Authorizes REAP assistance to produce and sell electricity generated by new renewable energy systems. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to provide rebates for farmers, ranchers, rural school districts, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Defines eligible entities as: (1) a state energy or agriculture office; (2) a nonprofit state-based energy efficiency or renewable energy organization that uses public funds provided directly or under contract with a state agency; (3) any other nonprofit organization with a demonstrated ability to administer a statewide energy efficiency or renewable energy rebate program; or (4) a consortium of such entities. Limits rebates to the lower of $10,000 or 50% of the cost to purchase a renewable energy system or an energy efficiency improvement. Extends REAP funding through FY 2012 with set-asides for the rebate program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should implement a direct loan program to complement REAP grants.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a 15-year recovery period for property used in the transmission or distribution of electricity for sale.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 15-year recovery period for the depreciation of: (1) certain property used in the transmission or distribution of electricity for sale and which is originally placed in service after enactment of this Act; and (2) initial clearing and grading land improvements with respect to any electric utility transmission and distribution plant.

Energy Independence through Bio-diesel Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Energy Independence through Bio-diesel Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring that all diesel motor vehicle fuel sold or dispensed to consumers in the United States after 2012 contain not less than 2% biodiesel on an annual average basis.

Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act of 2007 - Establishes the farm and ranch profitability grant program. Extends the market access program. Revises (and extends certain of) the following conservation programs: (1) the environmental quality incentives program; (2) the conservation innovation grant program; (3) the cost share and incentive payment program; (4) state performance incentives; (5) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (6) the conservation reserve program; and (7) the wetlands reserve program. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the comprehensive conservation planning pilot program; (3) the farmland protection program; (4) the debt for agricultural easements program; (5) the conservation risk management pilot program; (6) the (Delmarva) conservation corridor demonstration program; (7) biomass and biorefinery research and development programs; (8) the climate carbon cycle, renewable energy, and climate change research program; (9) the farm and ranch energy efficiency rebate program; (10) the alternative use for biofuel byproducts research program; and (11) the farmers' market pilot program for the disabled. Authorizes a conservation loan guarantee program. Revises farmland protection policy provisions. Requires an electric utility to provide net metering service to a requesting electric consumer. Extends the: (1) fresh fruit and vegetable program; (2) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (3) senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (4) farmers' market promotion program. Provides for Department of Agriculture and Department of Defense (DOD) procurement of locally produced agricultural products. Revises healthy forests reserve program provisions. Establishes the community forest and open space conservation program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 with respect to: (1) standard deduction increases; (2) combat pay and retirement account exclusions; (3) minimum benefits; (4) countable resource increases; (5) work requirements; (6) program reauthorization; (7) program administration; (8) cash payment pilot projects; (9) block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa; (10) legal immigrant eligibility; (11) the emergency food assistance program; (12) the commodity supplemental food program; and (13) community food project competitive grants. Revises (and extends certain of) the following programs under the Federal Crop Insurance Act: (1) the agricultural management assistance program; (2) the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program; (3) crop insurance incentives for beginning farmers; and (4) organic crop provisions. Extends the: (1) national dairy market loss payment program; (2) dairy export incentive program; (3) dairy indemnity program; and (4) dairy research program. Sets the FY2008 minimum price for Class 1 milk under a federal marketing order at $15.58 per hundredweight. Revises: (1) federal milk marketing order provisions; and (2) dairy reporting provisions. Establishes a federal dairy education loan forgiveness program. Establishes the: (1) national organic agriculture conversion and stewardship incentives program; and (2) national organic certification cost share program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude gains on the sale of development rights or conservation easements on agricultural land for conservation purposes to qualifying entities. Establishes: (1) a research program to improve specialty crop and livestock survivability; (2) a national clean plant network; and (3) an early pest detection and surveillance improvement program.

Super-Efficient Appliance Incentives and Market Transformation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Super-Efficient Appliance Incentives and Market Transformation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the applicable amount of the tax credit for energy efficient appliances (i.e., dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers which restrict water and energy consumption) produced after 2007.

Knowledge Is Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Knowledge Is Power Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require electric utilities to disclose prominently on consumers' periodic billing statements the percentage mix of energy technologies and fuels used to generate the electricity sold within the distribution utility's distribution area. Requires such disclosure to specify the percentage of electricity generated from coal, from gas, from nuclear, from any other fuel, and from any particular type of renewable energy (including solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, ocean tidal, ocean wave, ocean current, ocean thermal, geothermal, municipal solid waste, or hydroelectric). Declares compliance requirements inapplicable if before enactment of this Act: (1) the state has implemented for such utility the standard concerned, or a comparable one; (2) the state regulatory authority or relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider the standard's implementation; or (3) the state legislature has voted on its implementation.

Nuclear Power Licensing Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Nuclear Power Licensing Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require, for a commercial license for an atomic power production or utilization facility, that: (1) the facility does not pose an unreasonable threat to persons or the environment because of safety or security vulnerabilities (including vulnerability to terrorist attacks); and (2) there exist adequate evacuation plans for emergency events which have been approved by the relevant federal agencies and states within 50 miles of the facility. Conditions renewal of any such license on the same criteria and requirements applicable for an original application for initial construction. Instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure that any changes in the size or distribution of the surrounding population have not resulted in the facility's being located at a site at which a new facility would not be allowed to be built.

Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act - Authorizes United States persons to: (1) engage in any transaction necessary for exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for such activity. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to grant general license authority for travel-related expenditures to, from, or within Cuba by persons engaging in hydrocarbon exploration and extraction in any part of a foreign maritime Exclusive Economic Zone contiguous to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to: (1) repeal the oil and gas leasing moratorium governing any area east of the Military Mission Line; and (2) decrease from within 125 to within 45 miles of the Florida coastline the moratorium upon oil and gas leasing in the Eastern and Central Planning Area. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations that establish environmental safeguards for exploration and production of oil and natural gas on the outer Continental Shelf. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an oil and natural gas inventory beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, but only upon request of the affected state governor. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding the program of grants to oil and gas producers to carry out projects to inject carbon dioxide for the purpose of enhancing oil or natural gas recovery while increasing the sequestration of carbon dioxide. Directs the Secretary of Energy to grant priority consideration to applications that, together with meeting other requirements, are carried out in geologically challenging fields.

Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Declares it unlawful for a supplier to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at an unconscionably excessive price in an area the President declares an energy emergency area. States it is unlawful for any person to employ, in connection with the wholesale purchase or sale of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. States it is unlawful for any person to report information to the FTC related to the wholesale price of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates if the person: (1) knows, or reasonably should know, the information to be false or misleading; and (2) intends the false or misleading data to affect market data compiled by the FTC for statistical or analytical purposes. Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency if the well-being of U.S. citizens is at risk because of a shortage or imminent shortage of adequate supplies of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates because of: (1) a disruption in the national distribution system; or (2) significant pricing anomalies in the national energy markets for such products. Empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Declares that this Act does not preempt state law. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.

Purchasing Low-Emission Vehicles for Use in Government (PLUG) Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Purchasing Low-Emission Vehicles for Use in Government (PLUG) Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the federal government acquires not fewer than 50,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles manufactured in the United States by U.S. entities. Defines a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle as a light duty vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine or heat engine using: (1) a combustible fuel; (2) an on-board, rechargeable storage device; and (3) a device that collects electricity from an off-board source.

To grant a right of first refusal to the Town of Jupiter Island, Florida, with respect to Coast Guard property on Jupiter Island, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Grants the town of Jupiter Island, Florida, the right of first refusal to select and take without consideration fee simple title to real property within the jurisdiction of the town comprising specified parcels (Bon Air Beach lots 259 and 260 located at 83 North Beach Road and Bon Air Beach lots 261 and 267), including any improvements thereon that are not authorized or required by another provision of law to be conveyed to another person. Allows the Commandant of the Coast Guard to identify, describe, and determine the property referred to above that is subject to the right of the town under this Act. Prohibits such property from being conveyed until the Commandant determines that the property is not needed to carry out Coast Guard operations. Requires any property conveyed under this Act to be used by the town solely for conservation of habitat and as protection against damage from wind, tidal, and wave energy. Provides for reversion to the U.S. government if such property is used for purposes other than conservation.