Energy

Pollinator Power Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Pollinator Power Act of 2023 This bill expands the Rural Energy for America Program to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide loan guarantees and grants to agriculture producers, rural small businesses, and farmer-owned cooperatives to carry out solar projects that include the creation of pollinator habitat. The bill also requires USDA to give priority to these projects.

RETURN ON UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IIJA, THE IRA, AND THE CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 May 2023

Community and Hydropower Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Community and Hydropower Improvement Act This bill modifies requirements for hydropower projects, including by accelerating and coordinating the environmental review of the licensing of hydropower projects; expediting the licensing process for closed-loop or off-stream pumped storage projects; expediting the licensing process for certain nonfederal hydropower projects at existing nonpowered dams; increasing the involvement of Indian tribes in the licensing process; directing federal agencies and Indian tribes to consider certain effects of dams, such as any adverse effects on fish species; requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue regulations that establish procedures for license surrender proceedings initiated by licensees; and establishing a Licensing Administration Reimbursement Fund.

CLEAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

BIDIRECTIONAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

BIDIRECTIONAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act This bill modifies requirements for the complaint database for military housing that the Department of Defense must establish. The bill specifies that complaints may be made by a member of the Armed Forces or dependent that resides in a covered dwelling unit (i.e., a unit of accompanied family housing, unaccompanied housing, or barracks in which a member resides but does not own). The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment must annually report to Congress with a summary of the data collected by the complaint database and any actions taken to remedy complaints.

American Isotope Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

American Isotope Security Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to submit a report to specified congressional committees on radioactive isotopes that are (1) critical radioactive and stable isotopes as defined by the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, or (2) medical isotopes as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The report must include a list along with a description of each radioactive isotope that can only be produced by a foreign government or foreign nongovernment person determined to be a foreign adversary, an examination of how reliance on any radioactive isotope on such list may impact national security, and policy recommendations for bolstering production of radioactive isotopes in the United States.

HEAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Heat pump Energy Assistance and Training Act or the HEAT Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an industrial heat pump program. Among other things, the program must provide technical support to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses on (1) the use of industrial heat pumps, and (2) the availability of federal programs to assist in the adoption to using industrial heat pumps. An industrial heat pump is a vapor compression device that transforms low grade production waste heat by increasing the temperature of air or process fluid, such as water, to meet the heating needs of agricultural, industrial, or commercial processes. The bill also amends USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to specifically include the purchase and installation of industrial heat pumps. Under REAP, USDA provides (1) loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements, and (2) loan guarantees to agricultural producers to purchase and install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production and processing. USDA must submit an annual report to Congress describing progress made in building awareness, creating materials, and providing support for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses under the bill. 

Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2023 This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, including by allowing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to temporarily or permanently ban any person from trading in energy markets if the person (1) violates those acts by manipulating the electricity or natural gas markets, or (2) files false information regarding those markets. 

OVERSIGHT OF THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

United States · United States Senate · 4 May 2023

Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of State, the Department of Energy, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Defense to develop a strategy for a unified posture on counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities and protections at certain facilities at or near a U.S. international border (generally, facilities or assets considered high-risk or a potential target and that are related to certain DHS or DOJ missions).

RESTART Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Revitalizing the Economy by Simplifying Timelines and Assuring Regulatory Transparency Act or the RESTART Act This bill limits, accelerates timelines under, or otherwise modifies several environmental laws. Specifically, it accelerates, coordinates, and limits the environmental review of federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. For example, it (1) establishes deadlines for completing any Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), (2) directs agencies to prepare a single environmental document (e.g., EIS), and (3) limits judicial review. The bill also prohibits agencies from using estimates for the social cost of greenhouse gases when taking agency actions if such use may increase the cost of energy or prolong the timeline for taking actions. It also revises the Clean Air Act, including to allow existing facilities to make certain modifications without obtaining new permits under the New Source Review program. The bill also revises the Clean Water Act, including to (1) provide statutory authority for the definition of waters of the United States in the 2020 navigable waters protection rule, and (2) limit the scope of water quality certifications. It also modifies the underground injection control program to accelerate the review of state applications to obtain responsibility under the Safe Drinking Water Act for regulating Class VI wells, which are used to store captured carbon. In addition, the bill accelerates the timelines for the consultation process under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Finally, the bill establishes requirements to expedite the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

SPUR Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources Act or the SPUR Act This bill (1) accelerates the environmental review of certain federal actions related to energy; (2) modifies various laws pertaining to energy and mineral development; (3) establishes requirements related to the supply and delivery of electricity and natural gas; and (4) makes requirements concerning other natural resources. Specifically, the bill sets forth provisions to expedite the environmental review of certain federal actions that involve energy and mineral development, energy supply, or natural resources, such as issuing permits to export liquefied natural gas. It also establishes requirements about leasing onshore and offshore federal land for oil and gas development, including by directing the Department of the Interior to immediately resume onshore quarterly lease sales. By September 30, 2023, Interior must also approve a final 2023-2028 offshore leasing program. The bill also sets forth provisions to prevent or remove certain limitations on mining federal land and make related requirements. In addition, the bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to adopt tariff provisions, rate treatments, and other changes that are necessary to protect the adequacy, affordability, reliability, and security of the supply and delivery of electricity and natural gas by interstate pipelines. The bill also modifies FERC's responsibilities under a variety of laws. Finally, the bill modifies other laws governing natural resources, such as by extending the renewal term for grazing permits and directing the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a proposed rule titled Conservation and Landscape Health .

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 3 May 2023

Energy Security for Overseas Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023

Energy Security for Overseas Troops Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a program to assist partner country military forces in developing and maintaining military-wide transformational strategies for operational energy. The purpose of this program is to promote the readiness of U.S. and partner country military forces for missions in a contested logistics environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and employing more diverse and renewable operational energy sources. (A contested logistics environment is one where U.S. or partner country military forces engage in conflict with an adversary that presents challenges in all domains and directly targets logistics operations, facilities, and activities.)

Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023

Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2023 This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, including by allowing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to temporarily or permanently ban any person from trading in energy markets if the person (1) violates those acts by manipulating the electricity or natural gas markets, or (2) files false information regarding those markets.

Building American Energy Security Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Building American Energy Security Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements to accelerate the environmental review of federal agency actions that involve certain energy infrastructure or critical mineral projects, including the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which is a natural gas pipeline located in Virginia and West Virginia. Specifically, the bill modifies requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, including by setting maximum timelines for the environmental reviews of federal actions that involve major energy infrastructure projects, allowing project sponsors to sue agencies if the timelines are not met, establishing requirements to accelerate such reviews that involve multiple agencies, and limiting judicial review of agency decisions. Further, the President must designate and periodically update a list of high-priority energy infrastructure projects and prioritize permitting for these projects. The bill also expands covered projects under FAST-41, which qualify for expedited environmental review, to include certain federal agency actions that involve (1) critical minerals, or (2) energy infrastructure projects that require an investment of more than $50 million. In addition, the bill modifies provisions under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, including by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve permits for certain interstate electric transmission facilities and hydrogen pipelines. Finally, the bill requires federal agencies to take certain actions to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2023

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023 This bill eliminates a sunset clause in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 , thereby making permanent the requirement for the President to impose sanctions on certain individuals or entities engaged in specified transactions related to Iran's energy sector or Iran's efforts to acquire or develop certain weapons (such as chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons).

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023 This bill eliminates a sunset clause in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, thereby making permanent the requirement for the President to impose sanctions on certain individuals or entities engaged in specified transactions related to Iran's energy sector or Iran's efforts to acquire or develop certain weapons (such as chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy is the most viable approach to energy policy.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) an all-of-the-above approach to energy is the most viable approach to energy independence, (2) energy security is an issue of national security, and (3) increased domestic energy production will result in lower energy prices.

Embrace Fossil Fuel Recruitment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Embrace Fossil Fuel Recruitment Act This bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive federal education funds to provide the same recruiter access to students for employers in the fossil fuel sector as provided to employers in other energy resource sectors. LEAs and IHEs that violate this requirement are subject to Department of Education enforcement actions, such as withholding of payments to an LEA or termination of an IHE's participation in federal student aid programs.

No American Tax Dollars To CCP Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

No American Tax Dollars To CCP Act This bill expands prohibitions under the clean vehicle tax credit on battery components manufactured or assembled by a foreign entity of concern to a domestic corporation that is controlled by, operated by, or under the substantial influence of a foreign entity of concern (e.g., a state-backed Chinese company); a domestic corporation that relies on technology provided through a licensing agreement with a foreign entity of concern; a foreign corporation organized outside of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran but that is owned more than 20% by 1 or more foreign entities of concern; or any member or partner of a joint venture or partnership in which at least one other partner or member is a foreign entity of concern. The bill also renders ineligible for the qualifying advanced energy project tax credit any project that incorporates or utilizes technology provided through a licensing agreement with the foreign entities of concern described by this bill.

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2023 This bill sets forth a process to allow mine operations to use, occupy, and conduct operations (e.g., construction of roads and other mining infrastructure activity) on public land regardless of whether a mineral deposit has been discovered on the land.

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act This bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the bill requires DOE and NSF to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NSF may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., artificial intelligence), promote multi-agency and cross-sector data sharing, support research infrastructure, and organize education and training initiatives. DOE and NSF must jointly report on their collaboration.

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act This bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specifically, the bill authorizes DOE and NASA to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NASA may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., dark matter), develop ways to support large voluntary data sets on space and aeronautical information, promote multi-agency data sharing, and support NASA's access to DOE research infrastructure. DOE and NASA must jointly report on their collaboration.

504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill modifies the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program, which provides a small business with SBA financing—through a certified development company (CDC) intermediary—for expansion or modernization. Specifically, the bill adds policy goals, at least one of which a CDC must demonstrate to be eligible for assistance. These include (1) enhancing the ability of a small business to reduce costs by using energy efficient products and generating renewable energy, and (2) aiding the revitalization of any area for which a disaster has been declared or determined. The bill also authorizes a CDC to take specified actions to facilitate the closing of a 504 loan, such as correcting borrower or lender information on loan documents or reallocating up to 10% of the cost of a project. For small manufacturers, the bill (1) increases the maximum loan amount from $5.5 million to $6.5 million, (2) reduces the amount that they must contribute to project costs, (3) increases job retention requirements, and (4) revises collateral requirements and debt refinancing considerations. Further, each SBA district office must partner with a resource partner to provide certain training for small manufacturers.

Hydrogen Permitting Simplification Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Hydrogen Permitting Simplification Act This bill exempts certain major federal actions, including actions that produce hydrogen from nuclear, solar, wind, or geothermal energy sources, from requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Forest Incentives Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Forest Incentives Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish two programs to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Specifically, USDA must establish (1) a forest incentives program to achieve emission reductions and carbon sequestration on private forest land through carbon incentives contracts and conservation easement agreements, and (2) an incentives program to achieve emission reductions from material choices in buildings. USDA shall pay owners of forest land under a contract or agreement for (1) certain forestry practices that measurably increase carbon sequestration and storage over a designated period on such land, with appropriate crediting for the carbon benefits of harvested wood products; or (2) conservation easements on such land. USDA shall pay owners of nonresidential buildings used for commercial or state or local government for using less energy-intensive commercial or industrial products in new construction or building renovation.

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON EXAMINING THE PRESIDENT'S FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, THE BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, AND THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 April 2023

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2023

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2023

ONSHORE Manufacturing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Obtaining National and Secure Homeland Operations for Rare Earth Manufacturing Act of 2023 or the ONSHORE Manufacturing Act of 2023 This bill sets forth provisions to support secure supply chains of rare earth elements. A rare earth element means a natural element associated with (1) the metallic element scandium, with atomic number 21; (2) the metallic element yttrium, with atomic number 39; or (3) any of the series of 15 metallic elements between lanthanum, with atomic number 57, and lutetium, with atomic number 71, on the periodic table. The Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program that provides financial assistance for facilities located in the United States that produce finished rare earth products from purified rare earth elements. Financial assistance may be provided to (1) construct such facilities, (2) support workforce development for the facilities, or (3) support site development and technological upgrade for facilities. The Department of the Treasury may establish the Minerals Security Partnership Fund to support the development and adoption of a secure supply chain for rare earth elements. DOE must also establish an initiative with educational, workforce training, and apprenticeship programs relating to advanced rare earth element mining, separation, processing, metallurgy, and advanced equipment maintenance capabilities. In addition, the President must develop a plan of action for using the authorities available under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to establish or enhance a domestic production capability for finished rare earth products and related technologies.

Grid Reliability and Resiliency Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Grid Reliability and Resiliency Improvements Act This bill directs the North American Electric Reliability Organization to biennially submit a report to Congress that identifies (1) risks to the long-term reliability of the electric grid and electricity generation, (2) whether increased electricity generation from natural gas and increased natural gas transportation is essential to the reliability of the electric grid, and (3) other related risks.

WISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency Act or the WISE Act This bill requires each state to use a certain percentage of funds it receives for capitalization of its clean water state revolving fund for projects to address green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements, or other environmentally innovative activities.

Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act This bill establishes a fund that the Southwestern Power Administration may use for the operation and maintenance of power transmission facilities and other related expenses. The bill also transfers amounts into the fund from specified accounts.

Expressing disapproval of the withdrawal by the Secretary of the Interior of approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from disposition under the United States mineral and geothermal leasing laws.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

This concurrent resolution expresses congressional disapproval of the Department of the Interior's withdrawal of approximately 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest from disposition under the United States mineral and geothermal leasing laws. On January 26, 2023, Interior removed the land from being available for new mineral leasing, sale of mineral materials, and geothermal leasing for a 20-year period, subject to valid existing rights. The land is located in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota and the Rainy River watershed, which includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the 1854 Ceded Territory of the Chippewa Bands.

Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program and requirements regarding schools impacted by radioactive contaminants, including in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri. Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to establish and execute new remediation goals for Jana Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District so that no portion of the site is subjected to radiation above background levels. (The school is located near Coldwater Creek, which is contaminated with radioactive waste from nearby sites used for the World War II nuclear weapons program.) The bill establishes a Radioactive School Assistance Program (and fund) to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies that have been financially impacted by the presence of radioactive contaminants stemming from U.S. atomic energy activities. Under the bill, schools in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri must be designated as vicinity properties of the St. Louis Airport Site for purposes of the USACE Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. Such schools must be investigated, including via on-site inspections and sampling, in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Contingency Plan (i.e., the national plan for responding to spills or releases of hazardous substances). The Department of Energy must review and report on the methodology and results of all tests for radioactive contaminants conducted at Jana Elementary School.

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2023 This bill sets forth a process to allow mine operations to use, occupy, and conduct operations (e.g., construction of roads and other mining infrastructure activity) on public land regardless of whether a mineral deposit has been discovered on the land.

Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 This bill increases the federal debt limit and decreases spending. It also repeals several energy tax credits, modifies the permitting process and other requirements for energy projects, expands work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other programs, and nullifies regulations for the cancellation of federal student loan debt. Specifically, the bill suspends the debt limit through March 31, 2024, or until the debt increases by $1.5 trillion, whichever occurs first; establishes discretionary spending limits for FY2024-FY2033 that include decreases in discretionary spending; rescinds certain unobligated funds that were provided to address COVID-19 and to the Internal Revenue Service; nullifies certain executive actions and regulations for cancelling federal student loan debt and implementing an income-driven repayment plan for student loans; repeals or modifies tax credits for renewable and clean energy, energy efficient property, alternative fuels, and electric vehicles; establishes new work requirements for Medicaid and expands the work requirements for SNAP and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and requires major federal rules (e.g., rules likely to result in an annual economic effect of at least $100 million) to be approved by Congress before they take effect. The bill also includes various provisions related to the development of energy resources such as oil, natural gas, and minerals. For example, the bill requires additional federal oil and gas leasing, reduces or eliminates certain royalties and fees, and expedites the permitting process for various energy projects.

A resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving greenhouse gas and toxic emissions reductions needed to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming; establishing millions of high-wage union jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2023

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving greenhouse gas and toxic emissions reductions needed to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming; establishing millions of high-wage union jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2023

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023 This bill addresses Coast Guard operations, maritime security, and related matters. The bill authorizes for FY2024 and FY2025 the Coast Guard's active-duty personnel and military training student levels and activities related to information technology, environmental compliance, and other purposes. The bill authorizes the Coast Guard to suspend a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's credential if it has probable cause to believe that an individual poses a threat to others on a vessel. Further, the bill extends existing vessel registry requirements prohibiting foreign ownership to vessels supporting alternate energy production or transmission or commercial space exploration activities over the Outer Continental Shelf. Among other provisions, the bill also requires the Coast Guard to provide ballast water quality data to any state or territory upon request; establishes the felony crime of grossly negligent operation of a vessel when conduct results in serious bodily injury; authorizes the President to direct or control foreign-flag vessels when a cyber incident, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats endanger U.S. security; and authorizes the Coast Guard to respond to cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats to prevent damage to structures located on and near navigable waters. The bill also modifies the minimum requirements for various merchant mariner credentials, including by reducing certain service time prerequisites and extending eligibility to noncitizen nationals of the United States. (Generally, individuals who receive U.S. nationality by virtue of being born in, or having parents who were born in, the U.S. outlying possessions are U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens.)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act This bill establishes targets and standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplane flights and provides incentives for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel. Specifically, this bill establishes a national goal to achieve a net 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from flights by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must establish a low carbon fuel standard for aviation fuels. Under the standard, the EPA must set annual targets in order to reduce certain greenhouse gas emissions associated with aviation fuel by at least (1) 20% by 2030, and (2) 50% by 2050. Beginning in FY2025, the Department of Defense must make a bulk purchase of an amount of sustainable aviation fuel that is not less than 10% of the total amount of aviation fuel procured for operational purposes. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must implement a program that offers grants and cost-sharing agreements for projects to produce, transport, blend, or store sustainable aviation fuel. The projects must be located in the United States. Finally, the bill provides tax credits for the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act This bill modifies requirements under the Federal Power Act to allow certain interstate or offshore wind transmission facilities to charge their customers fees that are commensurate with the estimated anticipated benefits provided by the facilities.

Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2023 This bill sets forth provisions that support access to community solar energy and increases the allowable time period for a long-term contract between the General Services Administration (GSA) and a public utility. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to increase access to community solar energy programs for individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, states, local governments, and tribal governments. In addition, DOE must, to the extent practicable, expand existing grant, loan, and financing programs to include community solar programs. Further, the bill modifies requirements under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 for electric utilities, including by requiring each electric utility to offer a community solar program that provides all ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, equitable and demonstrable access to such program. Finally, the bill allows the GSA to make a public utility contract for a period of up to 30 years. Currently, the GSA may make a public utility contract for up to 10 years.

Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act This bill repeals the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard program, which requires transportation fuel to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel.

To repeal the corporate average fuel economy standards.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

This bill repeals the corporate average fuel economy standards, which regulate how far automobiles must travel on a gallon of fuel.

Efficient Grid Interconnection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Efficient Grid Interconnection Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements concerning (1) the equitable allocation of costs for electric grid upgrades; and (2) the deployment of grid enhancing technology or equipment that increases the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of a transmission facility or transmission system. Specifically, it directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue regulations that require public electric utilities to allocate the cost of upgrades to the electric grid, such as upgrades to interconnect renewable generation projects, among all customers that benefit from the upgrades. In determining which parties benefit, FERC must consider all material benefits of the network upgrade, including environmental benefits and those that cannot be directly quantified. In addition, FERC must issue regulations that apply to regional transmission organizations, independent system operators, or transmission planning coordinators when they are processing requests to interconnect generation projects or energy storage projects to the electric grid. The regulations must require such organizations, operators, and coordinators to study deploying technology or equipment that increases the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of a transmission facility or transmission system.