Energy

Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act of 2018 This bill allows investment and production tax credits for electricity-generating facilities that use new or improved technologies that meet specified requirements. The bill also allows a credit for investments in certain retrofits that improve efficiency; decrease water consumption; or reduce, sequester, or control air pollution at existing electricity-generating facilities.

Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to facilitate and encourage public-private partnerships in order to address and mitigate the physical security and cybersecurity risks of electric utilities.

Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2018 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide financial assistance to states for the development, implementation, review, and revision of a state energy security plan that assesses the state's existing circumstances and proposes methods to strengthen the ability of the state to have a reliable, secure, and resilient energy infrastructure. A state energy security plan must contain specified content, including a risk assessment of energy infrastructure and cross-sector interdependencies, and address potential hazards to each energy sector or system, including physical threats and cybersecurity threats.

Department of Energy Quantum Information Science Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018

Department of Energy Quantum Information Science Research Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a basic research program on quantum information science. The Office of Science of DOE shall establish and operate National Quantum Information Science Research Centers to conduct basic research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in quantum information science and technology.

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product derived from those fuels that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The fee is imposed on the producers or importers of the fuels and is equal to the greenhouse gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate. The rate begins at $15 in 2019, increases by $10 each year, and is subject to further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction targets. The bill also imposes a specified fee on fluorinated greenhouse gases. The bill includes: exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or nonemitting purposes, rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide, and border adjustment provisions that require certain fees or refunds for carbon-intensive products that are exported or imported. The fees must be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund and used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The fees must be decommissioned when emissions levels and monthly dividend payments fall below specified levels. The bill also amends the Clean Air Act to suspend certain regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions. The suspensions expire if the emissions targets established by this bill are not reached after a specified time period.

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address insufficient compensation of its personnel. FERC must consult with the Office of Personnel Management when making a determination of the appropriate compensation for its personnel.

Department of Energy Veterans Health Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2018

Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a research program in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing that is focused on the development of tools to: (1) solve big data challenges associated with veterans' health care, and (2) support the Department of Veterans Affairs in identifying potential health risks and challenges. DOE shall carry out a pilot program to develop tools for big data analytics in order to advance artificial intelligence technologies to solve complex big data challenges.

Reinvigorating American Energy Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018

Reinvigorating American Energy Infrastructure Act This bill expands eligibility for the Department of Energy's loan guarantee program for advanced fossil energy technology projects to include certain high efficiency, low emissions coal-fired power plants.

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to lease underutilized Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage facilities to private entities. Currently, DOE may only lease these storage facilities to foreign governments. DOE must conduct a pilot program to lease underutilized storage facilities. The program must make available capacity for storage of up to 200 million barrels of petroleum products.

AN EXAMINATION OF BLACKSTART, THE PROCESS FOR RETURNING ENERGY TO THE POWER GRID AFTER A SYSTEM-WIDE BLACKOUT, AND OTHER SYSTEM RESTORATION PLANS IN THE ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY

United States · United States Senate · 11 October 2018

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of State to prioritize and expedite its assistance with the development of energy infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly regarding projects involving the European Commission and governments in the region. Projects eligible for such assistance include infrastructure for natural gas, electricity transmission, and renewable energy.

Advancing Carbon Capture in Energy Generation Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2018

Advancing Carbon Capture in Energy Generation Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for advanced coal projects, to: (1) lower the carbon dioxide sequestration requirement to 60% for certain electrical generating units in existence on October 3, 2008, and (2) revise certain technology and environmental performance requirements.

A resolution expressing the sense of Congress that electric cooperative voluntary energy reduction programs reduce energy consumption and save participants money.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2018

Celebrates the economic and conservation benefits of electronic-cooperative voluntary energy-reduction programs and recognizes that such programs reduce energy usage, help the environment, and save money.

Bernard L. McNamee, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2020, vice Robert F. Powelson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2018

Expressing support for the designation of October 8, 2018, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2018

Expresses support for the designation of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

A resolution designating October 5, 2018, as "Energy Efficiency Day" in celebration of the economic and environmental benefits that have been driven by private sector innovation and Federal energy policies.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2018

Designates October 5, 2018, as Energy Efficiency Day.

A resolution designating October 8, 2018, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2018

Designates October 8, 2018, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

FLEET Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2018

Federal Leadership in Energy Efficient Transportation Act or the FLEET Act   This bill establishes various authorities and requirements for upgrading the U.S. Postal Service vehicle fleet, including requirements to reduce petroleum consumption, fuel efficiency and emissions standards, and authorities to enter into energy savings performance contracts and utility energy service contracts.

DOE MODERNIZATION: THE OFFICE OF CYBERSECURITY, ENERGY SECURITY, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 September 2018

CHP Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2018

CHP Support Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to redesignate the Department of Energy's Clean Energy Application Centers as the CHP Technical Assistance Partnership Program. The program must encourage deployment of combined heat and power technologies and provide project specific support to building and industrial professionals through economic and engineering assessments and advisory activities. This bill reauthorizes the program through FY2022.

Consumers REBATE Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2018

Consumers Rebate to ban Emissions and Boost AlTernative Energy Act or the Consumers REBATE Act This bill imposes an excise tax on the carbon dioxide content of coal, oil, and natural gas. The tax must be paid by the producer, miner, or importer of the taxable carbon substance and does not apply to exports of the substances. Beginning in 2020, the tax rate is $25 per ton of carbon dioxide content of the life-cycle emissions from the taxable carbon substance. After 2020, the tax increases by $10 each year and does not apply if specified emissions reduction benchmarks have been attained. The bill also includes provisions that require certain fees or refunds for taxable carbon substances that are exported or imported. Funds equivalent to the revenues received from the tax must be transferred to a Carbon Trust Fund established by this bill. The funds must be used, as provided by appropriations Acts, to offset reductions in individual income tax rates, pay quarterly dividends to certain individuals with valid Social Security numbers; and for specified worker transition assistance, energy, research, and infrastructure priorities.

Building Efficiently Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2018

Building Efficiently Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the new energy efficient home tax credit to allow, in lieu of the existing credit, a credit for 3.3% of the cost of constructing a new energy efficient home that is a qualified energy efficient residential rental property. An energy efficient residential rental property must be certified as being constructed, reconstructed, or retrofitted under a plan designed to reduce energy and power consumption of the building by at least 40% compared to: (1) the baseline annual energy and power consumption of the building in the case of a retrofit made to an existing building, or (2) a reference building which meets the minimum requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code 2004 in any other case. The bill also eliminates the basis reduction requirements for low-income housing properties receiving: (1) the new energy efficient home credit, (2) the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction, or (3) the credit for investments in energy property.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S EFFORTS IN THE FIELD OF QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE

United States · United States Senate · 25 September 2018

LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2018

LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to issue a decision on an application for authorization to export liquefied natural gas within 45 days of the later of (1) the conclusion of the review to site, construct, expand, or operate the liquefied natural gas export facilities required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; or (2) the enactment of this bill.

Hold the LYNE Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2018

Hold the Low-Yield Nuclear Explosive Act or the Hold the LYNE Act This bill prohibits the use of funds authorized for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy (DOE) for the development, production, or deployment of the Trident D5 low-yield nuclear warhead. It also repeals authorization for DOE to modify or develop a low-yield nuclear warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

GREEN Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2018

Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation Act or the GREEN Act This bill authorizes the Department of Energy to award grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and clean and renewable energy industry representatives to: (1) develop programs of study focused on emerging careers and jobs in the fields of clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation; and (2) promote development of career and technical education facilities that are energy efficient and promote the use of renewable energy practices.

Hold the LYNE Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2018

Hold the Low-Yield Nuclear Explosive Act or the Hold the LYNE Act This bill prohibits the use of funds authorized for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy (DOE) for the development, production, or deployment of the Trident D5 low-yield nuclear warhead. It also repeals authorization for DOE to modify or develop a low-yield nuclear warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

THE ROLE OF U.S. LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS IN MEETING EUROPEAN ENERGY DEMAND

United States · United States Senate · 13 September 2018

Coal Royalty Fairness and Communities Investment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2018

Coal Royalty Fairness and Communities Investment Act of 2018 This bill addresses coal royalties and the economic vitality of coal communities, including by (1) requiring the coal lease royalty to be at least 12.5% of the assessment value of federal coal (currently, 12.5% of the value as defined by regulation); (2) establishing the Coal Area Economic Revitalization Fund; (3) providing grant assistance to impacted communities for economic and workforce development programs; (4) providing financial assistance for the design, construction, and operation of large-scale projects to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources; and (5) providing technical assistance and educational outreach to impacted communities.

Troubled Nuclear Power Plants Communities Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2018

Troubled Nuclear Power Plants Communities Assistance Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish the Assistance for Communities with Troubled Nuclear Power Plants Program to provide financial assistance for units of local government who have experienced a reduction in tax revenue from nuclear power plants.

GREEN Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2018

Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation Act or the GREEN Act This bill authorizes the Department of Energy to award grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and clean and renewable energy industry representatives to: (1) develop programs of study focused on emerging careers and jobs in the fields of clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation; and (2) promote development of career and technical education facilities that are energy efficient and promote the use of renewable energy practices.

Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2018 This bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to increase the revenue Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) receive for energy projects and eliminate the revenue sharing cap.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3798) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours; providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 5895) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes; and providing for proceedings during the period from September 17, 2018, through September 24, 2018.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3798) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Act and replace it with 40 hours; providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 5895) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes; and providing for proceedings during the period from September 17, 2018, through September 24, 2018.

A concurrent resolution directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5895.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5895 (Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019) to amend the title.

Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2018

Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act This bill amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill eliminates the requirement that the funds which are deposited into the LWCF remain in there until appropriated by Congress to carry out the purposes of the LWCF. Funds deposited into the LWCF may be spent without being subject to the appropriations process. These funds are in addition to amounts made available by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 or otherwise appropriated from the LWCF. The President shall submit to Congress detailed account, program, and project allocations as part of the President's annual budget submission. At least 1.5% of the annual authorized funds shall be used for projects that secure recreational public access to existing federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2018

Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2018 This bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to increase the revenue Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) receive for energy projects and eliminate the revenue sharing cap.

Restoring Our Commitment to Renewable Fuels Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2018

Restoring Our Commitment to Renewable Fuels Act of 2018 This bill revises the Renewable Fuel Program. If the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives exemptions to small refineries from their renewable fuel obligations during a year, then the EPA must reallocate each gallon of renewable fuel covered by such exemptions to refineries, blenders, distributors, and importers subject to a renewable fuel obligations for that year.

Nuclear Energy Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Nuclear Energy Leadership Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to (1) establish a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement pilot program; (2) advance the research and development of domestic advanced, affordable, and clean nuclear energy; (3) develop a 10-year strategic plan for its Office of Nuclear Energy; (4) provide for a versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source; and (5) establish a program to make available high-assay, low-enriched uranium for use in commercial or noncommercial advanced nuclear reactors. DOE, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must jointly establish a University Nuclear Leadership Program to provide financial assistance for scholarships, fellowships, and research and development projects at institutions of higher education.

United States-Israel Directed Energy Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

United States-Israel Directed Energy Cooperation Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation activities on a joint basis with Israel to establish directed energy capabilities that address threats to the United States, its deployed forces, or Israel. DOD may provide Israel with maintenance and sustainment support for such activities provided that Israel contributes at least a matching amount or an amount that otherwise meets Israel's best efforts, as mutually agreed to by the United States and Israel.

To permanently rescind unobligated amounts in the United States Enrichment Corporation Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2018

This bill permanently rescinds all unobligated amounts in the U.S. Enrichment Corporation Fund. The U.S. Enrichment Corporation Fund was established under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to assist the U.S. Enrichment Corporation with providing uranium enrichment services for the federal government and utilities that operate nuclear power plants.

Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish certain energy programs, including an energy storage research program and a technical assistance and grant program.

THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BLOCKCHAIN AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES AND THE CYBERSECURITY POSSIBILITIES OF SUCH TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENERGY INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

United States · United States Senate · 21 August 2018

Offshore Wind for Territories Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2018

Offshore Wind for Territories Act This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize offshore wind development in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone adjacent to U.S. territories. The bill also establishes the Coral Reef Conservation Fund for the Department of Commerce to carry out the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, including to preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems.

William Cooper, of Maryland, to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy, vice Steven Croley, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 31 July 2018

Expressing opposition to the completion of Nord Stream II, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Expresses opposition to the completion of Nord Stream II, the gas pipeline that would transport natural gas from Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. Urges the President to support European energy security through a policy of diversification to lessen reliance on Russia. Supports the imposition of sanctions with respect to Nord Stream II.

All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2018 This bill revises energy performance requirements for federal buildings.

All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2018 This bill revises energy performance requirements for federal buildings.

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address insufficient compensation of its personnel. FERC must consult with the Office of Personnel Management when making a determination of the appropriate compensation for its personnel.

Turkey International Financial Institutions Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018

Turkey International Financial Institutions Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to: oppose the extension by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development of loans or financial or technical assistance to Turkey or to any entity for a project in Turkey, and work with other donor countries to develop a lending policy with Turkey that advances human rights. Treasury may waive the IFC restriction for projects to diversify Turkey's energy resources and lessen its dependence on Russian or Iranian oil or gas. Such restrictions: shall terminate after the President certifies to Congress that Turkey is no longer arbitrarily detaining or denying freedom of movement to U.S. citizens (including dual citizens) or locally employed staff of the U.S. mission to Turkey, and shall not apply to loans or financial or technical assistance for humanitarian purposes.

Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2018

Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act This bill establishes the National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund and requires 50% of all energy development revenues for FY2019-FY2023 to be deposited into such fund. Amounts deposited in the fund must not exceed $1.3 billion for any fiscal year and must be used for meeting high-priority deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service.