Energy

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research and commercial application of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that: produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid (an evolving electric power network that utilizes new information technology systems, including those that enable customers to reduce or shift their power use during peak demand periods); produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.

Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018 This bill amends the Farm Security Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize through FY2023 several Department of Agriculture (USDA) energy programs, including: the Biobased Markets Program; the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program; the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels; the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP); the Biomass Research and Development Initiative; the Feedstock Flexibility Program; and the Community Wood Energy Program. The bill modifies and reauthorizes the Biomass Crop Assistance Program to: rename it the Biofuels and Biobased Product Feedstock and Wildland Fire Protection Program; require USDA to provide assistance under the program for hazardous woody fuel reduction projects; and expand the definition of eligible materials to include algae and animal waste byproducts, including fat, oil, grease, and manure. The bill provides mandatory funding through FY2023 for several of the reauthorized programs. The bill modifies the Biobased Markets Program to: (1) include producers of renewable chemicals in the voluntary labeling program, and (2) require USDA and the Department of Commerce to jointly develop North American Industry Classification system codes for renewable chemical manufacturers and biobased products manufacturers. The bill modifies REAP to prohibit more than 30% of the funds from being used each year for: (1) any one form of renewable energy, or (2) technologies to improve the efficiency of energy usage.

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research and commercial application of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that: produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid (an evolving electric power network that utilizes new information technology systems, including those that enable customers to reduce or shift their power use during peak demand periods); produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.

Algae Agriculture Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2018

Algae Agriculture Act of 2018 This bill modifies several Department of Agriculture research, commodity, and energy programs to authorize assistance for activities related to algae production.

THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

United States · United States Senate · 20 March 2018

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2019

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 March 2018

Electricity Reliability and Fuel Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2018

Electricity Reliability and Fuel Security Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit through 2022 for a portion of the expenses for the operation or maintenance of a coal-powered electric generation unit, excluding expenses for coal. The credit applies to taxpayers who own or lease an electric generation unit that uses coal to produce at least 75% of the electricity produced by the unit. Qualified public entities may transfer the credit to an eligible project partner. A "qualified public entity" is: (1) a federal, state, or local government entity or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof; (2) a mutual or cooperative electric company; or (3) a not-for-profit electric utility which had or has received a loan or loan guarantee under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. An "eligible project partner" is a person who: is responsible for operating, maintaining, or repairing the unit; participates in the provision, including transportation, of coal to the unit; provides financing for the construction or operation of the unit; or leases the unit.

Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2018

Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the research and development of domestic advanced, affordable, and clean nuclear energy. Specifically, DOE must enter into one or more agreements to carry out at least four advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects. DOE must establish goals for research relating to advanced nuclear reactors, including by coordinating with members of private industry to advance the demonstration of various designs of advanced nuclear reactors.

STRESS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2018

Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide Act or the STRESS Act This bill amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to reauthorize through FY2023 and modify the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to provide grants for programs that provide mental health services to individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations. The bill also sets forth requirements for USDA to review and evaluate the stress assistance programs carried out using the grants.

A bill to amend the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, to reauthorize certain projects to increase Colorado River System water.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2018

This bill amends the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 to reauthorize through FY2022 the authority of the Department of the Interior to fund pilot projects to increase Colorado River System water in Lake Mead and the initial units of Colorado River Storage Project reservoirs to address the effects of historic drought conditions.

Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 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.

Cyber Sense Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2018

Cyber Sense Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a voluntary Cyber Sense program to identify and promote cyber-secure products intended for use in the bulk-power system. The bulk-power system includes facilities and control systems necessary for operating an interconnected electric energy transmission network.

GREENER Fuels Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018

Growing Renewable Energy through Existing and New Environmentally Responsible Fuels Act or the GREENER Fuels Act This bill revises the renewable fuel program, including to eliminate the volume standards applicable to corn-starch ethanol and extend the volume standards applicable to cellulosic biofuel.

Clean and Efficient Cars Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018

Clean and Efficient Cars Act of 2018 This bill provides statutory authority for rules concerning corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles with model years 2021 through 2025 and greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles (e.g., trucks) with model years 2017 through 2025. Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for rules issued in 2012 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the CAFE standards and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the greenhouse gas emission standards. NHTSA and the EPA may not take actions that could reduce the stringency of the standards.

GREENER Fuels Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018

Growing Renewable Energy through Existing and New Environmentally Responsible Fuels Act or the GREENER Fuels Act This bill revises the renewable fuel program, including to eliminate the volume standards applicable to corn-starch ethanol and extend the volume standards applicable to cellulosic biofuel.

National Park Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

National Park Restoration Act This bill establishes the National Park Restoration Fund in the Treasury to be made available to the Department of the Interior for priority deferred maintenance needs that support critical infrastructure and visitor services of the National Park Service. Funds deposited through FY2027 are calculated according to a formula that uses as a factor the total amount of energy development revenues due and payable to the federal government. Interior may not use amounts in the fund to acquire lands. Interior shall submit to Congress a list of the projects for which amounts from the fund are allocated, including a summary of each project.

National Park Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

National Park Restoration Act This bill establishes the National Park Restoration Fund in the Treasury to be made available to the Department of the Interior for priority deferred maintenance needs that support critical infrastructure and visitor services of the National Park Service. Funds deposited through FY2027 are calculated according to a formula that uses as a factor the total amount of energy development revenues due and payable to the federal government. Interior may not use amounts in the fund to acquire lands. Interior shall submit to Congress a list of the projects for which amounts from the fund are allocated, including a summary of each project.

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2018 This bill reauthorizes through FY2023 each of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission. The bill revises the process for determining the share of the commissions' administrative expenses payable by each state. A commission may make economic and infrastructure development grants to states and local governments, Indian tribes, and public nonprofit organizations for projects to grow the capacity for successful community economic development in its region. A commission must include the development of renewable and alternative energy sources in the categories to which at least 40% of economic and infrastructure development grant amounts are allocated. Such grants may be used to attract businesses to a region from outside of the United States. The Northern Border Regional Commission shall establish a state capacity building grant program to furnish grants to Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont for specified efforts that include support of business retention and expansion in eligible counties and establishment of programs to encourage job creation and workforce development. The bill adds to such commission: Belknap and Cheshire Counties in New Hampshire; and Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties in Vermont.

James Edward Campos, of Nevada, to be Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of Energy, vice LaDoris Guess Harris.

United States · United States Senate · 6 March 2018

THE FUTURE OF U.S. FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 March 2018

Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018

Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to implement a program to ensure the physical security and cybersecurity, resiliency, and survivability of natural gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas facilities.

Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018

Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act This bill instructs the Department of Energy (DOE) to permit its National Laboratories to use funds authorized to support technology transfer within DOE to carry out early stage and precommercial technology demonstration activities so as to remove technology barriers limiting private sector interest and to demonstrate potential commercial applications of any research and technologies arising from activities of the national laboratories. DOE shall carry out its Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program, as announced on December 8, 2011, in accordance with this bill. Department of Energy Research Coordination Act DOE shall identify strategic opportunities for collaborative research and development of innovative science and technologies. DOE shall carry out a program to enhance economic, environmental, and energy security by making awards for the establishment of Energy Innovation Hubs to conduct and support research and development of advanced energy technologies. Department of Energy Office of Science Policy Act The bill states that the mission of the Office of Science shall be the delivery of scientific discoveries, capabilities, and major scientific tools to transform the understanding of nature and to advance energy, economic, and national security. The Office of Science shall: (1) carry out specified research programs; (2) assess the potential for any fusion energy project supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E); (3) carry out a program for improving the safety, efficiency, and mission readiness of infrastructure at its laboratories; and (4) ensure the access of researchers to the most advanced accelerator facilities and research capabilities, including the Large Hadron Collider DOE shall carry out Solar Fuels Research and Electricity Storage Research Initiatives. The Office of Science may carry out a program for the production of isotopes that are needed for research, medical, industrial, or related purposes. Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act By December 31, 2017, DOE shall determine mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source to operate as a national user facility. DOE shall: (1) carry out a program for enhancing the nation's capabilities to develop new reactor technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques, and (2) submit budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development.

Energy Emergency Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018

Energy Emergency Leadership Act This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to require the Secretary of the Department of Energy to assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary, including responsibilities with respect to infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018

Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2018 This bill requires certain hydropower facility licensees to make an annual payment of $1.8 million to the county in which the licensed hydropower facility is located. Subsequent payments must increase by 2% of the preceding annual payment. The fee applies to a state, or a subdivision of the state, that (1) received a license for a pumped-storage facility, and (2) filed for the license in April 2017.

FLIP Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018

Federal Lands Infrastructure Partnership Act or the FLIP Act This bill extends through FY2022, and revises allocations from, the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The bill makes allocations available from the fund for the Payment In-Lieu of Taxes Program. This program compensates local governments for tax revenue lost due to tax-exempt federal lands within their boundaries. Allocations shall be made available from the fund through FY2024 to promote offshore energy exploration, innovation, and education. The Department of the Interior shall carry out a federal energy permit streamlining pilot program for the outer Continental Shelf. The bill directs Interior to: (1) establish an Offshore Energy Innovation Hub; (2) award offshore energy innovation grants to institutions of higher education; and (3) prepare a list of the science, technology, engineering, and math-related academic fields that address current and future workforce needs for offshore energy-related activities.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1119) to establish the bases by which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue, implement, and enforce certain emission limitations and allocations for existing electric utility steam generating units that convert coal refuse into energy, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1917) to allow for judicial review of any final rule addressing national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for brick and structural clay products or for clay ceramics manufacturing before requiring compliance with such rule.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1119) to establish the bases by which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue, implement, and enforce certain emission limitations and allocations for existing electric utility steam generating units that convert coal refuse into energy, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1917) to allow for judicial review of any final rule addressing national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for brick and structural clay products or for clay ceramics manufacturing before requiring compliance with such rule.

PRIVATE SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PROMOTE THE CYBERSECURITY AND RESILIENCY OF OUR NATION'S CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

United States · United States Senate · 1 March 2018

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018 This bill extends Military Financing Program grants for Israel through FY2023. The Department of Defense shall conduct a joint assessment with Israel regarding: (1) precision guided munitions needed by Israel in a sustained armed confrontation with Hezbollah and other armed groups and terrorist organizations, and (2) related U.S. assistance and resupply planning. The President may utilize the Special Defense Acquisition Fund to transfer precision guided munitions and related defense articles and services to reserve stocks for Israel. Authorities for loan guarantees and the war reserves stockpile for Israel are extended through FY2023. The Department of Homeland Security shall establish a seven-year grant program with Israel to support: (1) cybersecurity research and development, and (2) commercialization of cybersecurity technology. The U.S. Agency for International Development may enter into memoranda of understanding with Israel to advance common goals on energy, agriculture and food security, democracy, economic growth, education, and health. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall continue to work with the Israel Space Agency to pursue peaceful space exploration and science initiatives. The President may enter into a cooperative project agreement with Israel to carry out research and joint production of defense articles and services to detect and destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., drones) that threaten the United States or Israel. The bill states that it is U.S. policy to ensure that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge.

Theodore J. Garrish, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (International Affairs), vice Jonathan Elkind.

United States · United States Senate · 27 February 2018

STATE OF THE NATION'S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

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

Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018

Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2018 This bill states that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership, which highlights the bilateral relationship's importance and outlines enhanced cooperation in defense, security, economics and trade, energy security, democracy, and cultural exchanges; (2) support continued cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Ukraine; (3) support Ukraine's political and economic reforms; (4) reaffirm the commitment of the United States to the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances; (5) assist Ukraine's efforts to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities; and (6) improve Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian-supported disinformation and propaganda efforts in cyberspace, including through social media. It is the sense of Congress that the Department of State should take the following actions, commensurate with U.S. interests, to help Ukraine improve its cybersecurity: (1) provide Ukraine necessary support to secure government computer networks from cyber intrusions, particularly networks that defend critical infrastructure; (2) provide Ukraine support to reduce reliance on Russian information and communications technology; and (3) help Ukraine build capacity, expand cybersecurity information sharing, and cooperate on international cyberspace efforts. The State Department shall report to Congress on the status of U.S.-Ukraine cybersecurity cooperation.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to enhanced relations with the Republic of Moldova and support for Moldova's territorial integrity.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2018

Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Moldova. Supports the Strategic Dialogue as a means to strengthen U.S.-Moldova relations and enhance Moldova's democratic, economic, and security reforms. Encourages enhanced U.S. partnerships with Moldova's government, private sector, and civil society and a focus of U.S. assistance on strengthening democratic institutions, diversifying and securing energy supplies, and promoting rural economic growth, trade, and job creation. Encourages Moldova to continue implementing democratic reforms. Encourages the President to expedite the implementation of Public Law 113-96 providing for U.S. international broadcast programming to counter Russian disinformation. Supports efforts to counter disinformation campaigns in Eastern Europe. Affirms Moldova's right to: (1) determine its own partnerships free of external pressure, and (2) associate with the European Union or any regional organization. Calls upon the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized territory of Moldova, refrain from economic threats against Moldova, and cease support of separatist movements within Moldova. Supports efforts to resolve the Transnistria issue through a comprehensive settlement that secures Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity while providing a special status for the Transnistrian region within Moldova. Urges all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that may undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution or jeopardize existing agreements. Encourages Transnistrian leaders and the Moldovan government to continue negotiations toward a political settlement. Affirms that Moldova's stability and security is a U.S. priority that can only be achieved if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova and other European countries are respected.

Smart Building Acceleration Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2018

Smart Building Acceleration Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Federal Smart Building Program to implement smart building technology in certain federal buildings and demonstrate the costs and benefits of smart buildings. Smart buildings are buildings with energy systems that: (1) are flexible and automated; (2) have extensive operational monitoring and communication connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and analysis of building functions; (3) take a systems-based approach in integrating the overall building operations for control of energy generation, consumption, and storage; (4) communicate with utilities and other third-party commercial entities, if appropriate; (5) protect the health and safety of occupants and workers; and (6) are cybersecure. DOE may expand awards made under the Federal Energy Management Program and the Better Building Challenge to recognize specific federal agency achievements in accelerating the adoption of smart building technologies. DOE must conduct a survey of privately owned smart buildings throughout the United States and evaluate their costs and benefits. As part of the Better Building Challenge, DOE must demonstrate policies and approaches that accelerate the transition to smart buildings. DOE must conduct research and development on barriers to the integration of advanced building technologies.

Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Financing Energy Efficient Manufacturing Program that provides grants for projects that: (1) improve the energy efficiency of small- or medium-sized manufacturers that employ no more than 750 employees, and (2) develop technologies to reduce electricity or natural gas use by the manufacturers. The bill establishes labor requirements for projects that receive grant funding under this bill. In addition, the bill establishes a requirement that grant projects only use iron and steel products that are produced in the United States, unless DOE grants a waiver of the requirement.

Challenges & Prizes for Climate Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Challenges & Prizes for Climate Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a Climate Solutions Challenges program for carrying out competitions that award cash and other incentives for climate and energy solutions, such as: capturing carbon and converting the carbon into a beneficial use, achieving transformative increases in energy efficiency, achieving implementation or grid integration of advanced energy storage technology, providing approaches to mitigating or adapting to the effects of climate change, and providing data analytics on the climate and related phenomena.

21st Century Energy Workforce Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

21st Century Energy Workforce Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board to develop a strategy for the support and development of a skilled energy workforce. Based on the board's recommendations, DOE shall establish a clearinghouse to: maintain and update information and resources on training and workforce development programs for energy- and manufacturing-related jobs; and act as a resource and provide guidance for secondary schools, institutions of higher education (including community colleges and minority-serving institutions), and workforce development, labor management, and industry organizations that would like to develop and implement such related training programs. DOE shall also establish a pilot program to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for job training programs that lead to an industry-recognized credential. Grant amounts are limited to $2 million for any one fiscal year. The federal share of the cost of a job training and education program using a grant shall be up to 65%, while the non-federal share may not be less than 50% cash.

Smart Building Acceleration Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Smart Building Acceleration Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Federal Smart Building Program to implement smart building technology in certain federal buildings and demonstrate the costs and benefits of smart buildings. Smart buildings are buildings with energy systems that: (1) are flexible and automated; (2) have extensive operational monitoring and communication connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and analysis of building functions; (3) take a systems-based approach in integrating the overall building operations for control of energy generation, consumption, and storage; (4) communicate with utilities and other third-party commercial entities, if appropriate; (5) protect the health and safety of occupants and workers; and (6) are cybersecure. DOE may expand awards made under the Federal Energy Management Program and the Better Building Challenge to recognize specific federal agency achievements in accelerating the adoption of smart building technologies. DOE must conduct a survey of privately owned smart buildings throughout the United States and evaluate their costs and benefits. As part of the Better Building Challenge, DOE must demonstrate policies and approaches that accelerate the transition to smart buildings. DOE must conduct research and development on barriers to the integration of advanced building technologies.

Grid Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Grid Modernization Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a program to modernize the electric grid, including by (1) developing standards to compare the storage capacity, cycle length, capabilities, and reliability of different types of electricity storage; (2) promoting the development of micro-grid systems; (3) facilitating a collaborative process to develop model grid architecture; and (4) ensuring a reliable, resilient, affordable, safe, and secure electric grid. (A micro-grid system means a stand-alone electrical system that uses grid-scale energy storage.) DOE must also establish a grant program to carry out projects related to the modernization of the electric grid, including the application of technologies to improve observability, advanced controls, and prediction of system performance on the distribution system.

Energy Cybersecurity Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Energy Cybersecurity Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop advanced cybersecurity applications and technologies for the energy sector. DOE shall: advance the security of field devices and third-party control systems; leverage electric grid architecture as a means to assess risks to the energy sector, including by implementing an all-hazards approach to communications infrastructure, control systems architecture, and power systems architecture; perform pilot demonstration projects with the energy sector to gain experience with new technologies; and develop workforce development curricula for energy sector-related cybersecurity. DOE may also implement within the energy sector cybertesting and cyberresilience programs that target: DOE emergency response capabilities, cooperation with the intelligence communities for energy sector-related threat collection and analysis, enhancing the tools of DOE and the Electricity Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ES-ISAC) for monitoring the status of the energy sector, expanding industry participation in ES-ISAC, and technical assistance to small electric utilities to assess cybermaturity posture. DOE must develop an advanced energy security program that secures diverse energy networks in order to increase the functional preservation of the electric grid operations or natural gas and oil operations in the face of natural and human-made threats and hazards, including electric magnetic pulse and geomagnetic disturbances. DOE shall study alternative management structures and funding mechanisms to expand industry membership and participation in ES-ISAC.

PROTECT Florida Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018

Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in Florida Act or the PROTECT Florida Act This bill extends the moratorium until June 30, 2029, on oil and gas exploration, preleasing or leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish a moratorium until June 30, 2029, on oil and gas exploration, preleasing or leasing in the (1) Straits of Florida Planning Area, and (2) the area in the South Atlantic Planning Area that is south of the northernmost lateral seaward administrative boundary of Florida.

THE EVOLUTION OF ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE UNITED STATES AND HOW LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE PAST CAN INFORM FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 2018

Energy Sovereignty Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Energy Sovereignty Act This bill amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that states must revise implementation plans to prevent or eliminate air pollution endangering public health or welfare in other countries when directed to do so by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Coal Refuse Reclamation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Coal Refuse Reclamation Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for facilities that use coal refuse to produce electricity. The credit is equal to $12 per ton of coal refuse used at a coal refuse facility to produce electricity at the facility during the 10-year period beginning on January 1, 2018. To qualify for the credit, the facility must have been originally placed in service prior to January 1, 2018, and combust coal refuse or fuel composed of at least 75% coal refuse by BTU energy value. The facility must also use: (1) at a minimum, a circulating fluidized bed combustion unit or a pressurized fluidized bed combustion unit equipped with a limestone injection system, for control of acid gases; and (2) a fabric filter particulate emission control system. The bill defines "coal refuse" as any waste coal, rock, shale, slurry, culm, gob, boney, slate, clay and related materials associated with or near a coal seam that are either brought aboveground or otherwise removed from a coal mine in the process of mining coal or that are separated from coal during the cleaning or preparation operations. The term includes underground development wastes, coal processing wastes and excess spoil, but does not include overburden from surface mining activities.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018 This bill amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensee to submit to the NRC a post-shutdown decommissioning activities report (PSDAR) regarding the shutdown of a nuclear facility. Prior to submitting a PSDAR, a licensee must consult with affected states and localities. In the state where the nuclear facility is located, the NRC is required to: (1) solicit public comments on a proposed PSDAR; (2) conduct at least two public hearings; and (3) invite the state to file a statement of support, nonsupport, or conditional support for the proposed PSDAR with specific recommendations that could lead to support. The NRC must determine the adequacy or inadequacy of a proposed PSDAR and issue a decision document accordingly.

Safe and Secure Decommissioning Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Safe and Secure Decommissioning Act of 2018 This bill amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from approving the request of a licensee for a waiver of, or exemption from, a covered regulation applicable to a civilian nuclear power reactor that has permanently ceased to operate. A covered regulation includes: (1) an emergency preparedness or response regulation or requirement, or (2) a security regulation or requirement applicable to spent nuclear fuel. This prohibition shall not apply to a civilian nuclear power reactor at which all spent nuclear fuel has been transferred to spent nuclear fuel dry casks.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018 This bill amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensee to submit to the NRC a post-shutdown decommissioning activities report (PSDAR) regarding the shutdown of a nuclear facility. Prior to submitting a PSDAR, a licensee must consult with affected states and localities. In the state where the nuclear facility is located, the NRC is required to: (1) solicit public comments on a proposed PSDAR; (2) conduct at least two public hearings; and (3) invite the state to file a statement of support, nonsupport, or conditional support for the proposed PSDAR with specific recommendations that could lead to support. The NRC must determine the adequacy or inadequacy of a proposed PSDAR and issue a decision document accordingly.

BUILDS Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills or the BUILDS Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to award implementation or renewal grants, for up to three years and on a competitive basis, to eligible industry or sector partnerships to achieve certain strategic objectives with respect to targeted infrastructure industries (e.g., transportation, construction, energy, information technology, or utilities industries). Such strategic objectives must include: recruiting key stakeholders in the targeted infrastructure industries; identifying the training needs of multiple businesses in such industries; facilitating actions that lead to economies of scale by aggregating multiple businesses' training and education needs; helping grant recipients who provide career and technical education and training in aligning curricula, entrance requirements, and programs to the targeted infrastructure's needs and required credentials; providing information on grant activities to state agencies to enable them to inform unemployment compensation recipients of employment and training opportunities; and helping partner businesses to attract potential workers from a diverse jobseeker base.

American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018

American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act of 201 8 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose fees on: (1) fossil fuel products producing carbon dioxide emissions, including coal, petroleum products, and natural gas; (2) fluorinated greenhouse gases; (3) emissions of any greenhouse gas from any greenhouse gas emissions source; and (4) associated emissions (attributable to venting, flaring, and leakage across the supply chain). The bill directs the Department of the Treasury to: establish, implement, and report on a program to identify all major source categories of associated emissions and collect data on associated emissions from the coal, petroleum products, and natural gas supply chains; make specified adjustments to the new fees for importers and exporters of energy-intensive manufactured goods; make a specified payment each calendar year to certain Social Security beneficiaries, veterans, and disabled individuals; make cost mitigation grants to states to assist low-income and rural households and provide job training and worker transition assistance; and establish a website to make regular disclosures concerning revenue, tax savings, and benefits attributable to this bill. The bill also allows a new carbon fee offset tax credit for the lesser of: 6.2% of earned income, or $800.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 DIVISION B -- FURTHER EXTENSION OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 This division amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 to provide continuing FY2018 appropriations to most federal agencies through March 23, 2018 (February 8, 2018, under current law). It prevents a partial government shutdown that would otherwise occur when the existing continuing resolution expires because the FY2018 appropriations bills have not been enacted. The division also: (1) authorizes the Department of Energy to drawdown and sell specified crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in FY2018; and (2) makes additional funding available for the 2020 Decennial Census Program, the Southeastern Power Administration, and juror fees. The division provides emergency funding for the Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Program Account. (Emergency spending is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules.) DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 This division provides appropriations to the Department of Defense for the remainder of FY2018. DIVISION D--MISCELLANEOUS This division amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the Department of Agriculture Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through FY2019. (EQIP provides financial and technical assistance for agricultural producers and land owners to implement certain conservation practices.) DIVISION E--BUDGETARY EFFECTS This division exempts the budgetary effects of division D from Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rules and certain budget scorekeeping guidelines.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the definition of municipal solid waste.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources, to modify the definition of "municipal solid waste." The bill specifies that municipal solid waste does not include solid waste collected as part of a system which commingles commonly recycled paper with other solid waste which is not commonly recycled at any point from the time of collection through any materials recovery. The bill includes exceptions for incidental and residual waste. In the case of a facility that produces electricity both from municipal solid waste and other solid waste that is not a qualified energy resource: (1) the facility is a qualified facility if it otherwise meets the requirements for qualified facilities, and (2) the credit only applies to the portion of the electricity produced from municipal solid waste.