Energy

A resolution designating October 8, 2017, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2017

Designates October 8, 2017, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

Securing Energy Infrastructure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2017

Securing Energy Infrastructure Act of 2017 This bill establishes a two-year pilot program within the Department of Energy's (DOE) national laboratories to (1) identify the security vulnerabilities of certain entities in the energy sector; and (2) research, develop, test, and implement technology that can be used to isolate the most critical systems of such entities from cyberattacks. The bill also directs the Director of Intelligence and Counterintelligence of DOE to establish a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the national laboratories and to develop a national strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks.

EXAMINING THE STATUS OF ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES, REVIEWING TODAY'S TECHNOLOGIES AND UNDERSTANDING INNOVATION IN TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGIES

United States · United States Senate · 3 October 2017

Stranded Nuclear Waste Accountability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2017

Stranded Nuclear Waste Accountability Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to provide compensation to communities in which a nuclear waste storage facility is located. DOE must provide payments equal to $15 per kilogram of spent nuclear fuel stored at the nuclear waste facility. Each local government having a nuclear waste facility within its jurisdictional boundaries must submit an annual application to DOE for compensation.

Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2017

Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017 This bill establishes programs for the implementation and use of smart technologies and systems in communities of various sizes. A “smart city or community” is one in which innovative, advanced, and trustworthy information, communication, and energy technologies are applied to: (1) improve the health and quality of life of residents; (2) increase efficiency of operations and services; (3) promote economic growth; and (4) improve safety, security, sustainability, resiliency, livability, and work life. The Department of Commerce shall establish a regional demonstration grant program focused on facilitating adoption, and allowing measurement and validation of performance, of advanced smart city or community technologies and systems. Commerce shall also convene a working group to develop tools for evaluating the cybersecurity of smart city or community technologies. The Department of Labor shall establish a pilot program to furnish competitive grants for technology-based job training and education programs that provide industry-recognized credentials. The bill requires strong federal encouragement and support for private sector-led standards development activities. The bill requires the establishment of a strategic international smart cities and communities trade program that includes trade missions to promote and assist smart-community activities, as by leveraging expertise in infrastructure development.

Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2017

Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017 This bill establishes programs for the implementation and use of smart technologies and systems in communities of various sizes. A “smart city or community” is one in which innovative, advanced, and trustworthy information, communication, and energy technologies are applied to: (1) improve the health and quality of life of residents; (2) increase efficiency of operations and services; (3) promote economic growth; and (4) improve safety, security, sustainability, resiliency, livability, and work life. The Department of Commerce shall establish a regional demonstration grant program focused on facilitating adoption, and allowing measurement and validation of performance, of advanced smart city or community technologies and systems. Commerce shall also convene a working group to develop tools for evaluating the cybersecurity of smart city or community technologies. The Department of Labor shall establish a pilot program to furnish competitive grants for technology-based job training and education programs that provide industry-recognized credentials. The bill requires strong federal encouragement and support for private sector-led standards development activities. The bill requires the establishment of a strategic international smart cities and communities trade program that includes trade missions to promote and assist smart-community activities, as by leveraging expertise in infrastructure development.

STRANDED Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2017

Sensible, Timely Relief for America's Nuclear Districts' Economic Development Act of 2017 or the STRANDED Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to enter into an arrangement under which the National Academy of Sciences must conduct a study to determine whether opportunities exist for affected communities to consider alternatives to nuclear facilities, generating sites, and waste sites. DOE must also: (1) establish the Stranded Nuclear Waste Task Force to study existing public and private resources and funding for affected communities, and (2) establish a grant program to assist localities near nuclear power plants to offset the impacts of stranded nuclear waste in affected communities. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for tax incentives for investment in nuclear affected communities.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY PROGRAMS: PERSPECTIVES FOR THE 2018 FARM BILL

United States · United States Senate · 28 September 2017

To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson Dam.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2017

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon request, to extend for up to six years the time period during which construction must commence on the Gibson Dam Hydroelectric Project located on the Sun River in Lewis, Clark, and Teton Counties, Montana. Additionally, FERC may reinstate the construction license if it is expired.

Flexible Grid Infrastructure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2017

Flexible Grid Infrastructure Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the flexibility, reliability, resilience, affordability, efficiency, and security of the electric grid. Specifically, FERC and DOE must: (1) access the technical and economic potential of distributed energy resources, and (2) establish an online clearinghouse of data relating to distributed energy resources. A distributed energy resource means an electric device that can produce or consume energy that is located on the grid distribution system or on the customer side of the electric grid (e.g., solar roofs). DOE must also: provide technical assistance, an action plan, tools, and information relating to the deployment of distributed energy resources and grid-scale energy storage; research and develop the electrification of transportation, heating, and other technologies; develop model standards to assist states, electric cooperatives, and publicly owned electric utilities in the voluntary updating of standards for resource and energy assurance planning, ensuring distribution-grid reliability from natural disasters, and improving security; evaluate whether new performance standards and testing procedures are needed to ensure the resilience of electrical equipment to security threats or natural disasters; develop guidelines for calculating the costs and benefits of investments in resilience and security solutions for the electric grid; provide related workforce training; and establish the Flexible Grid Challenge 2022, a grant program that helps states enhance the peak load management and flexibility of the electric grid.

POWER Counties Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2017

Providing Opportunity with Energy Revenues in Counties Act or the POWER Counties Act This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to: (1) change from 40% to 20% the percentage of money received from sales, bonuses, royalties including interest charges collected under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 that is to be paid into the reclamation fund created by the Reclamation Act; and (2) require 20% of such money to be paid to the county within the boundaries of which the leased lands or deposits are or were located and may be used by such county for its schools and roads.

Reducing the Cost of Energy Storage Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2017

Reducing the Cost of Energy Storage Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to research and develop ways to reduce the cost of energy storage, including by (1) facilitating innovation in the manner in which energy storage systems are conceived, designed, manufactured, installed, and used for various energy services; and (2) identifying, addressing, and reducing market barriers that limit energy storage adoption. As part of its research and development, DOE must pay special attention to energy storage needs and opportunities that are relatively underdeveloped and potentially transformative for the electric grid.

Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and Energy Conversion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2017

Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and Energy Conversion Act of 2017 This bill requires the U.S. government: (1) to provide leadership to negotiate and enter into a multilateral treaty or other international agreement that provides for the dismantlement and elimination of all nuclear weapons in every country by 2024; (2) once the President certifies that all countries have eliminated such weapons or begun such elimination under established legal requirements, to redirect resources that are being used for nuclear weapons programs to addressing human and infrastructure needs and to converting nuclear weapons industry employees, processes, plants, and programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities; (3) to undertake efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; and (4) to promote policies to induce all other countries to join in such commitments.

Distributed Energy Demonstration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2017

Distributed Energy Demonstration Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish grant programs for: (1) advancing the integration and optimization of distributed energy resources (i.e., smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power, such as rooftop solar panels) into the electric energy grid; (2) designing and producing an energy storage demonstration program using household hot water heaters; (3) advancing electric vehicles technologies; and (4) supporting the voluntary deployment of granular electricity pricing that is based upon the electricity's value at the time and location of the production or consumption of the electricity. In addition, the bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reauthorize through FY2025 and revise DOE's grant program for smart grid investments. The bill prohibits federal entities from requesting the creation, recording, or collection of sensitive personal data as a result of this bill's requirements.

Promoting United States national security and foreign policy objectives through consolidation and strengthening of the rule of law and respect for human rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2017

Affirms the importance of the U.S. partnership with the government of Azerbaijan in the areas of international security, European energy security, and economic development. Calls on the U.S. government: in its diplomatic engagement and delivery of bilateral assistance, to prioritize as a matter of strategic importance its response to Azerbaijan's violations of universally recognized human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law to ensure the long-term sustainability of the U.S.-Azerbaijani bilateral partnership; to closely evaluate reporting to identify and impose travel and financial restrictions on Azerbaijan officials responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act; and to closely evaluate reporting to identify and impose travel restrictions on Azerbaijan officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom, pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, rehabilitate their records, lift travel bans, and cease harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment of citizens engaged in political speech, independent journalism, and other forms of advocacy on behalf of government accountability, democratic values, and universally recognized human rights. Supports the peaceful efforts of the people of Azerbaijan ito achieve democratic reform and exercise their fundamental freedoms.

PARs Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2017

Parity Across Reviews Act or the PARs Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act with respect to the prohibition regarding mergers or consolidations by a public utility. Any merger or consolidation of a public utility whose value exceeds $10 million must first be authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In addition, FERC is required to promulgate a rule within 180 days that mandates any public utility seeking to merge or consolidate to notify FERC, within 30 days of transaction consummation, if the value of such merger or consolidation exceeds $1 million but is less than $10 million.

TUFGRID Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2017

The Uniform Federal Grants for Resilient Infrastructure and Design Act of 2017 or the TUFGRID Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and carry out a program to provide grants to states, local governments, and electric utilities to make electric infrastructure more resilient to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other major weather-related events. DOE must give priority in awarding grants to governments and electric utilities that serve areas historically prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other major weather-related events. The federal share of the costs of a project or activity carried out using a grant under the program may not exceed 50%.

Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2017

Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for: (1) energy storage technologies, and (2) battery storage technology. The bill expands the tax credit for investments in energy property to include equipment that: (1) receives, stores, and delivers energy using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by the Internal Revenue Service; and (2) has a capacity of at least five kilowatt hours. The bill also expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include expenditures for battery storage technology that: (1) is installed on or in connection with a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer, and (2) has a capacity of at least three kilowatt hours.

Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2017

Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2017 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.

Texas Flood Accountability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2017

Texas Flood Accountability Act of 2017 This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit to Congress and make publicly available a report with respect to dams, reservoirs, lakes, and other water retention facilities in Texas. The report shall include: for each such facility, the maximum water capacity that would necessitate an unplanned release of water, the water level at which the facility and each spillway of the facility will overflow, and plans to notify first responders, local officials, and communities of flood emergencies and the projected water levels during such emergencies; a description of steps taken by the Corps of Engineers to limit or prevent unplanned releases of water or overflows from such facilities; recommendations of the Corps for infrastructure improvements and dredging of existing facilities needed to limit or prevent such releases or overflows; plans to coordinate among such facilities during a flood emergency; and a list identifying the such facilities under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's jurisdiction, which shall include a description of the process for lowering water levels at each facility. The Corps may exclude information from the report for national security purposes. Upon the Corps' request, a non-federal entity that owns, operates, or has jurisdiction over a covered facility shall provide the maximum water capacity that would necessitate an unplanned release of water, the water level at which the facility and each spillway of the facility will overflow, and plans to notify first responders, local officials, and communities of flood emergencies and the projected water levels during such emergencies. An entity shall not be eligible for federal financial assistance until it complies with such request.

Commission to Verify Iranian Nuclear Compliance Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2017

Commission to Verify Iranian Nuclear Compliance Act This bill establishes in the legislative branch the Commission to Verify Iranian Nuclear Compliance which shall: (1) continually verify that the Islamic Republic of Iran is complying with its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA); (2) continually assess the adequacy of JCPOA safeguards to ensure that Iran's permitted activities are not being used to further nuclear-related military or nuclear explosive purpose; (3) continually assess the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) capability to implement the JCPOA verification regime, including whether the IAEA has sufficient access to investigate suspicious sites or allegations of covert nuclear-related activities and whether it has the required funding, manpower, and authority to administer such verification regime; and (4) report to Congress on the matters covered by this bill. "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" means the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna July 14, 2015, by Iran and China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and all implementing materials and agreements related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

AN EXAMINATION OF VEGETATION MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICITY ASSETS LOCATED ON FEDERAL LANDS AND TO RECEIVE TESTIMONY ON SECTION 2310 OF S. 1460, THE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES ACT OF 2017, AND H.R. 1873, THE ELECTRICITY RELIABILITY AND FOREST PROTECTION ACT

United States · United States Senate · 19 September 2017

Coordinating Interagency Review of Natural Gas Infrastructure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2017

Coordinating Interagency Review of Natural Gas Infrastructure Act of 2017 This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the lead agency for the purpose of coordinating all applicable federal authorizations and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to authorizing a natural gas pipeline project under the Natural Gas Act. FERC must invite and designate other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. The bill requires concurrent reviews when multiple agencies are involved in the authorization process.

Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017

Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish, maintain, and operate a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve of no more than 1 million barrels as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (The Northeast means the states of New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and any other contiguous state that DOE determines appropriate.) The bill authorizes DOE to sell refined petroleum products from the reserve if the President finds that there exists, or is likely to exist within the next 30 days, a severe energy supply interruption.

FOSTERING INNOVATION: CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S NATIONAL LABORATORIES

United States · United States Senate · 12 September 2017

Energy Technology Maturation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2017

Energy Technology Maturation Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a funding program to facilitate the commercialization of energy and related technologies that exhibit promising commercial potential and are developed at DOE facilities.

Energy Technology Maturation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2017

Energy Technology Maturation Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a funding program to facilitate the commercialization of energy and related technologies that exhibit promising commercial potential and are developed at DOE facilities.

Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017

Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017 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.

ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2017

ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill amends the AMERICA Competes Act to declare that the following categories of information collected by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) from recipients of ARPA-E financial assistance awards are considered privileged and confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act: plans for the commercialization of technologies that have been developed under the award, investments provided to an awardee from third parties, additional financial support that the awardee plans to invest or has invested into the technology developed under the award or that the awardee is seeking from third parties, and revenue from the licensing or sale of new products or services resulting from the research that was conducted under the award. The bill reauthorizes the ARPA-E through FY2022.

Steven E. Winberg, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil Energy), vice Christopher Smith.

United States · United States Senate · 5 September 2017

Bruce J. Walker, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability), vice Patricia A. Hoffman.

United States · United States Senate · 5 September 2017

Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2017

Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act This bill transitions away from fossil fuel sources of energy to clean energy sources (e.g., energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy). By 2027: (1) 80% of electricity sold must be generated from clean energy resources, (2) 80% of new vehicle sales from manufacturers must be sales of zero-emission vehicles, and (3) 80% of train rail lines and train engines must be electrified. By 2035: (1) 100% of electricity must be generated from clean energy resources, (2) 100% of vehicle sales from manufacturers must be zero-emission vehicles, and (3) 100% of train rail lines and train engines must be electrified. The bill establishes a car allowance rebate system within the Department of Transportation to provide economic incentives for consumers to purchase new, clean energy vehicles. No federal permits for new major fossil fuel projects may be issued in 2018 and thereafter. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) terminate specified fossil fuel subsidies, (2) permanently extend renewable electricity production tax credits for electricity generated from wind, and (3) permanently extend a business energy investment tax credit for solar or wind energy technologies. A Community Assistance Fund is established for specified industrial and energy efficiency programs. The bill permanently reauthorizes the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides energy efficiency retrofits of low-income homes. It prohibits exports of domestically produced crude oil and natural gas, including liquefied natural gas. The Center for Clean Energy Workforce Development is established within the Department of Labor.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2017

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 This bill authorizes for FY2018 the intelligence-related activities of the: Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI); Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); Department of Defense; Defense Intelligence Agency; National Security Agency; Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; Coast Guard; Departments of State, Treasury, Homeland Security, and Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; National Reconnaissance Office; National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and Department of Energy (DOE). The bill also authorizes for FY2018 the CIA Retirement and Disability System. In addition, the bill: requires the ODNI to establish a Supply Chain and Counterintelligence Risk Management Task Force; requires DOE to establish a pilot program for securing energy infrastructure; directs various agencies to report to Congress on intelligence matters including security clearances, bug bounty programs, foreign-investment risks, geospatial commercial activities, Russian threats to U.S. elections, and specified intelligence-community employment matters; and otherwise modifies provisions regarding the intelligence community.

Rebuild America Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Rebuild America Now Act This bill amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to expedite the environmental review and permitting process for projects undertaken or funded by the federal government that could have significant environmental consequences. The bill states as policy that when implementing a permitting law, including specified environmental laws, agencies should seek to issue permit decisions favorably to the maximum extent practicable. The bill includes provisions regarding: lawsuits involving challenges to agency actions concerning energy production, approval of gas pipeline projects, rights-of-way through national parks, assistance to areas where air pollution levels have not met national ambient air quality standards, and state authority to review certain transportation projects and agreements.

Kevin J. McIntyre, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2023. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 2 August 2017

Kevin J. McIntyre, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2018, vice Norman C. Bay, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 2 August 2017

Richard Glick, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2022, vice Colette Dodson Honorable, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 2 August 2017

Investing in State Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Investing in State Energy Act This bill amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Department of Energy to distribute funds for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the state energy assistance program within 60 days of Congress making the funds available for such programs. (The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency. The State Energy Program supports state energy conservation plans and energy emergency planning and response.)

HEAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Heat Efficiency through Applied Technology Act or the HEAT Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish model rules and procedures for (1) interconnection and its associated costs; and (2) determining fees or rates for supplementary power, backup or standby power, maintenance power, and interruptible power supplied to facilities that operate combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology. ("Interconnection" means service to an electric consumer under which an on-site generating facility on the consumer's premises is connected to the local distribution facilities.) The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency to create a voluntary grant program to encourage states to update state or local air permitting procedures to incorporate output-based emission standards. ("Output-based emission standard" means a standard that relates emissions to the electrical, thermal, or mechanical productive output of a device or process rather than the heat input of fuel burned or pollutant concentration in the exhaust.)

Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit or repeal certain tax benefits for major integrated oil companies (certain companies with annual gross receipts over $1 billion and an average daily worldwide production of crude oil of at least 500,000 barrels), including: (1) the foreign tax credit for companies that are dual capacity taxpayers; (2) the tax deduction for income attributable to the production, refining, processing, transportation, or distribution of oil, natural gas, or primary products thereof; (3) the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs; (4) the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas wells; and (5) the tax deduction for qualified tertiary injectant expenses. The bill modifies the definition of "major integrated oil company" to include certain successors in interest that control more than 50% of the crude oil production or natural gas production of the company. The bill also amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal royalty relief (suspension of royalties) for: (1) natural gas production from deep wells in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) deep water oil and gas production in the Western and Central Planning Area of the Gulf (including the portion of the Eastern Planning Area encompassing whole lease blocks lying west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes west longitude). Any net savings that occur as a result of this bill must be used for reducing the federal budget deficit or the federal debt.

Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to codify the WaterSense Program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows water-efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services to bear a "WaterSense" label. The EPA must establish certification criteria for the WaterSense label, enhance public awareness regarding the label, preserve the label's integrity, and review, and if appropriate, revise the WaterSense label requirements. To the maximum extent practicable and no less than annually, the EPA must estimate and publish the aggregate production, aggregate market penetration, and savings of water, energy, and capital costs of water, wastewater, and stormwater attributable to the use of WaterSense-labeled products, buildings and building landscapes, facilities, processes, and services.

Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and carry out a smart energy and water efficiency management pilot program to award grants to utilities, municipalities, water districts, Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, and other water authorities for demonstrating advanced and innovative technology-based solutions that will: increase the energy efficiency of water, wastewater, and water reuse systems; improve those systems to help communities make significant progress in conserving water, saving energy, and reducing costs; support the implementation of innovative processes and the installation of advanced automated systems that provide real-time data on energy and water; and improve energy and water conservation, water quality, and predictive maintenance of energy and water systems, through the use of Internet-connected technologies. DOE must annually evaluate each grant project and make best practices identified in the evaluations available to the public.

Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

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 energy efficiency improvement projects in the manufacturing sector. The following types of entities are eligible for grants: (1) state energy offices, (2) nonprofit organizations focused on providing energy efficiency or renewable energy services, (3) electric cooperative groups, or (4) entities with a public-private partnership under the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The entities that receive grants must then distribute subgrants to nongovernmental, small- or medium-sized manufacturers (employing no more than 750 employees) located in the state in which the entity is located to carry out projects that: (1) improve the energy efficiency of the manufacturer, and (2) develop technologies that 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.

Food Recovery Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2017

Food Recovery Act of 2017 This bill provides funding and establishes requirements to reduce food waste and standardize date labeling on food. The bill authorizes grants or loans for: raising awareness about wasted food and food recovery efforts to reduce the quantity of wasted food; reducing food waste at schools and farms; and reducing food waste in accordance with the Food Recovery Hierarchy of the Environmental Protection Agency, including for a state organic waste reduction plan, food waste management infrastructure, and certain composting or anaerobic digestion food waste-to-energy projects. The bill provides funds for: (1) state storage and distribution costs under the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and (2) national media campaigns to decrease food waste. The bill also: establishes a Food Recovery Liaison within the Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifies that composting is eligible for support under USDA's conservation programs, expands the liability protections for the donation of food, and requires companies that receive federal food service contracts to donate surplus food to nonprofit organizations that assist food-insecure people. The bill requires date labels on food packaging to include the phrases "best if used by" to indicate food quality and "use by" to warn of food that may be unsafe to eat after a specified date. Labelers may include a quality date on packaging, but must include a safety date on ready-to-eat products. No one may prohibit the sale, donation, or use of a product based on passage of the quality date of the product.

Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2017

Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 30% tax credit for investment in a qualifying offshore wind facility (an offshore facility using wind to produce electricity), and (2) direct the Department of the Treasury to establish a qualifying credit for offshore wind facilities program to consider and award certifications for investments eligible for such a credit to qualifying offshore wind facility sponsors. The total amount of megawatt capacity for offshore facilities with respect to which credits may be allocated under the program may not exceed 3,000 megawatts. The bill requires Treasury to review credits allocated under this bill periodically and authorizes Treasury to make additional allocations and reallocations of such credits upon determining that: (1) the limit on the total amount of megawatt capacity for offshore facilities with respect to which credits may be allocated under the program has not been attained, or (2) scheduled placed-in-service dates of previously certified facilities have been significantly delayed and the applicant for certification will not meet the required timeline.

Federal Land Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Federal Land Freedom Act This bill authorizes a state with an oil and gas leasing program to take responsibility from the federal government for leasing and regulating the exploration and development of oil, gas, and other forms of energy on federal land in the state. A state must submit to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture a regulatory program which demonstrates that it has the capability to take responsibility from the federal government, including that it has a state law which provides sanctions for violations of state laws, regulations, or conditions of permits concerning oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities.

Quadrennial Energy Review Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Quadrennial Energy Review Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to establish once every four years a Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force to conduct and coordinate the Quadrennial Energy Review. The Secretary of Energy shall serve as the chairperson of the task force. Each review must (1) provide an integrated view of important national energy objectives and federal energy policy; and (2) identify the maximum practicable alignment of programs, incentives, regulations, and partnerships.

Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act This bill makes January 21, 2020, the compliance date for the amended energy conservation standards for ceiling fan light kits, which is also the compliance date for ceiling fan standards. Currently, the compliance date for the ceiling fan light kits is January 7, 2019.

Food Recovery Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

Food Recovery Act of 2017 This bill provides funding and establishes requirements to reduce food waste and standardize date labeling on food. The bill authorizes grants or loans for activities related to: raising awareness about wasted food and food recovery efforts to reduce the quantity of wasted food, reducing food waste at schools and farms, and installing facilities that include composting or anaerobic digesters that use food or crop waste to produce energy. The bill provides funds for: (1) state storage and distribution costs under the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and (2) national media campaigns to decrease food waste. The bill also: establishes a Food Recovery Liaison within the Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifies that composting is eligible for support under USDA's conservation programs, expands the tax deduction for charitable contributions to include contributions of food inventory for nonprofit retail sales, expands the liability protections for the donation of food, and requires companies that receive federal food service contracts to donate surplus food to nonprofit organizations that assist food-insecure people. The bill requires date labels on food packaging to include the phrases "best if used by" to indicate food quality and "use by" to warn of food that may be unsafe to eat after a specified date. Labelers may include a quality date on packaging, but must include a safety date on ready-to-eat products. No one may prohibit the sale, donation, or use of a product based on passage of the quality date of the product.

Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to expand community solar options to: (1) individuals, particularly individuals that do not have regular access to onsite solar, including low- and moderate-income individuals; (2) businesses; (3) nonprofit organizations; and (4) states and local and tribal governments. Community solar is a solar power plant, through which the benefits of the electricity produced is shared by electricity customers. In carrying out the program, DOE must: (1) provide technical assistance to states and local and tribal governments for projects to increase community solar; (2) assist such governments in the development of new and innovative financial and business models that leverage competition in the marketplace in order to serve community solar subscribers; and (3) use national laboratories to collect and disseminate data that assists private entities in the financing of, subscription to, and operation of community solar projects. The bill encourages the federal government to participate in community solar projects, including by subscribing to community solar facilities.