Energy

California Electricity Consumers Relief Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001

California Electricity Consumers Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) order a refund (with interest) of that portion of electricity rates or charges that FERC finds to be in excess of market-based rates that are just, reasonable, and neither unduly discriminatory nor preferential; and (2) issue an order establishing the maximum price for electricity sold at wholesale in the Western System Coordinating Council after June 1, 2000, if it determines that rates charged for wholesale sales of electricity are unjust and unreasonable under the Federal Power Act. Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) FERC response to certain State petitions regarding such unjust rates; (2) FERC establishment of maximum electricity prices; (3) mandatory refunds of prices paid in excess of such maximum; and (4) civil penalties for violations of this Act.

A bill to amend the Department of Energy Authorization Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to impose interim limitations on the cost of electric energy to protect consumers from unjust and unreasonable prices in the electric energy market.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001

Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to impose an interim regional price limitation, or cost-of-service based rate, upon sales of electric energy at wholesale rate in interstate commerce subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) whenever: (1) FERC determines that the pertinent rate, charge, or classification is unduly preferential, unjust, or unreasonable, or the Secretary determines that it exceeds significantly the marginal cost of electric energy production; and (2) the continued existence of such rate, charge, or classification threatens public health and safety or regional economy, and FERC has otherwise failed to act to improve the situation. Authorizes the Governor of any State within such affected region to waive application of the price limitation. Exempts from the interim price limitations of this Act sales of electric energy generated by certain small power production or cogeneration facilities under the purview of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.

Energy Efficient Cost Savings Improvement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001

Energy Efficient Cost Savings Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act with respect to Federal energy savings performance contracts to redefine "energy savings" and "energy savings contract" to include a reduction in the cost of energy by reason of construction and operation of replacement Federal buildings and facilities. Prescribes guidelines for cost-savings from operation and maintenance efficiencies in replacement facilities. Extends from October 1, 2003, to October 1, 2008, the authority to enter into Federal energy savings performance contracts.

National Electricity and Environmental Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001

National Electricity and Environmental Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify technology costs and associated performance goals that would permit continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, chemical feedstocks, and transportation fuel; (2) implement research and development programs that include demonstration and commercial application of coal-based technologies; and (3) implement a power plant improvement initiative program demonstrating commercial applications of advanced coal-based technologies applicable to new or existing power plants including co-production plants, which must advance the effectiveness, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond that which is in operation or has been demonstrated on the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for investment in: (1) a qualifying clean coal technology unit in an existing coal-based electricity generation facility; and (2) early commercial applications of qualifying advanced clean coal technologies. Sets forth formulae for determining tax credits for unit production of both kinds of technologies. Exempts the installation of a qualifying system of continuous emission control from new source review requirements under the Clean Air Act. Grants a ten-year exemption from any new or increased emission control requirements for the specific pollutant controlled by such a system to any existing coal-based electricity generating unit on which it has been installed, if the system meets or exceeds the specified standard of performance for new stationary sources. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a financial risk pool for a limited time to offset the modification costs resulting from the failure of qualifying advanced clean coal technology to achieve its design performance. Cites conditions under which credits for emission reductions and efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generating facilities of electric cooperatives or publicly owned electric utilities may be treated as offset credits. Entitles the Tennessee Valley Authority to aggregate certain clean coal technology credits and apply them as a credit against obligations for annual returns on the appropriations investment and annual repayment sums.

Spencer Abraham, of Michigan, to be Secretary of Energy.

United States · United States Senate · 20 January 2001

To amend the Department of Energy Authorization Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to impose interim limitations on the cost of electric energy to protect consumers from unjust and unreasonable prices in the electric energy market.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2001

Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to impose an interim regional price limitation, or cost-of-service based rate, upon sales of electric energy at wholesale rate in interstate commerce subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) whenever: (1) FERC determines that the pertinent rate, charge, or classification is unduly preferential, unjust, or unreasonable, or the Secretary determines that it exceeds significantly the marginal cost of electric energy production; and (2) the continued existence of such rate, charge, or classification threatens public health and safety or regional economy, and FERC has otherwise failed to act to improve the situation. Authorizes the Governor of any State within such affected region to waive application of the price limitation. Exempts from the interim price limitations of this Act sales of electric energy generated by certain small power production or cogeneration facilities under the purview of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.

James John Hoecker, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2005, to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 5 January 2001

Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2001

Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001- Declares that it is the policy of the United States to permit exploration, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas resources in a designated area of the Coastal Plain Study Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and any leasing or development leading to such production. States that Congress determines that the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program and activities authorized by this Act are compatible with the purposes for which the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established, and that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination. States that this Act is the sole authority for Coastal Plain leasing. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) designate a maximum total of Coastal Plain acreage as "Special Areas" and close them to leasing if the Secretary determines that they require special management and regulatory protection; and (2) permit leasing in those Special Areas by setting lease terms that restrict surface use and occupancy but permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from lease sites located outside the Special Areas. Declares that this Act constitutes the Secretary's sole authority to close Coastal Plain lands to oil and gas leasing and to exploration, development, and production. Directs the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation.

National Resource Governance Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2001

National Resource Governance Act of 2001 - Establishes the National Energy Self-Sufficiency Commission, which shall: (1) investigate issues involving U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources; (2) evaluate proposals to make the United States self-sufficient in energy production by the year 2011; (3) explore alternative energy sources; (4) investigate areas currently not being used for oil exploration and drilling for environmental reasons; (5) consider tax credits and other financial incentives; and (6) expand drilling in areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore. Prohibits the Commission from recommending an increase in taxes or other revenues, or import restrictions on oil or other commodities.