Energy

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation".

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017

This joint resolution nullifies the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management titled "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation." The rule published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2016, addresses waste generated during oil and gas production.

Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior regarding requirements for exploratory drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017

This joint resolution nullifies the rule submitted by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management titled "Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf." The rule published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2016, limits exploration of oil and gas resources in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf.

Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior regarding requirements for exploratory drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2017

This joint resolution nullifies the rule submitted by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management titled "Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf." The rule published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2016, limits exploration of oil and gas resources in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf.

A bill to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue an order continuing a stay of a hydroelectric license for the Mahoney Lake hydroelectric project in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon request, to issue a stay of the statutory deadline by which construction must commence on the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project located in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska. (The City of Saxman, Alaska, was granted a construction license for the Mahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project on January 22, 1998.) Additionally, upon request, FERC must reinstate the construction license and make it effective as of the date the stay is lifted. FERC may reinstate the construction license if it is expired. Subject to certain conditions, FERC may extend for up to six years the statutory deadline by which construction must commence on the project.

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2017 This bill amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund until 19 years after this bill's enactment. The trust fund compensates individuals who contract cancer or other diseases as a result of their exposure to radiation during nuclear testing undertaken by the United States during the Cold War. The bill revises the requirements of that Act, including by: increasing the amount of compensation that an individual may receive; expanding the affected area to include Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico; expanding eligibility requirements to include additional individuals, such as certain employees of uranium mines or mills; and extending until 19 years after this bill's enactment the statute of limitations for the filing of claims. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences must establish a grant program for institutions of higher education to study the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining and milling among non-occupationally exposed individuals. The bill amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 by expanding eligibility requirements for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program with respect to chronic beryllium disease.

A bill to exclude power supply circuits, drivers, and devices to be connected to, and power, light-emitting diodes or organic light-emitting diodes providing illumination or ceiling fans using direct current motors from energy conservation standards for external power supplies.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exclude from energy conservation standards for external power supplies any power supply circuit, driver, or device designed to power light-emitting diodes (commonly known as LEDs) or to power ceiling fans using direct current motors. The Department of Energy may prescribe new energy conservation standards for that equipment no earlier than one year after the date on which a test procedure has been prescribed.

A bill to authorize the expansion of an existing hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

This bill authorizes the licensee for the Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project in Kodiak Island, Alaska, to occupy not more than 20 acres of federal land to construct, operate, and maintain the Upper Hidden Basin Diversion Expansion without further authorization under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act or from the Department of the Interior.

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make new wind facilities located near certain military installations ineligible for the tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources, and (2) investments in qualified small wind energy property. The bill applies to facilities that are originally placed in service after the enactment of this bill and are located within a 30-mile radius of: (1) an airfield or airbase that is under the jurisdiction of a military department and in active use; or (2) an air traffic control radar site, weather radar site, or aircraft navigation aid that is owned or operated by the Department of Defense and is a permanent land-based structure at a fixed location.

Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by directing the Department of Energy's Office of Energy and Renewable Energy to establish a clearinghouse for disseminating information regarding available programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for schools. The office must: (1) consult with appropriate agencies to develop a list of programs and financing mechanisms that are, or may be, used for the projects; and (2) coordinate with appropriate agencies to develop a collaborative education and outreach effort to streamline communications and promote the programs and financing mechanisms.

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make new wind facilities located near certain military installations ineligible for the tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources, and (2) investments in qualified small wind energy property. The bill applies to facilities that are originally placed in service after the enactment of this bill and are located within a 50-mile radius of: (1) an airfield or airbase that is under the jurisdiction of a military department and in active use; or (2) an air traffic control radar site, weather radar site, or aircraft navigation aid that is owned or operated by the Department of Defense and is a permanent land-based structure at a fixed location.

Fair RATES Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2017

Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act or the Fair RATES Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act to permit a party to seek a rehearing and subsequent judicial review of any rate change filed by a public utility that takes effect without the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issuing an order making such change effective. (Public utilities must give FERC and the public a 60-day notice before a proposed rate change can take effect.)

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2017

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Department of Energy to issue a rule by July 1, 2021, that determines whether energy conservation standards for external power supplies should be amended. The rule must contain any amended standards and apply to products manufactured on or after July 1, 2023. Current law exempts external power supplies for security or life safety systems (e.g., smoke alarms) from energy conservation standards until July 1, 2017. This bill extends the exemption until July 1, 2023.

James Richard Perry, of Texas, to be Secretary of Energy.

United States · United States Senate · 20 January 2017

Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2017

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.

Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2017

Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 201 7 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into a memorandum of understanding to: ensure that DOE has sufficient technical expertise to support the civilian nuclear industry's timely development and commercial deployment of safe, innovative advanced reactor technology; ensure that the NRC has sufficient technical expertise to support the evaluation of requests for regulatory approval for advanced reactors; use computers and software codes to calculate the behavior and performance of advanced reactors based on mathematical models of their physical behavior; and ensure that the DOE maintains and develops the facilities to support the civilian nuclear industry's timely development and commercial deployment of safe, innovative reactor technology and ensuring that the NRC has access to such facilities, as needed. In addition, the NRC is required to develop a regulatory framework for licensing advanced nuclear reactors. This bill amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to require that the aggregate amount of fees collected by the NRC from licensees and certificate holders in a fiscal year be decreased by the amount of appropriations for activities related to the development of regulatory infrastructure for advanced nuclear reactor technologies.

THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE RICK PERRY TO BE SECRETARY OF ENERGY

United States · United States Senate · 19 January 2017

Fair RATES Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2017

Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act or the Fair RATES Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act to permit a party to seek a rehearing and subsequent judicial review of any rate change filed by a public utility that takes effect without the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issuing an order making such change effective. (Public utilities must give FERC and the public a 60-day notice before a proposed rate change can take effect.)

National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act This bill addresses the mine permitting process. Under the bill, projects that provide minerals vital to job creation, energy infrastructure, American economic competitiveness, and national security must be considered to be "infrastructure projects" as described in Executive Order 13604, entitled "Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects" dated March 22, 2012. This order directed federal agencies to significantly reduce the time required to make permitting and review decisions on infrastructure projects. The bill sets forth general requirements for an existing mineral exploration or mine permit application. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service shall appoint a project lead for the mine permitting process to coordinate with other agencies to ensure that the agencies: minimize delays, set and adhere to timelines for completion of the permitting process, set clear permitting goals, and track progress against goals. The requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 are satisfied if the BLM or the Forest Service determines that the agency issuing the permit will address specified factors, such as environmental impact, alternatives to issuance of the permit, or any irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources that would be involved in the proposed action. The time period for completion of the mine permitting review process shall not exceed 30 months, except by mutual agreement. Projects on National Forest System land shall be exempt from regulations that prohibit timber tree cutting and road construction in areas without roads. The bill does not apply to oil, gas, and potash leasing and development within the designated potash areas of Eddy and Lea Counties, New Mexico.

EPS Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

EPS Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exclude from energy conservation standards for external power supplies any power supply circuit, driver, or device designed to power light-emitting diodes (commonly known as LEDs) or to power ceiling fans using direct current motors. The Department of Energy may prescribe new energy conservation standards for that equipment no earlier than one year after the date on which a test procedure has been prescribed.

National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2017 This bill establishes the National Infrastructure Development Bank as a wholly owned government corporation. The bank's board of directors shall be responsible for monitoring and overseeing energy, environmental, telecommunications, and transportation infrastructure projects. The board is authorized to: (1) make loans and loan guarantees to assist in the financing an infrastructure project, (2) issue public benefit bonds and provide financing to infrastructure projects, and (3) pay an interest subsidy to the issuer of American Infrastructure Bonds. The bank shall establish a risk management committee, which shall: (1) create financial, credit, and operational risk management guidelines; (2) set guidelines to ensure diversification of lending activities by geographic region and infrastructure project type; (3) create conforming standards for financial assistance; (4) monitor financial, credit, and operational exposure; (5) provide financial recommendations to the board; and (6) ensure that the aggregate amount of interest subsidies provided for such bonds in a given calendar year does not exceed 28% of interest payable under all such bonds. The board shall approve criteria established by the bank's executive committee for determining project eligibility for financial assistance. The bill sets forth criteria to be considered by the board for each type of infrastructure project. The executive committee shall conduct an analysis that considers the economic, environmental, and social benefits and costs of each project under consideration, prioritizing projects that contribute to economic growth, lead to job creation, and are of regional or national significance. Financial assistance for an infrastructure project: (1) shall be repayable from dedicated revenue sources that also secure the infrastructure project obligations, and (2) shall not exceed 50% of reasonably anticipated project costs. Bank bonds shall be exempt from state or local government taxation. Assisted projects must comply with wage rate, domestic content, and buy American statutes. The board shall establish an American Infrastructure Bond program. The bill establishes the National Infrastructure Development Bank Trust Fund into which an amount equal to the tax receipts attributable to interest payable under such bonds is to be appropriated.

Solar Villages Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

Solar Villages Initiative Act This bill authorizes the President, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, to provide assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries to increase the availability of credit, savings, and other services to microfinance and microenterprise clients lacking full access to capital, training, technical assistance, and business development services. In providing such assistance, the President shall give priority to empowering female-owned businesses.

United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act of 2017 This bill establishes the United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to investigate and address any practices on the part of OPEC that prevent or reduce competition in the global oil market. The Commission shall be composed of a bipartisan group of 16 experts on energy and related matters chosen by the leadership of both parties in Congress and appointed by the President. All members of the Commission must be U.S. citizens. The bill requires the Commission to: determine whether the anti-competitive behavior of OPEC is designed to disadvantage U.S. oil producers; assess the impact of OPEC's policies on U.S. economic and energy security interests; assess how federal agencies are working to alleviate the potential negative impacts of OPEC's behavior; and produce policy recommendations for tax, trade, defense, diplomacy, and other areas where OPEC's behavior is found to cause adverse impacts. The Commission must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President within 12 months. The Commission shall terminate within 90 days after submission of its report. On receipt of the Commission's report, the President will have 90 days to submit Congress a proposal to implement or respond to the recommendations.

Energy Efficient Manufactured Home Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017

Energy Efficient Manufactured Home Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a program to provide grants and loans to assist low-income owners of manufactured homes constructed before December 31, 1994, in decommissioning their dated homes and replacing them with Energy Star-qualified manufactured or modular homes. Grants or loans may be made only to a low-income owner of a dated manufactured home who has used that home as a primary residence on a year-round basis for at least the preceding 24 months. Each household may only receive one grant or loan under the program. The bill sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) ownership of the land on which the new manufactured or modular home is to be sited, and (2) the decommissioning of a dated home.

National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act This bill addresses the mine permitting process. Under the bill, projects that provide minerals vital to job creation, energy infrastructure, American economic competitiveness, and national security must be considered to be "infrastructure projects" as described in Executive Order 13604, entitled "Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects" dated March 22, 2012. This order directed federal agencies to significantly reduce the time required to make permitting and review decisions on infrastructure projects. The bill sets forth general requirements for an existing mineral exploration or mine permit application. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service shall appoint a project lead for the mine permitting process to coordinate with other agencies to ensure that the agencies: minimize delays, set and adhere to timelines for completion of the permitting process, set clear permitting goals, and track progress against goals. The requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 are satisfied if the BLM or the Forest Service determines that the agency issuing the permit will address specified factors, such as environmental impact, alternatives to issuance of the permit, or any irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources that would be involved in the proposed action. The time period for completion of the mine permitting review process shall not exceed 30 months, except by mutual agreement. Projects on National Forest System land shall be exempt from regulations that prohibit timber tree cutting and road construction in areas without roads. The bill does not apply to oil, gas, and potash leasing and development within the designated potash areas of Eddy and Lea Counties, New Mexico.

Community Economic Assistance Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Community Economic Assistance Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of community economic assistance zones that are eligible for certain tax deductions and credits. A zone must be nominated by the governor of the state where it is located and designated by the Department of the Treasury. A nominated area must: have received a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice after December 31, 2014, and met other criteria related to loss of employment; have been (or will be) seriously impacted by changes in trade through loss of employment; or satisfy at least two specified conditions, including status as an energy-transitioning or low-income community and other factors related to employment and economic activity. For businesses or individuals located in or investing in a zone, the bill allows: an employment tax credit, increased expensing, nonrecognition of gain from certain investments, a 3-year carryback of net operating losses, a tax credit for bonds issued for a community economic development plan, a 15-year depreciation period for certain rebuilt and retrofitted property, an increased deduction for start-up expenditures, and an increased new markets tax credit. Treasury must approve community economic development plans using specified criteria and may award grants for assessments to develop the plans. The Department of Commerce must deploy teams to provide support and assistance to a region if: (1) it is requested by the governor, and (2) the region is experiencing or threatened with an abrupt rise of unemployment or other specified economic hardships.

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Department of Energy to issue a rule by July 1, 2021, that determines whether energy conservation standards for external power supplies should be amended. The rule must contain any amended standards and apply to products manufactured on or after July 1, 2023. Current law exempts external power supplies for security or life safety systems (e.g., smoke alarms) from energy conservation standards until July 1, 2017. This bill extends the exemption until July 1, 2023.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of: the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI); the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); the Department of Defense; the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); the National Security Agency (NSA); the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the U.S. Coast Guard; the Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for: (1) the Intelligence Community Management Account, and (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. The ODNI must: (1) submit a five-year investment strategy for outreach and recruiting efforts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that includes cybersecurity and computer literacy; (2) implement a multisector workforce initiative to enable the intelligence community to build and maintain an appropriate ratio of employees and core contractors; (3) issue guidance regarding the intelligence community's engagements with the entertainment industry; and (4) implement a uniform policy to ensure the independence of inspectors general of the intelligence community, the ODNI, the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, the NGA, and the NRO. Begininning on October 1, 2018: (1) personnel of the intelligence community must be managed solely on the basis of the workload required to carry out intelligence community functions and the funds made available for each such fiscal year; and (2) management of intelligence personnel shall not be subject to any constraint or limitation in terms of man years, end strength, full-time equivalent positions, or maximum number of employees. DHS's national cybersecurity and communications integration center must carry out a program to provide assistance to certain critical infrastructure entities to reduce the risk of regional or national catastrophic harm caused by a cyber attack. The Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive is redesignated as the National Counterintelligence and Security Center with a director to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill revises or sets forth requirements for: the ODNI to participate in fund-raising events for nonprofit organizations that support intelligence community employees and their families, CIA employee death and retirement benefits, publication of the logos of terrorist organizations, space-based environmental monitoring missions and acquisition programs to meet national security requirements for cloud characterization and theater weather imagery, an evaluation of aerial imagery technologies that can be used to share intelligence with other countries as a replacement for the current regime of observation flights, a declassification review of intelligence reports regarding past terrorist activities of detainees transferred or released from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and a concept for a combined interagency space operations center and an updated strategy for national security satellite systems. The bill establishes an executive branch interagency committee to counter active measures by the Russian Federation to exert covert influence over peoples and governments. The State Department must coordinate with the FBI and the ODNI to establish a mandatory advance notification regime governing all travel by accredited diplomatic and consular personnel of the Russian Federation in the United States.

Interim Consolidated Storage Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017

Interim Consolidated Storage Act of 2017 This bill amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to enter into new contracts (or modify existing contracts) with the licensee of an interim consolidated storage facility in order to take title to and store in it either high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel of domestic origin. The bill defines: "interim consolidated storage facility" as a facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the storage of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel received from DOE or from two or more persons that generate or hold title to such fuel generated at a civilian nuclear power reactor, and "high-level radioactive waste" as including Greater than Class C waste. The bill assigns priority to storage of such waste and spent fuel located on sites without an operating nuclear reactor. The bill makes appropriations targeted for the Nuclear Waste Fund available to pay for costs in connection with storage in an interim consolidated storage facility. Beginning in FY2018 DOE shall not expend, on fees for dry modes of storage of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel, any amounts exceeding the cumulative amount of interest generated by the Fund each fiscal year.

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the objectives of the civilian nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) to emphasize research infrastructure and private sector participation. By December 31, 2017, DOE shall determine the mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility. DOE shall carry out a program for enhancing the capability to develop new reactor technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques. DOE shall also carry out a program to: (1) enable the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts proposed and funded by the private sector, and (2) leverage the technical expertise of relevant federal agencies and national laboratories to minimize the time required to enable construction and operation of privately funded experimental reactors at national laboratories or other DOE-owned sites. Within 1 year of this bill's enactment, DOE must submit to Congress 2 specified alternative 10-year budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development by the DOE. DOE shall establish an Advanced Nuclear Energy Cost-Share Grant Program.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 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 Flannagan Dam and Reservoir Hydroelectric Project located in Dickenson County, Virginia. Additionally, FERC may reinstate the construction license if it is expired.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 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 Gathright Hydroelectric Project located in Alleghany County, Virginia. Additionally, FERC may reinstate the construction license if it is expired.

The Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow the reporting of certain positive consumer-credit information to consumer reporting agencies. Specifically, a person or the Department of Housing and Urban Development may report information related to a consumer's performance in making payments either under a lease agreement for a dwelling or pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. However, information about a consumer's usage of any utility or telecommunications service may be reported only to the extent that the information relates to payment by the consumer for such service or other terms of the provision of that service. Furthermore, an energy-utility firm may not report a consumer's outstanding balance as late if the firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan and the consumer is meeting the obligations of that plan. Specified provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act that establish civil liability with respect to furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies shall not apply to any violation of the bill.

Counteracting Russian Hostilities Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Counteracting Russian Hostilities Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to impose U.S. entry and property blocking sanctions against: (1) a person that engages in significant activities for the government of the Russian Federation that undermine U.S. or allied cyber security, or (2) a foreign person responsible for serious human rights abuses in any territory occupied or controlled by Russia. The President shall impose specified financial and property sanctions against a person that: (1) engages in a significant transaction on behalf of Russian defense or intelligence sectors; (2) invests specified amounts in Russian petroleum or natural gas resources, energy export pipelines, or civil nuclear projects; (3) purchases or facilitates the issuance of Russian sovereign debt; or (4) contributes to Russia's ability to privatize state-owned assets. The Department of Homeland Security shall conduct public service campaigns to educate the people of the United States on cyber security threats and protective online practices. No federal agency shall take any action that recognizes: (1) Russian sovereignty over Crimea, or (2) the independence of South Ossetia or Abkhazia from Georgia. It is U.S. policy to assist Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Specified executive orders imposing Ukraine-related sanctions shall remain in effect. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the countries of Europe and Eurasia should redouble efforts to build resilience within their political systems and civil society to counter Russian efforts to undermine democratic institutions. The Department of State shall report to Congress regarding Russian-controlled media outlets. The bill establishes in the Treasury the Europe and Eurasia Democracy and Anti-Corruption Fund. The Department of the Treasury shall establish a task force within the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that focuses on illicit Russian-linked financial flows that interact with the U.S. financial system.

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the objectives of the civilian nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) to emphasize research infrastructure and private sector participation. By December 31, 2017, DOE shall determine the mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility. DOE shall carry out a program for enhancing the capability to develop new reactor technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques. DOE shall also carry out a program to: (1) enable the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts proposed and funded by the private sector, and (2) leverage the technical expertise of relevant federal agencies and national laboratories to minimize the time required to enable construction and operation of privately funded experimental reactors at national laboratories or other DOE-owned sites. Within 1 year of this bill's enactment, DOE must submit to Congress 2 specified alternative 10-year budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development by the DOE.

New WATER Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

New Water Available To Every Reclamation State Act or the New WATER Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior, for 15 years after this bill's enactment, to provide financial assistance, such as secured loans or loan guarantees, to entities that contract under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by the Bureau of Reclamation, other states where the Bureau is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Projects eligible for assistance include: non-federal water infrastructure projects that would contribute to a safe, adequate water supply for domestic, agricultural, environmental, or municipal and industrial use; projects for enhanced energy efficiency in the operation of a water system; projects for accelerated repair and replacement of aging water distribution facilities; brackish or sea water desalination projects; and the acquisition of real property or an interest therein for water storage, reclaimed or recycled water, or wastewater that is integral to such a project. To be eligible for assistance, a project must be deemed creditworthy. Eligible project costs must be reasonably anticipated to be at least $20 million. Interior shall establish criteria for project selection and may enter into a master credit agreement for projects secured by a common security pledge on terms acceptable to it. Interior may enter into agreements with obligors to make secured loans to finance or refinance eligible project costs or to refinance long-term project obligations or federal credit instruments to provide additional funding capacity for the completion, enhancement, or expansion of a project. The total amount of federal assistance for a project shall not exceed 80% of its total cost. Interior shall establish: (1) a repayment schedule for each secured loan based on the useful life of the project, and (2) a uniform system to service the federal credit instruments made available under this bill. Interior shall report biennially on the financial performance of the projects that receive assistance under this bill.

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act This bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from making an expenditure from the Nuclear Waste Fund for the costs incurred by DOE in connection with disposing of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste in a repository, unless DOE has entered into an agreement to host the repository with certain affected entities. Additionally, any agreement to host the repository must meet certain conditions.

Sensible Nuclear Waste Disposition Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Sensible Nuclear Waste Disposition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from planning, developing, or constructing a defense waste repository until the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves or disapproves the license to construct the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository in Nevada. (A defense waste repository is a site used for storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel derived from the atomic energy defense activities of DOE.)

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act This bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from making an expenditure from the Nuclear Waste Fund for the costs incurred by DOE in connection with disposing of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste in a repository, unless DOE has entered into an agreement to host the repository with certain affected entities. Additionally, any agreement to host the repository must meet certain conditions.

Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax exclusion for energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities to exclude from gross income subsidies provided (directly or indirectly): (1) by a public utility to a customer, or by a state or local government to a resident of such state or locality, for the purchase or installation of any water conservation or efficiency measure; and (2) by a storm water management provider to a customer, or by a state or local government to a resident of such state or locality, for the purchase or installation of any storm water management measure.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017

Elects specified Members to the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) the Budget; (5) Education and the Workforce; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Financial Services; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) Homeland Security; (10) House Administration; (11) the Judiciary; (12) Natural Resources; (13) Oversight and Government Reform; (14) Science, Space, and Technology; (15) Small Business; (16) Transportation and Infrastructure; (17) Veterans' Affairs; and (18) Ways and Means.

Securing Energy Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2017

Securing Energy Infrastructure Act This bill establishes a two-year pilot program within the Department of Energy's (DOE) national laboratories to identify the security vulnerabilities of certain entities in the energy sector, and research and test technology that can be used to isolate the most critical systems of such entities from cyber-attacks. In addition, DOE must establish a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the national laboratories and to develop a national cyber strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks. DOE must also submit a report to Congress describing the results of the pilot program, assessing the feasibility of the techniques considered, and outlining the results of the working group's evaluation.

Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2017

Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act This bill address issues related to preventing and responding to oil spills. This bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to extend the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico until June 30, 2027. This bill sets forth provisions concerning Coast Guard responsibilities, including designating areas that are at heightened risk of oil spills and implementing measures to ameliorate that risk. This bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to establish a Gulf Coast Regional Citizens' Advisory Council to advise on facilities and tank vessels. This bill makes an owner of oil responsible for oil spill cleanup. Currently, owners of oil are only responsible if the oil is being transported in a single-hull vessel. This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permit the Coast Guard or the Department of Commerce to request a National Transportation Safety Board investigation of any accident occurring in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Commerce must establish an inspection fee for OCS facilities for the cost of inspections of facilities and other duties. This bill requires a comprehensive review of the capacity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to oil spills. NOAA must develop and maintain oil spill trajectory modeling capability. The Coast Guard must evaluate and validate oil pollution containment and removal methods and technologies. NOAA must carry out long-term marine environment monitoring and research program for the Gulf of Mexico. The bill requires the Coast Guard to publish within 12 hours an Incident Action Plan in response to an oil spill.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2017

Elects specified Members to the following House Committees: (1) Appropriations, (2) Energy and Commerce, (3) Financial Services, and (4) Ways and Means.

California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2017 This bill amends the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 to, among other things: establish or designate wilderness areas, a special management area, off-highway vehicle recreation areas, and a national scenic area; release specified wilderness study areas; adjust national park and preserve boundaries; and specify land withdrawals and conveyances. Specified federal land shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. Lands and interests in land, including improvements, outside the boundary of Joshua Tree National Park in California may be acquired for the purpose of operating a visitor center. The bill makes amendments to the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 regarding the California State School lands. The bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of rivers and creeks as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund for use in regions impacted by the development of wind or solar energy.

To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE), in awarding grants, to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs, including by encouraging state and local education agencies to equip students for those jobs and strengthening DOE programs and labs carrying out workforce development initiatives. DOE must prioritize educating and training workers from underrepresented groups such as minorities, women, and veterans. DOE may encourage, but not incentivize or require, any state or school district to adopt a curriculum to equip students with the skills and training necessary to fill employment opportunities in the energy and manufacturing industries. DOE must establish a clearinghouse for information and guidance on job training and other workforce development programs. Additionally, DOE must work with the energy and manufacturing industries, educational institutions, and other governmental agencies to identify areas of workforce need and develop guidelines to implement the best practices for effective job training programs. The bill requires DOE to consider increasing outreach to institutions that serve minority populations. DOE must also give special consideration to dislocated energy and manufacturing workers. The bill does not authorize additional funding to carry out its requirements or authorize the creation of a new workforce development program.

Energy Efficient Government Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

Energy Efficient Government Technology Act This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require each federal agency to coordinate with the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Environmental Protection Agency to develop an implementation strategy for the maintenance, purchase, and use of energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies. DOE must: (1) maintain a data center energy practitioner program that leads to the certification of energy practitioners qualified to evaluate the energy usage and efficiency opportunities in federal data centers; and (2) establish an open data initiative to make information about federal data center energy usage available and accessible in a manner that encourages data center innovation, optimization, and consolidation.

Alaska Oil and Gas Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

Alaska Oil and Gas Production Act This bill authorizes the exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas to and from the Coastal Plain of Alaska. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, and production on the Coastal Plain. The bill amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The BLM may not close land within the Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, or production except in accordance with this bill. The BLM must conduct a second lease sale in Coastal Plain areas within 18 months after the first lease sale is conducted under this bill. The bill sets forth certain environmental protection standards for the Coastal Plain that the BLM must follow when administering this bill. The bill directs the BLM to convey certain land to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. The bill establishes the western coastal boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The bill establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance to governmental entities in Alaska directly impacted by oil or gas exploration or production on the Coastal Plain. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of such financial assistance to specified purposes, including mitigation and coordination efforts.

INVEST Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017

Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies or the INVEST Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of a specified veteran who works in a field of renewable energy. A "specified veteran" means any veteran who is certified as: (1) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense of a military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering; (2) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy; or (3) having completed a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification with the United States Green Building Council. The Department of the Treasury shall pay: (1) each U.S. possession (i.e., American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss to such possession due to this Act; and (2) each U.S. possession without such a tax system an amount estimated to equal the loss to such possession that would have occurred due to this Act if such a tax system had been in effect.

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017

West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2019

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 January 2017