Energy

Consumer Reasonable Energy Price Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

Consumer Reasonable Energy Price Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a windfall profit tax on crude oil, natural gas, or fuel which is the product of crude oil or natural gas. Defines "windfall profit" as so much of the profit as exceeds a reasonable profit. Establishes a Reasonable Profits Board to determine reasonable profit. Dedicates the proceeds of such tax to the low-income home energy assistance program.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting Earth Hour 2008, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008

Urges the President to: (1) issue a proclamation calling on the American people to observe Earth Hour; and (2) actively promote awareness of Earth Hour in future years to encourage behaviors that result in the efficient use of energy. Calls for the United States to continue to take an active participatory and supportive role in each Earth Hour.

CHARTING A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR THE INSULAR AREAS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 April 2008

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 10 April 2008

A bill to provide for health care benefits for certain nuclear facility workers.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008

Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide health care benefits for workers who: (1) have been employed by a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor to perform duties under a contract for environmental remediation, waste management, decontamination and decommissioning, maintenance, security, and administrative activities at the Fernald Closure Project (Harrison, Ohio), the Mound Closure Project (Miamisburg, Ohio), or the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Golden, Colorado); and (2) would have qualified for health care benefits available for retirees had the individual's employment not been terminated as a result of the accelerated closure of the site.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 9 April 2008

A bill to repeal a requirement with respect to the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2008

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting any federal agency from entering into a contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use, other than for research or testing, unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal a section of that Act relating to exportation or importation of natural gas.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions amending the Natural Gas Act to extend its jurisdiction to: (1) the exportation or importation of natural gas in foreign commerce and to persons engaged in it; and (2) liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. States that the Natural Gas Act shall be applied and administered as if such provisions and attendant amendments had not been enacted.

SELLING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S DEPLETED URANIUM STOCKPILE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 April 2008

Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008

Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend certain tax incentives for energy production and conservation. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources (e.g., biomass, geothermal energy, landfill gas, and trash combustion). Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource eligible for such credit. Allows sales of electricity produced from renewable resources to regulated public utilities. Extends the energy investment tax credits for solar energy (through 2016) and for fuel cell and microturbine property (through 2017). Repeals the dollar per kilowatt limitation for fuel cell property under the energy investment tax credit. Allows public electric utilities to qualify for such credit. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Repeals the $2,000 limitation on the tax credit for solar electric property. Allows an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) of tax credit amounts. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for investment in clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the national limitation amount for such bonds. Extends through 2009 deferral provisions relating to the recognition of gain by certain electric utilities. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Includes residential biomass fuel stoves (pellet stoves) as eligible energy property for purposes of such credit. Extends through 2010 the tax credit for energy efficient new homes. Extends through 2009 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and increases the allowable amount of such deduction. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances to include appliances produced in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Revises and updates energy efficiency standards for such appliances in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Clean Energy Partnership with India Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008

Clean Energy Partnership with India Act of 2008 - Establishes in the legislative branch the Congressional Commission on Renewable Power Technology Commerce with India to: (1) study methods for improvement and promotion of bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and India; and (2) recommend to Congress and the President methods and strategies to develop joint energy policy between the United States and India for reliable energy throughout India using renewable, environmentally-friendly means of production. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on: (1) the extent to which energy is reliably available in India and what portion of it is produced through renewable means; (2) estimated investment, export, and job creation potential if U.S. industry plays a central role in the production and distribution of renewable energy in India; (3) estimated economic benefits and poverty reduction that would result if India's energy needs were met through renewable energy; (4) the estimated level of greenhouse gasses that India would produce in the coming years if it did not pursue renewable means of energy production; and (5) recommendations for the federal government and the private sector regarding technical assistance with the investment, production, and distribution of renewable energy in India. Directs the President to seek to establish a permanent joint renewable energy council between the United States and India to advise the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India on promotion of environmentally sustainable economic growth in India and the United States through public policy regarding investment, production, and distribution of renewable energy in India.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 April 2008

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 2 April 2008

Jeffrey F. Kupfer, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, vice Jeffrey Clay Sell, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 2 April 2008

Do No Harm Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008

Do No Harm Act of 2008 - Prohibits a National Heritage Area designation from taking effect until the President certifies that it will not cause an adverse impact within the proposed Area on: (1) agricultural or livestock production; (2) energy exploration and production; (3) critical infrastructure, including the placement and maintenance of electric transmission and distribution lines, and natural gas pipelines; and (4) the affordability of housing. Requires that the total deferred maintenance backlog in each state in which a proposed Area is located be not greater than $50 million.

Land and Liberty Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008

Land and Liberty Protection Act of 2008 - Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act of 2008 - Bars the promulgation and enforcement of regulations that prohibit individuals from possessing firearms in units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Government Real Estate Accountability and Transparency Act of 2008 - Requires the submission of annual reports detailing the amount of land that is owned by the federal government and the costs of maintaining that land. No Trespassing Act of 2008 - Bars the Secretary of the Interior from approving a management plan for a National Heritage Area unless the local coordinating entity of the proposed Area notifies the individuals who reside or own property in that Area. Prohibits any National Park Service (NPS) employee or member of the local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area from entering private property without the owner's consent. Taxpayer Property Protection Act of 2008 - Bars the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and the Forest Service from assuming control of any land in a state unless the citizens of the political subdivisions in which the land is located approve the assumption of control by a referendum. Do No Harm Act of 2008 - Prohibits a National Heritage Area designation from taking effect until the President certifies that it will not cause an adverse impact on specified agriculture, livestock, energy, critical infrastructure, and housing concerns.

Taxpayer Property Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008

Taxpayer Property Protection Act of 2008 - Bars the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and the Forest Service, from assuming control of any land located in a state unless the citizens of each political subdivision of that state in which a portion of the land is located approve the assumption of control by a referendum. Excludes national emergencies and land exchanges between private landowners and the federal government. Sets forth requirements for the duration and renewal of such an approval.

Rural America Communication Expansion for the Future Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008

Rural America Communication Expansion for the Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers in rural or underserved areas to elect to expense broadband expenditures, including installation and connection costs. Permits mutual or cooperative telephone companies to reduce their unrelated business taxable income in any year by the amount of their broadband expenditures. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate census tracts identifying rural and underserved areas. Prohibits federal or state agencies from adopting regulations and ratemaking procedures that would eliminate or reduce the broadband expense deduction provided by this Act. Allows a business-related tax credit for providing broadband services to rural or underserved subscribers through the radio transmission of energy. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish a grant to a local government with at least one rural or underserved area to establish publicly available broadband networks. Extends funding for: (1) public safety communications interoperability; (2) 911 access; and (3) telehealth programs. Revises provisions relating to rural area loans and loan guarantees regarding access to broadband telecommunications services, including revising the definition of "eligible rural community." Requires designation of a National Center for Rural Telecommunications Assessment. Establishes the Community Connect Grant Program to provide broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants to noncommercial education television broadcast stations that serve rural areas to enhance digital services. Extends the termination date of the authority to guarantee bonds or notes for electrification or telephone purposes.

To amend certain laws relating to Native Americans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to annually disburse to the Colorado River Indian Tribes funds from revenues deposited into the Treasury pursuant to the Southern California Indian Land Transfer Act from power operations on the Tribes' reservation. Requires such disbursement to: (1) be used to fund the Office of the Colorado Indian Tribes Reservation Energy Development; (2) not affect funds held from any other irrigation project; (3) not exceed $200,000 annually; and (4) be disbursed in years that the revenues deposited exceed the amount required to carry out the purposes for which they were deposited. Authorizes the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan and the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Wisconsin to transfer, lease, encumber, or convey their interest in real property that is not held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribes. Exempts from lease term requirements leases for land held in trust for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to revise provisions concerning the issuance by the Regional Corporation of shares of Settlement Common Stock. Amends the Southern California Indian Land Transfer Act to authorize the investment of operation and maintenance funds. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust for the benefit of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida specified land in Miami-Dade County, Florida, which shall be part of the Tribe's reservation.

A GROWING CAPITOL COMPLEX AND VISITOR CENTER: NEEDS FOR TRANSPORTATION, SECURITY, GREENING, ENERGY, AND MAINTENANCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 April 2008

To repeal a requirement with respect to the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting any federal agency from entering into a contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use, other than for research or testing, unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-134]DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ENERGY POSTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 March 2008

American Energy Independence and Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

American Energy Independence and Security Act of 2008 - Authorizes the exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain in Alaska. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, and production in the Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. States that, in connection with specified environmental protection laws, the Secretary shall not be required to: (1) identify nonleasing alternative courses of action; or (2) analyze the environmental effects of those actions. Authorizes the Secretary to designate not more than 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a special area (including the Sadlerochit Spring area). Prohibits surface occupancy of land comprising the special area if the Secretary leases all or a portion of such special area for oil and gas exploration and development. Authorizes the Secretary to lease all or a portion of a special area under terms that permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites on leases located outside the special area (directional drilling). Sets forth procedures for lease sales and lease grants. Prohibits the Secretary from closing land within the Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, exploration, or development, except in accordance with this Act. Sets forth procedures for: (1) Coastal Plain environmental protection; (2) expedited judicial review; (3) rights-of-way and easements; and (4) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under the leases granted under this Act.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the definition of refined coal.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the definition of "refined coal" for purposes of the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources to include certain emission reduction certification requirements.

Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions concerning energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, other designated lamps, and incandescent reflector lamps unless the Comptroller General has transmitted to Congress within six months after this Act's enactment a report that finds that: (1) consumers will obtain a net savings, in terms of dollars spent on monthly electric bills and expenses for new light fixtures to accommodate the use of the light bulbs required by such provisions, compared to dollars spent before their enactment; (2) the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs required by such provisions will reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions by 20% in the United States by 2025; and (3) such phase-out will not pose any health risks, including risks associated with mercury containment in certain light bulbs, to consumers or the general public, including health risks with respect to hospitals, schools, day care centers, mental health facilities, and nursing homes. Requires the report to include monthly and yearly projections of expenses for electric bills and new light fixtures for January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2017.

To prohibit the importation of certain low-level radioactive waste into the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Amends Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from issuing a license authorizing the importation into the United States of: (1) low-level radioactive waste; or (2) specific radioactive waste streams exempted from regulation under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act. Exempts from such prohibition low-level radioactive waste: (1) that is being returned to a U.S. government or military facility authorized to possess it; or (2) resulting from the use in a foreign country of nuclear material obtained by the foreign user from an entity in the United States that is being returned to the United States for management and disposal. Authorizes the President to waive the prohibition and authorize the grant of a specific license only after finding that such importation would meet an important national or international policy goal.

Radiological Materials Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Radiological Materials Security Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance domestic preparedness for and collective response to terrorism by conducting a risk assessment regarding the threat of, vulnerability to, and consequences of theft or other procurement of radiological materials that could be used by a terrorist in a radiological dispersion device. Requires the Secretary to: (1) disseminate the findings of, and specific risk information developed in, the assessment to participants in the radiological sources security system; (2) develop a classification system for information regarding radiological materials and classify the assessment under such system; (3) share the assessment with participants with appropriate clearances; (4) develop a terrorism risk self-assessment tool for facilities to ascertain risk and provide it to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which shall disseminate it to system facilities; (5) issue recommended practices for securing high-risk radiological materials; and (6) make available infrastructure protection grants to owners and operators of facilities with approved facility security plans. Directs the NRC to: (1) update, promulgate, and enforce regulations for the security of radiological materials; (2) maintain and update a nuclear materials events database and a database to track regulated radiological materials and orphaned, lost, or stolen radiological materials; and (3) issue regulations requiring the owner or operator of a facility containing high-risk radiological material to create, submit to the NRC and certain states, and implement facility security plans to address vulnerabilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide technical assistance for securing high-risk radiological materials to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the NRC, state and local authorities, and participating facilities.

Next Generation Homes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2008

Next Generation Homes Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the dollar limits on the new energy efficient home tax credit and revise the energy savings requirements for such credit; and (2) allow a new tax deduction for the purchase of an energy efficient principal residence.

NATIONAL SECURITY AND LATIN AMERICA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ON ENERGY COOPERATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 March 2008

Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008

Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Sets forth provisions concerning the Northern Mariana Islands. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National Trails System Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996, the Reclamation and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003.

GIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008

Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service (Learn and Serve programs); (2) National Service Trust programs (AmeriCorps); (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching grants to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and secondary, college, and graduate students, including summer of service programs; and (2) research and evaluate service-learning. Includes among eligible AmeriCorps programs: (1) an E-corp program increasing community access to technology; (2) a program engaging citizens in public safety, health, and emergency preparedness services; (3) a youth mentoring program; (4) a program to reduce recidivism by re-engaging court-involved youth; and (5) the Education Awards Only program. Establishes an AmeriCorp pilot grant program for state-approved, member-selected, national service positions. Increases National Service educational awards for AmeriCorps, NCCC, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) participants. Includes among needs to be met under the NCCC program, disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Requires states to develop comprehensive plans for volunteer and paid service by Baby Boomers and older adults. Establishes an Office of Outreach and Recruitment in the Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation). Requires the Corporation to plan pilot service programs to better utilize and serve veterans and displaced workers. Authorizes the Corporation to provide grants to innovative and model service programs that include service programs for disadvantaged youth. Eliminates federal funding for the Points of Light Foundation. Establishes a new Energy Conservation Corps program awarding: (1) matching grants to states for projects providing youth and young adults with career training in support of energy conservation, infrastructure and transportation improvement, and emergency operations; (2) competitive grants for school-based green Learn and Serve programs; and (3) competitive grants to National Senior Service Corps (Senior Corps) programs involving seniors in energy efficient housing, infrastructure rehabilitation, and environmental and energy conservation education projects. Revises under DVSA: (1) the VISTA program; and (2) the Senior Corps, including the Retired and Senior Volunteer program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent program, and the Senior Companion program. Gives priority in VISTA participant selection to disadvantaged youth and retired adults of any profession. Authorizes new VISTA grant programs of national significance that provide poor and rural communities with: (1) services reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals into society; (2) financial literacy and planning; (3) before-school and after-school services; (4) community economic development initiatives; (5) assistance to veterans and their families; and (6) health and wellness services. Eliminates the VISTA Literacy Corps, University Year for VISTA, and Literacy Challenge Grant programs. Raises the minimum and maximum stipend provided to VISTA participants. Prioritizes RSVP projects in specified areas. Makes anyone 55 years of age or older eligible as Senior Corps volunteers. Provides, under the Senior Corps demonstration program, incentive matching grants to Senior Corps programs that exceed specified performance measures, enroll most of their volunteers in outcome-based service programs, and increase their enrollment of Baby Boomer volunteers. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the number of AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC participants should reach 100,000 by 2012. Congressional Commission on Civic Service Act - Establishes a Congressional Commission on Civic Service to provide recommendations to Congress on improving opportunities for individuals to volunteer or perform national service. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation should try to: (1) coordinate its service programs so that senior citizens and their grandchildren can share volunteer opportunities and/or be assigned to the same geographic area; and (2) work with the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide opportunities for young service participants to collect oral histories from senior citizens.

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Security Against Foreclosures and Education Act, or the SAFE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans. Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to continue to award expeditiously certain funds already provided for mortgage foreclosure counseling. Amends the Code to allow purchasers of certain single-family principal residences a one-time tax credit. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) revise creditor mortgage loan disclosure requirements; and (2) increase civil damages for noncompliance with such Act. Amends the Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for certain taxable years; and (2) suspend through taxable year 2009 the 90% of alternative minimum taxable income limit for certain adjustments to the alternative (minimum) tax net operating loss deduction. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to expand the period of moratorium on foreclosure sales after a servicemember's service. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a program for mortgage foreclosure prevention counseling for members of the Armed Forces returning from service abroad. FHA Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends the National Housing Act (NHA) to: (1) revise requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation eligible for mortgage insurance, as well as the cash investment requirement; and (2) prohibit seller-funded downpayment assistance. Replaces the General Insurance Fund (GIF) with the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund as the depository of all funds involved in rehabilitation loans for one- to four-family structures. Eliminates the limitation on the aggregate number of home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) for elderly homeowners insured under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure HECMs. Establishes a single national loan limit for HECMs. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to raise the cap on the price of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements under the energy efficiency mortgages program. Amends the NHA to require the Secretary to establish a pilot program for an automated process to provide alternative credit rating information on mortgagors and prospective mortgagors. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to revise post-purchase housing counseling eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a pre-purchase homeownership counseling demonstration program. Places limitations on mortgage insurance premium increases. Imposes a one-year moratorium on implementation by the Secretary of certain risk-based premiums. FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends the National Housing Act regarding FHA housing loan insurance for manufactured homes (or lots for such homes). Increases manufactured home loan limits, requiring annual indexing. Sets forth borrower premium charges. Amends the NHA to apply the prohibition against kickbacks and unearned fees in the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to each sale of a manufactured home financed with an FHA-insured loan or extension of credit and related services. Prescribes certain lease requirements as prerequisites for HUD insurance of any loan, advance of credit, or purchase of such a loan or credit to finance a manufactured home intended to be located in a manufactured home community under a lease.

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2008 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in existing programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause: (1) a net increase in deficits in excess of $0 in any of the four consecutive ten-year periods beginning with the first fiscal year that is a decade after the budget year provided for in the most recently adopted concurrent resolution; or (2) the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; (5) comparative effectiveness research at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (6) reducing waste in defense contracting; (7) adjustments for war costs in Iraq and Afghanistan; and (8) supplemental appropriations for FY2008, if such legislation is enacted. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception; (2) constitute changes in mandatory programs producing net costs that would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) were they included in legislation other than appropriations legislation. Makes it out of order to consider a budget resolution in the Senate unless it contains a specified debt disclosure section. Provides for certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for legislation for: (1) strengthening and stimulating the American economy and providing economic relief to American families; (2) improving education; (3) investing in America's infrastructure; (4) investing in clean energy, preserving the environment, and providing for certain settlements; (5) providing for America's veterans and wounded servicemembers, including a post 9/11 GI bill; (6) improving America's health; and (7) revising judicial pay and judgeships.

Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committee on Ways and Means. Authorizes certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for: (1) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (2) veterans and servicemembers; (3) educational benefits for servicemembers, veterans, and their families; (4) infrastructure investment; (5) renewable energy and energy efficiency; (6) middle-income tax relief and economic equity; (7) alternative minimum tax revision; (8) higher education; (9) affordable housing; (10) Medicare improvements; (11) health care quality, effectiveness, and efficiency; (12) Medicaid and other programs; (13) trade adjustment assistance and unemployment insurance modernization; (14) county payments legislation; (15) San Joaquin River restoration and Navajo Nation Water Rights settlement; (16) the National Park Centennial Fund; and (17) child support enforcement. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary authority, and outlays for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations by the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax compliance; (3) the health care fraud and abuse control program; and (4) unemployment insurance program integrity activities. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2010 or FY2011 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that new budget authority and outlays resulting from adoption of legislation making appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for overseas deployments and related activities, or emergency appropriations for nondefense discretionary spending, shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA). Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) middle-income tax relief; and (2) defense priorities. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) the Innovation Agenda and America Competes Act; (2) servicemembers' and veterans' health care and other priorities; (3) homeland security; (4) long-term fiscal revision; (5) waste, fraud, and abuse; (6) extension of the statutory PAYGO rule; (7) long-term budgeting; (8) the need to maintain and build upon efforts to fight hunger; (9) affordable health coverage; (10) pay parity; (11) subprime lending and foreclosures; and (12) the importance of child support enforcement.

BLOWING IN THE WIND: RENEWABLE ENERGY AS THE ANSWER TO AN ECONOMY ADRIFT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 March 2008

Clean Energy Investment Bank Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008

Clean Energy Investment Bank Act of 2008 - Establishes the Clean Energy Investment Bank of the United States, which shall be a U.S. agency and a government corporation. Requires the bank to assist in the financing, and facilitate the commercial use, of clean energy and energy efficient technologies within the United States. Authorizes the Bank to make investments: (1) in projects in the United States related to the production or use of energy that use a commercial technology that avoids, reduces, or sequesters one or more air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases more effectively than other technology options available to the project developer; or (2) under provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 concerning incentives for innovative technologies. Authorizes the Bank to establish an equity finance program under which it may purchase, invest in, or otherwise acquire equity or quasi-equity securities of firms or entities for the purpose of providing capital for any project that is consistent with this Act. Establishes in the Treasury the Clean Energy Investment Bank Fund that shall be available for discharge of Bank liabilities. Transfers to the Bank's Board of Directors specified functions and authority of the Secretary of Energy concerning guarantees, loans, and credit assistance, including programs and authorities under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 concerning incentives for innovative technologies. Revises provisions of such Act concerning the terms and conditions of loan guarantees for such incentives.

Energy Infrastructure Tax Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008

Energy Infrastructure Tax Fairness Act - Describes the following as acts that unreasonably burden and discriminate against interstate commerce, and prohibits states, political subdivisions, and any other taxing authority from: (1) assessing oil pipeline property at a value that has a higher ratio to its true market value than the ratio used to assess other commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; (2) levying or collecting a tax on such an assessment; (3) levying or collecting an ad valorem property tax on oil pipeline property at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; or (4) imposing any other tax that discriminates against oil pipeline property providing interstate transportation of oil, refined petroleum products, or other hazardous liquids and subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Grants jurisdiction to U.S. District Courts and provides for specified relief for claims of discriminatory taxation of oil pipeline property.

Consumer Protection and Cost Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008

Consumer Protection and Cost Accountability Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider whether a rate or charge made, demanded, or received by a Transmission Organization (TO) would enable the TO to provide or facilitate reliable service to consumers at the lowest reasonable cost. Instructs FERC, in determining whether a TO filing to establish or change a rate or charge is consistent with specified requirements, to consider whether the rate or charge would: (1) provide consumer benefits that outweigh any anticipated costs to consumers as demonstrated by a cost-benefit analysis submitted by the TO; or (2) have only a de minimis impact upon the total delivered costs to the consumer. Directs FERC to ensure that each TO is subject to biennial, independent audits.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FISCAL YEAR 2009 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET PROPOSAL

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 March 2008

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 5 March 2008

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 5 March 2008

REVISED ENERGY OUTLOOK

United States · United States Senate · 4 March 2008

Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008

Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national minimum payment amount for CPT code 77080 (relating to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, the most widely accepted method of measuring bone mass to predict fracture risk) and CPT code 77082 (relating to vertebral fracture assessment, or VFA), and any successor to such codes as identified by the Secretary (bone mass scans). Directs the Secretary to arrange with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to conduct a study for a report to the Secretary and Congress on: (1) the ramifications of Medicare reimbursement reductions for DXA and VFA on beneficiary access to bone mass measurement benefits; and (2) the methods to increase use of bone mass measurement by Medicare beneficiaries.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Act of 2008 - Requires the President: (1) acting through the Secretary of State and in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to seek to establish an International Renewable Energy Agency; and (2) to direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice and vote of the United States to seek to establish such an agency. Provides that such agency should: (1) support governments in establishing policies and programs that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures; (2) assist in conducting country studies of the potential of renewable energy; (3) provide a global status report for renewable energy; (4) provide long-term projections and scenarios to identify market potential, barriers to deployment, and failures in markets and policies, as well as plan for future demand for renewable energy; (5) organize training programs, information campaigns, and courses relating to renewable energy for civil servants, scientists, businesses, and nongovernment organizations; (6) assist in developing and supplying curricula relating to renewable energy for schools and universities; (7) cooperate with financing institutions to develop and support innovative financing mechanisms to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures; (8) facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices gained from successful renewable energy programs; (9) develop common, nondiscriminatory international norms and quality standards including certification relating to renewable energy; and (10) draft and disseminate statistics, technology information, reports on project implementation, and progress of legislation and policy programs relating to renewable energy.

ENERGIZING HOUSTON: SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, AND GROWTH IN THE ENERGY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 February 2008

HOME Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2008

Homeownership, Manufacturing, and Economic Growth Act or the HOME Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring income, excise, and alternative minimum tax (AMT) provisions and expand other individual and business-related tax incentives. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake certain initiatives to help small businesses and imposes restrictions on litigation deemed frivolous. Extends through 2009 certain expiring tax provisions affecting individual and business taxpayers, including: (1) tax credits for nonbusiness energy property, residential energy efficient property, increasing research activities, Indian employment, railroad track maintenance, energy efficient appliances, and investment in new markets; (2) tax deductions for educational expenses, state and local sales taxes, food and book inventories, and energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) tax-free distributions from retirement accounts for individuals ordered to active duty and for making charitable contributions; (4) mortgage revenue bond financing for veterans; (5) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, motorsports racing track facilities, and business property on Indian reservations; (6) the increased AMT exemption amount; (7) authority for issuance of qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) income and excise tax credits for alternative fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol fuel from coal; and (10) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authorities for disclosing information relating to terrorist activities, combined employment tax reporting, and undercover operations. Makes permanent tax provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Reduces the maximum corporate income tax rate to 25%. Requires the SEC to take certain actions to assist businesses, including reviews of its rulemaking processes and of the impact of excessive litigation. Allows use of mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime loans. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of residences facing foreclosure. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to expand disclosure requirements for mortgage loans. Sets forth provisions relating to lawsuits against small businesses deemed frivolous and places restrictions on attorney fees and scientific testimony in federal civil cases.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2008

H.R. 3223, KEEP OUR WATERFRONTS WORKING ACT OF 2007; H.R. 5451, COASTAL ZONE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008; H.R. 5452, COASTAL STATE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROMOTION ACT OF 2008; AND H.R. 5453, COASTAL STATE CLIMATE CHANGE PLANNING ACT OF 2008.

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2008

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5351) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5351) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.