Energy

WASTED ENERGY: DOE'S INACTION ON EFFICIENCY STANDARDS AND ITS IMPACT ON CONSUMERS AND THE CLIMATE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 March 2019

THE ENERGY WATER NEXUS: DRIER WATTS AND CHEAPER DROPS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 March 2019

Southeast Asia Strategy Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Southeast Asia Strategy Act This bill directs the Department of State to submit to Congress and update for the next four years a multi-year strategy for engagement with Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The strategy shall include various elements including (1) an identification of enduring U.S. interests in the region and efforts to bolster ASEAN as a regional leader; (2) a list of ongoing and planned initiatives to strengthen U.S. relationships in the region through trade, investment, energy, and economic and political diplomacy; and (3) an assessment of ongoing efforts to engage countries in the region on human rights and democracy.

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act This bill addresses the productivity and energy efficiency of the manufacturing sector as well as the development of smart manufacturing technologies (certain advanced technologies in information, automation, monitoring, computation, sensing, modeling, and networking). The Department of Energy (DOE) must complete a national plan for smart manufacturing technology development and deployment to improve the productivity and energy efficiency of the U.S. manufacturing sector. DOE must revise the plan biennially to account for advancements in information and communication technology and manufacturing needs. DOE may make grants to states for supporting the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies. States must use those grants to (1) provide access to shared supercomputing facilities to small- and medium-sized manufacturers, (2) fund research and development of transformational manufacturing processes and materials technology that advance smart manufacturing, and (3) provide tools and training to aid the adoption of energy management systems and implement smart manufacturing technologies in the manufacturers' facilities. DOE must expand the scope of technologies covered by Industrial Assessment Centers to (1) include smart manufacturing technologies and practices, and (2) equip the centers' directors with the training and tools necessary to provide technical assistance in smart manufacturing technologies and practices. DOE must (1) study how it can increase access to existing high-performance computing resources in the National Laboratories, and (2) facilitate access to the laboratories by small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of State to prioritize assistance to develop energy infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe, in particular for projects involving the European Commission and governments in the region. Assistance shall include political and diplomatic support and funding assistance. Projects eligible for such assistance include infrastructure for natural gas, electricity transmission, and renewable energy. The State Department shall give preference to projects that (1) link the energy systems of two or more countries in the region, (2) have been identified by the European Commission as integral for regional energy security, (3) are expected to enhance energy market integration, (4) can attract other sources of funding, and (5) can potentially use U.S. goods and services. The President shall report to Congress annually about U.S. assistance provided under this bill.

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Smart Manufacturing Leadership Act This bill addresses the productivity and energy efficiency of the manufacturing sector as well as the development of smart manufacturing technologies (certain advanced technologies in information, automation, monitoring, computation, sensing, modeling, and networking). The Department of Energy (DOE) must complete a national plan for smart manufacturing technology development and deployment to improve the productivity and energy efficiency of the U.S. manufacturing sector. DOE must revise the plan biennially to account for advancements in information and communication technology and manufacturing needs. DOE may make grants to states for supporting the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies. States must use those grants to (1) provide access to shared supercomputing facilities to small- and medium-sized manufacturers, (2) fund research and development of transformational manufacturing processes and materials technology that advance smart manufacturing, and (3) provide tools and training to aid the adoption of energy management systems and implement smart manufacturing technologies in the manufacturers' facilities. DOE must expand the scope of technologies covered by Industrial Assessment Centers to (1) include smart manufacturing technologies and practices, and (2) equip the centers' directors with the training and tools necessary to provide technical assistance in smart manufacturing technologies and practices. DOE must (1) study how it can increase access to existing high-performance computing resources in the National Laboratories, and (2) facilitate access to the laboratories by small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection Act This bill prohibits conducting geological or geophysical activities in support of oil, gas, or methane hydrate exploration and development on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. Geological and geophysical activities for oil and gas exploration generally include deep penetration seismic airgun surveys, electromagnetic surveys, deep stratigraphic and shallow test drilling, and various remote-sensing methods. The geological and geophysical activities are described in a final programmatic environmental impact statement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management titled "Atlantic OCS Proposed Geological and Geophysical Activities, Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Planning Areas."

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of State to prioritize assistance to develop energy infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe, in particular for projects involving the European Commission and governments in the region. Assistance shall include political and diplomatic support and funding assistance. Projects eligible for such assistance include infrastructure for natural gas, electricity transmission, and renewable energy. The State Department shall give preference to projects that (1) link the energy systems of two or more countries in the region, (2) have been identified by the European Commission as integral for regional energy security, (3) are expected to enhance energy market integration, (4) can attract other sources of funding, and (5) can potentially use U.S. goods and services. The President shall report to Congress annually about U.S. assistance provided under this bill.

Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Department of Energy from licensing, planning, developing, or constructing a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada until the Office of Management and Budget conducts a study on the economic viability of alternative uses of the site and Congress holds a hearing on the findings. (A nuclear waste repository is a site used for storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.)

Energy Sovereignty Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

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

Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Department of Energy from licensing, planning, developing, or constructing a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada until the Office of Management and Budget conducts a study on the economic viability of alternative uses of the site and Congress holds a hearing on the findings. (A nuclear waste repository is a site used for storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.)

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act This bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from using the Nuclear Waste Fund for certain expenditures involving repositories for disposing of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Specifically, DOE may not use the fund to pay for disposal in a repository or planning, construction, or operation of a repository unless DOE has entered into an agreement with the state in which the repository is located and with affected local governments and Indian tribes.

PURPA Modernization Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

PURPA Modernization Act of 2019 This bill addresses the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) one-mile rule and the mandatory purchase obligation for electric utility companies to purchase energy from certain facilities. The bill directs FERC to publish a final rule that allows any person or entity to provide a rebuttable presumption to the one-mile rule. Under the one-mile rule, facilities are considered to be located at the same site as the facility for which qualification is sought if they are located within one mile of such facility. Specified factors must be taken into consideration by FERC when it determines whether two facilities are located at the same site. The bill authorizes an electric utility company to waive the mandatory purchase obligation if additional power is not required to meet customers' electricity needs.

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act This bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from using the Nuclear Waste Fund for certain expenditures involving repositories for disposing of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Specifically, DOE may not use the fund to pay for disposal in a repository or planning, construction, or operation of a repository unless DOE has entered into an agreement with the state in which the repository is located and with affected local governments and Indian tribes.

PROSPECTS FOR GLOBAL ENERGY MARKETS, INCLUDING THE ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES--PERSPECTIVES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

United States · United States Senate · 28 February 2019

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address insufficient compensation of its personnel without regard to civil service laws. FERC must consult with the Office of Personnel Management when making a determination of the appropriate compensation for its personnel.

Energy Efficient Government Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Energy Efficient Government Technology Act This bill sets forth requirements with respect to increasing the energy efficiency of information technologies and data centers within the federal government. Specifically, this bill requires 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 at or for federally owned and operated facilities. 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 federally owned and operated 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.

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Timely Review of Infrastructure Act This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address insufficient compensation of its personnel without regard to civil service laws. FERC must consult with the Office of Personnel Management when making a determination of the appropriate compensation for its personnel.

Russian-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Russian-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act This bill calls for assessments of Russia's relationship with Venezuela and bars from U.S. entry aliens who have supported Venezuelan security forces on behalf of Russia. The Department of State shall report to Congress an assessment of Russia and Venezuela's security cooperation and the threat it poses to countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. The State Department shall also devise a strategy to address such a threat. The President shall report to Congress an assessment of the security risks posed by a potential Russian acquisition of CITGO's U.S. energy infrastructure holdings. CITGO is an energy company owned by Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA), a Venezuelan state-owned oil company. A Russian state-owned company has extended a loan to PdVSA, and a default on that loan could result in Russian ownership of CITGO. The bill bars the entry into the United States of aliens who have worked on behalf of Russia to support Venezuelan security forces. It also revokes any current visas belonging to such individuals. The President may waive this bar as to an alien if it is in the national interest of the United States to do so.

CHP Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

CHP Support Act This bill redesignates the Department of Energy's Clean Energy Application Centers as the CHP Technical Assistance Partnership Program. The program (1) encourages deployment of combined heat and power, heat to power, and efficient district energy technologies; and (2) provides project specific support to building and industrial professionals through economic and engineering assessments and advisory activities. This bill reauthorizes the program through FY2024.

BTU Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2019 or the BTU Act of 2019 This bill expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include 30% of qualified biomass fuel property expenditures for property placed in service before 2024. A qualified biomass fuel property expenditure is an expenditure for property that uses the burning of biomass fuel (a plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis) to heat a dwelling used as a residence, or to heat water for use in such dwelling, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%. The bill also allows (1) a 15% energy tax credit until 2024 for investment in open-loop biomass heating property, including boilers or furnaces that operate at thermal output efficiencies of at least 65% and provide thermal energy in the form of heat, hot water, or steam for space heating, air conditioning, domestic hot water, or industrial process heat; and (2) a 30% credit until 2024 for investment in such property that operates at a thermal output efficiency of at least 80%.

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of State to prioritize assistance to develop energy infrastructure in Europe, in particular for projects involving the European Commission and governments in the region. Assistance shall include political, technical, and diplomatic support. Projects eligible for such assistance include infrastructure for natural gas, electricity transmission, and renewable energy. The State Department shall give preference to projects that (1) improve the capacity to transfer gas and electricity within and between European countries, (2) have been identified by the European Commission as integral for regional energy security, (3) are expected to enhance energy market integration, (4) can attract other sources of funding, and (5) can potentially use U.S. goods and services. The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 the Countering Russian Influence Fund and establishes that U.S. agencies may use the fund to provide assistance under the bill. The President shall report to Congress annually about U.S. assistance provided under the bill.

BTU Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2019 or the BTU Act of 2019 This bill expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include 30% of qualified biomass fuel property expenditures for property placed in service before 2024. A qualified biomass fuel property expenditure is an expenditure for property that uses the burning of biomass fuel (a plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis) to heat a dwelling used as a residence, or to heat water for use in such dwelling, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%. The bill also allows (1) a 15% energy tax credit until 2024 for investment in open-loop biomass heating property, including boilers or furnaces that operate at thermal output efficiencies of at least 65% and provide thermal energy in the form of heat, hot water, or steam for space heating, air conditioning, domestic hot water, or industrial process heat; and (2) a 30% credit until 2024 for investment in such property that operates at a thermal output efficiency of at least 80%.

CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE WORKFORCE TO BUILD IT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 February 2019

Puerto Rico Data Collection Equality Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019

Puerto Rico Data Collection Equality Act This bill makes changes to the collection and publication of statistics relating to U.S. territories and regarding reports on their economies. The Interagency Council on Statistical Policy shall collect and publish statistics regarding Puerto Rico in the same manner as statistics are collected and reported by federal agencies for the states. The Bureau of the Census shall collect and report statistics regarding Puerto Rico as part of specified statistical programs and surveys. Bureau calculations of U.S. total population must include U.S. territories. The Bureau of Economic Analysis shall include U.S. territories in its quarterly calculation of real gross domestic product by state. The National Center for Education Statistics shall collect and publish data for Puerto Rico in the same manner as for the states. The National Agricultural Statistics Service shall include Puerto Rico in its surveys. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must report on efforts to include U.S. territories in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The National Center for Health Statistics must make available information regarding U.S. territories in the same manner as for the states. The Bureau of Justice Statistics must gather information from Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall calculate Puerto Rico's unemployment rate and inflation rate. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall annually update the Report on the Competitiveness of Puerto Rico's Economy. The Energy Information Administration shall annually (1) update the data and information included on its website regarding Puerto Rico, and (2) report on the cost and reliability of electric power in Puerto Rico and how that affects Puerto Rican economic growth.

United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019

United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act This bill directs the Department of State to develop a strategy to enhance economic cooperation and expand professional and educational exchange programs between the United States and Mexico. The State Department shall develop strategies to encourage more academic exchanges between the countries, as well as exchanges to encourage strengthening business skills and entrepreneurship. The State Department shall also promote energy infrastructure coordination and educational development. It shall also assess ways to develop partnerships between the countries' medical and nursing schools. The plan should ensure that accreditation standards for such schools are comparable so that students in Mexico can pass the licensing exams needed to practice in the United States. These programs shall be focused on the region within 100 kilometers of the U.S.-Mexico border.

No Drilling in Our Backyards Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2019

No Drilling in Our Backyards Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a permit for any oil and gas drilling operation that is located within 1,500 feet from a home, business, school, or other building that requires special protection.

Blue Collar to Green Collar Jobs Development Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2019

Blue Collar to Green Collar Jobs Development Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes and modifies the Department of Energy's Office of Minority Economic Impact. The bill (1) renames the office as the Office of Economic Impact, Diversity, and Employment; and (2) directs the office to establish a comprehensive program to improve education and training for jobs in energy-related industries, with emphasis on increasing the number of skilled individuals from underrepresented groups trained to work in those jobs. The office must provide grants to certain businesses to pay the wages of employees when they are receiving training for jobs in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, or grid modernization sectors.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nuclear security role.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2019

This resolution (1) expresses support for the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in strengthening global nuclear security, (2) affirms that the United States has a vital interest in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials, and (3) encourages the United States and other IAEA member states to ensure that the IAEA has the necessary resources carry out its duties.

THE STATUS AND OUTLOOK FOR CYBERSECURITY EFFORTS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY

United States · United States Senate · 14 February 2019

Restore Our Parks Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Restore Our Parks Act This bill (1) establishes the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund, and (2) requires 50% of all energy development revenues for FY2019-FY2023 to be deposited into such fund. Amounts deposited in the fund must not exceed $1.3 billion for any fiscal year and must be used for meeting the priority deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service.

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish an energy efficiency materials pilot program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a pilot program to award grants for providing nonprofit buildings with energy-efficiency materials.

Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2019 This bill requires that certain public buildings that are open to the public and contain a public restroom provide a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that is hygienic and is available for use by members of the public to express milk. The lactation room must be shielded from public view, be free from intrusion, and contain a chair, a working surface, and (if the building is supplied with electricity) an electrical outlet.

Offshore Wind for Territories Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Offshore Wind for Territories Act This bill addresses offshore wind development and coral reef conservation. The Department of the Interior may conduct wind and mineral development lease sales on the Outer Continental Shelf in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone adjacent to U.S. territories. The bill establishes the Coral Reef Conservation Fund for the Department of Commerce to carry out the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, including to preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems. The bill also specifies requirements for distributing revenues from the leases authorized by this bill to the Treasury, the Coral Reef Conservation Fund, and U.S. territories.

Energy Infrastructure Demand Response Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a natural gas demand response pilot program that uses the latest demand response technology from the energy sector for natural gas to (1) reduce the cost of energy for consumers, (2) reduce market price volatility, (3) increase reliability of the energy system, and (4) achieve reductions in air emissions and other benefits.

Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act This bill establishes the National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund into which, through FY2024, there shall be deposited an amount equal to 50% of all energy development revenues due to the federal government from oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy development on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.3 billion for any fiscal year. From such amounts 80% shall be allocated to the National Park Service for high-priority deferred maintenance projects, ensuring parity between transportation and nontransportation projects; 10% shall be for the national wildlife refuge system maintenance backlog; 5% shall be for the public access and recreation backlog on public lands; and 5% shall be for school construction and deferred maintenance backlogs. The Department of the Interior must submit to Congress, with the President's annual budget submission, a list of projects receiving allocations from the fund and a description of each such project. Interior, and other specified agencies, may accept cash or in-kind donations that advance efforts to reduce maintenance backlogs and encourage public-private partnerships.

A joint resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This joint resolution declares that the government has a duty to create a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The joint resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019, October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, and October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This resolution authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees for March 1, 2019-September 30, 2019, for FY2020, and for October 1, 2020-February 28, 2021: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Special Committee on Aging; (17) Select Committee on Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. The resolution requires committee expenses, with specified exceptions, to be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chair of the applicable committee. The resolution authorizes establishment of a special reserve within funds in the Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations account, to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This joint resolution provides continuing FY2019 appropriations to several federal agencies through the earlier of February 22, 2019, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations legislation. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a partial government shutdown after the existing CR expires on February 15, 2019, because seven of the remaining FY2019 appropriations bills have not been enacted. (Five of the FY2019 appropriations bills were enacted last year, including the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2019; and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.) Additionally, the CR has the effect of extending through February 22, 2019, several authorities and programs that were extended in prior CRs, including the Violence Against Women Act, the authority for the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and spend certain fees related to pesticides, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and several authorities related to immigration.

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON CLIMATE CHANGE: PREPARING FOR THE ENERGY TRANSITION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 February 2019

To reauthorize the West Valley demonstration project, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2019

This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the West Valley Demonstration Project located in West Valley, New York. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the volumes, origins, and types of radioactive waste at the West Valley Demonstration Project and the options for disposal of such waste.

Atlantic Coastal Economies Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2019

Atlantic Coastal Economies Protection Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing certain permits to engage in geological and geophysical exploration for mineral resources on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf.

Calling for a prompt multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea and urging the cancellation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2019

This resolution urges the President to work with allies to lead a multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea to push back against excessive Russian claims of sovereignty. It also calls for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to enhance allied maritime presence and capabilities in the Black Sea and for European governments to cancel the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to its threat to European energy security. The resolution also urges the President to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine and states that the President is required by statute to impose mandatory sanctions on Russia.

THE STATUS AND OUTLOOK OF ENERGY INNOVATION IN THE UNITED STATES

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2019

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2020

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 February 2019

Hold the LYNE Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Hold the Low-Yield Nuclear Explosive Act or the Hold the LYNE Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy from using funds for the research and development, production, or deployment of the Trident D5 low-yield nuclear warhead.

Russian-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Russian-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act This bill calls for assessments of Russia's relationship with Venezuela. The Department of State shall report to Congress an assessment of Russia and Venezuela's security cooperation and the threat it poses to countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. The State Department shall also devise a strategy to address such a threat. The President shall report to Congress an assessment of the security risks posed by a potential Russian acquisition of CITGO's U.S. energy infrastructure holdings. CITGO is an energy company owned by Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA), a Venezuelan state-owned oil company. A Russian state-owned company has extended a loan to PdVSA, and a default on that loan could result in Russian ownership of CITGO.

Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

Protect European Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Cyber Security Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Cyber Security Exchange Act This bill provides for the establishment of voluntary employee exchange programs relating to cybersecurity positions between the private sector and certain federal agencies. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Justice must each submit to Congress a plan for implementing an exchange program at the agency and an evaluation of the benefits. If an agency determines that it is unable to establish the program, it shall submit a notification describing the legal basis for that inability and any other specific factor that prevents its establishment.