Energy

Mining Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Technology Grants to Strengthen Domestic Mining Education Act of 2023 or the Mining Schools Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program to support domestic mining education. Under the program, DOE must award up to 10 grants each year to mining schools for recruiting and educating mining engineers and other qualified professionals to meet future energy and mineral needs. In addition, the bill repeals the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984.

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement. The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions. Research and development activities may include collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as integrated natural resources and the energy-water nexus, biofuels and biobased products, invasive species management, grid modernization and security, and rural technology development; developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information; supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and conducting collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out research on advancing weather and climate modeling and prediction. DOE and NOAA must jointly carry out research on using artificial intelligence and high-performance computing for climate modeling and weather prediction. Research activities may include (1) developing new methods for modeling and simulation, machine learning, and predictive data analysis; and (2) facilitating data sharing between federal agencies, institutions of higher education, and other organizations. Additionally, NOAA must carry out an initiative to conduct proof-of-concept scenarios by comparing forecasts generated by advanced forecasting models with those generated by current models. As part of the initiative, NOAA may share innovations in the modeling system and applications through community-based activities and leverage climate and weather data and efforts of other federal agencies. NOAA must collaborate with DOE on the initiative. The research required by the bill must meet security and integrity requirements that apply to certain research activities of the National Science Foundation.

Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill modifies requirements relating to federal agency data centers. Specifically, the General Services Administration (GSA) must establish minimum requirements for new data centers, including regarding the availability and use of new data centers; the use of sustainable energy sources; uptime percentage; protections against power failures, including on-site energy generation and access to multiple transmission paths; protections against physical intrusions and natural disasters; and information security protections. The GSA must issue guidance to ensure that covered agencies incorporate the minimum requirements into current data centers. During the development and planning of a new data center, an agency must report to the GSA and Congress upon determining it is likely to make a management or financial decision relating to such data center. In determining whether to establish a new data center or continue to operate an existing data center, an agency must (1) ensure that each at-risk legacy application is updated, replaced, or modernized; and (2) prioritize and leverage commercial cloud environments. The GSA must maintain a public-facing website that includes information related to agency compliance with data center requirements. An agency must oversee and manage the data center portfolio and the information technology strategy of the agency in accordance with federal cybersecurity guidelines and directives. The Government Accountability Office must review, verify, and audit compliance with the minimum requirements for new and existing data centers.

Latin America and Caribbean Nearshoring Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Latin America and Caribbean Nearshoring Act This bill provides assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries (generally excluding Cuba and Venezuela) to strengthen their critical mineral and energy supply chains, promote economic development, and advance good governance. The bill requires the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide loans, equity investments, insurance, and other assistance to support the efforts of eligible countries to secure their critical mineral and energy supply chains from the control and influence of China. The corporation must also provide this assistance for other purposes such as promoting private sector long-term economic development, advancing good governance, and encouraging investment in energy infrastructure and critical mineral mining. The bill also authorizes the President to sell nuclear reactors to these countries if such a sale will not threaten U.S. national security and if certain other conditions are met (such as the purchasing country taking steps to reduce economic dependence on China). Cuba and Venezuela shall be ineligible for assistance under this bill until the Department of State certifies to Congress that the relevant country's government has taken certain actions, such as (1) holding free and fair elections, (2) upholding human rights, and (3) taking significant steps to privatize its economy.

Lower Energy Costs Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

A bill to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to assign certain functions to the Assistant Secretaries of Energy relating to energy emergencies and energy security, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary, including responsibilities with respect to infrastructure and cybersecurity. The Department of Energy must ensure that such functions are performed in coordination with relevant federal agencies.

SITE Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Streamlining Interstate Transmission of Electricity Act or the SITE Act This bill establishes a process for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to authorize the construction, modification, and operation of interstate electric transmission facilities, including by exercising the right of eminent domain (the right of the government to take private property for public use).

Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023 This bill supports the use of biofuels (e.g., gasoline blended with ethanol) in vehicles, including by establishing a minimum octane standard for gasoline as well as making related biofuel requirements for vehicles, their fuels, and fuel infrastructure.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast require more comprehensive investigations examining the impact to the environment, relevant maritime industries, and national defense before being leased or constructed.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Congress should conduct investigations to determine the impacts of offshore wind development, (2) Congress should use the findings of the investigations to develop legislation to mitigate potential negative environmental or economic impacts of such development, and (3) a moratorium should be placed on leasing and construction of offshore wind farms along the Atlantic coast until the investigations and their findings are presented to Congress and the public.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of Proof-of-Work mining, used for certain cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, to the United States ability to achieve its energy goals and grow its economy.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023

This resolution expresses the belief that the United States should invest in the digital asset industry and Proof-of-Work mining to improve U.S. energy independence through associated innovations.

SHIELD U Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023

Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use Act or the SHIELD U Act This bill authorizes and expands counter-drone activities by state, local, and airport law enforcement, and federal agencies. Specifically, the bill authorizes state, local, and airport law enforcement to carry out Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) activities on commercial service airport property to detect, identify, and mitigate threats posed by unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also authorized to carry out these activities. Further, the bill authorizes state and local law enforcement to carry out Counter-UAS activities off commercial airport property; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must establish a process that allows for collaboration and coordination with these entities. In addition, each commercial airport must convene a task force that includes federal agencies, air carriers, and telecommunications service providers to establish or modify the airport's tactical response plan to drone threats. The FAA and Transportation Security Administration must also publish best practices guidance on Counter-UAS activities at commercial service airports. This guidance must be updated annually. The bill also allows DHS and the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Energy to contract with other entities to carry out authorized Counter-UAS activities. Further, the bill amends restrictions on the use of radio frequency jamming technology to allow state, local, and airport law enforcement to use the technology to mitigate a drone threat. Finally, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center must expand its curriculum to include training on the use of Counter-UAS activities. The training must be available to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, as well as private sector security agencies.

Energy Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023

Energy Freedom Act This bill establishes requirements to provide for domestic energy production. Specifically, the bill establishes deadlines to expedite the review of permits and other authorizations for natural gas transmission projects, natural gas interstate pipelines, and the exportation of natural gas. The bill also requires a minimum number of annual sales of leases on federal lands and waters for oil and gas development. It also requires sales of leases of federal land for wind, solar, and geothermal development. The President and federal agencies must obtain the approval of Congress before (1) declaring a moratorium on the leasing of federal lands or waters for the drilling, mining, or collection of oil, gas, or coal; (2) prohibiting or substantially delaying certain new energy leases, mineral leases, or permits on federal lands; and (3) withdrawing certain federal lands from mineral and geothermal leasing activities. Further, the bill eliminates the requirement for certain cross-border energy projects to obtain presidential approval. In addition, the bill allows the Department of the Interior to grant licenses for the exploration and mining of hardrock minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf. Finally, the bill reinstates specified rules concerning waters of the United States, oil and gas, civil penalties, environmental review, and discharge and dredged materials.

Save Our Gas Stoves Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2023

Save Our Gas Stoves Act This bill places limits on energy conservation standards for kitchen ranges or ovens under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The Department of the Energy (DOE) may not prescribe or amend energy conservation standards for kitchen ranges or ovens if they would result in the unavailability of a product on account of the type of fuel the range or oven uses. In addition, DOE may not finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products issued on February 1, 2023, or any substantially similar rule. The proposed rule prescribes energy conservation standards for consumer conventional cooking tops, including electric cooking tops, gas cooking tops, electrical ovens, and gas ovens.

Biochar Research Network Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2023

Biochar Research Network Act of 2023 This bill directs the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to establish a biochar research network of not more than 20 research sites or facilities to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods, and climates to learn more about its potential to benefit agriculture, forestry, and the environment. Eligible entities for the research network include (1) state agriculture and forestry experiment stations, and (2) research facilities of the ARS, the Forest Service, and the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and the Interior. Biochar is created by heating biomass (e.g., wood, grass, and manure) in a low-oxygen environment and can be applied to soil to sequester carbon and improve soil health.

Expressing the sense of Congress relating to nuclear power being a necessary clean baseload energy source to achieve a reliable, secure, and green electric grid.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2023

This concurrent resolution expresses Congress' commitment to embracing and accepting nuclear power as a clean baseload energy source that is easily compatible with other intermittent energy sources and necessary to achieve a reliable, secure, and green electric grid.

An act to authorize appropriations for the United States Fire Administration and firefighter assistance grant programs, to advance the benefits of nuclear energy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023

Fire Grants and Safety Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 the U.S. Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. The Government Accountability Office must conduct an audit of and issue a publicly available report on barriers that prevent fire departments from accessing federal funds, and the U.S. Fire Administration. The bill makes the government of China, and any entity or organization operating or incorporated in China, ineligible to be a recipient or subrecipient of federal assistance under such programs.

A bill to establish an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

This bill authorizes the position of Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region within the Department of State. The Ambassador shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Ambassador is authorized to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to Arctic affairs and shall be responsible for all matters, programs, and related activities pertaining to the Arctic region in the conduct of foreign policy by the State Department. The Ambassador is also authorized to observe and coordinate various matters related to foreign policy in the Arctic, including energy, environment, trade, and infrastructure development and maintenance, as indicated by the State Department.

Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings Act or the SAVES Act This bill transfers certain funds to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out a grant program for school safety and security. Specifically, the bill transfers funds appropriated for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities (currently known as the Department of Energy's Renew America's Schools Program) to DOJ for the grant program. DOJ must award grants to states (and states must provide subgrants to eligible entities, such as local educational agencies and schools) for planning and designing school buildings and facilities, installing infrastructure, and implementing technology or other measures that strengthen security on school premises.

Homeowner Energy Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Homeowner Energy Freedom Act This bill repeals provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2022 relating to (1) the high-efficiency electric home rebate program, (2) state-based home energy efficiency contractor training grants, and (3) assistance for the adoption of the latest building energy and zero building energy codes. It also rescinds any unobligated balances available for such programs.

FREE American Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Furthering Resource Exploration and Empowering American Energy Act or the FREE American Energy Act This bill expedites the review of energy projects, limits executive power over certain energy projects, delegates certain energy permitting authority to states, provides statutory authority for specified environmental rules, and terminates tax credits for certain vehicles. Specifically, the bill establishes deadlines by which applicable federal agencies must approve or deny permits or other authorizations for certain natural gas, oil, alternative energy (e.g., solar), oil or gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas terminals, or hydropower projects. In addition, the bill limits executive power by (1) exempting certain projects related to oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, or electric transmission facilities from permits required under any executive orders; and (2) rescinding Executive Order 13990, which is about protecting public health and the environment and addressing climate change. Further, the Office of Management and Budget must initiate a rule making that establishes a process to delegate the authority to approve or deny certain oil or gas projects on federal land to states that contain the federal land. The bill also provides statutory authority for rules issued in 2020 and titled (1) Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act ; and (2) The Navigable Waters Protection Rule: Definition of "Waters of the United States ." Finally, the bill terminates a tax credit for certain clean vehicles placed in service after 2024 (currently 2032).

GAS PRICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Give Americans Stability at Pumps as Rising Inflation Causes Emergencies Act or the GAS PRICE Act This bill requires the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to report on any policy, regulation, or executive order with an effective date of January 20, 2021, or later that the EIA determines has increased or may increase energy prices in the United States.

Lower Energy Costs Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

CLAMP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

CCP Lease Abolishment for Minerals and Petroleum Act of 2023 or the CLAMP Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture from issuing or renewing a lease, issuing a permit, or recording a claim for any federal lands under any provision of law relating to the production, refining, harvesting, or extraction of minerals, timber, oil or natural gas, or any other natural resource or the production of energy, to China or specified entities or individuals affiliated with the Chinese Community Party. The bill prohibits transferring a title, lease, permit, recorded claim, or other interest to such entities or individuals.

More Energy More Jobs Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

More Energy More Jobs Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements concerning oil and gas lease sales under the Outer Continental Shelf leasing program. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of the Interior to allow coastal states to nominate areas off their coasts for oil and gas development. In addition, Interior must hold at least two region-wide oil and gas lease sales per year in the Gulf of Mexico. Each lease sale must include areas in the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and the Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area. The bill also establishes deadlines for completing environmental reviews of the lease sales.

INVEST Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies or the INVEST Act This bill allows the work opportunity tax credit to be used 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 compensate specified U.S. possessions for their losses resulting from this bill.

American Gas for Allies Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

American Gas for Allies Act This bill deems the exportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for allied countries to be consistent with the public interest for purposes of the National Gas Act during the next three years. Thus, the bill allows such exports to be expedited during that time period. In order to be expedited, the LNG export must be for (1) a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or (2) any other foreign country if the Department of State determines that the export of LNG to that country would promote the national security interests of the United States.

To amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reauthorize the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and revises the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Under the program, the Department of Energy provides grants to local governments, states, and Indian tribes for energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs. This bill expands the allowable uses of grant funds to include the deployment of energy distribution technologies that significantly expand access to alternative fuels.

Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act This bill increases from $5.5 million to $10 million the maximum amount of certain Small Business Administration loans for plant acquisition, construction, conversion, and expansion. Projects eligible for these increased loan amounts must (1) reduce the borrower's energy consumption by at least 10%; or (2) generate renewable energy or renewable fuels, such as biodiesel or ethanol production.

CRUDE Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Continuing Robust and Uninhibited Drilling and Exporting Act or the CRUDE Act This bill limits the President's authority to restrict the export of crude oil from the United States. Currently, the President may restrict the export of oil for up to a year if the President declares a national emergency; the restrictions apply to countries, persons, or organizations for reasons of national security; or the Department of Commerce finds and reports to the President that the export of crude oil has caused sustained material oil supply shortages or sustained oil prices significantly above world market levels and those shortages or price increases have caused or are likely to cause sustained material adverse employment effects. However, this bill only allows the President to make such restrictions if the restrictions apply to countries, persons, or organizations for reasons of national security; or the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and Commerce jointly make those findings and report them to the President and Congress.

REVOKE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Restricting Electric Vehicle Outlays from Kleptomaniac Enemies Act of 2023 or the REVOKE Act of 2023 This bill expands prohibitions under the clean vehicle tax credit on battery components manufactured or assembled by a foreign entity of concern to a domestic corporation that is controlled by, operated by, or under the substantial influence of a foreign entity of concern (e.g., a state-backed Chinese company); a domestic corporation that relies on technology provided through a licensing agreement with a foreign entity of concern; a foreign corporation organized outside of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran but that is owned more than 20% by 1 or more foreign entities of concern; or any member or partner of a joint venture or partnership in which at least one other partner or member is a foreign entity of concern. The bill also renders ineligible for the qualifying advanced energy project tax credit any project that incorporates or utilizes technology provided through a licensing agreement with the foreign entities of concern described by this bill.

Reduce Russian Uranium Imports Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Reduce Russian Uranium Imports Act This bill limits the importation of uranium from Russia. Specifically, it bans low-enriched uranium that is produced in Russia from being imported into the United States. However, the Department of Energy (DOE) may waive this ban if DOE determines that (1) no alternative viable source of low-enriched uranium is available to sustain the continued operation of a nuclear reactor or a U.S. nuclear energy company, or (2) importation of the uranium is in the national interest. Any waiver issued must terminate no later than January 1, 2028. In addition, the bill establishes annual caps on the amount of low-enriched uranium that may be imported from Russia through 2027.

Biochar Research Network Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Biochar Research Network Act of 2023 This bill directs the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to establish a biochar research network of not more than 20 research sites or facilities to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods, and climates to learn more about its potential to benefit agriculture, forestry, and the environment. Eligible entities for the research network include (1) state agriculture and forestry experiment stations, and (2) research facilities of the ARS, the Forest Service, and the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and the Interior. Biochar is created by heating biomass (e.g., wood, grass, and manure) in a low-oxygen environment and can be applied to soil to sequester carbon and improve soil health.

INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION: THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S ROLE IN THE U.S. RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 March 2023

GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITION AND ENERGY SECURITY IN CENTRAL ASIA

United States · United States Senate · 8 March 2023

BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL: WHY DEPLETING THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE IS NOT A SOLUTION TO AMERICA'S ENERGY PROBLEM, PART I

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 March 2023

CLEAN Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act or the CLEAN Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to increase the frequency of lease sales under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and establishes deadlines for consideration of geothermal drilling permits. Specifically, Interior must increase the frequency of sales in any state that has pending nominations of land to be leased from qualified companies or individuals. Currently, Interior must hold lease sales at least once every two years. This bill requires Interior to hold a sale at least once a year. If a lease sale is canceled or delayed, then Interior must conduct a replacement sale during the same year. In addition, this bill requires Interior to notify an applicant whether or not its application for a geothermal drilling permit is complete within 30 days of receiving the application. If Interior determines that the application is complete, then it must issue a final decision on the applications within 30 days of the date Interior sent the notification.

PRECISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act or the PRECISE Act This bill incorporates support for precision agriculture into various programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Precision agriculture refers to managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality. Precision agriculture technology includes any technology and equipment that directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or livestock production. Specifically, the bill makes changes to eligibility criteria, administrative procedures, and other aspects of the Conservation Loan Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These changes include allowing the programs to support the adoption of precision agriculture practices and acquisition of precision agriculture technologies. In addition, the bill expands a program through which USDA makes and insures loans to for-profit and nonprofit organizations that invest in rural areas by allowing the loans to be used for precision agriculture practices. Also, USDA must emphasize the use of third-party providers when providing technical assistance on matters related to soil health for participants in certain USDA conservation programs.

Offshore Pipeline Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Offshore Pipeline Safety Act This bill establishes requirements that address the safety and environmental risks associated with certain pipelines on the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifically, the bill requires the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to finalize regulations proposed in 2007 related to offshore pipelines. The regulations must require owners of oil and gas pipelines to (1) provide for biannual, third-party inspections of pipelines; and (2) equip pipelines with leak detection systems or devices. Further, the BSEE must issue regulations to charge an annual fee on such owners for the purpose of providing the BSEE with funds to decommission or remove offshore pipelines in the event the owner files for bankruptcy. In addition, the BSEE must continually monitor the condition and location of all oil and gas pipelines that have been decommissioned (e.g., inactive pipelines that are left buried in the seafloor) and remain in place. If the BSEE identifies an exposed segment of any decommissioned pipeline, then it must either remove the pipeline from the ocean or ensure it is properly decommissioned and does not pose a threat. If a segment of any active pipeline is exposed or shifts, then the BSEE must remove the pipeline, decommission it, or resecure the segment to the sea floor. When determining whether to permit an owner to decommission such pipelines, the BSEE must consider the navigational hazards, any interferences with other uses of the Outer Continental Shelf, and the environmental impacts of the pipelines.

Florida Coastal Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Florida Coastal Protection Act This bill prohibits the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management from offering any tract for oil and gas leasing or preleasing in the following areas: the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the coastline of Florida, the South Atlantic Planning Area that is south of 30 degrees 43 minutes North Latitude, or the Straits of Florida Planning Area.

Crypto-Asset Environmental Transparency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Crypto-Asset Environmental Transparency Act of 2023 This bill establishes greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reporting and related requirements for certain crypto-asset mining operations, such as facilities that mine Bitcoin. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise reporting requirements under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to require crypto-asset mining operations that consume five megawatts of electricity or more to report their greenhouse gas emissions to the EPA. The EPA must also designate such operations as a source category of GHG emissions that is subject to greenhouse gas reporting requirements and related monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. In addition, the EPA must request information from crypto-asset mining operations and assess the extent to which any operations are improperly operating without a valid and current permit under the Clean Air Act. The bill also expands the meaning of data center under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include facilities in which two or more computers are mining crypto-assets. Thus, such facilities are included in the scope of energy efficiency programs for data centers under that act. Finally, the EPA must study the environmental impacts of crypto-asset mining.

DARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Defend America's Rural Energy Act of 2023 or the DARE Act of 2023 This bill requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review certain real estate transactions by foreign governments. (CFIUS is an interagency committee that oversees the national security risk of certain foreign direct investments in the U.S. economy. It may recommend that the President suspend or prohibit certain transactions.) Under the bill, CFIUS must review the acquisition by a foreign government or an entity acting on its behalf of (1) agricultural land used to grow corn and soybeans for the purpose of renewable energy, or (2) land used for wind turbines or other wind energy production. The transfer of an interest in such land to a foreign government or an entity acting on its behalf is likewise subject to CFIUS review. The bill also prohibits China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as persons acting on their behalf, from acquiring any interest in these types of land.

PRECISE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023 or the PRECISE Act of 2023 This bill incorporates support for precision agriculture into various programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Precision agriculture refers to managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality. Precision agriculture technology includes any technology and equipment that directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or livestock production. Specifically, the bill makes changes to eligibility criteria, administrative procedures, and other aspects of the Conservation Loan Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These changes include allowing the programs to support the adoption of precision agriculture practices and acquisition of precision agriculture technologies. In addition, the bill expands a program through which USDA makes and insures loans to for-profit and nonprofit organizations that invest in rural areas by allowing the loans to be used for precision agriculture practices. Also, USDA must emphasize the use of third-party providers when providing technical assistance on matters related to soil health for participants in certain USDA conservation programs.

GRID Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Guaranteeing Resilient Installations for Defense Act or the GRID Act This bill gives the Department of Energy (DOE) the authority to address the vulnerability of critical defense facilities to electric energy supply disruptions. Specifically, DOE may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with external providers of electric energy to (1) improve the resilience of defense critical electric infrastructure, or (2) reduce such vulnerability.

Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

This resolution sets forth the levels of payment for 118th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) the Budget; (4) Education & the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Ethics; (7) Financial Services; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) Homeland Security; (10) House Administration; (11) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (12) the Judiciary; (13) Natural Resources; (14) Oversight and Accountability; (15) Rules; (16) Science, Space, and Technology; (17) Small Business; (18) Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; (19) Transportation and Infrastructure; (20) Veterans' Affairs; and (21) Ways and Means. The resolution also addresses other aspects of committee funding, including (1) prescribing limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 118th Congress, and (2) establishing a reserve fund for unanticipated committee expenses for the 118th Congress.

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2023

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act This bill allows a business-related tax credit for certain development costs for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or remediation of qualified real property (i.e., real property affixed on a permanent foundation and comprised of four or fewer residential units, a condominium unit, or a house or apartment owned by a cooperative housing corporation). The bill also provides for the exclusion from gross income, for income tax purposes, of the value of any subsidy provided to a taxpayer by any state energy office for purposes of improvements made to a qualified residence.

Crypto-Asset Environmental Transparency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2023

Crypto-Asset Environmental Transparency Act of 2023 This bill establishes greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reporting and related requirements for certain crypto-asset mining operations, such as facilities that mine Bitcoin. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise reporting requirements under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to require crypto-asset mining operations that consume five megawatts of electricity or more to report their greenhouse gas emissions to the EPA. The EPA must also designate such operations as a source category of GHG emissions that is subject to greenhouse gas reporting requirements and related monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. In addition, the EPA must request information from crypto-asset mining operations and assess the extent to which any operations are improperly operating without a valid and current permit under the Clean Air Act. The bill also expands the meaning of data center under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include facilities in which two or more computers are mining crypto-assets. Thus, such facilities are included in the scope of energy efficiency programs for data centers under that act. Finally, the EPA must study the environmental impacts of crypto-asset mining.

Saving America’s Energy Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Saving America's Energy Future Act This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior from declaring a moratorium on issuing new oil and gas leases and drill permits on certain federal lands. In addition, the bill prohibits the departments from declaring a moratorium on renewals of such permits.

TAPP American Resources Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act or the TAPP American Resources Act This bill provides for the exploration and development of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals), including by (1) requiring additional federal oil and gas leasing, (2) expediting energy projects, (3) eliminating or reducing certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (4) requiring certain revenue from energy development to be shared with states. The Department of the Interior must conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill. For example, Interior must immediately resume quarterly sales of leases of onshore federal land for oil and gas development, conduct a minimum of four oil and gas lease sales in each state with land available for oil and gas leasing under mineral leasing law, issue a five-year oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for 2023-2028, and approve each subsequent five-year oil and gas offshore leasing program no later than 180 days before the expiration of the previous program. Additionally, the bill expedites the development of energy resources, including by (1) limiting the scope of review of major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) expediting the environmental review of mineral exploration and production activities, such as coal mining. The bill also reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land. Finally, the bill increases the amount of revenue from energy development that is shared with coastal states.

Congressional Oversight of Russian Sanctions Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Congressional Oversight of Russian Sanctions Act This bill requires the President to determine, within 60 days of receiving a request from Congress, whether a person (individual or entity) described in the request meets the criteria to be subject to sanctions imposed in two specified executive orders relating to Russia. The executive orders, dated April 15, 2021, and August 20, 2021, impose sanctions for certain activities including (1) efforts by Russia's government to undermine U.S. elections and democratic institutions, and (2) the construction of specified Russian energy pipelines. The President must also submit a report to Congress stating whether the President imposed or intends to impose sanctions on any person described in such a request from Congress.