Energy

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 January 2007

ENERGY AND WATER, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2006

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2012 the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources.

To correct the enrollment of the bill H.R. 5682.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Corrects the enrollment of H.R. 5682 (Henry J. Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006, United States Additional Protocol Implementation Act).

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide credit rate parity for all renewable resources under the electricity production credit.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate after 2006 the reduction in the rate of the tax credit for electricity produced from open-loop biomass, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities (thus allowing the same credit rate for all renewable resource facilities).

National Energy Efficiency Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

National Energy Efficiency Development Act - Establishes the National Energy Efficiency Development Administration, headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, to develop energy-efficient technologies and reduce U.S. imports of oil by 50% by 2015. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Policy Advisory Committee; (2) an Office of Administration (to include an Energy Efficiency Economics Division, an Education Division, and the position of General Counsel); (3) an Office of Policy, Research, and Development; and (4) an Office of Venture Capital. Authorizes the Administrator to solicit the development of energy-effcient technologies.

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify certain expiring tax provisions relating to education, business investment and economic development, research, health care, environmental remediation, and energy conservation. Health Opportunity Patient Empowerment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax and other incentives for funding health savings accounts. Medicare Improvements and Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Social Security Act to extend and modify various Medicare and Medicaid provisions, including provisions relating to physician fee schedules, health care reporting requirements, hospital and medical provider reimbursements for certain medical procedures, Medicare fraud and abuse prevention, and the transitional medical assistance and abstinence education program. Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund and reduce rate of reclamation fees payable by mine operators to the Fund. Allows certain mine operators to prepay health care premium liabilities to the Combined Benefits Fund. Modifies rules relating to the reimportation of exported tobacco products for personal use. Extends through 2008 tariff duties on ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Allows a tax exclusion of gain from the sale of certain mineral or geothermal interests. Extends the school choice scholarship program for low-income children in the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on establishing a uniform national database on elder abuse.

Climate Change Investment Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Climate Change Investment Act of 2006 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code allowing: (1) an election to expense the cost of certain liquid fuel processing refineries; (2) accelerated amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures; (3) a tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs; (4) a tax credit for the production of low sulfur diesel fuel; (5) a tax credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (6) a tax deduction for capital costs incurred in complying with certain sulfur regulations; (7) a tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells and geothermal wells; and (8) tax deductions for certain oil and gas well expenditures. Allows a business-related tax credit for investment in a greenhouse gas intensity reduction project approved by the Secretary of Energy.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 5682) to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Makes it in order to consider the conference report to accompany H.R. 5682 (Henry J. Hyde United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006). Waives all points of order against the conference report and considers it as read.

Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2006 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) guarantee the payment of principal and interest on private lender loans to small businesses located in a disaster area; and (2) make disaster loans to private nonprofit organizations located or operating in a disaster area. Increases disaster loan caps. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) allow small business development centers (SBDCs) to provide assistance to a small business located outside the state of the SBDC if the business is in a disaster area; (2) establish a contracting outreach and technical assistance program for small businesses having a significant presence in a disaster area; (3) declare a disaster area as an area of concentrated unemployment or underemployment, or a labor surplus area, for purposes of a contracting priority for local small businesses; and (4) establish and implement a disaster assistance business loan program. Provides for increased public notice of disaster declaration and application periods and deadlines. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into agreements with private contractors to process disaster loans. Requires the Administrator to amend the 2006 hurricane season disaster response plan to apply to major disasters and catastrophic national disasters. Provides for increased congressional oversight of the SBA disaster loan program with respect to presidentially declared disasters. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to assist small businesses that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of significant increases in the price of heating fuel due to a disaster-related energy emergency.

To promote the fair production of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to instruct the Secretary of the Interior to agree to any lessee request to amend any lease issued as a result of a Central or Western Gulf of Mexico lease sale held between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 1999, to incorporate price thresholds applicable to certain royalty suspension provisions in the amount of $34.73 per barrel (2005 dollars) for oil and of $4.34 per million Btu (2005 dollars) for natural gas, adjusted for changes in the implicit price deflator. Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation of resources fee for producing leases at $9 per barrel for oil and $1.25 per million Btu for gas (2006 dollars). Applies such fee only to leases issued with deep water royalty relief for which royalties are not being paid when prices exceed specified amounts per barrel. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit the royalty revenues in the Treasury, to be available to the Secretary of the Interior, without further appropriation, for FY2007-FY2016, for disbursement to Gulf producing states and coastal political subdivisions. Expresses the intent of Congress: (1) that this Act result in a healthy and growing American industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and service sector employing America's workforce in the development of affordable energy from the OCS; and (2) to OCS monitor deployment of personnel and material to encourage development of American technology and manufacturing, as well as the establishment of important industrial facilities to support expanded access to American resources.

ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM: ARE WE FULFILLING THE PROMISE WE MADE TO THESE COLD WAR VETERANS WHEN WE CREATED THIS PROGRAM? (PART V)

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 December 2006

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide an alternate sulfur dioxide removal measurement for certain coal gasification project goals.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide an alternate sulfur dioxide removal measurement for certain coal gasification project goals. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish milestones for such projects so that by year 2020 they will be able to: (1) remove at least 99% of sulfur dioxide (as currently required); or, in the alternative, (2) emit not more than 0.04 pound SO2 per million Btu, based on a 30-day average.

Study of Ways to Improve the Accuracy of the Collection of Federal Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Royalties Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Study of Ways to Improve the Accuracy of the Collection of Federal Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Royalties Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to arrange with the National Academy of Engineering to study and report to the Secretary regarding whether the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil, condensate, and natural gas under leases of federal lands (including submerged, deep water, and Indian lands) would be improved by implementing certain prescribed measures. Requires the Secretary to award a contract under which the contractor shall: (1) compare royalty payments made under federal oil and gas lease provisions for covered lands against data supplied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (2) make such comparison retroactive to June 1, 1974; (3) determine whether the correct production standard volume and heating content analysis was used to calculate such payments; and (4) determine whether such payments were adequate under the terms of the oil and gas leases.

To authorize the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make grants to distributors of electricity for the purpose of upgrading their electrical distribution systems to provide protection against hurricanes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants to state and local governments that distribute electricity for the purpose of upgrading their electrical distribution systems to provide protection against hurricanes. Sets the maximum federal share of a grant at 75% of the cost of the upgrade.

America's Domestic Fuels Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

America's Domestic Fuels Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to states to conduct research to expedite the use of coal gasification as an energy source in ethanol production. Requires at least one pilot project receiving such assistance to be fueled by coal gasification and to be located in an area with high sulfur bituminous coal reserves.

Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to provide an additional 100,000 incremental vouchers for tenant-based rental housing assistance under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in FY2007. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct: (1) each participating jurisdiction to use Home Investments Partnership (HOME) grant funds to provide affordable housing to individuals or families whose income is 30% or lower than the area median income (extremely low-income); and (2) direct the Secretary to allocate HOME funds to such jurisdictions on a specified pro-rata basis. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to: (1) extend to FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the Public and Assisted Housing Crime and Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP); (2) set aside specified amounts for the Office of Policy Development and Research; (3) identify activities eligible for grant funds; and (4) require the Office to review research to assess strategies likely to be effective in preventing and reducing violent and drug-related crimes in public and federally assisted low-income housing. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress shall create a national affordable housing trust fund to supply 1.5 million additional affordable housing units over the next 10 years, especially for extremely low-income and very low-income families. Repeals multiyear procurement authority for the F-22A Raptor Fighter Aircraft. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from implementing the advanced research program for fossil fuels. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from awarding new Advanced Technology Program grants under the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act.

ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM: ARE WE FULFILLING THE PROMISE WE MADE TO THESE COLD WAR VETERANS WHEN WE CREATED THIS PROGRAM? (PART IV)

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 November 2006

Renewable Fuels Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Renewable Fuels Promotion Act - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit a franchisor from restricting a franchisee from: (1) installing a renewable fuel pump on the franchisee marketing premises; (2) converting an existing tank and pump on the marketing premises of the franchisee for renewable fuel use; (3) advertising the sale of renewable fuel; or (4) selling renewable fuel in any specified area on the franchisee marketing premises. Declares any such restriction to be null and void and unenforceable under the Act. Prohibits a franchise-related document that requires the franchisee to sell three grades of gasoline from preventing the franchisee from selling a renewable fuel in lieu of one grade of gasoline. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to set a deadline for mandatory installation of at least one renewable fuel pump at every federal fleet fueling center in the United States.

National Fuels Initiative

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

National Fuels Initiative - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the alcohol fuels tax credit and the alternative fuel tax credit by calculating such rates based on a formula related to the average price of a barrel of oil. Extends such credits. Eliminates the small ethanol producer tax credit. Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Secretary of Energy to promulgate regulations to ensure that each major oil company that sells gasoline in the United States through wholly-owned or branded stations provides pumps that dispense E-85 fuel at not less than a specified graduated percentage of all of its stations. Amends federal transportation law to require manufacturers of new automobiles that can operate on gasoline or diesel fuel to manufacture such automobiles by increasing percentages after model year 2007. Revises the definition of automobile to require including all automobiles up to 10,000 pounds (currently, not all automobiles up to 10,000 pounds are required to be included in the definition). Continues applying the current minimum corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles to automobiles manufactured through model year 2011, but, for passenger automobiles, adds an increase of four percent per year in such standard for model years 2009 through 2011. Requires an average fuel economy standard of 27.5 miles per gallon for all automobiles manufactured by all manufacturers for model year 2012, with an increase of four percent in the average fuel economy from the level for the prior model year for model year 2013 and beyond. Requires the average fuel economy standard in a model year for a manufacturer's domestic and foreign fleetwide passenger automobiles under calculation of average fuel economy provisions to be at least 92% of the average fuel economy projected by the Secretary for the combined domestic and foreign fleets manufactured by all manufacturers in that model year. Permits lower fuel economy standards if they are: (1) technologically unachievable; (2) materially reduce auto safety; or (3) not cost effective. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) terminate the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for the alternative motor vehicle credit; and (2) allow an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit.

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 2006 - States that it should be U.S. policy to neither negotiate nor seek to bring into force an agreement for cooperation with the government of any country that is assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran unless the President has made specified determinations under this Act. States that no agreement for cooperation between the United States and the government of any country that is assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran may be submitted to the President or to Congress pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, no such agreement may enter into force with such country, no export license may be issued to such country for any nuclear material, facilities, components, or other goods, services, or technology that would be subject to such agreement, and no approval may be given for the transfer or retransfer to such country of any nuclear material, facilities, components, or other goods, services, or technology that would be subject to such agreement, until the President determines and reports to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on International Relations that: (1) Iran has suspended all enrichment-related and reprocessing-related activity, has committed to verifiably refrain permanently from such activity, and is abiding by that commitment; or (2) the government of the country that is assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran has suspended all nuclear assistance to Iran and all transfers of advanced conventional weapons and missiles to Iran, and is committed to maintaining that suspension until Iran has implemented measures that would permit the President to make such determination.

National Transitional Fuel Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

National Transitional Fuel Security Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a plan for the construction of coal-to-fuel demonstration facilities relying upon Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuel-producing technology. Prescribes requirements for: (1) construction of such facilities; (2) up to 49% non-federal investment; and (3) divestiture of federal ownership of the facilities after certain production and related goals are met. Authorizes the Secretary to sell petroleum products withdrawn from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a public sale to finance the construction of the facilities.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2006 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (2) the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005; (3) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (4) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (5) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (6) the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; (7) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (8) the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999; and (9) the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the resources eligible for the renewable energy credit to kinetic hydropower, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include kinetic hydropower as a renewable resource eligible for the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources. Defines "kinetic hydropower" as: (1) ocean free flowing water derived from flows from tidal currents, ocean currents, waves, or estuary currents; (2) ocean thermal energy; or (3) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, man made channels, or streams.

Global Warming Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate regulations necessary to reduce the aggregate net levels of global warming pollution emissions; and (2) establish a market-based emissions cap and global warming pollutants trading program. Establishes the Climate Reinvestment Fund. Requires EPA to: (1) establish, and revise every five years, standards for passenger vehicle emissions; and (2) research global climate change standards and processes. Sets forth requirements for retail electricity suppliers and EPA concerning: (1) energy efficiency and peak load reduction; (2) a related trading system; (3) renewable energy types and sources; and (4) a renewable energy credit program and related penalties. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emission through biological sequestration activities. Requires major stationary sources to report annually to EPA about global warming pollutant emissions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report biennially to EPA and Congress about U.S. progress in avoiding dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Replaces specified volumes of renewable fuel required in gasoline for 2006-2012 with benchmarks for 2010, 2020, and 2030 and a requirement that EPA determine the volume for each year not specified annually. Requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that major oil companies that sell gasoline in the United States through wholly-owned or branded stations provide pumps that dispense E-85 fuel at specified percentages. Creates a related trading program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to double the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit, the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit, and the conservation credit. Creates a new plug-in hybrid motor vehicle credit and an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) require securities issuers to inform investors of financial and economic risks relating to global warming; and (2) declare that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program and an Office of Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Research.

Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation, to award up to $1 million to one or more eligible firms to conduct feasibility studies for the construction of one or more dedicated ethanol pipelines.

A bill to require persons seeking approval for a liquefied natural gas facility to identify employees and agents engaged in activities to persuade communities of the benefits of the approval.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) require an applicant for approval under the Natural Gas Act or the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (DPA) of the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a liquefied natural gas facility (including an off-shore facility under DPA) to identify each employee or agent engaged in activities to persuade communities of the benefits of such approval; and (2) maintain a publicly available database listing all such employees and agents.

A resolution designating October 12, 2006, as "National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Designates October 12, 2006, as National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day to promote programs and activities that will lead to the greater use of cleaner, more efficient transportation that uses new sources of energy. Urges Americans to: (1) increase the personal and commercial use of, and promote public sector adoption of, cleaner and energy-efficient alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles; and (2) encourage the enactment of federal policies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil through the advancement and adoption of alternative, advanced, and emerging vehicle and fuel technologies.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Stimulus Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Stimulus Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the time limits applicable to tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from certain renewable resources; (2) clean renewable energy bonds; (3) new energy efficient homes; (4) residential energy efficient property; (5) business solar investment; and (6) biodiesel and alternative fuels. Extends the time limit for the deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Declares inapplicable to certain qualified electric vehicles and alternative motor vehicles the depreciation limitation pertaining to luxury automobiles. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide assistance to states for consultations with respect to weatherization and energy efficiency of residences and small businesses.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a nonrefundable credit for the purchase of energy efficient tires.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a nonrefundable tax credit for the purchase of tires certified by the Department of Transportation as energy efficient. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a system for the permanent labeling of tires as energy efficient.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2006 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (2) the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005; (3) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (4) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (5) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (6) the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; (7) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (8) the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999; and (9) the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

21st Century Energy Independence Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

21st Century Energy Independence Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to seek to ensure: (1) the availability of 200% of the volume of renewable fuels required to be available in the United States by 2013 under the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and (2) the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the production and use of renewable fuels by 25%. Directs the Secretary to establish a loan guarantee program for up to 80% of the cost of a project for: (1) the harvesting, storing, and delivery of agriculture residues for use in cellulosic or traditional ethanol production plants; (2) cellulosic ethanol production technologies that will reduce the initial capital cost to $2.50 per annual gallon, and operation and maintenance costs to 125% of those at traditional corn ethanol plants; (3) advanced biomass gasifiers that can provide specified thermal input requirements for traditional ethanol plants to produce syngas; and (4) scaled catalytic conversion projects to convert syngas to liquid fuels. Permits such loan guarantees for: (1) a traditional ethanol plant only if the agriculture residue products are used as feedstock to replace thermal input requirements otherwise provided by fossil fuels; and (2) an existing ethanol plant only if the applicant demonstrates the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions related to ethanol production by at least 75%. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants for up to 50% of the capital costs of the initial commercialization for certain cellulosic ethanol production technologies.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the credits for residential energy efficient property and new energy efficient homes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credits for expenditures for: (1) nonbusiness energy property; (2) residential energy efficient property; and (3) new energy efficient homes.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 5122) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Waives points of order against consideration of the conference report on H.R. 5122 (John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007).

Outer Continental Shelf Royalty Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Outer Continental Shelf Royalty Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to place limitations based on market price on the royalty relief granted under any lease for the production of oil or natural gas entered into on or after enactment of this Act. Declares that Congress reaffirms the authority of the Secretary to vary, based on the price of production from a lease, the suspension of royalties under any lease subject to specified requirements of the Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water Royalty Relief Act. Instructs the Secretary to offer to enter into written agreements to amend the payment responsibilities under each lease that: (1) authorizes the production of oil or natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) provides for relief from the payment of royalties; and (3) does not provide for suspension of royalty relief based on an increase in the price of oil or natural gas, respectively, above specified thresholds. Authorizes the Secretary to increase royalty rates on leases for oil or natural gas production on the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit certain percentages of Outer Continental Shelf revenues for: (1) disbursement to Gulf producing states; (2) financial assistance to states for land and water conservation as well as outdoor recreation purposes; and (3) deficit reduction. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to guarantee the repayment of 100% of the outstanding principal of a bond issued by the state of Louisiana for coastal wetland restoration projects and related storm protection infrastructure.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the President to establish an energy security working group.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the President to establish an Energy Security Working Group to develop an inventory of worldwide energy reserves to assist the federal government to: (1) prioritize potential alliances between the United States and foreign countries; (2) recognize undue influences, if any, on strategically important foreign countries; and (3) develop a strategic plan for the United States to identify and support strategic energy alliances with foreign countries.

To authorize the Secretary of Energy to make certain loan guarantees for advanced conservation and fuel efficiency motor vehicle technology projects.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantee commitments to domestic motor vehicle manufacturers and suppliers for advanced conservation and fuel efficiency technology projects for gasoline and diesel vehicles, flexible fuel vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles that reduce dependence on oil and greenhouse gas emissions. Limits the aggregate amount of guarantees for such production.

To provide for health care benefits for certain nuclear facility workers.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

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.

Desalination Energy Consumption Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Desalination Energy Consumption Reduction Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to make specified incentive payments to the owners of qualified desalination facilities for up to ten years to encourage the utilization of the best available technology to reduce the consumption of electrical energy in the desalination process. Limits to 60% the amount of available funds to be provided to facilities that obtain source water directly from the sea, an estuary, or from in-bank extraction wells that are of seawater origin. Directs the Secretary, in awarding incentive payments, to give priority to projects that: (1) use innovative technologies to reduce its energy demand; (2) use renewable energy supplies; (3) provide regional water supply benefits; (4) provide a secure source of new water supplies for national defense activities; (5) reduce the threat of a water supply disruption as a result of a natural disaster or acts of terrorism; (6) use technologies that minimize the damage to marine life; or (7) provide significant water quality benefits.

To authorize the Secretary of Energy to make price floor loans to certain low-carbon coal-to-liquid fuel projects.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements, in the form of price floor loans, with up to six low-carbon CTL projects (that convert coal to liquid or gaseous transportation fuels) to guarantee each project a minimum price for its output of liquid or gaseous transportation fuels in return for: (1) payment to the United States of the cost of such loan; or (2) at the borrower's election, a call option for the United States equivalent in value to such payment. Prohibits any agreement for a price floor loan unless the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determines that the loan cost is fully offset by either certain payments or by the value of a call option.

Nuclear Fuel Management and Disposal Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Nuclear Fuel Management and Disposal Act - Withdraws specified lands in Nye County, Nevada, permanently from any form of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws, including: (1) the mineral leasing laws; (2) the geothermal leasing laws; (3) materials sales laws; and (4) the mining laws. Transfers jurisdiction over such lands to the Secretary of Energy (Secretary). Reserves use of such lands for certain activities associated with the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Requires the Secretary to manage the lands so withdrawn, and submit to Congress and the state of Nevada a management plan for their use. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary to apply to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a license to construct and operate facilities to receive and store spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at the Yucca Mountain site. Authorizes the Secretary to begin construction of connected infrastructure facilities after completion of a final environmental impact statement evaluating the activities involved. Requires the Secretary to acquire rights-of-way for construction and operation of railroad facilities to transport spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from existing rail systems to the site of surface facilities within the geologic repository operations area for the receipt, handling, packaging, and storage of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste prior to emplacement. Revises requirements for new plant contracts.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts to: (1) improve their income from the marketplace and their economic well-being; (2) capitalize on new market opportunities; and (3) help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers, provide for increased energy production, promote rural development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to a growing U.S. economy.

Alternative Energy Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Alternative Energy Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application (R&D) for: (1) production of motor and other fuels from biomass; (2) technologies to enable practical onboard storage of hydrogen for use as a fuel for light-duty motor vehicles; (3) advanced solar photovoltaic technologies; and (4) advanced wind energy technologies. Instructs the Secretary to continue R&D activities targeting: (1) distributed energy; (2) micro-cogeneration technology; and (3) geothermal energy, hydropower, and ocean energy authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement an R&D program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric drive transportation; and (2) establish a pilot program to provide competitive grants to state governments, local governments and public entities, and metropolitan transportation authorities for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle demonstration projects. Solar Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006, or the SUN Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary to establish a program of grants to states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot grants program for new builidng construction or renovation to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency technologies. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the guidelines for a geographically dispersed network of Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to study its October 2005 recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Directs the Secretary to establish R&D programs for commercial application of: (1) coal gasification facilities that convert coal into pipeline quality gaseous fuels (methanation); and (2) materials to be added to alternative biobased fuels and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuels. Directs the Secretary, in making awards for integrated biorefinery demonstration projects, to encourage the commercial application of biomass technologies for biodegradable natural plastics from biomass.

American Fuels Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

American Fuels Act of 2006 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Energy Security to oversee all federal energy security programs, including coordination of federal agency efforts to assist the United States in achieving full energy independence. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a tax credit for production of qualified flexible fuel motor vehicles, including allowance of the credit against the alternative minimum tax; and (2) an alternative fuel retail sales credit. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to ensure that diesel sold or introduced into U.S. commerce, on an annual average basis, contains the applicable volume of alternative diesel fuel. Requires such regulations to provide for the generation of an appropriate amount of credits by any person that refines, blends, or imports diesel containing a quantity of alternative diesel fuel greater than certain prescribed quantities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the alcohol fuel mixture excise tax credit to cellulosic biomass ethanol. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to include within the term alternative fueled vehicle a medium or heavy duty hybrid vehicle. Sets a deadline by which: (1) any federal property with at least one fuel refueling station must include at least one alternative fuel refueling station; and (2) any alternative fuel refueling station on federally-owned property must permit full public access for the purpose of refueling using alternative fuel. Amends federal transportation law to require that any bus purchased with funds from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund be a clean fuel bus. Requires the Secretary of Defense to implement a program to evaluate the commercial and technical viability of advanced technologies for the production of alternative transportation fuels having applications for the Department of Defense.

[H.A.S.C. No. 109-127]ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 September 2006

Kevin M. Kolevar, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability), vice John S. Shaw, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 26 September 2006

National Competitiveness Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

National Competitiveness Investment Act - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit; (2) establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness; and (3) establish the Innovation Acceleration Research Program. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research; (2) coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3) establish a Basic Research Executive Council. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program; and (2) reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) establish a program of ocean and atmospheric research and development; and (2) develop an ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science education plan. Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act or PACE-Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Department of Energy (DOE) Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education, and establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund; (2) award grants for establishing specialty schools for mathematics and science; (3) establish a national laboratories summer internship program for middle and secondary school students; (4) establish Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at schools in regions of national laboratories; (5) establish or expand programs to strengthen mathematics and science teaching skills of public school teachers; (6) establish a program to expand and enhance higher education nuclear science educational capabilities; (7) award grants to outstanding DOE early-career researchers; and (8) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and national laboratories. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages with concurrent teacher certification or to enhance teacher knowledge and teaching skills; (2) increase the number of teachers and students teaching or enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; (3) help low-income students performing below grade level in mathematics; (4) establish programs of study in critical foreign languages; (5) promote content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation and establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse and pilot programs relating to the creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs; (4) establish a program to provide mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (5) establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies.

EAT Healthy America Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act or the EAT Healthy America Act - Amends provisions with respect to: (1) specialty crops; (2) the tree assistance program; (3) the conservation reserve program; (4) the wetlands reserve program; (5) the farmland protection program; (6) the grassland reserve program; (7) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (8) the environmental qualities incentives program; (9) air quality improvement; (10) integrated pest management initiative; (11) native plant habitat restoration; (12) agricultural trade; (13) invasive pests and diseases; (14) nutrition; (15) agricultural research; and (16) renewable energy, including crop biomass waste.

Expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts to: (1) improve their income from the marketplace and their economic well-being; (2) capitalize on new market opportunities; and (3) help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers, provide for increased energy production, promote rural development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to a growing U.S. economy.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2007. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY2006 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (2) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House of Representatives) or the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (3) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (4) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007; (5) Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (6) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (7) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2007; (8) Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (9) Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); and (10) Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate), and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate). Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 17, 2006. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.