Energy

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2007

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Indian tribal governments to transfer the credit for electricity produced from renewable resources.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian tribal government, in the case of a facility that uses a renewable energy resource to produce electricity in which such government has an ownership interest in the gross sales from such facility, to assign to any other person who has such an ownership interest in such facility any portion of the production from the facility that would, but for this Act, be allocated to such government for purposes of the renewable electricity production credit. Makes such amendment applicable to electricity produced and sold after December 31, 2006.

To penalize States that prohibit oil and gas exploration within their borders by denying them the use of any oil or natural gas produced domestically elsewhere.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Prohibits a state that does not allow the exploration or production of oil or gas within its boundaries or within its contiguous coastal zones from receiving oil or gas produced in any other state in the United States or its contiguous coastal zone.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; (2) the Pension Protection Act of 2006; (3) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (4) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (5) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (6) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (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 Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify a provision relating to the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve Account.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise requirements for the sale by the Secretary of Energy of products from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Conditions any sale on a finding by the President that: (1) there is a severe energy supply interruption; or (2) the price of home heating oil threatens the health and safety of residents of the Northeast. Adds to the alternative determinations on whose basis the President may make such a finding a determination that the price of home heating oil has increased by such an extent that the Northeast is experiencing, or will experience, an emergency situation that threatens the safety and health of residents of the Northeast.

To authorize the Secretary of the Army to convey the surface estate of the San Jacinto Disposal Area to the city of Galveston, Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1994 to authorize the conveyance of the surface estate of all or any part of the parcel of land containing the San Jacinto Disposal Area to the city of Galveston, Texas. Extends the date of expiration for a declaration of nonnavigability for any area or part of the Disposal Area surface estate that is not bulkheaded or filled or occupied by permanent structures, including marina facilities, in accordance with the regulatory requirements pertaining to such a declaration, as amended by this Act.

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Elects specified Minority Members to the Committees on Agriculture, on Energy and Commerce, on Foreign Affairs, and on Science and Technology.

Renewable and Hydroelectric Energy for Alaska's Tomorrow Act (the Renewable HEAT Act)

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007

Renewable and Hydroelectric Energy for Alaska's Tomorrow Act (the Renewable HEAT Act) - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to make grants to implement renewable energy projects that generate electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, or ocean energy, or biomass, landfill gas, or Alaska small hydroelectric power.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6) to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6) to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government.

National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Sets forth provisions concerning the Northern Mariana Islands. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National Trails System Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996, the Reclamation and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a shorter recovery period for the depreciation of certain systems installed in nonresidential real property or residential rental property.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accelerated depreciation of certain energy-efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or commercial refrigeration property installed in nonresidential real property or residential rental property and placed in service before January 1, 2012.

Climate Neutral Electricity Generation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Climate Neutral Electricity Generation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in a climate neutral combustion facility. Defines "climate neutral combustion facility" as any facility which: (1) burns matter to produce electricity; (2) captures and uses carbon dioxide released during combustion to recover hydrocarbon fuel; and (3) produces no emissions of mercury or greenhouse gasses and no emissions that form fine particulate, smog, or acid rain

Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration of the following Senate amendments on the same day they are presented to the House: (1) the Senate amendment to H.R. 2764 (Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008); and (2) the Senate amendments to H.R. 6 (Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007).

ENERGY SPECULATION: IS GREATER REGULATION NECESSARY TO STOP PRICE MANIPULATION?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 December 2007

Community Foreclosure Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Community Foreclosure Assistance Act of 2007 - Makes appropriations for additional emergency Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) assistance to states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties to carry out CDBG programs under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1974: (1) for necessary expenses related to the impact of housing foreclosures, and other related economic and community development activities; and (2) to provide foreclosure-based rental assistance for individual renters in the form of relocation assistance. Prohibits the direct or indirect provision of such funds, except for certified housing counseling services, to an individual homeowner for foreclosure prevention purposes, including refinancing assistance, loans, or any other form of financial assistance. Increases from 15% to 25% the maximum amount of CDBG funds a local government may use for public services under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1974, including those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs. Requires at least 50% of CDBG funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act to benefit primarily persons of low- and moderate-income.

Jon Wellinghoff, of Nevada, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2013. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 11 December 2007

Stanley C. Suboleski, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil Energy), vice Jeffrey D. Jarrett, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 11 December 2007

Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007

Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to establish sustainability programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Directs the Secretary to contract with an IHE, nonprofit organization, or consortium of such institutions for administration of the grant program. Requires such programs to develop and implement: (1) sustainability practices, including in the areas of energy management, green building, waste management, purchasing, transportation, and toxics management; and (2) other aspects of sustainability that integrate campus operations with multidisciplinary educational programs and are applicable to the private and government sectors. Directs the Secretary to convene a summit of higher education experts, federal representatives, and business and industry leaders to encourage cooperative efforts to enhance sustainability programs at IHEs and apply such programs to the community and workplace.

Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1585) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 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 · 11 December 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1585) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 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.

To amend the Clean Air Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the use of ethanol and bio-diesel, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007

Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the term "renewable fuel" to mean ethanol produced from renewable biomass. Increases the volume of renewable fuel that must be contained in fuel sold in the United States for 2009-2012. Prescribes the volume of: (1) renewable fuel that must be contained in fuel sold in the United States for 2013-2022; and (2) biomass-based diesel that must be contained in fuel sold in the United States for 2008-2012. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine the volume of renewable fuel and biomass-based diesel that fuel sold in the United States must contain for other calendar years. Requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that by 2009 each covered owner installs one or more pumps that dispense ethanol-blend fuel and bio-diesel blend fuel at retail station outlets. Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit restricting franchisees from: (1) installing on the marketing franchisees' premises alternative blend fuel pumps; (2) converting existing tanks and pumps for alternative blend fuel use; (3) advertising the sale of alternative blend fuels; or (4) selling alternative blend fuel in specified areas. Prohibits franchise-related documents that require that three grades of gasoline be sold by franchisees from preventing the franchisee from selling an alternative blend fuel in lieu of one grade of gasoline. Amends the Clayton Act to: (1) prohibit the restriction of a franchisee's right to install ethanol blend or bio-diesel blend fuel pumps; and (2) state that the term "gasohol" includes any blend of ethanol and gasoline. Requires the Administrator to provide for the certification of motor vehicle fuels containing at least 5% bio-diesel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the duration of: (1) credits against income tax for alcohol used as fuel, ethanol blenders, and bio-diesel and renewable diesel; (2) credits against excise tax for alcohol fuel mixtures and bio-diesel mixtures; and (3) payments equal to the alcohol fuel mixture credit, the biodiesel mixture credit, the alternative fuel mixture credit, or the alternative fuel credit to any person who produces, sells, or uses an alcohol fuel mixture or bio-diesel mixture or an alternative fuel.

School Energy Crisis Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007

School Energy Crisis Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grants program for eligible local educational agencies that have experienced the highest percentage increase (or expenditure increase) in transportation and heating fuel costs among all local educational agencies (LEA's) in a state for a specific time period during the current school year, in comparison to the same time period during the prior school year. Authorizes the use of funds for: (1) the cost of transportation or heating fuel purchased by eligible LEA's; or (2) transportation fuel purchased by entities under contract to provide transportation services to such LEA's.

Honoring local and state first responders, and the citizens of the Pacific Northwest in facing the severe winter storm of December 2 and 3, 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007

Honors the citizens of the Pacific Northwest for their courage in facing the storm and efforts in helping their neighbors in a time of great need. Honors the National Weather Service, state and local police officers, fire fighters, local rescue personnel, other first responders, and amateur radio operators for their efforts in the face of the severe storm. Extends the thoughts and prayers of the U.S. House of Representatives to those whose lives have been devastated, and who have lost their housing, transportation, communications, water, heat, or electricity. Extends its profound and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who perished.

Presidential Funding Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007

Presidential Funding Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to public financing of presidential election campaigns to: (1) quadruple (1:1 to 4:1) the matching rate for contributions to primary election candidates; (2) lower from $250 to $200 the limit on individual campaign contributions; (3) increase the presidential primary qualifying threshold from $5,000 to $25,000 in 20 states; (4) require presidential candidates to participate in the primary payment system to be eligible for general election payments; (5) move the starting date for payments to primary candidates from January 1 of a presidential election year to six months before the earliest state primary election; (6) allow additional payments and increased expenditure limits for candidates who face opponents who do not participate in public financing and who raise more than 20% of applicable spending limits; (7) designate the last Friday before the first Monday in September as the date for payments to eligible presidential candidates; and (8) increase from $3 to $10 the presidential campaign tax return check-off amount. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) increase expenditure limits for presidential primary campaigns and eliminate state primary spending limits; (2) limit political party general election campaign expenditures to $25 million, with an additional $25 million allowance after the party's candidate is nominated; (3) prohibit political parties from spending unregulated funds (soft money) on their national conventions; and (4) require presidential campaign committees to disclose information about bundled campaign contributions (series of contributions exceeding specified threshold amounts). Amends the Energy Policy Act, the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, and the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 to increase license fees, royalties, and grazing fees under such Acts.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring energy conservation provisions and to provide a tax credit for certain individuals using home heating oil.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2012: (1) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (2) the tax credit for new energy efficient homes; (3) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property; and (4) the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Allows a $500 refundable tax credit ($1,000 in the case of a joint tax return) in 2008 for certain low-income individual taxpayers who have a principal place of abode in the United States and who use heating oil as the primary source of energy for heating such abode.

Providing for the consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6) to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007

Makes it in order to consider the Senate amendments to H.R. 6 (Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007).

Keeping Americans Warm Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007

Keeping Americans Warm Act of 2007 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for emergency payments to states under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, notwithstanding such Act's requirement that funds be made available only after the President's submission to Congress of a formal budget request that includes a designation of the requested amount as an emergency requirement.

Keeping Americans Warm Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007

Keeping Americans Warm Act of 2007 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for emergency payments to states under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, notwithstanding such Act's requirement that funds be made available only after the President's submission to Congress of a formal budget request that includes a designation of the requested amount as an emergency requirement.

Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007

Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 6 (Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007) on the same day it is presented to the House.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; (2) the Pension Protection Act of 2006; (3) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (4) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (5) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (6) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (7) the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; (8) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (9) the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999; and (10) the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national minimum payment amount for CPT code 77080 (relating to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, the most widely accepted method of measuring bone mass to predict fracture risk) and CPT code 77082 (relating to vertebral fracture assessment, or VFA), and any successor to such codes as identified by the Secretary (bone mass scans). Directs the Secretary to arrange with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to conduct a study for a report to the Secretary and Congress on: (1) the ramifications of Medicare reimbursement reductions for DXA and VFA on beneficiary access to bone mass measurement benefits; and (2) the methods to increase use of bone mass measurement by Medicare beneficiaries.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; (2) the Pension Protection Act of 2006; (3) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (4) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (5) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (6) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (7) the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; (8) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (9) the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999; and (10) the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

STATE LEADERSHIP TOWARDS A LOW-CARBON ENERGY FUTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 November 2007

To direct the Secretary of Energy to provide for the re-enrichment of certain uranium tailings, and the sale of the product of such re-enrichment, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Directs the Secretary of Energy to contract with the operator of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Facility for the transfer from the Department of Energy's enrichment facility at Piketon, Ohio, to the Paducah facility of cylinders of uranium tailings with an assay of such value as the Secretary finds economically suitable for re-enrichment. Requires such contract to provide for re-enrichment at the Paducah facility of the materials in the cylinders and in similar cylinders of comparable value. Requires the Secretary to sell or contract for the sale of the product of such re-enrichment, whose net proceeds shall be deposited into the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund (UEDD Fund) and disbursed by appropriation for environmental remediation at the Paducah, Kentucky, and Portsmouth, Ohio, uranium enrichment facilities. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to reauthorize the UEDD Fund for an additional three years.

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: OVERVIEW AND CURRENT ISSUES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 November 2007

FHA Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) revise requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation eligible for mortgage insurance, as well as the cash investment requirement; and (2) prohibit seller-funded downpayment assistance. Increases the maximum up-front mortgage insurance premium the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may collect on mortgages secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Replaces the General Insurance Fund (GIF) with the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund as the depository of all funds involved in rehabilitation loans for one- to four-family structures. Permits the Secretary to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a condominium project if the project has a certain HUD-insured blanket mortgage. Revises requirements for the MMI Fund. Makes insurance of a Native Hawaiian or Indian reservation mortgage the obligation of the MMI Fund (instead of the GIF). Eliminates the limitation on the aggregate number of home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) for elderly homeowners insured under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure a home equity conversion mortgage to: (1) enable an elderly mortgagor to purchase a one- to four-family dwelling unit, one of which the mortgagor will occupy as a primary residence; and (2) provide for any future payments to the mortgagor, based on available equity. Establishes a single national loan limit for HECMs. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to raise the cap on the price of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements under the energy efficiency mortgages program. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to establish a pilot program for an automated process for providing alternative credit rating information for mortgagors and prospective mortgagors (under mortgages on one- to four-family residences) without sufficient credit history. Requires the Secretary, the Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and other entities involved in foreclosure prevention activities to develop and implement a plan to improve FHA's loss mitigation process. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to revise post-purchase housing counseling eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a pre-purchase homeownership counseling demonstration program. Amends the federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for certain fraudulent actions intended to influence FHA action in any way. Places limitations on mortgage insurance premium increases. FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to FHA housing loan insurance for manufactured homes (or lots for such homes). Makes any new contract of insurance for loans, credit advances, or purchases conclusive evidence of an institution's insurance eligibility. (Thus requires each loan to be insured individually instead of as part of a bundle of such loans.) Increases manufactured home loan limits, requiring annual indexing. Sets forth borrower premium charges, including an up-front premium of up to 2.25% and an annual premium of up to 1%. Revises requirements for the handling and disposal of any real or personal property conveyed to or acquired by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish underwriting criteria that will ensure the manufactured housing program's financial soundness. Amends the National Housing Act to apply the prohibition against kickbacks and unearned fees in the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to each sale of a manufactured home financed with an FHA-insured loan or extension of credit and related services. Prescribes certain lease requirements as prerequisites for HUD insurance of a financial institution with respect to a mortgage loan to finance a manufactured home intended to be leased in a manufactured home community.

Expressing the sense of Congress that no Federal or State requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings should require a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize such energy efficient lighting if the lighting contains mercury.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that no federal or state requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings should require a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize lighting that contains mercury.

Roofing Energy Efficiency Tax Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Roofing Energy Efficiency Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) classify as 20-year property for depreciation purposes any roof system which meets the requirements of Standard 90.1-2004 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers and is on nonresidential real property; and (2) require use of the straight line method for depreciation of such property.

Commending the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for its work of promoting energy efficiency for 30 years.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Commends the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for its work of promoting energy efficiency for 30 years and seeking other avenues of energy independence. Recognizes the achievements of the scientists and employees of the NREL and their exemplary service to the United States.

Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program to provide assistance to at least three, but not more than five, eight-year commercial demonstration projects to demonstrate the long-term effects of sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep geological formations, of which: (1) not fewer than two shall be conducted in deep saline aquifers; and (2) the remainder may be conducted in saline aquifers combined with storage in established oil or gas fields. Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive grant program to provide grants to at least three, but not more than five, commercial demonstration projects for the capture of carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Establishes an interagency task force composed of the Secretary, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Secretary of the Interior to develop regulations providing guidelines and practices for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. Requires the Director of the Office of Science to carry out a program for the research and development of potential technologies and approaches for the capture of carbon dioxide. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program for the research and development of carbon dioxide storage technologies; and (2) develop recommendations for optimal carbon dioxide storage features, practices, and conditions. Requires the Secretary to complete a national carbon dioxide storage capacity assessment. Requires the Secretary to offer to enter into agreements with China and India and any other country that is heavily dependent on coal-fired power plants for electricity generation to pursue technology-sharing agreements with respect to carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies.

DOMESTIC ENERGY INDUSTRY

United States · United States Senate · 6 November 2007

Geothermal Heat Pump Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Geothermal Heat Pump Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) to include equipment that uses the ground or ground water as a thermal energy source or sink to heal or cool a structure (i.e., geothermal heat pump systems) as energy property for purposes of the energy tax credit; (2) allow a residential energy efficient property tax credit for 30% of qualified geothermal heat pump property expenditures; and (3) allow accelerated three-year depreciation of geothermal heat pump systems.

Healthy Families and Dedicated Teachers Tax Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Healthy Families and Dedicated Teachers Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2013 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures; (2) extend through 2012 the tax deductions for expenses of elementary and secondary school educators and qualified tuition and related expenses; (3) make permanent the tax deduction for state and local general sales taxes; and (4) make permanent the exemption from tax penalties for premature retirement plan distributions for charitable purposes.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOR CLEAN ENERGY AND A HEALTHY CLIMATE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 November 2007

Renewable Fuels Strategy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Renewable Fuels Strategy Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. agricultural, forest, and working land should: (1) provide from renewable resources at least 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States; and (2) continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. Amends federal transportation law to require the manufacture each model year of increasing percentages of flexible fuel automobiles. Sets forth a minimum renewable fuels infrastructure assurance program under which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall issue regulations to ensure the installation of renewable fuel pumps, including a system of production credits. Instructs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards for biofuel dispenser systems. Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit any franchisor from restricting a franchisee from installing alternative fuel pumps or selling alternative fuel. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish grants for: (1) state, tribal, and local governments to implement an infrastructure corridors program for renewable fuels; and (2) installation, replacement, or conversion of motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure for renewable fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary to implement a research, development, and demonstration program regarding infrastructure for existing transportation fuel distribution and new alternative distribution. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe regulations requiring manufacturers of automobiles to prominently display a permanent badge or emblem on each automobile that indicates it is capable of operating on alternative fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to set forth a federal agency renewable fuel purchasing requirement. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to require that flexible fuel vehicles of the federal fleet be operated on alternative fuels. Requires the head of each federal agency to install a renewable fuel pump at each domestic federal fleet fueling center under its jurisdiction. Authorizes public access to federal alternative refueling stations. Authorizes construction of a Capitol complex renewable fuel refueling station.

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; (2) revise requirements governing such Committee, including requiring the Committee to develop a strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program; (3) establish an Integrated Program Office for such Program in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (4) authorize funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research grants on climate change; and (5) repeal a declaration that such Act does not preclude or delay federal planning or action to address the threats of stratospheric ozone depletion or global climate change. Requires the NSF Director and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study the: (1) status of ice sheet melt and movement; and (2) science on the potential impacts of climate change on patterns of tropical cyclone development. Requires the President to establish guidelines and implement a plan that requires specified agencies to adopt policies to ensure the integrity of scientific communications. Requires the Administrator to implement a program to address aging work force issues in climate science, global change, and certain other research focuses. Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a National Climate Service. Requires the Administrator to appoint a National Climate Service Advisory Council. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to establish within the legislative branch a Science and Technology Assessment Service, to consist of a Science and Technology Board and a Director, to coordinate and develop information for Congress relating to the uses and application of technology. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary to perform research to develop enhanced measurements, calibrations, standards, and technologies to enable the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). Requires: (1) the Secretary to develop standards and measurement technologies to calculate GHGs; (2) the Director of the Institute to establish a research program on climate change standards and processes; (3) the Institute's National Measurement Laboratories to conduct specified research on developing material and manufacturing processes designed for energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions; and (4) the Director to utilize the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program to establish a program to satisfy the needs for accreditation in measuring GHG production. Authorizes the Director, through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, to develop a program to support the implementation of new green manufacturing technologies and techniques by small business manufacturers. Requires the Secretary to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2009: (1) the taxpayer election to expense certain environmental remediation costs; (2) the energy efficient appliance tax credit; and (3) the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers. Increases the maximum allowable amount of such deduction to $500.

BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THE CITIES: PATHWAYS TO AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT FUTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 November 2007

Food and Energy Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2007

Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 - Revises agricultural and related programs and provisions respecting: (1) producer income; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development and investment; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) livestock marketing; and (11) agricultural security.

A bill to require the FCC to conduct an economic study on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-power commercial FM stations.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct an economic study on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-power commercial FM stations and report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.

Close the Enron Loophole Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007

Close the Enron Loophole Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide that it applies to an agreement, contract, or transaction in an exempt commodity that is executed or traded on an electronic trading facility that is an energy trading center. Prohibits any person from entering into an agreement, contract, or transaction for future delivery of an energy commodity that is not a spot sale of cash commodity or a sale of a cash commodity for deferred shipment or delivery on or through an energy trading facility that is not registered as such with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Sets forth registration criteria. Requires CFTC to ensure that the position limits and accountability levels applicable to contracts in an energy commodity listed for trading on a designated contract market and similar contracts in the same energy commodity listed for trading on an energy trading facility: (1) prevent price manipulation, excessive speculation, price distortion, and disruption of the delivery or cash-settlement process; and (2) are on a parity with each other and are applied in a functionally equivalent manner. Requires CFTC to take necessary action to direct an energy trading facility or a designated contract market to require a person who has exceeded an applicable position limit or accountability level in an energy commodity to limit, reduce, or liquidate any position to prevent or reduce the threat of price manipulation, excessive speculation, price distortion, or disruption of the delivery or cash-settlement process. Sets forth provisions concerning the provision of information and records about energy trading contracts to CFTC. Revises provisions concerning the prohibition on energy contracts designed to defraud or mislead, including by prohibiting any person from cheating or defrauding another person in connection with any contract of sale of any commodity in interstate commerce or for future delivery that is made subject to the rules of a designated contract market for or on behalf of any such person (currently the provisions prohibit members of registered entities, correspondent agents, or employees of members from such actions.) Requires CFTC to issue a rule regarding the requirements for an application for registration for an energy trading facility.