Energy

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2009

California Desert Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2009

California Desert Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 to, among other things: (1) establish or designate national monuments, wilderness areas, a special management area, and off-highway vehicle recreation areas; (2) release specified wilderness study areas; (3) adjust national park and preserve boundaries; and (4) specify land withdrawals, exchanges, and acquisitions. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of rivers and creeks as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to designate Renewable Energy Coordination Offices (the Offices) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming for the coordination of federal permits for renewable energy projects and transmission lines to integrate renewable energy development. Establishes a process and procedures (including deadlines) for consideration of right-of-way use authorizations applications for the construction of wind and solar electricity generation facilities. Requires programmatic environmental impact statements analyzing the impacts of the development of solar, biomass, wind, geothermal energy, and associated electric transmission capacity on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, National Forest System lands, and on military installations in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Requires a study analyzing the impacts of a program to develop large-scale renewable electricity generation projects on military installations in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in California and Nevada. Establishes the California Desert Mitigation Bank Pilot Program under which eligible lands in the California Desert Conservation Area shall be made available as habitat mitigation zones to serve as mitigation for the development of renewable energy projects on non-federal land. Requires a report on the Offices and renewable energy permitting policies and processes in the western states. Authorizes grants for the development, construction, and acquisition of advanced electric transmission properties.

Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009

Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to publish a rule that establishes a uniform efficiency descriptor and accompanying test methods for water heaters, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, and unfired water storage tanks (covered heaters). Requires: (1) the efficiency descriptor and accompanying test method to apply to all water heating technologies in use and to future water heating technologies; and (2) the efficiency descriptor to be the efficiency standard for covered heaters. Sets forth provisions concerning a mathematical conversion factor for converting the measurement of efficiency for covered heaters from the test procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to the new energy descriptor. Authorizes the rule to exclude a specific category of covered water heaters from the uniform efficiency descriptor if the category of water heaters: (1) does not have a residential use and can be clearly described; and (2) are rated effectively using the thermal efficiency and standby loss descriptors applied to the category. Requires the Secretary, in establishing the rule, to contract with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to conduct testing and simulation of alternative descriptors identified for consideration. Considers a covered water heater to be in compliance with the rule and with any revised labeling requirements established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to implement the rule if the covered water heater: (1) was manufactured prior to the effective date of the rule; and (2) complied with the efficiency standards and labeling requirements in effect prior to the rule.

Renewable Energy Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Renewable Energy Incentive Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) extend through 2012 grants for investment in renewable energy property, including renewable resources used to produce electricity and fuel cell, solar, wind, geothermal, and microturbine property, in lieu of tax credits; and (2) expand eligibility for such grants to public power utilities and qualified solar manufacturing project property. Defines "qualified solar manufacturing property" as any tangible personal property purchased to re-equip, expand, or establish a manufacturing facility for producing solar energy equipment to generate electricity. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an energy tax credit for investment in qualified solar manufacturing project property; (2) allow a tax credit for the purchase, consolidation, and use of contiguous high solarity disturbed private land to produce solar energy for use in a trade or business; and (3) limit the energy tax credit for solar energy equipment used to generate electricity or heat or cool a structure, as applied to swimming pools, to exclude those located at single-family residences.

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make: (1) payments (green dividends) to owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects who undertake utility cost-saving measures; and (2) review HUD regulations and agreements concerning residual receipts accounts in assisted rental housing and revise HUD policy on the use of such accounts for energy efficiency items. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to Congress on the benefits of a federal statutory exemption from compliance with state and local building codes to enable and encourage the construction and installation in assisted multifamily rental housing projects of distributive energy generation and water efficiency measures. Requires owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects to report to the Secretary on consumption of electricity, water, gas, and other utilities by such projects.

Gas Turbine Efficiency Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Gas Turbine Efficiency Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in power generation systems and to identify the technologies that will lead to gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of 65% or simple cycle efficiency of 50%. Requires the program to: (1) support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas turbine design for megawatt-scale and utility-scale electric power generation; (2) include technology demonstration through component testing, subscale testing, and full scale testing in existing fleets; (3) include field demonstrations of the developed technology elements to demonstrate technical and economic feasibility; and (4) assess overall combined cycle and simple cycle system performance. Delineates as the goals of the program: (1) in phase I, to develop the conceptual design of, and to develop and demonstrate the technology required for, advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62% combined cycle efficiency or 47% simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and (2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65% combined cycle efficiency or 50% simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis. Directs the Secretary, in selecting program proposals, to emphasize the extent to which the proposal will: (1) stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States; and (2) promote and enhance U.S. technology leadership.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate regarding the protection of intellectual property rights for clean energy and environmental technology.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should pursue opportunities for international cooperation in technology deployment and should act to ensure that any treaty or other accord resulting from negotiations of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of May 9, 1992, or a successor agreement does not weaken or undermine international legal rules and obligations relating to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights for energy and environmental technology.

Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 for the Surface Transportation Board. Increases Board membership from three to five members. Removes the Board from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish it as an independent U.S. agency. Grants the DOT Inspector General authority to review only Board financial management, property management, and business operations to determine compliance with applicable federal laws and detect fraud and abuse. Revises member composition of the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council. Revises the objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy, including protection of rail shippers. Requires the Board to: (1) maintain an Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance; and (2) appoint a rail customer advocate to resolve rail customer complaints. Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier and pipeline carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). Requires proceedings to determine the reasonableness of a rate charged by a carrier be initiated only upon complaint. Requires the Board to: (1) establish a database of rail service complaints it has received; and (2) post a quarterly report of such complaints on its website. Authorizes the Board to revoke class exemptions to rail carrier requirements to protect rail shippers from the abuse of market power. Requires Board studies on: (1) class exemptions; (2) the Uniform Railroad Costing System; (3) use of a replacement cost approach to value rail facility assets; (4) rail practices; and (5) rail interchange rules. Directs the Board to require Class I railroad carriers and other railroad carriers to report regularly on railroad service metrics and other performance data as prescribed by the Board. Delineates requirements regarding proof and admissibility of evidence of rail carrier interline rate agreements. Prohibits the Board from issuing a person (other than a rail carrier) a certificate to acquire a railroad line or extended or additional railroad line that includes interchange commitments or other mechanisms restricting the ability of the purchaser or tenant to interchange traffic with another carrier unless they are reasonable and in the public interest. Delineates a process for persons to challenge existing interchange commitments as well as certain rights and remedies with respect to them. Directs the Secretary to make grants available to assist any Class III rail carrier under Board jurisdiction with the credit risk premium of a direct loan or loan guarantee made to purchase or lease a rail line. Requires a Class I rail carrier to establish, upon rail customer request, reasonable bottleneck and terminal switching rates for single line movement or interline movement rail transportation over a bottleneck rail segment in which the carrier has market dominance. Revises criteria authorizing the Board to require a rail carrier to make its terminal available to another rail carrier. Authorizes the Board to require a Class I rail carrier (including any other rail carrier deemed appropriate) to make its terminal facilities available for use by another carrier in cases where it has market dominance in a terminal area. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Board to establish reasonable rail rate standards for terminal use. Requires the Board to establish a binding arbitration process to resolve rail rate, practice, and common carrier service disputes. Revises maximum rates of relief that the Board may provide to railroad shippers in certain rail rate reasonableness cases. Sets forth time limits for Board review of such cases. Revises requirements with respect to the approval or denial of the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of rail carriers to authorize the Board to take into consideration significant effects of the transaction on public health, safety, and the environment as well as intercity rail passenger transportation and commuter rail passenger transportation. Exempts from Board authority pipeline transportation of natural or artificial gases used primarily as fuel or other energy purposes. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the federal and state regulatory framework to support the development of carbon dioxide pipelines.

Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2009 - Amends the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 (HPPA) to modify, commencing October 1, 2017, certain statutory schedules governing contracts for delivery to specified localities in Arizona, California, and Nevada of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) create, from certain apportioned allocations of contingent capacity and firm energy, a resource pool equal to 5% of the full rated capacity of 2.074 million kilowatts and associated firm energy; (2) offer Schedule D contingency capacity and firm energy to new allottees not receiving contingent capacity and firm energy for delivery commencing October 1, 2017; and (3) allocate through the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) for delivery, commencing October 1, 2017, 66.7% of Schedule D contingent capacity and firm energy to specified new allottees located within the marketing area for the Boulder City Area Projects. Requires each contract offered under HPPA to: (1) authorize and require WAPA to collect from new allottees a pro rata share of Hoover Dam repayable advances paid for by contractors before October 1, 2017, and to remit such amounts to the contractors that paid such advances in proportion to the amounts paid by them as specified in a certain Implementation Agreement; (2) permit transactions with an independent system operator; and (3) contain the same material terms included in those long-term contracts for purchases from the Hoover Power Plant that were made in accordance with HPPA and are in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. Subjects the contractual obligation of the Secretary to deliver contingent capacity and firm energy under HPPA to the availability of the water needed to produce such contingent capacity and firm energy. Continues through FY2067 the requirements of HPPA as the exclusive method for (in effect, congressional oversight of) the disposal of capacity and energy from Hoover Dam.

Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2009 - Amends the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 (HPPA) to modify, commencing October 1, 2017, certain statutory schedules governing contracts for delivery to specified localities in Arizona, California, and Nevada of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) create, from certain apportioned allocations of contingent capacity and firm energy, a resource pool equal to 5% of the full rated capacity of 2.074 million kilowatts and associated firm energy; (2) offer Schedule D contingency capacity and firm energy to new allottees not receiving contingent capacity and firm energy for delivery commencing October 1, 2017; and (3) allocate through the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) for delivery, commencing October 1, 2017, 66.7% of Schedule D contingent capacity and firm energy to specified new allottees located within the marketing area for the Boulder City Area Projects. Requires each contract offered under HPPA to: (1) authorize and require WAPA to collect from new allottees a pro rata share of Hoover Dam repayable advances paid for by contractors before October 1, 2017, and to remit such amounts to the contractors that paid such advances in proportion to the amounts paid by them as specified in a certain Implementation Agreement; (2) permit transactions with an independent system operator; and (3) contain the same material terms included in those long-term contracts for purchases from the Hoover Power Plant that were made in accordance with HPPA and are in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. Subjects the contractual obligation of the Secretary to deliver contingent capacity and firm energy under HPPA to the availability of the water needed to produce such contingent capacity and firm energy. Continues through FY2067 the requirements of HPPA as the exclusive method for (in effect, congressional oversight of) the disposal of capacity and energy from Hoover Dam.

WARMER Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Warriors Adapting Residences with Mortgages for Energy Renovations Act or WARMER Act - Revises current provisions permitting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to guarantee loans for energy efficiency improvements to certain dwellings to also authorize the guarantee of loans to veterans for the construction of a new dwelling and the cost of making energy efficient improvements to the dwelling. Allows the Secretary to determine appropriate energy efficiency standards for purposes of such guaranteed loans, and to require that dwellings purchased, constructed, or improved meet such standards. Revises current provisions setting the maximum amount allowable for such a loan guaranty to set the maximum amount for such guaranty at 5% of the total value of the property, unless the Secretary specifically approves a higher amount.

American Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

American Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a two-phased program to: (1) award funds for the manufacture, testing, and delivery of at least 20,000 electric drive U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles or other road vehicles for local postal delivery; and (2) further the deployment of electric drive vehicles and the development of grid services using them, including Vehicle-to-Grid. Prescribes Phase I program requirements to direct the Secretary to award funds for the production and delivery of: (1) 2,000 all-electric trucks (including an additional number of Electric Vehicle Battery Packs) to the U.S. Postal Service; (2) 4,000 new electric U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles, including 200 new Derivative Electric Vehicles, to replace existing U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles; (3) 1,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains and 2,000 all-electric powertrains for converting existing U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles; and (4) 1,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to the U.S. Postal Service. Requires: (1) installation of 12,000 charging stations at U.S. Postal Service facilities; (2) the deployment of Smart Grid technologies, principally Vehicle-to-Grid; (3) activities to increase lithium ion battery repurposing and lithium ion battery recycling infrastructure; and (4) the development of standards and safety policies for the deployment of the Phase I vehicle test fleet. Establishes the Postal Service Sustainability Fund. Directs the Secretary, based on a Phase I performance report and on recommendations of the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service, to select one or more recipients for the award of funds for Phase II of the program for the production and delivery of 10,000 electric postal delivery vehicles and 12,000 charging stations. Requires the Secretary to establish a public information clearinghouse for all data collected under this Act. Requires the Secretary to give priority in the awarding of funds for Phase I and Phase II to applicants that comply with Buy America Act requirements.

Save Our Energy Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Save Our Energy Jobs Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Congress did not intend the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases (GHGs); (2) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should not have the authority to promulgate rules to regulate GHG emissions without explicit authority from Congress; (3) rules that regulate GHG emissions will have a significant impact on the U.S. economy and should not be left to administrative rulemaking in the absence of congressional action; and (4) comprehensive regulations to address global climate change must only be enacted at the direction of Congress. Amends the Clean Air Act to amend the definition of "air pollutant" to exclude carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride.

Green Energy Paper Manufacturing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Green Energy Paper Manufacturing Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a general business tax credit, up to $25 million in a taxable year, for the production of energy from biomass fuels for a pulp, paper, or paperboard manufacturing facility located in the United States; and (2) advance payments of credit amounts for liquid biomass used as a fuel to produce steam or energy at any such facility.

Renewable Biomass Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Renewable Biomass Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2018 the tax credit for production of electricity from closed and open-loop biomass facilities; (2) eliminate the reduction in the rate of such credit for electricity produced from open-loop biomass; (3) extend to 10 years the credit period for open-loop biomass facilities; and (4) amend the definition of "cellulosic biofuel" for purposes of the tax credit for alcohol used as fuel to exclude any fuel if more than 4% of such fuel is any combination of water and sediment or if the ash content of such fuel is more than 1%.

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

United States · United States Senate · 15 December 2009

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the energy tax credit for transformers designed to use soybean-based electrical transformer fluid.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy tax credit for investment in an electrical transformer which is designed to use, and contains, soybean-based electrical transformer fluid as the insulating fluid.

Sharon E. Burke, of Maryland, to be Director of Operational Energy Plans and Programs. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 11 December 2009

Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act - Requires the President to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to 2005 levels by 20% by 2020, 30% by 2025, 42% by 2030, and 83% by 2050 through this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to reduce the emission of GHGs by: (1) placing a gradually declining limitation on the quantity of fossil carbon (carbon) permitted to be sold; and (2) requiring each first seller to surrender periodically to the Secretary a number of carbon shares equal to the quantity of covered carbon it produces or imports or be subject to a penalty. Defines a "first seller" as an entity in the business of producing or importing fossil carbon or production process carbon. Requires the President to establish a maximum aggregate quantity of carbon, and a corresponding number of carbon shares, permitted to be introduced into commerce for 2012. Requires that number of shares: (1) for 2012, 2013, and 2014 to be equal to the approximate level of carbon likely to be required by the economy during 2012; and (2) for each subsequent year to be reduced from the quantity of the previous year by 0.25%. Sets forth provisions concerning auctioning, purchasing, and selling shares. Restricts participation in such auctions to first sellers. Prohibits first sellers from directly or indirectly creating, purchasing, selling, or trading carbon share derivatives. Requires the Secretary to: (1) impose fees for the production process of carbon associated with commodities imported for sale; and (2) transfer collected fees and penalties to the Clean Energy Reinvestment Trust Fund established by this Act; and (3) distribute amounts from such Fund to individuals and entities that are unable to compete due to unfair market prices arising from disparate carbon limits or fees among countries. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of markets for carbon share derivatives; (2) provide carbon shares in excess of the aggregate quantity for carbon that is sequestered, injected, or embedded; (3) reduce the aggregate quantity of carbon shares for reductions of carbon emissions attributable solely to voluntary carbon reduction purchases; (4) establish a program that enables individuals to borrow against any future energy security dividends in order to make investments in energy efficiency or clean energy technologies and services; and (5) establish an Office of Consumer Advocacy for energy consumers. Establishes the Carbon Refund Trust Fund to be funded from auction proceeds and to distribute tax-free energy security dividends to U.S. residents.

To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to eliminate cost-sharing requirements in connection with economic adjustment grants made to assist communities that have suffered economic injury as a result of military base closures and realignments, defense contractor reductions in force, and Department of Energy defense-related funding reductions.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide that the federal share of the cost of projects assisted by economic adjustment grants made to communities that have suffered economic injury as a result of a military base closure or realignment, defense contractor reduction in force, or Department of Energy (DOE) defense-related funding reduction shall be 100%.

GRID-SCALE ENERGY STORAGE

United States · United States Senate · 10 December 2009

Put America to Work Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009

Put America to Work Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to states, local government units, and Indian tribes to create employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents of distressed communities. Specifies grant uses, including funding of fast-track jobs for: (1) painting and repair of schools, community centers, and libraries; (2) restoration of abandoned and vacant properties; (3) expansion of emergency food programs to reduce hunger; (4) augmentation of staffing in Head Start and other early childhood education programs; and (5) renovation and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces. Requires grant recipients to use remaining grant funds to make grants to public entities, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, or small businesses to create employment opportunities in: (1) construction, rehabilitation, and improvements in energy efficiency of residences or public facilities; (2) the provision of human services; (3) remediation and demolition of vacant and abandoned properties; and (4) programs that provide opportunities for employment, education, and training for disadvantaged youth.

Patricia A. Hoffman, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability), vice Kevin M. Kolevar, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 9 December 2009

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2014 the tax credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; (2) allow such credit for certain fuel-efficient heavy trucks and heavy electric vehicles; (3) extend through 2013 tax credits for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; (4) expand the definition of refueling property for electric motor vehicles to include panel upgrades, wiring, conduit, trenching, pedestals, and related equipment; and (5) allow a new tax credit, through 2013, for 50% of the cost, up to $3,500, for electric idling reduction devices installed on heavy-duty diesel powered on-highway vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to publish standards for certifying idling reduction devices.

Renewable Energy Environmental Research Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Renewable Energy Environmental Research Act of 2009 - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere in the Under Secretary's capacity as Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a plan to: (1) define requirements for a comprehensive and integrated ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmosphere science program to support renewable energy development; (2) identify and describe current climate, weather, and water data programs, products, services, and authorities within NOAA relevant to such development; (3) provide targeted research, data, monitoring, observation, and other information, products, and services concerning climate, weather, and water in support of renewable energy and smart grid technology; (4) provide research, data, monitoring, and other information, products, and services to inform renewable energy decisions concerning coastal and marine habitats, living marine resources and the ecosystems on which they depend, and coastal and marine planning; (5) reduce duplication and leverage the resources of existing NOAA programs; and (6) facilitate public-private cooperation. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to develop and implement an integrated and comprehensive ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmosphere research and operations program, based on such plan, to support renewable energy development. Enumerates program components. Requires the program to be designed to collect, synthesize, and distribute data in a manner that can be used by marine resource managers responsible for making decisions about marine renewable energy projects. Requires the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Commerce, Minerals Management Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Department of Energy (DOE) to consider this information when making planning, siting, and permitting decisions for marine renewable energy. Requires the Administrator to establish a renewable energy information library and data portal. Gives the Administrator the discretion to allow any offshore exploration and production facility to execute a memorandum of understanding authorizing the use of offshore platforms and infrastructure for the placement of meteorological and oceanographic observation sensors of a type to be designated by the Administrator in support of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. Requires information collected by such sensors to be readily available for use in spill response as well as available to the National Weather Service, other NOAA programs, and the general public.

American Clean Technology Manufacturing Leadership Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

American Clean Technology Manufacturing Leadership Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $4.8 billion the limitation on allocations of credits for the advanced energy project investment program.

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 relating to contracts for Federal purchases of renewable energy.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow a contract for the acquisition of renewable energy for the federal government to be made for a period of up to 30 years.

Sustainable Property Grants Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Sustainable Property Grants Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow real estate investment trusts to qualify for energy property grants under such Act without affecting limitations on dividend payments applicable to such trusts.

ENERGY BILLS

United States · United States Senate · 8 December 2009

Incentives to Increase Use of Renewable Biomass Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009

Incentives to Increase Use of Renewable Biomass Act of 2009 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a program to provide interest-free loans to eligible institutions (i.e., an institution of higher education, an elementary or secondary school, a hospital, a local government building, or a governmental, community, health, or educational building owned or leased and occupied by an Indian tribe, except any building used for gaming) for capital costs for converting existing equipment, or installing new equipment, to use renewable biomass for energy generation, heating, or cooling systems; and (2) ensure that an institution receiving such a loan will use renewable biomass for no less than 75% of the energy generation, heating, or cooling needs of the facility for which the loan is received. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund for such program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) deposit amounts received as payment on loans provided under such program into such revolving fund; and (2) make available $100 million of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to such revolving fund.

Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009

Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2015 the new energy efficient home tax credit; (2) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) increase to $5,000 the limit on the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures and extend such credit through 2015; (4) allow a $200 tax credit through 2011 for the cost of a home energy rating; and (5) allow a $500 tax credit for the cost of training and certifying home performance auditors to conduct home energy ratings.

Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2009

Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct a program of basic and applied research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application activities on materials, technologies, and processes with the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate petroleum use by, and emissions from, passenger and commercial vehicles; (2) ensure that the Department of Energy (DOE) continues to support domestic research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application activities and maintains competency in mid- to long-term transformational vehicle technologies with potential to achieve deep reductions in petroleum use and emissions; (3) implement activities under this Act in collaboration with automotive manufacturers, heavy commercial and transit vehicle manufacturers, qualified plug-in electric vehicle manufacturers, vehicle and engine equipment and component manufacturers, manufacturing equipment manufacturers, advanced vehicle service providers, fuel producers and energy suppliers, electric utilities, institutions of higher education, national laboratories, and independent research laboratories; (4) conduct research, development, engineering, and demonstration activities on connectivity of domestic vehicle and transportation systems; and (5) implement a research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application program of domestic advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies and practices. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Innovative Automotive Demonstration Program, within the Vehicle Technologies Program, to encourage the introduction of new domestic-made advanced technology vehicles into the marketplace that are designed in their entirety to achieve very high energy efficiency but still provide the capabilities required by consumers; (2) implement a program of cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial, recreational, and transit vehicles; (3) conduct a competitive grant program to demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies on Class 8 truck and trailer platforms with a goal of improving overall freight efficiency by 50%; and (4) develop standard testing procedures and technologies for evaluating the performance of advanced heavy vehicle technologies under a range of representative duty cycles and operating conditions and evaluate heavy vehicle performance using work performance-based metrics other than metrics based on miles per gallon. Requires the Secretary to implement a pilot program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications of technologies to improve total machine or system efficiency for nonroad mobile equipment. Authorizes appropriations.

Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2009

Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 certain expiring provisions for individual taxpayers, including: (1) the taxpayer election to deduct state and local general sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (2) the standard tax deduction for state and local real property taxes; (3) the tax deduction from gross income for qualified tuition and related expenses; and (4) the tax deduction from gross income for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers. Extends through 2010 expiring provisions for business taxpayers, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) tax treatment of certain items affecting U.S. shareholders of controlled foreign corporation; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold, restaurant, and retail property, for motorsports entertainment complexes, and for farming business machinery and equipment; (4) the tax credit for railroad track maintenance expenditures; (5) the enhanced expensing allowance for certain film and television production costs; (6) expensing of environmental remediation costs; (7) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; (8) the taxpayer election to expense advanced mine safety equipment expenditures; (9) the tax credit for differential wages payments to employees who are active duty members of the Uniformed Services; (10) tax rules relating to regulated investment companies (RICs); and (11) the suspension of the taxable income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties. Extends through 2010 expiring provisions relating to charitable organizations and contributions, including: (1) the tax deduction for charitable contributions of capital gain real property by individual taxpayers and certain corporate farmers and ranchers for conservation purposes; (2) the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory and book inventories to public schools and for corporate contributions of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes; (3) penalty-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (4) special tax rules for payments to controlling exempt organizations, exclusion of gain or loss from unrelated business taxable income from the sale or exchange of certain brownfield sites, and basis adjustment to stock of S corporations making charitable contributions. Extends through 2010: (1) the tax credit for employment of members of Indian tribes; (2) accelerated depreciation of property used for business purposes on an Indian reservation; (3) extension of the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities to such activities in Puerto Rico; (4) the limitation on the amount of distilled spirits tax covered (paid over) into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (5) the tax credit for American Samoa economic development expenditures. Extends through 2010 certain provisions relating to community development and assistance, including: (1) tax incentives in empowerment zones and renewal communities; (2) the new markets tax credit; (3) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia, the New York Liberty Zone, the Gulf Opportunity Zone, and low-income housing. Extends through 2010 tax-related disaster relief provisions, including: (1) the tax deduction for personal casualty losses attributable to federally-declared disasters; (2) expensing allowance for cleanup and other expenditures in disaster areas; (3) the five-year extended carryover period for net operating losses incurred in a disaster area; (4) waiver of mortgage revenue bond requirements for refinancing residences damaged or destroyed in a disaster area; and (5) expensing and accelerated depreciation of certain disaster assistance property. Extends through 2010 energy conservation and production provisions, including: (1) the tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; (2) the alternative motor vehicle tax credit for large hybrid vehicles; (3) the alternative fuel excise tax credit for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas; and (4) tax rules relating to sales required to implement federal and state restructuring policy for qualified electric utilities. Revises and adds reporting and other requirements relating to income from assets held abroad, including by: (1) requiring foreign financial and nonfinancial institutions to withhold 30% of payments made to such institutions by U.S. individuals unless such institutions agree to disclose the identity of such individuals and report on their bank transactions; (2) denying a tax deduction for interest on non-registered bonds issued outside the United States; (3) requiring any individual who holds more than $50,000 in a depository or custodial account maintained by a foreign financial institution to report on such accounts; (4) imposing an enhanced tax penalty for underpayments attributable to undisclosed foreign financial assets; (5) extending the limitation period for assessment of underpayments with respect to assets held outside the United States; (6) requiring shareholders of a passive foreign investment company to file informational returns; (7) enhancing tax rules and penalties relating to foreign trusts with U.S. beneficiaries; and (8) requiring withholding of tax on dividend equivalent payments received by foreign individuals. Sets forth tax rules relating to partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services. Increases by an additional 26.5% the required estimated tax payments for certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2014. Requires the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation to submit to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee a report on each tax expenditure extended by this Act.

MARINE AND HYDROKINETIC ENERGY TECHNOLOGY: FINDING THE PATH TO COMMERCIALIZATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 December 2009

International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009 - Requires the President to establish the Strategic Interagency Board on International Climate Investment to assess, monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress and contributions of departments and agencies in supporting funding for international climate change activities and the goals and objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Action Plan. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a program to provide assistance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from deforestation in developing countries. Establishes program objectives, including achieving emissions reductions of at least 720 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020, a cumulative amount of at least 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by December 31, 2025, and additional emissions reductions in subsequent years. Requires the Administrator to establish a publicly accessible registry of the emissions reductions achieved with such assistance. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement a program that addresses noncompletion or reversal with respect to any GHG emissions that were not, or are no longer, sequestered in the international deforestation reduction program. Requires: (1) the Secretary of State to establish the International Clean Energy Deployment Program to provide assistance to qualifying entities to implement clean technology activities that will contribute to reductions, sequestration, or avoidance of GHG emissions in eligible countries; and (2) the President to establish an interagency group to administer such program. Establishes an expert panel to provide guidance on technology deployment and programs to such group. Requires the Secretary to establish an International Climate Change Adaptation and Global Security Program to provide assistance to the most vulnerable developing countries for adapting and promoting resilience to climate change and its impacts. Requires the Secretary, working with the Board, to report biannually on climate change and energy policy for the five highest GHG emitting countries that are not members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the cost of labor for building envelope improvements to be included for purposes of the nonbusiness energy property tax credit.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures, to include labor costs paid to prepare, assemble, or install any residential energy efficiency improvements eligible for such credit.

CREATE Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Clean Renewable Energy Advancement Tax Extension Jobs Act of 2009 or the CREATE Jobs Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2016 the tax credit for producing electricity from wind and open-loop biomass facilities; (2) increase the limitation on the issuance of new clean renewable energy bonds; and (3) extend through 2011 the additional depreciation allowance for certain business assets acquired after 2007.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat nonrecourse small business investment company loans from the Small Business Administration as amounts at risk for purposes of determining the deduction for losses.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "qualified nonrecourse financing" to include qualified nonrecourse real property or Small Business Investment Company financing as amounts at risk for purposes of determining the deductibility of losses from certain investment activities, including farming, leasing, and energy exploration.

STORAGE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Storage Technology of Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2009 or the STORAGE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property directly connected to the electrical grid (i.e., state systems of generators, transmission lines, and distribution facilities) and designed to receive, store, and convert energy to electricity and deliver such electricity for sale; (2) make such property eligible for new clean renewable energy bond financing; (3) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property used at the site of energy storage; and (4) allow a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for the installation of energy storage equipment in a principal residence.

IMPACTS OF H.R. 3795, ``THE OVER-THE-COUNTER DERIVATIVES MARKET ACT OF 2009,'' ON ENERGY MARKETS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 December 2009

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2009 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009; (2) the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008; (3) the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008; (4) the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008; (5) the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008; (6) the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; (7) the Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007; and (8) the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005.

Women's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2009

Women's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each such center to: (1) conduct basic or clinical research; (2) develop protocols and conduct training programs for physicians, scientists, nurses, and other health and allied health professionals; (3) disseminate information to such professionals and the public; and (4) emphasize activities that are directed toward preventing the development in women of the diseases and conditions involved. Allows a center to use funds to provide stipends for health and allied health professionals enrolled in training programs. Requires each center to establish and maintain ongoing collaborations with community organizations in the geographic area served by the center, including organizations that represent women or children with disorders that appear to stem from environmental factors. Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of information among centers and ensure regular communication between them. Directs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to hold a hearing on the Director's implementation of this Act.

Environmental Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2009

Environmental Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive program to: (1) research the health effects on women and children that may result through disruption of the hormone systems; (2) carry out research, development, and demonstrations on technologies to mitigate the occurrence of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment and their unintended effects on ecological and wildlife health, in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and (3) coordinate U.S. research on hormone disruption with research conducted in other nations. Requires the program to provide for: (1) the collection and dissemination of scientifically valid information on human health effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants, the extent of human exposure to such pollutants, and the exposure of wildlife species to such pollutants and possible associated health effects; and (2) research on mechanisms by which such pollutants interact with biological systems, testing for hormone disruption, and the identity and fate of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment. Directs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to hold a hearing on program implementation. Gives the Director principal responsibility for conducting and coordinating research on the unintended effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants on human health and the environment. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel to make recommendations on the design and implementation of the program.

A bill to amend the Energy Conservation and Production Act to improve weatherization for low-income persons, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2009

Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise the meaning of "weatherization materials" for purposes of the program for the weatherization of low-income dwelling units to include pre-disaster hazard mitigation home improvements designed to decrease the loss of life or property resulting from a natural disaster if the improvements result in increased energy efficiency or weatherization, including wind resistant and energy efficient windows, window coverings, doors, and roofing (including secondary roof water barriers).

Nuclear Power 2021 Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2009

Nuclear Power 2021 Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to implement, through cooperative agreements with private sector partners, programs to: (1) develop a standard design for each of two small modular reactors, at least one of which has a rated capacity of not more than 50 electrical megawatts; (2) obtain a design certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for each of the designs by January 1, 2018; and (3) demonstrate the licensing of small modular reactors by developing applications for a combined license for each of the designs so certified, and obtaining a combined license from the NRC for each of the certified designs by January 1, 2021. Requires the Secretary to select proposals for such cooperative agreements through the use of competitive procedures and an impartial review of their scientific and technical merit.

OFFSHORE ENERGY PRODUCTION

United States · United States Senate · 19 November 2009

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (ISA) to direct the President to impose two or more specified ISA sanctions if a person (defined by such Act to include a natural person, business enterprise, or government entity operating as a business enterprise) has, with actual knowledge, made an investment of $20 million or more, or any combination of investments of at least $5 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $20 million in any 12-month period, that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop petroleum resources. (Under current law the sanction thresholds are $40 million, $10 million, and $40 million, respectively.) Directs the President to impose specified ISA sanctions on a person that, with actual knowledge, sells or provides goods, services, technology, information, or provides support related to the production of refined petroleum products in Iran: (1) any of which has a fair market value of $200,000 or more; or (2) that during a 12-month period have an aggregate fair market value of $1 million or more. Directs the President to impose specified ISA sanctions on a person that, with actual knowledge: (1) provides Iran with refined petroleum products that have a fair market value of $200,000 or more, or that, during a 12-month period, have an aggregate fair market value of $1 million or more; or (2) sells or provides to Iran certain goods, services, technology, information, or support any of which has a fair market value of $200,000 or more, or that during a 12-month period have an aggregate fair market value of $1 million or more. Sets forth mandatory foreign exchange, banking, and property sanctions for violations of such refined petroleum product production and export prohibitions. Expands the definition of "person" to include a financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, and any other business organization including a foreign subsidiary, parent, or affiliate, or a governmental entity acting as an export credit agency. Redefines "petroleum resources" to include petroleum, refined petroleum products, oil or liquefied natural gas, natural gas resources, oil or liquefied natural gas tankers, and products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or liquefied natural gas. Defines "refined petroleum products" to mean diesel, gasoline, jet fuel (including naphtha-type and kerosene-type jet fuel), and aviation gasoline. Applies specified additional economic sanctions to Iran. Makes a United States person (as defined by this Act) liable for activities conducted by a foreign subsidiary that: (1) was established to circumvent specified U.S. sanctions or statutes regarding Iran; and (2) engages in activities which, if committed in the United States or by a United States person, would violate such provisions. Makes such prohibitions and penalties inapplicable to a United States person that divests or terminates its business from a controlled subsidiary not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the head of any U.S. executive agency from entering into procurement contracts with an entity that has exported to Iran sensitive communications technology intended to be used to monitor or disrupt free communications to the people of Iran. Urges the President to consider imposing sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian bank engaged in proliferation activities or support of terrorist groups. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should continue to target Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps with economic sanctions and counter support for Hezbollah; and (2) the President should work with our allies to impose multilateral sanctions on Iran if diplomatic efforts to end Iran's nuclear activities fail. States that it is U.S. policy to support the decision of state and local governments and educational institutions to divest from, and to prohibit the investment of assets they control in, persons that have investments of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit the investment of assets they control in, such persons. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company and its directors, officers, employees, or advisors from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, Iran. Expresses the sense of Congress that a fiduciary of certain employee benefit plans may under specified conditions divest plan assets from, or avoid investing plan assets in, any person who engages in prohibited investment activities in Iran without breaching fiscal responsibilities. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Possible Diversion Concern if such designation is appropriate for activities to strengthen the county's export control systems based on specified criteria; and (2) the United States upon such designation to initiate specified government-to-government activities to strengthen the country's export control systems. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Diversion Concern if the country: (1) allows substantial transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of U.S.-originated items to unidentifiable end-users or to entities in Iran; or (2) has failed to cooperate with government-to-government activities or to adequately strengthen its export control systems. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) report to Congress identifying items that if transshipped, reexported, or diverted Iran could contribute to Iran obtaining nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or other defense items or technologies, or could contribute to Iranian support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) require an export license for a listed item to a country designated as a Destination of Diversion Concern. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report: (1) annually to the Secretaries of Commerce, State, Treasury, and to Congress identifying countries where sensitive U.S. technology is being illegally transshipped to Iran via other countries; and (2) to Congress on whether or not to extend the measures in this title to countries that allow diversion to other countries seeking weapons of mass destruction or supporting international terrorism. Terminates the provisions of this Act 30 days after the date on which the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of Iran has ceased supporting acts of international terrorism and no longer satisfies certain requirements for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism; and (2) Iran has ceased the development of nuclear, biological, chemical, and ballistic weapons.

Property Assessed Clean Energy Tax Benefits Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Property Assessed Clean Energy Tax Benefits Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the issuance of tax-exempt bonds to finance state and local government programs for clean energy improvements in buildings. Defines "clean energy improvements" as any distributed generation renewable energy sources, energy efficiency improvements, or water efficiency improvements which are permanently affixed to a building and result in a 20% savings in energy consumption.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the energy tax credit for investment in combined heat and power system property to: (1) increase the capacity limitations for such property; and (2) expand the definition of such property to include property which produces electrical or mechanical energy from recovered waste energy using back-pressure turbines, rankine, sterling, kalina, or other heat engines.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a renewable electricity integration credit for a utility that purchases or produces renewable power.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow electric utilities a business-related tax credit for producing and selling specified percentages of renewable electricity generated by wind and solar energy facilities.