Energy

THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1975: ARE WE POSITIONING AMERICA FOR SUCCESS IN AN ERA OF ENERGY ABUNDANCE?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 December 2014

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2014

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 - Directs the President to impose three or more specified sanctions against: Rosoboronexport; an entity owned by the government of the Russian Federation or controlled by its nationals that transfers or manufactures or sells defense articles transferred to, Syria or into the territory of a specified country without its government's consent; or a person that knowingly sponsors or provides financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, such an entity. Authorizes the President to impose three or more specified sanctions against a person that makes a significant investment in a special Russian crude oil project. Authorizes the President to impose additional licensing requirements or other restrictions on the export of items for Russia's energy sector. Directs the President to impose specified sanctions on Gazprom if it is withholding significant natural gas supplies from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, or further withholds significant natural gas supplies from countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, or Moldova. Sets forth sanctions against a foreign person, including executive officers of an entity, relating to: Export-Import Bank of the United States assistance, executive agency procurement, arms and dual-use item exports, U.S. property transactions, banking transactions, investing in or purchasing equity or debt instruments, and U.S. entry prohibition or visa revocation. Authorizes the President to impose a prohibition on the opening, and a prohibition or the imposition of strict conditions on the maintaining, in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that knowingly engages in significant transactions involving sanctioned persons. Authorizes the President to provide Ukraine with defense articles, services, and training. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to submit a plan to Congress to meet the need for protection of and assistance for internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at United Nations (U.N.) voluntary agencies to support assistance for internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Urges the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to assist Ukrainian defense sector entities reorient exports from Russian Federation customers to alternative markets in the Ukrainian defense sector that have already significantly reduced exports to and cooperation with Russian defense sector entities. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to work with Ukrainian officials to develop an emergency energy assistance plan to help Ukraine address the potentially severe heating fuel and electricity shortages facing Ukraine in 2014 and 2015. Directs the Secretary to work with Ukrainian officials to increase energy security by helping Ukraine reduce its dependence on natural gas imported from the Russian Federation. Authorizes FY2016-FY2018 appropriations for such activities. Directs: the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to prioritize support for investments to increase energy efficiency, develop domestic oil and natural gas reserves, and develop renewable energy sources in Ukraine; and the President to use U.S. influence to encourage the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international financial institutions to invest in and stimulate private investment in such projects. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to: (1) strengthen democratic civil society in Ukraine, (2) support independent media outlets, and (3) counter government corruption and improve accountability. Directs the Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors to submit to Congress a plan for increasing and maintaining the quantity of Russian-language broadcasting into the countries of the former Soviet Union in order to counter Russian Federation propaganda. Directs the Secretary to: (1) improve and strengthen democratic institutions and political and civil society organizations in the Russian Federation, and (2) expand uncensored Internet and independent media access. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) hold the Russian Federation accountable for being in violation of its obligations under the The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty; and (2) demand that the Russian Federation eliminate the military systems that constitute such violation. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as an authorization for the use of military force.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson Dam.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2014

Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon the request of the licensee for the project numbered 12478-003 (Gibson Dam, Montana), to extend for six years the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction. Commences such time period upon expiration of the previous extension issued by FERC before enactment of this Act.

Tax Reform Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2014

Tax Reform Act of 2014 - Title I: Tax Reform for Individuals - Subtitle A: Individual Income Tax Rate Reform - Revises individual income tax rates to establish three tax brackets (10%, 25%, and 35%). Allows individual taxpayers a deduction from gross income for 40% of adjusted net capital gain. Subtitle B: Simplification of Tax Benefits for Families - Establishes a single standard deduction of $22,000 for married couples filing jointly and $11,000 for single filers. Allows single filers with at least one qualifying child an additional deduction of $5,500, whether or not they itemize deductions. Requires a phaseout of the standard deduction amounts based on adjusted gross income. Increases the amount of the child tax credit. Requires taxpayers who claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit to provide their social security numbers on their tax returns. Modifies the earned income tax credit to provide for a refund of employment and self-employment taxes. Repeals the deduction for personal exemptions after 2014. Subtitle C: Simplification of Education Incentives - Replaces the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits and the tax deduction for tuition and qualified expenses with a new American Opportunity Tax Credit that allows a 100% tax credit for the first $2,000 of certain higher education expenses and a 25% tax credit for the next $2,000 of such expenses. Expands the tax exclusion for Pell Grants to allow the use of excludible grant funds for any purpose. Repeals specified deductions and exclusions of expenses for educational purposes. Subtitle D: Repeal of Certain Credits for Individuals - Repeals specified tax credits for individuals, including the tax credits for employment-related dependent care expenses, adoption expenses, nonbusiness and residential energy efficiency improvements, investment in qualified electric vehicles and alternative vehicles and refueling property, plug-in electric drive vehicles, health insurance costs, and the tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Subtitle E: Deductions, Exclusions, and Certain Other Provisions - Revises the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence to require a taxpayer to have used the residence as a principal residence for five of the previous eight years. Limits the use of such exclusion to once every five years. Modifies the tax deduction for mortgage interest to allow such deduction for acquisition indebtedness up to $500,000 (currently, $1 million). Revises rules for the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Denies a tax deduction for expenses attributable to the trade or business of performing services as an employee. Repeals or modifies specified tax deductions, including deductions for personal casualty losses, gambling losses, tax preparation expenses, medical expenses, moving expenses, alimony, and contributions to medical savings accounts. Repeals the tax exclusion for employee achievement awards. Subtitle F: Employment Tax Modifications - Revises rules for the deduction of self employment taxes in computing net earnings from self-employment. Eliminates the exemption from employment taxes for certain foreign workers and students. Makes supplemental unemployment benefit payments subject to employment tax. Treats professional employer organizations (PEOs), certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as employers for employment tax purposes (thus allowing such PEOs to pay wages and collect and remit payroll taxes on behalf of an employer). Subtitle G: Pensions and Retirement - Revises the tax treatment of individual and employer-provided retirement plans. Eliminates income eligibility limits for contributing to a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA). Prohibits new contributions to traditional IRAs. Repeals the exemption from the 10% penalty for early withdrawals from an IRA for first-time homebuyers. Prohibits employers from establishing new SIMPLE 401(k)s (Simplified Employee Pension plans) after 2014. Subtitle H: Certain Provisions Related to Members of Indian Tribes - Excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, the value of an Indian general welfare benefit. Defines "Indian general welfare benefit" as any payment made or services provided to or on behalf of a member of an Indian tribe under an Indian tribal government program if: (1) such program is administered under specified guidelines and does not discriminate in favor of members of the governing body of the Indian tribe; and (2) the program benefits are available to any tribal member, are for the promotion of general welfare, are not lavish or extravagant, and are not compensation for services. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish a Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the taxation of Indians, and (2) establish and require training and education for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) field agents on federal Indian law and the implementation of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any interest or tax penalties related to the exclusion from gross income of Indian general welfare benefits. Title II: Alternative Minimum Tax Repeal - Repeals the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Title III: Business Tax Reform - Subtitle A: Tax Rates - Reduces the maximum income tax rate on corporations to 25% beginning in 2019. Subtitle B: Reform of Business-Related Exclusions and Deductions - Revises the treatment of contributions to the capital of a corporation to require such contributions to be included in gross income. Repeals or modifies business-related tax deductions, including the amortization of pollution control facilities, the net operating loss deduction, amortization of research and experimental expenditures and certain advertising expenses, expensing elections for refineries and environmental remediation costs, the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities, entertainment expenses, percentage depletion, like-kind exchanges, and the exclusion of gain from the sale of small business stock. Revises the accelerated cost recovery system for the depreciation of business assets. Subtitle C: Reform of Business Credits - Repeals tax credits for alcohol and biodiesel used as fuel. Modifies and makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research expenditures. Modifies or repeals specified business-related tax credits, including the low-income housing tax credit, the enhanced oil recovery credit, the Indian employment credit, the employer-provided child care credit, energy-related credits, the rehabilitation credit, and the work opportunity tax credit. Subtitle D: Accounting Methods - Limits the use of the cash method of accounting to a natural person, a farming business, and other entities that meet the gross receipts test. Repeals specified accounting and inventory methods, including the last-in, first-out method of inventory (LIFO) and the lower of cost or market method of inventory. Subtitle E: Financial Instruments - Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of certain financial instruments, including derivatives, hedges, and debt instruments. Terminates tax preferences for private activity bonds and advance refunding bonds and the tax credit for interest on home mortgages. Subtitle F: Insurance Reforms - Modifies rules for the tax treatment of insurance companies, including life insurance companies, property and casualty insurance companies, and certain health insurance organizations. Subtitle G: Pass-Thru and Certain Other Entities - Modifies rules for the tax treatment of S corporations, partnerships, real estate investment trusts, and regulated investment companies. Subtitle H: Taxation of Foreign Persons - Prohibits U.S. insurance companies from deducting reinsurance premiums paid to a related company that is not subject to U.S. taxation on such premiums, unless the related company elects to treat the premium income as effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business subject to U.S. taxation. Makes income of foreign taxpayers that is derived from the operation of passenger cruise ships within U.S. territorial waters subject to U.S. tax. Modifies rules for the deduction of interest payments by a U.S. corporation to a related entity. Prohibits a reduction under any treaty of the United States of tax withholding for a tax deductible payment made between persons who are members of the same foreign controlled group of entities unless there would be a similar reduction for payments made directly to the foreign parent corporation of such entities. Subtitle I: Provisions Related to Compensation - Modifies tax rules relating to executive compensation, including a repeal of exceptions to the $1 million limitation for commissions and performance-based compensation. Imposes a 25% excise tax on the compensation in excess of $1 million paid to any of the five highest paid employees of tax-exempt organizations. Denies a tax deduction for transfers of stock under an incentive stock option plan or an employee stock purchase plan. Sets forth a safe harbor rule for the classification of an individual as an employee or an independent contractor for employment tax purposes. Subtitle J: Zones and Short-Term Regional Benefits - Repeals tax preferences for empowerment zones and enterprise communities, District of Columbia Zones, renewal communities, New York Liberty Zones, and Gulf Opportunity Zones. Title IV: Participation Exemption System for the Taxation of Foreign Income - Subtitle A: Establishment of Exemption System - Revises rules for the taxation of foreign source income to: (1) allow an exemption of 95% of dividends paid by a foreign corporation to a U.S. corporate shareholder that owns 10% or more of the foreign corporation; (2) allow a U.S. parent corporation to reduce the basis of its stock in a foreign subsidiary by the amount of any exempt dividends received by the parent from its foreign subsidiary; (3) allow a U.S. shareholder who owns at least 10% of a foreign subsidiary to include in income for the last tax year beginning before 2015 the pro rata share of historical earnings and profits of the foreign subsidiary to the extent such earnings and profits have not been previously subject to U.S. taxation; and (4) make permanent the look through tax rule exempting dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received or accrued from certain controlled foreign corporations by a related entity from treatment as foreign holding company income (thus permitting deferral of the tax on such income). Subtitle B: Modifications Related to Foreign Tax Credit System - Modifies rules relating to the foreign tax credit. Subtitle C: Rules Related to Passive and Mobile Income - Modifies rules relating to subpart F income (i.e., income of a controlled foreign corporation). Title V: Tax Exempt Entities - Subtitle A: Unrelated Business Income Tax - Revises the unrelated business income tax (UBIT) applicable to tax-exempt organizations by: (1) making all tax-exempt organizations, including government-sponsored entities, subject to UBIT; (2) requiring an exempt organization to calculate separately the net unrelated taxable income of each of its unrelated trades or businesses; (3) limiting the exemption from UBIT for research-related income fundamental research that is made available to the public: (4) increasing from $1,000 to $10,000 the deduction against gross income for UBIT; and (5) eliminating the exemption from UBIT for distressed property (i.e., property in foreclosure). Subtitle B: Penalties - Increases penalties on tax-exempt organizations for failure to file required returns and other information. Subtitle C: Excise Taxes - Expands the excise tax on excess-benefit transactions to labor, agricultural, and horticultural organizations and business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, and boards of trade. Reduces from 2% to 1% the excise tax rate on the net investment income of tax-exempt private foundations and repeals the 1% reduction in such tax rate for private foundations that meet certain distribution requirements. Makes certain private colleges and universities subject to a 1% excise tax on net investment income. Subtitle D: Requirements for Organizations Exempt From Tax - Repeals the tax exemption for professional sports leagues, for qualified property and casualty insurance companies and qualified health insurance issuers, and for type II and type III supporting organizations. Allows a tax exemption for a workmen's compensation insurance organization only if it provides no insurance coverage other than workmen's compensation insurance required by state law. Title VI: Tax Administration And Compliance - Subtitle A: IRS Investigation-Related Reforms - Requires organizations that intend to operate as a tax-exempt social welfare organization to notify the IRS of such intent not later than 60 days after such organization is established. Allows social welfare organizations to seek declaratory judgment relief in cases involving the initial or continuing qualification of their tax-exempt status. Expands the limitation on mandatory disclosures of information about donors to a social welfare organization to require information about a donor who is either an officer or director of the organization or is one of the five highest compensated employees of the organization for the current or any preceding taxable year. Requires all tax-exempt organizations to file their annual tax returns electronically. Expands the obligation of the IRS to ensure that its employees are familiar, and act in accordance with, specified taxpayer rights. Expands the grounds for mandatory termination of the employment of an IRS employee for performing, delaying, or failing to perform (or threatening to perform, delay, or fail to perform) any official action or audit for the purpose of extracting personal gain or benefit for political purposes. Authorizes the disclosure to any person who provides information indicating a violation of internal revenue laws relating to unauthorized disclosure or inspection of tax information or to unlawful acts of revenue officers or agents: (1) whether an investigation based on such information has been initiated and is open or closed; (2) whether any such investigation substantiated a violation; and (3) whether any action has been taken against a violator, including a referral for prosecution. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study and report on the process used for determining how IRS enforcement cases are selected and processed. Prohibits any IRS officer or employee from using a personal email account to conduct official business. Prohibits the IRS from holding any conference until the the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration certifies to Congress that the IRS has implemented recommendations in a specified report of the Inspector General. Requires the IRS to apply standards and definitions in effect on January 1, 2010, to determine whether an organization is operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare. Subtitle B: Taxpayer Protection and Service Reforms - Authorizes the IRS to use an identifying number in lieu of an employee's social security number on tax information forms. Directs the IRS, in cooperation with the private sector technology industry, to maintain a program of free tax preparation and electronic filing services to low-income and elderly taxpayers. Directs the IRS to make a simplified form 1040SR (similar to Form 1040EZ) available to taxpayers who have attained age 65. Provides that any refund or credit in excess of $5 million due to a C corporation taxpayer may not be made until the Secretary of the Treasury submits a report to the Joint Committee on Taxation providing information on such refund or credit. Subtitle C: Tax Return Due Date Simplification - Requires the Secretary, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014, to modify by regulation the due dates for extensions of tax returns for partnerships, trusts and estates, employee benefit plans, tax-exempt organizations, and certain trust funds. Sets a due date of April 15 for the annual information return of a foreign trust with a U.S. owner and for the report of foreign bank and financial accounts (with extensions until October 15). Extends the automatic extension for corporation income tax returns from three to six months. Subtitle D: Compliance Reforms - Increases penalties for failure to file a tax return or to provide correct tax information and payee statements. Makes the six-year limitation period for assessing additional tax applicable to underpayments resulting from an incorrect adjusted basis that is more than 125% of the correct adjusted basis. Directs the Secretary to enter into qualified tax collection contracts to collect outstanding inactive tax receivables. Extends the 100% continuous levy to payments due to Medicare providers and suppliers with delinquent tax debts. Requires that all refundable credit amounts be taken into account in computing the tax penalty for underpayment of tax. Title VII: Excise Taxes - Repeals the medical device excise tax. Extends the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Financing Rate of 9 cents per barrel for 2018 through 2023. Expands the definition of "crude oil," for purposes of the excise tax on petroleum, to include any bitumen or bituminous mixture, any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture (including oil derived from tar sands), and any oil derived from kerogen-bearing sources (including oil derived from oil shale). Increases the Inland Waterways Trust Fund financing rate to 26 cents per gallon for fuel used after 2014. Imposes a quarterly excise tax on each systemically important financial institution equal to .035 % of the institution's total consolidated assets in excess of $500 billion (indexed after 2015 for increases in the gross domestic product). Expands the exemption from the annual fee on branded prescription drug sales to include sales of any drug or biological product that is approved or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) solely for one or more rare diseases or conditions (diseases or conditions affecting less than 200,000 persons). Title VIII: Deadwood And Technical Provisions - Subtitle A: Repeal of Deadwood - Eliminates provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions). Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments Related to Multiple Sections - Sets forth conforming amendments.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 83) to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2014

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 83) to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2014

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to repeal authority to restrict the export of: (1) coal, petroleum products, natural gas, or petrochemical feedstocks; and (2) supplies of materials or equipment necessary to maintain or further exploration, production, refining, or transportation of energy supplies, or for the construction or maintenance of energy facilities within the United States. Prohibits any federal official from imposing or enforcing any restriction on the export of crude oil. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to study and make recommendations on the appropriate size, composition, and purpose of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

PREPARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2014

Promoting Regional Energy Partnerships for Advancing Resilient Energy Systems Act or the PREPARE Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) and the Secretary of the Interior (acting through specified Assistant Secretaries) to provide technical assistance to governmental entities, Indian tribes, and regional and nonprofit organizations to develop energy strategies that harmonize and promote national, regional, and state energy goals. Sets forth an awards program addressing the uniqueness of the energy challenges facing states and Indian tribes.

To require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2014

Requires the Department of the Interior to establish within the Empowering Insular Communities activity a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to: (1) develop an energy action plan addressing the energy needs of each of the insular areas (American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) and Freely Associated States (Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau); and (2) assist each of the insular areas and Freely Associated States in implementing the plan. Requires the plan to include: (1) recommendations to reduce reliance and expenditures on fuel shipped to the insular areas and Freely Associated States from ports outside the United States, to develop and utilize domestic fuel energy sources, and to improve performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency; (2) a schedule for implementation of the recommendations and identification and prioritization of specific projects; (3) a financial and engineering plan for implementing and sustaining projects; and (4) benchmarks for measuring progress toward implementation. Requires Interior to approve the plan before it is implemented. Extends the federal immigration law transition period for the Northern Mariana Islands through December 31, 2019, including the annual reduction of nonimmigrant workers who may be admitted during such period.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2014

Requires the Department of the Interior to establish within the Empowering Insular Communities activity a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to: (1) develop an energy action plan addressing the energy needs of each of the insular areas (American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) and Freely Associated States (Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau); and (2) assist each of the insular areas and Freely Associated States in implementing the plan. Requires the plan to include: (1) recommendations to reduce reliance and expenditures on fuel shipped to the insular areas and Freely Associated States from ports outside the United States, to develop and utilize domestic fuel energy sources, and to improve performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency; (2) a schedule for implementation of the recommendations and identification and prioritization of specific projects; (3) a financial and engineering plan for implementing and sustaining projects; and (4) benchmarks for measuring progress toward implementation. Requires Interior to approve the plan before it is implemented. Extends the federal immigration law transition period for the Northern Mariana Islands through December 31, 2019, including the annual reduction of nonimmigrant workers who may be admitted during such period.

National Laboratory Technology Maturation Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2014

National Laboratory Technology Maturation Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish the National Laboratory technology maturation program to make grants of up to $5 million per fiscal year to National Laboratories to increase the successful transfer of technologies licensed from National Laboratories to small businesses by providing a link between an innovative process or technology and a practical application with potential to be successful in commercial markets. Requires grant recipients to use the funds to provide vouchers of up to $250,000 each to small businesses that hold a technology license from a National Laboratory to pay the cost of providing assistance from its scientists and engineers to assist in the development of the licensed technology and further develop related products and services until they are market-ready or sufficiently developed to attract private investment. Requires a National Laboratory that awards a voucher to carry out such a project to: (1) establish a procedure to monitor interim progress of the project toward commercialization milestones, and (2) discontinue providing such funding or assistance if it determines that a project is not making adequate progress toward such milestones under the procedure.

Providing for a correction in the enrollment of the bill H.R. 3979.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2014

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in the enrollment of H.R. 3979, to revise the official title of such bill to read: "An Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2015 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".

NATURAL GAS VEHICLES: FUELING AMERICAN JOBS, ENHANCING ENERGY SECURITY, AND ACHIEVING EMISSIONS BENEFITS

United States · United States Senate · 3 December 2014

Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2014

Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 - Better Buildings Act of 2014 - Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to: (1) develop and publish model leasing provisions to encourage building owners and tenants to use greater cost-effective energy efficiency and water efficiency measures in commercial buildings, and (2) develop policies and best practices to implement the measures for the realty services provided by the GSA to federal agencies. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a voluntary Tenant Star program within the Energy Star program to recognize tenants of spaces in commercial buildings that voluntarily achieve high levels of energy efficiency. Authorizes the EPA to develop a voluntary program to recognize commercial building owners and tenants that use high-performance energy efficiency measures in the design and construction of leased spaces. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prescribe additional energy conservation standards for grid-enabled water heaters for use as part of an electric thermal storage or demand response program, which is a program that enables customers to reduce or shift their power use during peak demand periods. Energy Efficient Government Technology Act - Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require: (1) each federal agency to coordinate with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the EPA to develop an implementation strategy for the maintenance, purchase, and use of energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies; (2) DOE to maintain a data center energy practitioner program that leads to the certification of energy practitioners qualified to evaluate the energy usage and efficiency opportunities in federal data centers; and (3) DOE to establish an open data initiative to make information about federal data center energy usage available and accessible in a manner that encourages data center innovation, optimization, and consolidation. Requires DOE to maintain, and if necessary create, a database for storing and making available public energy-related information on commercial and multifamily buildings.

CSA OPPORTUNITY Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2014

Children's Savings Accounts Offer Parents Plenty of Reasons to Understand and Invest in Tuition Yearly Act or the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct a state receiving a TANF grant to disregard the value of any interest in, or distribution from, a qualified tuition program, as well as the value of a child's savings account, in determining individual or family TANF eligibility or the amount or type of assistance. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to exclude from an individual's resources for SSI eligibility or benefit purposes the value of any interest in, or distribution from, a qualified tuition program as well as the value of a child's savings account. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to exclude any child's savings accounts from resources for eligibility and benefit purposes under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program). Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to exclude from household income any child's savings accounts from resources for eligibility and benefit purposes under the low-income home energy assistance program. Prescribes penalties for noncompliance.

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2014

Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 - Directs the President to impose three or more specified sanctions against: Rosoboronexport; an entity owned by the government of the Russian Federation or controlled by its nationals that transfers or manufactures or sells defense articles transferred to, Syria or into the territory of a specified country without its government's consent; or a person that knowingly sponsors or provides financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, such an entity. Directs the President to impose three or more specified sanctions against a person that makes a significant investment in a special Russian crude oil project. Authorizes the President to impose additional licensing requirements or other restrictions on the export of items for Russia's energy sector. Directs the President to impose specified sanctions on Gazprom if it is withholding significant natural gas supplies from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, or further withholds significant natural gas supplies from countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, or Moldova. Sets forth sanctions against a foreign person, including executive officers of an entity, relating to: Export-Import Bank of the United States assistance, executive agency procurement, arms and dual-use item exports, U.S. property transactions, banking transactions, investing in or purchasing equity or debt instruments, and U.S. entry prohibition or visa revocation. Excludes import sanctions from the authority to block and prohibit U.S. property transactions. Authorizes the President to impose a prohibition on the opening, and a prohibition or the imposition of strict conditions on the maintaining, in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that knowingly engages in significant transactions involving sanctioned persons. Authorizes the President to provide Ukraine with defense articles, services, and training. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to submit a plan to Congress to meet the need for protection of and assistance for internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at United Nations (U.N.) voluntary agencies to support assistance for internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Urges the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to assist Ukrainian defense sector entities reorient exports from Russian Federation customers to alternative markets in the Ukrainian defense sector that have already significantly reduced exports to and cooperation with Russian defense sector entities. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to work with Ukrainian officials to develop an emergency energy assistance plan to help Ukraine address the potentially severe heating fuel and electricity shortages facing Ukraine in 2014 and 2015. Directs the Secretary to work with Ukrainian officials to increase energy security by helping Ukraine reduce its dependence on natural gas imported from the Russian Federation. Directs: the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to prioritize support for investments to increase energy efficiency, develop domestic oil and natural gas reserves, and develop renewable energy sources in Ukraine; and the President to use U.S. influence to encourage the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international financial institutions to invest in and stimulate private investment in such projects. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to: (1) strengthen democratic civil society in Ukraine, (2) support independent media outlets, and (3) counter government corruption and improve accountability. Directs the Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors to submit to Congress a plan for increasing and maintaining the quantity of Russian-language broadcasting into the countries of the former Soviet Union in order to counter Russian Federation propaganda. Directs the Secretary to: (1) improve and strengthen democratic institutions and political and civil society organizations in the Russian Federation, and (2) expand uncensored Internet and independent media access. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) hold the Russian Federation accountable for being in violation of its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, and (2) demand that the Russian Federation eliminate the military systems that constitute such violation. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as an authorization for the use of military force.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and other sectors of the United States economy should continue their sector-specific efforts to protect critical infrastructure, to prevent information security breaches, and to prevent cybersecurity breaches.

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2014

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the health care, energy, telecommunications, and other industry sectors should continue their sector-specific efforts to protect critical infrastructure and prevent information security and cybersecurity breaches (other than for research and development purposes).

Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2014

Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 - Title I: Certain Expiring Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend certain expiring tax provisions relating to individuals, businesses, and the energy sector. Subtitle A: Individual Tax Extenders - Extends through 2014: the tax deduction of expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; the tax exclusion of imputed income from the discharge of indebtedness for a principal residence; the equalization of the tax exclusion for employer-provided commuter transit and parking benefits; the tax deduction of mortgage insurance premiums; the tax deduction of state and local general sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; the tax deduction of contributions of real property interests for conservation purposes; the tax deduction of qualified tuition and related expenses; and the tax exemption of distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes. Subtitle B: Business Tax Extenders - Extends through 2014: the tax credit for increasing research activities; the low-income housing tax credit rate for newly constructed non-federally subsidized buildings; the Indian employment tax credit; the new markets tax credit; the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures; the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; the tax credit for differential wage payments to employees who are active duty members of the Uniformed Services; the work opportunity tax credit; authority for issuance of qualified zone academy bonds; the classification of race horses as three-year property for depreciation purposes; accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property, of motorsports entertainment complexes, and of business property on Indian reservations; accelerated depreciation of certain business property (bonus depreciation); the special rule allowing a tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory by taxpayers other than C corporations; the increased expensing allowance for business assets, computer software, and qualified real property (i.e., leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property); the election to expense advanced mine safety equipment expenditures; the expensing allowance for film and television production costs and costs of live theatrical productions; the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; tax rules relating to payments between related foreign corporations and dividends of regulated investment companies; the treatment of regulated investment companies as qualified investment entities for purposes of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA); the subpart F income exemption for income derived in the active conduct of a banking, financing, or insurance business; the tax rule exempting dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received or accrued from certain controlled foreign corporations by a related entity from treatment as foreign holding company income; the 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of small business stock; the basis adjustment rule for stock of an S corporation making charitable contributions of property; the reduction of the recognition period for the built-in gains of S corporations; tax incentives for investment in empowerment zones; the increased level of distilled spirit excise tax payments into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and the tax credit for American Samoa economic development expenditures. Amends the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 to extend through 2014 the exemption of the basic military housing allowance from the income test for programs financed by tax-exempt housing bonds. Subtitle C: Energy Tax Extenders - Extends through 2014: the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements; the tax credit for second generation biofuel production; the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures; the tax credit for producing electricity using Indian coal facilities placed in service before 2009; the tax credit for producing electricity using wind, biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, trash, hydropower, and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy facilities; the tax credit for energy efficient new homes; the special depreciation allowance for second generation biofuel plant property; the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; tax deferral rules for sales or dispositions of qualified electric utilities; and the excise tax credit for alternative fuels and fuels involving liquefied hydrogen. Subtitle D: Extenders Relating to Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans - Extends through 2015 the automatic extensions of amortization periods for multiemployer defined benefit pension plans and for multiemployer funding rules under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Title II: Technical Corrections - Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2014 - Makes technical and clerical amendments to: the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012; the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012; the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010; the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010; the Creating Small Business Jobs Act of 2010; the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009; the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008; the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008; the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008; the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008; the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; the Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007; the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: A Legacy for Users; the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005; and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Eliminates provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions). Title III: Joint Committee on Taxation - Provides that any refund or credit in excess of $5 million due to a C corporation taxpayer may not be made until the Secretary of the Treasury submits a report to the Joint Committee on Taxation providing information on such refund or credit. Title IV: Budgetary Effects - Prohibits the entry of the budgetary effects of this Act on certain PAYGO scorecards.

Powering American Jobs Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2014

Powering American Jobs Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015: (1) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy efficient improvements; (2) excise tax credits and payments for alternative fuels, biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures, and alternative fuels relating to liquefied hydrogen; (3) the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; and (4) the income tax credit for biodiesel and renewable fuels. Equalizes the excise tax rate for liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas. Modifies energy efficiency standards for windows, doors, skylights, roofing, water heaters, biomass stoves, and furnaces or hot water boilers.

A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to clarify the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prescribe just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory or preferential terms, conditions, and compensation applicable to wholesale demand response resource participation in organized wholesale energy, capacity, and ancillary service markets.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2014

Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prescribe just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory or preferential terms, conditions, and compensation applicable to wholesale demand response resource participation in organized wholesale energy, capacity, and ancillary service markets. Defines "demand response" as a reduction in customer consumption of electric energy from the expected consumption in response to either increased electric energy prices or to incentive payments designed to induce lower electric energy consumption.

Recognizing the 40th anniversary of passage of the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2014

Urges the people of the United States to recognize the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974. Recognizes the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's research and work to improve renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should make a commitment to provide adequate funding to support the Laboratory.

Strongly condemning the actions of the Russian Federation, under President Vladimir Putin, which has carried out a policy of aggression against neighboring countries aimed at political and economic domination.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2014

Supports the efforts by President Poroshenko and the people of Ukraine to establish a lasting peace for Ukraine that includes: full withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory, full control of its international borders, disarming of separatist and paramilitary forces in eastern Ukraine, adoption of policies to reduce the Russian Federation's ability to use energy exports and trade barriers as weapons to apply economic and political pressure, and an end to interference by the Russian Federation in Ukraine's internal affairs. Affirms the right of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and all countries to exercise their sovereign rights within their internationally recognized borders. Condemns the continuing political, economic, and military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova and the continuing violation of their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. States that the military intervention by the Russian Federation in Ukraine: is in breach of its obligations under the United Nations Charter and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, and poses a threat to international peace. Calls on the Russian Federation to: reverse its illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, end its support of the separatist forces in Crimea, and remove its military forces from that region (other than those operating in strict accordance with its 1997 agreement on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet Stationing on the Territory of Ukraine); remove its military forces from Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, and end its political, military, and economic support of separatist forces; and end violations of the September 2014 cease fire. Calls on the President to provide the government of Ukraine with necessary defense articles, services, and intelligence in order to defend its territory and sovereignty. Calls on North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and U.S. partners to suspend military cooperation with Russia. Calls on the President to cooperate with U.S. allies to: (1) refuse to recognize the Russian Federation's illegal annexation of Crimea; and (2) impose visa bans, asset freezes, and sanctions on the Russian Federation and its leadership to compel it to end its violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Urges the President, in consultation with Congress, to review the Treaty readiness of U.S. and NATO armed forces. Urges the President to hold the Russian Federation accountable for violations of its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Calls on Ukraine, the European Union (EU), and other European countries to support energy diversification initiatives to reduce the Russian Federation's ability to use energy supplies as a means of applying political and economic pressure on other countries. Calls on the President and the Department of State to develop a strategy to produce or otherwise procure and distribute news and information in the Russian language to countries with significant Russian-speaking populations. Calls upon the Russian Federation to seek a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States based on respect for the independence and sovereignty of all countries.

Microlab Technology Commercialization Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Microlab Technology Commercialization Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the directors of national laboratories, to establish a program meeting specified criteria under which DOE sets up microlabs located in close proximity to national laboratories and accessible to the public in order to: (1) enhance collaboration with regional research groups, such as institutions of higher education and industry groups; and (2) accelerate technology transfer from national laboratories to the marketplace.

POWER Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Providing Opportunities to Work for Energy Reliability Act or the POWER Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review any decision by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NAERC) to approve a new balancing authority that would alter cost allocations under an existing system support resources agreement. Precludes such new balancing authority from taking effect until approved by FERC. Requires FERC to publish a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed NAERC decision, including its likely financial impact upon ratepayers, before issuing a decision to approve, disapprove, or modify the NAERC decision.

POWER Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Providing Opportunities to Work for Energy Reliability Act or the POWER Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review any decision by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NAERC) to approve a new balancing authority that would alter cost allocations under an existing system support resources agreement. Precludes such new balancing authority from taking effect until approved by FERC. Requires FERC to publish a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed NAERC decision, including its likely financial impact upon ratepayers, before issuing a decision to approve, disapprove, or modify the NAERC decision.

Freedom From Foreign Influence Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2014

Freedom From Foreign Influence Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue promptly permits allowing energy resources exploration and extraction in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN AFRICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 November 2014

A bill to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from issuing certain decisions that will raise costs for ratepayers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2014

Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to publish a cost-benefit analysis before issuing any decision that would either: (1) authorize creation of a new capacity zone, or (2) affect the supply and demand curves or models used to determine prices at points in a capacity zone. Prohibits FERC from issuing any such decision if it determines that such analysis shows that costs will be raised for ratepayers. Backdates the effective date of this Act to January 1, 2014.

Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2014

Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to direct the Propane Education and Research Council to develop for propane distributors and consumers training programs on strategies to mitigate negative effects of future propane price spikes. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use the refiner price to end users of consumer grade propane as published by the Energy Information Administration when preparing the annual analysis of changes in the price of propane relative to other energy sources.

To provide for the approval of the Amendment to the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2014

Allows specified amendments to the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes to be brought into effect as if all requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 for congressional consideration of those amendments had been satisfied. Subjects such amendments, upon coming into effect, to the requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and any other applicable U.S. law, as if they had come into effect in accordance with those requirements.

To approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2014

Authorizes TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities specified in an application filed by TransCanada Corporation to the Department of State on May 4, 2012. Deems the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement regarding the pipeline issued by the Secretary of State in January 2014 to fully satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and any law that requires federal agency consultation or review, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Declares any applicable federal permit or authorization issued before enactment of this Act to remain in effect. Restricts any legal challenges regarding a federal agency action and such facilities to judicial review on direct appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Declares that this Act does not alter any federal, state, or local process or condition in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that is necessary to secure access from an owner of private property to construct the pipeline and cross-border facilities.

Super Pollutants Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Super Pollutants Act of 2014 - Establishes requirements for agencies to evaluate, mitigate, reduce, and report on the following short-lived climate pollutant emissions (non-carbon dioxide pollutants that contribute to global warming even though they stay in the atmosphere for only a short time): black carbon (soot emissions that absorb sunlight, reduce the reflectivity of snow and ice when deposited on them, and generate heat), methane, and high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons (high-GWP HFC). Requires the President to establish the Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Mitigation to address these pollutants through an action plan. Directs the Department of State to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce black carbon emissions from international shipping. Requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to prioritize black carbon mitigation activities as part of aid distribution activities. Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the availability of high-GWP HFC alternatives. Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture of any uncharged hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 air-conditioning condensing equipment for residential use. Requires the EPA to determine whether the sale of R-134a automotive air-conditioning recharge kits to consumers represents an environmentally significant source of high-GWP HFC emissions. Requires the State Department, the DOE, the EPA, and the Department of Commerce to provide other countries with technical guidance on containing emissions from gas drilling, landfills, coal mining, and agriculture. Directs the EPA to establish an inspection and maintenance program for equipment that has high leak rates of methane gas.

21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a comprehensive program to improve the education and training of workers for energy-related jobs, with emphasis on increasing the number of skilled minorities and women trained to work in such jobs.

10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2014 - Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to provide rebates for the purchase and installation of photovoltaic systems with the goal to install 10 million systems with a cumulative capacity of at least 60,000 megawatts over the next ten years. Includes within the photovoltaic system solar panels, roof support structures, inverters (to convert the current output from a solar panel into a frequency that can be fed into the electrical grid), an energy storage system if it is integrated with the system, and any other hardware necessary for the installation of a system.

Livable Communities Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Livable Communities Act of 2014 - Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC) to review and coordinate federal policies that: encourage locally directed comprehensive and integrated planning and development at the state, regional, and local levels, and coordinated public investments through development of comprehensive regional plans; and provide long-term affordable, accessible, energy-efficient, healthy and location-efficient housing choices for all people, particularly low-income families. Requires the OSHC Director to establish a program to make comprehensive planning grants and community challenge grants to units of general local government or Indian tribes to carry out projects meeting specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of HUD to make or guarantee (up to 75% of) loans to eligible governmental, corporate, or partnership borrowers for infrastructure development projects used to support transit-oriented development. Requires the Director of the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to lead the federal initiative to support healthy housing and eradicate housing-related health hazards. Requires the Secretary to study how sustainable building features in housing, such as energy efficiency, affect: (1) the quality of the indoor environment, (2) the prevalence of housing-related health hazards, and (3) the health of the occupants.

A bill to streamline the oil and gas permitting process and to recognize fee ownership for certain oil and gas drilling or spacing units, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

States that a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) drilling permit shall not be required under either the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 or the Code of Federal Regulations for an action occurring within an oil and gas drilling or spacing unit, if: (1) less than 50% of the minerals within the oil and gas drilling or spacing unit are federally owned, and (2) the federal government neither owns nor leases the surface estate within the unit's boundaries. Retains the right of the federal government to receive royalties from the production of federal minerals within the unit.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the credit for production of electricity from renewable resources for certain open-loop biomass and trash facilities placed in service before the date of the enactment of this Act.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources, to allow a taxpayer to elect the application of such credit to open-loop biomass and trash facilities during the period beginning after December 31, 2013, and ending before January 1, 2016 (in lieu of the 10-year period after the facilities are originally placed in service). Limits the aggregate period during which a taxpayer can claim a tax credit with respect to a facility to 10 years.

A resolution designating October 17, 2014, as "National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day".

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Designates October 17, 2014, as National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day to promote programs and activities that will lead to the greater use of cleaner, more efficient transportation that uses new sources of energy. Urges the people of the United States to: (1) increase the personal and commercial use of, and promote public sector adoption of, cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles; and (2) encourage the adoption of federal policies to advance and adopt alternative, advanced, and emerging vehicle and fuel technologies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that performance-based contracts for energy savings are a budget-neutral means to support the Federal Government in reducing its energy consumption without increasing spending while simultaneously supporting United States based jobs and economic development.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Expresses the sense of the Senate that legislation regarding Energy Savings Performance Contracts and Utility Energy Service Contracts or that may lead to their use by the federal government should receive congressional scoring treatment making it more likely that the legislation will be scored as budget neutral. Supports allowing future discretionary spending savings to be counted against the mandatory spending attributed to entering into the contracts.

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act - Directs the Department of Commerce to carry out a program to establish clean technology consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic development, manufacture, and deployment of clean technologies, production processes, or methodologies that: produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid (an electric power system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth, including by deploying demand-side resources that enable consumers to reduce or shift their electricity usage during peak periods); produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation, including electric vehicles; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications. Requires Commerce to award grants for the establishment and operation of consortia. Establishes the role of consortia, including promoting new innovative clean technologies, providing technical or financial assistance, and accelerating investment in and deployment of clean technologies through public-private partnerships.

Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science to carry out a research program on low dose radiation to enhance the scientific understanding of and reduce uncertainties associated with the effects of exposure to low dose radiation. Requires the Director to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study assessing the current status and development of a long-term strategy for low dose radiation research. Requires such study to: identify current scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation, assess the status of current low dose radiation research, formulate overall scientific goals for the future of low-dose radiation research, recommend a long-term strategic and prioritized research agenda to address scientific research goals for overcoming the identified scientific challenges in coordination with other research efforts, define the essential components of a research program that would address this research agenda within the universities and the National Laboratories, and assess the effectiveness of such a program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to deliver to Congress a five-year research plan that responds to the study's findings and recommendations and identifies and prioritizes research needs. Eliminates the limitation on DOE's biology research program conducting research on human cells or human subjects, or research designed to have direct application with respect to human cells or human subjects.

HELP Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Healthy Employee Loss Prevention Act of 2014 or the HELP Act - Authorizes the following groups to petition for eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance to the Critical Employment Advisory Commission (established by this Act) and the governor of a state: a group of adversely affected workers; the certified or recognized union or other duly authorized representative of such workers; or employers of such workers, one-stop operators or one-stop partners, including state employment security agencies, or the state dislocated worker unit, on their behalf. Defines "adversely affected worker" to mean an individual who, because of lack of work in adversely affected employment, has been been totally or partially separated from such employment, or has been totally separated from employment with the company in a subdivision of which adversely affected employment exists. Directs the Commission to certify a group of adversely affected workers as eligible for adjustment assistance if: they were coal miners, coal utility workers, or other workers in the coal industry or a coal-dependent industry; a significant number of the company's workers have become, or are threatened to become, totally or partially separated or have experienced, or are threatened to experience, a significant reduction in wages; and the company's sales or production, or both, have caused a shift contributing to the worker's separation or threat of separation. Requires any complete or partial separation or reduction in wages to be directly attributable to: actions by the federal government, the low-cost of other forms of energy, the existence of state-to-state electricity market competition, or other reasons the Commission determines. Requires the payment of a readjustment allowance to an adversely affected worker covered by an eligibility certification who files an application for any week of unemployment, provided certain conditions have been met. Requires the Commission to: make available employment and case management services, directly or through state agreements, to adversely affected workers as well as adversely affected incumbent workers; and approve training for such workers in cases where suitable employment is not available. Authorizes states to use certain funds for adversely affected workers for payment of job search and relocation allowances. Establishes the Commission and the Transition Adjustment Assistance Fund to carry out this Act.

Federal Property Low Hanging Fruit Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Federal Property Low Hanging Fruit Act - Authorizes the head of each executive department to convey real and related property under the department's ownership and control and retain the net proceeds in an account within the Treasury. Makes such proceeds available to the department head to pay necessary and incidental costs for the department's property management activities, including acquisition, improvements, maintenance, reconstruction or construction needs. Directs the head of each of the Departments of Defense (DOD), Agriculture, and Energy (DOE) and the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop and carry out a plan to enter into agreements with a nongovernmental person to: (1) lease at least 5, but not more than 10, federal real properties that are underutilized or excess; and (2) develop, rehabilitate, or renovate facilities on such leased properties. Requires such agreements to provide a lease option to the United States and indemnity for any actions, debts, or liability of the nongovernmental person. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to submit reports to Congress on the effectiveness of the plan.

Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015 the following energy-related tax provisions: the tax credits for residential energy efficiency improvements, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures, two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles, second generation biofuel production, biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures, producing electricity using Indian coal facilities, the construction of energy-efficient new homes, and new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles; the enhanced depreciation allowance for second generation biofuel plant property; the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; the excise tax credit for alternative fuels and fuels involving liquefied hydrogen; and tax deferral rules for sales or dispositions of qualified electric utilities. Extends through 2016, the tax credit for producing electricity using wind, biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, trash, hydropower, and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy facilities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to consider and award certifications for qualified investments eligible for the advanced energy project tax credit. Limits the amount of credits that may be allocated under such program to not more than $5 billion (the 2013 allocation amount). Authorizes the Secretary to make direct payments to a taxpayer in lieu of a tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit to solar energy, fuel cell, microturbine, combined heath and power system, small wind energy, and thermal energy properties the construction of which begins before January 1, 2017.

Creating American Prosperity through Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Creating American Prosperity through Preservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax credits for building rehabilitation expenditures, to: (1) allow an increased 30% credit for projects involving $7.5 million or less in rehabilitation expenditures, (2) provide for an additional 2% credit amount for a building that is a qualified energy efficient rehabilitated building (increased energy efficiency of 30% or more), (3) change the placed-in-service requirement for non-historic rehabilitated buildings from before 1936 to 50 years prior to the year in which qualified rehabilitation expenditures are taken into account, and (4) exempt from tax the proceeds of a state historic tax credit.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2014 - Makes technical and clerical amendments to: the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012; the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012; the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010; the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010; the Creating Small Business Jobs Act of 2010; the Hiring Incentives To Restore Employment Act; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009; the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008; the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008; the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008; the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008; the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; the Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007; the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: A Legacy for Users; the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005; and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Eliminates provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions).

Expressing the sense of the House that a Contract with America should restore American competitiveness.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a Contract with America should include a roadmap to restore American competitiveness by: simplifying the corporate tax structure with lower statutory rates and no loopholes; taxing overseas profits earned by American multinational companies only where they are earned; easing the immigration of highly skilled individuals; responsibly developing America's shale-gas and oil reserves; aggressively addressing distortions and abuses in the international trading system; improving American logistics, communications, and energy infrastructure; simplifying and streamlining federal regulation; and creating a sustainable federal budget, including entitlement reform.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that performance-based contracts for energy savings are a budget-neutral means to support the Federal Government in reducing its energy consumption without increasing spending while simultaneously supporting United States based jobs and economic development.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that legislation regarding Energy Savings Performance Contracts and Utility Energy Service Contracts or that may lead to their use by the federal government should receive congressional scoring treatment making it more likely that the legislation will be scored as budget neutral. Supports allowing future discretionary spending savings to be counted against the mandatory spending attributed to entering into the contracts.

H.R. 4526, THE 21ST CENTURY ENERGY WORK- FORCE DEVELOPMENT JOBS INITIATIVE ACT OF 2014

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 September 2014

REFORMING AMERICA'S OUTDATED ENERGY TAX CODE

United States · United States Senate · 17 September 2014

E-Car Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2014

Electric Charging Advancement Reform Act or the E-Car Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the tax credit for qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures with a tax credit for 50% of the cost of any qualified electric vehicle recharging property that is: (1) installed on property used as the principal residence of the taxpayer, and (2) for the recharging of motor vehicles propelled by electricity. Terminates such credit after December 31, 2017.