Energy

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the plan of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy for modernizing the nuclear weapons of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2016

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) ensure the affordability and feasibility of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy plan for modernizing U.S. nuclear weapons by reevaluating and modifying proposals for programs to modernize such weapons and their delivery systems to ensure that such proposals focus on refurbishment to ensure security, safety, and efficiency of existing weapons and delivery systems; and (2) prioritize planned programs so that the United States retains a nuclear arsenal robust enough to meet deterrence needs and so that such programs do not jeopardize other economic investments and security expenditures appropriate to U.S. needs in the 21st century.

RECLAIM Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2016

Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2016 or the RECLAIM Act of 2016 This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to make specified funds available to the Department of the Interior for each of FY2017-FY2021 for distribution to states and Indian tribes to promote economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining carried out before August 3, 1977. The bill prescribes general requirements for projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and waters that are likely to create favorable conditions for the economic development of the project site or promote the general welfare through economic and community development of the area in which the project is conducted. Any such project shall be located in a community affected by a recent decline in mining. A state or Indian tribe that receives funds under this bill may retain a portion of them as necessary to supplement its acid mine drainage abatement and treatment fund for future operation and maintenance costs for the treatment of acid mine drainage associated with individual projects.

American Innovation and Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2016

American Innovation and Competitiveness Act This bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to maintain the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria as the basis for evaluating grant proposals in the merit review process. The NSF shall issue and periodically update policy guidance for both NSF staff and other NSF merit review process participants on the importance of transparency and accountability to the outcomes made through the merit review process. The bill renames the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research as the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and revises program requirements. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) shall research information systems for future cybersecurity needs. The bill renames the National High Performance Computing Program as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program and revises program requirements. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) shall continue to coordinate federal research in high-energy physics, radiation biology, and fusion energy sciences. NIST shall implement a comprehensive strategic plan for laboratory programs expanding interactions with academia, international researchers, and industry, and commercial and industrial applications. The NSF shall: evaluate the existing and future needs, across all NSF-supported disciplines, for mid-scale projects; strengthen oversight and accountability over the full life-cycle of major multi-user research facility projects; and continue to review its efforts to sustain scientific efforts in the face of logistical challenges for the U.S. Antarctic Program. The Department of Commerce Office of Security shall directly manage NIST's law enforcement and site security programs through an assigned Director of Security for NIST. The Office of Management and Budget shall establish an interagency working group to reduce administrative burdens of federally funded researchers while protecting the public's interest in the transparency of, and accountability for, federally funded activities. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) shall establish a body under the NSTC to identify and coordinate international science and technology cooperation in order to strengthen U.S. science and technology enterprise, improve economic and national security, and support U.S. foreign policy goals. The NSF, the Department of Education, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall establish the STEM Education Advisory Panel to advise the NSTC Committee on STEM Education on matters related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The NSF shall award grants to increase the participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields. The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act is amended to revise requirements for the NIST post-doctoral fellowship program , and the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Federal science agencies may use crowdsourcing and voluntary, collaborative citizen science to advance their missions. The OSTP shall establish an interagency working group to: (1) summarize available research and best practices on how to promote diversity and inclusions in STEM fields, and (2) examine whether barriers exist to promoting diversity and inclusion within federal agencies employing scientists and engineers. Each federal agency shall recommend to the President how it could expand research opportunities for undergraduate students attending institutions of higher education. The NSF shall award grants for: research on computer science education and computational thinking; and Innovation Corps entrepreneurship and commercialization education, training, and mentoring. The OSTP shall arrange with the National Research Council to study technologies employed at institutions of higher education to provide notifications to students, faculty, and other personnel during emergencies.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2016

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of: the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI); the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); the Department of Defense; the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); the National Security Agency (NSA); the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the U.S. Coast Guard; the Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for: (1) the Intelligence Community Management Account, and (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. The ODNI must: (1) submit a five-year investment strategy for outreach and recruiting efforts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that includes cybersecurity and computer literacy; (2) implement a multisector workforce initiative to enable the intelligence community to build and maintain an appropriate ratio of employees and core contractors; (3) issue guidance regarding the intelligence community's engagements with the entertainment industry; and (4) implement a uniform policy to ensure the independence of inspectors general of the intelligence community, the ODNI, the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, the NGA, and the NRO. For FY2017 and FY2018, personnel of the intelligence community must be managed solely on the basis of: (1) the workload required to carry out intelligence community functions, and (2) the funds made available for each such fiscal year. Management of intelligence personnel during this period shall not be subject to any constraint or limitation in terms of man years, end strength, positions, or maximum number of employees. DHS's national cybersecurity and communications integration center must carry out a program to provide assistance to certain critical infrastructure entities to reduce the risk of regional or national catastrophic harm caused by a cyber attack. The Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive is redesignated as the National Counterintelligence and Security Center with a director to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill revises or sets forth requirements for: the ODNI to participate in fund-raising events for nonprofit organizations that support intelligence community employees and their families, CIA employee death and retirement benefits, publication of the logos of terrorist organizations, space-based environmental monitoring missions and acquisition programs to meet national security requirements for cloud characterization and theater weather imagery, an evaluation of aerial imagery technologies that can be used to share intelligence with other countries as a replacement for the current regime of observation flights, a declassification review of intelligence reports regarding past terrorist activities of detainees transferred or released from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and a concept for a combined interagency space operations center and an updated strategy for national security satellite systems. The bill establishes an executive branch interagency committee to counter active measures by the Russian Federation to exert covert influence over peoples and governments. The State Department must coordinate with the FBI and the ODNI to establish a mandatory advance notification regime governing all travel by accredited diplomatic and consular personnel of the Russian Federation in the United States.

Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016

Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016 This bill amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to exempt inspectors general (when they are conducting an authorized audit, investigation, inspection, evaluation, or review) from: (1) information privacy protections that require agreements between agencies for computerized comparisons of automated federal records systems under the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, and (2) procedural requirements for information collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) must mediate disputes that involve the jurisdiction of more than one office of inspector general, except for matters coordinated by intelligence community inspectors general. The membership structure of CIGIE's Integrity Committee is modified to eliminate: (1) the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as chairperson of the committee, and (2) the Special Counsel of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) as a committee member. The committee must elect one of the inspectors general on the committee as chairperson to serve for a term of two years. The bill revises procedures and establishes time lines for the committee to refer allegations of wrongdoing against an inspector general, or against a staff member of an inspector general's office, to: (1) the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the OSC for investigation, or (2) the committee for review. Concurrent investigations may be conducted by the committee, DOJ, and the OSC. The committee may also receive, review, and refer allegations of wrongdoing against the Special Counsel or Deputy Special Counsel (officials appointed to investigate prohibited personnel practices and government waste and abuse). An inspector general may access federal grand jury materials that are protected from disclosure under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure by submitting a request to the head of his or her establishment, who must then transmit the request to DOJ. DOJ must grant such a request unless access to the grand jury materials would: (1) interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation, prosecution, or undercover operation; (2) identify a confidential source or protected witness; (3) pose a serious threat to national security; or (4) significantly impair the trade or economic interests of the United States. If DOJ denies such a request, it must submit a statement to Congress explaining the reason for the denial. The Attorney General or the Secretaries of Defense, the Treasury, Homeland Security, or Energy may prohibit inspectors general from accessing certain sensitive or national security information.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2028) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 612) to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the "George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse".

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2028) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 612) to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the "George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse".

A resolution supporting a transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy to help consumers, support the economy and national security of the United States, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016

Expresses support for a national goal of phasing out fossil fuel emissions and, by 2050, generating 100% of the electricity consumed in the United States from clean energy resources. Expresses support for policies to achieve that goal that will: (1) create jobs for all individuals and build a sustainable economy, and (2) ensure universal access to clean energy for all homes and businesses in the United States.

Energizing American Maritime Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016

Energizing American Maritime Act This bill amends: (1) the Natural Gas Act to direct the Department of Energy to require specified percentages of liquefied natural gas exports to be transported on vessels documented under U.S. law, and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 to direct the President to require specified percentages of crude oil exports to be transported on vessels documented under U.S. law.

Energizing American Shipbuilding and Maritime Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016

Energizing American Shipbuilding and Maritime Act This bill amends: (1) the Natural Gas Act to direct the Department of Energy to require specified percentages of liquefied natural gas exports to be transported on vessels built in the United States and documented under its laws, and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 to direct the President to require specified percentages of crude oil exports to be transported on vessels built in the United States and documented under its laws.

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2016

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2016 This bill prohibits the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or greenhouse gas as part of any cost benefit analysis, unless a federal law is enacted authorizing such consideration. The EPA must report on the number of proposed and final rulemakings, guidance documents, and agency actions since January 2009 that use those social costs, including as part of any cost benefit analysis required under Executive Order 12866 or other relevant authority.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2016

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2016 This bill makes technical and clerical amendments to: the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act; the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015; the Stephen Beck, Jr., ABLE Act of 2014; the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; provisions of the Internal Revenue Code related to partnership audit rules; the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015; the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and other specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The bill also amends various provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions).

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2016

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2016 This bill makes technical and clerical amendments to: the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act; the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015; the Stephen Beck, Jr., ABLE Act of 2014; the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; provisions of the Internal Revenue Code related to partnership audit rules; the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015; the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and other specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The bill also amends various provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions).

Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (S. 2943) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2016

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (S. 2943) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 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.

Building Efficiently Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2016

Building Efficiently Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the new energy efficient home tax credit to allow, in lieu of the existing credit, a credit for 3.3% of the cost of constructing a new energy efficient home that is a qualified energy efficient residential rental property. An energy efficient residential rental property must be certified as being constructed, reconstructed, or retrofitted under a plan designed to reduce energy and power consumption of the building by at least 40% compared to: (1) the baseline annual energy and power consumption of the building in the case of a retrofit made to an existing building, or (2) a reference building which meets the minimum requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code 2004 in any other case. The bill also eliminates the basis reduction requirements for low-income housing properties receiving: (1) the new energy efficient home credit, (2) the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction, or (3) the credit for investments in energy property.

Recognizing the Weatherization Assistance Program during its 40th anniversary year for its history of reducing the energy costs of families with low incomes, making low-income households healthier and safer, positively impacting the environment, and supporting jobs and new technology.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2016

Recognizes the Weatherization Assistance Program for 40 years of reducing the energy burden on low-income families, positively impacting the environment, and supporting jobs and new technology. Encourages the Weatherization Assistance Program to continue performing essential weatherization services going forward. Applauds the dedicated professionals at the federal, state, and local levels who run the daily operations of the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Providing amounts for further expenses of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2016

Provides amounts for the expenses of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress.

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2016

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make new wind facilities located near certain military installations ineligible for the tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources, and (2) investments in qualified small wind energy property. The bill applies to facilities that are originally placed in service after the date of enactment of this bill and are located within a 40-mile radius of: (1) an airfield or airbase that is under the jurisdiction of a military department and in active use; or (2) an air traffic control radar site, weather radar site, or aircraft navigation aid that is owned or operated by the Department of Defense and is a permanent land-based structure at a fixed location.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 2016

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of: the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI); the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); the Department of Defense; the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); the National Security Agency (NSA); the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the U.S. Coast Guard; the Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA); and the Department of Homeland Security. The bill also authorizes FY2017 appropriations for: (1) the Intelligence Community Management Account, (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund, and (3) the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. The ODNI must submit a five-year investment strategy for outreach and recruiting efforts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that includes cybersecurity and computer literacy. Higher minimum pay rates may be established for positions that require STEM expertise. The bill establishes an executive branch interagency committee to counter active measures by the Russian Federation to exert covert influence over peoples and governments. It places travel restrictions on personnel and consulars of the Russian Federation in the United States. The ODNI must implement a uniform policy to ensure the independence of inspectors general of the intelligence community, the ODNI, the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, the NGA, and the NRO. Inspectors general must report directly to Congress when an employee's urgent concern involving classified information or false statements appears credible. The Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive is redesignated as the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, with a director to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill also revises or sets forth requirements for: the ODNI to participate in fundraising events for nonprofit organizations that support intelligence community employees and their families; CIA employee death and retirement benefits; publication of the logos of terrorist organizations; space-based environmental monitoring missions and acquisition programs to meet national security requirements for cloud characterization and theater weather imagery; an evaluation of aerial imagery technologies that can be used to share intelligence with other countries as a replacement for the current regime of observation flights; a declassification review of intelligence reports regarding past terrorist activities of detainees transferred from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and a concept for a combined interagency space operations center and an updated strategy for national security satellite systems.

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise energy conservation standards (i.e., no-load mode standards for devices operating in standby) for external power supplies (EPSs) designed to be connected to a security or life safety alarm or surveillance system component, such as smoke alarms that have to remain powered at all times. Current law exempts EPSs of security or life safety systems from those standards until July 1, 2017. This bill extends that exemption until July 1, 2023. The Department of Energy (DOE) must decide by July 1, 2021, whether standards for those EPSs should be amended further. In the rule, DOE may treat such EPSs as a separate class with different standards or may extend the exemption.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings, to: (1) permit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and Indian tribal governments to allocate the deduction to the person primarily responsible for designing the property in lieu of the owner of the property, (2) allow partnerships and S corporations to receive the full benefit of a deduction allocated at the partner or shareholder level, and (3) exempt property placed in service in a qualified low-income building from the requirement to reduce the basis of the property by the amount of the deduction.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend for two years the credit for energy efficient new homes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2018, the income tax credit for energy efficient new homes.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend for one year the credit for energy efficient new homes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2017, the income tax credit for energy efficient new homes.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend for two years the credit for energy efficient commercial buildings.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2018, the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend for one year the credit for energy efficient commercial buildings.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2017, the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend for one year the credit for energy-efficient existing homes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2017, the income tax credit for nonbusiness energy property.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend for two years the credit for energy-efficient existing homes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2018, the income tax credit for nonbusiness energy property.

Expressing support for the designation of the third Wednesday of November as "Utility Scam Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2016

Expresses support for the designation of Utility Scam Awareness Day. Encourages the United States to observe Utility Scam Awareness Day on the third Wednesday of November. Encourages utilities to use this day to raise awareness and knowledge amongst themselves and the general public regarding the threat posed by scams against utility customers, and the techniques and tools used to identify and avoid them.

OVERSIGHT FIELD HEARING ON TRIBAL PROSPERITY AND SELF-DETERMINATION THROUGH ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 October 2016

A resolution recognizing the Weatherization Assistance Program during its 40th anniversary year for its history of reducing the energy costs of families with low incomes, making low-income households healthier and safer, positively impacting the environment, and supporting jobs and new technology.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2016

Recognizes the Weatherization Assistance Program for 40 years of reducing the energy burden on low-income families, positively impacting the environment, and supporting jobs and new technology. Encourages the Weatherization Assistance Program to continue performing essential weatherization services in the future. Applauds the dedicated professionals at the federal, state, and local levels who run the daily operations of the Weatherization Assistance Program.

S.T.O.R.A.G.E. Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Storage Technology for Operational Readiness and Generating Energy Act or the S.T.O.R.A.G.E. Act This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to add energy storage systems to the list of strategies states should consider when developing energy plans and using its utility ratemaking authority. States are encouraged to analyze whether energy storage systems benefit their efforts to promote energy conservation and the greater use of domestic energy. To further encourage the development of programs relating to energy storage, the Department of Energy (DOE) must streamline and coordinate efforts among various existing programs conducting energy storage research at DOE to maximize efficiency of its funds and expand vital research.

Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2016 This bill establishes a bipartisan National Climate Solutions Commission that must: undertake a comprehensive review of economically viable actions or policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States; make recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the President, Congress, and the states; and use as its goals for emissions reductions those estimated rates of reduction that reflect the latest scientific findings of what is needed to avoid serious human health and environmental consequences of a changing climate. In order to be eligible for membership on the Commission, an individual must be a representative from: (1) nongovernmental organizations with expertise in the economy, energy, climate, or public health; or (2) industry organizations from relevant sectors. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must conduct a study of programs, financial tools, and institutions that are focused on: (1) reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions; or (2) encouraging the research, development, prototyping, and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The GAO must then report on: (1) the study results; and (2) an assessment of those financial tools, policies, and institutions that are most successful at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while protecting economic growth and employment.

Grid Cybersecurity Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Grid Cybersecurity Research and Development Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop an initiative to mitigate the consequences on the electric grid from the results of cyberattacks by increasing cybersecurity capabilities of the electricity sector. Additionally, DOE must collaborate with other federal agencies, state agencies, and the private sector to develop guidance for research and demonstration activities to improve cybersecurity capabilities of the electricity sector. The National Institute of Standards and Technology must develop voluntary cybersecurity training standards that minimize duplication and maintain a public database of cybersecurity training programs. The Energy Sector Government Coordinating Council must develop a coordinated interagency strategic plan to advance cybersecurity capabilities in the electricity sector.

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise energy conservation standards for devices operating in standby mode. Current law exempts the external power supplies of security or life safety systems from those standards until July 1, 2017. This bill makes permanent the exemption.

SCORE Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Scoring Calculations for Our Residential Energy Act of 2016 or the SCORE Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Energy to maintain a Home Energy Score Program that provides for: (1) home energy scores to homeowners and borrowers to enable cost-effective reduction in energy use in homes, and (2) home assessments that collect energy use information for energy scores. The energy scores must include cost-effective recommendations for improving the score and energy efficiency of homes.

Recognizing the impact of tribology on the United States economy and competitiveness in providing solutions to critical technical problems in manufacturing, energy production and use, transportation vehicles and infrastructure, greenhouse gas emissions, defense and homeland security, health care, mining safety and reliability, and space exploration, among others, and recognizing the need for increased research and development investments in tribology and related fields.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Recognizes the impact of tribology (a study that deals with the design, friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces in relative motion) on the United States economy and competitiveness in providing solutions to critical technical problems in various industries. Encourages federal agencies to develop and implement programs related to tribology. Encourages the formation of public-private partnerships to advance fundamental research and accelerate the development of tribology-related products. Encourages the National Academy of Engineering to conduct a survey on the status of tribology research in academia and government laboratories and to recommend a course of action to accelerate innovations in tribology.

Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 769) terminating a Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.Res. 769 (Terminates the Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce).

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make new wind facilities located near certain military installations ineligible for the tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources, and (2) investments in qualified small wind energy property. The bill applies to facilities that are originally placed in service after the date of enactment of this bill and are located within a 30-mile radius of: (1) an airfield or airbase that is under the jurisdiction of a military department and in active use; or (2) an air traffic control radar site, weather radar site, or aircraft navigation aid that is owned or operated by the Department of Defense and is a permanent land-based structure at a fixed location.

Department of Energy Whistleblower Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2016

Department of Energy Whistleblower Accountability Act This bill amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to address whistle-blower protections for Department of Energy employees.

A resolution designating October 8, 2016, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2016

Designates October 8, 2016, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the issuance of Green Bonds and to establish the United States Green Bank, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

This bill establishes a U.S. Green Bank that provides financial support to assist regional, state, and local institutions finance: (1) clean energy (e.g. solar or wind energy) projects, or (2) energy efficiency projects that reduce energy use or substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of the Treasury must issue Green Bonds to provide the bank with: (1) an initial capitalization of $10 billion; and (2) additional capitalization, upon the bank's request, of no more than $50 billion in aggregate at any one time. Treasury must also establish a revolving Green Bank Establishment Fund.

Know Your Oil Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016

Know Your Oil Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue regulations that require companies that extract or refine oil to disclose oil data, including the amounts and sources of greenhouse gas emitted during the oil extraction, refining, and combustion process. DOE must consult with federal agencies and state and tribal governments to carry out this bill. Additionally, DOE must publicly disclose and maintain the data it collects on greenhouse gas emissions and oil field resources.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S ROLE IN ADVANCING THE NATIONAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENERGY SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 September 2016

Transparency in Energy Production Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Transparency in Energy Production Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of the Interior to publicly disclose the amounts of fossil fuel production, including amounts of gas released (as by flaring), and renewable energy production on public lands. The data shall present amounts of greenhouse gas emissions using the 20- and 100-year Global Warming Potential-weighted emission values and, for renewable energy production, compare fossil fuel-generated emissions resulting from the same amount of energy. As determined necessary to implement this bill, Interior shall promulgate regulations regarding accurate measurement and reporting of methane emissions.

Offshore WIND Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act or the Offshore WIND Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax credit for investment in energy property to include a qualified offshore wind property until January 1, 2026. Under the bill, a qualified offshore wind property is an offshore facility that uses wind to produce electricity, excluding certain small wind energy property which uses a small wind turbine to generate electricity.

New WATER Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

New Water Available To Every Reclamation State Act or the New WATER Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior, for 15 years after this bill's enactment, to provide financial assistance, such as secured loans or loan guarantees, to entities that contract under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by the Bureau of Reclamation, other states where the Bureau is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Projects eligible for assistance include: non-federal water infrastructure projects that would contribute to a safe, adequate water supply for domestic, agricultural, environmental, or municipal and industrial use; projects for enhanced energy efficiency in the operation of a water system; projects for accelerated repair and replacement of aging water distribution facilities; brackish or sea water desalination projects; and the acquisition of real property or an interest therein for water storage, reclaimed or recycled water, or wastewater that is integral to such a project. To be eligible for assistance, a project must be deemed creditworthy. Eligible project costs must be reasonably anticipated to be at least $20 million. Interior shall establish criteria for project selection and may enter into a master credit agreement for projects secured by a common security pledge on terms acceptable to it. Interior may enter into agreements with obligors to make secured loans to finance or refinance eligible project costs or to refinance long-term project obligations or federal credit instruments to provide additional funding capacity for the completion, enhancement, or expansion of a project. The total amount of federal assistance for a project shall not exceed 80% of its total cost. Interior shall establish: (1) a repayment schedule for each secured loan based on the useful life of the project, and (2) a uniform system to service the federal credit instruments made available under this bill. Interior shall report biennially on the financial performance of the projects that receive assistance under this bill.

Jobs, On-the-Job `Earn While You Learn' Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2016

Jobs, On-the-Job "Earn While You Learn" Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to request labor unions, general contractors, and businesses that will rebuild infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems to actively recruit, hire, and provide on-the-job training to African American men ages 18 to 39 through existing jobs, apprenticeships, and "earn while you learn" programs. Labor must help coordinate such recruitment. The jobs, training, and apprenticeships must be conducted in conjunction with Labor, labor unions and associations involved in infrastructure rebuilding, and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Labor unions, contractors, and businesses involved with such infrastructure or systems must recruit by seeking assistance from the African American community, churches, the National Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 100 Black Men of America, high school and college job placement offices, and media outlets.

Responsible Disposal Reauthorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2016

Responsible Disposal Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill amends the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 to extend through FY2048 authorization for the Department of Energy to operate the Cheney disposal cell in Mesa County, Colorado.

Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to integrate water considerations into its energy research, development, and demonstration programs and projects by: (1) advancing energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices that meet the objectives of minimizing freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increasing water use efficiency, and utilizing nontraditional water sources with efforts to improve the quality of the water from those sources; (2) considering the effects climate variability may have on water supplies and quality for energy generation and fuel production; and (3) improving the understanding of the energy required to provide reliable water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies. DOE shall develop and update every five years a strategic plan to carry out the integration. DOE shall establish an Energy-Water Subcommittee of the Energy Advisory Board to promote and enable improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and technological innovation. This bill shall not be construed to require state, tribal, or local governments to take any action that may result in an increased financial burden by restricting their water use.

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN ENERGY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. REGIONAL PRIORITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 September 2016

ASIA'S GROWING HUNGER FOR ENERGY: U.S. POLICY AND SUPPLY OPPORTUNITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 September 2016