United States · Law · HR
H.R. 5892 (96th)
Wind Energy Systems Act of 1980
Introduced
14 November 1979
Last action
8 September 1980 · Became law
Status
Public Law 96-345.
Sponsors
Rep. Mineta, Norman Y. [D-CA-15], Rep. Blanchard, James [D-MI-18], Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT], Rep. Fuqua, Don [D-FL-2], Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-20], Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-19], Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4], Sen. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN], Rep. Young, Robert A. [D-MO-2], Rep. Volkmer, Harold L. [D-MO-9], Rep. Mavroules, Nicholas [D-MA-6], Rep. Anthony, Beryl, Jr. [D-AR-4], Rep. Ertel, Allen E. [D-PA-17], Rep. Hance, Kent R. [D-TX-19], Rep. Roe, Robert A. [D-NJ-8], Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA], Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42], Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8], Rep. Wolpe, Howard E. [D-MI-3], Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL], Rep. Kramer, Ken [R-CO-5], Rep. Carney, William [R-NY-1], Rep. Davis, Robert W. [R-MI-11], Rep. Ritter, Don [R-PA-15], Rep. Dornan, Robert K. [R-CA-46], Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16], Rep. Royer, William [R-CA-11], Rep. Winn, Larry, Jr. [R-KS-3], Rep. Goldwater, Barry, Jr. [R-CA-20], Rep. Hollenbeck, Harold C. [R-NJ-9], Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10], Rep. Albosta, Donald J. [D-MI-10], Rep. AuCoin, Les [D-OR-1], Rep. Kildee, Dale E. [D-MI-5], Rep. Heftel, Cecil [D-HI-1], Rep. Conte, Silvio O. [R-MA-1], Rep. Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA-7], Rep. Shumway, Norman D. [R-CA-14], Rep. Dixon, Julian C. [D-CA-32], Rescom. Corrada, Baltasar [I-PR-At Large], Rep. Flood, Daniel J. [D-PA-11], Rep. Anderson, John B. [R-IL-16], Rep. Boland, Edward P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Mitchell, Donald J. [R-NY-31], Rep. Burton, Phillip [D-CA-6], Rep. Moffett, Toby [D-CT-6], Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25], Rep. Mottl, Ronald M. [D-OH-23]
Subjects
Energy
Source updated
24 March 2026
Summary
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at least 800 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1988 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources by the end of fiscal year 1986. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with public and private entities to obtain scientific, technological, and economic information on the design, fabrication, purchase, installation, and testing of wind energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to entities seeking to install wind energy systems upon submission of the proper application. Sets forth terms and conditions for receiving such assistance. Terminates any Federal subsidization of purchases of such equipment upon the determination that such systems have become competitive with conventional energy sources or by a specified date. Sets forth the amount of such assistance, taking into consideration any tax credits allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for renewable energy source expenditures. Allocates a portion of the funds appropriated to carry out such assistance program for accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems by Federal agencies for demonstration purposes. Directs the Secretary to promulgate voluntary performance standards for such systems. Directs the Secretary to initiate a three-year national wind resource assessment program to: (1) validate existing assessments of known wind resources; (2) perform wind resource assessments in regions where the use of wind energy may prove feasible; (3) initiate a general site prospecting program; (4) establish standard wind data collection and siting techniques; (5) establish, in consultation with the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a national wind data center to make public information available on wind energy. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for the research, development, and demonstration activities prescribed under this Act for submission to specified congressional committees. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.
Timeline
14 November 1979
Introduced
Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.
Source: IntroReferral
14 November 1979
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
14 November 1979
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
27 November 1979
Reported
Reported to House from the Committee on Science and Technology with amendment, H. Rept. 96-662.
Source: Committee
27 November 1979
Reported
Reported to House from the Committee on Science and Technology with amendment, H. Rept. 96-662.
Source: Committee
3 December 1979
Floor
Measure called up under motion to suspend rules and pass in House.
Source: Floor
4 December 1979
Vote
Passed/agreed to in House: Measure passed House, amended, roll call #696 (383-23).
Source: Floor
4 December 1979
Vote
Measure passed House, amended, roll call #696 (383-23).
Source: Floor
4 December 1979
Floor
Measure considered in House.
Source: Floor
6 December 1979
Introduced
Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Source: IntroReferral
15 May 1980
Reported
Reported to Senate from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with amendment, S. Rept. 96-753.
Source: Committee
15 May 1980
Reported
Reported to Senate from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with amendment, S. Rept. 96-753.
Source: Committee
16 June 1980
Floor
Call of calendar in Senate.
Source: Floor
16 June 1980
Passed
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Measure passed Senate, amended (inserted similar provisions of S. 1830).
Source: Floor
20 June 1980
ResolvingDifferences
Conference scheduled in House.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
20 June 1980
Passed
House agreed to Senate amendment with an amendment.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
20 June 1980
Passed
Resolving differences -- House actions: House agreed to Senate amendment with an amendment.
Source: NotUsed
26 June 1980
ResolvingDifferences
Conference scheduled in Senate.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
1 August 1980
ResolvingDifferences
Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 96-1217.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
1 August 1980
ResolvingDifferences
Conference report filed: Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 96-1217.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
6 August 1980
Passed
Senate agreed to conference report.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
6 August 1980
Passed
Conference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
26 August 1980
Passed
House agreed to conference report.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
26 August 1980
Passed
Conference report agreed to in House: House agreed to conference report.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
26 August 1980
President
Measure enrolled in Senate.
Source: President
26 August 1980
President
Measure enrolled in House.
Source: President
27 August 1980
Floor
Measure presented to President.
Source: Floor
27 August 1980
President
Measure presented to President.
Source: President
8 September 1980
President
Public Law 96-345.
Source: President
8 September 1980
President
Signed by President.
Source: President
8 September 1980
Became law
Signed by President.
Source: BecameLaw
Votes
No vote records are attached yet.
Versions
No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.
Documents
8 official files
Public Law (PDF)
This file cannot be previewed here. Use View or Download.
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Public Law (PDF)
Public Law · EN · 9 September 1980
Conference report filed in House
summary · EN · 1 August 1980
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment
summary · EN · 20 June 1980
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 16 June 1980
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Reported to Senate with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 15 May 1980
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Passed House amended
summary · EN · 4 December 1979
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Reported to House with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 27 November 1979
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Introduced in House
summary · EN · 14 November 1979
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Sponsors
- Rep. Mineta, Norman Y. [D-CA-15] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Blanchard, James [D-MI-18] · D · Cosponsor
- Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT] · I · Cosponsor
- Rep. Fuqua, Don [D-FL-2] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-20] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-19] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] · D · Cosponsor
- Sen. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Young, Robert A. [D-MO-2] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Volkmer, Harold L. [D-MO-9] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Mavroules, Nicholas [D-MA-6] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Anthony, Beryl, Jr. [D-AR-4] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Ertel, Allen E. [D-PA-17] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Hance, Kent R. [D-TX-19] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Roe, Robert A. [D-NJ-8] · D · Cosponsor
- Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Wolpe, Howard E. [D-MI-3] · D · Cosponsor
- Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Kramer, Ken [R-CO-5] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Carney, William [R-NY-1] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Davis, Robert W. [R-MI-11] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Ritter, Don [R-PA-15] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Dornan, Robert K. [R-CA-46] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Royer, William [R-CA-11] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Winn, Larry, Jr. [R-KS-3] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Goldwater, Barry, Jr. [R-CA-20] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Hollenbeck, Harold C. [R-NJ-9] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Albosta, Donald J. [D-MI-10] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. AuCoin, Les [D-OR-1] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Kildee, Dale E. [D-MI-5] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Heftel, Cecil [D-HI-1] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Conte, Silvio O. [R-MA-1] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Edgar, Robert W. [D-PA-7] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Shumway, Norman D. [R-CA-14] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Dixon, Julian C. [D-CA-32] · D · Cosponsor
- Rescom. Corrada, Baltasar [I-PR-At Large] · I · Cosponsor
- Rep. Flood, Daniel J. [D-PA-11] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Anderson, John B. [R-IL-16] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Boland, Edward P. [D-MA-2] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Mitchell, Donald J. [R-NY-31] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Burton, Phillip [D-CA-6] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Moffett, Toby [D-CT-6] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Mottl, Ronald M. [D-OH-23] · D · Cosponsor
Showing 48 of 109 sponsors and actors.
Related records
Related across the Repo ecosystem
Direct relationships are identifier-backed. Topic context means shared TopicMembership — not a citation and not causation.
Direct relationships
- Legal framework · Wind Energy Systems Act of 1980 · H.R. 5892 (96th) · US
- Identifier matchPROJECTS_FROM
Same us record 96-hr-5892 projected from PoliticalRepo US row.
Sources
PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.
- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/96th-congress/house-bill/5892
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/96/hr/5892
- us · 96-hr-5892 · source updated 24 March 2026