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Committee Reports

109th Congress (2005-2006)

House Report 109-215 - Part 1

House Report 109-215 - Part 1 1 of 1

This Report: To Accompany H.R.1640     Printer Friendly: HTML  |  PDF




{link: 'http://www.congress.gov:80/cgi-bin/cpquery?',title: 'THOMAS - Committee Report - House Report 109-215 - Part 1' }

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

22-715

109TH CONGRESS

REPT. 109-215

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

1st Session

Part 1

--ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

JULY 29, 2005- Ordered to be printed

Mr. BARTON of Texas, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the following

R E P O R T

together with

DISSENTING AND ADDITIONAL DISSENTING VIEWS

[To accompany H.R. 1640]

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 1640) to ensure jobs for our future with secure and reliable energy, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.

CONTENTS Page
Amendment 2
Purpose and Summary 169
Background and Need for Legislation 170
Hearings 172
Committee Consideration 173
Committee Votes 173
Committee Oversight Findings 206
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives 206
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 206
Committee Cost Estimate 206
Congressional Budget Office Estimate 206
Federal Mandates Statement 227
Advisory Committee Statement 227
Constitutional Authority Statement 227
Applicability to Legislative Branch 227
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation 228
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported 278
Dissenting Views 484
Exchange of Committee Correspondence 508

AMENDMENT

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Subtitle A--Federal Programs
Sec. 101. Energy and water saving measures in congressional buildings.
Sec. 102. Energy management requirements.
Sec. 103. Energy use measurement and accountability.
Sec. 104. Procurement of energy efficient products.
Sec. 105. Energy Savings Performance Contracts.
Sec. 107. Voluntary commitments to reduce industrial energy intensity.
Sec. 108. Advanced Building Efficiency Testbed.
Sec. 109. Federal building performance standards.
Sec. 110. Daylight savings.
Subtitle B--Energy Assistance and State Programs
Sec. 121. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Sec. 122. Weatherization assistance.
Sec. 123. State energy programs.
Sec. 124. Energy efficient appliance rebate programs.
Sec. 125. Energy efficient public buildings.
Sec. 126. Low income community energy efficiency pilot program.
Subtitle C--Energy Efficient Products
Sec. 131. Energy Star Program.
Sec. 132. HVAC maintenance consumer education program.
Sec. 133. Energy conservation standards for additional products.
Sec. 134. Energy labeling.
Sec. 135. Preemption.
Sec. 136. State consumer product energy efficiency standards.
Subtitle D--Public Housing
Sec. 145. Grants for energy-conserving improvements for assisted housing.
Sec. 147. Energy-efficient appliances.
Sec. 149. Energy strategy for HUD.
TITLE II--RENEWABLE ENERGY
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 201. Assessment of renewable energy resources.
Sec. 202. Renewable energy production incentive.
Sec. 203. Federal purchase requirement.
Sec. 204. Insular areas energy security.
Sec. 205. Use of photovoltaic energy in public buildings.
Sec. 206. Grants to improve the commercial value of forest biomass for electric energy, useful heat, transportation fuels, petroleum-based product substitutes, and other commercial purposes.
Sec. 207. Biobased products.
Sec. 208. Renewable energy security.
Subtitle C--Hydroelectric
Part I--Alternative conditions
Sec. 231. Alternative conditions and fishways.
Part II--Additional hydropower
Sec. 241. Hydroelectric production incentives.
Sec. 242. Hydroelectric efficiency improvement.
Sec. 243. Small hydroelectric power projects.
Sec. 244. Increased hydroelectric generation at existing Federal facilities.
Sec. 245. Shift of project loads to off-peak periods.
TITLE III--OIL AND GAS
Subtitle A--Petroleum Reserve and Home Heating Oil
Sec. 301. Permanent authority to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and other energy programs.
Sec. 302. National Oilheat Research Alliance.
Sec. 303. Site selection.
Sec. 304. Suspension of Strategic Petroleum Reserve deliveries.
Subtitle B--Production Incentives
Sec. 320. Liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminals.
Sec. 327. Hydraulic fracturing.
Sec. 330. Appeals relating to pipeline construction or offshore mineral development projects.
Sec. 333. Natural gas market transparency.
Subtitle C--Access to Federal Land
Sec. 344. Consultation regarding oil and gas leasing on public land.
Sec. 346. Compliance with executive order 13211; actions concerning regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, or use.
Sec. 350. Energy facility rights-of-way and corridors on Federal land.
Sec. 355. Encouraging Great Lakes oil and gas drilling ban.
Sec. 358. Federal coalbed methane regulation.
Subtitle D--Refining Revitalization
Sec. 371. Short title.
Sec. 372. Findings.
Sec. 373. Purpose.
Sec. 374. Designation of Refinery Revitalization Zones.
Sec. 375. Memorandum of understanding.
Sec. 376. State environmental permitting assistance.
Sec. 377. Coordination and expeditious review of permitting process.
Sec. 378. Compliance with all environmental regulations required.
Sec. 379. Definitions.
TITLE IV--COAL
Subtitle A--Clean Coal Power Initiative
Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 402. Project criteria.
Sec. 403. Report.
Sec. 404. Clean Coal Centers of Excellence.
Subtitle B--Clean Power Projects
Sec. 411. Coal technology loan.
Sec. 412. Coal gasification.
Sec. 414. Petroleum coke gasification.
Sec. 416. Electron scrubbing demonstration.
Subtitle D--Coal and Related Programs
Sec. 441. Clean air coal program.
TITLE V--INDIAN ENERGY
Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.
Sec. 503. Indian energy.
Sec. 504. Four Corners transmission line project.
Sec. 505. Energy efficiency in federally assisted housing.
Sec. 506. Consultation with Indian tribes.
TITLE VI--NUCLEAR MATTERS
Subtitle A--Price-Anderson Act Amendments
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Extension of indemnification authority.
Sec. 603. Maximum assessment.
Sec. 604. Department of Energy liability limit.
Sec. 605. Incidents outside the United States.
Sec. 606. Reports.
Sec. 607. Inflation adjustment.
Sec. 608. Treatment of modular reactors.
Sec. 609. Applicability.
Sec. 610. Prohibition on assumption by United States Government of liability for certain foreign incidents.
Sec. 611. Civil penalties.
Sec. 612. Financial accountability.
Subtitle B--General Nuclear Matters
Sec. 621. Licenses.
Sec. 622. NRC training program.
Sec. 623. Cost recovery from government agencies.
Sec. 624. Elimination of pension offset.
Sec. 625. Antitrust review.
Sec. 626. Decommissioning.
Sec. 627. Limitation on legal fee reimbursement.
Sec. 629. Report on feasibility of developing commercial nuclear energy generation facilities at existing Department of Energy sites.
Sec. 630. Uranium sales.
Sec. 631. Cooperative research and development and special demonstration projects for the uranium mining industry.
Sec. 632. Whistleblower protection.
Sec. 633. Medical isotope production.
Sec. 634. Fernald byproduct material.
Sec. 635. Safe disposal of greater-than-class c radioactive waste.
Sec. 636. Prohibition on nuclear exports to countries that sponsor terrorism.
Sec. 638. National uranium stockpile.
Sec. 639. Nuclear Regulatory Commission meetings.
Sec. 640. Employee benefits.
Subtitle C--Additional Hydrogen Production Provisions
Sec. 651. Hydrogen production programs.
Sec. 652. Definitions.
Subtitle D--Nuclear Security
Sec. 661. Nuclear facility threats.
Sec. 662. Fingerprinting for criminal history record checks.
Sec. 663. Use of firearms by security personnel of licensees and certificate holders of the Commission.
Sec. 664. Unauthorized introduction of dangerous weapons.
Sec. 665. Sabotage of nuclear facilities or fuel.
Sec. 666. Secure transfer of nuclear materials.
Sec. 667. Department of Homeland Security consultation.
Sec. 668. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE VII--VEHICLES AND FUELS
Subtitle A--Existing Programs
Sec. 701. Use of alternative fuels by dual-fueled vehicles.
Sec. 704. Incremental cost allocation.
Sec. 705. Lease condensates.
Sec. 706. Review of Energy Policy Act of 1992 programs.
Sec. 707. Report concerning compliance with alternative fueled vehicle purchasing requirements.
Subtitle B--Hybrid Vehicles, Advanced Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Buses
Part 1--Hybrid vehicles
Sec. 711. Hybrid vehicles.
Sec. 712. Hybrid retrofit and electric conversion program.
Part 2--Advanced vehicles
Sec. 721. Definitions.
Sec. 722. Pilot program.
Sec. 723. Reports to Congress.
Sec. 724. Authorization of appropriations.
Part 3--Fuel cell buses
Sec. 731. Fuel cell transit bus demonstration.
Subtitle C--Clean School Buses
Sec. 741. Definitions.
Sec. 742. Program for replacement of certain school buses with clean school buses.
Sec. 743. Diesel retrofit program.
Sec. 744. Fuel cell school buses.
Subtitle D--Miscellaneous
Sec. 751. Railroad efficiency.
Sec. 752. Mobile emission reductions trading and crediting.
Sec. 753. Aviation fuel conservation and emissions.
Sec. 754. Diesel fueled vehicles.
Sec. 757. Biodiesel engine testing program.
Sec. 759. Ultra-efficient engine technology for aircraft.
Subtitle E--Automobile Efficiency
Sec. 771. Authorization of appropriations for implementation and enforcement of fuel economy standards.
Sec. 772. Revised considerations for decisions on maximum feasible average fuel economy.
Sec. 773. Extension of maximum fuel economy increase for alternative fueled vehicles.
Sec. 774. Study of feasibility and effects of reducing use of fuel for automobiles.
TITLE VIII--HYDROGEN
Sec. 801. Definitions.
Sec. 802. Plan.
Sec. 803. Programs.
Sec. 804. Interagency task force.
Sec. 805. Advisory Committee.
Sec. 806. External review.
Sec. 807. Miscellaneous provisions.
Sec. 808. Savings clause.
Sec. 809. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 810. Solar and wind technologies.
TITLE IX--STUDIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT
Sec. 901. Goals.
Sec. 902. Definitions.
Subtitle A--Energy Efficiency
Sec. 904. Energy efficiency.
Sec. 905. Next Generation Lighting Initiative.
Sec. 906. National Building Performance Initiative.
Sec. 907. Secondary electric vehicle battery use program.
Sec. 908. Energy efficiency study initiative.
Sec. 909. Electric motor control technology.
Subtitle B--Distributed Energy and Electric Energy Systems
Sec. 911. Distributed energy and electric energy systems.
Sec. 913. High power density industry program.
Sec. 916. Reciprocating power.
Sec. 917. Advanced portable power devices.
Subtitle C--Renewable Energy
Sec. 918. Renewable energy.
Sec. 919. Bioenergy programs.
Sec. 920. Concentrating solar power study program.
Sec. 921. Miscellaneous projects.
Sec. 922. Renewable energy in public buildings.
Sec. 923. University biodiesel program.
Subtitle D--Nuclear Energy
Sec. 929. Alternatives to industrial radioactive sources.
Sec. 930. Geological isolation of spent fuel.
Subtitle E--Fossil Energy
Part I--Studies and program support
Sec. 931. Fossil energy.
Sec. 932. Oil and gas studies.
Sec. 933. Technology transfer.
Sec. 934. Coal mining technologies.
Sec. 935. Coal and related technologies program.
Sec. 936. Complex Well Technology Testing Facility.
Part II--Ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources
Sec. 941. Program authority.
Sec. 942. Ultra-deepwater Program.
Sec. 943. Unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources Program.
Sec. 944. Additional requirements for awards.
Sec. 945. Advisory committees.
Sec. 946. Limits on participation.
Sec. 947. Sunset.
Sec. 948. Definitions.
Sec. 949. Funding.
Subtitle F--Energy Sciences
Sec. 953. Plan for Fusion Energy Sciences Program.
Sec. 954. Spallation Neutron Source.
Sec. 962. Nitrogen fixation.
Subtitle G--Energy and environment
Sec. 966. Waste reduction and use of alternatives.
Sec. 967. Report on fuel cell test center.
Sec. 968. Arctic Engineering Research Center.
Sec. 970. Western Michigan demonstration project.
Sec. 971. Low-cost hydrogen propulsion and infrastructure.
Sec. 972. Carbon-based fuel cell development.
Subtitle H--International Cooperation
Sec. 981. United States-Israel cooperation.
TITLE X--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Sec. 1001. Additional Assistant Secretary position.
Sec. 1002. Other transactions authority.
Sec. 1003. University collaboration.
Sec. 1004. Sense of Congress.
TITLE XII--ELECTRICITY
Sec. 1201. Short title.
Subtitle A--Reliability Standards
Sec. 1211. Electric reliability standards.
Subtitle B--Transmission Infrastructure Modernization
Sec. 1221. Siting of interstate electric transmission facilities.
Sec. 1222. Third-party finance.
Sec. 1223. Transmission system monitoring.
Sec. 1224. Advanced transmission technologies.
Sec. 1225. Electric transmission and distribution programs.
Sec. 1226. Advanced Power System Technology Incentive Program.
Sec. 1227. Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution.
Subtitle C--Transmission Operation Improvements
Sec. 1231. Open nondiscriminatory access.
Sec. 1232. Sense of Congress on Regional Transmission Organizations.
Sec. 1233. Regional Transmission Organization applications progress report.
Sec. 1234. Federal utility participation in Regional Transmission Organizations.
Sec. 1235. Standard market design.
Sec. 1236. Native load service obligation.
Sec. 1237. Study on the benefits of economic dispatch.
Subtitle D--Transmission Rate Reform
Sec. 1241. Transmission infrastructure investment.
Subtitle E--Amendments to PURPA
Sec. 1251. Net metering and additional standards.
Sec. 1252. Smart metering.
Sec. 1253. Cogeneration and small power production purchase and sale requirements.
Sec. 1254. Interconnection.
Subtitle F--Repeal of PUHCA
Sec. 1261. Short title.
Sec. 1262. Definitions.
Sec. 1263. Repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.
Sec. 1264. Federal access to books and records.
Sec. 1265. State access to books and records.
Sec. 1266. Exemption authority.
Sec. 1267. Affiliate transactions.
Sec. 1268. Applicability.
Sec. 1269. Effect on other regulations.
Sec. 1270. Enforcement.
Sec. 1271. Savings provisions.
Sec. 1272. Implementation.
Sec. 1273. Transfer of resources.
Sec. 1274. Effective date.
Sec. 1275. Service allocation.
Sec. 1276. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1277. Conforming amendments to the Federal Power Act.
Subtitle G--Market Transparency, Enforcement, and Consumer Protection
Sec. 1281. Market transparency rules.
Sec. 1282. Market manipulation.
Sec. 1283. Enforcement.
Sec. 1284. Refund effective date.
Sec. 1285. Refund authority.
Sec. 1286. Sanctity of contract.
Sec. 1287. Consumer privacy and unfair trade practices.
Subtitle H--Merger Reform
Sec. 1291. Merger review reform and accountability.
Sec. 1292. Electric utility mergers.
Subtitle I--Definitions
Sec. 1295. Definitions.
Subtitle J--Technical and Conforming Amendments
Sec. 1297. Conforming amendments.
Subtitle K--Economic Dispatch
Sec. 1298. Economic dispatch.
TITLE XIV--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle C--Other Provisions
Sec. 1441. Continuation of transmission security order.
Sec. 1442. Review of agency determinations.
Sec. 1443. Attainment dates for downwind ozone nonattainment areas.
Sec. 1444. Energy production incentives.
Sec. 1446. Regulation of certain oil used in transformers.
Sec. 1447. Risk assessments.
Sec. 1448. Oxygen-fuel.
Sec. 1449. Petrochemical and oil refinery facility health assessment.
TITLE XV--ETHANOL AND MOTOR FUELS
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 1501. Renewable content of motor vehicle fuel.
Sec. 1502. Fuels safe harbor.
Sec. 1503. Findings and MTBE transition assistance.
Sec. 1504. Use of MTBE.
Sec. 1505. National Academy of Sciences review and presidential determination.
Sec. 1506. Elimination of oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline.
Sec. 1507. Analyses of motor vehicle fuel changes.
Sec. 1508. Data collection.
Sec. 1509. Reducing the proliferation of State fuel controls.
Sec. 1510. Fuel system requirements harmonization study.
Sec. 1511. Commercial byproducts from municipal solid waste and cellulosic biomass loan guarantee program.
Sec. 1512. Cellulosic biomass and waste-derived ethanol conversion assistance.
Sec. 1513. Blending of compliant reformulated gasolines.
Subtitle B--Underground Storage Tank Compliance
Sec. 1521. Short title.
Sec. 1522. Leaking underground storage tanks.
Sec. 1523. Inspection of underground storage tanks.
Sec. 1524. Operator training.
Sec. 1525. Remediation from oxygenated fuel additives.
Sec. 1526. Release prevention, compliance, and enforcement.
Sec. 1527. Delivery prohibition.
Sec. 1528. Federal facilities.
Sec. 1529. Tanks on Tribal lands.
Sec. 1530. Additional measures to protect groundwater.
Sec. 1531. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1532. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 1533. Technical amendments.
Subtitle C--Boutique Fuels
Sec. 1541. Reducing the proliferation of boutique fuels.
TITLE XVI--STUDIES
Sec. 1601. Study on inventory of petroleum and natural gas storage.
Sec. 1605. Study of energy efficiency standards.
Sec. 1606. Telecommuting study.
Sec. 1607. LIHEAP report.
Sec. 1608. Oil bypass filtration technology.
Sec. 1609. Total integrated thermal systems.
Sec. 1610. University collaboration.
Sec. 1611. Reliability and consumer protection assessment.
Sec. 1612. Report on energy integration with Latin America.
Sec. 1613. Low-volume gas reservoir study.

TITLE I--ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Subtitle A--Federal Programs

SEC. 101. ENERGY AND WATER SAVING MEASURES IN CONGRESSIONAL BUILDINGS.

`SEC. 552. ENERGY AND WATER SAVINGS MEASURES IN CONGRESSIONAL BUILDINGS.

`Sec. 552. Energy and water savings measures in congressional buildings.'.

SEC. 102. ENERGY MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.

SEC. 103. ENERGY USE MEASUREMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

SEC. 104. PROCUREMENT OF ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS.

`SEC. 553. FEDERAL PROCUREMENT OF ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS.

`Sec. 553. Federal procurement of energy efficient products.'.

SEC. 105. ENERGY SAVINGS PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS.

SEC. 107. VOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS TO REDUCE INDUSTRIAL ENERGY INTENSITY.

SEC. 108. ADVANCED BUILDING EFFICIENCY TESTBED.

SEC. 109. FEDERAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

SEC. 110. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS.

Subtitle B--Energy Assistance and State Programs

SEC. 121. LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

`RENEWABLE FUELS

SEC. 122. WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 123. STATE ENERGY PROGRAMS.

`STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS

SEC. 124. ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAMS.

SEC. 125. ENERGY EFFICIENT PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

SEC. 126. LOW INCOME COMMUNITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY PILOT PROGRAM.

Subtitle C--Energy Efficient Products

SEC. 131. ENERGY STAR PROGRAM.

`SEC. 324A. ENERGY STAR PROGRAM.

`Sec. 324A. Energy Star program.'.

SEC. 132. HVAC MAINTENANCE CONSUMER EDUCATION PROGRAM.

SEC. 133. ENERGY CONSERVATION STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS.

SEC. 134. ENERGY LABELING.

SEC. 135. PREEMPTION.

SEC. 136. STATE CONSUMER PRODUCT ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS.

Subtitle D--Public Housing

SEC. 145. GRANTS FOR ENERGY-CONSERVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR ASSISTED HOUSING.

SEC. 147. ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES.

SEC. 149. ENERGY STRATEGY FOR HUD.

TITLE II--RENEWABLE ENERGY

Subtitle A--General Provisions

SEC. 201. ASSESSMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.

SEC. 202. RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION INCENTIVE.

SEC. 203. FEDERAL PURCHASE REQUIREMENT.

SEC. 204. INSULAR AREAS ENERGY SECURITY.

SEC. 205. USE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

`SEC. 570. USE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

`Sec. 570. Use of photovoltaic energy in public buildings.'.

SEC. 206. GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF FOREST BIOMASS FOR ELECTRIC ENERGY, USEFUL HEAT, TRANSPORTATION FUELS, PETROLEUM-BASED PRODUCT SUBSTITUTES, AND OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

SEC. 207. BIOBASED PRODUCTS.

SEC. 208. RENEWABLE ENERGY SECURITY.

Subtitle C--Hydroelectric

PART I--ALTERNATIVE CONDITIONS

SEC. 231. ALTERNATIVE CONDITIONS AND FISHWAYS.

`SEC. 33. ALTERNATIVE CONDITIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS.

PART II--ADDITIONAL HYDROPOWER

SEC. 241. HYDROELECTRIC PRODUCTION INCENTIVES.

SEC. 242. HYDROELECTRIC EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT.

SEC. 243. SMALL HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECTS.

SEC. 244. INCREASED HYDROELECTRIC GENERATION AT EXISTING FEDERAL FACILITIES.

SEC. 245. SHIFT OF PROJECT LOADS TO OFF-PEAK PERIODS.

TITLE III--OIL AND GAS

Subtitle A--Petroleum Reserve and Home Heating Oil

SEC. 301. PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE AND OTHER ENERGY PROGRAMS.

`AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

`PART C--SUMMER FILL AND FUEL BUDGETING PROGRAMS';

`Part D--Northeast home heating oil Reserve
`Sec. 181. Establishment.
`Sec. 182. Authority.
`Sec. 183. Conditions for release; plan.
`Sec. 184. Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve Account.
`Sec. 185. Exemptions.';

`Part C--Summer fill and fuel budgeting programs
`Sec. 273. Summer fill and fuel budgeting programs.'

SEC. 302. NATIONAL OILHEAT RESEARCH ALLIANCE.

SEC. 303. SITE SELECTION.

SEC. 304. SUSPENSION OF STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE DELIVERIES.

Subtitle B--Production Incentives

SEC. 320. LIQUEFACTION OR GASIFICATION NATURAL GAS TERMINALS.

SEC. 327. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING.

SEC. 330. APPEALS RELATING TO PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION OR OFFSHORE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

SEC. 333. NATURAL GAS MARKET TRANSPARENCY.

`SEC. 24. NATURAL GAS MARKET TRANSPARENCY.

Subtitle C--Access to Federal Land

SEC. 344. CONSULTATION REGARDING OIL AND GAS LEASING ON PUBLIC LAND.

SEC. 346. COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 13211; ACTIONS CONCERNING REGULATIONS THAT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT ENERGY SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION, OR USE.

SEC. 350. ENERGY FACILITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND CORRIDORS ON FEDERAL LAND.

SEC. 355. ENCOURAGING GREAT LAKES OIL AND GAS DRILLING BAN.

SEC. 358. FEDERAL COALBED METHANE REGULATION.

Subtitle D--Refining Revitalization

SEC. 371. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 372. FINDINGS.

SEC. 373. PURPOSE.

SEC. 374. DESIGNATION OF REFINERY REVITALIZATION ZONES.

SEC. 375. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.

SEC. 376. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 377. COORDINATION AND EXPEDITIOUS REVIEW OF PERMITTING PROCESS.

SEC. 378. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS REQUIRED.

SEC. 379. DEFINITIONS.

TITLE IV--COAL

Subtitle A--Clean Coal Power Initiative

SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

SEC. 402. PROJECT CRITERIA.

SEC. 403. REPORT.

SEC. 404. CLEAN COAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

Subtitle B--Clean Power Projects

SEC. 411. COAL TECHNOLOGY LOAN.

SEC. 412. COAL GASIFICATION.

SEC. 414. PETROLEUM COKE GASIFICATION.

SEC. 416. ELECTRON SCRUBBING DEMONSTRATION.

Subtitle D--Coal and Related Programs

SEC. 441. CLEAN AIR COAL PROGRAM.

`TITLE XXXI--CLEAN AIR COAL PROGRAM

`SEC. 3101. FINDINGS; PURPOSES; DEFINITIONS.

`SEC. 3102. AUTHORIZATION OF PROGRAM.

`SEC. 3103. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

`SEC. 3104. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT CRITERIA.

`SEC. 3105. CRITERIA FOR GENERATION PROJECTS.

`SEC. 3106. FINANCIAL CRITERIA.

`SEC. 3107. FEDERAL SHARE.

`SEC. 3108. APPLICABILITY.

`TITLE XXXI--CLEAN AIR COAL PROGRAM
`Sec. 3101. Findings; purposes; definitions.
`Sec. 3102. Authorization of program.
`Sec. 3103. Authorization of appropriations.
`Sec. 3104. Air pollution control project criteria.
`Sec. 3105. Criteria for generation projects.
`Sec. 3106. Financial criteria.
`Sec. 3107. Federal share.
`Sec. 3108. Applicability.'.

TITLE V--INDIAN ENERGY

SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 502. OFFICE OF INDIAN ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS.

`OFFICE OF INDIAN ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS

`Sec. 213. Establishment of policy for National Nuclear Security Administration.
`Sec. 214. Establishment of security, counterintelligence, and intelligence policies.
`Sec. 215. Office of Counterintelligence.
`Sec. 216. Office of Intelligence.
`Sec. 217. Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.'.

Sec. 503. Indian energy

`TITLE XXVI--INDIAN ENERGY

`SEC. 2601. DEFINITIONS.

`SEC. 2602. INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT.

`SEC. 2603. INDIAN TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCE REGULATION.

`SEC. 2604. LEASES, BUSINESS AGREEMENTS, AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY INVOLVING ENERGY DEVELOPMENT OR TRANSMISSION.

`SEC. 2605. INDIAN MINERAL DEVELOPMENT REVIEW.

`Sec. 2601. Definitions.
`Sec. 2602. Indian tribal energy resource development.
`Sec. 2603. Indian tribal energy resource regulation.
`Sec. 2604. Leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way involving energy development or transmission.
`Sec. 2605. Indian mineral development review.'.

Sec. 504. Four Corners transmission line project

Sec. 505. Energy efficiency in federally assisted housing

Sec. 506. Consultation with Indian tribes

TITLE VI--NUCLEAR MATTERS

Subtitle A--Price-Anderson Act Amendments

Sec. 601. Short title

Sec. 602. Extension of indemnification authority

Sec. 603. Maximum assessment

Sec. 604. Department of Energy liability limit

Sec. 605. Incidents outside the United States

Sec. 606. Reports

Sec. 607. Inflation adjustment

Sec. 608. Treatment of modular reactors

Sec. 609. Applicability

Sec. 610. Prohibition on assumption by United States Government of liability for certain foreign incidents

Sec. 611. Civil penalties

Sec. 612. Financial accountability

Subtitle B--General Nuclear Matters

Sec. 621. Licenses

Sec. 622. NRC training program

Sec. 623. Cost recovery from government agencies

Sec. 624. Elimination of pension offset

Sec. 625. Antitrust review

Sec. 626. Decommissioning

Sec. 627. Limitation on legal fee reimbursement

`LIMITATION ON LEGAL FEE REIMBURSEMENT

Sec. 629. Report on feasibility of developing commercial nuclear energy generation facilities at existing Department of Energy sites

Sec. 630. Uranium sales

Sec. 631. Cooperative research and development and special demonstration projects for the uranium mining industry

Sec. 632. Whistleblower protection

Sec. 633. Medical isotope production

Sec. 634. Fernald byproduct material

`FERNALD BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

Sec. 635. Safe disposal of greater-than-class c radioactive waste

`SAFE DISPOSAL OF GREATER-THAN-CLASS C RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 636. Prohibition on nuclear exports to countries that sponsor terrorism

Sec. 638. National uranium stockpile

`SEC. 3118. NATIONAL URANIUM STOCKPILE.

Sec. 639. Nuclear Regulatory Commission meetings

Sec. 640. Employee benefits

Subtitle C--Additional Hydrogen Production Provisions

Sec. 651. Hydrogen production programs

Sec. 652. Definitions

Subtitle D--Nuclear Security

Sec. 661. Nuclear facility threats

Sec. 662. Fingerprinting for criminal history record checks

Sec. 663. Use of firearms by security personnel of licensees and certificate holders of the Commission

Sec. 664. Unauthorized introduction of dangerous weapons

Sec. 665. Sabotage of nuclear facilities or fuel

Sec. 666. Secure transfer of nuclear materials

`SEC. 170C. SECURE TRANSFER OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS.

`Sec. 170C. Secure transfer of nuclear materials.'.

Sec. 667. Department of Homeland Security consultation

Sec. 668. Authorization of appropriations

TITLE VII--VEHICLES AND FUELS

Subtitle A--Existing Programs

Sec. 701. Use of alternative fuels by dual-fueled vehicles

Sec. 704. Incremental cost allocation

Sec. 705. Lease condensates

`SEC. 313. LEASE CONDENSATE USE CREDITS.

`Sec. 313. Lease condensate use credits.'.

Sec. 706. Review of Energy Policy Act of 1992 programs

Sec. 707. Report concerning compliance with alternative fueled vehicle purchasing requirements

Subtitle B--Hybrid Vehicles, Advanced Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Buses

PART 1--HYBRID VEHICLES

Sec. 711. Hybrid vehicles

Sec. 712. Hybrid retrofit and electric conversion program

PART 2--ADVANCED VEHICLES

Sec. 721. Definitions

Sec. 722. Pilot program

Sec. 723. Reports to Congress

Sec. 724. Authorization of appropriations

PART 3--FUEL CELL BUSES

Sec. 731. Fuel cell transit bus demonstration

Subtitle C--Clean School Buses

Sec. 741. Definitions

Sec. 742. Program for replacement of certain school buses with clean school buses

Sec. 743. Diesel retrofit program

Sec. 744. Fuel cell school buses

Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

Sec. 751. Railroad efficiency

Sec. 752. Mobile emission reductions trading and crediting

Sec. 753. Aviation fuel conservation and emissions

Sec. 754. Diesel fueled vehicles

Sec. 757. Biodiesel engine testing program

Sec. 759. Ultra-efficient engine technology for aircraft

Subtitle E--Automobile Efficiency

Sec. 771. Authorization of appropriations for implementation and enforcement of fuel economy standards

Sec. 772. Revised considerations for decisions on maximum feasible average fuel economy

Sec. 773. Extension of maximum fuel economy increase for alternative fueled vehicles

Sec. 774. Study of feasibility and effects of reducing use of fuel for automobiles

TITLE VIII--HYDROGEN

Sec. 801. Definitions

Sec. 802. Plan

Sec. 803. Programs

Sec. 804. Interagency task force

Sec. 805. Advisory Committee

Sec. 806. External review

Sec. 807. Miscellaneous provisions

Sec. 808. Savings clause

Sec. 809. Authorization of appropriations

Sec. 810. Solar and wind technologies

TITLE IX--STUDIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

Sec. 901. Goals

Sec. 902. Definitions

Subtitle A--Energy Efficiency

Sec. 904. Energy efficiency

Sec. 905. Next Generation Lighting Initiative

Sec. 906. National Building Performance Initiative

Sec. 907. Secondary electric vehicle battery use program

Sec. 908. Energy efficiency study initiative

Sec. 909. Electric motor control technology

Subtitle B--Distributed Energy and Electric Energy Systems

Sec. 911. Distributed energy and electric energy systems

Sec. 913. High power density industry program

Sec. 916. Reciprocating power

Sec. 917. Advanced portable power devices

Subtitle C--Renewable Energy

Sec. 918. Renewable energy

Sec. 919. Bioenergy programs

Sec. 920. Concentrating solar power study program

Sec. 921. Miscellaneous projects

Sec. 922. Renewable energy in public buildings

Sec. 923. University biodiesel program

Subtitle D--Nuclear Energy

Sec. 929. Alternatives to industrial radioactive sources

Sec. 930. Geological isolation of spent fuel

Subtitle E--Fossil Energy

PART I--STUDIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

Sec. 931. Fossil energy

Sec. 932. Oil and gas studies

Sec. 933. Technology transfer

Sec. 934. Coal mining technologies

Sec. 935. Coal and related technologies program

Sec. 936. Complex Well Technology Testing Facility

PART II--ULTRA-DEEPWATER AND UNCONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS AND OTHER PETROLEUM RESOURCES

Sec. 941. Program authority

Sec. 942. Ultra-deepwater Program

Sec. 943. Unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources Program

Sec. 944. Additional requirements for awards

Sec. 945. Advisory committees

Sec. 946. Limits on participation

Sec. 947. Sunset

Sec. 948. Definitions

Sec. 949. Funding

Subtitle F--Energy Sciences

Sec. 953. Plan for Fusion Energy Sciences Program

Sec. 954. Spallation Neutron Source

Sec. 962. Nitrogen fixation

Subtitle G--Energy and Environment

Sec. 966. Waste reduction and use of alternatives

Sec. 967. Report on fuel cell test center

Sec. 968. Arctic Engineering Research Center

Sec. 970. Western Michigan demonstration project

Sec. 971. Low-cost hydrogen propulsion and infrastructure

Sec. 972. Carbon-based fuel cell development

Subtitle H--International Cooperation

Sec. 981. United States-Israel cooperation

TITLE X--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Sec. 1001. Additional Assistant Secretary position

Sec. 1002. Other transactions authority

Sec. 1003. University collaboration

Sec. 1004. Sense of Congress

TITLE XII--ELECTRICITY

Sec. 1201. Short title

Subtitle A--Reliability Standards

Sec. 1211. Electric reliability standards

`SEC. 215. ELECTRIC RELIABILITY.

Subtitle B--Transmission Infrastructure Modernization

Sec. 1221. Siting of interstate electric transmission facilities

`SEC. 216. SITING OF INTERSTATE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.

Sec. 1222. Third-party finance

Sec. 1223. Transmission system monitoring

Sec. 1224. Advanced transmission technologies

Sec. 1225. Electric transmission and distribution programs

Sec. 1226. Advanced Power System Technology Incentive Program

Sec. 1227. Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution

`SEC. 218. OFFICE OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION.

`Sec. 218. Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution.'.

Subtitle C--Transmission Operation Improvements

Sec. 1231. Open nondiscriminatory access

`SEC. 211A. OPEN ACCESS BY UNREGULATED TRANSMITTING UTILITIES.

Sec. 1232. Sense of Congress on Regional Transmission Organizations

Sec. 1233. Regional Transmission Organization applications progress report

Sec. 1234. Federal utility participation in Regional Transmission Organizations

Sec. 1235. Standard market design

Sec. 1236. Native load service obligation

`SEC. 217. NATIVE LOAD SERVICE OBLIGATION.

Sec. 1237. Study on the benefits of economic dispatch

Subtitle D--Transmission Rate Reform

Sec. 1241. Transmission infrastructure investment

`SEC. 218. TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT.

Subtitle E--Amendments to PURPA

Sec. 1251. Net metering and additional standards

SEC. 1252. SMART METERING.

SEC. 1253. COGENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCTION PURCHASE AND SALE REQUIREMENTS.

SEC. 1254. INTERCONNECTION.

Subtitle F--Repeal of PUHCA

SEC. 1261. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 1262. DEFINITIONS.

SEC. 1263. REPEAL OF THE PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 1935.

SEC. 1264. FEDERAL ACCESS TO BOOKS AND RECORDS.

SEC. 1265. STATE ACCESS TO BOOKS AND RECORDS.

SEC. 1266. EXEMPTION AUTHORITY.

SEC. 1267. AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS.

SEC. 1268. APPLICABILITY.

SEC. 1269. EFFECT ON OTHER REGULATIONS.

SEC. 1270. ENFORCEMENT.

SEC. 1271. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.

SEC. 1272. IMPLEMENTATION.

SEC. 1273. TRANSFER OF RESOURCES.

SEC. 1274. EFFECTIVE DATE.

SEC. 1275. SERVICE ALLOCATION.

SEC. 1276. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

SEC. 1277. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE FEDERAL POWER ACT.

Subtitle G--Market Transparency, Enforcement, and Consumer Protection

SEC. 1281. MARKET TRANSPARENCY RULES.

`SEC. 220. MARKET TRANSPARENCY RULES.

SEC. 1282. MARKET MANIPULATION.

`SEC. 221. PROHIBITION ON FILING FALSE INFORMATION.

`SEC. 222. PROHIBITION ON ROUND TRIP TRADING.

SEC. 1283. ENFORCEMENT.

SEC. 1284. REFUND EFFECTIVE DATE.

SEC. 1285. REFUND AUTHORITY.

SEC. 1286. SANCTITY OF CONTRACT.

SEC. 1287. CONSUMER PRIVACY AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES.

Subtitle H--Merger Reform

SEC. 1291. MERGER REVIEW REFORM AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

SEC. 1292. ELECTRIC UTILITY MERGERS.

Subtitle I--Definitions

SEC. 1295. DEFINITIONS.

Subtitle J--Technical and Conforming Amendments

SEC. 1297. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

Subtitle K--Economic Dispatch

SEC. 1298. ECONOMIC DISPATCH.

`SEC. 223. JOINT BOARD ON ECONOMIC DISPATCH.

TITLE XIV--MISCELLANEOUS

Subtitle C--Other Provisions

SEC. 1441. CONTINUATION OF TRANSMISSION SECURITY ORDER.

SEC. 1442. REVIEW OF AGENCY DETERMINATIONS.

SEC. 1443. ATTAINMENT DATES FOR DOWNWIND OZONE NONATTAINMENT AREAS.

SEC. 1444. ENERGY PRODUCTION INCENTIVES.

SEC. 1446. REGULATION OF CERTAIN OIL USED IN TRANSFORMERS.

SEC. 1447. RISK ASSESSMENTS.

`SEC. 3022. RISK ASSESSMENT.

SEC. 1448. OXYGEN-FUEL.

SEC. 1449. PETROCHEMICAL AND OIL REFINERY FACILITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT.

TITLE XV--ETHANOL AND MOTOR FUELS

Subtitle A--General Provisions

SEC. 1501. RENEWABLE CONTENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL.

`(aa) 5.0 billion gallons of renewable fuels; bears to

`(bb) the number of gallons of gasoline sold or introduced into commerce in calendar year 2012.

SEC. 1502. FUELS SAFE HARBOR.

SEC. 1503. FINDINGS AND MTBE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 1504. USE OF MTBE.

SEC. 1505. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REVIEW AND PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION.

SEC. 1506. ELIMINATION OF OXYGEN CONTENT REQUIREMENT FOR REFORMULATED GASOLINE.

`(aa) the quantity of reformulated gasoline produced that is in excess of the average annual quantity of reformulated gasoline produced in 1999 and 2000; and

`(bb) the reduction of the average annual aggregate emissions of toxic air pollutants in each PADD, based on retail survey data or data from other appropriate sources.

`(aa) identify, to the maximum extent practicable, the reasons for the failure, including the sources, volumes, and characteristics of reformulated gasoline that contributed to the failure; and

`(bb) promulgate revisions to the regulations promulgated under clause (ii), to take effect not earlier than 180 days but not later than 270 days after the date of promulgation, to provide that, notwithstanding clause (iii)(II), all reformulated gasoline produced or distributed at each refinery or importer shall meet the standards applicable under clause (ii) not later than April 1 of the year following the report in subclause (II) and for subsequent years.

SEC. 1507. ANALYSES OF MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL CHANGES.

SEC. 1508. DATA COLLECTION.

SEC. 1509. REDUCING THE PROLIFERATION OF STATE FUEL CONTROLS.

SEC. 1510. FUEL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS HARMONIZATION STUDY.

SEC. 1511. COMMERCIAL BYPRODUCTS FROM MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE AND CELLULOSIC BIOMASS LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

SEC. 1512. CELLULOSIC BIOMASS AND WASTE-DERIVED ETHANOL CONVERSION ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 1513. BLENDING OF COMPLIANT REFORMULATED GASOLINES.

Subtitle B--Underground Storage Tank Compliance

SEC. 1521. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 1522. LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

SEC. 1523. INSPECTION OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

SEC. 1524. OPERATOR TRAINING.

`SEC. 9010. OPERATOR TRAINING.

`Sec. 9010. Operator training.'.

SEC. 1525. REMEDIATION FROM OXYGENATED FUEL ADDITIVES.

SEC. 1526. RELEASE PREVENTION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT.

`SEC. 9011. USE OF FUNDS FOR RELEASE PREVENTION AND COMPLIANCE.

`Sec. 9011. Use of funds for release prevention and compliance.'.

SEC. 1527. DELIVERY PROHIBITION.

`SEC. 9012. DELIVERY PROHIBITION.

`Sec. 9012. Delivery prohibition.'.

SEC. 1528. FEDERAL FACILITIES.

`SEC. 9007. FEDERAL FACILITIES.

SEC. 1529. TANKS ON TRIBAL LANDS.

`SEC. 9013. TANKS ON TRIBAL LANDS.

`Sec. 9013. Tanks on Tribal lands.'.

SEC. 1530. ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO PROTECT GROUNDWATER.

SEC. 1531. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

`SEC. 9014. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

`Sec. 9014. Authorization of appropriations.'.

SEC. 1532. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

SEC. 1533. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

Subtitle C--Boutique Fuels

SEC. 1541. REDUCING THE PROLIFERATION OF BOUTIQUE FUELS.

TITLE XVI--STUDIES

SEC. 1601. STUDY ON INVENTORY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS STORAGE.

SEC. 1605. STUDY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS.

SEC. 1606. TELECOMMUTING STUDY.

SEC. 1607. LIHEAP REPORT.

SEC. 1608. OIL BYPASS FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY.

SEC. 1609. TOTAL INTEGRATED THERMAL SYSTEMS.

SEC. 1610. UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION.

SEC. 1611. RELIABILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSESSMENT.

SEC. 1612. REPORT ON ENERGY INTEGRATION WITH LATIN AMERICA.

SEC. 1613. LOW-VOLUME GAS RESERVOIR STUDY.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Daily life in America requires energy that is abundant, affordable and reliable. Energy is fundamental to prosperity and general welfare, both for this Nation and its families. Energy security is critical in a world of growing demand and regional political instability. Dependence on any single source of energy, especially from a foreign country, leaves America vulnerable to price shocks and supply shortages.

The purpose of the H.R. 1640, `The Energy Policy Act of 2005' is to promote energy conservation and increase the availability of energy supplies nationwide. This legislation makes a significant and meaningful contribution toward ensuring America's continued welfare and security by providing for its long-term energy needs.

Energy production and environmental protection are non-exclusive national goals. In recent decades, technological advances have made energy development and use more efficient and less environmentally harmful. Building on this trend, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 encourages energy production and demand reduction by promoting new technology, more efficient processes, and greater public awareness.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 addresses a wide range of issues related to energy production, generation, transportation, and consumption. It accelerates market penetration for clean coal technologies, encourages the use of alternative transportation fuels, changes the reformulated gasoline program, and promotes energy conservation and efficiency. The legislation also is designed to improve the hydropower licensing process and provide incentives to expand use of nuclear energy. Finally, H.R. 1640 addresses the need for investment in electric transmission capacity, as well as improvements to competitive wholesale electricity markets, along with a number of other attempts to modernize the electricity industry.

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. energy consumption will increasingly outpace energy production over the next 20 years. Total U.S. energy consumption is projected to grow 35% by 2025, from 98.2 quadrillion BTU to 133.2 quadrillion BTU. Computers, electronic equipment, appliances, telecommunications, and transportation will account for the bulk of this growth. Meeting this demand requires combining increased energy production with more efficient use of existing energy supplies.

Energy intensity, the amount of energy it takes to produce one dollar of gross domestic product, has steadily declined in the United States over the past three decades. Thus, while the economy has grown by 126% since 1970, energy consumption has increased by only 30%. These gains are largely the result of advances not only in technology, but also the improved management and application of that technology. As consumer choice is a driver of energy efficiency, Federal programs such as energy labels and Energy Star enable consumers to make energy-conscious purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the Department of Energy (DOE) established energy conservation standards on a variety of consumer, commercial, and industrial products have resulted in substantial increases in energy efficiency. By investing in the future and procuring energy efficient products, Federal and state governments promote energy efficiency by better managing their inherently large energy demands. A variety of Federal grant programs, such as weatherization assistance and state energy programs, have spurred significant progress in energy efficiency at all levels of government. If the Nation is to meet its energy needs in the coming decades, continued advances in energy efficiency and conservation will play a significant part.

Nuclear energy provides 20% of the Nation's electricity. There are 103 operating commercial nuclear reactors in the United States, most of these located east of the Mississippi River. It has been over 25 years since the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a license to construct a new nuclear power plant. As recently as a few years ago, it was thought that most of the existing fleet of nuclear reactors would be closed over the next 30 years. However, the industry has expressed a renewed interest in extending the licenses of existing nuclear plants, as well as constructing a new generation of advanced nuclear plants as an emission-free alternative to other fuels.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2005, the U.S. consumes over 20 million barrels of petroleum each day, 67% of which is used for transportation needs. Over the next 20 years, oil imports are expected to rise from a current 56% share to 68% of total demand; natural gas imports are expected to increase from 15% to 28% over the same time. The domestic petroleum refining industry is operating at 95% of capacity. Due to a lack of capacity, refined product imports are expected to grow from 7.9% to 10.7% of total refined product by 2025. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) was established in 1975 to `diminish the vulnerability of the United States to the effects of a severe energy supply interruption, and provide limited protection from the short-term consequences of interruptions in supplies of petroleum products.' The SPR has four sites used for crude oil storage, with an aggregated crude oil storage capacity of 727 million barrels. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 urges the Secretary of Energy to fill the SPR up to the 1 billion barrel level already authorized by Congress.

Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S. and provides about 7% of the electricity consumed in the U.S. according to the EIA. Over the next 15 years, more than half of this Nation's hydroelectric power projects (roughly 30,000 megawatts) must be relicensed. Current law gives the Federal resources agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service) authority to impose mandatory conditions on hydroelectric power licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). One of the areas identified by current and prospective licensees to improve the licensing process is requiring agencies to consider alternative conditions proposed by a licensee. Current law does not require agencies to consider alternative conditions that may be less costly (in dollars or energy lost) while not compromising environmental protection.

The United States presently generates just over half of its total electric power by burning coal, relying largely on domestic resources that constitute an estimated 25% of the world's total recoverable reserves of coal. Coal also represents over 94% of the Nation's proven fossil energy reserves. Despite this abundance of recoverable resources and the Nation's historical reliance on coal for electric power generation, plans to build new coal-fired generation face obstacles. A number of factors contribute to this situation, including the high capital and operating costs of currently available clean coal technology along with uncertainty over future environmental requirements. The Clean Coal Technology Demonstration Program (CCT) has sought to address this situation and demonstrate the feasibility of new coal-generation technology and processes. As of 2005, 32 CCT projects had been completed and an additional 3 projects were in process. Two of these projects are in the operation phase and an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) project is in its design phase.

Investment in electric transmission expansion has not kept pace with electricity demand. Moreover, transmission system reliability is suspect as demonstrated by the blackout that hit the Northeast and Midwest in August of 2003. Legislation is needed to address the issues of transmission capacity, operation, and reliability. In addition, state regulatory approval delays siting of new transmission lines by many years. Even if a project is completed, there is uncertainty as to whether utilities will be able to recover all of their investment, which hinders new transmission construction. Measures proposed, such as repealing the Public Utility Holding Company Act, would facilitate needed investment in the transmission sector.

Taken together, these issues highlight the need to promote innovation, conservation, and new domestic energy supplies. Reliable sources of energy will secure millions of jobs and make America less dependent on the outcomes of global conflicts. Ultimately, a comprehensive energy policy will provide better security for American families and a higher quality of life.

HEARINGS

The Full Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing entitled `The Department of Energy's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Proposal and the Energy Policy Act of 2005: Ensuring Jobs for Our Future with Secure and Reliable Energy' on February 9, 2005. The Committee received testimony from The Honorable Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy.

The Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held the first in a series of hearings on a comprehensive national energy policy on February 10, 2005. The Subcommittee received testimony from: The Honorable David K. Garman, Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy; Ms. Cynthia Marlette, General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Mr. Luis Reyes, Executive Director for Operations, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Mr. Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration; The Honorable Marilyn Showalter, President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners; The Honorable Frank H. Murkowski, Governor, State of Alaska; The Honorable Victor Carrillo, Chairman, Railroad Commission of Texas; Mr. Thomas R. Kuhn, President, Edison Electric Institute; Ms. Lynne H. Church, President, Electric Power Supply Association; Mr. Alan Richardson, President and CEO, American Public Power Association; Mr. Ed Hansen, General Manager, Snohomish County Public Utility District; Mr. Glenn English, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; Ms. Kateri Callahan, President, Alliance to Save Energy; Mr. Marty Kanner, President, Kanner & Associates; Mr. Mark Cooper, Research Director, Consumer Federation of America; and Mr. Steven Nadel, Executive Director, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

The Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held its second hearing on a comprehensive national energy policy on February 16, 2005. The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Red Cavaney, President, American Petroleum Institute; Mr. Bob Dinneen, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association; Mr. Bob Slaughter, President, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association; Mr. Erik Olson, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; Mr. Lee O. Fuller, Vice President of Government Relations, Independent Petroleum Association of America; Mr. Laurence M. Downes, Chairman, American Gas Association; Mr. Gerald Norlander, Executive Director, Public Utility Law Project, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates; Mr. David Hamilton, Director, Global Warming and Energy Programs, Sierra Club; Mr. Donald F. Santa, Jr., President, Interstate Natural Gas Association; Mr. John Kane, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute; Mr. Navin Nayak, Environmental Advocate, U.S. Public Interest Research Group; Mr. James H. Hancock, Jr., Chair, Legislative Affairs Committee, National Hydropower Association; Mr. Andrew Fahlund, Vice President for Restoration and Protection, American Rivers; Mr. John E. Shelk, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, National Mining Association; Mr. Alan Nogee, Director, Clean Energy Program, Union of Concerned Scientists; and, Mr. Rhone Resch, President, Solar Energy Industries Association.

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On Tuesday, April 5, 2005, Wednesday, April 6, 2005, Tuesday April 12, 2005, and, Wednesday April 13, 2005, the Full Committee met in open markup session and ordered a Committee Print reported to the House, as amended, by a record vote of 39 yeas and 16 nays. A request by Mr. Barton to allow a report to be filed on a bill to be introduced by Mr. Barton, and that the actions of the Committee be deemed as actions on that bill, was agreed to by unanimous consent.

COMMITTEE VOTES

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto. The following are the recorded votes taken on amendments offered to the measure, including the names of those Members voting for and against. A motion by Mr. Barton to order the Committee Print reported to the House, as amended, was agreed to by a record vote of 39 yeas and 16 nays.

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COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee held legislative and oversight hearings and made findings that are reflected in this report.

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is to enhance energy conservation and increase the supply of various energy sources for the American people.

NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY, ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITY, AND TAX EXPENDITURES

In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that H.R. 1640, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, would result in no new or increased budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues.

COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATE

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following is the cost estimate provided by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, April 19, 2005.

Hon. JOE BARTON,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1640, the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Lisa Cash Driskill.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth M. Robinson

(For Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director).

Enclosure.

H.R. 1640--Energy Policy Act of 2005

Summary: H.R. 1640 would authorize funding for several programs aimed at energy production, conservation, and research and development. It would authorize the use of energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs), make several changes to the regulatory framework governing the nation's electricity system, reauthorize the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and establish a program for hydrogen and other alternative fuel-powered cars.

Most of the bill's estimated costs would stem from changes in spending subject to appropriation. We estimate that implementing H.R. 1640 would cost $5.4 billion in 2006, and $33.5 billion over the 2006-2010 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1640 also would increase direct spending by $159 million in 2006, by $1.2 billion over the 2006-2010 period, and by $1.7 billion over the 2006-2015 period. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would increase revenues by $38 million in 2006, by $190 million over the 2006-2010 period, and by $380 million over the 2006-2015 period.

H.R. 1640 contains numerous mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) that would affect both intergovernmental and private-sector entities. Based on its review of the bill, CBO expects that the mandates (new requirements, limits on existing rights, and preemptions) contained in the bill's titles on motor fuels (title XV), nuclear energy (title VI), electricity (title XII), and energy efficiency (title I) would have the greatest impact on state and local governments and private-sector entities.

CBO estimates that the cost of complying with intergovernmental mandates, in aggregate, could be significant and likely would exceed the threshold established in UMRA ($62 million in 2005, adjusted annually for inflation) at some point over the next five years because we expect that future damage awards for state and local governments under the bill's safe harbor provision would likely be reduced. That provision would shield manufacturers of motor fuels and other persons from liability for claims based on defective product relating to motor fuels containing methyl tertiary butyl ether or renewable fuel.

CBO cannot determine whether the aggregate cost of the private-sector mandates in the bill would exceed the threshold established in UMRA primarily for two reasons. First, some of the requirements established by the bill would hinge on future regulatory action, about which information is not available. Second, UMRA does not specify whether CBO should measure the cost of extending a mandate relative to the mandate's current costs or assume that the mandate will expire and measure the costs of the mandate's extension as if the requirement were new. The bill would extend the existing mandate that requires licensees to pay fees to offset roughly 90 percent of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) annual appropriation. Measured against the costs that would be incurred if current law remains in place, the cost to the private sector of extending this mandate would exceed the annual threshold established in UMRA ($123 million in 2005, adjusted annually for inflation).

Estimated Cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary impact of H.R. 1640 is shown in Table 1. The costs of this legislation fall within budget functions 270 (energy), 300 (natural resources and environment), 350 (agriculture), and 800 (general government).

TABLE 1- ESTIMATED BUDGETARY IMPACT OF H.R. 1640
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                                             By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--                          
                                                                                 2006   2007  2008  2009  2010 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION                                                                   
Estimated Authorization Level                                                  11,256 11,723 6,759 6,224 5,756 
Estimated Outlays                                                               5,359  8,551 6,956 6,466 6,130 
CHANGES IN DIRECT SPENDING                                                                                     
Estimated Budget Authority                                                        214    450   300   150   100 
Estimated Outlays                                                                 159    378   343   160   120 
CHANGES IN REVENUES                                                                                            
Estimated Revenues                                                                 38     38    38    38    38 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basis of Estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 1640 will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2005. Additionally, CBO assumes that the full estimated amounts will be appropriated for each year and that spending will follow historical rates for ongoing activities. Table 2 details the components of estimated spending subject to appropriation under H.R. 1640. (Table 3, provided later, details the bill's direct spending effects.)

TABLE 2- ESTIMATED EFFECTS ON H.R. 1640 ON SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--                                 
                                                                                        2005   2006   2007  2008  2009  2010 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION                                                                                            
Discretionary Spending Under Current Law:                                                                                    
Authorization Level 1                                                                  4,604      0      0     0     0     0 
Estimated Outlays                                                                      4,104  1,736    434    91    29    29 
Proposed Changes:                                                                                                            
Specified Authorization Level                                                              0 10,890 11,302 6,311 5,893 5,367 
Estimated Outlays                                                                          0  5,140  8,228 6,629 6,107 5,729 
Estimated Authorizations:                                                                                                    
0                                                                                         61     95     88    73    72    72 
0                                                                                         70     46     16    10    21    27 
0                                                                                          1     10     30    64   105    75 
0                                                                                         31     63     90    94    86    73 
0                                                                                         42     72     71    86    86    86 
0                                                                                          5     25     25    25    25    50 
0                                                                                         10     12      8     8     7     7 
0                                                                                        219    323    327   359   402   389 
Total Proposed Changes:                                                                                                      
Estimated Authorization Level                                                              0 11,256 11,723 6,759 6,224 5,756 
Estimated Outlays                                                                          0  5,359  8,551 6,956 6,466 6,130 
Discretionary Spending Under H.R. 1640:                                                                                      
Estimated Authorization Level                                                          4,604 11,256 11,723 6,759 6,224 5,756 
Estimated Outlays                                                                      4,104  7,095  8,985 7,047 6,495 6,159 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spending subject to appropriation--overview

H.R. 1640 contains several provisions that specify amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), energy research and development programs, and energy conservation. Additionally, the bill would authorize unspecified amounts to be appropriated for incentives to use renewable energy, loan guarantees for certain types of energy facilities, and several other energy programs, studies, and reports. Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that implementing these provisions would cost $5.4 billion in 2006 and $33.5 billion over the 2006-2010 period. The following two sections detail the costs of specified and estimated authorizations. (A discussion of direct spending and revenue effects follows the next two sections.)

Spending subject to appropriation: specified authorizations

CBO estimates that implementing the bill's programs with specified authorizations would cost about $32 billion over the 2006-2010 period. That estimate assumes that all amounts authorized to be appropriated for these programs--about $40 billion over the next five years--will be provided each year.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is the largest program that would be authorized by the legislation. The bill would authorize funding of $5.1 billion for each of the next two years. Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing this provision would cost about $7.9 billion over the 2006-2010 period.

Under current law, a total of $2.2 billion was appropriated for fiscal year 2005. These funds' include $1.9 billion for the basic formula grant for states to provide energy assistance for low-income households, and $300 million for additional energy assistance for emergency needs. Implementing H.R. 1640 would increase the authorization for the basic formula grant for states to $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2006 and extend this authorized level through fiscal year 2007. The extension of the basic formula grant would automatically extend the authorization of emergency funding through fiscal year 2007 at $600 million per year. The emergency funds are made available only after a formal request by the President that includes a designation of the amount requested as an emergency requirement as defined in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act.

Other Specified Program Authorizations. The bill also would specifically authorize funds `to be appropriated for several other energy-related programs. CBO estimates that over the 2006-2010 period implementing H.R. 1640 would cost:

Spending subject to appropriation: estimated authorizations

(g) Based on information from DOE, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other affected agencies, and industry sources, CBO estimates that H.R. 1640 would authorize the appropriation of an additional $366 million in 2006 and $2 billion over the 2006-2010 period. Key components of this estimate are described below.

Energy Conservation at Federal Agencies. H.R. 1640 would amend several energy conservation goals and requirements that apply to the federal government. CBO estimates that implementing those provisions would cost $389 million over the 2006-2010 period, subject to appropriation of the necessary amounts. Most of those goals, such as reducing energy use by 2 percent per year relative to 2003 consumption and purchasing energy-efficient products when economical, are being pursued under current executive orders. Where practical, the bill would require that hourly electricity meters be installed at all federal buildings by 2012. Such meters would provide data at least once daily and measure hourly consumption of electricity. The data would be available to facility energy managers.

Based on information from the Department of Energy, we assume that it would only be economical to meter 20 percent of the government's inventory of 500,000 buildings and that installing meters would cost, on average, $4,000 per building. We assume that meters would be installed in 20,000 buildings per year until 2012, when the project would be complete. We estimate that implementing the metering provisions of H.R. 1640 would cost $57 million in 2006 and $323 million over the 2006-2010 period. CBO estimates that other requirements in this title, such as monitoring the equipment installed using energy savings performance contracts, and establishing new programs and rules for making products more energy efficient, would cost $66 million over the next five years.

Based on experience in the private sector, metering the hourly electricity use of buildings can lead to reduced energy consumption and reduce costs enough to recoup the cost of installing meters within two to four years. It is possible that this requirement could lead to a future reduction in appropriations for federal building energy use, but any such savings would depend on how metering information is used by federal agencies. Additionally, metering can reveal where energy use is high, but capital investment and other changes in how federal buildings consume energy would likely be needed to achieve savings. In any case, any savings are not likely to be significant over the next five years because most of the new metering and required capital investment would not be completed until the end of that period or after 2010.

Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI). The REPI program currently provides cash payments to public utilities and electric cooperatives that generate energy using renewable sources. The payment is based on the annual kilowatt-hours of electricity generated using qualified renewable energy sources. Section 202 of the bill would reauthorize the REPI program for an additional 20 years, and make Indian tribes eligible for the program. Annual funding appropriated for the program has not kept pace with applications for payment from eligible utilities. Specifically, eligible utilities have generated electricity from renewable resources since 1994 in an amount that qualifies for about $76 million in REPI payments that have not been appropriated. Based on information from DOE, CBO estimates that fully funding this program, including the backlog of applications, would cost $70 million in 2006 and $163 million over the 2006-2010 period.

Loan Guarantees for Coal Projects. Title IV would authorize DOE to guarantee loans for coal gasification power plants. Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that implementing this provision would cost about $210 million over the 2006-2010 period.

Under credit reform procedures, funds must be appropriated in advance to cover the subsidy cost of such loan guarantees, measured on a present-value basis. The costs of such subsidies could vary widely depending on the terms of the contracts and the financial and technical risk associated with the different types of projects. According to Standard and Poors, the cumulative default risk for projects rated as speculative investments can range from about 20 percent to almost 60 percent, depending on a project's cash flows and contractual terms. Subsidy costs also are affected by amounts recovered by the government in the event of default, which in turn depend on the value of the security backing the guarantee as well as contractual protections.

H.R. 1640 would authorize DOE to guarantee loans for gasification projects that use coal and petroleum coke as feedstocks. Section 412 would allow DOE to provide a loan guarantee for a 400 megawatt project that uses integrated gasification combined-cycle technology and sells power in deregulated energy markets at competitive rates without subsidies from ratepayers. Section 414 would authorize the department to guarantee loans for five or more projects that use petroleum coke gasification technology. Neither provision sets any limits on the amount or terms of the loan guarantees.

Gasification projects would require large capital investments, ranging from over $500 million for a 400 megawatt gasification plant to $800 million or more for a plant that would produce power and possibly other fuels using petroleum coke. Such gasification technologies are not new--they have been tested and deployed to some extent in other countries--but they have not been economically competitive in the United States. Profitability would depend on numerous factors, including future electricity and fuel prices; the price, quality, and availability of feedstocks; and various regulatory approvals.

For this estimate, CBO assumes that DOE would guarantee investments totaling about $2 billion over the next five years, which would allow for the planning and construction of the coal gasification plant and at least two petroleum coke facilities. Given the current outlook for energy prices, CBO expects that the credit risk of gasification loans would likely fall within the middle of the range for speculative investments, but the risk of default could be higher or lower depending on the contract terms. CBO estimates that loan guarantees under this section would involve a 20 percent subsidy (on average), assuming only modest recoveries in the absence of any statutory requirements for collateral. Thus, we estimate that implementing this provision would cost $210 million over the 2006-2010 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. Additional outlays of $190 million would occur after 2010 as construction progressed on such projects.

Indian Energy Programs. Title V would authorize the Department of the Interior (DOI) to provide grants and loans to Indian tribes for energy resource development projects. That title also would authorize DOE to provide competitive grants for energy development projects on Indian land and to establish an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. In total, CBO estimates that these programs would cost $31 million in 2006, and $364 million over the 2006-2010 period.

DOI Grants and Loans. The bill would authorize DOI to provide loans and grants to Indian tribes for energy resource development and to provide grants to Indian tribes and tribal consortia for the development of tribal energy resources, feasibility studies, and the enforcement of tribal laws to protect the environment. Based on information from DOI, CBO estimates that such grants and loans would cost about $20 million in 2006 and $170 million over the 2006-2010 period.

DOE Loan Guarantees. Title V would authorize the Secretary of Energy to guarantee up to $2 billion in loans for energy projects on Indian lands. Based on information from the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, CBO expects that DOE would provide loan guarantees for a variety of projects on Indian lands, including electricity transmission lines, fossil fuel electricity generation, and renewable fuels. CBO expects that the subsidy cost of loans guaranteed under this program could range from 2 or 3 percent for routine conventional projects to 50 percent or more for unproven technologies.

For this estimate, CBO assumes that about half of the program would provide loan guarantees for electricity transmission lines, which should pose relatively little credit risk under standard contract terms. We assume that the remaining half would be divided between fossil fuel electricity generation and renewable fuels. Under these assumptions, we estimate that the average subsidy cost for loans guaranteed under the program would be 10 percent. CBO expects that loans would be disbursed over the next 10 years, and we estimate that the loan guarantee program would cost $3 million in 2006 and $136 million over the 2006-2010 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts for the estimated subsidy costs.

DOE Grants. This title would authorize DOE to distribute grants to Indian tribes under two new programs. One would help tribes with regulatory aspects of their energy resources while the other would help tribes to develop tribal energy resource agreements through leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way. CBO estimates that the cost for grants and administration of the programs would average about $9 million annually.

Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. The bill also would authorize DOE to establish a new office that would be responsible for various grant and loan programs authorized under title V. Based on information from DOE, CBO estimates that the salaries, expenses, benefits, space, and travel costs of the DOE employees that would administer such programs would be about $3 million annually.

Nuclear Energy Provisions. Section 638 would allow the Department of Energy to create a national stockpile of low-enriched uranium. Title VI would amend the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's authority to collect fees, and modify its security and licensing programs. CBO estimates that implementing those provisions would cost $357 million over the 2006-2010 period, subject to appropriation of the necessary amounts.

Uranium Stockpile. The stockpile would constitute a reserve supply of low-enriched uranium that could be used by commercial nuclear power plants, but could only be sold or transferred under certain restrictions and conditions. The bill would allow DOE to obtain material for the stockpile from highly enriched uranium recovered from dismantled nuclear warheads from Russia and naturally mined or enriched uranium from U.S. companies.

For this estimate, CBO assumes that DOE would purchase about 1.5 tons of highly enriched uranium from Russia each year over the 2006-2010 period for delivery to and storage by DOE at one or more national stockpile sites. The highly enriched uranium would be converted to low-enriched uranium by Russia prior to purchase by DOE. The conversion process involves diluting the highly enriched uranium with natural uranium. After conversion, DOE would receive about 50 tons of low-enriched uranium a year that would be held as a long-term reserve. Obtaining that amount is similar to what DOE proposed to the Congress in 2003.

Assuming that negotiations between the United States and Russia to purchase the low-enriched uranium might take up to a year, CBO estimates that DOE would only purchase 25 tons of low-enriched uranium in 2006 but would make additional purchases of 50 tons a year over the 2007-2010 period. CBO estimates that the cost for the roughly 50 tons of low-enriched uranium would total about $60 million a year over the 2007-2010 period. This amount includes the costs for the dilution services (about $30 million), the costs for the natural uranium (about $30 million), and shipping costs (less than $1 million). The unit of measurement for the dilution services is commonly referred to as a separative work unit or SWU. Based on information provided by industry, CBO estimates that it would take about 275,000 SWUs to convert 1.5 tons of highly enriched uranium to 50 tons of low-enriched uranium. Assuming a market price of about $110 per SWU, CBO estimates that the cost for diluting the highly enriched uranium would total about $30 million a year.

Based on conversion factors provided by industry, roughly one million pounds of natural uranium would be used in the dilution process to produce 50 tons of low-enriched uranium. Assuming a market price of roughly $30,000 per pound, CBO estimates that the cost of the natural uranium would total another $30 million a year over the 2006-2010 period.

Thus, CBO estimates that the costs to obtain the low-enriched uranium would total $30 million in 2006 and $270 million over the 2006-2010 period. CBO estimates that there would be no significant costs to store the low-enriched uranium because there is sufficient storage capacity at existing DOE sites, such as the Savannah River Site in South Carolina and the Paducah Plant in Kentucky.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fees, and Security and Licensing Programs. H.R. 1640 would require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission update its security programs for the facilities it regulates, establish that it would be the licensing and regulatory authority for the Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-generation Project established under the bill, and change the fee collection system currently used by the agency. Based on information from NRC, CBO estimates that these provisions would cost $12 million in 2006 and $87 million over the 2006-2010 period.

Security Programs. The bill would require that NRC update and initiate several studies, rulemakings, and programs related to security at the nation's nuclear power plants. It would require NRC to study the potential threats to nuclear facilities posed by terrorists and update security rules based on those findings; update the `design basis threat'--the attack scenario nuclear facilities must be capable of defeating; require federal security coordinators in each of the NRC's four regions; establish a training program for federal agencies, the National Guard, and state and local law enforcement and emergency personnel; establish a system to ensure the secure transfer of nuclear materials; and issue rulemakings related to fingerprinting employees of nuclear facilities, safeguarding classified information, and weapons in nuclear facilities. Overall, CBO estimates that these requirements would cost $8 million in 2006 and $37 million over the 2006-2010 period.

Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-generation Project Licensing. H.R. 1640 also would require that the NRC license and regulate the Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-generation project established in section 654 of the bill. Based on information from the NRC, CBO assumes the agency would need significant additional resources to review site permits, reactor design, and the license applications needed to get such a project approved. Assuming the full authorized appropriations are provided to DOE to implement this program on the timeline outlined in the bill, CBO estimates that NRC's licensing and regulatory activities related to the project would cost $2 million in 2006 and $40 million over the 2006-2010 period.

NRC Fee Collection. Under current law, the NRC collects fees from its private licensees that offset its annual appropriation. Such fee collection includes the cost of issuing licenses to some government agencies. In 2005, the NRC was authorized to collect 90 percent of most of its appropriation (CBO estimates such fee collections will total $537 million for the fiscal year). Under current law, fee collections are authorized at 33 percent of the agency's budget for each year after 2005. H.R. 1640 would set fee collection at 90 percent of most of the agency's budget after 2005, establish that licensees not be charged fees for homeland security activities, and require that government agencies pay their licensing and regulatory activity fees, rather than the private sector. The authority to increase future fee assessments would result in lower net appropriations for the NRC. Currently, NRC charges private licensees about $2 million per year for licenses issued to government agencies. Because under H.R. 1640 those fees would come from appropriated funds rather than the private sector, the government would incur a net cost relative to current law to pay them. We estimate that such additional costs would be $2 million in 2006 and $10 million over the 2006-2010 period.

Loan Guarantees for Ethanol Production. Section 1511 would authorize loan guarantees for the construction of facilities to produce ethanol or other commercial byproducts from agricultural residue or municipal solid waste, subject to certain terms and conditions. The bill would not limit the volume or portion of the loans that could be guaranteed, but it would set criteria for project approval, require certain levels of collateral, impose a fee for administrative costs, and terminate the program after 10 years.

CBO expects that projects would be debt-financed and sponsors would recover costs through the sale of ethanol and other recyclable materials. The technology used to process ethanol from such sources is new and not well proven. In addition, prices for the plants' output--ethanol and recycled glass, metal, and paper--have a history of fluctuating widely. Moreover, the profitability of these projects also would depend on the cost of purchased feedstock and, for solid waste facilities, on revenues from `tipping fees' (i.e., those fees charged by the plant to accept municipal solid-waste feedstock). According to DOE, a plant's reliance on feedstock from these sources would increase the credit risk because prices for feedstock can become competitive if demand for such products increases. Likewise, revenues from tipping fees may also fluctuate.

Based on information from DOE, CBO expects that the department would guarantee loans for three projects over the next five years, each with a total construction cost of about $250 million. The types of credit risks associated with producing and marketing ethanolrelated products differ from those for gasification facilities, but CBO expects that the net subsidy rates for both programs would be about the same. Thus, CBO estimates that loans guaranteed under section 1511 would have about a 20 percent subsidy, requiring about $150 million in appropriated funds in the subsidy costs, with outlays of about $105 million over the 2006-2010 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.

Electricity Regulations. Title XII would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish several new rules for managing the nation's electricity system and governing the business practices of the electricity industry. Such rules would affect transmission services, construction and siting permits for building new transmission lines, and the reliability of the nation's electricity transmission infrastructure. The bill also would repeal the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, require FERC to take over certain regulatory procedures currently undertaken by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and amend the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act.

Based on information from FERC, CBO estimates that implementing these provisions would cost $11 million in 2006 and $47 million over the 2006-2010 period. Such costs would cover additional data processing and storage, additional staff, and travel related to the agency's new duties. Because FERC recovers 100 percent of its costs through user fees, such additional costs would be offset by an equal change in fees that the commission charges. Hence, these provisions would have no net budgetary impact.

Other Provisions. H.R. 1640 includes several provisions that would authorize various new studies, reports, and activities related to energy consumption and production. These provisions would require federal agencies to:

Based on information from the agencies that would be responsible for implementing these provisions, CBO estimates that these activities would cost $10 million in 2006 and $45 million over the 2006-2010 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Direct spending and revenues

H.R. 1640 has five provisions that would have a measurable impact on direct spending and revenues. The estimated effects of these provisions are shown in Table 3. The bill would provide permanent authorization for the use of energy savings performance contracts and cap their use at $500 million; establish an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to manage the reliability of the nation's electricity system; establish a research and development program to drill for ultra-deep water natural gas and unconventional petroleum resources; allow the Western Area and Southwestern Power Administrations to accept up to $100 million in financing from private sources for electricity transmission projects; and direct the Department of Energy to reimburse private contractors for certain employee benefits. The bill also would establish a specified minimum level of renewable fuel content for motor fuels sold by refiners, blenders, or importers, but CBO estimates this provision would have a negligible effect on direct spending.

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1640 would increase direct spending by $159 million in 2006 and $1.7 billion over the 2006-2015 period. We estimate that enacting the bill would increase net revenues by $38 million in 2006 and by $380 million over the 2006-2015 period. In addition, we estimate that new civil penalties imposed by the bill would result in an increase in revenues of less than $500,000 annually.

TABLE 3- ESTIMATED DIRECT SPENDING AND REVENUE EFFECTS OF H.R. 1640
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--                                              
                                                                                                         2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN DIRECT SPENDING                                                                                                                                 
Energy Savings Performance Contracts:                                                                                                                      
Estimated Budget Authority                                                                                  0  300  200    0    0    0    0    0    0    0 
Estimated Outlays                                                                                           0  255  215   30    0    0    0    0    0    0 
Electric Reliability Organization (ERO):                                                                                                                   
Estimated Budget Authority                                                                                 50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50 
Estimated Outlays                                                                                          50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50 
Ultra-deep Water Natural Gas and Unconventional Petroleum Resources:                                                                                       
Estimated Budget Authority                                                                                100   50   50   50   50   50   50   50   50    0 
Estimated Outlays                                                                                          45   63   58   50   50   50   50   50   50   28 
Financing of Federal Electricity Transmissions Projects:                                                                                                   
Estimated Budget Authority                                                                                  0   50    0   50    0    0    0    0    0    0 
Estimated Outlays                                                                                           0   10   20   30   20   20    0    0    0    0 
DOE Payment for Employee Benefits:                                                                                                                         
Estimated Budget Authority                                                                                 64    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0 
Estimated Outlays                                                                                          64    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total Changes in Direct Spending Under H.R. 1640:                                                                                                          
Estimated Budget Authority                                                                                214  450  300  150  100  100  100  100  100   50 
Estimated Outlays                                                                                         159  378  343  160  120  120  100  100  100   78 
CHANGES IN REVENUES                                                                                                                                        
Fees charged by ERO on Electricity Consumers:                                                                                                              
Estimated Revenues 1                                                                                       38   38   38   38   38   38   38   38   38   38 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs). Section 105 would permanently extend the authority to enter into ESPCs but would cap total payments under such contracts at $500 million and specify that only DOE, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs would be eligible to use such contracts, beginning on October 1, 2006. CBO estimates that such agencies would quickly use this authority up to the authorized amount, and thus, the provision would increase direct spending by $500 million over the 2007-2009 period.

ESPCs enable federal agencies to enter into long-term contracts with an energy savings , company (ESCO), for the acquisition of energy-efficient equipment, such as new windows, lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Using such equipment can reduce the energy costs for a facility, and the savings from reduced utility payments can be used to pay the contractor for the equipment over time. Because the government does not pay for the equipment at the time it is acquired, the ESCO borrows money from a nonfederal lender to finance the acquisition and installation of the equipment. When it signs the ESPC, the government commits to paying for the full cost of the equipment, as well as the interest costs on the ESCO's borrowing for the project. Since the ESCO faces higher borrowing costs than the U.S. Treasury, total interest payments for the equipment acquisition will be higher than if the government financed the acquisition of the equipment directly with appropriated funds.

The obligation to make payments for the equipment and the financing costs is incurred when the government signs the ESPC. Under the current authority, agencies can use ESPCs to acquire new equipment, paying over a period of up to 25 years, without an appropriation for the full amount of the purchase price. Thus, consistent with governmentwide accounting principles, CBO believes that the budget should reflect that commitment as new obligations at the time that an ESPC is signed, and the authority to enter into these contracts without budget authority for the full amount of the purchase price constitutes direct spending.

CBO's estimate of direct spending reflects an amount equal to the cost of the energy conservation measures as installed, plus the portion of borrowing costs attributable to contract interest rates that exceed U.S. Treasury interest rates. (Borrowing costs equivalent to the amount of Treasury interest that would be paid if the equipment were financed with appropriated funds are not counted against this authority, consistent with the budget scorekeeping of regular interest costs associated with federal spending. That is, Treasury interest effects are not counted as a direct cost or savings to any particular legislative provision.)

Electric Reliability Organization. H.R. 1640 would authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to exercise authority over the reliability of the nation's electricity transmission system through the establishment of an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). Under the bill, FERC would select an organization to become the ERO based on several criteria, including the ability of the organization to charge fees to end users of the electricity system to cover its costs. CBO believes the ERO's collections and spending should be included in the federal budget because this new entity would conduct inherently governmental activities that could not be undertaken by a purely private organization.

H.R. 1640 would cap the amount of dues, fees, and other charges collected by the ERO at $50 million per year, until 2015. Thus, we estimate that spending by the ERO would total $50 million in 2006 and $500 million over the next 10 years.

Because the ERO and the regional organizations created by it would be governmental in nature, CBO believes that the collection of these fees should be recorded as revenues in the budget. The increased revenue from the assessments would be offset by 25 percent to reflect reduced receipts of income and payroll taxes. The assessments would add to the costs of the industry, which would be expected to pass them forward to consumers in higher prices. As consumers spend less in other sectors of the economy, wages and profits--and resulting income and payroll taxes--would shrink accordingly. CBO estimates that net revenues collected by an ERO and its regional organizations would total $38 million in 2006, $190 million over the 2006-2010 period, and $380 million over the 2006-2015 period.

Currently, the federal power marketing administrations, including the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Bonneville Power Administration, pay dues to the regional affiliates of the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC). We would expect that those payments would continue and would increase under the new regulatory scheme established by the ERO. Any increase in those fees would be offset by changes in the rates charged to customers of the federal agencies.

Ultra-deep Water Natural Gas and Unconventional Petroleum Resources. H.R. 1640 would provide $50 million per year over the 2005-2014 period to establish a new program to research and develop drilling technologies in waters greater than 1,500 meters on the Outer Continental Shelf and for unconventional petroleum resources onshore, such as gas shales or natural gas in tight sand. If successful, such research could eventually lead to greater oil and gas production (and royalty collections) from federal lands. The program would be funded from royalties, rents, and bonuses received by the government for oil and gas drilling on federal land. Such funds are currently deposited into the Treasury and are available for appropriation. CBO estimates that the new program would cost $45 million in 2006 and $494 million over the 2006-2015 period.

Financing of Federal Electricity Transmission Projects. Section 1222 of the bill would authorize DOE's Western Area and Southwestern Power Administrations to accept up to $100 million to assist in the design, development, construction, and operation of transmission projects that would contribute to reducing congestion on existing electricity lines. CBO considers such financing to be equivalent to incurring new federal debt, and thus the spending of such borrowed amounts should be recorded in the budget as direct spending. We estimate that such spending would cost $10 million in 2007 and $100 million over the 2007-2015 period.

DOE Payments for Employee Benefits. Section 640 of the bill would require DOE to ensure that employees of its contractors at certain facilities maintain their retirement and health benefits. Currently, DOE is changing contractors for infrastructure and environmental remediation activities at its Portsmouth and Paducah facilities. Employees working under current contracts are not guaranteed continuity of benefits under the new contracts. This section would require the department to ensure that such employees maintain their benefits. Based on information from DOE and the potential new contractor, up to 500 employees would be eligible for continued benefits under this provision. Based on previous payments to contractors under similar circumstances, we expect that DOE would make an immediate transfer of funds to the new contractor for the estimated future benefits related to pensions, medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for each employee. Based on information from DOE, CBO estimates that this provision would increase direct spending by $64 million in 2006.

Renewable Fuels Mandate. CBO estimates that enacting title XV of H.R. 1640 would not have any significant effect on direct spending or revenues over the 2006-2015 period.

Section 1501 of the bill would require that motor fuels sold by a refiner, blender, or importer contain specified amounts of renewable fuel. The required volume of renewable fuel would start at 3.1 billion gallons in 2005 and escalate to 5 billion gallons for 2012 and increase at the growth in gasoline consumption thereafter. Those amounts are generally less than the amounts of renewable fuels that CBO projects will be used for several years. The bill also would amend the Clean Air Act to eliminate the requirement for gasoline that is sold in certain regions of the country to contain 2 percent oxygen by weight. This provision might lower demand for gasoline oxygenates (including ethanol), because the mandated use of renewable fuels is below CBO's baseline for the use of fuels.

However, the bill also provides for the generation of credits towards meeting the renewable fuel requirement, which can be used to satisfy future years' requirements. Because of the ability of a refiner, blender, or importer to save ethanol-use credits generated in one year to satisfy requirements in a future year, CBO does not expect that the use of renewable fuels would be significantly affected. Accordingly, the costs of federal programs to support farm prices and provide income support would not be significantly affected, with these levels of renewable fuel requirements.

Civil Penalties. H.R. 1640 also could affect governmental receipts and direct spending by establishing and increasing certain civil and criminal penalties. CBO estimates that any resulting increase in receipts and spending would be less than $500,000 annually. Such penalties would be established for violations of regulations relating to:

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1640 contains numerous mandates as defined in UMRA that would affect both intergovernmental and private-sector entities.

CBO estimates that the cost of complying with intergovernmental mandates, in aggregate, could be significant and likely would exceed the threshold established in UMRA ($62 million in 2005, adjusted annually for inflation) at some point over the next five years because we expect that future damage awards for state and local governments under the bill's safe harbor provision would likely be reduced. That provision would shield the motor fuels industry from liability under certain conditions.

CBO cannot determine whether the aggregate cost of the private-sector mandates in the bill would exceed the threshold established in UMRA, primarily for two reasons. First, some of the requirements established by the bill would hinge on future regulatory action about which information is not available. Second, UMRA does not specify whether CBO should measure the cost of extending a mandate relative to the mandate's current costs or assume that the mandate will expire and measure the costs of the mandate's extension as if the requirement were new. The bill would extend the existing mandate that requires licensees to pay fees to offset roughly 90 percent of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's annual appropriation. Measured against the costs that would be incurred if current law remains in place, the cost to the private sector of extending this mandate would exceed the annual threshold established in UMRA ($123 million in 2005, adjusted annually for inflation).

Based on its review of the bill, CBO expects that the mandates (new requirements, limits on existing rights, and preemptions) contained in the bill's titles on motor fuels (title XV), nuclear energy (title VI), electricity (title XII), and energy efficiency (title I) would have the greatest impact on state and local governments and private-sector entities.

Ethanol and motor fuels (Title XV)

Safe Harbor. Section 1502 would shield manufacturers of motor fuels and other persons from liability for claims based on defective product relating to motor vehicle fuel containing methyl tertiary butyl ether or renewable fuel. That protection would be in effect as long as the fuel is in compliance with other applicable federal requirements. The provision would impose both an intergovernmental and private-sector mandate as it would limit existing rights to seek compensation under current law. (The provision would not affect other causes of action such as nuisance or negligence.)

Uunder current law, plaintiffs in existing and future cases may stand to receive significant amounts in damage awards, based, at least in part, on claims of defective product. Because section 1502 would apply to all such claims filed on or after September 5, 2003, it would affect more than 100 existing claims filed by local communities, states, and some private companies against oil companies. Individual Judgments and settlements for similar lawsuits over the past several years have ranged from several million dollars to well over $100 million. Based on the size of damages already awarded and on information from industry experts, CBO anticipates that precluding existing and future claims based on defective product would reduce the size of judgments in favor of state and local governments over the next five years. CBO estimates that those reductions would exceed the threshold established in UMRA in at least one of those years. Because significantly fewer such cases are pending for private-sector claimants, CBO does not have a sufficient basis for estimating expected reductions in damage awards for the private sector.

Renewable Fuels Standard. Section 1501 would require domestic refiners, blenders, and importers of gasoline to ensure that gasoline sold or dispensed to consumers in the contiguous United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuels. The required volume of renewable fuel would start at 3.1 billion gallons in 2005 and increase to 5.0 billion gallons by 2012. Section 1501 also would allow refineries, blenders, and importers to accumulate and trade credits for quantities of renewable fuels. Excess credits from one year could be used in the next. CBO expects that the motor fuels industry would be able to meet the renewable fuels requirement in the first five years that the mandate is in effect (2005 through 2009) without significant additional costs to the industry.

MTBE Ban. Section 1504 would ban the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in gasoline effective no later than December 31, 2014. At the same time, the bill would allow any state to authorize MTBE use in motor fuels by notifying the EPA. A nationwide ban with states opting to continue use of MTBE may not be fundamentally different from the current situation in which states impose their own local bans. Therefore, it is possible that MTBE use would not be greatly affected by the ban under the bill. Moreover, CBO anticipates that the renewable fuels standard established in section 1501 could, on its own, greatly reduce incentives to use MTBE.

CBO cannot determine in which states, if any, the federal MTBE ban would be more constraining than the renewable fuel standard and, therefore, cannot determine the cost of the mandate. In states where the federal ban would be more constraining, the ban could impose costs on refiners and merchant producers. Gasoline refiners would need to replace MTBE with higher-cost blendstocks, and merchant producers would likely convert their operations to the production of less-profitable blendstocks, such as alkylates or iso-octane. The bill would authorize appropriations of $250 million annually for fiscal years 2005 through 2012 for federal transition grants to merchant producers to convert their facilities.

Seasonal Variation in Renewable Fuel Use. Section 1501 would direct the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to determine if there are excessive seasonal variations in the amount of renewable fuel blended into gasoline. Refiners might have an incentive to use more of the annual requirement for renewable fuel (mostly ethanol) in the winter months, when evaporative emissions from gasoline are less of a concern. Sharp seasonal changes in the demand for ethanol could lead to large swings in ethanol and gasoline prices. If EIA determines that there are excessive seasonal fluctuations, EPA would impose regulations requiring that at least 35 percent of the renewable fuel standard be blended into gasoline in summer months and another 35 percent be blended in winter months. At this time EPA does not have any information on excessive seasonal variation in renewable fuel use, but expects that such requirements will not be likely. In the event that a determination by EIA triggers additional EPA regulations, the duty to comply with those regulations would constitute a private-sector mandate.

VOC Region Consolidation. Section 1506 would consolidate the regional regulations that limit the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from gasoline, by applying the more stringent standards for gasoline sold in the southern United States to gasoline sold in the northern United States. Applying the more-stringent standards would impose a private-sector mandate. According to industry experts, the difference in the stringency of the two standards is small, and therefore, the mandate is not likely to increase industry costs.

Boutique Fuels. Section 1541 would require EPA to promulgate a list of boutique fuels approved by the federal government. The Clean Air Act allows individual states to implement their own clean fuel programs to address local or regional concerns about air quality. The term `boutique fuels' refers to the various specialized gasoline blends made to meet those air quality standards. Section 1541 would limit the total number of fuels on the approved list and would prohibit the addition of new fuels to the list without the removal of an older fuel. The federal list of fuels would supersede any list currently allowed under state implementation plans. In effect, the section would require any refinery currently producing a boutique fuel that is not on the federal list of boutique fuels to cease production of that fuel. According to various industry contacts, most refineries are capable of producing the fuels that are slated to be on the initial list of boutique fuels. CBO estimates that the costs associated with any retooling necessary to comply with the provisions of this section would be minimal, if any.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Compliance for States. Section 1524 would require the EPA to specify training requirements for operators of USTs and would require states to develop and implement a training strategy for UST operators that is consistent with the EPA requirements. The bill also would require each state and tribe to develop an implementation report that lists each publicly owned underground storage tank out of compliance with regulations, past actions taken toward listed tanks, and future steps that will be taken to bring those tanks into compliance. CBO estimates that the cost of these requirements could be significant, but that states would be eligible for grants from EPA to implement them.

In states where the EPA oversees regulation of USTs directly, this provision would constitute a private-sector mandate on private owners of USTs. Currently, only USTs in Idaho are regulated directly by the EPA. While CBO has no information on what training the EPA may require, the industry does not expect the requirements to differ greatly from existing industry and state training requirements. CBO anticipates that the cost of the private-sector mandate would not be large.

Additional Groundwater Protection Requirements. Section 1530 would direct the EPA to require states that receive federal funding for UST programs to impose new groundwater protection requirements on manufacturers and installers of USTs. This would constitute a private-sector mandate, since states receiving grants must implement the new requirements and the EPA is expected to impose these requirements regardless of the states' action. CBO has no information at this time on how the requirements would be implemented and, therefore, cannot determine the cost of the mandate.

Nuclear matters (Title VI)

Increase in the Annual Premium. Under current law, in the event that losses from a nuclear incident exceed the required amount of private insurance, NRC licensees (both public and private) are assessed a charge to cover the shortfall in damage coverage. Section 603 would increase the maximum annual premium from $10 million to $15 million. CBO has determined that raising the maximum annual premium would increase the costs of existing mandates and would thereby impose both intergovernmental and private-sector mandates under UMRA. Because the probability of a nuclear accident resulting in losses exceeding the amount of private insurance coverage is low, CBO estimates that the annual costs for public and private entities of complying with the mandates (in expected value terms) would not be substantial over the next five years.

Security Upgrades and Background Checks. Sections 661 and 666 would direct the NRC to issue new security regulations for the operation of nuclear facilities and the transport of nuclear materials. The duty to comply with the new regulations governing nuclear material transport and facility operations would constitute both private-sector and intergovernmental mandates. Under section 661, the rules governing the operation of nuclear facilities would be based upon future study by the NRC and consultation with other federal, state, and local agencies and the private sector. At this time, the agency could not give any indication as to the scope of the new regulations. Consequently, CBO cannot determine the costs of compliance. However, based on the small number of public nuclear facilities and the security upgrades that have already occurred in response to the events of September 11, 2001, CBO expects that the cost of these requirements would not be large for state and local governments.

In addition, the bill would require fingerprinting of additional individuals connected with nuclear facilities as part of criminal background checks done through the U.S. Attorney General's Office. The increased costs for those background checks would be the responsibility of the licensee. The duty to pay the increased cost would be both a private-sector and intergovernmental mandate under UMRA, but the cost of the mandate would be small.

NRC User Fees and Annual Charges. Under current law, the NRC is authorized to collect annual fees from its licensees (public and private) to offset 90 percent of a major portion of its general fund appropriation. CBO estimates that those collections would amount about $500 million in fiscal year 2005. Those fee collections include the cost of issuing licenses to some federal agencies. The NRC's authority to collect that level of fees expires at the end of fiscal year 2005. When that authority expires, the NRC will be authorized to collect annual fees up to only 33 percent of its budget. Section 668 would extend the NRC's current authority to charge annual fees to offset 90 percent of its net appropriation indefinitely. The duty to pay such an increase in fees would be a mandate as defined in UMRA.

The total amount of fees collected under this provision would depend on the level of future appropriations. Assuming appropriations in the amount authorized for 2005, CBO estimates that extending the fees could result in additional collections of roughly $300 million in 2006 from industries regulated by the NRC (primarily electric utilities) and similar amounts for fiscal years 2007 through 2010. CBO estimates that most of the annual fees would be paid by private, investor-owned nuclear utilities (less than 5 percent would be paid by nonfederal, publicly owned utilities.)

In the case of a mandate that has not yet expired, UMRA does not specify whether CBO should measure the cost of the extension relative to the mandate's current costs or assume that the mandate will expire and that it must measure the costs of the mandate's extension as if the requirement were new. Measured against the costs that would be incurred if current law remains in place and the annual fee declines, the total cost to the private sector of extending this mandate could be close to $300 million annually, beginning in fiscal year 2006. Measured that way, the cost of the mandate would exceed the annual threshold for the private sector as defined in UMRA. By contrast, measured against the fees paid for fiscal year 2005, the mandate would impose no additional costs on the private sector because the fees under the bill would not differ much from those currently in effect. In any case, CBO estimates that the total costs to state, local, and tribal governments would be small relative to the threshold for intergovernmental mandates.

Electricity (Title XII)

Mandatory Reliability Standards. The bill would require users of the bulk-power system to comply with standards issued by the newly established Electric Reliability Organization as designated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Those users include intergovernmental entities such as municipally owned utilities as well as private-sector entities, including utilities, nonutility generators, and marketers. Currently, the North American Electric Reliability Council, a voluntary organization, promotes electricity reliability. According to several industry experts, almost all public and private-sector users of the bulk power system voluntarily comply with standards issued by NERC. The mandate would impose no significant additional costs in the short term relative to current practice since the ERO is not expected to significantly change current standards. In the future, market conditions may prompt the ERO to impose stricter standards to maintain reliability. In that case, costs for users of the bulk power system--that could otherwise elect to disregard NERC standards under current law--could increase substantially.

Mandatory Assessments. The bill would direct the ERO to assess fees and dues to cover the costs of implementing and enforcing ERO standards. Although there is some uncertainty as to how those fees would be assessed, the most likely scenario is that the ERO would assess fees on its members, which is the current practice of NERC. As NERC members include both public and private entities, such fees would constitute intergovernmental and private sector mandates as defined in UMRA.

The bill would cap the amount of fees and other charges collected by the ERO at $50 million per year. Based on information from NERC, the membership fees collected in 2004 amounted to about $50 million. Consequently, CBO estimates that the increment in fee collections for the proposed compliance, monitoring, and enforcement activities under the bill would be negligible, if any. Based on industry data, CBO assumes that roughly 80 percent to 85 percent of the collections would be borne by the private sector and another 10 percent to 14 percent would be borne by state and local government entities. The remainder would be paid by federally owned entities.

Regulatory Fees. The bill would require FERC to assume certain regulatory procedures that are currently under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under current law, FERC has the authority to collect fees from investor-owned utility companies to offset its costs. The duty to pay those fee increases would impose a private-sector mandate on those entities. Based on information from FERC, CBO expects that investor-owned utilities would have to pay $11 million in 2006 and $47 million over the 2006-2010 period.

Requirements for State Review. Sections 1251, 1252, and 1254 would require state regulators to review the use of net metering, time-based metering, demand response systems, and interconnection services before permitting electric utilities to implement these federal standards. The sections contain intergovernmental mandates because they would increase states' responsibilities under the existing mandates in the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act. However, CBO estimates that the states' costs to review additional standards would not be significant.

Energy efficiency (Title I)

Section 133 would direct the Secretary of Energy to prescribe energy conservation standards restricting standby mode energy consumption of household appliances. According to industry sources and DOE, up to 9,000 types of household appliances could be affected by this provision, and further, many such products may require significant modification to meet the standard for energy consumption in standby mode. DOE could not say how they would implement this provision, and CBO cannot determine the products that would be affected. Therefore, we cannot estimate the incremental cost to the industry of meeting such requirements.

If DOE applies standards to the majority of products potentially affected, costs to industry could be substantial. The magnitude of the costs also depend on the stringency of new standards that would affect the appliance manufacturers. For example, the bill would require DOE to apply new energy conservation standards to certain furnaces. Roughly three million oil, gas, and electric furnaces would have to comply with the new standards. According to a DOE report, the incremental costs to manufacturers of improving energy efficiency could range from $5 to $175 per unit depending on the level of the standard that must be met. If the DOE applies relatively high efficiency standards to the appliances covered under the bill, the incremental costs to the industry could be large, and thus could exceed UMRA's threshold for private-sector mandates.

Preemptions of State and local authority

In addition to the mandates discussed above, H.R. 1640 contains several explicit preemptions of state and local authority. Such preemptions are considered intergovernmental mandates under UMRA. CBO estimates that those preemptions would not impose significant additional costs on state, local, or tribal governments as regulators:

Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Energy Savings Performance Contracts: Lisa Cash Driskill and David Newman. Uranium Stockpile: Kathleen Gramp and Ray Hall. Loan Guarantees for Coal Projects: Kathy Gramp. LIHEAP: Mathew Kapuscinski. Indian Energy: Mike Waters. EPA Provisions and Loan Guarantee for Ethanol Production: Susanne Mehlman. Trade and Consumer Privacy: Melissa Zimmerman. All Other Federal Costs: Lisa Cash Driskill.

Revenues: Annabelle Bartsch.

Impact on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Theresa Gullo, Melissa Merrell, and Sarah Puro.

Impact on the Private Sector: Craig Cammarata, Jean Talarico, Selena Caldera and Paige Piper/Bach.

Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis, and G. Thomas Woodward, Assistant Director for Tax Analysis.

FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this legislation.

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the Constitutional authority for this legislation is provided in Article I, section 8, clause 3, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several States, and with the Indian tribes.

APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public services or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION

TITLE I--ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SUBTITLE A--FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Section 101. Energy and water saving measures in congressional buildings

Section 101 directs the Architect of the Capitol to develop a plan for Congressional buildings to comply with energy efficiency standards applicable to other Federal buildings. This section also requires the Architect to submit an annual report to Congress on energy conservation programs being implemented and to commission a study of Capitol Complex energy infrastructure to identify opportunities for energy efficiency gains and increased use of unconventional and renewable energy resources. Section 101 authorizes $2,000,000 per year from 2006 through 2010 to be appropriated to carry out the section.

Section 102. Energy management requirements

Section 102 amends current law, which requires federal agencies to consume 20 percent less energy per square foot in federal buildings in fiscal year 2000 than in fiscal year 1985, by requiring a 20 percent reduction in energy use from year 2003 levels by the year 2015. Energy performance requirements for 2016 to 2025 are to be recommended by the Secretary before 2015. This section further provides for exclusions from these requirements under specified conditions and directs the Secretary to issue guidelines that establish criteria for excluding buildings from these requirements. In addition, section 102 authorizes agencies to retain funds appropriated for energy expenditures that are not spent because of energy savings in agency buildings and to use those retained funds for energy efficiency and unconventional and renewable energy projects.

Section 103. Energy use measurement and accountability

Section 103 requires metering or sub-metering of Federal buildings by October 1, 2012, using advanced meters to the maximum extent practicable. The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Defense Department and the General Services Administration (GSA), and others, shall establish guidelines for the implementation of this requirement. The guidelines shall consider the costs and benefits of metering and shall establish a prioritized schedule for the types and locations of buildings to be metered. The guidelines may also establish exclusions from the requirement where energy consumption is de minimis.

Section 104. Procurement of energy efficient products

Section 104 directs federal agencies and Congress to purchase, with specified exceptions, energy-consuming products that meet the energy efficiency criteria of the Energy Star program or have been designated as energy efficient by the Federal Energy Management program (FEMP). This section also directs the Secretary of Energy to designate a standard for certain premium efficient electric motors after considering the recommendations of associated electric motor manufacturers and energy efficiency groups. In purchasing energy efficient products under this section, agencies are directed to select motors designated by the Secretary as meeting certain criteria.

Section 105. Energy Savings Performance Contracts

Section 105 makes the authority for the Departments of Energy, Defense and Veterans Affairs (the `federal agencies'), to enter into energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs), which sunsets at the end of fiscal year 2006, permanent by repealing the sunset provision. In addition, this section provides for a cap of 100 ESPCs with payments no more than $500,000,000, and a condition that the federal agencies appoint coordinators to monitor the caps. Section 105 defines `energy or water conservation measure,' among other terms. Finally, section 105 provides for a report to Congress identifying obstacles that prevent the full utilization of the ESPC program and opportunities to increase program flexibility and effectiveness.

Section 107. Voluntary commitments to reduce industrial energy intensity

Section 107 provides for voluntary commitments to reduce industrial energy intensity. This section authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with industry to reduce significantly energy intensity. Industry participants would receive public recognition of their achievements.

Section 108. Advanced Building Efficiency Testbed

Section 108 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Building Efficiency Testbed program to enable energy efficient building technologies. A qualifying university in partnership with other qualifying universities and entities shall lead the program. Funding is authorized at $6 million for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2008.

Section 109. Federal building performance standards

Section 109 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish new energy efficiency performance standards for new federal buildings. The standards shall require that new buildings achieve energy consumption levels at least 30 percent below specified building codes and incorporate sustainable design principles.

Section 110. Daylight savings

Section 110 changes the start of daylight savings time from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in March and it changes the end of daylight savings time from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in November.

SUBTITLE B--ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND STATE PROGRAMS

Section 121. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Section 121 authorizes $5.1 billion for LIHEAP for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2007. It also expands the program to include renewable fuels, including biomass.

Section 122. Weatherization assistance

For weatherization assistance (to aid low-income families in improving energy efficiency of their homes), the section authorizes $500 million for fiscal year 2006, $600 million for 2007, and $700 million for 2008. It also changes the definition of `low income' from at or below 125% of poverty level to at or below 150% of poverty level.

Section 123. State energy programs

Section 123 authorizes $100 million for each of fiscal years 2006 and 2007 and $125 million for fiscal year 2008 for state energy programs. Section 123 also provides for a process for revisions to state energy conservation plans. It further requires that state energy conservation plans contain a goal of an improvement of 25% in state energy efficiency by 2012 as compared to 1990 levels.

Section 124. Energy efficient appliance rebate programs

Section 124 directs the Secretary of Energy to allocate funds to States with energy efficient appliance rebate programs that meet certain standards. $50,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for such programs for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.

Section 125. Energy efficient public buildings

Section 125 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to States to assist local governments, including school districts, to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings. The grants are primarily intended for architectural, design and energy efficiency services that will result in new and renovated buildings that achieve energy efficiency results that exceed by 30% certain requirements set forth in the section. Funding of $30 million for the program is authorized for fiscal years 2006 through 2010, with the qualification that not more than 10 percent of appropriated funds shall be used for administration of the program.

Section 126. Low income community energy efficiency pilot program

Section 126 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to local governments, community development organizations, and Indian tribes for energy efficiency, renewable energy and distributed energy projects in low-income urban and rural communities. This section authorizes $20,000,000 for each fiscal year 2006 through 2008.

SUBTITLE C--ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

Section 131. Energy Star Program

Section 131 authorizes the Energy Star Program, a program previously established by administrative actions by DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify and promote energy efficient products and buildings. The section establishes a statutory foundation for continued operation of the Energy Star Program and instructs the two agencies to further their partnership in promoting and designating Energy Star products. This section provides that responsibilities under the Energy Star Program, including responsibilities for particular product categories, shall be allocated consistent with agreements between the agencies, such as are currently in place and directs the agencies to promote the Energy Star program, protect its integrity, establish new standards, seek input on those standards, provide reasonable notice and adequate lead times for now standards.

Section 132. HVAC maintenance consumer education program

Section 132 directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program to educate homeowners and small business owners on the energy savings benefits resulting from maintenance of air conditioning, heating and ventilating systems by professional or licensed contractors. The Secretary is directed to carry out the program in cooperation with the Administrator of the EPA and other appropriate entities including energy efficiency organizations, industry trade associations, and industry members. This section also directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of EPA to implement a program, building on the existing Energy Star for Small Business Program, to assist small businesses to become more energy efficient.

Section 133. Energy conservation standards for additional products

Section 133 defines terms, provides for test procedures, and establishes minimum energy efficiency standards for seven products (exit signs, torchiere lamps, low-voltage dry-type transformers, traffic signals, unit heaters, medium base compact fluorescent lamps, and ceiling fans). This section requires DOE rulemakings to develop efficiency standards for three products (ceiling fans, vending machines, and commercial refrigerators and freezers). Section 133 also requires an expedited rulemaking for standby energy use in battery chargers and external power supplies; and, requires a process to determine whether efficiency standards should be established for the standby mode of other appliances.

Section 134. Energy labeling

Section 134 provides for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rulemakings to determine effectiveness of the existing FTC labeling program and authorizes the Secretary of Energy or the FTC, as appropriate, to establish labels for products newly covered by the DOE consumer products energy conservation program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended by this Act.

Section 135. Preemption

Section 135 preempts state ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kit standards.

Section 136. State consumer product energy efficiency standards

Section 136 provides that Federal preemption of state energy efficiency standards will not apply before a Federal standard is set or three years after the date that a Federal standard was required to be established or revised.

SUBTITLE D--PUBLIC HOUSING

Section 145. Grants for energy-conserving improvements for assisted housing

Section 145 provides for grants for energy and water conserving fixtures and fittings in assisted housing.

Section 147. Energy-efficient appliances

Section 147 requires public housing agencies to purchase energy efficient appliances that are Energy Star or FEMP rated products.

Section 149. Energy strategy for HUD

Section 149 requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop and implement an integrated strategy to reduce utility expenses at public and assisted housing and to report to Congress within one year and regularly thereafter on status of implementing the strategy.

TITLE II--RENEWABLE ENERGY

SUBTITLE A--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 201. Assessment of renewable energy resources

Section 201 requires the Secretary of Energy to review available assessments of certain renewable energy resources in the United States, and to prepare an annual report on the same. Funding of $10 million per year is authorized for fiscal years 2006 through 2010.

Section 202. Renewable energy production incentive

Section 202 reauthorizes the Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI), which provides payments for production of certain renewables. This section also expands the program to include landfill gas, livestock methane, and ocean power.

Section 203. Federal purchase requirement

Section 203 requires that the Secretary of Energy seek to ensure, to the extent economically feasible and technically practical, that the Federal Government purchase renewable energy in the following amounts: not less than 3% in fiscal years 2007 through 2009, not less than 5% in fiscal years 2010 through 2012, and not less than 7.5% in fiscal year 2013 and after. This section expands the program to include ocean power.

Section 204. Insular areas energy security

Section 204 requires the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the head of government of each insular area, to develop plans to protect the insular area's electric transmission infrastructure from damage due to hurricanes and typhoons. It also authorizes the Secretary of Interior to make grants to eligible projects. The section has an authorization of $5 million per fiscal year.

Section 205. Use of photovoltaic energy in public buildings

Section 205 allows the Secretary of Energy to establish a photovoltaic commercialization program with the objective of promoting the use of and installing photovoltaic solar systems on new and existing public buildings. This section authorizes $50 million for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010 to promote and install such systems, and it further authorizes $10 million for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010 to evaluate such systems.

Section 206. Grants to improve the commercial value of forest biomass for electric energy, useful heat, transportation fuels, petroleum-based product substitutes, and other commercial purposes

Section 206 authorizes either the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior to make grants up to $500,000 to businesses that use forest biomass to generate electricity, sensible heat, transportation fuels or petroleum substitutes.

Section 207. Biobased products

Section 207 amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include degradable products.

Section 208. Renewable energy security

Section 208 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide incentives in the form of rebates to consumers for the installation of renewable energy systems in their homes and small businesses. Renewable energy systems include solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass power production systems. It authorizes $150 million for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, $200 million for fiscal year 2008, and $250 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

SUBTITLE C--HYDROELECTRIC

PART I--ALTERNATIVE CONDITIONS

Section 231. Alternative conditions and fishways

Section 231 amends the Federal Power Act to give licensees the right to an agency trial-type hearing of any disputed issues of material fact whenever the Secretary of the resource agency determines a condition or fishway is required for a hydroelectric license.

Section 231 also adds a new section 33 to the Federal Power Act, requiring the relevant Secretary to accept alternatives to conditions or fishways proposed by a licensee, if such alternatives meet the standards in the bill. The new section requires the Secretary to provide a written statement for the record containing specific information with respect to each condition, fishway, or alternative. Further, the new section allows the Commission to refer disputes regarding conditions, fishways, and alternatives to the Commission's Dispute Resolution Service, which may then issue non-binding advisory opinions.

PART II--ADDITIONAL HYDROPOWER

Section 241. Hydroelectric production incentives

Section 241 provides that the Secretary of Energy shall make incentive payments of 1.8 cents per kWh (to be adjusted for inflation) for electric energy produced at qualified hydroelectric facilities put into service at existing dams or conduits within 10 years of the date of enactment of the section. Incentive payments may not exceed $750,000 per year to any one facility. The section authorizes $10 million for fiscal years 2006 through 2015 for the program.

Section 242. Hydroelectric efficiency improvement

Section 242 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make limited incentive payments to owners or operators of existing hydroelectric facilities to improve the efficiency of such facilities by at least 3 percent. The section authorizes $10 million for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2015 for the program.

Section 243. Small hydroelectric power projects

Section 243 amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to make newer small hydroelectric power projects eligible for low-interest Federal loans and other programs.

Section 244. Increased hydroelectric generation at existing Federal facilities

Section 244 directs the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, to conduct studies of opportunities to increase hydropower production and operational efficiency at Federal dams.

Section 245. Shift of project loads to off-peak periods

Section 245 directs the Secretary of the Interior to review the pumping of water for irrigation by the Bureau of Reclamation and, with consent of irrigation customers, adjust such pumping so as to minimize pumping during periods of peak electric consumption.

TITLE III--OIL AND GAS

SUBTITLE A--PETROLEUM RESERVE AND HOME HEATING OIL

Section 301. Permanent authority to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and other energy programs

Section 301 permanently authorizes the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, requires that the Secretary of Energy fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to its authorized capacity as expeditiously as practicable, and makes technical amendments.

Section 302. National Oilheat Research Alliance

Section 302 authorizes the National Oilheat Research Alliance until 2009.

Section 303. Site selection

Section 303 requires the Secretary of Energy within one year of enactment to complete a proceeding to select, from sites the Secretary has previously studied, sites necessary to enable acquisition of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve's authorized capacity.

Section 304. Suspension of Strategic Petroleum Reserve deliveries

Section 304 requires the Secretary of Energy to suspend deliveries of royalty-in-kind oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the price of oil falls below $40 per barrel for two consecutive weeks on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

SUBTITLE B--PRODUCTION INCENTIVES

Section 320. Liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminals

Section 320 provides that no person may construct, expand or operate a liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminal without an authorizing order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Section 320 makes clear that FERC has preemptive authority to site liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminals to the extent the terminal involves foreign or interstate commerce. The defined term `liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminal' is generally intended to be inclusive of all facilities required to provide terminal services and includes any natural gas pipeline connecting the terminal's natural gas supply up to but not including a pipeline subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act or an intrastate natural gas pipeline (any pipeline that provides natural gas supply to non-terminal owners or customers).

This section is also intended to provide a statutory framework for the efficient approval of a proposed liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminal. For any proposed terminal, FERC is to be the lead agency for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and coordinating all applicable Federal authorizations required. FERC is required to establish a schedule for all administrative proceedings required under authority of Federal law, accommodating the applicable schedules established by Federal law. This section also requires FERC to maintain a complete consolidated record of all decisions made or actions taken by FERC or any agency acting pursuant to Federal law regarding a proposed terminal and any administrative appeal or review of Federal authority for such terminal shall use this record developed by FERC. This section also provides that the court of original and exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought under Section 3(d) of the Natural Gas Act shall be the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Section 320 also requires FERC to consult with the State commission of the state in which the liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminal is located regarding local safety considerations during the authorization process. This section provides further authority for the State commission to perform safety and security inspections of any terminal after the terminal is operational provided that the State commission has given notice to FERC that it intends to perform such inspections and provided any such inspections follow Federal safety and security rules and regulations.

In addition, this section provides that any FERC authorizing order for a liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminal issued after the Act's enactment but before January 1, 2011, shall not be conditioned on: (i) a requirement that the terminal be offered to persons other than the applicant or an affiliate thereof or (ii) any regulation of the terminal's rates, charges, terms, or conditions of service.

Section 327. Hydraulic fracturing

Section 327 excludes hydraulic fracturing from the definition of underground injection as set forth in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Section 330. Appeals relating to pipeline construction or offshore mineral development projects

Section 330 provides that any Federal administrative agency proceeding under Section 319 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) that is an appeal or review of Federal authority for an interstate natural gas pipeline construction project, shall use the record developed by FERC. This section also provides that any Federal administrative agency proceeding under Section 319 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) that is an appeal or review of Federal authority for an energy project, including projects to explore, develop, or produce mineral resources in the Outer Continental Shelf shall use the record developed by the lead Federal agency for the project.

This section also provides a sense of Congress that all Federal and State agencies with jurisdiction over interstate natural gas pipelines coordinate their proceedings within the timeframes established by FERC.

Section 333. Natural gas market transparency

Section 333 requires the FERC to issue rules within 180 days of the Act's enactment directing all entities subject to FERC jurisdiction timely report to FERC information about the availability and prices of natural gas sold at wholesale in interstate commerce, such information to be evaluated by FERC for price transparency and accuracy. FERC enforcement of the section is subject to a 3-year statute of limitations.

This section also provides that FERC, in exercising its authority pursuant to the section, shall not regulate, impose requirements on, compete with, or displace price publishers and further cannot condition access to interstate pipeline transportation upon the reporting requirements authorized under this section.

Further, this section provides that the reporting requirements of this section shall not apply to natural gas produced and sold by a producer or those with de minimis market presence.

SUBTITLE C--ACCESS TO FEDERAL LAND

Section 344. Consultation regarding oil and gas leasing on public land

Section 344 directs the Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding procedures for processing oil and gas lease applications, coordinating planning and environmental compliance efforts and the use of lease stipulations.

This section further requires the Secretaries to construct a joint data system capable of tracking lease requests and applications.

Section 346. Compliance with Executive Order 13211; actions concerning regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, or use

Section 346 requires compliance with Presidential Executive Order 13211, when Federal agency action would have an significant adverse effect on the supply of domestic energy resources from Federal public land.

Section 350. Energy facility rights-of-way and corridors on Federal land

Section 350 requires a joint report to Congress on existing rights-of-way and designated and de facto corridors for oil and gas pipelines and electric transmission and distribution lines on Federal land.

This section also requires an analysis of opportunities for expanding capacity within such rights-of-way and corridors and a plan for sharing that information with those involved in the siting, subject to limitations for national security.

Further, section 350 provides a 2-year deadline for designation of corridors across Federal lands in the eleven contiguous Western States for transmission rights-of-way and pipelines and provides 4 years for an evaluation of the merits of identifying and proposing corridors across federal lands in all other states.

In addition, this section sets forth a definition for corridors.

Section 355. Encouraging Great Lakes oil and gas drilling ban

Section 355 encourages no Federal or State permit or lease to be issued for new oil and gas slant, directional, or offshore drilling in one or more of the Great Lakes.

Section 358. Federal coalbed methane regulation

Section 358 allows any State currently on the list of Affected States established under section 1339(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to be removed from the list if appropriate action for removal is taken within 3 years of enactment of the Act.

SUBTITLE D--REFINING REVITALIZATON

Section 371. Short title

Section 371 establishes the short title as the `United States Refinery Revitalization Act of 2005.'

Section 372. Findings

Section 372 includes the findings.

Section 373. Purpose

Section 373 establishes the purpose.

Section 374. Designation of Refinery Revitalization Zones

Section 374 directs the Secretary of Energy to designate as a Refinery Revitalization Zone any area that: (1) has experienced mass layoffs at manufacturing facilities or contains an idle refinery; and, (2) has an unemployment rate that exceeds the national average by at 10 percent of the national average, as set forth at the time of designation as a Refinery Revitalization Zone.

Section 375. Memorandum of understanding

Section 375 directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purposes of the subtitle.

Section 376. State environmental permitting assistance

Section 376 directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of EPA to designate one or more employees to any Qualified State with technical and legal expertise relating to the siting and operation of refineries.

Section 377. Coordination and expeditious review of permitting process

Section 377 designates DOE as lead agency for coordinating Federal authorizations and related environmental reviews of a proposed refinery facility. It directs the DOE, as lead agency, to prepare a single environmental review document to be used as the basis for all decisions on the proposed refinery facility. The section also sets forth an appeals process through the Secretary of Energy in the event the Federal authorization required to site and construct a refinery facility has been either denied, or an agency has failed to act by the deadline established by the Secretary. Any appeal of the Secretary's determination must be filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Section 377 directs the Secretary of Energy to issue regulations necessary to implement the subtitle.

Section 378. Compliance with all environmental regulations required

Section 378 provides that nothing in the subtitle shall be construed to waive the applicability of environmental laws and regulations to any refinery facility.

Section 379. Definitions

Section 379 provides definitions for certain terms.

TITLE IV--COAL

SUBTITLE A--CLEAN COAL POWER INITIATIVE

Section 401. Authorization of appropriations

Section 401 authorizes $200 million for each fiscal year 2006 through 2014. The Secretary of Energy is required to submit a report that consists of a 10-year plan for the Clean Coal Power Initiative. The Report is to include an assessment of whether aggregate funding levels are appropriate, a description of how proposals will be solicited and evaluated, including a list of projects expected to be undertaken, a list of technical milestones, and a description of the manner in which the program will avoid problems described by the Government Accountability Office.

Section 402. Project criteria

Section 402 establishes technical and financial criteria for the Clean Coal Power Initiative regarding gasification projects and other projects funded under the Initiative. Subsection (f) specifies that the use of a certain technology by any facility assisted under this subtitle or the achievement of certain emission reduction levels by any such facility will not result in that technology or emission reduction level being considered achievable, achievable in practice, or `adequately demonstrated' for purposes of sections 111, 169 or 171 of the Clean Air Act.

Section 403. Report

Section 403 requires the Secretary of Energy to transmit regular reports to Congress concerning technical milestones established in the program and the status of projects funded under the program.

Section 404. Clean coal centers of excellence

Section 404 authorizes competitive, merit-based grants for the establishment of Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future.

SUBTITLE B--COAL POWER PROJECTS

Section 411. Coal technology loan

Section 411 authorizes $125 million for a coal technology loan to the owner of an experimental plant constructed under an agreement with DOE.

Section 412. Coal gasification

Section 412 authorizes the Secretary to provide loan guarantees for a 400MW project using integrated gasification combined cycle technology to produce power at competitive rates in deregulated markets not subsidized by ratepayers.

Section 414. Petroleum coke gasification

Section 414 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide loan guarantees for 5 petroleum coke gasification polygeneration projects.

Section 416. Electron scrubbing demonstration

Section 416 directs the Secretary of Energy to use $5 million to initiate a project to demonstrate the viability of high-energy electron scrubbing technology on commercial scale electric generation using high-sulfur coal.

SUBTITLE D--COAL AND RELATED PROGRAMS

Section 441. Clean air coal program

Section 441 amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 by directing the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to enhance the deployment of fully developed and commercially demonstrated clean coal technologies including pollution control equipment. The section authorizes for pollution control projects $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. Further, section 441 authorizes for generation projects $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $350,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $400,000,000 for each fiscal year 2009 through 2012, and $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. Air pollution control projects are to facilitate compliance with Federal and State environmental regulations. Generation projects are required to meet thermal efficiency milestones that increase over the lifetime of the program. This section requires financial assistance be provided only to those financially viable, for projects that achieve overall cost reductions and increase the cost competitiveness of coal. Subsection (f) specifies that the use of a certain technology by any facility assisted under this subtitle or the achievement of certain emission reduction levels by any such facility will not result in that technology or emission reduction level being considered achievable, achievable in practice, or `adequately demonstrated' for purposes of sections 111, 169 or 171 of the Clean Air Act.

TITLE V--INDIAN ENERGY

Section 501. Short title

Section 501 establishes the short title for title V as the `Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005.'

Section 502. Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs

Section 502 establishes within DOE an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.

Section 503. Indian energy

Section 503 provides a complete new substitute for title 26 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. New sections 2602 and 2603 authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to tribes to develop and utilize their energy resources and to enhance the legal and administrative ability of tribes to manage their resources. New section 2604 establishes a process by which an Indian tribe, upon demonstrating its technical and financial resources, could negotiate and execute energy resource development leases, agreements and rights-of-way with third parties without first obtaining the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. New section 2605 directs the Secretary of the Interior to review activities authorized under the Indian Mineral Development Act.

Section 504. Four Corners transmission line project

Section 504 makes Dine Power Authority, a Navajo Nation enterprise, eligible for funding under this title.

Section 505. Energy efficiency in federally assisted housing

Section 505 requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote energy conservation in housing located on Indian lands.

Section 506. Consultation with Indian tribes

Section 506 requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Energy to involve and consult with the Tribes as appropriate and to the maximum extent practicable.

TITLE VI--NUCLEAR MATTERS

SUBTITLE A--PRICE-ANDERSON ACT AMENDMENTS

Section 601. Short title

Section 601 provides the short title of the legislation, the `Price-Anderson Reauthorization Act of 2005.'

Section 602. Extension of indemnification authority

Section 602 extends Price-Anderson indemnification authority, to December 31, 2025, for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and DOE nonprofit educational institutions.

Section 603. Maximum assessment

Section 603 provides an inflation adjustment for the maximum premium assessment from $10 million to $15 million. Both the annual and maximum premium will be adjusted for inflation going forward from August 20, 2003, not less than once every five years.

Section 604. Department of Energy liability limit

Section 604 sets the limitation on aggregate public liability for DOE contractors for a single nuclear incident. This section establishes the amount of indemnification of DOE contractors at $10 billion, subject to adjustment for inflation, for all persons indemnified in connection with the contract, and for each nuclear incident.

Section 605. Incidents outside the United States

Section 605 increases the amount of indemnification and liability limit for incidents outside of the United States from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000 for DOE contractors.

Section 606. Reports

Section 606 requires the NRC and DOE, by December 31, 2021, to submit detailed reports to Congress concerning the Price-Anderson Act and related matters, such as the availability of private insurance.

Section 607. Inflation adjustment

Section 607 creates a new July 1, 2003 baseline for future inflation adjustments to the $10 billion DOE indemnification amount created in section 604, and requires an inflation adjustment not less than once every five years going forward from July 1, 2003.

Section 608. Treatment of modular reactors

Section 608 allows a combination of two or more modular reactors each with a rated capacity between 100 and 300 megawatts, and built at the same site, to be considered one facility for purposes of indemnification under section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act. This new definition of `facility' in this section applies only for purposes of section 170 financial protection requirements.

Section 609. Applicability

Section 609 ensures that the amendments made by sections 603, 604, and 605 do not apply to a nuclear incident that occurs before the date of enactment of the Act.

Section 610. Prohibition on assumption by United States Government of liability for certain foreign accidents

Section 610 prevents any instrumentality of the United States Government from entering into any arrangement that would impose liability on any instrumentality of the United States Government for nuclear accidents that occur in any country identified by the Secretary of State as a sponsor of terrorist activities, including countries known to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.

Section 611. Civil penalties

Section 611 ends the automatic remission of civil penalties for nonprofit institutions listed in section 234A(d) of the Atomic Energy Act. This section also ends the Secretary's authority to determine whether nonprofit educational institutions should receive automatic remission of any civil penalty issued under section 234A. Civil penalties are limited to the amount of any earned fee paid to the contractor under the contract under which the nuclear safety violation occurs, as determined by the Secretary.

Section 612. Financial accountability

Section 612 authorizes the Attorney General to bring an action to recover from a DOE contractor, subcontractor, or supplier amounts paid by the Federal government under an indemnity agreement for public liability resulting from conduct which constitutes intentional misconduct of any corporate officer, manager, or superintendent of the DOE contractor, subcontractor, or supplier. The Attorney General, however, may not recover an amount exceeding the amount of profit derived by the defendant under the contract. DOE cannot reimburse the contractor of the amount recovered. This provision does not apply to any nonprofit entity conducting activities under the DOE contract. DOE is required to define the terms `profit' and `nonprofit entity' in a rulemaking to be completed within 180 days after enactment.

SUBTITLE B--GENERAL NUCLEAR MATTERS

Section 621. Licenses

Section 621 provides that the initial period of a combined construction and operating license for a production or utilization facility, as authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486, 106 Stat. 2776), may not exceed 40 years from the date on which the NRC finds that the acceptance criteria for such license required under section 185(b) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2235) have been met.

Section 622. NRC training program

Section 622 establishes a training and fellowship program to address shortages of individuals with critical nuclear safety regulatory skills. For fiscal years 2005 through 2009, $1 million per year is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this program.

Section 623. Cost recovery from government agencies

Section 623 authorizes the Commission to assess and collect fees from other Federal agencies in return for services rendered by the NRC, rather than recovering these costs through the annual fees assessed to all NRC licensees. The replacement of section 483a with section 9701 is a correction to the proper United State Code reference.

Section 624. Elimination of pension offset

Section 624 allows retired NRC employees with critical skills to receive full pay from NRC for any consulting services.

Section 625. Antitrust review

Section 625 eliminates the Atomic Energy Act section 105 antitrust review provisions for any application for a utilization facility or production facility under section 103 or 104 b. of that Act that is filed on or after the date of enactment of this section.

Section 626. Decommissioning

Section 626 clarifies that NRC's general authorities listed in section 161 of the Atomic Energy Act include the authority to ensure sufficient funds are available for the decommissioning of any production or utilization facility listed under section 104 or 104 b. of that Act.

Section 627. Limitation on legal fee reimbursement

Section 627 limits DOE from reimbursing the legal fees of its contractors subsequent to an adverse determination or judgment against a contractor for acts of whistleblower retaliation. If the adverse determination is later reversed, DOE may reimburse the contractor's legal fees.

Section 629. Report on feasibility of developing commercial nuclear energy generation facilities at existing Department of Energy sites

Section 629 requires the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress within 1 year on the feasibility of developing commercial nuclear energy generation facilities at DOE sites.

Section 630. Uranium sales

Section 630 authorizes DOE to sell or transfer its uranium inventories, in any form owned by DOE, in amounts not to exceed 3 million pounds in fiscal years 2005 through 2009, 5 million pounds in fiscal year 2010 or 2011, 7 million pounds in fiscal year 2012, and 10 million pounds in fiscal year 2013 or thereafter. This section also authorizes DOE to transfer uranium to the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC). Further, section 630 authorizes DOE to terminate, waive, or modify its June 17, 2002 Agreement with USEC.

Section 631. Cooperative research and development and special demonstration projects for the uranium mining industry

Section 631 authorizes $10,000,000 per year for three years beginning in 2006, for cooperative, cost-shared, agreements between DOE and domestic uranium producers to develop in site leaching mining technologies, and low cost environmental restoration technologies. The funding is also provided for competitively selected demonstration projects with domestic uranium producers for enhanced production, restoration of well fields, and decommissioning and decontamination activities.

Section 632. Whistleblower protection

Section 632 expands the definition of employer under section 211(a)(2) of the Energy Reorganization Act (ERA) to include all contractor and subcontractor employees of the NRC. Any such employees that experience an act of discrimination related to activities covered under 211(a)(1) of the ERA may file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. This section also provides whistleblowers with the opportunity to bring the complaint directly to Federal district court if the Secretary of Labor has failed to issue a final order within 540 days from the date the complaint is filed.

Section 633. Medical isotope production

Section 633 sets out conditions under which the NRC can license the export of highly enriched uranium used in foreign reactors for medical isotope production. NRC is required to review the adequacy of physical security of the materials in transport, and impose additional security requirements if necessary.

Section 634. Fernald byproduct material

Section 634 designates certain wastes stored at Fernald as Atomic Energy Act 11e.(2) byproduct material. DOE may dispose of the material in a facility regulated by the NRC or an NRC Agreement State.

Section 635. Safe disposal of greater-than-class c radioactive waste

Section 635 requires the Secretary of Energy to designate an office within the Department with responsibility to establish a facility for safely disposing of waste with concentrations of radionuclides that exceed the limits established by NRC for Class C radioactive waste. The section also requires the Secretary develop a comprehensive plan for permanent disposal of these wastes, including a disposal facility.

Section 636. Prohibition on nuclear exports to countries that sponsor terrorism

Section 636 restricts the export or transfer of nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology to any country whose government has been identified by the Secretary of State as engaged in state sponsorship of terrorist activities. The President may waive these restrictions under certain criteria listed in the section.

Section 638. National uranium stockpile

Section 638 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to create a national low-enriched uranium stockpile intended to enhance national energy security, and reduce global proliferation threats.

Section 639. Nuclear Regulatory Commission meetings

Section 639 makes available to the public, upon request, a transcript of discussions involving a quorum of NRC Commissioners who gather to discuss official Commission business. This provision requires that NRC make a recording of such meetings, and provide notice to the public within 15 days after such meetings. NRC is further required to promptly make a transcript available to the public, upon request, to the extent that public disclosure of the transcript is not subject to an exemption or prohibition under applicable law.

Section 640. Employee benefits

Section 640 ensures the protection of workers' rights with respect to pension and welfare benefits of employees currently working for a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor (or its first or second tier subcontractors), or the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) at the Portsmouth, Ohio or Paducah, Kentucky facilities. This section provides that when DOE changes its contractors at the facilities, or when hourly employees transfer from USEC to a DOE contractor, the employees do not lose their accrued service credit or rights to transfer into the DOE contractors' Multiple Employer Pension Plan or the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (retiree health care plan).

The section provides the Secretary of Energy with 30 days to make all necessary modifications to contracts and benefit plan documents to the extent appropriations are provided in advance for this purpose, or are otherwise available.

SUBTITLE C--ADDITIONAL HYDROGEN PROVISIONS

Section 651. Hydrogen production programs

Section 651 authorizes research, development, design, construction and operation of an advanced reactor hydrogen cogeneration project. The Idaho National Laboratory is the lead lab for the project. The section also authorizes the establishment of 5 projects to demonstrate the commercial production of hydrogen at existing nuclear power plants, including one demonstration project at a national laboratory or institute of higher education. Section 651 also requires NRC prioritize licensing of a utilization facility that is collocated with a hydrogen production facility. The section requires NRC issue a final decision approving or disapproving a license to construct and operate a utilization facility within 3 years after submission of such application, if the application references an NRC certified reactor design and an early site permit.

Section 652. Definitions

Section 652 provides definitions for purposes of the subtitle.

SUBTITLE D--NUCLEAR SECURITY

Section 661. Nuclear facility threats

Section 661 requires the President to conduct a study to identify the types of threats that pose an appreciable risk to the security of the various classes of NRC-licensed facilities. In preparing the study, the President is to consult with the NRC and other governmental and nongovernmental entities. The study must consider (1) the events of September 11, 2001; (2) physical, cyber, biochemical, and other terrorist threats; (3) the potential for attack on facilities and spent fuel shipments by multiple coordinated teams of a large number of individuals; (4) the potential for assistance in an attack from several employees at the facility; (5) the potential for suicide attacks; (6) the potential for water-based and air-based threats; (7) the potential use of explosive devices of considerable size and other modern weaponry; (8) the potential for attacks by persons with a sophisticated knowledge of facility operations; (9) the potential for fires of long duration; (10) the potential for attacks on spent fuel shipments; (11) the adequacy of planning to protect public health and safety; and, (12) the potential for diversion of nuclear materials.

Within 180 days after enactment, the President is to submit a report to Congress and the NRC. The Report must summarize the types of threats identified and must classify each type of threat as either involving attacks and destructive acts, including sabotage, directed against the facility by an enemy of the United States or otherwise falling under the responsibilities of the Federal Government, or involving the type of risks that the NRC licensees should be responsible for guarding against. Following submission of the report, the President is required to transmit a report to Congress within 90 days on actions taken, or to be taken, to address the types of threats identified in the President's report as involving attacks and destructive acts, including sabotage, directed against the facility by an enemy of the United States or otherwise falling under the responsibilities of the Federal Government. The NRC may issue rules revising the design basis threat, to ensure that licensees address the threats identified in the President's report as involving the type of risks that the NRC licensees should be responsible for guarding against. The NRC may promulgate such regulations not later than 180 days after the President transmits his initial report to the Commission and Congress. The NRC shall establish an operational safeguards response and evaluation program to ensure that protection and response capabilities are periodically tested. The NRC shall assign Federal security coordinators for each region of the Commission. The President shall establish a program to provide training for Federal agencies, the National Guard, and state and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies in responding to threats against nuclear facilities.

Section 662. Fingerprinting for criminal history record checks

Section 662 expands the class of persons that are required fingerprinting for criminal history record checks under section 149 of the Atomic Energy Act. Persons required to conduct fingerprinting include NRC licensees and certificate holders, applicants for an NRC license or certificate, and any person that notifies NRC in writing of an intent to file an application for licensing, certification, or approval of a product or activity subject to regulation by NRC. Biometric methods may be used in place of fingerprinting if approved by the Attorney General and NRC.

Section 663. Use of firearms by security personnel of licensees and certificate holders of the commission

Section 663 authorizes guards at certain facilities licensed or certified by NRC to carry and use certain weapons, ammunition, or devices where necessary to discharge the security personnel's official duties. Guards are subject to background checks by the Attorney General.

Section 664. Unauthorized introduction of dangerous weapons

Section 664 expands current law authorizing the NRC to regulate the introduction of dangerous weapons at its own facilities to include facilities licensed or certified by the Commission.

Section 665. Sabotage of nuclear facilities or fuel

Section 665 amends current law prescribing penalties for sabotage or attempted sabotage of nuclear facilities by expanding the type of facilities covered and increasing existing fines and other penalties.

Section 666. Secure transfer of nuclear materials

Section 666 directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish a system to ensure that shipments of certain radioactive materials carry a manifest describing the type and amount of materials being transported and individuals receiving or accompanying such shipments are subject to background checks.

Section 667. Department of homeland security consultation

Section 667 requires NRC to consult with the Department of Homeland Security concerning the potential vulnerabilities of the location of the proposed utilization facility to terrorist attack.

Section 668. Authorization of appropriations

Section 668 makes permanent NRC's 90 percent fee recovery requirement for user fees established in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. The section also provides for the exclusion of NRC appropriations for homeland security activities (except fingerprinting and background checks required by section 149 of the Atomic Energy Act) from the annual fee collected from licensees and certificate holders.

TITLE VII--VEHICLES AND FUELS

SUBTITLE A--EXISTING PROGRAMS

Section 701. Use of alternative fuels by dual-fueled vehicles

Section 701 amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6374(a)(3)(E)) by requiring dual fueled vehicles to operate on alternative fuels unless the Secretary determines that an agency qualifies for a waiver. A waiver may be granted if the alternative fuel is not reasonably available to retail purchasers, or the cost of the alternative fuel is unreasonably more expensive compared to gasoline. The Secretary shall monitor compliance by all fleets and shall report annually to Congress on its achievement.

Section 704. Incremental cost allocation

Section 704 amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the General Services Administration to allocate the incremental costs of the alternative fuel vehicles across the entire fleet of vehicles in order to encourage the purchase of new alternative fueled vehicles in the federal fleet.

Section 705. Lease condensates

Section 705(a) amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to allow mixtures containing 50 percent or more by volume of lease condensate or fuels extracted from lease condensate to be considered an `alternative fuel' as well as a `replacement fuel', and defines the term `lease condensate.

Section 705(b) provides lease condensate fuel use credits under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The language allows one credit for a fleet or covered person for each qualifying volume of lease condensate containing at least 50 percent lease condensate or fuels extracted from lease condensate. Section 705(b) requires the Secretary to issue a regulation establishing requirements and procedures to implement the credits and shall include a determination of an appropriate qualifying volume for lease condensate, but it may not be less than 1,125 gallons. Section 705(b) applies unless the Secretary finds that the use of lease condensate as an alternative fuel would adversely affect public health or safety or ambient air quality or the environment. Finally, section 705(c) provides for an emergency exemption for vehicles used in emergency repair of transmission lines and in the restoration of electricity service following power outages.

Section 706. Review of Energy Policy Act of 1992 programs

Section 706(a) requires the Secretary to complete a study to determine the effect that Titles III, IV, and V of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 have on the development of alternative fueled vehicle technology, the availability of that technology in the market, and the cost of alternative fueled vehicles. Section 706(b) requires the Secretary to identify the number of alternative fueled vehicles acquired by fleets required to make such purchases, the quantity, by type, of alternative fuel actually used in such vehicles, the quantity of petroleum displaced by the use of alternative fueled vehicles, the direct and indirect costs of compliance, the existence of obstacles preventing compliance, and the projected impact of this Act. Section 706(c) requires the Secretary to transmit this study to Congress with any recommendations.

Section 707. Report concerning compliance with alternative fueled vehicle purchasing requirements

Section 707 amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13218(b)(1)) by extending the date of compliance to February 15, 2006.

SUBTITLE B--HYBRID VEHICLES, ADVANCED VEHICLES, AND FUEL CELL BUSES

PART I--HYBRID VEHICLES

Section 711. Hybrid vehicles

Section 711 directs the Secretary to accelerate efforts directed toward the improvement of batteries and other rechargeable energy storage systems, power electronics, hybrid systems integration, and other hybrid vehicles technologies.

Section 712. Hybrid retrofit and electric conversion program

Section 712 requires the Administrator of the EPA to establish a competitive grant program for the installation of hybrid retrofit and electric conversion technologies for combustion engine vehicles. Eligible grant recipients are to include local or state entities, for-profit or nonprofit corporations, and contracting entities that service combustion engine vehicles for the eligible recipients. The section authorizes $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and sums as are necessary for fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

PART II--ADVANCED VEHICLES

Section 721. Definitions

Section 721 provides definitions for purposes of the subtitle.

Section 722. Pilot program

Section 722 directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to establish a competitive grant program, administered through DOE Clean Cities Program, to provide up to 15 geographically dispersed project grants to State and local governments or metropolitan transportation authorities for acquisition of alternative fueled vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or fuel cell vehicles, including the necessary infrastructure to support such vehicles. The section provides various selection criteria and grant requirements.

Section 723. Reports to Congress

Section 723 requires a report to Congress, from the Secretary of Energy, identifying grant recipients, grant applicants, and other information.

Section 724. Authorization of appropriations

Section 724 authorizes $200,000 for this program to remain available until expended.

PART III--FUEL CELL BUSES

Section 731. Fuel cell transit bus demonstration

Section 731 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to make competitive, merit-based awards for 5-year projects to demonstrate not more than 25 fuel cell transit buses and the necessary infrastructure in 5 geographically dispersed localities. In the selection of projects under the program, preference is given to projects most likely to mitigate congestion and improve air quality.

SUBTITLE C--CLEAN SCHOOL BUSES

Section 741. Definitions

Section 741 provides definitions for purposes of the subtitle.

Section 742. Program for replacement of certain school buses with clean school buses

Section 742 establishes a competitive program, within the EPA, for the awarding to eligible entities, grants for the replacement of existing school buses manufactured before model year 1991 with alternative fuel school buses and ultra-low sulfur diesel school buses. Grants may be made to state or local governments, contract entities that provide bus services for public schools, or a nonprofit school transportation association that has notified and received the approval of a school system served by the buses. Emissions standards are specified for the different types of buses qualified to participate in the program. This section authorizes $45,000,000 in fiscal year 2005, $65,000,000 in fiscal year 2006, $90,000,000 in fiscal year 2007, and such sums as necessary in fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

Section 743. Diesel retrofit program

Section 743 establishes a competitive program, within the EPA, for the awarding to eligible entities, grants for the installation of retrofit technologies for diesel school buses manufactured in model year 1991 or later. Grants may be awarded to state or local governments, contract entities that provide bus services for public schools, or a nonprofit school transportation association that has notified and received the approval of a school system served by the buses. This section provides that in making awards of grants under this program the Administrator shall give preference to proposals that achieve the greatest reductions in emissions or involve the use of emissions control retrofit technology on diesel school buses operating solely on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Section 743 authorizes $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as necessary in fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

Section 744. Fuel cell school buses

Section 744 instructs DOE to establish a program for cooperative agreements with private sector fuel cell bus developers and local governments to facilitate the use of fuel cell-powered buses.

SUBTITLE D--MISCELLANEOUS

Section 751. Railroad efficiency

Section 751 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a cost-shared public-private research partnership with the goal of developing and demonstrating locomotive technologies that increase fuel economy, reduce emissions and lower costs. The section authorizes $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 for this purpose.

Section 752. Mobile emissions reductions trading and crediting

Section 752 requires the EPA to report on the Agency's experience with the trading of mobile source emission reduction credits and evaluate how resolution of issues in mobile trading could be utilized in other projects.

Section 753. Aviation fuel conservation and emissions

Section 753 instructs the EPA and the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a joint study of the impact of aircraft emissions on air quality in nonattainment areas and to identify ways to promote fuel conservation measures for aviation to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Section 754. Diesel fueled vehicles

Section 754 requires the Secretary of Energy to accelerate efforts to improve diesel combustion and after-treatment technologies with a goal of, not later than 2010, developing technologies that meet compliance with `Tier 2' emission standards, the heavy duty emissions standards and the development of next generation low-emission, high efficiency diesel engine technologies.

Section 757. Biodiesel engine testing program

Section 757 instructs the Secretary of Energy to initiate a partnership with diesel engine, diesel fuel injection system, and diesel vehicle manufacturers along with diesel and biodiesel fuel providers to include biodiesel testing in advanced diesel engine and fuel system technology. The program is to include testing to determine the impact of biodiesel from different sources on current and future emissions control technologies. This section authorizes $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.

Section 759. Ultra-efficient engine technology for aircraft

Section 759 requires the Secretary of Energy to enter into a cooperative agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the development of ultra efficient engine technology for aircraft. This section instructs the Secretary to establish specific performance objectives, and authorizes $45,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010.

SUBTITLE E--AUTOMOBILE EFFICIENCY

Section 771. Authorization of appropriations for implementation and enforcement of fuel economy standards

Section 771 authorizes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) an additional $2 million to implement and enforce fuel economy standards for fiscal years 2006 through 2008.

Section 772. Revised considerations for decisions on maximum feasible average fuel economy

Section 772 adds two new factors NHTSA must consider when setting the maximum feasible fuel economy, including the effects of fuel economy standards on passenger automobiles, nonpassenger automobiles, and occupant safety, and the effects of compliance with average fuel economy standards on levels of automobile industry employment in the United States.

Section 773. Extension of maximum fuel economy increase for alternative fueled vehicles

Section 773 extends the sunset date for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) credits currently available for dual fueled vehicles. Section 773 extends the maximum 1.2 CAFE credit to model year 2010 and if the Secretary, pursuant to existing law and regulation, extends the CAFE credit program for an additional four years, the 0.9 CAFE credit for dual fueled vehicles is extended to 2014.

Section 774. Study of feasibility and effects of reducing use of fuel for automobiles

Section 774 directs NHTSA, within 30 days of the date of enactment of this bill, to study the feasibility and effects of reducing, by a significant percentage, fuel consumption by automobiles by model year 2012. This study must examine, and recommend alternatives to, the CAFE program, examine how automobile makers can contribute toward achieving the fuel savings, examine the potential of fuel cell technology, and how fuel cell technology may contribute towards achieving the fuel consumption reduction discussed in this section. In addition, the study must examine the effects of fuel consumption reductions on gasoline supplies, the automobile industry, including sales of automobiles manufactured in the United States, vehicle safety, and air quality. The report must be completed not later than one year after enactment of this bill.

TITLE XIII--HYDROGEN

Section 801. Definitions

Section 801 includes the definitions.

Section 802. Plan

Section 802 requires the Secretary of Energy to work with other federal agencies to prepare a comprehensive interagency coordination plan for activities under the title. This plan may be provided as part of the President's annual budget submission. Section 802 requires the Secretary of Energy to submit a report within one year of enactment, and biennially thereafter, on the status of the programs under this title.

Section 803. Programs

Section 803(a) requires the Secretary of Energy to work with the private sector to conduct activities to address the production of hydrogen from sources including fossil fuels, hydrogen-carrier fuels, renewable energy resources, and nuclear energy, the use of hydrogen for commercial, industrial, and residential uses, the safe delivery of hydrogen, advanced vehicle technologies, storage of hydrogen, development of safe durable, affordable, and efficient fuel cells, development of codes and standards, public education, and the ability of the domestic automobile manufacturers to manufacture commercially available competitive hybrid technologies, such as batteries, in the United States.

Section 803(b) sets out the goals for the hydrogen program. The goals for vehicles include a commitment by automakers to offer a safe, affordable and viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2015 in the mass market, and to enable production, delivery, and acceptance of hydrogen-powered vehicles that have a range of 300 miles, have improved performance and ease of driving; meet all safety and performance technologies, and have higher fuel economy, lower emissions and equal or improved fuel system crash integrity and occupant protection.

Section 802(b) also includes hydrogen infrastructure goals that must include a commitment by 2015 to enable the deployment by 2020 of infrastructure to provide safe and convenient refueling, improved overall efficiency, widespread availability of hydrogen through production, delivery, and storage, hydrogen for fuel cells, and other technologies. Finally, section 803(b) sets goals for fuel cells to be used in portable, stationary and transportation applications.

Section 803(c) requires the Secretary to fund a limited number of demonstration projects that involve using hydrogen at existing facilities, depend on hydrogen to carry out essential activities, lead to the replication of hydrogen technologies into the market, include vehicle, portable, and stationary demonstrations of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, raise public awareness, facilitate identification of best technologies, address distributed generation using renewable sources, and address applications of rural or remote locations.

Section 803(d) requires the Secretary of Energy to work with the private sector to conduct a program to facilitate deployment of hydrogen energy and energy infrastructure, fuel cells, and advanced vehicle technologies.

Section 803(e) requires the Secretary to use a competitive, merit-based review process that may be carried out by funding nationally recognized universities or national laboratory research centers. For research and development, the Secretary shall require a 20 percent financial commitment from nonfederal sources. For demonstration and commercial application projects, the Secretary shall require at least a 50 percent financial commitment from nonfederal sources. This figure may be reduced upon a determination that the reduction is necessary and appropriate in light of the technological risks and objectives of this title.

Section 803(g) states that Section 623 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13293) governs the protection of information.

Section 804. Interagency task force

Section 804 requires the creation of an interagency task force, to be chaired by the Secretary, within 120 days after enactment. Other agencies represented on the task force shall include the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, EPA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other federal agencies as are necessary. The duties of the task force shall include coordinating the implementation of the interagency plan and work towards deployment of safe, economical and environmentally sound infrastructure, fuel cells in government applications, and distributed power generation, uniform hydrogen codes and standards, and vehicle hydrogen fuel system integrity safety performance. The task force shall also coordinate interagency information sharing to further the development of hydrogen technologies through fostering exchange of generic, nonproprietary information, developing an inventory and assessment of hydrogen, fuel cell and other advanced technologies, integrating technical information, promoting a hydrogen marketplace, and conducting education programs.

Section 805. Advisory Committee

Section 805 requires the creation of an `Advisory Committee' to advise the Secretary of Energy on the programs and activities under the title comprised of between 12-25 members from industry, academia, government, professional groups, and any other appropriate organizations. The Committee shall review and make recommendations to the Secretary on the implementation of the programs, the safety, economical, and environmental consequences of the technologies, and the plan under section 802. The Secretary shall consider, but need not adopt, the recommendations from the Advisory Committee. The Secretary shall complete a biannual report to Congress describing the recommendations made by the Advisory Committee.

Section 806. External review

Section 806(a) requires the Secretary to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the plan prepared under section 802. The Secretary shall transmit the NAS review to Congress along with a plan to implement the review's recommendations or an explanation of the reasons that a recommendation will not be implemented.

Section 806(b) requires the Secretary to enter into an arrangement with the NAS to review the programs under section 803 during the fourth year following the date of enactment of this Act. The Secretary shall transmit this review to Congress along with a plan to implement the review's recommendations or an explanation of the reasons that a recommendation will not be implemented.

Section 807. Miscellaneous provisions

Section 807(a) allows the Secretary to represent the United States with respect to activities and programs under this title, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other relevant agencies before governments and nongovernmental organizations. Section 807(b) states that nothing in this title shall be construed to alter the regulatory authority of the Department.

Section 808. Savings clause

Section 808 states that nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary of Transportation for specific programs.

Section 809. Authorization of appropriations

Section 809 authorizes appropriations of $546,000,000 in fiscal year 2006, $750,000,000 in fiscal year 2007, $850,000,000 in fiscal year 2008, $900,000,000 in fiscal year 2009, and, $1,000,000,000 in fiscal year 2010.

Section 810. Solar and wind technologies

Section 810(a) requires the Secretary to (1) prepare a detailed roadmap to carry out the demonstration projects listed in the section and for implementing the recommendations related to solar energy technologies in the report under subsection (c); (2) provide for five solar projects in diverse geographic areas to demonstrate the production of hydrogen from solar facilities, including one at a national laboratory or institution of higher education; (3) establish a research and development program to develop concentrating solar power devices for the production of electricity and hydrogen, and to evaluate the use of thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production at temperatures attainable with solar power devices; (4) coordinate with the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology on high temperature materials, thermochemical cycles, and economic issues related to solar energy; (5) provide for the construction and operation of new solar power devices or solar cogeneration facilities which produce hydrogen with electricity; (6) support existing facilities and research programs for solar power; and, (7) establish a program to research and develop methods that use electricity from photovoltaic devices for the onsite production of hydrogen, evaluate the economies of small-scale electrolysis for hydrogen, and to research the potential for modular photovoltaic devices to develop hydrogen infrastructure, security, and the benefits of hydrogen infrastructure.

Section 810(b) requires the Secretary to (1) prepare a detailed roadmap to carry out the demonstration projects listed in the section and for implementing the recommendations related to wind energy technologies in the report under subsection (c); and (2) provide for five wind projects in diverse geographic areas to demonstrate the production of hydrogen from wind facilities, including one at a national laboratory or institution of higher education.

Section 810(c) requires the Secretary to support research programs at institutions of higher education to develop solar and wind energy technologies to produce hydrogen. The programs shall (1) enhance fellowship and faculty assistance; (2) provide fundamental research; (3) encourage collaborative research among all researchers; (4) support communication and outreach; and, (5) to be located in diverse geographic areas and be located at part B institutions, minority institutions, and institutions at higher education in States participating in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research of the DOE.

Section 810(d) requires the Secretary to develop sabbatical, fellowship, and visiting scientist programs to encourage national laboratories and higher education institutions to share and exchange personnel.

Section 810(e) includes definitions for the section.

TITLE IX--STUDIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

Section 901. Goals

Section 901 establishes goals for the studies and program support activities in Act. The section requires the Secretary of Energy (hereinafter referred to as `the Secretary') to publish 5-year performance goals with budget submissions for certain energy areas.

Section 902. Definitions

Section 902 defines terms.

SUBTITLE A--ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Section 904. Energy efficiency

Section 904 authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2006-2010 for energy efficiency activities including those set out in the subtitle.

Section 905. Next generation lighting initiative

Section 905 directs the Secretary to carry out a Next Generation Lighting Initiative for advanced solid-state lighting technologies based on white light emitting diodes to achieve greater energy efficiency in lighting.

Section 906. National building performance initiative

Section 906 directs the President to establish an interagency group to develop National Building Performance Initiative to help develop more energy efficient buildings.

Section 907. Secondary electric vehicle battery use program

Section 907 requires the Secretary to establish a program of study of the secondary use of electric vehicle batteries.

Section 908. Energy efficiency study initiative

Section 908 requires the Secretary to establish an Energy Efficiency Science Initiative to award competitive grants.

Section 909. Electric motor control technology

Section 909 requires the Secretary to conduct a program of study on advanced control devices to improve the energy efficiency of certain electric motors.

SUBTITLE B--DISTRIBUTED ENERGY AND ELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEMS

Section 911. Distributed energy and electric energy systems

Section 911 authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2006-2010 for distributed energy and electric systems activities, including those set forth in the subtitle. The section contains specific authorization language for micro-generation energy technology.

Section 913. High power density industry program

Section 913 requires the Secretary to establish a comprehensive program of study to improve energy efficiency of high power density facilities.

Section 916. Reciprocating power

Section 916 requires the Secretary to establish a program of study concerning reciprocating power engines.

Section 917. Advanced portable power devices

Section 917 requires the Secretary to establish a program concerning models for advanced portable power device and provides a specific authorization of appropriations for this purpose.

SUBTITLE C--RENEWABLE ENERGY

Section 918. Renewable energy

Section 918 authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2006-2010 for distributed energy and electric systems activities, including those set forth in the subtitle.

Section 919. Bioenergy programs

Section 919 requires the Secretary to conduct a program of study regarding bioenergy, including biofuels.

Section 920. Concentrating solar power study program

Section 920 requires the Secretary to conduct a program of study to evaluate the potential of concentrating solar power for hydrogen production.

Section 921. Miscellaneous projects

Section 921 provides that the Secretary may study ocean energy, including wave energy, and the combined use of renewable energy technologies.

Section 922. Renewable energy in public buildings

Section 922 requires the Secretary to establish a program for the transfer of innovative technologies for solar and other renewable energy sources in public buildings.

Section 923. University biodiesel program

Section 923 requires the Secretary to establish a program regarding the feasibility of the operation of diesel electric power generators.

SUBTITLE D--NUCLEAR ENERGY

Section 929. Alternatives to industrial radioactive sources

Section 929 requires the Secretary to conduct a study and provide a report to Congress by 2006 concerning industrial applications of large radioactive sources and both existing programs and alternatives for their disposal. The section also requires the Secretary to establish research and development program regarding such alternatives.

Section 930. Geological isolation of spent fuel

Section 930 requires the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of deep borehole disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

SUBTITLE E--FOSSIL ENERGY

PART I--STUDIES AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

Section 931. Fossil energy

Section 931 authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2006-2010 for fossil energy activities, including activities authorized under this Part.

Section 932. Oil and gas studies

Section 932 requires the Secretary to conduct programs of studies concerning certain oil and gas-related issues and fuel cells. This section also requires reports to Congress concerning estimates of natural gas and oil reserves. Further, section 932 requires the Secretary to establish a national center or consortium for excellence in clean energy and power generation.

Section 933. Technology transfer

Section 933 requires the Secretary to establish a competitive program to a nonprofit entity for the purpose of transferring technologies developed with public funds.

Section 934. Coal mining technologies

Section 934 requires the Secretary to establish a program of studies on coal mining technologies.

Section 935. Coal and related technologies program

Section 935 requires the Secretary to establish a program of studies on coal and power systems and to address cost and performance goals.

Section 936. Complex well technology testing facility

Section 936 requires the Secretary to establish a complex well technology testing facility to increase the range of extended drilling technologies.

PART II--ULTRA-DEEPWATER AND UNCONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS AND OTHER PETROLEUM RESOURCES

Section 941. Program authority

Section 941 mandates the Secretary to carry out a program regarding technologies for ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production.

Section 942. Ultra-deepwater program

Section 942 directs the Secretary to implement section 941 goals to maximize ultra-deep water natural gas and other petroleum resources, while minimizing costs and improving safety and environmental impacts. It also provides for the oversight and operation of awards for the ultra-deepwater program.

Section 943. Unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources program

Section 943 provides for the oversight and operation of the unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources program.

Section 944. Additional requirements for awards

Section 944 provides for the requirements for any awards granted pursuant to this part.

Section 945. Advisory committees

Section 945 provides for an Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee and an Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee.

Section 946. Limits on participation

Section 946 provides limitations for any awards granted pursuant to this part.

Section 947. Sunset

Section 947 provides that the authority provided for by the part sunsets on September 31, 2014.

Section 948. Definitions

Section 948 provides definitions for certain terms.

Section 949. Funding

Section 949 establishes and authorizes funding for fiscal year 2005 for the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research Fund.

SUBTITLE F--ENERGY SCIENCES

Section 953. Plan for Fusion Energy Sciences Program

Section 953 declares a policy of the United States to conduct a program of activities to ensure the United States is competitive with other nations in fusion energy and requires the Secretary to implement a plan for this policy.

Section 954. Spallation neutron source

Section 954 requires the Secretary to report on the Spallation Neutron Source project as part of the budget submission.

Section 962. Nitrogen fixation

Section 962 requires the Secretary to conduct studies on nitrogen fixation.

SUBTITLE G--ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Section 966. Waste reduction and use of alternatives

Section 966 provides authorization for a single grant to examine burning post-consumer carpet in cement kilns as an alternative energy source.

Section 967. Report on fuel cell test center

Section 967 requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding a test center for next-generation fuel cells.

Section 968. Arctic Engineering Research Center

Section 968 authorizes the Secretary to provide annual grants to a university research center concerning infrastructure in the Arctic region.

Section 970. Western Michigan demonstration project

Section 970 requires the Administrator of the EPA to conduct a demonstration project to address the effect of transported ozone and ozone precursors in Southwestern Michigan.

Section 971. Low-cost hydrogen propulsion and infrastructure

Section 971 requires the Secretary to establish a program with respect to using hydrogen propulsion in light-weight vehicles.

Section 972. Carbon-based fuel cell development

Section 972 authorizes the Secretary to provide a single grant to design and fabricate a 5-kilowatt prototype coal-based fuel cell.

SUBTITLE H--INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Section 981. United States-Israel coordination

Section 981 requires the Secretary to report on cooperation between the United States and Israel in energy research and development activities.

TITLE X--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Section 1001. Additional Assistant Secretary position

Section 1001 creates a new Assistant Secretary of Energy, and expresses the sense of Congress that the new position be used to improve management of nuclear energy at DOE.

Section 1002. Other transactions authority

Section 1002 grants the Secretary of Energy authority to enter into other transactions as appropriate to further research, development, or demonstration goals of the Department.

Section 1003. University collaboration

Section 1003 directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress on the feasibility of promoting collaboration between major universities and other colleges and universities on energy projects.

Section 1004. Sense of Congress

Section 1004 expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Energy should implement more stringent controls on the DOE purchase card program to prevent waste and fraud.

TITLE XII--ELECTRICITY

Section 1201. Short title

Section 1201 establishes the short title for title XII as the `Electric Reliability Act of 2005.'

SUBTITLE A--RELIABILITY STANDARDS

Section 1211. Electric reliability standards

Section 1211 provides for the establishment of mandatory, enforceable electric reliability standards, including cybersecurity protection, for the bulk-power system. The section provides that FERC shall have jurisdiction, within the United States, over an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), certain regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving mandatory, enforceable reliability standards. FERC may certify an ERO that meets certain requirements. The certified ERO shall propose reliability standards for FERC approval. Section 1211 provides for a rebuttable presumption that a proposal from a regional entity organized on an Interconnection-wide basis for a reliability standard or modification to a reliability standard to be applicable on an Interconnection-wide basis is just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. The section also provides for fair processes for resolution of any conflict between a reliability standard, or implementation thereof, and any function, rule, order, tariff, rate schedule, or agreement accepted, approved, or ordered by FERC applicable to a transmission organization. In addition, this section provides for enforcement of FERC-approved reliability standards. The section also limits direct spending by the ERO to $50 million per year and provides an authorization for an additional $50 million per year. The President is urged to negotiate related international agreements with the governments of Canada and Mexico to provide for effective compliance with reliability standards and the effectiveness of the ERO in the United States and Canada or Mexico. The section also includes savings provisions relating to the scope of the provision and State authority. Finally, section 1211 provides that FERC shall establish a regional advisory body to provide advice regarding certain matters. FERC may give deference to the advice of any such regional advisory body if that body is organized on an Interconnection-wide basis.

SUBTITLE B--TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION

Section 1221. Siting of interstate electric transmission facilities

Section 1221 expedites the construction of critical transmission lines identified by the DOE. The section provides that for such lines, persons may obtain a permit from FERC and exercise eminent domain if, after one year, a state, or other approval authority, is unable or refuses to site the line. If such line crosses Federal land and an applicant so requests, DOE is designated as the lead agency for coordinating Federal review and permitting processes, including establishing deadlines, coordination with states and tribes, and consolidating environmental reviews into a single record to serve as the basis for decisions. If a Federal agency denies an application or fails to comply with a timeframe established by DOE, an applicant or state may appeal to DOE to review the denial and take action within 90 days. States are authorized to form voluntary compacts to facilitate transmission siting. The section directs the Federal government to study the use of existing corridors on Federal land and the potential to establish new corridors and report to Congress. The Committee intends this report to go the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Resources. Section 1211 also requires Federal land management agencies to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate permitting decisions and environmental reviews.

Section 1222. Third-party finance

Section 1222 allows the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrators of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) or the Southwest Power Administration (SWPA), to participate with other parties to design, develop, construct, operate, maintain or own upgrades to existing transmission facilities owned by WAPA or SWPA or new transmission facilities if those facilities are needed to meet actual or projected increases in demand and meet certain other conditions. The section also allows the Secretary of Energy to use funds contributed by a third party for the purposes of this section.

Section 1223. Transmission system monitoring

Section 1223 provides that within six months of the date of enactment, the Secretary of Energy and the FERC shall submit a report to Congress on the steps that must be taken to provide all transmission owners and Regional Transmission Organizations real-time information on the status of the transmission system.

Section 1224. Advanced transmission technologies

Section 1224 provides that the FERC shall encourage the deployment of advanced transmission technologies.

Section 1225. Electric transmission and distribution programs

Section 1225 provides that the Secretary of Energy shall establish a comprehensive program to promote improved reliability and efficiency of electrical transmission and distribution systems. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a five-year program plan to Congress and provide status reports within two years of transmitting the program plan. In addition, the Secretary of Energy shall establish an initiative specifically focused on power delivery utilizing components incorporating high-temperature superconductivity. The section authorizes $15 million for fiscal year 2006, $20 million for fiscal year 2007, $30 million for fiscal year 2008, $35 million for fiscal year 2009, and $40 million for fiscal year 2010.

Section 1226. Advanced Power System Technology Incentive Program

Section 1226 authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Power System Technology Incentive Program to support, through incentives, the deployment of certain advanced power system technologies to increase power generation through enhanced operational, economic and environmental performance. The section authorizes $10 million for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2012.

Section 1227. Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution

Section 1227 authorizes the creation within DOE an Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution.

SUBTITLE C--TRANSMISSION OPERATION IMPROVEMENTS

Section 1231. Open nondiscriminatory access

Section 1231 grants FERC partial jurisdiction over the interstate transmission of currently non-regulated utilities (municipally-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and Federal utilities) to improve the operation of competitive wholesale markets in interstate commerce.

Section 1232. Sense of Congress on Regional Transmission Organizations

Section 1232 provides that it is the sense of Congress, for the reasons enumerated, that all transmitting utilities in interstate commerce should voluntarily become a member of a Regional Transmission Organization.

Section 1233. Regional Transmission Organization applications progress report

Section 1233 provides that FERC shall provide a report to Congress on all regional transmission organization applications submitted to FERC and the status of such applications. The report shall also include a discussion of the impact of the regional transmission organization on consumers, other entities, wholesale competition, and rates.

Section 1234. Federal utility participation in Regional Transmission Organizations

Section 1234 permits appropriate Federal regulatory authorities (Federal power marketing agencies and the Tennessee Valley Authority) to join a Regional Transmission Organization or an Independent System Operator. The section does not grant FERC any other authority over the Federal utility.

Section 1235. Standard market design

Section 1235 remands to FERC its Standard Electricity Market Design Order, RM01-12-00, and prohibits FERC from issuing a final rule in that docket before October 31, 2006, or issuing a final rule that takes effect before December 31, 2006.

Section 1236. Native load service obligation

Section 1236 requires FERC to ensure that load serving entities serving electricity consumers are entitled to use their transmission facilities or equivalent transmission rights to serve `native load,' i.e., to meet certain service obligations and certain contractual obligations. The section clarifies that reservation of transmission capacity for native load shall not be considered unduly discriminatory or preferential under the Federal Power Act. Section 1236 states that the section shall not affect the allocation of transmission rights by certain transmission organizations under certain conditions and that nothing in this section provides a basis to abrogate existing contracts or service agreements for firm transmission service. The section also provides that FERC will issue a rule or order enabling load serving entities to secure firm transmission rights (or equivalent financial or tradable rights), on a long-term basis for long-term power supply arrangements in FERC-approved RTOs or ISOs with organized electricity markets.

Section 1237. Study on the benefits of economic dispatch

Section 1237 requires the Secretary of Energy, in coordination and consultation with the states, to conduct a study on the procedures and potential benefits of economic dispatch, and report to the Congress and the States on the results of the study on a regular basis.

SUBTITLE D--TRANSMISSION RATE REFORM

Section 1241. Transmission infrastructure investment

Section 1241 promotes needed investment in transmission by requiring FERC to issue a rule establishing just and reasonable incentive-based and performance-based transmission rates, and incentives for joining a Regional Transmission Organization or Independent System Operator.

SUBTITLE E--AMENDMENTS TO PURPA

Section 1251. Net metering and additional standards

Section 1251 requires each state and non-regulated electric utility to consider whether to require each electric utility to make available upon request net metering service as set forth under Section 111 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). The section requires state regulatory authorities to consider standards for such service with certain exceptions.

Section 1252. Smart metering

Section 1252 requires each state and non-regulated electric utility to consider whether to require each electric utility to make available upon request time-based metering service as set forth under Section 111 of PURPA. The section requires state regulatory authorities to consider standards for such service, including time of use, critical peak and real-time pricing, and peak load reduction plans with customers with large electric loads with certain exceptions. The Secretary of Energy shall provide technical assistance on demand response.

Section 1253. Cogeneration and small power production purchase and sale requirements

Section 1253 amends section 210 of PURPA by (1) adding conditions under which the mandatory purchase obligation of utilities may be relieved; (2) establishes procedures for utilities to apply to the Commission for relief if such conditions are met, and for qualifying facilities, state agencies, or other affected persons to apply for reinstatement of the purchase obligation; (3) terminates a utility's obligation to sell electricity to qualifying facilities under certain conditions; (4) protects existing contracts or certain pending contracts; and, (5) directs the Commission to issue and enforce regulations to ensure that electric utilities collect the costs associated with contracts under section 210.

The section directs the Commission to revise the rules for new qualifying cogeneration facilities eligible for the purchase requirements under Section 210 of the Federal Power Act to ensure the thermal energy output of the facility is used in a productive and beneficial manner, the total energy output of such facilities is used predominantly for commercial or industrial processes and not intended predominantly for sale to an electric utility, and the continuing progress in the development of efficient electric energy generating technology. It also clarifies that the rule revisions do not apply to existing qualifying small power production facilities or existing qualifying cogeneration facilities.

Finally, section 1253(b) eliminates existing ownership restrictions on qualifying small power production facilities and qualifying cogeneration facilities.

Section 1254. Interconnection

Section 1254 provides that states and non-regulated electric utilities will consider standards for the interconnection of onsite generation to the local electric distribution grid as set forth under Section 111(d) of PURPA with certain exceptions.

SUBTITLE F--REPEAL OF PUHCA

Section 1261. Short title

Section 1261 establishes the short title of subtitle F as the `Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005.'

Section 1262. Definitions

Section 1262 defines certain terms used in this subtitle.

Section 1263. Repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935

Section 1263 repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA).

Section 1264. Federal access to books and records

Section 1264 directs holding companies and associate companies to maintain and make available to FERC such books and other records as it deems relevant to costs and necessary or appropriate for the protection of utility customers with respect to jurisdictional rates. Subsection (b) directs affiliates and subsidiaries of holding companies to maintain and make available to FERC books and other records with respect to transactions with other affiliates. Subsection (c) contains similar requirements with respect to books and other records for any company in a holding company system and affiliates thereof. Subsection (d) requires FERC to protect the confidentiality of books and other records acquired under this section, except as may be directed by FERC or a court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 1265. State access to books and records

Section 1265 gives state commissions access to certain books and other records if they meet specific requirements. Upon written request by the state commission with jurisdiction to regulate a public utility in a holding company system, the holding company, associate or affiliate company is directed to produce for inspection books and other records that have been identified in reasonable detail by the state commission, determined by the state commission to be relevant to costs incurred by the public utility, and necessary for the effective discharge of the responsibilities of the state commission with respect to such proceedings. Subsection (b) exempts from this requirement any person that is a holding company solely by reason of ownership of one or more qualifying facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Subsection (c) protects trade secrets and other sensitive commercial information from unwarranted disclosure to the public. Subsection (d) protects existing state law concerning books and other records, and provides that nothing in this section limits the existing rights of any state to obtain books and other records under Federal law, contract, or otherwise. Subsection (e) gives a United States district court in the State referred to in Subsection (a) jurisdiction to enforce this section.

Section 1266. Exemption authority

Section 1266 directs FERC to exempt certain companies from the requirements of section 1264.

Section 1267. Affiliate transactions

Section 1267 provides that nothing in this subtitle shall limit the existing authority of FERC under the Federal Power Act to ensure that rates are just and reasonable, and, to whatever extent FERC already has authority, to approve or deny the pass through of costs and to prevent cross-subsidization. Subsection (b) provides that nothing in this subtitle shall preclude FERC or a state commission under otherwise applicable law from allowing recovery of costs in jurisdictional rates.

Section 1268. Applicability

Section 1268 prohibits application of this subtitle to the Federal government, states, and foreign governments, except as otherwise specifically provided.

Section 1269. Effect on other regulations

Section 1269 provides that nothing in this subtitle precludes FERC or a state commission from exercising its jurisdiction under otherwise applicable law to protect utility consumers.

Section 1270. Enforcement

Section 1270 specifies the powers available to FERC to enforce this subtitle.

Section 1271. Savings provisions

Section 1271 provides that nothing in the subtitle prohibits a person from engaging in certain activities that were authorized prior to the date of enactment, so long as they continue comply with the terms of their authorization, nor limits the authority of FERC under the Federal Power Act or the Natural Gas Act.

Section 1272. Implementation

Section 1272 directs FERC, within 12 months, to promulgate regulations necessary to implement this subtitle and submit to Congress recommendations for technical or conforming amendments.

Section 1273. Transfer of resources

Section 1273 provides for the transfer of all books and records related to the functions of FERC under this subtitle from the Securities and Exchange Commission to FERC.

Section 1274. Effective date

Section 1274 provides that this subtitle shall take effect 12 months after the date of enactment, with certain exceptions.

Section 1275. Service allocation

Section 1275 provides that FERC, at the request of the holding company system or state commission, shall review and authorize cost allocations for non-power goods or administrative or management services provided by an associate company that was organized specifically for providing such goods or services. Nothing in this section precludes FERC or a state commission from exercising its authority under other applicable laws. FERC is required to issue rules exempting companies that operate substantially within one state, and certain other transactions.

Section 1276. Authorization of appropriations

Section 1276 authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this subtitle.

Section 1277. Conforming amendments to the Federal Power Act

Section 1277 makes conforming amendments to the Federal Power Act.

SUBTITLE G--MARKET TRANSPARENCY, ENFORCEMENT, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Section 1281. Market transparency rules

Section 1281 directs FERC to establish rules establishing an electronic information system to improve transparency in wholesale electric power markets. FERC shall have the authority to obtain the information it needs from any electric or transmitting utility.

Section 1282. Market manipulation

Section 1282 prohibits filing false information and round-trip (or `wash') trades of electric power with intent to fraudulently affect revenues, trading volumes or prices.

Section 1283. Enforcement

Section 1283 increases criminal and civil penalties for violations of the Federal Power Act. The section extends the applicability of such penalties to violations of any provision of Part II of the Federal Power Act. It also expands sections 306, 307, and 313 of the Federal Power Act.

Section 1284. Refund effective date

Section 1284 changes the refund effective date from 60 days after complaint to the date of complaint for FERC-ordered refunds under section 206 of the Federal Power Act.

Section 1285. Refund authority

Section 1285 provides that certain short-term market sales of wholesale power by certain non-FERC jurisdictional entities are subject to FERC-ordered refunds for sales above just and reasonable rates.

Section 1286. Sanctity of contract

Section 1286 provides that FERC, before abrogating or modifying certain market-based rate contracts, must meet a public interest standard, unless the contract expressly provides for a different standard. This provision applies only prospectively (i.e., to contracts executed on or after the date of enactment).

Section 1287. Consumer privacy and unfair trade practices

Section 1287 authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules regarding consumer privacy. The section also allows the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules prohibiting `slamming' and `cramming' in retail electricity markets.

SUBTITLE H--MERGER REFORM

Section 1291. Merger review reform and accountability

Subsection (a) of section 1291 directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with FERC and the Department of Justice, to report to Congress on (1) duplicative authorities vested in FERC under section 203 of the Federal Power Act; and (2) recommendations on reforms to the Federal Power Act to eliminate unnecessary duplication. Subsection (b) directs FERC to report annually to Congress on conditions imposed on mergers and other dispositions of property reviewed under section 203.

Section 1292. Electric utility mergers

Section 1292 amends the Federal Power Act by increasing the limit that triggers a FERC merger proceeding from $50,000 to $10 million. It also provides for FERC review of certain holding company mergers. The section also provides standards that FERC is to apply to determine whether a merger is in the public interest and directs FERC to issue a rule on certain classes of mergers that may be reviewed expeditiously.

SUBTITLE I--DEFINITIONS

Section 1295. Definitions

Section 1295 amends or provides specific definitions used in the Federal Power Act.

SUBTITLE J--TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS

Section 1297. Conforming amendments

Section 1297 provides amendments to the Federal Power Act to conform to this title.

SUBTITLE K--ECONOMIC DISPATCH

Section 1298. Economic dispatch

Section 1298 requires FERC to establish a joint board with the States to study the issue of security constrained economic dispatch for a market region. The joint board must report to Congress its findings and any consensus recommendations within one year.

TITLE XIV--MISCELLANEOUS

SUBTITLE C--OTHER PROVISIONS

Section 1441. Continuation of transmission security order

Section 1441 provides that Department of Energy Order No. 202-03-2 concerning the cross sound cable shall remain in effect unless rescinded by Federal statute.

Section 1442. Review of agency determinations

Section 1442 provides the court of original and exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act shall be the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Section 1443. Attainment dates for downwind ozone nonattainment areas

Section 1443 amends the Clean Air Act by granting the Administrator of the EPA the authority to extend the attainment date in lieu of reclassification if the Administrator determines another area significantly contributes to nonattainment in the downwind area and all other conditions of the section are met. In addition, in order to be granted an attainment date extension, Section 1443 also requires that a State submit a SIP revision that complies with all applicable requirements that exist for the area's current classification and that includes any additional measures needed to demonstrate attainment by the extended attainment date. In such a case, where all the required conditions of the section are met, the Administrator shall grant the extension. Furthermore, any attainment date that is extended must provide for attainment as expeditiously as practicable, but in no case later than the date on which the last reductions in pollution transport necessary for attainment are required to be achieved in the contributing upwind area.

Section 1444. Energy production incentives

Section 1444 provides that a state may provide state tax incentives to any entity for production in state of electricity from coal mined within the state (where any such electricity generation facility uses scrubbers or other forms of clean coal technology), renewable sources such as wind, solar, or biomass or ethanol. Any action taken by a state pursuant to this section is not to be considered an undue burden on interstate commerce.

Section 1446. Regulation of certain oil used in transformers

Section 1446 provides that soybean oil used in transformers as thermal insulation shall not be regulated like petroleum oil.

Section 1447. Risk assessment

Section 1447 requires that Federal agencies conducting assessments of risk to human health and the environment from energy technology, production, transport, transmission, distribution, storage, use, or conservation activities shall use sound and objective scientific practices in assessing such risks, shall consider the best available science (including peer-reviewed studies), and shall include a description of the weight of the scientific evidence concerning such risks.

Section 1448. Oxygen-fuel

Section 1448 requires the Secretary to establish a program on oxygen fuels systems and provides authorization of appropriations for this activity.

Section 1449. Petrochemical and oil refinery facility health assessment

Section 1449 requires the Secretary to conduct a study of direct and significant health impacts to persons resulting from living in proximity to petrochemical and oil refining facilities based on sound and objective scientific practices.

TITLE XV--ETHANOL AND MOTOR FUELS

SUBTITLE A--GENRAL PROVISIONS

Section 1501. Renewable content of motor vehicle fuel

Section 1501 establishes a renewable content requirement for gasoline sold or dispensed to consumers in the contiguous United States. Starting in 2005, the total volume of such gasoline must contain an `applicable volume' of renewable fuel, determined on a yearly basis. This volume is 3.1 billion gallons in 2005, rising in steps to 5.0 billion gallons in 2012. After 2012 the amount of the requirement will be adjusted each year to account for growth in the volume of gasoline sold or dispensed. Under this section, 1 gallon of cellulosic biomass ethanol or waste derived ethanol is equivalent to 1.5 gallons of renewable fuel for purposes of meeting the renewable content requirement. Cellulosic biomass ethanol or waste derived ethanol derived from agricultural residue or wood residue or is an agricultural byproduct is equivalent to 2.5 gallons of renewable fuel. A credit program, which allows for the transfer of renewable fuel credits, is also established.

Section 1501 allows for waivers of the renewable fuel requirement, in whole or in part, in any one year upon the petition of one or more states. The section also requires a study before the initiation of the renewable fuels requirement in 2005 and allows for a waiver of the initial year of the requirement if there are significant adverse consumer impacts on a national, regional, or state basis. The section requires a determination by the Administrator of the EPA, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Agriculture, prior to each increase in the renewable content requirement, whether there is sufficient renewable fuel production capacity, potential for increases in the price of gasoline, food, or heating oil, the potential for supply disruptions, and the potential for exceedances of air quality standards. The Administrator may waive in whole or in part, the renewable fuel requirement if there is a significant adverse impact. The section also provides for an extension of the renewable fuel requirement for small refineries.

In addition, section 1501 requires the Federal Trade Commission to perform a market concentration analysis and report annually, beginning in 2005, of the ethanol production industry. Furthermore, the EPA in consultation with the Energy Information Administration shall annually conduct a survey of the market shares of conventional gasoline and reformulated gasoline containing ethanol or renewable fuel.

Section 1502. Fuels safe harbor

Section 1502 provides for a fuels safe harbor for renewable fuel, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) used or intended to be used as a motor vehicle fuel, and motor vehicle fuel containing such renewable fuel or MTBE. This safe harbor applies only to the product being deemed defective by virtue of the fact that it is or contains, such renewable fuel or MTBE. This safe harbor is not applicable to other liability among which is included, environmental remediation costs, drinking water contamination, public or private nuisance and trespass.

Section 1503. Findings and MTBE transition assistance

Section 1503 includes findings and authorization for transition assistance to MTBE eligible production facilities. The section authorizes $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2012. This assistance is to aid in the transition from MTBE production to the production of other fuel additives or renewable fuels.

Section 1504. Use of MTBE

Section 1504 proscribes the use of MTBE, no later than 2014, in motor vehicle fuel.

Section 1505. National Academy of Sciences review and presidential determination

Section 1505 requires the National Academy of Sciences to review the use of MTBE in fuel and fuel additives. The review is to examine the effects of MTBE use on environmental quality and public health, including the costs and benefits and the effect of prohibitions on the use of MTBE on fuel availability and price. After the completion of this review the President may make a determination that restrictions on the use of MTBE as provided for in section 1504, shall not take place.

Section 1506. Elimination of oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline

Section 1506 eliminates the oxygenate requirement for reformulated gasoline. The elimination of the requirement is effective 270 days after enactment for all states except, California, which is granted elimination from the requirement upon date of enactment. Further, the section provides for the maintenance of toxic air pollutant emissions reductions. Not later than 270 days after enactment the Administrator of the EPA shall establish standards for each refinery or importer based on a baseline for calendar years 1999 and 2000. Certain reformulated gasoline regulations are consolidated under the section.

Section 1507. Analyses of motor vehicle fuel changes

Section 1507 requires that the Administrator of the EPA conduct an `antibacksliding analysis' of the changes in emissions of air pollutants and air quality due to the use of motor vehicle fuel and fuel additives resulting from the implementation of the amendments made by general provisions of this title.

Section 1508. Data collection

Section 1508 amends the Department of Energy Organization Act by requiring the Administrator of the Energy Information Agency to conduct and publish the results of a survey of renewable fuels demand in the motor fuels market in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the new renewable fuels requirement.

Section 1509. Reducing the proliferation of state fuel controls

Section 1509 limits the authority of the Administrator of the EPA to approve under Section 211(c)(4)(C) of the Clean Air Act any control or prohibition regarding a fuel or fuel additive unless the Administrator, after consultation with DOE, publishes in the Federal Register a finding that such approval will not cause fuel supply or distribution interruptions or have a significant adverse impact on fuel producibility in the affected area or contiguous areas. The section also outlines a study, by EPA in cooperation with DOE, of the projected effects on air quality, the proliferation of fuel blends, fuel availability, and fuels costs of providing preference treatment to certain fuel blends.

Section 1510. Fuel system requirements harmonization study

Section 1510 requires a joint study by the Administrator of the EPA and the Secretary of Energy of the Federal, state, and local requirements concerning motor fuels and the effect of these requirements on the supply, quality and price of motor fuels.

Section 1511. Commercial byproducts from municipal solid waste and cellulosic biomass loan guarantee program

Section 1511 provides the Secretary of Energy the authority, for a 10-year period, to establish a program to provide loan guarantees by private institutions for the construction of facilities for the processing and conversion of municipal solid waste and cellulosic biomass into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts.

Section 1512. Cellulosic biomass and waste-derived ethanol conversion assistance

Section 1512 amends the Clean Air Act by providing the Secretary of Energy with the authority to provide grants to United States merchant producers of cellulosic biomass ethanol and waste-derived ethanol to build ethanol production facilities.

Section 1513. Blending of compliant reformulated gasolines

Section 1513 amends the Clean Air Act to cite that under specified circumstances it shall not be a violation of the Act for a gasoline retailer to blend at a retail location batches of ethanol-blended and non-ethanol blended reformulated gasoline.

SUBTITLE B--UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK COMPLIANCE

Section 1521. Short title

Section 1521 establishes the short title as the `Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005.'

Section 1522. Leaking underground storage tanks

Section 1522 amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of EPA to distribute to the states at least 80 percent of the funds from the Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for use in paying the reasonable costs for state enforcement efforts pertaining to underground storage tanks. In addition, this section establishes guidelines for revisions to the funding allocation process that the Administrator may revise after consulting with state agencies responsible for overseeing corrective actions for releases from underground storage tanks.

In seeking a cost recovery action, under this section the Administrator (or state) shall consider the owner or operator's ability to pay by weighing the ability of the owner or operator to pay all corrective action costs and still maintain its basic business operations, including consideration of the overall financial condition of the owner or operator and demonstrable constraints on the ability of the owner or operator to raise revenues. In requesting consideration under these provisions, the owner or operator shall promptly provide the Administrator (or state) with all relevant information needed to determine the owner's ability to pay corrective action costs. The Administrator may allow for alternative payment methods as may be necessary or appropriate, if the Administrator (or state) determines that the owner or operator cannot pay all or a portion of the costs in a lump sum payment. Owners and operators are to be held fully accountable in the cases of misrepresentation or fraud and the Administrator (or state) is authorized to seek full recovery of all the costs from the corrective action without consideration of the factors in this section.

Section 1523. Inspection of underground storage tanks

Section 1523 prescribes inspection requirements for underground storage tanks. This section requires every state conduct routine inspections of every underground storage tank (UST) every three years. The section allows the states no more than an initial 2-year `grace period' to start their inspection programs. During this 2-year period, the provisions establish that the states must eliminate their backlog of un-inspected tank systems that have been out of compliance with federal regulations issued 16 years ago.

After the conclusion of the `grace period,' the section also requires states conduct on-site inspections of every underground storage tank located within their state that is regulated under Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act at least once every three (3) years. The section allows the state to contract with third-party inspectors to carry out these inspections.

The section allows a state to petition the EPA for a one-time grant of a one-year extension to the first mandatory three (3) year inspection cycle in order to meet the requirement of inspecting all tanks.

Section 1524. Operator training

Section 1524 instructs the Administrator of the EPA, with the cooperation of the states, to publish guidelines for use by the states that specify training requirements for persons having primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of underground storage tanks, persons having daily on-site responsibility for the operation and maintenance of underground storage tanks, and daily on-site employees having primary responsibility for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from an underground storage tank system.

Section 1525. Remediation from oxygenated fuel additives

Section 1525 creates a new dedicated authorization of Federal LUST Trust Fund dollars to be used to carry out corrective actions with respect to release of a fuel containing an oxygenated fuel additive that presents a threat to human health or welfare or the environment. Oxygenated fuel additives include, but is not limited to, MTBE, ethanol, ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), and di isopropyl ether (DIPE).

Section 1526. Release prevention, compliance, and enforcement

Section 1526 authorizes funds to be used to conduct inspections, issue orders, or bring actions under this subtitle by a state and to carry out state regulations pertaining to underground storage tanks under this subtitle, or by the EPA Administrator, for tanks regulated under this subtitle. The section establishes right-to-know reporting requirements for all government-owned tanks. In these reports, the states submit to the Administrator a list identifying the location and owner of each underground storage tank that is not in compliance with section 9003 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, specifies the date of the last inspection, and describes the actions that have been and will be taken to ensure compliance of the underground storage tank with this subtitle. The Administrator shall require each state that receives Federal funds to make available to the public a record of underground storage tanks under this subtitle. The Administrator shall prescribe, after consultation with the states, the best manner and form to make available and maintain this record, considering the most practical and efficient means to maintain its intended purpose. This section also establishes incentives for performance measures that may be taken into consideration in determining the terms of a civil penalty under Section 9006 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

Section 1527. Delivery prohibition

Section 1527 makes it unlawful two years after the date of enactment to deliver to, deposit into, or accept a regulated substance into an underground storage tank at a facility that has been identified as ineligible for fuel delivery or deposit. EPA and states that receive funding under this subtitle must publish guidelines detailing the different process and procedures they will use to implement the delivery prohibition. For each state that receives funding from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank program, the section also mandates the use of state-managed Delivery Prohibition Rosters that would be posted and updated on state websites for gasoline marketers and petroleum delivery services to reference in order to have notice of which tanks are ineligible for fuel delivery. The section provides protection to those persons from violations of the prohibition if notice of ineligibility was not posted on the website. In addition, the section requires the use of a device, such as a lock-out tag as a physical manifestation of a states' prohibition of delivery, deposit, or acceptance of fuel at an underground storage tank system and prescribes civil penalties for persons that damage or seek an unauthorized removal of this lockout tag.

Section 1528. Federal facilities

Section 1528 requires Federal agencies with jurisdiction over underground storage tanks or systems, or engaged in any activity that may result in specified actions regarding such tanks or regulated substances related to them, including release response activities, to comply with all Federal, state, interstate, and local regulatory programs. Specifically, these agencies must report to Congress on their compliance with UST requirements. The section also expressly waives claims of sovereign immunity with respect to substantive or procedural state and local requirements, including all administrative orders, all civil and administrative penalties and fines, injunctive relief, and reasonable service charges. The section continues the President's authority to exempt any Federal tank from compliance with such requirements when the exemption is in the `paramount interests of the United States.'

Section 1529. Tanks on tribal lands

Section 1529 instructs the EPA Administrator, in coordination with Indian tribes, to develop and implement a strategy, giving priority to releases that present the greatest threat to human health or the environment, to implement and take necessary corrective actions in response to releases from leaking underground storage tanks on tribal lands, and to report within two years to Congress on the status of these programs on tribal lands.

Section 1530. Additional measures to protect groundwater

Section 1530 requires a state to choose between either secondary containment requirements or installer and manufacturer financial responsibility requirements as an additional means of protecting groundwater against leaks from underground storage tanks. If a state chooses secondary containment, any new installation of an underground storage tank that is within 1,000 feet of a community water system or potable water well must be secondarily contained. In addition, any tank or piping that is replaced on an underground storage tank that is within 1,000 feet of a community water system or potable water well must be secondarily contained. Repairs to an underground storage tank system or dispenser do not trigger any secondary containment requirements.

If a state chooses installer and manufacturer certification, as well as financial responsibility requirements, this section requires tank installers and manufacturers to follow professional guidelines for tank products or comply with one of the new statutory requirements that are similar to subsections (d) and (e) of 40 CFR 280.20. In addition, this section requires installers and manufacturers to maintain evidence of financial assurance to help pay corrective action costs that are directly relatable to a faulty tank part or installation.

Section 1531. Authorization of appropriations

Section 1531 authorizes $50 million per fiscal year from 2005-2009 from the General Treasury to cover administrative expenses and those areas in the bill that are not specifically authorized to receive direct appropriations from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. In addition, from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, $1 billion (or $200 million per year) is authorized for cleanups of releases from leaking underground storage tanks, $1 billion (or $200 million per year) is authorized for the cleanup of releases of oxygenated fuel additives from leaking underground storage tanks, $500 million (or $100 million per year) for on-site inspections and enforcement, and $275 million (or $55 million per year) for delivery prohibition and State tank program disclosure and operator training improvements.

Section 1532. Conforming amendments

Section 1532 provides amendments to the Solid Waste disposal Act to conform to this title.

Section 1533. Technical amendments

Section 1533 provides amendments to the Solid Waste disposal Act to conform to this title.

SUBTITLE C--BOUTIQUE FUELS

Section 1541. Reducing the proliferation of boutique fuels

Section 1541 amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the EPA, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to temporarily waive requirements during fuel supply emergencies. In addition, section 1541 requires the Administrator to publish a list of existing boutique fuels. This section requires that the Administrator when approving a State Implementation Plan may not approve a fuel that would increase the total number of fuels approved as of September 1, 2004, but may approve a new fuel in a State Implementation Plan if it completely replaces a fuel on the list. The Administrator and the Secretary of Energy must determine that approval of a new fuel will not cause fuel supply interruptions or a significant adverse impact on fuel producibility. This section directs that the Administrator shall remove a fuel from the list under specified circumstances but shall not reduce the total number of fuels authorized under the list. In addition, the Administrator shall not approve any fuel in a State's Implementation Plan unless that fuel was approved in at least one state in the petitioning State's Petroleum Administration for Defense District.

Section 1541 requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy to study jointly and report to Congress the effects on air quality, the number of fuel blends, fuel fungibility, and fuel costs of State Implementation Plans adopted pursuant to the Clean Air Act. This section authorizes a joint appropriation of $500,000 to the EPA and DOE for completion of the required study.

TITLE XVI--STUDIES

Section 1601. Study on inventory of petroleum and natural gas storage

Section 1601 directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on petroleum and natural gas storage capacity and operational inventory levels across the country. This section also requires the Secretary to report to Congress within a year with results of the study and recommendations for preventing future supply shortages.

Section 1605. Study of energy efficiency standards

Section 1605 directs Secretary of Energy to study whether energy efficiency standards should focus on the site of consumption or more generally beginning at production and throughout the entire fuel cycle.

Section 1606. Telecommuting study

Section 1606 requires the Secretary of Energy, along with FERC, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Administrator of General Services and the Administrator of NTIA to conduct a study into the energy conservation implications from more widespread adoption of telecommuting by Federal employees.

Section 1607. LIHEAP report

Section 1607 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit to Congress, within one year, a study on how Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds could be more effectively used to prevent loss of life from extreme temperatures.

Section 1608. Oil bypass filtration technology

Section 1608 directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the EPA to conduct a study into the benefits and feasibility of oil bypass filtration technology in reducing demand for oil and protecting the environment.

Section 1609. Total integrated thermal systems

Section 1609 directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study into the benefits and feasibility of total integrated thermal systems in reducing demand for oil and protecting the environment.

Section 1610. University collaboration

Section 1610 directs the Secretary of Energy to transmit a report to Congress examining the feasibility of promoting collaboration between large and small institutions of higher learning through grants, contracts and cooperative agreements in energy projects.

Section 1611. Reliability and consumer protection assessment

Section 1611 directs FERC to assess the effects of exempting electric cooperatives and federally-owned utilities from FERC regulation under Section 201(f) of the Federal Power Act on transmission grid reliability, benefits to customers and efficiency, just and reasonable rates, and ability of FERC to protect electricity consumers. If FERC finds that these exemptions create adverse effects on customers and electric reliability, it shall make recommendations to Congress pursuant to Section 311 of the Federal Power Act.

Section 1612. Report on energy integration with Latin America

Section 1612 directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress on the status of energy export development in Latin America and efforts by the Secretary and other departments and agencies of the United States to promote energy integration with Latin America.

Section 1613. Low-volume gas reservoir study

Section 1613 directs the Secretary of Energy to make a grant to an organization of oil and gas producing States, specifically those containing significant numbers of marginal oil and natural gas wells, for conducting a study of low-volume natural gas reservoirs.

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY ACT

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TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.

TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101. Short title and table of contents.
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TITLE V--FEDERAL ENERGY INITIATIVES
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part 3--federal energy management
Sec. 541. Findings.
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Sec. 552. Energy and water savings measures in congressional buildings.
Sec. 553. Federal procurement of energy efficient products.
Part 4--FEDERAL PHOTOVOLTAIC UTILIZATION
Sec. 561. Short title of part.
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Sec. 570. Use of photovoltaic energy in public buildings.

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PART 4--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 251. ENERGY-CONSERVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR ASSISTED HOUSING.

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TITLE V--FEDERAL ENERGY INITIATIVE

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PART 3--FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT

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SEC. 543. ENERGY MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.

Fiscal Year Percentage reduction
2006 2
2007 4
2008 6
2009 8
2010 10
2011 12
2012 14
2013 16
2014 18
2015 20.

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