[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6203 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
2d Session
H. R. 6203
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 30 (legislative day, September 29), 2006
Received
November 13, 2006
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To provide for Federal energy research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application activities, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Alternative Energy Research and
Development Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``biomass'' has the meaning given that term in
section 932(a)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16232(a)(1));
(2) the term ``cellulosic feedstock'' has the meaning given
the term ``lignocellulosic feedstock'' in section 932(a)(2) of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16232(a)(2));
(3) the term ``Department'' means the Department of Energy;
(4) the term ``institution of higher education'' has the
meaning given that term in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a));
(5) the term ``National Laboratory'' has the meaning given
the term ``nonmilitary energy laboratory'' in section 903(3) of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16182(3)); and
(6) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy.
SEC. 3. ADVANCED BIOFUEL TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
production of motor and other fuels from biomass.
(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall design the program under this
section to--
(1) develop technologies that would make ethanol produced
from cellulosic feedstocks cost competitive with ethanol
produced from corn by 2012;
(2) conduct research and development on how to apply
advanced genetic engineering and bioengineering techniques to
increase the efficiency and lower the cost of industrial-scale
production of liquid fuels from cellulosic feedstocks; and
(3) conduct research and development on the production of
hydrocarbons other than ethanol from biomass.
(c) Institution of Higher Education Grants.--The Secretary shall
designate not less than 10 percent of the funds appropriated under
subsection (d) for each fiscal year to carry out the program for grants
to competitively selected institutions of higher education around the
country focused on meeting the objectives stated in subsection (b).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts authorized to be
appropriated under section 931(c) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16231(c)), there are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary to carry out this section--
(1) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 and 2009.
SEC. 4. ADVANCED HYDROGEN STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
technologies to enable practical onboard storage of hydrogen for use as
a fuel for light-duty motor vehicles.
(b) Objective.--The Secretary shall design the program under this
section to develop practical hydrogen storage technologies that would
enable a hydrogen-fueled light-duty motor vehicle to travel 300 miles
before refueling.
SEC. 5. ADVANCED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
advanced solar photovoltaic technologies.
(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall design the program under this
section to develop technologies that would--
(1) make electricity generated by solar photovoltaic power
cost-competitive by 2015; and
(2) enable the widespread use of solar photovoltaic power.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section--
(1) $148,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 through 2011.
SEC. 6. ADVANCED WIND ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
advanced wind energy technologies.
(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall design the program under this
section to--
(1) improve the efficiency and lower the cost of wind
turbines;
(2) minimize adverse environmental impacts; and
(3) develop new small-scale wind energy technologies for
use in low wind speed environments.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section--
(1) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 through 2011.
SEC. 7. CONTINUING PROGRAMS.
The Secretary shall continue to carry out the research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application activities
authorized in sections 921(b)(1) (for distributed energy), 923 (for
micro-cogeneration technology), and 931(a)(2)(C), (D),and (E)(i) (for
geothermal energy, hydropower, and ocean energy) of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005.
SEC. 8. PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle Act of 2006''.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Battery.--The term ``battery'' means a device or system
for the electrochemical storage of energy.
(2) E85.--The term ``E85'' means a fuel blend containing 85
percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline by volume.
(3) Electric drive transportation technology.--The term
``electric drive transportation technology'' means--
(A) vehicles that use an electric motor for all or
part of their motive power and that may or may not use
offboard electricity, including battery electric
vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles, flexible fuel plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles, and electric rail; and
(B) related equipment, including electric equipment
necessary to recharge a plug-in hybrid electric
vehicle.
(4) Flexible fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.--The
term ``flexible fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle'' means a
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle warranted by its manufacturer
as capable of operating on any combination of gasoline or E85
for its onboard internal combustion or heat engine.
(5) Hybrid electric vehicle.--The term ``hybrid electric
vehicle'' means a vehicle that--
(A) can be propelled using liquid combustible fuel
and electric power provided by an onboard battery; and
(B) utilizes regenerative power capture technology
to recover energy expended in braking the vehicle for
use in recharging the battery.
(6) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.--The term ``plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle'' means a hybrid electric onroad light-
duty vehicle that can be propelled solely on electric power for
a minimum of 20 miles under city driving conditions, and that
is capable of recharging its battery from an offboard
electricity source.
(c) Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a program of research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application on technologies
needed for the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and
electric drive transportation, including--
(1) high capacity, high efficiency batteries, to--
(A) improve battery life, energy storage capacity,
and power delivery capacity, and lower cost; and
(B) minimize waste and hazardous material
production in the entire value chain, including after
the end of the useful life of the batteries;
(2) high efficiency onboard and offboard charging
components;
(3) high power drive train systems for passenger and
commercial vehicles and for supporting equipment;
(4) onboard energy management systems, power trains, and
systems integration for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,
flexible fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hybrid
electric vehicles, including efficient cooling systems and
systems that minimize the emissions profile of such vehicles;
and
(5) lightweight materials, including research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application to reduce the cost of
materials such as steel alloys and carbon fibers.
(d) Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
competitive grant pilot demonstration program to provide not
more than 25 grants annually to State governments, local
governments and public entities, metropolitan transportation
authorities, or combinations thereof to carry out a project or
projects for demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
(2) Applications.--
(A) Requirements.--The Secretary shall issue
requirements for applying for grants under the
demonstration pilot program. The Secretary shall
require that applications, at a minimum, include a
description of how data will be--
(i) collected on the--
(I) performance of the vehicle or
vehicles and the components, including
the battery, energy management, and
charging systems, under various driving
speeds, trip ranges, traffic, and other
driving conditions;
(II) costs of the vehicle or
vehicles, including acquisition,
operating, and maintenance costs, and
how the project or projects will be
self-sustaining after Federal
assistance is completed; and
(III) emissions of the vehicle or
vehicles, including greenhouse gases,
and the amount of petroleum displaced
as a result of the project or projects;
and
(ii) summarized for dissemination to the
Department, other grantees, and the public.
(B) Partners.--An applicant under subparagraph (A)
may carry out a project or projects under the pilot
program in partnership with one or more private or
nonprofit entities, which may include institutions of
higher education, including Historically Black Colleges
and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and
other minority-serving institutions.
(3) Selection criteria.--
(A) Preference.--When making awards under this
subsection, the Secretary shall consider each
applicant's previous experience involving plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles and shall give preference to
proposals that--
(i) provide the greatest demonstration per
award dollar, with preference increasing as the
number of miles that a plug-in hybrid electric
vehicle can be propelled solely on electric
power under city driving conditions increases;
and
(ii) maximize the non-Federal share of
project funding and demonstrate the greatest
likelihood that each project proposed in the
application will be maintained or expanded
after Federal assistance under this subsection
is completed.
(B) Breadth of demonstrations.--In awarding grants
under this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure the
program will demonstrate plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles under various circumstances, including--
(i) driving speeds;
(ii) trip ranges;
(iii) driving conditions;
(iv) climate conditions; and
(v) topography,
to optimize understanding and function of plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles.
(4) Pilot project requirements.--
(A) Subsequent funding.--An applicant that has
received a grant in one year may apply for additional
funds in subsequent years, but the Secretary shall not
provide more than $10,000,000 in Federal assistance
under the pilot program to any applicant for the period
encompassing fiscal years 2007 through fiscal year
2011.
(B) Information.--The Secretary shall establish
mechanisms to ensure that the information and knowledge
gained by participants in the pilot program are shared
among the pilot program participants and are available
to other interested parties, including other
applicants.
(5) Award amounts.--The Secretary shall determine grant
amounts, but the maximum size of grants shall decline as the
cost of producing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles declines or
the cost of converting a hybrid electric vehicle to a plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle declines.
(e) Cost Sharing.--The Secretary shall carry out the program under
this section in compliance with section 988(a) through (d) and section
989 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352(a) through (d)
and 16353).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary--
(1) for carrying out subsection (c), $100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of
the fiscal years 2009 through 2011; and
(2) for carrying out subsection (d), $50,000,000 for fiscal
year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 2009 through 2011.
SEC. 9. PHOTOVOLTAIC DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Solar
Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006'' or the ``SUN Act of 2006''.
(b) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program of grants
to States to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology.
(c) Requirements.--
(1) Ability to meet requirements.--To receive funding under
the program under this section, a State must submit a proposal
that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that
the State will meet the requirements of subsection (g).
(2) Compliance with requirements.--If a State has received
funding under this section for the preceding year, the State
must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that it
complied with the requirements of subsection (g) in carrying
out the program during that preceding year, and that it will do
so in the future, before it can receive further funding under
this section.
(3) Funding allocation.--Except as provided in subsection
(d), each State submitting a proposal that meets the
requirements under subsection (c) shall receive funding under
the program based on the proportion of United States population
in the State according to the 2000 census. In each fiscal year,
the portion of funds attributable under this paragraph to
States that have not submitted proposals that meet the
requirements under subsection (c) in the time and manner
specified by the Secretary shall be distributed pro rata to the
States that have submitted proposals that meet the requirements
under subsection (c) in the specified time and manner.
(d) Competition.--If more than $80,000,000 is available for the
program under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall
allocate 75 percent of the total amount of funds available according to
subsection (c)(3), and shall award the remaining 25 percent on a
competitive basis to the States with the proposals the Secretary
considers most likely to encourage the widespread adoption of
photovoltaic technologies. In awarding funds under this subsection, the
Secretary may give preference to proposals that would demonstrate the
use of newer materials or technologies.
(e) Proposals.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, and in each subsequent fiscal year for the life of the
program, the Secretary shall solicit proposals from the States to
participate in the program under this section.
(f) Competitive Criteria.--In awarding funds in a competitive
allocation under subsection (d), the Secretary shall consider--
(1) the likelihood of a proposal to encourage the
demonstration of, or lower the costs of, advanced photovoltaic
technologies; and
(2) the extent to which a proposal is likely to--
(A) maximize the amount of photovoltaics
demonstrated;
(B) maximize the proportion of non-Federal cost
share; and
(C) limit State administrative costs.
(g) State Program.--A program operated by a State with funding
under this section shall provide competitive awards for the
demonstration of advanced photovoltaic technologies. Each State program
shall--
(1) require a contribution of at least 60 percent per award
from non-Federal sources, which may include any combination of
State, local, and private funds, except that at least 10
percent of the funding must be supplied by the State;
(2) limit awards for any single project to a maximum of
$1,000,000;
(3) prohibit any nongovernmental recipient from receiving
more than $1,000,000 per year;
(4) endeavor to fund recipients in the commercial,
industrial, institutional, governmental, and residential
sectors;
(5) limit State administrative costs to no more than 10
percent of the grant;
(6) report annually to the Secretary on--
(A) the amount of funds disbursed;
(B) the amount of photovoltaics purchased; and
(C) the results of the monitoring under paragraph
(7);
(7) provide for measurement and verification of the output
of a representative sample of the photovoltaics systems
demonstrated throughout the average working life of the
systems, or at least 20 years;
(8) require that applicant buildings must have received an
independent energy efficiency audit during the 6-month period
preceding the filing of the application; and
(9) encourage Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
Hispanic Serving Institutions, and other minority-serving
institutions to apply for grants under this program.
(h) Unexpended Funds.--If a State fails to expend any funds
received under subsection (c) or (d) within 3 years of receipt, such
remaining funds shall be returned to the Treasury.
(i) Reports.--The Secretary shall report to Congress 5 years after
funds are first distributed to the States under this section--
(1) the amount of photovoltaics demonstrated;
(2) the number of projects undertaken;
(3) the administrative costs of the program;
(4) the amount of funds that each State has not received
because of a failure to submit a qualifying proposal, as
described in subsection (c)(3);
(5) the results of the monitoring under subsection (g)(7);
and
(6) the total amount of funds distributed, including a
breakdown by State.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for the purposes of carrying out this
section--
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2009 through 2011.
SEC. 10. ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Energy Efficient Building Pilot Grant Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot
program to award grants to businesses and organizations for new
construction of energy efficient buildings, or major
renovations of buildings that will result in energy efficient
buildings, to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency
technologies, especially those sponsored by the Department.
(2) Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under this
subsection competitively to those applicants whose proposals--
(A) best demonstrate--
(i) likelihood to meet or exceed the
standards referred to in subsection (b)(2);
(ii) likelihood to maximize cost-effective
energy efficiency opportunities; and
(iii) advanced energy efficiency
technologies; and
(B) maximize the leverage of private investment for
costs related to increasing the energy efficiency of
the building.
(3) Consideration.--The Secretary shall give due
consideration to proposals for buildings that are likely to
serve low and moderate income populations.
(4) Amount of grants.--Grants under this subsection shall
be for up to 50 percent of design and energy modeling costs,
not to exceed $50,000 per building. No single grantee may be
eligible for more than 3 grants per year under this program.
(5) Grant payments.--
(A) Initial payment.--The Secretary shall pay 50
percent of the total amount of the grant to grant
recipients upon selection.
(B) Remainder of payment.--The Secretary shall pay
the remaining 50 percent of the grant only after
independent certification, by a professional engineer
or other qualified professional, that operational
buildings are energy efficient buildings as defined in
subsection (b).
(C) Failure to comply.--The Secretary shall not
provide the remainder of the payment unless the
building is certified within 6 months after operation
of the completed building to meet the requirements
described in subparagraph (B), or in the case of major
renovations the building is certified within 6 months
of the completion of the renovations.
(6) Report to congress.--Not later than 3 years after
awarding the first grant under this subsection, the Secretary
shall transmit to Congress a report containing--
(A) the total number and dollar amount of grants
awarded under this subsection; and
(B) an estimate of aggregate cost and energy
savings enabled by the pilot program under this
subsection.
(7) Administrative expenses.--Administrative expenses for
the program under this subsection shall not exceed 10 percent
of appropriated funds.
(b) Definition of Energy Efficient Building.--For purposes of this
section the term ``energy efficient building'' means a building that--
(1) achieves a reduction in energy consumption of--
(A) at least 30 percent for new construction,
compared to the energy standards set by the 2004
International Energy Conservation Code (in the case of
residential buildings) or ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004; or
(B) at least 20 percent for major renovations,
compared to energy consumption before renovations are
begun;
(2) is constructed or renovated in accordance with the most
current, appropriate, and applicable voluntary consensus
standards, as determined by the Secretary, such as those listed
in the assessment under section 914(b), or revised or developed
under section 914(c), of the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and
(3) after construction or renovation--
(A) uses heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
systems that perform at no less than Energy Star
standards; or
(B) if Energy Star standards are not applicable,
uses Federal Energy Management Program recommended
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning products.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section--
(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2009 through 2011.
SEC. 11. ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
Section 917 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16197) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 917. ADVANCED ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTERS.
``(a) Grants.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of the Alternative Energy Research and Development Act, the Secretary
shall make grants to nonprofit institutions, State and local
governments, cooperative extension services, or universities (or
consortia thereof), to establish a geographically dispersed network of
Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers, to be located in areas the
Secretary determines have the greatest need of the services of such
Centers. In establishing the network, the Secretary shall consider the
special needs and opportunities for increased energy efficiency for
manufactured and site-built housing, including construction,
renovation, and retrofit. In making awards under this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) give priority to applicants already operating or
partnered with an outreach program capable of transferring
knowledge and information about advanced energy efficiency
methods and technologies;
``(2) ensure that, to the extent practicable, the program
enables the transfer of knowledge and information--
``(A) about a variety of technologies and
``(B) in a variety of geographic areas; and
``(3) give preference to applicants that would
significantly expand on or fill a gap in existing programs in a
geographical region.
``(b) Activities.--Each Center shall operate a program to encourage
demonstration and commercial application of advanced energy methods and
technologies through education and outreach to building and industrial
professionals, and to other individuals and organizations with an
interest in efficient energy use. Funds awarded under this section may
be used for the following activities:
``(1) Developing and distributing informational materials
on technologies that could use energy more efficiently.
``(2) Carrying out demonstrations of advanced energy
methods and technologies.
``(3) Developing and conducting seminars, workshops, long-
distance learning sessions, and other activities to aid in the
dissemination of knowledge and information on technologies that
could use energy more efficiently.
``(4) Providing or coordinating onsite energy evaluations,
including instruction on the commissioning of building heating
and cooling systems, for a wide range of energy end-users.
``(5) Examining the energy efficiency needs of energy end-
users to develop recommended research projects for the
Department.
``(6) Hiring experts in energy efficient technologies to
carry out activities described in paragraphs (1) through (5).
``(c) Application.--A person seeking a grant under this section
shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and
containing such information as the Secretary may require. The Secretary
may award a grant under this section to an entity already in existence
if the entity is otherwise eligible under this section. The application
shall include, at a minimum--
``(1) a description of the applicant's outreach program,
and the geographic region it would serve, and of why the
program would be capable of transferring knowledge and
information about advanced energy technologies that increase
efficiency of energy use;
``(2) a description of the activities the applicant would
carry out, of the technologies that would be transferred, and
of any other organizations that will help facilitate a regional
approach to carrying out those activities;
``(3) a description of how the proposed activities would be
appropriate to the specific energy needs of the geographic
region to be served;
``(4) an estimate of the number and types of energy end-
users expected to be reached through such activities; and
``(5) a description of how the applicant will assess the
success of the program.
``(d) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall award grants under
this section on the basis of the following criteria, at a minimum:
``(1) The ability of the applicant to carry out the
proposed activities.
``(2) The extent to which the applicant will coordinate the
activities of the Center with other entities as appropriate,
such as State and local governments, utilities, universities,
and National Laboratories.
``(3) The appropriateness of the applicant's outreach
program for carrying out the program described in this section.
``(4) The likelihood that proposed activities could be
expanded or used as a model for other areas.
``(e) Cost-Sharing.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall require cost-sharing in accordance with the requirements of
section 988 for commercial application activities.
``(f) Duration.--
``(1) Initial grant period.--A grant awarded under this
section shall be for a period of 5 years.
``(2) Initial evaluation.--Each grantee under this section
shall be evaluated during its third year of operation under
procedures established by the Secretary to determine if the
grantee is accomplishing the purposes of this section described
in subsection (a). The Secretary shall terminate any grant that
does not receive a positive evaluation. If an evaluation is
positive, the Secretary may extend the grant for 3 additional
years beyond the original term of the grant.
``(3) Additional extension.--If a grantee receives an
extension under paragraph (2), the grantee shall be evaluated
again during the second year of the extension. The Secretary
shall terminate any grant that does not receive a positive
evaluation. If an evaluation is positive, the Secretary may
extend the grant for a final additional period of 3 additional
years beyond the original extension.
``(4) Limitation.--No grantee may receive more than 11
years of support under this section without reapplying for
support and competing against all other applicants seeking a
grant at that time.
``(g) Prohibition.--None of the funds awarded under this section
may be used for the construction of facilities.
``(h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Advanced energy methods and technologies.--The term
`advanced energy methods and technologies' means all methods
and technologies that promote energy efficiency and
conservation, including distributed generation technologies,
and life-cycle analysis of energy use.
``(2) Center.--The term `Center' means an Advanced Energy
Technology Transfer Center established pursuant to this
section.
``(3) Distributed generation.--The term `distributed
generation' means an electric power generation technology,
including photovoltaic, small wind and micro-combined heat and
power, that is designed to serve retail electric consumers on-
site.
``(4) Cooperative extension.--The term `Cooperative
Extension' means the extension services established at the
land-grant colleges and universities under the Smith-Lever Act
of May 8, 1914.
``(5) Land-grant colleges and universities.--The term
`land-grant colleges and universities' means--
``(A) 1862 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of
the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
``(B) 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of
that Act); and
``(C) 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of
that Act).
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
otherwise authorized to be appropriated in section 911, there are
authorized to be appropriated for the program under this section such
sums as may be appropriated.''.
SEC. 12. GREEN ENERGY EDUCATION.
(a) Definition.--For the purposes of this section:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(2) High performance building.--The term ``high performance
building'' has the meaning given that term in section 914(a) of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16194(a)).
(b) Graduate Training in Energy Research and Development.--
(1) Funding.--In carrying out research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities authorized
for the Department, the Secretary may contribute funds to the
National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate
Education and Research Traineeship program to support projects
that enable graduate education related to such activities.
(2) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with the
Secretary when preparing solicitations and awarding grants for
projects described in paragraph (1).
(c) Curriculum Development for High Performance Building Design.--
(1) Funding.--In carrying out advanced energy technology
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application activities authorized for the Department related to
high performance buildings, the Secretary may contribute funds
to curriculum development activities at the National Science
Foundation for the purpose of improving undergraduate or
graduate interdisciplinary engineering and architecture
education related to the design and construction of high
performance buildings, including development of curricula, of
laboratory activities, of training practicums, or of design
projects. A primary goal of curriculum development activities
supported under this section shall be to improve the ability of
engineers, architects, and planners to work together on the
incorporation of advanced energy technologies during the design
and construction of high performance buildings.
(2) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with the
Secretary when preparing solicitations and awarding grants for
projects described in paragraph (1).
(3) Priority.--In awarding grants with respect to which the
Secretary has contributed funds under this subsection, the
Director shall give priority to applications from departments,
programs, or centers of a school of engineering that are
partnered with schools, departments, or programs of design,
architecture, and city, regional, or urban planning, and due
consideration to applications from Historically Black Colleges
and Universities and other minority serving institutions.
SEC. 13. ARPA-E STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into an arrangement with
the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a detailed study of, and
make further recommendations on, the October 2005 National Academy of
Sciences recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects
Agency-Energy (in this section referred to as ARPA-E).
(b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress the study
described in subsection (a) and the Secretary's response to the
findings, conclusions, and recommendations of that study.
(c) Terms of Reference.--The Secretary shall ensure that the study
described in subsection (a) addresses the following questions:
(1) What basic research related to new energy technologies
is occurring now, what entities are funding it, and what is
preventing the results of that research from reaching the
market?
(2) What economic evidence indicates that the limiting
factor in the market penetration of new energy technologies is
a lack of basic research on pathbreaking new technologies? What
barriers do those trying to develop new energy technologies
face during later stages of research and development?
(3) To what extent is the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency an appropriate model for an energy research
agency, given that the Federal Government would not be the
primary customer for its technology and where cost is an
important concern?
(4) How would research and development sponsored by ARPA-E
differ from research and development conducted by the National
Laboratories or sponsored by the Department through the Office
of Science, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Electricity
Delivery and Energy Reliability, and the Office of Nuclear
Energy?
(5) Should industry or National Laboratories be recipients
of ARPA-E grants? What institutional or organizational
arrangements would be required to ensure that ARPA-E sponsors
transformational, rather than incremental, research and
development?
SEC. 14. COAL METHANATION.
(a) Program.--The Secretary shall establish a program of research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application of coal
gasification facilities that convert coal into pipeline quality gaseous
fuels for direct use or subsequent chemical or physical conversion.
(b) Procedures.--The program established under subsection (a) shall
be carried out using procedures described in title XVII of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005.
SEC. 15. ALTERNATIVE BIOBASED FUELS AND ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL.
(a) Alternative Fuel and ULSD Infrastructure and Additives Research
and Development.--The Secretary, in consultation with the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of
materials to be added to alternative biobased fuels and Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel fuels to make them more compatible with existing
infrastructure used to store and deliver petroleum-based fuels to the
point of final sale. The program shall address--
(1) materials to prevent or mitigate--
(A) corrosion of metal, plastic, rubber, cork,
fiberglass, glues, or any other material used in pipes
and storage tanks;
(B) dissolving of storage tank sediments;
(C) clogging of filters;
(D) contamination from water or other adulterants
or pollutants;
(E) poor flow properties related to low
temperatures;
(F) oxidative and thermal instability in long-term
storage and use;
(G) increased volatile emissions;
(H) microbial contamination;
(I) problems associated with electrical
conductivity; and
(J) increased nitrogen oxide emissions;
(2) alternatives to conventional methods for refurbishment
and cleaning of gasoline and diesel tanks, including tank
lining applications; and
(3) other problems as identified by the Secretary in
consultation with the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
(b) Sulfur Testing for Diesel Fuels.--
(1) Program.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall carry out
a research, development, and demonstration program on portable,
low-cost, and accurate methods and technologies for testing of
sulfur content in fuel, including Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and
Low Sulfur Diesel.
(2) Schedule of demonstrations.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
begin demonstrations of technologies under paragraph (1).
(c) Standard Reference Materials and Data Base Development.--Not
later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
National Institute of Standards and Technology shall develop a physical
properties data base and standard reference materials for alternative
fuels. Such data base and standard reference materials shall be
maintained and updated as appropriate as additional alternative fuels
become available.
SEC. 16. BIOENERGY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 931 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16231) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``, including
$25,000,000 for section 932(d)(1)(B)(v)'' after ``section
932(d)'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``, including
$25,000,000 for section 932(d)(1)(B)(v)'' after ``section
932(d)''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting ``, including
$25,000,000 for section 932(d)(1)(B)(v)'' after ``section
932(d)''.
(b) Bioenergy Program.--Section 932(d)(1)(B) of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16232(d)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii); and
(2) by adding after clause (iv) the following new clause:
``(v) biodegradable natural plastics from
biomass; and''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 29, 2006.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk.