II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1020 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 28, 2007 Mrs. Hutchison (for herself, Mr. Stevens, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Allard, and Mr. Cornyn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To move toward energy independence through a coordinated development of renewable energy sources, including wave, solar, wind, geothermal, and biofuels production.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Creating Renewable Energy through Science and Technology Act or the CREST Act.

2.

Renewable Energy Advisory Committee

The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.) is amended— (1)by redesignating section 16 as section 17; and (2)by inserting after section 15 the following:

16.

Renewable Energy Advisory Committee

(a)

Establishment

The Director of the Foundation shall establish the Council on Renewable Energy (referred to in this section as the CORE) to— (1)advise Congress on renewable energy development, strategy, research, and marketability; and (2)facilitate collaboration among Federal agencies regarding the execution of national renewable energy objectives. (b)

Duties

The CORE shall— (1)promote renewable energy research and development in the areas of wind, wave, solar, geothermal, and biofuels production, particularly cellulosic; (2)consult with renewable energy experts regarding renewable energy policies and make policy recommendations to Federal agencies; and (3)identify and recommend public and private research institutions to carry out renewable energy research described in paragraph (1). (c)

Membership

(1)

In general

The CORE shall consist of the following members (or their designees): (A)The Secretary of Energy. (B)The Secretary of Agriculture. (C)The Secretary of Commerce. (D)The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (E)The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (F)Representatives from public laboratories. (G)Representatives of industry and trade groups. (H)Representatives of State agencies. (2)

Selection process

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Director of the Foundation, in consultation with the members listed in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1), shall select the members listed in subparagraphs (F) through (H) of paragraph (1). (d)

Meetings

(1)

Chairperson

The CORE shall select a Chairperson from among its members. (2)

Meetings

The CORE shall convene, in person or by electronic means, at least 4 times a year, at the call of the Chairperson. (3)

Quorum

A majority of the members serving on the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the business of the Advisory Committee. (e)

Powers

(1)

Hearings

The CORE may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the CORE considers advisable to carry out the purposes of this section. (2)

Personnel matters

(A)

Compensation

Members of the CORE shall serve without compensation, but shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code. (B)

Staff

The Chairperson may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint, terminate, and set the compensation of an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the CORE to perform the duties described in subsection (b). (3)

Cooperation

The CORE may secure directly from any Federal agency or private entity such information as the CORE considers necessary to perform the duties described in subsection (b). (f)

Annual report

The CORE shall submit an annual report to Congress that contains— (1)a summary of the CORE’s activities; (2)recommendations regarding Federal funding for renewable energy development research; and (3)recommendations regarding the expenditure of such funding on the particular renewable energy sources specified in subsection (b)(1). (g)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

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