II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1656 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 19, 2007 Ms. Snowe (for herself and Mr. Kerry) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship A BILL To authorize loans for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency projects under the Express Loan Program of the Small Business Administration.

1.

Express loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency

Section 7(a)(31) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(31)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (F)

Express loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency

(i)

Definitions

In this subparagraph— (I)the term biomass— (aa)means any organic material that is available on a renewable or recurring basis, including— (AA)agricultural crops; (BB)trees grown for energy production; (CC)wood waste and wood residues; (DD)plants (including aquatic plants and grasses); (EE)residues; (FF)fibers; (GG)animal wastes and other waste materials; and (HH)fats, oils, and greases (including recycled fats, oils, and greases); and (bb)does not include— (AA)paper that is commonly recycled; or (BB)unsegregated solid waste; (II)the term energy efficiency project means the installation or upgrading of equipment that results in a significant reduction in energy usage; and (III)the term renewable energy system means a system of energy derived from— (aa)a wind, solar, biomass (including biodiesel), or geothermal source; or (bb)hydrogen derived from biomass or water using an energy source described in item (aa). (ii)

Loans

Loans may be made under the Express Loan Program for the purpose of— (I)purchasing a renewable energy system; or (II)an energy efficiency project for an existing business. .