Natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration projects

(a)

In General

The Secretary of Energy shall conduct a 5-year program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration. The Secretary shall coordinate with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as necessary. (b)

Purpose

The program under this section shall focus on— (1)the continued improvement and development of new, cleaner, more efficient light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicle engines; (2)the integration of those engines into light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles for onroad and offroad applications; (3)expanding product availability by ensuring that technologies researched and developed assist engines and vehicles in meeting Federal and State requirements and standards; (4)the demonstration and proper operation and use of the vehicles described in paragraph (2) under all operating conditions; (5)the development and improvement of nationally recognized codes and standards for the continued safe operation of natural gas vehicles and their components; (6)improvement in the reliability and efficiency of natural gas fueling station infrastructure; (7)the certification of natural gas fueling station infrastructure to nationally recognized and industry safety standards; (8)the improvement in the reliability and efficiency of onboard natural gas fuel storage systems; (9)the development of new natural gas fuel storage materials; (10)the certification of onboard natural gas fuel storage systems to nationally recognized and industry safety standards; (11)the use of natural gas engines in hybrid vehicles; and (12)researching and developing technologies and processes so as to improve and streamline the process by which natural gas conversion systems meet Federal and State requirements and standards. (c)

Cooperation and Coordination with Industry

In developing and carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall coordinate with the natural gas vehicle industry to ensure cooperation between the public and the private sector. (d)

Conduct of program

The program under this section shall be conducted in accordance with sections 3001 and 3002 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. (e)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a report to Congress on the implementation of this section. (f)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to carry out this section. (g)

Definition

For purposes of this section, the term natural gas means compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, biomethane, and mixtures of hydrogen and methane or natural gas.