I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2878 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 15, 2009 Mr. Israel introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs A BILL To authorize microenterprise assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries.

1.

Short title

This Act may cited as the Solar Villages Initiative Act.

2.

Microenterprise assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries

(a)

In general

The President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy, is authorized to provide assistance for renewable energy projects described in subsection (b) in developing countries to increase the availability of credit, savings, and other services to microfinance and microenterprise clients lacking full access to capital, training, technical assistance, and business development services. (b)

Types of projects

The renewable energy projects described in this subsection include projects to assist small and micro businesses that loan or sell solar lanterns or lamps and other solar energy technologies. (c)

Priority

In providing assistance under subsection (a), the President shall give priority to empowering female-owned businesses in developing countries. (d)

Relation to existing authorities

Assistance provided under subsection (a) shall be made available under the authorities of section 252 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2211a). (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the President to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.