Clean energy technology manufacturing and export assistance program

(a)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Clean energy technology

The term clean energy technology means a technology related to the production, use, transmission, storage, control, or conservation of energy that is designed to— (A)reduce the need for additional energy supplies— (i)by using existing energy supplies with greater efficiency; or (ii)by transmitting, distributing, or transporting energy with greater effectiveness through the infrastructure of the United States; (B)diversify the sources of the energy supply of the United States to strengthen energy security and to increase supplies of energy with a favorable balance of environmental effects if the entire technology system is considered; or (C)contribute to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations through reduction, avoidance, or long-term sequestration of energy-related emissions. (2)

Small- and medium-sized businesses

The term small- and medium-sized businesses means businesses with not more than 500 employees. (3)

Under Secretary

The term Under Secretary means the Under Secretary for International Trade of the Department of Commerce. (b)

Establishment

The Secretary of Commerce shall establish a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Program, to be carried out by the Under Secretary, for the purposes of— (1)promoting policies to reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity among businesses in the United States that produce or export clean energy technologies or related services; (2)implementing a national strategy with respect to the exportation of clean energy technologies and related services from the United States; and (3)ensuring that businesses in the United States that produce or export clean energy technologies or related services, including suppliers of parts for the production of clean energy technologies and engineering and design firms, have the information and assistance necessary— (A)to be competitive; and (B)to create and maintain clean energy technology jobs in the United States. (c)

Assistance

(1)

In general

The Under Secretary shall, consistent with the National Export Initiative (established by Executive Order 13534 (75 Fed. Reg. 12433)), provide information and other assistance under the program established under subsection (b) to businesses in the United States, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses, to promote the production and exportation of clean energy technologies and related services. (2)

Types of assistance

The assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall include— (A)analyzing and making recommendations with respect to policies to reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity among businesses in the United States that produce or export clean energy technologies or related services; (B)providing information to businesses in the United States with respect to— (i)the process of exporting clean energy technologies and related services to foreign countries; (ii)opportunities for the exportation of such technologies and services to foreign countries; (iii)tailoring their products and activities to the needs of specific markets in foreign countries; and (iv)conducting business in foreign countries, including with respect to the financing, marketing, and assembly of exported products and other logistics with respect to those products; and (C)assisting businesses in the United States in expressing their views and providing input with respect to any policy developments relating to the production or exportation of clean energy technologies or related services. (d)

Reports to Congress

(1)

Report on implementation of program

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing how the program established under subsection (b) will be used to— (A)encourage the production and exportation of clean energy technologies and related services in the United States; (B)encourage the creation and maintenance of clean energy technology jobs in the United States; and (C)benefit small- and medium-sized businesses in the United States. (2)

Report on effectiveness of program

Not later than January 1, 2015, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the program established under subsection (b) that includes— (A)an assessment of the extent to which the program has been successful— (i)in analyzing and making recommendations with respect to policies to reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity among businesses in the United States that produce or export clean energy technologies or related services; (ii)in increasing the competitiveness of businesses in the United States that export clean energy technologies or related services to foreign countries; (iii)in assisting businesses in the United States, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses, in exporting clean energy technologies and related services; (iv)in creating and maintaining clean energy technology jobs in the United States; and (v)in assisting businesses in the United States in expressing their views and providing input with respect to any policy developments relating to the production or exportation of clean energy technologies or related services; (B)detailed information with respect to the nature, location, and duration of any jobs created or maintained as a result of the program established under subsection (b) and a description of the methodology used by the Under Secretary to compile that information; and (C)any recommendations with respect to continuing or improving the program.