119 HR 7977 IH: Energy Bills Relief Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-18 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
I 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 7977 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 18, 2026 Mr. Casten (for himself, Mr. Levin, Ms. Ansari, Ms. Balint, Ms. Barragán, Mr. Bell, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Budzinski, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Case, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Craig, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Ms. DelBene, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Frost, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Hernández, Mr. Horsford, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Landsman, Mr. Latimer, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Ms. Leger Fernandez, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. Mannion, Ms. Matsui, Ms. McBride, Mrs. McClain Delaney, Ms. McClellan, Ms. McCollum, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mr. McGarvey, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Menefee, Ms. Meng, Mr. Mfume, Mr. Min, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Morrison, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Olszewski, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Rivas, Ms. Ross, Mr. Ruiz, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Scholten, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Simon, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Sorensen, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Stanton, Ms. Stevens, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Torres of New York, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Tran, Ms. Underwood, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Whitesides, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title; table of contents
(a)
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Energy Bills Relief Act. (b)
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Reversing attacks on low-cost, clean energy Subtitle A—Restoring tax credits for low-Cost, clean energy Sec. 101. Repealing H.R. 1 rollbacks of low-cost, clean energy tax credits. Subtitle B—Stopping administration overreach against low-Cost, clean energy Sec. 111. Reversing grant terminations for low-cost, clean energy. Sec. 112. Prevention of administrative abuse of Federal permitting of low-cost, clean energy. Sec. 113. Ratepayer protection against uneconomic power generation. Title II—Cutting energy bills for American families Sec. 201. Lowering household heating and cooling bills. Sec. 202. Home weatherization. Sec. 203. Reflective roofing. Sec. 204. Domestic natural gas price protection. Sec. 205. Rural energy savings. Title III—Unclogging the low-cost, clean energy bottleneck Sec. 301. Expedited generator interconnection. Sec. 302. Advanced transmission technologies. Sec. 303. Electricity transformers. Sec. 304. Streamlining permitting of distributed energy. Sec. 305. Community solar. Sec. 306. Low-cost, clean energy in United States territories. Title IV—Building out a 21st century electricity grid Subtitle A—Amendments to the Federal Power Act Sec. 401. Definitions. Sec. 402. Interregional electric transmission planning. Sec. 403. Allocation of costs of electric transmission facilities of national significance. Sec. 404. Minimum interregional transfer capability. Sec. 405. Increased FERC transmission siting authority. Sec. 406. Prohibiting expensive, unjust queue jumping. Subtitle B—Tax and grants Sec. 411. Transmission investment tax credit. Sec. 412. Reduced wildfire risks to the grid. Subtitle C—Transmission governance reform Sec. 421. FERC staffing. Sec. 422. FERC fee assessments. Sec. 423. State public utility commission capacity grants. Sec. 424. Independent transmission monitors. Sec. 425. Aggregator bidding into organized wholesale electric markets. Sec. 426. RTO and ISO governance and participation. Sec. 427. Modernized grid data and analytics. Title V—Deploying low-cost, clean energy responsibly on public lands and waters Subtitle A—Public land renewable energy development Sec. 501. Public land renewable energy development. Sec. 502. Geothermal cost recovery. Sec. 503. Geothermal Gold Book development. Subtitle B—Offshore renewable deployment Sec. 511. Responsible development of offshore renewable energy. Sec. 512. Compensation for offshore renewable energy projects. Sec. 513. Interoperability of offshore electric transmission infrastructure. Title VI—Protecting consumers in electricity regulation Sec. 601. Utility earnings tied to ratepayer benefits. Sec. 602. Consumer protection from energy market manipulation. Sec. 603. Avoiding cost shifts onto families. Sec. 604. True costs and value of energy for economic and public benefit. Sec. 605. Grid performance disclosure. Title VII—Collaborating with communities for successful deployment Sec. 701. Federal permitting capacity. Sec. 702. Interagency environmental data system. Sec. 703. Timely public release of NEPA documentation. Sec. 704. Community benefits agreements. Sec. 705. Intervenor funding at FERC Office of Public Participation. Sec. 706. Senior community engagement officers and Tribal community engagement officers. Sec. 707. Capacity grants for permitting and community engagement.
<enum>I</enum><header>Reversing attacks on low-Cost, clean energy</header> <subtitle id="HCF7773F58DED4DB3BB8E540EBA725BAC"><enum>A</enum><header>Restoring tax credits for low-cost, clean energy</header> <section id="H948B045FE3C843C3AC4A31E5886D90BB" commented="no"><enum>101.</enum><header>Repealing H.R. 1 rollbacks of low-cost, clean energy tax credits</header> <subsection id="H00A92ECD4A1E4D33B94A79C97B7362E3" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Repeal</header><text>Subchapter A of chapter 5 of subtitle A of title VII of <external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/119/21">Public Law 119–21</external-xref> is hereby repealed.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H7B7048264E734A659C23A6848F74611B" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Amendments</header><text>Each provision of law amended by such subchapter is amended to read as such provision would read if such subchapter had never been enacted.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H75EC3CBED1C84D9880EF8E7F049ED0A6" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Effects</header><text>Each amendment made by subsection (b) shall take effect as if included in the provision of such subchapter to which such amendment relates.</text></subsection></section></subtitle> <subtitle id="HA66BAFF4C5A94C47BEF770F0AAC76887"> <enum>B</enum> <header>Stopping administration overreach against low-Cost, clean energy</header> <section id="HABA29B99C910490F9FF0A8BA2899E9E9"> <enum>111.</enum> <header>Reversing grant terminations for low-cost, clean energy</header> <subsection id="HB94005266B14407583A6CD2967EF754B"> <enum>(a)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Transportation may not terminate a Federal award in part or its entirety, require a renegotiation or rescoping of the Federal award, or decide not to fund a future budget period of a Federal award on the basis that the Federal award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section 200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="HBD9C34A0B4444257B4921941DCB21996"> <enum>(b)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any Federal award that was terminated, renegotiated, rescoped, or not progressed to future budget periods by the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Department of Transportation after January 19, 2025, for no longer effectuating the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section 200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be reinstated by such agency or entity under its previous terms and conditions.</text> </subsection> </section> <section id="H048CC02434E84117B651052F55472D19" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"> <enum>112.</enum> <header>Prevention of administrative abuse of Federal permitting of low-cost, clean energy</header> <subsection id="H46A2BAA9E0D64C25886DAB2095491461"> <enum>(a)</enum> <header>Requirement for parity</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies, shall ensure, via subsection (b), that the processing of applications, authorizations, or related approvals as well as denials and the activities referenced in subsection (g) for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters is not subject to more restrictive or burdensome procedural requirements than those applied to applications for oil, gas, or coal projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters and does not bias Federal decision making in favor of oil, gas, or coal projects, including—</text> <paragraph id="HF6FF4F5E55E14AE5AFAD0CF1F7F9484E"> <enum>(1)</enum> <text>requirements for elevated or discretionary review by the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, other political appointees, or career employees;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HF48F900D6AAB4525BDD44F30841215FD"> <enum>(2)</enum> <text>additional documentation or review not required for oil, gas, or coal projects;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HD1B5130E4F394C5EB2A67DC72812B8BF"> <enum>(3)</enum> <text>withholding, delaying, or reversing decisions by local or regional entities for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects for reasons not applied to oil, gas or coal projects; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HD09B3DEA513140139901C80961C0CDCD"> <enum>(4)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">denial of routine administrative approvals, such as testing permits or cost recovery agreements, or notices to proceed once all criteria have been met for approval, based on underlying technology.</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H4EF6C7C56DA4497D97F41BC8263DE0F4"> <enum>(b)</enum> <header>Policy review</header> <paragraph id="H6E9A233A4F1A465E9159E5BF7DDE5993"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>Review</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies, shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H7634741F7FA9477AAE962C32CD01B3BD"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">review all applicable regulations, guidance documents, policy manuals, departmental directives, Secretarial orders, and other procedures regarding energy development; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4A88E73C05DD4F68B66CC00BE160DDB2"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify any provision of such regulations, documents, manuals, directives, orders, and procedures not otherwise required in statute that do not comply with the requirements in subsection (a).</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H983405C923BA451B8D9D28E152875BC9"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Rescission</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the applicable Secretary or Administrator shall rescind or amend as necessary any provision identified under subsection (a).</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H67B6DAA8F1D04548AA02F9FA540BBAE8"> <enum>(c)</enum> <header>Accountability in permitting</header> <text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on actions taken by all applicable Federal agencies related to permitting for energy projects, which shall include—</text> <paragraph id="H5AC0810E3158421C905D61C8E6617E5C"> <enum>(1)</enum> <text>an analysis of the procedures used by all applicable Federal agencies for processing applications, authorizations, or approvals for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters and how those procedures compare to those used for oil, gas, or coal projects;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H35CCEAE6AE7843188FF3BE35A2A74504"> <enum>(2)</enum> <text>an analysis of the number of days applicable Federal agencies took during the previous calendar year to process applications, authorizations or approvals for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters compared to the number of days to process applications, authorizations or approvals for oil, gas, or coal projects; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H1A7F63ABDE6E437F9DDC8FA9C120E930"> <enum>(3)</enum> <text>an assessment of whether applicable Federal agencies treated wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects the same as oil, gas, or coal projects during the previous calendar year.</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="HB3E3CC3F820A48BC8F3B21A70A53B5F0"> <enum>(d)</enum> <header>Ensuring energy security</header> <paragraph id="H9A2A74216D324613AA16E16DD9FCA25A"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>Limitation on issuance of certain approvals</header> <text>Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act—</text> <subparagraph id="H923FB24E936844FAB768FEECAE1219FC"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a permit to extract coal or to drill on an onshore oil or gas lease on Federal land unless an approval for onshore wind or solar development has been issued during the 120-day period ending on the date of the issuance of the approval for oil or gas development; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H777A78DDA008443FBA8B692D3C47B371"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text>the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a permit to drill on an offshore oil or gas lease on the Outer Continental Shelf under section 2(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1331">43 U.S.C. 1331(a)</external-xref>) unless an approval for offshore wind development on the Outer Continental Shelf of similar scope has been issued during the 120-day period ending on the date of the issuance of the approval for oil or gas development.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H36103A55D03D4032BD8D5A743D4762D8"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Rules of construction</header> <text>Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary to approve applications for a permit to drill for onshore or offshore oil or gas development or a permit to extract coal.</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="HECA25DCBFBB0477493CC74DF00ACE296"> <enum>(e)</enum> <header>Timely Federal review</header> <paragraph id="HCDF6338A2AE041BDA8D6F363A657692C"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>Deadlines to complete environmental reviews under NEPA</header> <text>With respect to any proposed wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission development on Federal land or waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, requiring an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>), the Secretary shall complete such environmental impact statement or environmental assessment within the deadlines established under section 107(g) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336a">42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HB60C89C71AE84FED8D49CE976B7B5989"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Deadline for determination of right-of-way</header> <text>Not later than 180 days after completion of the environmental impact statement or environmental assessment, as applicable, for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission development on Federal land or waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, the Secretary shall issue a right-of-way, except in the event that a no action alternative is selected.</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H39EA08A02A4742E5BB4D4F7D22BFEA0D"> <enum>(f)</enum> <header>Judicial review</header> <paragraph id="HB635C2FAAB4444908D4CD9DABC6C0C5C"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>Reviewability</header> <subparagraph id="H52139D5041ED44D2945B2D2F433BAFEF"> <enum>(A)</enum> <header>In general</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If a Federal agency suspends construction or operations of a wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission project, or otherwise prevents a wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission project from commencing and completing construction, operation, or related ancillary activities, including by revoking, rescinding, withdrawing, terminating, suspending, amending, altering, or otherwise rendering ineffective any authorization for a project or the final environmental document the authorization relies on, shall be considered final agency action subject to judicial review under <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/5/7">chapter 7</external-xref> of title 5, United States Code.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8231C6299EAD41BA817B5BC9139A20AD"> <enum>(B)</enum> <header>Venue</header> <text>A person seeking judicial review for an action described in subparagraph (A) shall obtain review of such action in the United States Court of Appeals for any circuit wherein the project is located.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HBC338D70EFED4A2E8E1E5AC59ABFD1BA"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Timing</header> <text>For any claim brought regarding an action in paragraph (A), the court of competent jurisdiction shall issue a decision for such challenge—</text> <subparagraph id="HBF991667BB524CEF9410B7340D55ED9B"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>as expeditiously as practicable; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9BECFC50E93847408BB397F3D596FB95"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text>not later than the date that is 30 days after the date on which the civil action is filed, unless the court determines that additional time is required in the interests of justice.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H7CE10FF0CFA34E4D93CE7213FBAE0F5A"> <enum>(3)</enum> <header>Applicability</header> <text>This section shall apply to any actions in paragraph (1) that occurred after January 19, 2025.</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H3BE8BF35D00942DA889045BA0B20F45F"> <enum>(g)</enum> <header>Ensuring fairness on Federal lands and waters</header> <paragraph id="H0DE2D763DAEF4807B506048BB30906D4"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>FLPMA amendments</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="H36A3E014AF354CFFA2FA20515198115C"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in section 103(c) (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1702">43 U.S.C. 1702(c)</external-xref>), by striking <quote>historical values;</quote> and inserting <quote>historical values, including the generation, transmission, and storage of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy;</quote>; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9E492C1D238D49E696A4C10B9C0ABC13"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in section 302 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1732">43 U.S.C. 1732</external-xref>), by inserting at the end <quote>(e) The Secretary shall manage the public lands to facilitate the generation, transmission, and storage of renewable energy resources, consistent with the principles of multiple use and sustained yield under this Act. For the purposes of this Act, such activities are deemed to be consistent with multiple-use management.</quote>.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HBF4F7BEDD7224E9AABE57326C9F6F698"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>OCSLA amendments</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1337">43 U.S.C. 1337(p)</external-xref>) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H0C6D666D74E44808980E4C27E845AD56" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <paragraph id="H0B19F4C3761A4DA69741A9BD7D6C4AD0"> <enum>(4)</enum> <header>Requirements</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that any activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that provides for a balance of—</text> <subparagraph id="HD77917782170489280893F0ABAD08EEE"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>safety;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEC4A8DDE34954615851ECC286C046240"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text>the protection of the environment;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC558D64836E94A32970707AD6BBE6400"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text>the prevention of waste;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCD7A4888A4A94AD4BE914757FB6B045C"> <enum>(D)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the conservation of the natural resources of the outer Continental Shelf;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD69331E8D02C4A4D9B5C2B0809A8D737"> <enum>(E)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">coordination with relevant Federal agencies and Tribal, State, and local governments;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE32BD8D23F9447478CC61261DFDDBEFF"> <enum>(F)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the protection of the national security interests of the United States, including energy security;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE6A6187F6C1C4947941BDDBBB1279831"> <enum>(G)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the protection of correlative rights in the outer Continental Shelf, including the energy generation potential of other offshore renewable energy leases;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H35912D236F694094958668D0C38A14B7"> <enum>(H)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a fair return to the United States for any lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA6D4D64DDD5045DE8EB5E17378A6633E"> <enum>(I)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">prevention of unreasonable interference with other uses of the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas, as determined by the Secretary;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H834C653582994492A129994E97A6B52A"> <enum>(J)</enum> <text>consideration of—</text> <clause id="HFA5B1C2E5A714972A8AD49337D805A51"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the location of, and any schedule relating to, a lease, easement, or right-of-way for an area of the outer Continental Shelf; and</text> </clause> <clause id="H84B526CD27504843B642D4A16F06C6C2"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any other use of the sea or seabed, including use for a fishery or fishery survey, a sealane, a regional coastal observing system or other scientific observation platform such as a buoy, a potential site of a deepwater port, or navigation;</text> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEBA9FABABDEC441EA19834186D20513C"> <enum>(K)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">public notice and comment on any proposal submitted for a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB0B258A0A0384254A19C4881A8A6CA29"> <enum>(L)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the oversight, inspection, research, monitoring, and enforcement relating to a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9FB01EB64D0C45A0A597BD3FB19C5A5C"> <enum>(M)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the consideration of any applicable Federal, Tribal, and State renewable energy mandates, targets, and goals.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block> </quoted-block> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section id="HBFC3B2FA48B540928F407EB76BC5F298" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"> <enum>113.</enum> <header>Ratepayer protection against uneconomic power generation</header> <text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824a">16 U.S.C. 824a</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H7444A60A843B471683D952D87412B8A5"> <enum>(1)</enum> <text>in paragraph (1)—</text> <subparagraph id="HDE6BE175BA0F4861B5DC81CF8C9DED5F"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>by striking <quote>Commission</quote> after <quote>During the continuance of any war in which the United States is engaged, or whenever the</quote> and inserting <quote>Secretary of Energy (referred to in this subsection as the <quote>Secretary</quote>)</quote>;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9D558D6C4A8348AA83DA566461CE3256"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>exists</quote> after <quote>determines that an emergency</quote> and inserting <quote>currently exists or will occur within 6 months</quote>;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEC2F9FBAFBA84DAAA7D6680E9E7ED681"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text>by striking <quote>Commission</quote> after <quote>or other causes, the</quote> and inserting <quote>Secretary</quote>;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H519AD73241FA478B83C5618A75FA94CF"> <enum>(D)</enum> <text>by inserting <quote>As part of the order, the Secretary shall explain why such order best meets the emergency and serves the public interest.</quote> after <quote>serve the public interest.</quote>; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2D78A6950CA644A7B920705B46D4D3C2"> <enum>(E)</enum> <text>by striking <quote>Commission</quote> after <quote>carrying out such order, the</quote> and inserting <quote>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (referred to in this subsection as the <quote>Commission</quote>)</quote>;</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H0BD3287F8EF34F79BACCA607FC8241BA"> <enum>(2)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (2)—</text> <subparagraph id="H30CBDC33B3494BF08397A37391D90457"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>by striking <quote>Commission</quote> after <quote>law or regulation, the</quote> and inserting <quote>Secretary</quote>; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8CFCCEA016AB4709ADAA8BCE11E18F6F"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HCA5B0406B4CF45D49F594D6D2089A4F7" display-inline="yes-display-inline"> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall state in such orders—</text> <subparagraph id="H0D8E9A7DA1474122AB743261FDD420F4"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>that are in effect for 96 or fewer hours, the specific hours that are necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest; or</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE985D5600D464E4E8923E6F87FAD9B73"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text>that are in effect for more than 96 hours, the specific methodology by which such hours that are necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest were determined.</text> </subparagraph> <after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block> </quoted-block> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HFC8D3A395A894B23B4FC7BDD60B7F39A"> <enum>(3)</enum> <text>in paragraph (4)—</text> <subparagraph id="H4A1853313FB74260A0A1F1A21E8DA19E"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>by striking <quote>Commission</quote> wherever it appears and inserting <quote>Secretary</quote>;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE34D647A164A40EDAEF4C1440AA058C4"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (A), by striking <quote>that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation</quote>;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8FE7F60841BF4387A9535F8BC0016D61"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text>in subparagraph (B)—</text> <clause id="H0CFE265884714CAC9657E55FFAE9DE89"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting <quote>that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation</quote> after <quote>In renewing or reissuing an order under subparagraph (A)</quote>; and</text> </clause> <clause id="H4E46E38A839F4F508E348B3681D91FF0"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>by inserting <quote>The Secretary shall make available to the public the primary Federal agency consulted.</quote> after <quote>practicable.</quote>; and</text> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB23A3EBFC7C54BE0BEED50E24BE41B29"> <enum>(D)</enum> <text>by adding at the end—</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H478C531C43B44E2D80682B2ABA57820E" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subparagraph id="H5AF767D525EB4EFEBF9A9525427E8BF7"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Before renewing or reissuing an order under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall undertake a robust study of available alternatives that would reduce the net costs as compared to renewing or reissuing the order.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE50AE91A9709443CBA149DF91C60028E"> <enum>(D)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In the event the Secretary issues a renewed or reissued order under this paragraph, a petition for judicial review of such renewed or reissued order may be filed under section 313(b) without filing a request for rehearing or otherwise complying with any requirements of section 313(a).</text> </subparagraph> <after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block> </quoted-block> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HAD2648FAB2EA42A1AA10C3BE1DF2A178"> <enum>(4)</enum> <text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H7FEA8ACD919948A8A3160CED20B39FBD" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H9F026241297941BF8D7B8FA506279C4C"> <enum>(6)</enum> <subparagraph id="H49622816323545FBA0BD59D51A20563D" display-inline="yes-display-inline"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary issues an order under paragraph (1), the Commission shall publish—</text> <clause id="HA3BAFAF497674F0D9119BFEA98654D9C"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text>estimates of the costs that are expected to be incurred by any electric utility and customers of such electric utility as a result of the order; and</text> </clause> <clause id="HEEA49777D3844B2E8EE876880D1B551F"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>other expected impacts of the order.</text> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5E24243D129F452AADE2AB60CE6D860D"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary issues an order under paragraph (1), an electric utility that has been, or is expected to be, affected as a result of the order, including any electric utility described in subparagraph (A)(i), shall provide in writing to customers of the electric utility a description of the costs incurred due to the order, or costs expected to be incurred as a result of the order, including any information relevant to the electric utility and the customers of the electric utility published under subparagraph (A).</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block> </quoted-block> </paragraph> </section> </subtitle> <enum>II</enum><header>Cutting energy bills for American families</header> <section id="HC44DB3B5ECE14237B885A213F7699E54"><enum>201.</enum><header>Lowering household heating and cooling bills</header> <subsection id="H521A32842A0D41EEBA6848517117158A"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Funding</header><text>Section 2602 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8621">42 U.S.C. 8621</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="HAF73A28E400043F587E45E2818581981"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph id="H516442677F454DDCB4E264F23D9A57A9"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking <quote>section 2607A)</quote> and inserting <quote>section 2604(e), 2605(u), 2607A, 2607B, or 2607C)</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6F5F98F2F37C423DACCB8AE7988F2A60"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking <quote>$2,000,000,000</quote> and all that follows and inserting <quote>such sums as may be necessary, including such sums as may be necessary to enable the States to assist all households that meet the eligibility requirements established under this title and to enable States to implement home energy affordability measures described in section 2605(b)(3).</quote>;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4C48D7E4DDDC4C5CB4353C04E61BC7AA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (e), in the first sentence—</text> <subparagraph id="H3A66382A106C45A9ACA10794BDBE0486" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>in each fiscal year</quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5E0DD83BF5F745CA8FFBE43BDC4C4044" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>$600,000,000</quote> and inserting <quote>$2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and $2,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter,</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2B5A8D3CDAEC4673B7460CA33419BA22"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>, or arising from a major disaster, as defined in section 2604(e)(1)</quote> before the period at the end; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7389AE4D27CF4F09837682FCA6ECE0A0" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2FA51405F56D4A369BECD23BB25D6C9A"> <subsection id="H4EB417ED9032468AB406FD1ACA49CF25"><enum>(f)</enum><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2607C, including making grants under that section, $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and $1,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.</text></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H99E1FB25FBA24F9D835D912265633B1B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>Section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8622">42 U.S.C. 8622</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H0E6BB2085C4046E6B18E0468AA32EA44"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6), (7) through (10), and (11), as paragraphs (6) through (8), (10) through (13), and (15), respectively;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8DD716C7CBB74DD9A9ACEF0CA3BF5682"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2AE76D80D37C46E7B489D2E8F3FC7209"> <paragraph id="H5CF46D3D511947AA9DE70E1098142121"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The terms <term>extreme heat</term> and <term>extreme cold</term>, used with respect to a period, means a period in which there is an increased risk of—</text> <subparagraph id="HE245B38D47954166A078322F5E0CE1F8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>heat-related or cold-related, respectively, illness, hospitalization, or death; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE8954268AB0749D1959757FA28E60282"><enum>(B)</enum><text>failures or energy shutoffs of home cooling or heating, respectively.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H658023D81EDF4110B14296CFEEFD6916"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The term <term>HEAP coordinator</term> means an employee—</text> <subparagraph id="HE490A04DAB1F4207879557A2C14C461C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>who administers a program funded under section 2602(b); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6AC07AC7011E41349282AF341CEBE4B6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>whose salary is paid, partly or wholly, with funds made available under that section.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H72A2F9D57EE34187977ECC7C8AE12B63"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H915AC0D92C0846529632BEA829C73A53"> <paragraph id="H691B120617A94637BA3B2EEF34AA6F8F"><enum>(9)</enum><text>The term <term>local coordinating agency</term> means any local organization or local office that receives funds under section 2602(b) to perform customer intake, or approval of benefits, on behalf of the State agency.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H21DAE88F403543938AD0B3A9963C1299"><enum>(4)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (13), as so redesignated, the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC0308FCEA0A8434B963173EC4EC49A28"> <paragraph id="H92CF5A8987474E5CB4E3DA87D2C43D99"><enum>(14)</enum><text>The term <term>State agency</term> means any State agency that administers the program funded under section 2602(b).</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H4734B0AF41B345FD93F78D420B997245"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Assistance for emergencies and major disasters, including extreme heat and cold</header><text>Section 2604 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8623">42 U.S.C. 8623</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="HF05ECDFE9473491EA99FCDC58CE69C28" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking <quote>section 2605(b)(9)(B)</quote> and inserting <quote>section 2605(b)(10)(B)</quote>; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H94EB84568BDA4205B84FD0011136D4EF" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (e)—</text> <subparagraph id="H74262942BB94404CB3FFD23EFB5A2940"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>(e)</quote> and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H542C2AA5596143EC9302FC96F873AA8C"> <subsection id="H9256C43EB8204264A6B76B863E9C7DAE"> <enum>(e)</enum> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H0EADC4EA52AE4A71BB14295CF53FD6F4"> <enum>(1)</enum> <text>In this subsection:</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subparagraph id="H5045C298EE534E8A968629DB82F6616C" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The term <term>covered household</term> means an eligible household in an area where the President, or the Secretary, as the case may be, has declared or determined the occurrence of a natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H83AD9713B9A44EC7AAD702D85EF130D9" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The term <term>major disaster</term> means—</text> <clause id="H193E9F1546C24DC6A80B95D6932AB1AF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/5170">42 U.S.C. 5170</external-xref>, 5191);</text></clause> <clause id="HF378A93ABA5542F9B122075620EEA87E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a public health emergency determined under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/247d">42 U.S.C. 247d</external-xref>); or</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB9A0DBF7BDFF420E80182E32FEA72F25"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>a period of extreme heat or extreme cold, as determined by the Secretary.</text></clause></subparagraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9A45B819B50645C7880D9420484B5F99" indent="up1"> <enum>(2)</enum> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA6BF37F8927F45E6BF7D52C62267DCED" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (2), as so designated, by striking <quote>natural disaster or other emergency involved</quote> and inserting <quote>natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster involved</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6CB97A2AE2364F47855BCA63E99D4701" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" style="OLC" id="H142E1AAAD0CD449289317AA6AD6AB8DF"> <paragraph id="H050E74A5435D4AE5913EDD091C9950C6"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Upon a declaration or a determination of a natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster, for an area, the Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall, to the extent practicable, provide heating or cooling assistance through such an allotment to a State for covered households in that area.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H41EB61537B9D4EFABD458D7441A9CC5A"><enum>(4)</enum><text>To receive assistance under this subsection, the State that has jurisdiction over the covered households shall provide assurances to the Secretary that the State—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H86CD3E574C6A43FEA458CD4CF4EB0056"><enum>(A)</enum><text>will not preclude a household that receives heating assistance or cooling assistance under this title during a calendar year, on the basis of obtaining that assistance, from receiving cooling assistance or heating assistance, respectively, under this title during that year;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H58EAC2D768BE4C6592869598CE2D7A9C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>will not require a household to indicate that a household member has a medical need for assistance under this title, to be eligible for that assistance; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H44CC891DF0664959B6180D8DC230628B" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">will allow use of such assistance for purposes for which heating or cooling assistance is available under the program funded under section 2602(b), including for providing energy-efficient air conditioners, and other equipment needed for home cooling, to eligible households.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H32DE9B08BBD7461FAF0708277D3BE8C6"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Eligible households</header><text>Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8624">42 U.S.C. 8624</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H236DB334E3AE46E0BD72126D9C2F2E92"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph id="H855940FEFC094C0C8518C2D3EE7A1BB5" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in paragraph (1)(A), by striking <quote>paragraph (5)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (6)</quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0C0DAC0EE9204AE7A896165072E1D391"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)—</text> <clause id="HEF24A7DE2CC145319CAC5A17C0561191"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting <quote>, subject to subsection (c)(1)(A),</quote> after <quote>only</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="H21150F7306D340899159B4A1063524BB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B), by striking <quote>(B)</quote> and all that follows through clause (ii) and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H74F5438F71614D8C953AC16A24017A41"> <subparagraph id="H63888868755144829CC4888DCCD81634"><enum>(B)</enum><text>households with incomes which do not exceed the greater of—</text> <clause id="HE7E2CBE3742243828BB98B9C96952E89"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an amount equal to 250 percent of the poverty level; or</text></clause> <clause id="H3F6919543AA14CD0A32ECAFA4E1AF607"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>an amount equal to 80 percent of the State median income,</text></clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause> <clause id="H6CAC4543D4AC45D481D1C8E2CEDF67C1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>in the matter following subparagraph (B)—</text> <subclause id="HAB511EBE6F024CFAA7FDB0A36968E30D" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>may give</quote> and inserting <quote>shall give</quote>; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HE56705E7FA014F279D1187E63778877B" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting before the semicolon the following: <quote>, and the State may not exclude a household from eligibility on the basis of citizenship of 1 or more of the household members</quote>;</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9FE6B915F5504678B36B52755272DD65" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (16) as paragraphs (4) through (17), respectively;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD677E555958D4FDAB08B908E67002302"><enum>(D)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCD1E5CB78B7247A09A5B632206379411"> <paragraph id="H3B1D450C9A514F6394ACC3A176719CD6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Energy burden limits</header><text>To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall work with States using funding under section 2602(b) (supplemented by funding available through State-level energy programs, utility affordability initiatives, or other mechanisms as determined by the State in consultation with the Secretary) to implement home energy affordability measures—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H204AEF7640664D1ABC3ECD3158929D73"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to ensure that no household eligible under paragraph (2) experiences an energy burden for which the expenditures of the household for home energy exceed 3 percent of household income; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC54E7CAFD7B5437385C695B5767ED85E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to prioritize the further reduction of energy burdens for such eligible households with the lowest incomes.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H05C68A6370D34928BF2CD5F5CD26A560" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(E)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (10), as so redesignated, by striking <quote>paragraph (16)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (17)</quote>;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3336C5C5652D4C4780FDB8F1E354B62B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (c)(1)—</text> <subparagraph id="H91DD06533D9A4EDE9FD0221F434E856F" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (A), by striking <quote>assistance to be provided under this title, including criteria</quote> and inserting</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HEA46698B26214C01A3EBC99E78E8CEA7"><text>assistance to be provided under this title, including—</text> <clause id="HA24E24E0869846219AE8BFB338FD6023"><enum>(i)</enum><text>certifying that the State and local coordinating agencies in the State—</text> <subclause id="HC2FA94DD20BF442FB9167F6EECD79B4F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>shall, to the greatest extent possible, use data sharing agreements with Federal and State low-income assistance programs, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/7/2011">7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.</external-xref>), the Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/1396">42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.</external-xref>), and the supplemental security income program established under title XVI of the Social Security Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/1381">42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.</external-xref>), to verify eligibility;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HECA616B529B04C1EB0F9C5707BFF9589"><enum>(II)</enum><text>shall implement simplified re-enrollment procedures for households with fixed incomes or households already determined to be eligible under other Federal and State low-income assistance programs, to reduce administrative burdens on applicants and agencies;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD5F49942C9B9416E930BE923EFAE2A03"><enum>(III)</enum><text>shall not require applicants to submit proof of citizenship to establish status as an eligible household; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HC4C05F8969FA49DA92E1413E2C4D01B9"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>if neither the verification process described in subclause (I) nor the re-enrollment process described in subclause (II) apply to a household, shall allow applicants to self-attest that the applicants meet the criteria established under this title for an eligible household, to the extent necessary to facilitate access to assistance and prevent undue hardship for applicants; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H9540B07180F5440AA05920A2D32C5716"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>describing criteria.</text></clause><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H68763BCD352C438282C1E24457B3B674" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in subparagraph (E), by striking <quote>paragraph (5)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (6)</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE15A0B16CB4D4BA295ED195EAB2251F8" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in subparagraph (F), by striking <quote>clauses (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), (13), and (15) of subsection (b)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (13), (14), and (16) of subsection (b)</quote>;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2286E79BC58043F1957CED1F5924D8F0" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in subsection (e), by striking <quote>subsection (b)(10)</quote> and inserting <quote>subsection (b)(11)</quote>;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDDACC8F839FE4A8D91A6C7E4332881BC"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H101577F735514EDFA789C1BACA9BC0BD"> <paragraph id="H178993D534634559A483728DBBAB453D"><enum>(3)</enum><text>For purposes of section 401(c), and the remainder of title IV, of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1611">8 U.S.C. 1611(a)</external-xref>, 1601 et seq.), assistance under this title shall not be considered to be a Federal public benefit.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8FF2542CF3854FF3B0A736848DCF1ADF"><enum>(5)</enum><text>in subsection (j), by striking <quote>the State may apply</quote> and inserting <quote>the State may, subject to subsection (c)(1)(A)(i), apply</quote>.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H82A32F0BFF4D476A92FFD39E3ED6A524"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Conditions for funding</header><text>Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8624">42 U.S.C. 8624</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H043F420F06E9420395AA8305539CF006"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph id="H0AD14823B67E48A7BBB2E2DB911F59BA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting before the semicolon the following: <quote>, using toxics-free materials that do not contain asthmagens or respiratory sensitizers, giving priority in the use of those funds under this subparagraph, to the greatest extent practicable, to supporting emergency home repairs that foster energy efficiency, decarbonization, and household resilience, including through beneficial electrification of heating and cooling</quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HECA70D8765924749940E6FD4F410032A"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (8), as so redesignated—</text> <clause id="H6818821C38864C01A89D64A0234E927C"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (C), by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end; and</text></clause> <clause id="H50F9A41921C247FCAC7DBBD3214D3ECC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE90A52A10DFA47F0BEAA33267DAF61A7"> <subparagraph id="H70A5DB870249490FAF106D51D44C5132"><enum>(E)</enum><text>ensure that—</text> <clause id="H341F4EEC28664751A5D39C6628A892B1"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the home energy supplier will not charge late fees for any payment, by a household receiving assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b), during the period beginning 6 months before and ending 6 months after a date on which the supplier receives funds through the program for the household; and</text></clause> <clause id="HC244AB373AA8422AB3CD8E1C38E592C6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>if the supplier receives funds through the program for such a household and charged such late fees during that period, the supplier shall refund the fees to the household not later than 7 days after the date the supplier receives the funds;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H300CCADDED7F4C019D2D1992E4F91ECA"><enum>(F)</enum><text>ensure that the home energy supplier will not shut off home energy from a household that received assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b), within the 2-year period beginning on the date the household received the assistance;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD87DADB6AB7F4D09B2BDC0C1F10E0731"><enum>(G)</enum><text>ensure that the home energy supplier, in return for receiving funds through the program funded under section 2602(b)—</text> <clause id="HBD71366E6B374C9D9174DD5681AB971A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>will provide to the State data on households that have not paid their home energy bills, to enable the State and the supplier to carry out coordinated outreach concerning assistance available through the program funded under section 2602(b); and</text></clause> <clause id="H7B68C92347BE4F37A2A4ADD73FB5A0F8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>will, when sending a notice of late payments to such households, include information on such assistance, on how to access such assistance through the program, and on eligibility criteria for the program; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD51B086DDDFD4DEF83A4A2B7C0F83AF0"><enum>(H)</enum><text>ensure that the home energy supplier will, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, in return for receiving assistance under the program funded under section 2602(b) and through a partnership with the State, offer a low-income energy affordability payment program;</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDC76474811484FB69A35222E1BA0F081"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in paragraph (10), as so redesignated—</text> <clause id="HE92D5FADF1B14A8E8893F3D14B82361E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in subparagraph (A)—</text> <subclause id="H761F9DAEAA8A4436BE4B42ABF3E1B79F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>by striking <quote>10 percent</quote> and inserting <quote>15 percent</quote>; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H25D2E387881447D1966CA3790007791C"><enum>(II)</enum><text>by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H619DBCEE39C945BB8EE86422F7FC66B8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDEA0AB50560D4FAEA89C5DE91E7A2695"> <subparagraph id="H50B7B2276CAC420995BCC17D77ED3ED8"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in planning and administering that program, the State shall use the portion of the amount described in subparagraph (A), that exceeds 10 percent of the funds described in subparagraph (A), to expand the State program funded under section 2602(b) so that the State operates the program on a year-round basis; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H237F55BF58364C79A2C187EBF51D661B"><enum>(D)</enum><text>in planning and administering that program, the State—</text> <clause id="H7A01C61F09564B32804AD0F190351BFA"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall make technological changes to allow, not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, for online submission of applications for assistance through that program; and</text></clause> <clause id="H9B1C2D0065F940FA93EA334E69C5BD6C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>shall, to the extent practicable—</text> <subclause id="H650B63D4E5704A7BB7F967D4873D3C27"><enum>(I)</enum><text>conduct outreach activities, including activities to increase enrollment as described in subsection (p);</text></subclause> <subclause id="HB5E49CD7920342EA85B69D9380F1CCF1"><enum>(II)</enum><text>ensure that all HEAP coordinators in the State receive wages, for administration funded under section 2602(b), at not less than the greater of $15 per hour or the applicable Federal, State, or local minimum wage rate;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H70E0ED3C1B6146B1B3667CD23DAA1A42"><enum>(III)</enum><text>conduct training for HEAP coordinators, State agency staff, and community partners on best practices for outreach, application processing, and assisting eligible households;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H5DC85244CD244D869CCA227EE27F4BDC"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>as needed, conduct outreach relating to the program funded under section 2602(b) to rural electric cooperatives, home energy suppliers owned by a political subdivision of a State, such as a municipally owned electric utility, and home energy suppliers owned by any agency, authority, corporation, or instrumentality of a political subdivision of a State; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD09DE77F480B4229879130692CEDE1B6"><enum>(V)</enum><text>ensure autoenrollment of eligible households into the program funded under section 2602(b), and in the process document any potential barriers to autoenrollment that need to be clarified or otherwise addressed at the Federal level;</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAD829CE8E6CD4FE1B5F7E5CCEEC42939"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (c)(1)—</text> <subparagraph id="H52CE3D562F6D4219B361E47D85182CE6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subparagraph (G), by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5DF53DE6540A49FDA96C9A34C055D28A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by redesignating subparagraph (H) as subparagraph (I); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H68E08031A43C4FB9957B4EB8BCDF3E50"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6B5C59C8E3C849CD81A1E2B9C7784E7A"> <subparagraph id="HD3C863C279AF44DB97990F6AA0983EEB" indent="up1"><enum>(H)</enum><text>describes how the State will expand the State program funded under section 2602(b) so that the State operates the program on a year-round basis in accordance with subsection (b)(10)(C) and the measures the State has taken so far to carry out that expansion; and</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0C37301C676642B5938BCB28D5E60945"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H55E8B592C9734BD7B208CCDFDCC3C22C"> <subsection id="H0DE367E4D0144264857F8AA22482C8EE"><enum>(m)</enum><text>The Secretary shall allow, to the greatest extent possible, eligible households to obtain assistance with minimal administrative burden, by carrying out subsection (c)(1)(A)(i).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H60E027ED8C20435FAC89F919DCB256F5"><enum>(n)</enum><text>The Secretary shall, by grant or contract, provide for a study that examines the rates of home energy shutoffs and assessments of late fees among eligible households, relative to those rates for households that are not eligible households, over a period of several years.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H259F5359BC6A4E91B509088AF8E74CDB"><enum>(o)</enum><text>The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to States to support partnerships described in subsection (b)(8)(H).</text></subsection> <subsection id="HDF3ABEE0FC7D42A3B682FA64FD420EEF"><enum>(p)</enum> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HC0FE7ABB684D4012B8A7EF85CDF3EA57"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall issue guidance for use of funds for administrative activities described in subsection (b)(10) to increase, through partnerships with elementary schools, secondary schools, and local educational agencies, enrollment in the program funded under section 2602(b) among eligible households that include children and that have high energy burdens.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5A75E42DAF544B1A803FD93C8FB4F4DD" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on outreach relating to assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b) to high-risk individuals, with relevant medical conditions, that benefit from the use of medical equipment that requires electricity, including a ventilator, an oxygen concentrator, or another medical device that requires electricity.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H85EAD984CED340409E05096C1D33D04A" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on how to ensure that eligible households are aware of additional grants, tax credits, and rebates, made available under <external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/117/169">Public Law 117–169</external-xref>, or an amendment made by such law.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H7142E86C07FF43CFB7D5692C75197BBA"><enum>(q)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, the Secretary shall require each State receiving funds under this title, including allotments under subsection (a) or (e) of section 2604, to develop and update as necessary, an action plan for a period of extreme heat, which shall describe how the State will use its allotments under this title to assist eligible households in covering cooling costs and mitigating heat-related health risks.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H6B1F666185344AD2AEFBF40AB32CE610"><enum>(r)</enum><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, the Secretary shall conduct a review of eligibility criteria for assistance under this title and identify additional vulnerable populations to include under such criteria, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with medical conditions exacerbated by a period of extreme heat.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HC22855B37FB04DC69C7F6AFD78AE9B54"><enum>(s)</enum><text>The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall require State energy offices receiving Federal funds under this title to develop plans—</text> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE65EA34355D94CCAB1B7757D35FDFDA9"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to retrofit low-income housing stock to adapt to rising temperatures and address environmental hazards, including—</text> <subparagraph id="H933A25A622C14FE3A8089ABE40A261CB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>deploying highly efficient cooling systems, including heat pumps;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1AC75A827DD14E52A7EB1F6190091ECE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>expanding weatherization and passive cooling strategies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H88A62FDCD3D0449FA279ECD7EED2D32B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>addressing structural and health hazards, including mold, lead, asbestos, and pest infections; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA7BD04BEDED94B279B0BE2C2574B30B5"><enum>(D)</enum><text>ensuring that necessary electrical panel and wiring upgrades are completed to support the installation of cooling systems and energy efficiency improvements; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H890083F6336A4EB68D22AD3FB1062969"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to assess and adapt existing (as of the date of development of the plan) shutoff policies to protect all households while considering the impact on energy affordability and energy grid reliability.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB63E5B5EB7C041E3A2353A9AF16BAD29"><enum>(t)</enum> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H4887D1B6D718415FA71669A7EAA425C5"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall submit a report to Congress that—</text> <subparagraph id="HA06E8AB572E44C55B6A785B6B3B8A5BB" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>identifies safe residential temperature standards for federally assisted dwelling units, considering risks of periods of extreme heat and extreme cold and regional climate variations; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDF884DD078C0497FBCFFF8E414D8137D" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>proposes strategies to ensure compliance with the standards, including permitting covered utility allowances to be used for cooling assistance where feasible, taking into account regional climate variations and housing stock differences.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph indent="up1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H963CEA88293A44BDA697B8130ECEA249"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this subsection, the term <term>covered utility allowance</term> means a utility allowance—</text> <subparagraph id="HAFBC1916EAE94A78B500A92EE8159479"><enum>(A)</enum><text>applicable to public housing dwelling units under section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/1437a">42 U.S.C. 1437a</external-xref>); or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB778B4245D59475480AF68962D1B89BB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>under the housing choice voucher program under section 8(o)(2)(D) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/1437f">42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(2)(D)</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H9C1A0F4DD6A4461C9BC711A2BD3E600D"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Weatherization</header><text>Section 2605(k) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8624">42 U.S.C. 8624(k)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H29BFF423B5AB465292AE89EE830A37BF"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (1), by striking <quote>15 percent</quote> and inserting <quote>25 percent</quote>; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE123544632444555AD194711B06599E7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)—</text> <subparagraph id="H9141B338203643539E66C9AEE856F781"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i)—</text> <clause id="H34D1353AD06F45178C0EEE04B32E3C14"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by striking <quote>subparagraph (B)</quote> and inserting <quote>subparagraph (C)</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="H7EF792010DA54AC3AAC64529D72E976B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by striking <quote>the greater of 25 percent</quote> and inserting <quote>a portion equal to the greater of 35 percent</quote>;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H741A963533FF4C31B452CF045D7EE1E2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5BB957D77C3A42448E887336755D228B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB66D89904CB84A2CB029F453ACD88C7D"> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H4B0BA93B1AA845DE855EFD4B006FDD4D" indent="up2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The State—</text> <clause commented="no" id="HF149723A9B5B490CA23736C3D3146DCD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall, to the extent practicable—</text> <subclause commented="no" id="H0643BAD51E194DF78498D88EF990D5C1"><enum>(I)</enum><text>use the portion described in subparagraph (A) for energy-related home repair that reduces dependence on fossil fuel energy sources; and</text></subclause> <subclause commented="no" id="H65FD8643E9CB4D248DE91A60D38424C8"><enum>(II)</enum><text>use the portion to facilitate the use of funds made available under section 2602(b) to increase the participation of eligible households in community solar programs, or to otherwise increase access to and ownership of distributed renewable energy infrastructure among eligible households; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause commented="no" id="H981747AE558E418B945FA734D5C66956"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>shall if possible give the highest priority to using the portion for home repair that replaces appliances that rely on fossil fuels with appliances that use electric heating or cooling technology, powered by renewable energy.</text></clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD6AD5DFCD7C2496688BEC3074AC4E596"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Home energy payment arrears data collection</header><text>Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8624">42 U.S.C. 8624</external-xref>), as amended by subsection (e), is further amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B4C376A590E4AEEA0756DF91DBDBE04"> <subsection id="H53D7FCA8180445C79EAAB40B05433DF4"><enum>(u)</enum> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H220CAEA50EE94118A3DCD8FDA05C170D"><enum>(1)</enum> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H448418BF59B04737B0A94BDBE0194003"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall develop a standardized template for States and home energy suppliers to use to track and report data on eligible households in arrears in home energy payments, including data on the related fees and disconnections for such households.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC15D63A7584744E48457417C11625576" indent="up2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The template developed under subparagraph (A) shall—</text> <clause id="HA60A95B5311C4254B4E98B90C30785C3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>include a definition of an eligible household in arrears, with respect to home energy payments, as an eligible household that has not made payment on a home energy bill for more than 60 to 90 days, as determined by the State agency or local coordinating agency, unless otherwise specified by State law;</text></clause> <clause id="HF13905DA7A134527BB95404A91E27DA6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>include metrics on related disconnections, late fees, reconnections, and arrearage balances for eligible households; and</text></clause> <clause id="HA47A85D4E5A74CEE9315D50E39EFAA67"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>align with existing (as of the date of the development) Federal and State reporting mechanisms where applicable.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD638B4CD22314250BD1AC9113EE3874C" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, issue guidance on best practices for States (including through partnerships with home energy suppliers) to pay for home energy payment arrearages with assistance provided through the program funded under section 2602(b), including by paying for such arrearages at the time of dissemination of assistance through that program. Such guidance shall prohibit any home energy supplier receiving funds through the program from recovering arrearage assistance costs through rate increases or other charges to customers, including cost recovery mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income households.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H28E2A50628944C7D9253F3DE93EF570B" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>To the extent practicable, the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy shall jointly—</text> <subparagraph id="H67008ABBAB0C4372A160A2160E24D42A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>implement a data tracking system, aligned with the standardized reporting template developed under paragraph (1), to collect aggregate data regarding the number of eligible households in arrears and their respective energy burdens and develop recommendations to HEAP coordinators on how to minimize energy burdens for the households; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H70040247DA6E48FABE5C7CC5A802BDB8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>issue guidance to home energy suppliers with recommendations for working with State agencies to address home energy payment arrearages of eligible households.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph indent="up1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H458A0B2F0F204AA787FEE0B4188BF5E5"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, may make grants to States to assist the States in implementing data tracking and reporting requirements under this subsection.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE92D0420F5624089AAE43B80D67C478B" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text>There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as may be necessary.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H6BE669C9E2024AE99D791D205FE262C7"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Program name change</header> <paragraph id="HC343D0E3D36A4B15A6BCD015D7847D10"><enum>(1)</enum><header>LIHEAP</header><text>The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="H640F9293AAC54960B2BF2057B5CAB5E5"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in section 2607A(b) (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8626a">42 U.S.C. 8626a(b)</external-xref>), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking <quote>low-income</quote> the first place it appears; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCEDEE1E248FA4B6384318F8B2810551F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in section 2607B(e)(2)(B)(ii) (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8626b">42 U.S.C. 8626b(e)(2)(B)(ii)</external-xref>), by striking <quote>Low-Income</quote>.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2CD9F652FBD745C6BF35C9949CB0BD1F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Other law</header><text>A reference in any other Federal law (other than that Act), Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document, of or relating to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, shall be deemed to refer to the Home Energy Assistance Program.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H2851A942F1204B2E8D6ABBBA0FCF1F9B"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Just transition grants</header><text>The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 is amended by inserting after section 2607B (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8626b">42 U.S.C. 8626b</external-xref>) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H05DB01AA7A39481CA40D1CD31F72C022"> <section id="HA6531CEC3CA84A2D9F6597351E766C92"><enum>2607C.</enum><header>HEAP energy affordability and resilience grants</header> <subsection id="H4193872B30D343DE88D86A3F46A13A59" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Grant program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary and the Secretary of Energy shall jointly carry out a grant program under this section. In carrying out the program, the Secretaries shall make grants for a period of 3 years to States, Tribes, and local governments to support the development and implementation of interagency plans to reduce energy burdens for eligible households with high home energy use. The plans shall promote the reduction of those burdens in a manner that supports sustained reductions in household energy costs through improved energy efficiency, reliability, and access to cost-saving technologies. The Secretaries shall make the grants for a period of 3 years.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HCA950318239E4E57A8F7D075E2A4DF6C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Preferences</header><text>In making the grants, the Secretary shall give a preference to States, Tribes, and local governments, who set up coordination systems—</text> <paragraph id="HA137601EDB5042F2AA2B3375C1DC681D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to identify eligible households, that are recipients of assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b), with high home energy use;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCD88E912C74C44F3950EB883A9C83BDA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to prioritize eligible households with the highest energy burdens and lowest incomes, in alignment with the priority provisions in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 2605(b), to receive emergency repair, weatherization, and retrofit assistance that results in decarbonization and reductions in energy use; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6FA5D359DC0B45F0AD297DB4F2A4ADFC"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to partner with entities carrying out workforce development initiatives, unions, or business enterprises owned by individuals that are socially disadvantaged to provide emergency repairs, weatherization, and retrofit assistance.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H02EE8DE8489C40A5AB48A8A8525DD960"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report to Congress</header><text>At the conclusion of the 3-year grant period, the Secretaries shall—</text> <paragraph id="H8DB59203D7004487971B1337F6AF7C82"><enum>(1)</enum><text>conduct an evaluation of the program’s outcomes; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7DB1F2DEBC1B4C179262C3DE17B135A1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>prepare and submit to Congress a report containing the results of the evaluation and policy recommendations.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="HF5AEB7CAF2A341CEB379D25E680742A6" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Conforming amendments</header><text>The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8621">42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="HD7C81B0635AE47389FA362352F7FABCB" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in section 2607B(e)(2)(K) (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8626b">42 U.S.C. 8626b(e)(2)(K)</external-xref>) by striking <quote>paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) of section 2605(b)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (15) of section 2605(b)</quote>; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF280B875D700409CA7E15C21E3A46873" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in section 2610(b)(1) (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/8629">42 U.S.C. 8629</external-xref>) by striking <quote>clauses (2), (5), (8), and (15) of section 2605(b)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraphs (2), (6), (9), and (16) of section 2605(b)</quote>.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H88B7951304E043DFBBD6531BE525A4B5" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>202.</enum><header>Home weatherization</header> <subsection id="HCF1D5A95F0AB4D26927C6DAA0CB0AABE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Enhancement and innovation</header><text>Section 414D of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/6864d">42 U.S.C. 6864d</external-xref>) is amended by striking subsection (k).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H13BC5184A7B549CC8DD79B433454E9E8"> <enum>(b)</enum> <header>Average cost <enum-in-header>p</enum-in-header>er dwelling unit</header> <text>Section 415(c)(1) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/6865">42 U.S.C. 6865(c)(1)</external-xref>) is amended by striking <quote>$6,500</quote> and inserting <quote>$12,000</quote>.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="HC8713064A3774C7C8A3A83916BA05A9B" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Clarification of reweatherization limitation</header><text>Section 415(c)(2) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/6865">42 U.S.C. 6865(c)(2)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="HE374370C99454009A59A27045E9750DE" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>, or under other Federal programs</quote>;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5D467B1D8AEA4C35BE7F592B911D075C" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking <quote>, may </quote> and inserting <quote>may</quote>; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC8B2BBA8838D4A3F8EBF4E9F74F6BF62" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by striking <quote>or under other Federal programs, or from receiving non-Federal assistance for weatherization</quote>.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HEFEEF3F0F65242DAB7FC44E9EC64F893"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Renewable energy systems</header><text>Section 415(c) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/6865">42 U.S.C. 6865(c)</external-xref>) is amended by striking paragraph (4).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H2C53BC708F6F4604A285CCD8257204D9"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Weatherization readiness program</header> <paragraph id="H202A2FE06ECD4471A545514A85621D4B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by adding after section 414E (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/6864e">42 U.S.C. 6864e</external-xref>) the following section:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HDBA40D8CB08E438692943F9044C5A46C" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <section id="HC91304232D414D4FA787901B3A4CF830"><enum>414F.</enum><header>Weatherization readiness program</header> <subsection id="H40B20388DDFF44DC8AFBD61F08689CCD" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a weatherization readiness program to provide grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to implement measures to make dwelling units occupied by low-income persons ready to receive weatherization measures pursuant to the weatherization program conducted under this part by addressing structural, plumbing, roofing, and electrical issues and environmental hazards, and implementing other measures that the Secretary determines to be appropriate, to reduce the frequency of deferrals of such weatherization measures when the condition of a dwelling unit renders delivery of weatherization measures unsafe or ineffective.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H374FA4D946234A62AF379986504071B5" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Alignment of requirements</header><text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, to the extent possible, the Secretary shall, in establishing the weatherization readiness program under this section—</text> <paragraph id="H64220A406E3E4C5390D8E9AF5B9915EC" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>align the requirements of such weatherization readiness program with the requirements of the weatherization program conducted under this part; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE547F34203F9459F914DD93636788C02" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>seek to reduce barriers to leveraging other sources of funding for weatherization readiness measures.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HA40046E0AB304B1090DCAA074FB228BD"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Savings-to-Investment ratio</header><text>The weatherization readiness program established under this section shall not include a savings-to-investment ratio requirement.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H4A74AE7A24994830A1766010CEA7CA27" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Previous weatherization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Weatherization readiness measures implemented pursuant to the weatherization readiness program established under this section shall not be considered previous weatherization for purposes of section 415(c)(2).</text></subsection> <subsection id="HD3C5C55FCD4B4C43B5434EE408B16E8B"> <enum>(e)</enum> <header>Average cost <enum-in-header>p</enum-in-header>er dwelling unit</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish, or require a State grantee to establish, a limit for expenditures for weatherization readiness measures, including labor, materials, and related matters, to be implemented with respect to a dwelling unit, on an average cost per unit basis, pursuant to the weatherization readiness program established under this section.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="HB6AA0801413E4225AD4A6A5CD46CBC25"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Allocation of funds</header> <paragraph id="H01C9998DD429477D837C430E3B790E05" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall allocate funding made available under this section to States and tribal organizations in a manner consistent with the allocation of financial assistance for weatherization assistance under the weatherization program conducted under this part.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1641C6EA77154345A8AA61CCC4719BA1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Updated allocation</header><text>Not sooner than October 1, 2029, the Secretary, in consultation with States and tribal organizations, may, by rule, update the method to allocate funding to States and tribal organizations under this section to more accurately reflect the relative need for funding for weatherization readiness measures among low-income persons throughout the States and Indian tribes.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HBA50FB55402844F79FE424D80DF4BE45"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Administrative expenses</header><text>Not more than an amount equal to 15 percent of any grant made by the Secretary under this section may be used for administrative purposes, except that not more than one-half of such amount may be used by any State for such purposes.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HD00A453F215747F8B59ACF28A3A893F1" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this section.</text></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB6F6EE504C03474E975B4061EC9A05AD"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Table of contents amendment</header><text>The table of contents for the Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by adding after the item relating to section 414E the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H80A104157BA54C708821FD158CAD0500" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <toc regeneration="no-regeneration"> <toc-entry level="section">Sec. 414F. Weatherization readiness program.</toc-entry></toc><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H6A15C86D6F7C43B38D881BA59D7AC370"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Reauthorization of weatherization assistance program</header><text>Paragraph (2) of section 422 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/6872">42 U.S.C. 6872</external-xref>) is amended by striking <quote>2025</quote> and inserting <quote>2030</quote>.</text></subsection></section> <section id="H1BACEA022D3949918E4024A43882DEA8" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>203.</enum><header>Reflective roofing</header> <subsection id="HE88EBE51A9E84154B533833ABB0DAD33" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program to provide rebates to eligible households for the purchase and installation of eligible cool roof products.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HFB1D6BECBFDD419C8AE35C311232B6F6" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Rebate amount</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amount of a rebate provided under the program established under subsection (a) shall be—</text> <paragraph id="HF4C93485F4264FFCBED69E131A114E84" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed on a low-sloped roof—</text> <subparagraph id="H06B9B43D862740ECA3243D98C6041FE3" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has—</text> <clause id="H0E3C4677F3144C229AC3755726C80C5B" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.65 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or</text></clause> <clause id="HEB2AA37D5B7640F795FF1EF2C8D782EC" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 78; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC1F99D7E1911498983151A41EED05271" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has—</text> <clause id="H6B93A877B99445AC858CF9DF2F264C00" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.75 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or</text></clause> <clause id="H9DC7D51723E441A395740FD88E0539BB" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 92; and</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H875C1F9852B043A597DF13C57C95E4A2" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed on a steep-sloped roof—</text> <subparagraph id="HC3B748726D874141A467DE4DF9556B46" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has—</text> <clause id="H008652E0A57142E398F65A0A05E1208E" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.25 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or</text></clause> <clause id="H43A146C3ECCB4155B0B0CC0DB8C6A624" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 23; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4B3C5BA09CA34D6DBC7DAEE05000857B" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>$0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has—</text> <clause id="H01028251E9FC43B889AD4B5F3E472191" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.40 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or</text></clause> <clause id="H128601F8E3984F8A8EFA95B439B8A508" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 43.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HBB2FE6A417374573A4257EAA06114DAF" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Combining rebates</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an eligible household from receiving any other grant, rebate, or other financial assistance with respect to the same eligible cool roof product for which a rebate is provided under the program established under subsection (a).</text></subsection> <subsection id="HBD6867AB610D4C7C858EB11912FB43DF"> <enum>(d)</enum> <header>Low-Income and high energy burden households</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In implementing this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less that 40 percent of total incremental energy savings achieved under this program in a given year shall accrue to households that in the determination of the Secretary are low-income or experience a disproportionately high energy burden.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="HA514D2CD32574816842D47C0C4CFAAAD"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Participation statements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each State and each retail electricity supplier shall publish on an annual basis an impact statement that disaggregates participation under this section by income and demographic characteristics, savings, and health outcomes.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H76D63019774E4C7C80F5F88C17BF0D44" commented="no"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Termination date</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H18F92ABB9EF3476B9FA9D9F0668CBCE0" commented="no"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Reporting requirement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 6 months after the program established under subsection (a) terminates, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing, for each program participant—</text> <paragraph id="HE019E34D1AEE4CCE8A4C709C897F890C" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>whether the participant used the rebate to help retrofit an old roof or install a new roof;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6AFC7816B0364198B8553FAB3A393764" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>if the participant retrofitted an old roof, which older roof product the new eligible cool roof product replaced or covered; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAAD6E34F367947F080B4B46030D579D5" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>what eligible cool roof product the participant purchased using the rebate.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H1A9D716AB69547DA86E0D63B68B3A2DF" commented="no"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H7689CBB8F44447B28AFA819461DD7B8A" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this Act:</text> <paragraph id="HB522673BF89E4BED9178BF96F6A522D9" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>3-year aged</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>3-year aged</term> means, with respect to solar reflectance or thermal emittance of an eligible cool roof product, the solar reflectance or thermal emittance is tested after completing 3 years of field exposure, or tested after laboratory exposure that has replicated the effects of 3 years of natural exposure if the eligible cool roof product has begun but not yet completed field exposure, in accordance with the most recent standard issued by the American National Standard Institute and Cool Roof Rating Council, S100–2021.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA26B790C25AF45ECADF02197DCAD17DA" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Eligible cool roof product</header><text>The term <term>eligible cool roof product</term> means a product that has a rating from the Cool Roof Rating Council.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3A7A181EAF484AFDAA2B03317B0102C8" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Eligible household</header> <subparagraph id="H1A344F5042484E5FBF8977DA02ABEF45" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term <term>eligible household</term> means an individual or family—</text> <clause id="HB3B9B93480FD42A68E983E08417CE34C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>residing in a single-family or multi-family building;</text></clause> <clause id="H3065241179A04A5CAB3755C58445A022" commented="no"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>the total annual income of which is less than 200 percent of the median income of the ZIP Code in which the individual or family resides (as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development); and</text> </clause> <clause id="H3BAFBC33E13545BABF537A0F77082907" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">residing in a ZIP Code Tabulation Area that is in the 75th percentile or higher of the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE575CBAB0CB44A158978F6C33B38D72D" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Alaska, Hawaii, and territories</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to an individual or family residing in Alaska, Hawaii, or a territory of the United States, until the date that their respective State or territory is added to the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the term <term>eligible household</term> means that such individual or family—</text> <clause id="HF60BD99A405840BC9C8EEA455C9FCDC3" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">resides in a single-family or multi-family building; and</text></clause> <clause id="H163614B7AD314BD8BFEAA1864E063CBD" commented="no"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>has a total annual income that is less than 200 percent of the median income of the ZIP Code in which the individual or family resides (as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development).</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD389F6730854497FBF426DAD6457F6FC" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Incident solar flux</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>incident solar flux</term> means the solar power per unit area that strikes a surface.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2A187BB59C534052B678D609CFF48FE4" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Low-sloped roof</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>low-sloped roof</term> means a roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) of 2:12 or less.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H89740347605442DCAC7ACDBA4D61390B" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Radiant heat flux</header><text>The term <term>radiant heat flux</term> means the radiant power per unit area.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEDD0EFD3BC6541C8AB88EA2AA819FD46" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Reflected solar flux</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>reflected solar flux</term> means the solar power per unit area reflected from a surface.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H306F5EB3D8AC48E89D2597F49FB88512" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H88F85F97126F45C99C91DD631BA0CDD7" commented="no"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Solar reflectance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>solar reflectance</term> means the ratio of reflected solar flux to the incident solar flux.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H241F2D2E633C4C8F8BE566D333080866" commented="no"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Solar Reflectance Index</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>Solar Reflectance Index</term> means a calculated value that combines solar reflectance with thermal emittance into a single metric, in accordance with section 2.2.9. of the Cool Roof Rating Council’s Roof Product Rating Program Manual.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFE3821F8DB33499AA1A7BACC63EBF524" commented="no"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Steep-sloped roof</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>steep-sloped roof</term> means a roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) greater than 2:12.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD95B20BC367149CCB7B88385AD401E41" commented="no"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Thermal emittance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>thermal emittance</term> means the ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a material tested at a temperature near 300 kelvin.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H461A62FB625B4DBBA26D8291EF477353" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>204.</enum><header>Domestic natural gas price protection</header> <subsection id="H3A8628DA900446E0A1BA08AF6369B1D4"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Exportation of natural gas</header> <paragraph id="HAD49B41AFEEA40CAA7E84BC5FA5AC8EA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Exportation of natural gas</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/717b">15 U.S.C. 717b</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H5BCFD66630014AF7B94842A32197C844" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subsection id="H98F60F02466C49E48A52CD314382A30B"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Exportation of natural gas</header> <paragraph id="H7ED5CC2806C44EB9827C98EBD5024C3E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Order required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No person shall export any natural gas from the United States to a foreign country without first having secured an order of the Secretary of Energy authorizing it to do so. The Secretary of Energy may issue such order upon application only if, after opportunity for hearing, the Secretary of Energy finds that the proposed exportation will be consistent with the public interest. The Secretary of Energy may by its order grant such application, in whole or in part, with such modification and upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Energy may find necessary or appropriate, and may from time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and for good cause shown, issue such supplemental order for such exportation as it may find necessary or appropriate.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6E90FDB424CA4E85B93E61B0556A7C46"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Energy shall find whether proposed exportation of natural gas will be consistent with the public interest under paragraph (1) by not later than the date that is 1 year after the later of—</text> <subparagraph id="HF9CEFCBBFE0F4DB8B665D562FE80A59B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the date on which the Secretary of Energy receives the final environmental impact statement for such proposed exportation from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2CBE1CB959574A4D932CFFF483D37954"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the date on which the Secretary completes each assessment required by paragraph (4).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC7CA556363DF4705B48538BADAE83372" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Public interest finding</header><text>The Secretary of Energy may find that proposed exportation of natural gas for which an application is submitted under paragraph (1) will be consistent with the public interest under such paragraph only if the Secretary of Energy determines, based on the applicable assessment under paragraph (4), that the proposed exportation of natural gas will not be likely to—</text> <subparagraph id="HB8FEE53B4A374E3AB8D4249E1DF87D44"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">significantly contribute to climate change, including by slowing the global energy transition needed to achieve deep reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade and net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions not later than 2050;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAACEC96E282E4D51A454960C0A231525"><enum>(B)</enum><text>materially increase energy prices or energy price volatility for any segment of United States consumers; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD4A4FDDAF5234C95BD6EAB2840F4C449"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">create a disproportionate cumulative burden of adverse human or environmental impacts on Tribes and communities with environmental justice concerns, including in rural and urban low-income areas.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC0D0D0EBAA7545D7BDC33533904A95A8"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Assessments</header> <subparagraph id="HB81505B0AEBF44D1A845AE02DBFCC24F" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Climate change assessment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A determination under paragraph (3)(A) shall be based on an assessment of the expected impact of the proposed exportation of natural gas on climate change. Such assessment shall be based on the latest scientific information and use the 20-year global warming potential of methane, and shall include—</text> <clause id="H909855EABA0141B59EFD89D2174E5CAD" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">quantified estimates of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the full lifecycle of the natural gas proposed for exportation, including emissions associated with the extraction, transportation, liquefaction, storage, regasification, and consumption of such natural gas;</text></clause> <clause id="H030735451C77454180174A78803206E1" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a comparison of the estimated greenhouse gas emissions in clause (i) to a baseline that is consistent with the need to achieve deep reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade and deep decarbonization pathways toward net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions not later than 2050;</text></clause> <clause id="H01442E352B2F4825B7DDF3F0A96A6EFE" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an assessment of the potential effects of the proposed exportation of natural gas on clean energy alternatives, including—</text> <subclause id="HF237A5E9DF5D400984832BAC1FD85275" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any decrease in global investment in and deployment of renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency and conservation technologies; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H4F0C9C3194E44B889790B0BEFE4F4E2C" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any decrease in United States exports of clean energy technologies;</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H277DA3AB33F64D0781A46125AB9618DE" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">quantified estimates of the social cost of the estimated greenhouse gas emissions in clause (i); and</text></clause> <clause id="H7523FD1E946D4E0988A7F0D8F370DADE"> <enum>(v)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an identification of the extent to which climate change is accelerating the loss of economic value in the United States and, separately, in other countries, due to rising sea levels, more intense storms, eroding coasts, increased risk and severity of wildfires, and other impacts associated with climate change.</text> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA476DCE844E24DABB6A70DBD61DF2D09" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Economic assessment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A determination under paragraph (3)(B) shall be based on an assessment of the expected economic impact of the proposed exportation of natural gas, including an assessment of the impact of the proposed exportation on all United States consumers, with specific estimates regarding each of the following consumer subgroups:</text> <clause id="H7A3131858ABA4DFEAFDA9849F3CF769E" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Low-income consumers.</text></clause> <clause id="HB32AD16E6B81443BACC77B9D3A367552" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Working families.</text></clause> <clause id="HF59AB3AF20E842FD8FEF08C40C7A94E7" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Small businesses.</text></clause> <clause id="H4E5054C3A43641E1AC64263BF7B991CE" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Manufacturers.</text></clause> <clause id="H7E13DCE4C3E5402F9377C188AB6C6685" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>State, Tribal, and local governments.</text></clause> <clause id="HAAAAE376126644C59CCCA9C6F0B3153D" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>Producers and users of fertilizer.</text></clause> <clause id="HE81BA42713B84E73B572945D8316C85A"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>Facilities with high electricity demand, including data centers.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAB35E53935AE4304A6B259174BC51428" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Environmental justice assessment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A determination under paragraph (3)(C) shall be based on an assessment of the expected impact of the proposed exportation of natural gas on environmental justice (which shall be consistent with Executive Order 14096 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321</external-xref> note; relating to revitalizing our Nation's commitment to environmental justice for all), as published April 21, 2023), including assessments of impacts on—</text> <clause id="H1AB32166D2AD4C8F88E140B2F1A90D7C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the preexisting cumulative environmental burdens and social and health risks posed to Tribes and communities with environmental justice concerns, including in rural and urban low-income areas;</text></clause> <clause id="HD9181462944943259B0148C85EF09DC1" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">local fisheries and the economic livelihood of the people employed by local fisheries;</text></clause> <clause id="H023426FD602D48F58BC454F9921FEB1E" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">racial and socioeconomic disparities in impacted communities; and</text></clause> <clause id="HBD6156E66E944C48AF880531CC22C91D" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">compliance with civil rights laws.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA8C1BD9FE5774D10A8B1FDFAEC0FCC1A" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Public participation</header><text>The Secretary of Energy shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HF8A452BD9AC2498BA90C921C7C6179FB" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide to the public an opportunity to meaningfully participate, including by providing comments, in—</text> <clause id="HCC71B4352854428181C863C1525CBA88" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the finding of the Secretary of Energy on whether proposed exportation will be consistent with the public interest under paragraph (1); and</text></clause> <clause id="H32AB60166A884F4FA10F6DC3E0B22FD9" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>any study by the Department of Energy intended to inform such finding; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H162E8A7324FC44F081D48F440839AE12" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>ensure that opportunities to meaningfully participate under subparagraph (A) address barriers that affect members of communities with environmental justice concerns, including those related to disability, language access, and lack of resources.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEB24050B669D4324B7E5669E4A8501D0"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Major Federal action</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Issuing an order authorizing the exportation of natural gas under this subsection shall be considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4332">42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H52C07BB621E94CDB835F363CE349CB43"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Conforming amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/717b">15 U.S.C. 717b</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="H29C0B187DD6749A492B44A9FF54515CB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subsection (a)—</text> <clause id="H5264C7C925CD401F832B43CB5722DE55"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>export any natural gas from the United States to a foreign country or</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="H6A1790C774D54C4EA282F411AACBB804"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>to the United States</quote> after <quote>from a foreign country</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="HBABCA5CE0961410EBD6FD948A76341AB" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by striking <quote>exportation or</quote>; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCED11C8AFDC14DAC82E11FFEFED68B7F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in subsection (c)—</text> <clause id="H63C65B39067444759EEA80435ABEBD67"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by striking <quote>, or the exportation of natural gas to a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas,</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="H66AD3926F36449A9A769892DF2D7D238"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by striking <quote>or exportation</quote>.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HDC7074783D024AB8A51B0BF03612778C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Process coordination; hearings; rules of procedure</header><text>Section 15(b)(1) of the Natural Gas Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/717n">15 U.S.C. 717n(b)(1)</external-xref>) is amended by striking <quote>Commission</quote> and inserting <quote>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</quote>.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H83F975930D6242C9A40B3F1768E44E75" commented="no"> <enum>(c)</enum> <header>Termination of categorical exclusion for approval or disapproval of the exportation of natural gas</header> <text>The categorical exclusion under B5.7 of appendix B to subpart D of part 1021 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to export of natural gas and associated transportation by marine vessel), shall have no force or effect.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H57ABDCBB06824725818E2A90373BC13B" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall, after public notice and comment, issue a rule to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act.</text></subsection></section> <section id="H667A94F544804709A7F0AB43CC4B2DA2" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>205.</enum><header>Rural energy savings</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/7/8107a">7 U.S.C. 8107a</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H6A1F783BAC7D412385B402CB2433582F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEFF0DE3434D34F00BDACB4257994F410"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in paragraph (1)—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C114E4988384141BE7B3994611C88D2"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B), by striking <quote>or</quote> at the end;</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDAFF4BC523DC49E3BE3E9E4C4602BDEC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H598F771F940D468790BF6C9EB1D91AC7"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6585302186D54062ADC00227538CA635"> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA003A75388E94CCB8948D4C1A4A38DC9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/25/5304">25 U.S.C. 5304</external-xref>));</text></subparagraph> <after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3F15E7889E0B460BAFCBA6A3154377A6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (c)—</text> <subparagraph id="HD17F31231D9B4FDA9000C700A73AE868"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in the subsection heading, by inserting <quote><header-in-text style="OLC" level="subsection">and grants</header-in-text></quote> after <quote><header-in-text style="OLC" level="subsection">Loans</header-in-text></quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H82A2E7BC3F4344CB9BEE9544FDAD327E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE4701A99313648BCA3CA37D676C8C692"> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF0F8298524174B49BFB12254CAD74650"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H76FD4A42262A4E9AA63171FCD7C6BA6A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">loans to eligible entities that agree to use the loan funds to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing energy efficiency measures; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H71BDA77157224848A4DF4E2D55752A82"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">at the election of any eligible entity that receives a loan under subparagraph (A), a grant in accordance with paragraph (10).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H87C79FABA0084EA181427A2A3AF7C03C"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (2)—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5083F322D51641A99CE123ABDAE72FED"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the paragraph heading, by inserting <quote><header-in-text style="OLC" level="paragraph">for loans</header-in-text></quote> after <quote><header-in-text style="OLC" level="paragraph">Requirements</header-in-text></quote>; and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEDE68B3EAACF4913B3DF0B30800902BA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking <quote>that is</quote>;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE27816A216A3438D8C88F28E9255976F"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (5)—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBC42E3733D4A461682C4063ECC3FD3AB"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting the clauses appropriately;</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H40BDD90C057644D092A224B54D941274"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated), by striking <quote>With respect to a loan under paragraph (1)</quote> and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4F6ABF5BE5AC4EA3BD1566266BFE1A01"> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCCD30307E6FC4645A7941172DF439213"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to subparagraph (B), with respect to a loan under paragraph (1)(A)</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA1E24224361D45F98AF56DBA5B062239"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC76D418AAFA04B72B1603EB9DE768034"> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEB2E4A8B93914C719E782E497FCF51DA"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Extensions</header><text>The Secretary may extend the term of a loan under subparagraph (A)(i), or the deadline for the repayment of an advance under subparagraph (A)(ii), as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H49D154EFE1AA4591873E5806EAD8B3A4"><enum>(E)</enum><text>in paragraph (7)—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8E5A896CA60B42A18101324C2B821228"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (B), by striking <quote>paragraph (1)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (1)(A)</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD6076A09C0424CFBA8023A710C733F92"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (C), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking <quote>Repayment of the special advance</quote> and inserting <quote>Subject to an applicable extension under paragraph (5)(B), repayment of a special advance under this paragraph</quote>;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H985663CB70FD4320B52354F0AC2D6C97"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (8), by striking <quote>paragraph (1)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (1)(A)</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H707891E5A60249D59A1CB408FB97853B"><enum>(G)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4893D1E8FAA946DA8066A2319837B939"> <paragraph id="HAEF29FB554C449279BBB6932167F01D7"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Grants</header> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8879AF0446B640E4882B6E36BB735931"><enum>(A)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text>At the election of an eligible entity that receives a loan under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide to the eligible entity a grant to pay for a portion of the costs incurred in—</text> <clause id="H8A8A29863854417082E2C3E522E18DF1"><enum>(i)</enum><text>applying for the loan;</text></clause> <clause id="HEA0A2F1058024BDCB2CA244F9D895B20"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>making a loan to a qualified consumer under subsection (d);</text></clause> <clause id="HF4B5C2A0856743BBB6CC1765DCCD406E"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>making repairs to the property of a qualified consumer that facilitate the energy efficiency measures for the property financed through a loan provided to the qualified consumer under subsection (d);</text></clause> <clause id="H432807D2C4194C10B42C56390995D0E0"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>entering into a contract under subsection (e); or</text></clause> <clause id="H46A60209797E40DDAA5B03E65C4A87D4"><enum>(v)</enum><text>carrying out any other duties of the eligible entity under this section.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA0FEA0DDFE444C74B550F648EA64EE8D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Amount</header> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB5F829303E5B40649C2365E393AB1400"><enum>(i)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text>Except as provided in clause (ii), the amount of a grant provided to an eligible entity under this paragraph shall be equal to not more than 5 percent of the amount of the loan provided to the eligible entity under this subsection.</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD02FBD81FC714A868DD14004B555401B"><enum>(ii)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Persistent poverty counties</header><text>The amount of a grant provided under this paragraph to an eligible entity that will use the grant to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified consumers located in a persistent poverty county (as determined by the Secretary) shall be equal to 10 percent of the amount of the loan provided to the eligible entity under this subsection.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7B548320DFA643FA9FB2C55C93DF3976"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in subsection (d)—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB36ED3F6116844EE8020207D43ED02EA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in paragraph (1)—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDB1502289DE742FEB9BA9F832C6BE01C"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting <quote>or grant</quote> before <quote>funds</quote>; and</text> </clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB0BFD283B7214F8C91A9C784D11AEC3F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (B)—</text> <subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEB5DCC1801BB4615B77379837D1CE30B"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>(B) shall finance</quote> and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H964C129B360F456E9A478DCD14BB6ECD"> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H764380921F2042EF9F1FF8A32A9280AB"><enum>(B)(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may have a term and amortization schedule the length of which is the useful life of the energy efficiency measures implemented using the loan, provided that the loan to the qualified consumer does not exceed 20 years; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6282EB17A31242018C576D492FD0F53B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>shall finance</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subclause> <subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H38C1B2726EE440F3A4F59F73372FBB5C"><enum>(II)</enum><text>in clause (ii) (as so designated), by striking <quote>a loan term of not more than 10 years</quote> and inserting <quote>the applicable loan term described in clause (i)</quote>;</text></subclause></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2047F6451B1B4BA7BD45A1B2C7260776"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in subsection (e)—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3785C1BCCDF242F89176CEA6780D16E0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in the subsection heading, by inserting <quote><header-in-text style="OLC" level="subsection">outreach,</header-in-text></quote> after <quote><header-in-text style="OLC" level="subsection">training,</header-in-text></quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA94B7585492740FE97C6975FD5AA0905"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (1)—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7F13ED847281443D875736E6BA39DB0F"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (A), by striking <quote>and technical assistance of the program</quote> and inserting <quote>outreach, and technical assistance relating to the program under this section</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC495755FDD17497EBFDE73A7F30EBB2B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting <quote>, outreach,</quote> after <quote>technical assistance</quote>; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAC19E983BF9A4F68825F8DC68B3BB5DA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H30AAEBCFA18647A996CC359ED7E70B9E"> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAFE21253133F4B909FFC7FF24889AF11"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Funding</header><text>Of the amounts made available under subsection (i), the Secretary may use such sums as are necessary to provide outreach, training, and technical assistance under this subsection.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H37444EA969464867B88AAE7D1B3EC1DE"><enum>(5)</enum><text>in subsection (i), by striking <quote>2023</quote> and inserting <quote>2030</quote>.</text></paragraph></section> <enum>III</enum><header>Unclogging the low-cost, clean energy bottleneck</header> <section id="HDBE86FCF95ED4522BF6F0F3ED98E19E5"><enum>301.</enum><header>Expedited generator interconnection</header> <subsection id="HE40B20825AE643B3B5470AB70454968E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H98AF342195584652A21100C15BD3DCA3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology</header><text>The term <term>advanced transmission technology</term> means any hardware or software that—</text> <subparagraph id="HF967520020DB48DD8A765FAAEFD6832B"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission facilities and transmission technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC764C85A33A5445F891D475B7D4DCFEB"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is installed in addition to new or existing transmission facilities and transmission technologies—</text> <clause id="HEC67CA26F02844B79B71E9CE39F1867F"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to give operators of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more situational awareness and control over the electric grid;</text></clause> <clause id="HE33584E1E70A47078F7074861D34B07A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to make the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more efficient; or</text></clause> <clause id="HC32F13B0C3A24C5BA0AE4A28E3562582"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to increase the transfer capacity of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA2776EF4C43C4FBAAB723109904CC92C"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization, advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or physical systems that increase the usable transfer capability of the grid.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H684341FF9B48469EBDCBF8A6F4A84D8B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H78353BC850C54E7FAEEEBD2D50922A69"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Energy storage project</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>energy storage project</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="H6270F8E235754E92A629EE7933B96E49" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any equipment that receives, stores, and delivers energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by the Commission; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H548DF2D131EC443FAD13CF888AF08E71" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any project for the construction or modification of equipment described in subparagraph (A) as part of an effort to build-out transmission interconnection opportunities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H358AD0AA2F414BFB80B65445CA64F985"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Generation project</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>generation project</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="H3E4000FE50F74768B209BC4684F0EBF5" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any facility—</text> <clause id="H739F766571C94F69AD0B2A962C9947BF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>that generates or injects electricity; and</text></clause> <clause id="HC0D1C6DD2D3042BB9DD344418032B4B3" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>for which an interconnection request is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H79920A46E0994918BFCC7024C9B6A8AD" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any project for the construction or modification of a facility described in subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H25B4698747FF41BE8C35100ED2A05019"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Interconnection customer</header><text>The term <term>interconnection customer</term> means a person or entity that has submitted an interconnection request.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0CFDE7D832724A4AADE5BD8D9E47E0BB"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Interconnection request</header><text>The term <term>interconnection request</term> means a request submitted to a public utility to interconnect a new generation project or energy storage project to the electric system of a public utility for the purposes of transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce or the sale of electric energy at wholesale.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H536AD2AE7AAD459788A45E8FE22D3208"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Public utility</header><text>The term <term>public utility</term> has the meaning given the term in section 201(e) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824(e)</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8587AB8BF8124ED4BFA16280CDD94901"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Transmission facility</header><text>The term <term>transmission facility</term> means a facility that is used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB5E261D099AE421680D56706DE8C4894"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Transmission provider</header><text>The term <term>transmission provider</term> means a public utility that owns, operates, or controls 1 or more transmission facilities.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5FC80E9AAD16401C907E425F6847B973"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Transmission system</header><text>The term <term>transmission system</term> means a network of transmission facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H17915C4E5C0C460C819307B41BB065B4" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <enum>(b)</enum> <header>Rulemaking To expedite generator interconnection procedures</header> <paragraph id="H59BF3FC006824B2E91B81AB2316BBE97"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>In general</header> <text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking—</text> <subparagraph id="HD4B7CE1D0D91456C8C904C325583C99A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to address the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of existing procedures for processing interconnection requests to ensure that new generation projects and energy storage projects can interconnect quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H55296A1AE0B84FEF91D5B2B78DFDBC99"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to invalidate expedited interconnection processes, using its section 206 authority, that have been adopted in 2025 or 2026 and which are not in the pro forma interconnection agreement and which use eligibility criteria that have disproportionately selected natural gas and coal projects in comparison to other projects such as, wind, solar and electric battery storage projects; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8474604C220D4E9495CDCB1C47F66B19" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to revise the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and, as appropriate, the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement, promulgated pursuant to section 35.28(f) of title 18, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), to require transmission providers—</text> <clause id="H694FCFC4F61847A19E2F119517B8E3D5"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text>to develop and employ modeling assumptions for each resource type based on actual operating abilities and practices, for the purposes of studying an interconnection request, provided that the Commission shall not rely on such modeling assumptions to study projects out of queue priority;</text> </clause> <clause id="H8062261651D1497CAD5501C12620C668"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>to study interconnection requests in a manner consistent with the risk tolerance of the interconnection customer;</text> </clause> <clause id="H23CBA7C6F51D433C8D5108099944F023"> <enum>(iii)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to establish simplified and standardized study pathways for small-scale or community-based generation projects, including distributed energy resources and projects serving low-income communities;</text> </clause> <clause id="H0BE405CFB04B45438225E7F761275690"> <enum>(iv)</enum> <text>to select, as appropriate, 1 or more cost-effective solutions to address network reliability needs that may be identified while studying an interconnection request;</text> </clause> <clause id="H645B0D1F5C5140FDA5A65DCF71A8DFB1"> <enum>(v)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to provide sufficient information to interconnection customers for the interconnection customers to understand how a transmission provider has implemented the assumptions and solutions described in clauses (i) and (iv);</text> </clause> <clause id="H4F800D9128E24EEC839BDC6E0F1AD846"> <enum>(vi)</enum> <text>to share and employ, as appropriate, queue management best practices, including with respect to the use of computing technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, as well as standardized study criteria, in evaluating and processing interconnection requests, in order to expedite study results with respect to those requests; and</text> </clause> <clause id="HB86C26C27CC4418096C46FD9FBC80991"> <enum>(vii)</enum> <text>to implement transparency and performance-enhancing measures and requirements that transmission providers consider advanced transmission technologies to ensure timely and cost-conscious construction of necessary network upgrades once an interconnection agreement has been executed.</text> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HFD3BC471BA5540C3A548BFCC60B9A053"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Deadline for final rule</header> <text>Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule to complete the rulemaking initiated under paragraph (1).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HBF37004367604CCABFBE3051E7D6F2CD"> <enum>(3)</enum> <header>Deadline for compliance filings</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall require each applicable Transmission Provider subject to the final rule issued pursuant to this rulemaking to submit their compliance filings within 60 days of the issuance of the final order, and the Commission shall have 60 days thereafter to approve or reject the compliance filing. Any subsequent compliance filing thereafter shall be subject to these same timing requirements.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H514C38C16EC64D16A8AA45E0E7FCF159"> <enum>(4)</enum> <header>Savings clause</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nothing in this section alters, or may be construed to alter, the allocation of costs of the transmission system pursuant to the ratemaking authority of the Commission under section 205 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824d">16 U.S.C. 824d</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph> </subsection></section> <section id="HBF1FE4DF5ABF47A2B184E21CAA40AA00"><enum>302.</enum><header>Advanced transmission technologies</header> <subsection id="HFCD239AB2D1643F9BAE3E82F6C27F24C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H0B6E914955794A44B4802FD58B1BA16A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB34BD1F8D98542EBBF48673B2BEB789A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>advanced transmission technology</term> means any hardware or software that—</text> <subparagraph id="H5BCBBA79B9CB4B6EB45DD76E21F8F293" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission facilities and transmission technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6A49AC7C66334C61926488048041707D" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is installed in addition to new or existing transmission facilities and transmission technologies—</text> <clause id="HDD90AAC28D904AE3B445500C8EDBD5E4" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to give operators of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more situational awareness and control over the electric grid;</text></clause> <clause id="HA9928F8B92464FE3BBBFE0A47C38678B" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to make the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more efficient; or</text></clause> <clause id="H6E76F999A1B14A12B53F435B0D4AAC53" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to increase the transfer capacity of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H21AFA1C5A5FC487B892057733923D369"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization, advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or physical systems that increase the usable transfer capability of the grid.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H95D085F1AF414180B37B76C3B00358A5" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H8CDEE270AFCD45D1A20457F4D8C2E2C2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Shared savings incentive for advanced transmission technologies</header> <paragraph id="H6FA8AFFD20AC4D83B4271F63EB33D247" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Definition of developer</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this subsection, the term <term>developer</term>, with respect to advanced transmission technology, means the entity that pays to install the advanced transmission technology.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA8434B7CA1AA4752935A2B53C9B5F5DC" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment of shared savings incentive</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule to implement section 219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824s">16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(3)</external-xref>) by providing a shared savings incentive that returns a portion of the savings attributable to an investment in advanced transmission technology to the developer of that advanced transmission technology, in accordance with this subsection. The Commission may also establish alternative incentive mechanisms, including performance-based rate adjustments, accelerated depreciation, or return-on-equity adders, for utilities or transmission owners for which a shared-savings approach is impracticable.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H06ED49F3A7F94BB28D63F13A849B8A09" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements</header> <subparagraph id="H42EF725999F6417D95384CE66EB77E66" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall determine the percentage of savings attributable to an investment in advanced transmission technology that can be returned to the developer of that advanced transmission technology pursuant to the shared savings incentive established under paragraph (2), subject to the conditions that the percentage—</text> <clause id="HBB3FB169F1064894A60F75788D7AAB45" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is not less than 10 percent and not more than 25 percent;</text></clause> <clause id="HF605E714B09A426589E5B8D19BBA9B1F" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is not determined on a per-project, per-investment, or case-by-case basis; and</text></clause> <clause id="HCA7259C5771E48BF88BE3609503A0E0C" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>is applied consistently to all investments in advanced transmission technology eligible for the shared savings incentive, regardless of the type of advanced transmission technology installed.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEDB4C1AC43F24F598869AB506D72ECFD" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Time period for recovery</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The shared savings incentive established under paragraph (2) shall return a percentage, determined in accordance with subparagraph (A), of the applicable savings to the developer of the applicable advanced transmission technology over a period of 10 years.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6ADD809E34BE4F879778119A8D890D3A"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Eligibility</header><text>Subject to paragraph (5), the shared savings incentive established under paragraph (2) shall apply with respect to—</text> <subparagraph id="H4B4C7A0AE2B8403F95D138B368CE6A0E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any developer, with respect to the investment of that developer in advanced transmission technology that is installed as described in subsection (a)(2)(B); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7BBAB73F8EE746D790FF7D4CF6269BB2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any advanced transmission technology, including—</text> <clause id="H494D4FC6D6F641B290FC3D976A41ABE2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">advanced transmission technology that relates to new transmission facilities or transmission technologies; and</text></clause> <clause id="HB44F7BD10BE442809913B6676D1A4288" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>advanced transmission technology that relates to existing transmission facilities or transmission technologies.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H960E75CD341C489BA6A1154640810DCA" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Limitations</header> <subparagraph id="H04C161A80D8E40E1A1299F997DB71FC6" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Minimum savings</header> <clause id="H4A8A599B03B5418CAB40F1E0B3C61945" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The shared savings incentive established under paragraph (2) shall apply with respect to an investment in advanced transmission technology only if the expected savings attributable to the investment over the 3-year period described in paragraph (3)(B), as determined by the Commission and appropriately adjusted to reflect net present value of the expected savings, are at least 2 times the cost of the investment.</text></clause> <clause id="H248C7F34D5EA4004826F294AC3F93E14" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Determination</header> <subclause id="H629479E0D4D44EF39EFB0FFF0A6FB53F" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall determine how to quantify the cost of an investment and the expected savings attributable to an investment for purposes of clause (i).</text></subclause> <subclause id="HA853B832E00049F9B453F1DE39E38E6E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Costs</header><text>For purposes of clause (i), the cost of an investment may include any costs associated with the permitting, installation, or purchase of the applicable advanced transmission technology.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H80DBD45B8F8D431FBF9080CD2D057E33" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Already installed advanced transmission technologies</header><text>The shared savings incentive established under paragraph (2) may not be applied with respect to advanced transmission technology that is already installed as of the date of enactment of this Act.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H255D13D1618B4AF58AAAC16B1B36AF6A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Consumer protection</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall determine appropriate consumer protections for the shared savings incentive established under paragraph (2).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEF5B762B2E3245AF971292C3296E8CFF"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Evaluation and sunset of shared savings incentive</header> <subparagraph id="H693476820FDF4A9DA775085F170E195E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Evaluation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not earlier than 7 years, and not later than 10 years, after the shared savings incentive is established under paragraph (2), the Commission shall—</text> <clause id="HAFD2EF5E725948FBBD976E49595F5603" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">evaluate the necessity and efficacy of the shared savings incentive; and</text></clause> <clause id="H5C15FF6573A94EA1AB5C70DF4D09E36E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">determine whether to maintain, revise, or suspend the shared savings incentive.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H419E6E061F9C450AA5F39778409B5A02" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Consideration of Order No. 1920</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In conducting the evaluation under subparagraph (A)(i), the Commission shall consider—</text> <clause id="H4B7E7F31138F4A9693692C7458EE60C2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">how the shared savings incentive aligns with the requirement that advanced transmission technologies be considered in long-term regional transmission planning under Order No. 1920 of the Commission, entitled <quote>Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation</quote> (89 Fed. Reg. 49280 (June 11, 2024)) (or a successor order);</text></clause> <clause id="HE3B34D04566D43EA8670627D874974C2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether and how the shared savings incentive should be revised to further align with that requirement; and</text></clause> <clause id="HFB191D077606411BBE6BB0C30A915912" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>whether, in light of that requirement, the shared savings incentive should be maintained or suspended.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7152EB00256A4066B079F1C2DBAEF471" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Public comment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In conducting the evaluation under subparagraph (A)(i), the Commission shall provide an opportunity for public comment, including by stakeholders.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H0D9AC49DBC504372AAC1CEF4CD8D8AB1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Congestion reporting</header> <paragraph id="H40FEF722C8EB4EA4AD0C262B3024D3C3" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Annual reports</header> <subparagraph id="HEE0DBD50F70E4752A3140B427C5140E3" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text>Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the effective date of the rule promulgated under paragraph (2), all operators of transmission facilities or transmission technologies shall submit to the Commission annual reports containing data on the costs associated with congestion management with respect to the transmission facilities or transmission technologies, including all relevant constraints.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAAF4ECA7B503481E8DF78AA9FAE4D991" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>Each annual report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall identify—</text> <clause id="HE5FDC8B7DC484F2681CA1CC85A5D30DB" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">with respect to each reported constraint that caused more than $500,000 in associated costs—</text> <subclause id="H31A24B238F0845DE822A610A96B427AC" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the cause of the constraint, including physical infrastructure and transient disruptions; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H4A5C70AEE14D4A1B992D98320BD8D77A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the next limiting element type and its identified rating limit; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HAC33EDF69A1C47D9827352B03E8D7AA1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>each constraint that will be addressed by planned future upgrades to infrastructure and facilities.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H92E11B4531E7413FBBC36FCDFB66C2B8" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule establishing a universal metric and protocol for the measuring and reporting of data under paragraph (1).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5FD0E99A55754CCDB2224A8BC3FC9ADB" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Uses of data</header> <subparagraph id="HD202DD4DC8C94570A29516BF36224674" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Analyses</header> <clause id="HB3ED185AACF840EDBE8F88D72E04EC1A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission and the Secretary shall each use the data submitted under paragraph (1) to conduct analyses, as the Commission or the Secretary, as applicable, determines to be appropriate.</text></clause> <clause id="H6C67114FAAD24415AA24DE85F912C21C" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text>The Commission and the Secretary may coordinate with respect to any analyses conducted using the data submitted under paragraph (1).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE70B8E87996E49228798DE5EEB5F8446" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Map</header><text>The Commission and the Secretary, acting jointly, shall—</text> <clause id="HA99A63CC847B483C8A416B904C19C543" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">use the data submitted under paragraph (1) to create a map of costs associated with congestion management in the transmission system; and</text></clause> <clause id="H9AD6A6E0D75D48AC9DD1618DA907847E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">update that map not less frequently than once each year.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFD68CC4300F447D5B25CC82BF56235E2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Publication of data and map</header><text>The Commission and the Secretary shall make the data submitted under paragraph (1) and the map described in paragraph (3)(B) publicly available on the websites of—</text> <subparagraph id="H97F021627DF54B80B265BE63DCB04079" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Commission; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBC156CF29B4846DF9D135790E026126C" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Department of Energy.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H597F1473E8DB4D01A0BB53EDAB9453AB" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology application guide</header> <paragraph id="H6E2B2A3CB03443F8B3DD7500745AF3F1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Definition of developer</header><text>In this section, the term <term>developer</term> means a developer of transmission facilities or transmission technologies, including a developer of transmission facilities or transmission technologies that pays to install advanced transmission technology with respect to those transmission facilities or transmission technologies.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H28572DD4A8FB4E129695DA5B29E6F930" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Establishment of application guide</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an application guide for utilities and developers seeking to implement advanced transmission technologies.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFD4B68CA96774165B9C195B0804C54FC" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>The guide established under paragraph (2) shall be reviewed and updated annually.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H82A11B1C6C9049A997468C33B29F2766" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Technical assistance</header> <subparagraph id="H82723D6C18BB4BD2B4B11529732E18FA" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">On request of a utility or developer using the guide established under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide technical assistance to that utility or developer with respect to the use of advanced transmission technologies for particular applications.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9C82D9DF05B44EB7931C08BD75954257" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Clearinghouse</header><text>In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse of previously completed advanced transmission technology projects that the Secretary, utilities, and developers may use to identify issues and solutions relating to the use of advanced transmission technologies for particular applications.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCBF632D3DF5245AB829A8209C5CE9C63" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, to remain available until expended—</text> <subparagraph id="H072CA44FD97B484CA42109CFEED412BB" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H199E239D950B4DDDB27C571AC2A6D074" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2037.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> </section> <section id="H97218FA8ABD344D4863485A4F2B9ECD6" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>303.</enum><header>Electricity transformers</header> <subsection id="H79EFF8319EC34790B63AE9DB4EC802E9"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Defense Production Act</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated $2,100,000,000 for the President, acting through the Secretary of Energy, under the authority of title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/50/4531">50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.</external-xref>), to expand domestic manufacturing of transformers and grid components, including amorphous steel, grain-oriented electrical steel, flexible transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear and substations to serve load and interconnect generation, and inverters and optimizers to integrate the influx of distributed generators.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HC2C8A32DDEC34FC1A0DD9E74E43C497D"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Strategic Transformer Resilience Program</header> <paragraph id="HE33AF815E61E4FF5846FE1D3840752D3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <subparagraph id="H0D4888C8F64F46D9BCB4D8E990F35FAE"> <enum>(A)</enum> <header>Bulk-power system; Electric Reliability Organization</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The terms <term>bulk-power system</term> and <term>Electric Reliability Organization</term> have the meanings given those terms in section 215(a) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824o">16 U.S.C. 824o(a)</external-xref>).</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H99B4D64C27334C5D9087EA65CE618DDC"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Independent System Operator; Regional Transmission Organization; State regulatory authority</header><text>The terms <term>Independent System Operator</term>, <term>Regional Transmission Organization</term>, and <term>State regulatory authority</term> have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEDB8F536EE24463084D0A84EB93EBA61" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H383FE779D0D84FFC9293175AEFE1AFDB"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Strategy and report</header> <subparagraph id="H2443463FBE754FFFA08B98CAE0AD92C3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a strategy, and submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report identifying methods—</text> <clause id="HC0E38728387F431CB8D1278241848EF8"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to ensure that large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric grid equipment is strategically located to ensure timely replacement of that equipment as necessary to rapidly restore operation and proper functioning of the electric grid in the event of severe damage to the electric grid due to physical attack, cyber attack, electromagnetic pulses, geomagnetic disturbances, severe weather, climate change, or seismic events; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF67178B0CB95490497BC629CB00EF9ED"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to facilitate the transportation of large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric grid equipment.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H34F09358FD5E4BC796FA698B05CE3165"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Considerations</header> <clause id="HA95FA33D52E04CCFAEF9B22AF3022BFD"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In developing the strategy under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the need for, and the feasibility of establishing, 1 or more federally owned strategic equipment reserves, as appropriate, to ensure nationwide access to large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric grid equipment.</text></clause> <clause id="HFDFAE07E693A4C2489737B5652B51EB6"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Existing programs</header><text>In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary may consider existing spare transformer and equipment programs and requirements established by the private sector, Regional Transmission Organizations, Independent System Operators, and State regulatory authorities.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H02B9BE9D8CB54504865E125901823956"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Consultation required</header><text>In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with—</text> <clause id="HDDE533B00F514914A2179440E4A9648C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;</text></clause> <clause id="H363FBCEE19E54AC897A4AEFF9AE99051"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council;</text></clause> <clause id="HA9988B279A5D4831B17F9FC3F32E3479"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the Electric Reliability Organization;</text></clause> <clause id="H004A8F8DD9864967A201177784725A27" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">manufacturers of large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric grid equipment;</text></clause> <clause id="H497B90B06EAE4D17AD2B91DB94862920"> <enum>(v)</enum> <text>owners and operators of critical electric infrastructure (as defined in section 215A(a) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824o-1">16 U.S.C. 824o–1(a)</external-xref>)); and</text> </clause> <clause id="HED37D781585D4E548D14C818908C1148"> <enum>(vi)</enum> <text>owners and operators of military installations (as defined in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States Code) and defense sites (as defined in section 2710(e) of that title), including facilities designated as critical defense facilities under section 215A(c) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824o-1">16 U.S.C. 824o–1(c)</external-xref>);</text> </clause> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2711CEF54DD94917849F27EF051B7F82"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Transformer resilience program</header><text>In addition to the strategy developed under subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish a program—</text> <subparagraph id="HD0B1137E9FD94836B74EC3A5EB96FD13"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to improve large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric grid equipment by reducing vulnerabilities identified with respect to that equipment;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1EC6B5B687C340F7A8B38C19595B0939"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to develop, test, and deploy innovative equipment designs, including modular designs, that are more flexible and offer greater resiliency with respect to the operation and functioning of the electric grid;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HECF5F3258E9440CB82AFDBD1AEB92D99"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to coordinate with industry and manufacturers to standardize large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, and other critical electric grid equipment;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF960225F1F8C43929D8E5604749C6B44"><enum>(D)</enum><text>to monitor and test large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, and other critical electric grid equipment that the Secretary determines may pose a risk to the bulk-power system or national security; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7AAFCFA2C86545578AB7B71565100D9C"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to facilitate the domestic manufacturing of large power transformers, generator step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric grid equipment through—</text> <clause id="H016BCC52E52D4931A027577A514E170A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the issuance of grants and loans; and</text></clause> <clause id="HC2D8211AEDEC4F45AC4C15F9C52B6942"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the provision of technical support.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA1E500953B2C436F9C434F83F3F59149"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Requirement</header> <subparagraph id="HCB1529EAA5864175814E60712B84BD19"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work carried out, in whole or in part, with financial assistance made available under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/40/31">chapter 31</external-xref> of title 40, United States Code.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4095DF46B7D04059B50888F2510054D7"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Authority</header><text>With respect to the labor standards specified in this subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H15017504BBDE43CA81A11B6E25F799C2"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.</text></paragraph></subsection> </section> <section id="H8BE3ABBBCB0B4A15A3074D461840041A" section-type="subsequent-section" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>304.</enum><header>Streamlining permitting of distributed energy</header> <subsection id="H317F7C4E1E9C4F7B968B3763B2FADDB0"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HC0D622F36F3E4CC59639FC130066573B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authority having jurisdiction</header><text>The term <term>authority having jurisdiction</term> means any State, county, local, or Tribal office or official with jurisdiction—</text> <subparagraph id="H3D542843C04C473CAD21D1F92BB01C18"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to issue permits relating to qualifying distributed energy systems;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD58A3CE9A0064AB584F7EE4193D89F65"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to conduct inspections to enforce the requirements of a relevant code or standard relating to qualifying distributed energy systems; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA3AF4522F1904EFBBA31BA1AC700BCB6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to approve the installation of, or the equipment and materials used in the installation of, qualifying distributed energy systems.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HED9F16E1B3564DE1A66135AEF5C6E50C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Qualifying distributed energy system</header><text>The term <term>qualifying distributed energy system</term> means any equipment or materials installed in, on, or near a residential building to support onsite or local energy use, including—</text> <subparagraph id="H3BD4BD6C10B241F39D8C88B6F897945A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to generate electricity from distributed renewable energy sources, including from—</text> <clause id="H1080F0007EEC4407AC47063BCF5E493A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>solar photovoltaic systems or similar solar energy technologies; and</text></clause> <clause id="HAC1D44F243494C41BD9E4B7B4AA40996"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>wind power systems;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5B50B0E21B2D445698C7E6BCB6C61BF6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to store and discharge electricity from batteries with a capacity of at least 2 kilowatt hours;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA6352497BA2D4E039A657D00F39F0124"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to charge a plug-in electric drive vehicle at a power rate of at least 2 kilowatts; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDD6A3F806FDD45BF91F457508B270199"><enum>(D)</enum><text>to refuel a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H977C4C34A06642A8931885460FE61E6C" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H710C8E4101D14033A3BB9B3044F984CD"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Program</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with trade associations and other entities representing distributed energy system installers and organizations representing State, local, and Tribal governments engaged in permitting, shall carry out a program to further develop, expand, and support the adoption of a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process for authorities having jurisdiction to use for the permitting of qualifying distributed energy systems.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HF75885ECAEE84F51BE5B8E3479135AE9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Activities of the program</header><text>In carrying out the program established under subsection (b), the Secretary shall—</text> <paragraph id="H0FF09244CA374874B8405D23B6E3A194"><enum>(1)</enum><text>further develop and expand an exemplary streamlined permitting process that includes an online permitting platform—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBD3D272310AA41898DF4E2B0B819DD3D"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for expediting, standardizing, and streamlining permitting; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5471B9C524D147DD96991B546DCAD72A"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that authorities having jurisdiction may voluntarily use to receive, review, and approve permit applications relating to qualifying distributed energy systems;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9F0B7E32CDE24A18B8A6237030EA85B7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>establish targets for the adoption of a streamlined, expedited permitting process by authorities having jurisdiction;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF2A8BCF880BF4A08A8FF744A5C31B05C"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide technical assistance and training directly or indirectly to authorities having jurisdiction on using and adopting the exemplary streamlined permitting process described in paragraph (1), including the adoption of any necessary building codes;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H725DA712633F4CA29D601488F7422FDB"><enum>(4)</enum><text>develop a voluntary inspection protocol and related tools to expedite, standardize, and streamline the inspection of qualifying distributed energy systems, including—</text> <subparagraph id="H323CBCB5AFE54024A5654764A64B7AED"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by investigating the potential for using remote inspections;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H87A0578E5EF44217A30E180F024E664B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by investigating the potential for sample-based inspection for distributed energy system installers with a demonstrated track record of high-quality work; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD7F7F517335C45D682805EAE90F86D64"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by investigating opportunities to integrate the voluntary inspection protocol into the online permitting platform described in paragraph (1) and the platforms of government software providers; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD36F66CDC67B469EBC577D0BAB35E1ED"><enum>(5)</enum><text>take any other action to expedite, standardize, streamline, or improve the process for permitting, inspecting, or interconnecting qualifying distributed energy systems.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H8D36F200038744149514616B2765827D"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Support services</header><text>The Secretary shall—</text> <paragraph id="H8067C9DCFE41419CB2991DEBA1DEFA30"><enum>(1)</enum><text>support the provision of technical assistance to authorities having jurisdiction, any administrator of the online permitting platform described in subsection (c)(1), government software providers, and any other entity determined appropriate by the Secretary in carrying out the activities described in subsection (c); and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H181A0932722F4E4AA2CADA556F653523"><enum>(2)</enum><text>provide such financial assistance as the Secretary determines appropriate from any funds appropriated to carry out this section.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB24A18E09D124F48BA5554E90A0C8809"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Authority having jurisdiction certification program</header> <paragraph id="H694F835E22294A6BAAE6D5F43727D480"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary may certify authorities having jurisdiction that implement the exemplary streamlined permitting process described in subsection (c)(1).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H75B36D43DBB440A5AA1D2DC0C96716E2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Process</header><text>The Secretary may confer a certification under paragraph (1) through existing programs within the Department of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3A6284ACBB5A4303B6CA5D7E80EBFC79"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Prizes</header><text>The Secretary may award prizes to authorities having jurisdiction, using funds appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section, to encourage authorities having jurisdiction to adopt the exemplary streamlined permitting process or the voluntary inspection protocol established under paragraphs (1) and (4) of subsection (c), respectively.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H032A0F7997C84FD59D8596D0E3535B4D"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.</text></subsection></section> <section id="HB23EC6C6BE564AD0A23F84200CE9B4C0"><enum>305.</enum><header>Community solar</header> <subsection id="H24A00610C0384225B6DEB2D8168EEEBA"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of community solar consumer choice program</header> <paragraph id="H49C08D8141D4445C9D1E13635ECDFD3E" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to increase the opportunities for participation in community solar programs by—</text> <subparagraph id="H07F0C38F407E4F80953508C19FA2EF95" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">individuals, prioritizing individuals that do not have regular access to onsite solar, including low- and moderate-income individuals and individuals living in energy communities;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8F3E9179A3454D15BDC586043092CDEC" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>businesses;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCCDD79289F524921BC6BC79596BC8B4B" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>nonprofit organizations; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7F14B580E9D04FC1BE8856DB73DE34F9" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>States and local and Tribal governments.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0450BF2D83FB4A449D4577E0C544EEE3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Alignment with existing Federal programs</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall align the program established under paragraph (1) with existing Federal programs that serve low-income communities.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5ABBE3C48AFA4855B69DD66D7324A65C" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HF973A6149A66491ABCF0C749E1A09BFE" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide technical assistance to eligible entities for projects to increase the number of community solar facilities;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H17B1B8857F7549B5A3911E9BC6283E62" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">assist eligible entities in the development of new and innovative financial and business models that leverage competitive processes in order to serve community solar subscribers; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9C1409C5309747418FAE325B4E7540A4" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>use National Laboratories to collect and disseminate data to assist private entities in the financing of, subscription to, and operation of community solar programs.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HCCC54D62BEC94B9482A247E6D4A12CB7"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Federal Government participation in community solar programs</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall, as the Secretary determines appropriate, expand the existing grant, loan, and financing programs of the Department of Energy to include community solar programs.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H58D3880C545C4B568B2CE04EF34153B7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Establishment of community solar programs</header> <paragraph id="H18A396B5C59B4C5D9462955323DF7122"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2621">16 U.S.C. 2621(d)</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H3A9277A894BF4A9BBC1010A4F86E4706" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HD3DF1C87A205468DAED3ADA8CC1543FB"><enum>(22)</enum><header>Community solar programs</header> <subparagraph id="H53D9A3659AB24B29814F643900E048D8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each electric utility shall offer a community solar program that provides all ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, equitable and demonstrable access to such community solar program. Such programs may include community solar facilities owned or operated by non-utility entities and shall not restrict participation to utility-owned facilities.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9809911339DB4AD1BFD2041B79D61F7D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For the purposes of this paragraph:</text> <clause id="H54AF5FB55D734B28B3D00D527A5A915F"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Community solar program</header><text>The term <term>community solar program</term> means a service provided to any electric consumer that the electric utility serves through which the value of electricity generated by a community solar facility may be used to reduce total charges billed to the electric consumer.</text></clause> <clause id="H1763BFAF7CD64C5090C3ECC29B8D2889"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Community solar facility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>community solar facility</term> means a solar photovoltaic system that—</text> <subclause id="HAFF1081AF6F24CD48BA9EA9867770083"><enum>(I)</enum><text>allocates electricity to multiple electric consumers of an electric utility;</text> </subclause> <subclause id="H232A889E261E467FB7946AEE78C110AA"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is interconnected with the electric grid; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H5650468DDC2C45A5923896CCAB30AF7E"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is located either on or off the property of the electric consumers described in subclause (I).</text> </subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H150AE7D0EF42424DA4F38108BEB92DAB"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compliance</header> <subparagraph id="H1174F91E3F5248DB94C2C242AA612F7C"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Time limitations</header><text>Section 112(b) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2622">16 U.S.C. 2622(b)</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H28704D39892046A4B34300A12D4BF0B2" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HFCD325B42B524C9D8C3855F99E4F7A02"><enum>(9)</enum> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HE3DCF359C3F74C24B7C7E8145B034CDC"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility shall commence consideration under section 111, or set a hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H49340CC5C18E48B5B0D7F5F514EBA97D" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility shall complete the consideration and make the determination under section 111 with respect to the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4A8C6AD8E4C04FF39E0589F447A61689"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Failure to comply</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 112(c) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2622">16 U.S.C. 2622(c)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <clause id="HA6333389126A4C6BA31837610E514EF0"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by striking <quote>subsection (b)(2)</quote> and inserting <quote>subsection (b)</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="H8361E7090B4C44A7B8C333B5353CC806"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following: <quote>In the case of the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of that paragraph (22).</quote>.</text></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9B8ACF910A9B4ED488EC731BF893DA39"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Prior State actions</header> <clause id="H7E4B6B2ED6054FFB8E1CDCA850709A7D"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Section 112 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2622">16 U.S.C. 2622</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HD572F322837C4412A03C9E657D70F65D" style="OLC"> <subsection id="HD27B1E50EDC64E5A865209D44763D0CC"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Prior State actions</header><text>Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d) in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before the date of enactment of this subsection—</text> <paragraph id="H69F99251761E47AEA836A50D22387A16" indent="paragraph"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the State has implemented for the electric utility the standard (or a comparable standard);</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H126111372D8C4606822AF13CBFC11C17" indent="paragraph"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the State regulatory authority for the State or the relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility; or</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0F14708BDDD246B69B90B9FD20F7A0EF" indent="paragraph"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the State legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause> <clause id="HCDA61B6C7E704752BFDA738893CABBED"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Cross-reference</header><text>Section 124 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2634">16 U.S.C. 2634</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following: <quote>In the case of the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of that paragraph (22).</quote>.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H315E728B3534479192C0C006B7F46C9B"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Federal contracts for public utility services</header><text>Section 501(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block id="HD17AAE19947B4D4FBE0B263D463D6109" style="OLC"> <subparagraph id="H6E9ECC82B3FE4D86B2665A6C0F0EFCB7"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Public utility contracts</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A contract under this paragraph for public utility services may be for a period of not more than 30 years.</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H44C2113DE36948E38E150D50152B23DA" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H4CDFB685F9574A44A65ED0969D01E923" commented="no"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>Community solar facility; community solar program</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The terms <term>community solar facility</term> and <term>community solar program</term> have the meaning given such terms in paragraph (22) of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2621">16 U.S.C. 2621(d)</external-xref>), as added by subsection (c) of this section.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H520026F097DD4FF2AE22591FA15820A4" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Community solar subscriber</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>community solar subscriber</term> means an electricity customer that receives or purchases a proportional share of the output of a community solar facility under an ownership, subscription, or power purchase arrangement approved by the applicable regulatory authority.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3E3909DCECD243E894FA6C4C0C9DCAFC" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Eligible entity</header><text>The term <term>eligible entity</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HAD3088DB2442440CB4D86A3A18B64D80" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a State or political subdivision of a State;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H54A91C54763A470FB9137766BC7E4257" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a unit of local government;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC518B43B5BBB414CACA8F1245D0BE263" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/25/5304">25 U.S.C. 5304</external-xref>));</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA8BC51ACF0D34C8B83B8842829AFE911" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>a territory of the United States; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1719B05663CF47E3A8201A65F7CA31EB" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>an authority, agency, or instrumentality of, or an entity owned by, 1 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4B2AAA10477B4D43AAD74A10F267316D" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Energy community</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>energy community</term> has the meaning given such term in <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/26/45">section 45(b)(11)</external-xref> of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/26/45">26 U.S.C. 45(b)(11)</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H08AB4824B52843CF90829B8D9953F582" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>National Laboratories</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>National Laboratories</term> has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/15801">42 U.S.C. 15801</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7B40CD0B922844A386DF5A8A12BDC3AB" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HDD142C983EAD45359349D2BC922A2D1C"><enum>306.</enum><header>Low-cost, clean energy in United States territories</header> <subsection id="H3917DE14D6474846BC99D15A5AE6EBAE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Clean energy grant program</header> <paragraph id="HF206594C97BF48A5B7135C9B11CA1567"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a renewable energy program (in this section referred to as the <quote>program</quote>) under which the Secretary may award grants to covered entities to facilitate projects, in territories of the United States, described in paragraph (3).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H62808E57269C4A6F9A291A42F852A7CF"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Applications</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be eligible for a grant under the program, a covered entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H60F87B5909234C5F987DD3C2651E672A"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Grant uses</header> <subparagraph id="H828D9ADBB6A84C849635E22F2911E821"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A covered entity receiving a grant under the program may use grant funds for a project, in a territory of the United States—</text> <clause id="H1952A3AF81B946858C73F61807D4045B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to develop or construct a renewable energy system;</text></clause> <clause id="H15081C3400A94E5CBE05CCA763506194"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to carry out an activity to increase energy efficiency or demand flexibility;</text></clause> <clause id="H785F4A3D90B0492BB17AA4B4567E466C"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to develop or construct an energy storage system or device for—</text> <subclause id="H6C91F8560BB345339341599B461AA057"><enum>(I)</enum><text>a system developed or constructed under clause (i); or</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD396DE11039A418D9F02B48673E39337"><enum>(II)</enum><text>an activity carried out under clause (ii);</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HE194719FE63443AA89023E288A5B16CD"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>to develop or construct—</text> <subclause id="HED0C7421E89C441B9514677FC1E07620"><enum>(I)</enum><text>a smart grid; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H05A0A9F2D9A64828B42C401192E213DE"><enum>(II)</enum><text>a microgrid; or</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H2F056EDF933F43B8A4F1602B24B2E621"><enum>(v)</enum><text>to train residents of the territory of the United States to develop, construct, maintain, or operate a renewable energy system.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4127C4C40F094A29B04D5A573F51E30F"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>A covered entity receiving a grant under the program may not use grant funds to develop or construct a facility that generates electricity using energy derived from fossil fuels.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H87A08756096B495997C4B8887EE8132C"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Technical assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Energy shall ensure that Department of Energy national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to each covered entity carrying out a project assisted with a grant under the program.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC452489FD77C480BAE7BB5248806280C"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the establishment of the program, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing—</text> <subparagraph id="HC1D0099CFBBC43C8B9EAAA79D92DF346"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an estimate of the amount of funds disbursed under the program;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H56F4B827515C4AACA4EC93E13A774EE8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an estimate of the energy conservation achieved as a result of the program;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF1F99DE756EC4EC1AD895DD713F3F3BB"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a description of challenges encountered in implementing projects described in paragraph (3)(A);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF1401C8F73CD49D891FDCC878510ED58"><enum>(D)</enum><text>recommendations as to additional legislative measures to increase the use of renewable energy in territories of the United States, as appropriate;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H285E9327C40F495DB01C61356C1FC13C"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">recommendations for improving resilience and dependability of projects described in paragraph (3)(A);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H98423BB06FAF48678D5791B655D762F4"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">recommendations for furthering the long-term energy independence of U.S. territories covered by this program; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8A3C8C96948A44A8B7741BD81F62A39F"><enum>(G)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">findings regarding the effect of this program on consumer energy prices and how it can be improved to continue lowering those prices.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE98EA6872319488BA6FAF5F564912BAA"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H774C90D9FA484A84A251195242CCCEAE"><enum>(b)</enum><header>GAO study and report</header> <paragraph id="H42E497F801C8445FB3D3F2C3CBDC4C05"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header> <subparagraph id="HB10FCB00AD7D4BF9BB7D12C9219957FF"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Study and report</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—</text> <clause id="HF1ABBA86CDB641409C56CC6CCFC973CA"><enum>(i)</enum><text>conduct a study regarding renewable energy, energy efficiency, and demand flexibility in territories of the United States; and</text></clause> <clause id="H09E2180D32CC4DE29E4F0F9F8D8927D7"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>submit to Congress a report containing—</text> <subclause id="H09FFADF4260749269F711C652AB65C51"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the findings of the study; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H452030E701B1487B9696AE5DE60E7148"><enum>(II)</enum><text>related recommendations.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD2DE9C96D1C94C82AEB3FC5842E4D736"> <enum>(B)</enum> <header>Components</header> <text>The study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall consider, in relation to each territory of the United States, the potential—</text> <clause id="H64B65A5030564FFB82460BEB38166FAB"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text>to modify existing electric power systems to use renewable energy sources;</text> </clause> <clause id="H485BA8DAC68E4CEFB5A76BFB7673D701"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>to expand the use of microgrids; and</text> </clause> <clause id="H9D60EE118B51460F8293041AF81B043F"> <enum>(iii)</enum> <text>to improve energy resiliency.</text> </clause> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCCBEEDCF6F7548249B17E3F8023FFB88"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000 to carry out this section.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB1193EB8CA8243D9A748AFCC599F31E6"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this Act, the following definitions apply:</text> <paragraph id="H6A039E30A6704409A1A7F09980586B58"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Covered entity</header><text>The term <term>covered entity</term> means a not-for-profit organization determined eligible by the Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of this Act.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8978B05718904C6F9FCA7A34947968A5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Department of Energy national laboratories</header><text>The term <term>Department of Energy national laboratories</term> has the same meaning as the term <term>National Laboratory</term> under section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/15801">42 U.S.C. 15801</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4DA3384C6D41432BBC1B73F15D464471"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Microgrid</header><text>The term <term>microgrid</term> means an electric system—</text> <subparagraph id="H6F092F015AAD4DFE939ECD016C862E62"><enum>(A)</enum><text>that serves the local community with a power generation and distribution system; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7517E55E2F494AB0B2EFCDBFB9E8119E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>that has the ability—</text> <clause id="H7F1102E94C974047A64BEB13B06E145F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to disconnect from a traditional electric grid; and</text></clause> <clause id="H99E0524C77EF4B05B540FAF33CC3FB6B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to operate autonomously when disconnected.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3856F713357B404E960B708EF19AE6D6"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Renewable energy; renewable energy system</header><text>The terms <term>renewable energy</term> and <term>renewable energy system</term> have the meanings given those terms in section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/7/8101">7 U.S.C. 8101</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H49888D860A3645EF90410A73B0199F16"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Smart grid</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>smart grid</term> means an intelligent electric grid that uses digital communications technology, information systems, and automation to, while maintaining high system reliability—</text> <subparagraph id="H5AD52F3E7CE0492FAA7759D3B32340AA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>detect and react to local changes in usage;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA9D82EF0675D446786AF14AE8E437EAE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>improve system operating efficiency; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC06E6D8EDF23410088EECA65FDECC9CE"><enum>(C)</enum><text>reduce spending costs.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAA33545AF6264137B0273C498A7CF0F2"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Territory of the United States</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>territory of the United States</term> means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.</text></paragraph> </subsection></section> <enum>IV</enum><header>Building out a 21st century electricity grid</header> <subtitle id="HD18CD53B8C0D4FC19E7D800AD4301ABF"><enum>A</enum><header>Amendments to the Federal Power Act</header> <section id="HA51B990B98264131B340D9270111A301"><enum>401.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HFAA9ED8B3B9644F6B55320823AC42189" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <paragraph id="H7CEB4D00A8144D0E998C171B28EB7EBB"> <enum>(30)</enum> <header>Energy storage project</header> <text>The term <term>energy storage project</term> means equipment that receives, stores, and delivers energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by the Secretary of Energy.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H59BE46E6D3EB4E6982BB0E8E49F4349F"><enum>(31)</enum><header>Generating facility</header><text>The term <term>generating facility</term> means any facility that generates electricity.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HFE8610BDBAD14BE8B990621A297E2592"><enum>(32)</enum><header>Generator tie line</header><text>The term <term>generator tie line</term> means a dedicated transmission line that is used to transmit power from a generating facility or an energy storage project to a transmission facility or a transmission system.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H49B2BC28FC864B65943834C225B7A804"><enum>(33)</enum><header>Greenhouse gas</header><text>The term <term>greenhouse gas</term> includes each of the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H9371BD8805D148DE824BF8E678640811"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Carbon dioxide.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H494BFE49CCAC43CBBB77DE4269E06CC5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Methane.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2254341D448E40DFB96F475CEB66FFA9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Nitrous oxide.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF618A8E575FA4D1EB5B677D78A43F076"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Sulfur hexafluoride.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1CDB4655ED374A3AA3493F865CE38841"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Any hydrofluorocarbon.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H90D51A3FBA164A27A80AF382CAEDE9DA"><enum>(F)</enum><text>Any perfluorocarbon.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4DA6D734B6FD429AA130D61101E72870"><enum>(G)</enum><text>Nitrogen trifluoride.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H661A928B003D42A9ADBC815B16AADD03"><enum>(H)</enum><text>Any fully fluorinated linear, branched, or cyclic—</text> <clause id="H8E338E58854C485888FF51C8F0CF9834"><enum>(i)</enum><text>alkane;</text></clause> <clause id="H53AF31C2C4FC42FEBABB2BE7FBFE3731"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>ether;</text></clause> <clause id="HD042305A1E48443ABD8DBD1B2C774E5C"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>tertiary amine; or</text></clause> <clause id="HD0695590C163477DAC939030805F70A5"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>aminoether.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H23D47F654109492BBED624087327DEE0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Any perfluoropolyether.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7991983748C94BF7ACF61DF0C5D6C47E"><enum>(J)</enum><text>Any hydrofluoropolyether.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2E7DA59F3CB541558EB777E2DCC243BC"><enum>(K)</enum><text>Any other fluorocarbon, except for a fluorocarbon with a vapor pressure of less than 1 mm of Hg absolute at 25 degrees Celsius.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7D3EF71127004167803A6F54850EC834"><enum>(34)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology</header><text>The term <term>advanced transmission technology</term> means any hardware or software that—</text> <subparagraph id="H6AE222416F8C4AE1A3A58BBCDE718440"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission facilities and transmission technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0AA703BEE50041A8AB915DF3DD68E6F8"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is installed in addition to new or existing transmission facilities and transmission technologies—</text> <clause id="H06A6A214CEDE4999B108D4EF5FA63686"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to give operators of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more situational awareness and control over the electric grid;</text></clause> <clause id="HFBFE2ECC35FA4FBEB82F73E4335F9D78"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to make the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more efficient; or</text></clause> <clause id="HFCD6DEE8CD3C4C6894C4453DF0402A7B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to increase the transfer capacity of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H69F918297F184FB5A5A12DD45858B6F8"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization, advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or physical systems that increase the usable transfer capability of the grid.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBFDCDAE03F7840AEB33DCBE01716C1B8" commented="no"><enum>(35)</enum><header>Interconnection customer</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>interconnection customer</term> means an entity, or any affiliates or subsidiaries of an entity, that proposes to interconnect a generating facility or an energy storage project to a transmission facility or transmission system.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H6F031B4CD4A24EBCAF85DC8A8F5F4658" commented="no"><enum>(36)</enum><header>Transmission benefits</header><text>The term <term>transmission benefits</term> means the broad range of economic, operational, safety, resilience, public policy, and environmental benefits (as assessed by the Commission in accordance with section 224(e)) and other reasonably anticipated benefits of constructing, modifying, or operating a transmission facility, including—</text> <subparagraph id="HA9BB004B10114AF0B6B74168D1EB7A30" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>improved reliability;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H90371FF8053C481DAE712D4229DA70D0" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>improved resilience;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBA13C49D395A48D29A7885F608A2A851" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>improved safety;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA2E76A5D6E0D4CD2A041789CB9FC1DAE" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>reduced congestion;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0B71E53766CF499B8FB44F6B8E3F3FCE" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>reduced power losses;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H04DE8A611A094ED5BB399ABAC039C3B2" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>greater carrying capacity;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H51C59224A18241148307E650271FA4D1" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>reduced operating reserve requirements;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6AF46471311E4FECBE0E0155039B4F00" commented="no"><enum>(H)</enum><text>improved access to lower-cost electricity generation;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1254265BFE0844D2B32786AFDE7125A9" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>improved access to electricity generating facilities with no direct emissions of greenhouse gases;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC357401AF18944008F9F7B71B92ECA71" commented="no"><enum>(J)</enum><text>improved public health from the closure of electricity generation facilities that emit harmful pollution;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4EA8CD83089E41598373F1B67597AA89" commented="no"><enum>(K)</enum><text>increased competition and market liquidity in electricity markets;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6CF4F72FF8F94773A8DEFB8F781A25D3" commented="no"><enum>(L)</enum><text>improved energy resilience and resilience of Department of Defense installations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9826371E639F4077910CC8D064E48623"><enum>(M)</enum><text>improved ability to integrate new sources of electrical demand; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9935B99762E74EA98AE029E80C8107CB" commented="no"><enum>(N)</enum><text>other potential benefits of increasing the interconnectedness of the electric grid.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H21D2435C2A4444F693A2C48A16F60FA9" commented="no"><enum>(37)</enum><header>Network upgrade</header><text>The term <term>network upgrade</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HC0CE35EE538744CA80304F7FA7311AAD" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>any addition to or expansion of any transmission facility or transmission system;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H20D8337665F845D38F82D84AF5240BA4" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the construction of a new transmission facility that will become part of a transmission system;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H144C4A110B594A9EAD8A7AA2C331F604" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the addition of an energy storage project to a transmission facility or a transmission system; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD641C8CC7E3D4C62894E035DE0B76847" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>any construction, deployment, or addition of an advanced transmission technology to a transmission facility or a transmission system that eliminates or reduces the need to carry out any of the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H19DC068DFFED46F5B3BFE24CB750D246" commented="no"><enum>(38)</enum><header>Participant funding</header><text>The term <term>participant funding</term> means any cost allocation method under which an interconnection customer is required to pay, without reimbursement, all or a disproportionate amount of the costs of a network upgrade that is determined by the Commission to be necessary to ensure the reliable interconnection of the interconnection customer’s generating facility or energy storage project.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H18084F36EE1C4552BFD3AD2317A2AED5" commented="no"><enum>(39)</enum><header>Transmission planning region</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>transmission planning region</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HD64DD9C0335D4AF0B4EE3756FD2B7199"><enum>(A)</enum><text>when used in a geographical sense, a region for which the Commission determines that electric transmission planning is appropriate, such as a region established in accordance with Order No. 1000 of the Commission, entitled ‘Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities’ (76 Fed. Reg. 49842 (August 11, 2011)); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDD5FB2EF8B2942B88F5C34B4211A71E6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>when used in a corporate sense, means the Transmission Organization or other entity responsible for planning or operating electric transmission facilities within a region described in subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD1B422DD582F416693B04F40BD056819" commented="no"><enum>(40)</enum><header>Transmission system</header><text>For purposes of sections 224 and 227, the term <term>transmission system</term> means a network of transmission facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> <section id="HCBBEBF1F8FCE4154849179863D2D846B" commented="no"><enum>402.</enum><header>Interregional electric transmission planning</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H0BFD7D3DD76F42EA89832E08D78F1BE9" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <section id="H25D0934A800E4EBD82B8B05F6FAC3BBD" commented="no"><enum>224.</enum><header>Improving interregional electric transmission planning</header> <subsection id="H0021D6558C8D4DDB8D7346A0AAB64046" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue regulations that require each pair or grouping of neighboring transmission planning regions to jointly develop and file with the Commission a process by which they will develop an interregional transmission plan to identify and to facilitate the construction or upgrade of onshore and offshore electric transmission facilities that are efficient, cost-effective, and broadly beneficial. Such process must address the considerations in subsection (b) and be filed within 6 months after the regulations required by this paragraph are finalized. Such process must require development of an interregional transmission plan within at least 3 years of the promulgation of the regulations and that a new plan be developed at least every 3 years thereafter, in alignment with long-term regional transmission plans developed under Orders 1920 and 1920–A (89 Fed. Reg. 49280 and 89 Fed. Reg. 97174).</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H59A04D2F98844252959EE50BA29ADF86" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In determining the requirements for a process described in subsection (a), the Commission shall require that such process advance—</text> <paragraph id="HDF63F61C908D410FB7F2C8ED335343FF" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the development of transmission systems that can operate for a minimum of 20 years and across a wide range of scenarios, including scenarios that take into account—</text> <subparagraph id="H433E7C31744F428E94980443AE71A00B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, and other factors that affect electricity demand and the current and future generation resource mix;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H050097DA03CD4F1A8BA45F2282059D76" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>trends in technology and fuel costs;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H99F3F206EB8441779339A8A4AAE18C1E" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the retirement of generation facilities, energy storage projects, and transmission facilities;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB36DC0C4D24A48AEA7DF41ED5A1F6502" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>generator interconnection requests and withdrawals; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3924367671F44AF487A2BCFE70C5E2D6" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">extreme weather events, including in anticipation of how the frequency and intensity of these events are projected to change over the planning period due to climate change;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H41E915887430485C981590B4E48CC3D8" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the public interest;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H00985D7F025241D38F498300FB950BCD" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the integrity of electricity markets;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H29241A22CC6F48DBB344C6B350A8B366" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><text>the protection of consumers;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAC25B03D70914DD7AEFCC369F5707275" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text>the optimization of transmission benefits;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD2DE2B6F23394FBD9297885B0D0B5DCC" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the need for an individual interregional transmission project to secure approvals based on a comprehensive assessment of the multiple benefits provided;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1F883E22A24C466F89A1DD406F099DC9" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><text>the importance of synchronization of planning processes in neighboring transmission planning regions, such as using a joint model on a consistent timeline with a single set of needs, input assumptions, and benefit metrics;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3A46C06915C543C3A4F92AF3192A6A9F" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the need for an individual interregional transmission project that is identified in the interregional transmission plan of a pair of transmission planning regions not to be subject to any subsequent planning process by other transmission planning regions;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8FEE551A829C4A4F89892D2B1665294E" commented="no"><enum>(9)</enum><text>that evaluation of long-term scenarios should align with the expected life of an element of a transmission system;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H395D6505306040EFB4248089846D4FE2" commented="no"><enum>(10)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that a pair of transmission planning regions should allow for the identification and joint evaluation of alternatives proposed by stakeholders, and ensure meaningful opportunities for States, Tribes, consumer advocates, labor organizations, and environmental justice communities to participate;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD2025A3EEFA3430A85661B191541F80B" commented="no"><enum>(11)</enum><text>the need to eliminate arbitrary project voltage, size, or cost requirements for transmission projects;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD8F91E4195744DBE8DB8140511D97C32" commented="no"><enum>(12)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the applicability of a broad range of alternatives to the construction of transmission facilities, including advanced transmission technologies, demand side flexibility, distributed storage, load management, dynamic line rating, and power flow control; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5AE3E6A7F30C4819B3A3A514C86B3104" commented="no"><enum>(13)</enum><text>the use of data and analyses provided by the Secretary of Energy, including as provided by the National Laboratories, regarding any of the items described in paragraphs (1) through (12).</text> </paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H06852112194743F3BB3AEADF8F74377E" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not later than 12 months after the issuance of regulations under subsection (a) and annually thereafter, the Commission shall publish in the Federal Register a report on the progress by each pair of transmission planning regions in identifying and facilitating the construction of interregional electric transmission projects, including a description of the transmission benefits associated with such projects.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="HC88F0556CF9B4DCAB18657BB8B9532F0" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Environmental benefits</header><text>In assessing the environmental benefits associated with any activity undertaken pursuant to this Act, the Commission may use any relevant analysis or other information conducted or provided by the Council on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.</text></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> <section id="H871F69DA83AF4B07BE97E405E46CECAE"><enum>403.</enum><header>Allocation of costs of electric transmission facilities of national significance</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>) is further amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HD9EEBA12890445918EB2F1E209E4C596" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <section id="H6AFFDA8F2F5B4B8EAEC2237846A31152"><enum>225.</enum><header>Allocation of costs of transmission facilities of national significance</header> <subsection id="H4B703E6CFD3E47EF9461B307027B6F13"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Allocation of costs</header> <paragraph id="H8A149ACD7ABF47FDB8E01466D9120561"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any transmitting utility that owns, controls, or operates a transmission facility of national significance, or proposes to own, control, or operate a transmission facility of national significance, may file a tariff with the Commission in accordance with section 205 allocating the costs of constructing, modifying, and operating such transmission facility of national significance in accordance with paragraph (2).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H0E39FE058A774E28A91FC51803E2A8ED" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Cost allocation principle</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall require that any tariff described in paragraph (1) allocate the cost to construct, modify, and operate a transmission facility of national significance to customers within the applicable transmission planning region or regions in a manner that is roughly commensurate with the reasonably anticipated transmission benefits. Additionally, the Commission shall require that any proposed calculation of reasonably anticipated transmission benefits make the assumptions and calculations behind such calculation public and included in any tariff described in paragraph (1).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6315EBF70010413191C539B012F5693E"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Commission authority</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Commission determines that no tariff filed under paragraph (1) provides for a just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory allocation of costs for a transmission facility of national significance, the Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, establish or modify such allocation under section 206, provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prevent a transmitting utility from recovering such costs through voluntary agreement with its customers.</text> </paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H9C6B781D2E1644AF90F37ED066E77330"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Definition of transmission facility of national significance</header><text>In this section, the term <term>transmission facility of national significance</term> means—</text> <paragraph id="H917101294E8C4F1A962F8C9FE9E8201D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>an interstate or interregional electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary for the operation of such electric power transmission line)—</text> <subparagraph id="HBF8168636CDC45E0AC47DD224CB652A5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>that has a transmission capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H359F70AB98524B46B8B30B38092720DF"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the construction of which is completed on or after the date of enactment of this section;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6763C96A2FF74B46A1EF8D78F9670EEF"><enum>(2)</enum><text>an electric power transmission line or network, located in whole or in part offshore (including any radial, meshed, or shared facilities necessary for its operation), the construction of which is completed on or after the date of enactment of this section; or</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HFB8CB8AA86C7446986DF4D7DFD4C74D0"><enum>(3)</enum><text>an expansion of, or upgrade to, an interstate electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary for the operation of such electric power transmission line) that—</text> <subparagraph id="H33DA15A64E374187BE9F959E8B85CBE1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>increases the transmission capacity of such electric power transmission line by at least 500 megawatts; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD16621BE0D5547F18A7657807E342ED4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the construction of which is completed on or after the date of enactment of this section.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H6F8E0D4A99434180917CE08FCCEC4226"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Savings provision</header><text>This section does not affect the authority of the Commission to approve the allocation of costs of transmission facilities other than transmission facilities of national significance.</text></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> <section id="H503266E897F1440B8B8D7507FDC04C7E" commented="no"><enum>404.</enum><header>Minimum interregional transfer capability</header> <text display-inline="no-display-inline">Part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>) is further amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H156ACF2EA0B94B7891D0FCD0E679FEE4" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <section id="HE02971DEB1F347A4A422565554CF3EF3" commented="no"><enum>226.</enum><header>Protecting electricity reliability by improving interregional transfer capability</header> <subsection id="HF810B25819DC482B866F6E977320EB54" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text>Notwithstanding the requirements of section 322 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (<external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/118/5">Public Law 118–5</external-xref>), not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, the Commission shall, pursuant to section 206, issue regulations that establish requirements for minimum transfer capability, as described under subsection (b), between transmission planning regions.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H85FC8178F7224B2C9A43BE442FC39A4C" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Minimum transfer capability</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The aggregate minimum interregional transfer capability for each transmission planning region and its neighboring transmission planning region shall be not less than 30 percent of its own peak electricity demand, or in the case of a transmission planning region that borders only 1 other transmission planning region, not less than 15 percent of its own peak electricity demand, unless the Commission finds, upon a showing by a transmission planning region, that a lower transfer capability can achieve the same or greater transmission benefits.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HBF9A101734544BF1915F40E911530F19"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission shall report to Congress on the status of interregional transfer capability, including on risks to reliability associated with a lack of interregional transfer capability.</text></subsection> </section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> <section id="HBAD8378DED8A4512977083AE34684C7E" commented="no"><enum>405.</enum><header>Increased FERC transmission siting authority</header> <subsection id="HB8D50F7647A64D9AAF1948E425C48D61" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>) is further amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H3D0E46E12A47432980E48DF8F470FEEA" display-inline="no-display-inline" style="OLC"> <section id="HD25AD00D3DF34690A63415ED9528AFEC" commented="no"><enum>227.</enum><header>Siting of certain interstate electric transmission facilities</header> <subsection id="H9BFF7DDB0DF8401898A36701AF69B081" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Certificate of public convenience and necessity</header> <paragraph id="H52939789A9C745A0A439148D1A303960" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On receipt of an application under subsection (b)(1) relating to a transmission facility of national significance described in paragraph (2), the Commission, after making the finding described in paragraph (3) with respect to such transmission facility of national significance, shall, by order which is published in the Federal Register, issue to the person who submitted such application a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction, modification, or operation of such transmission facility of national significance, subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as the Commission determines to be appropriate.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H422EB3C775494CDE924AA56B8947EC02" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Transmission facility of national significance described</header><text>A transmission facility of national significance referred to in paragraph (1) is an interstate or interregional electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary for the operation of such electric power transmission line)—</text> <subparagraph id="H84009E9CBB5A498A912266A07D551984"><enum>(A)</enum><text>that has a transmission capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA0DFB293322746E29BB61DDD12CA2993"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the construction of which is completed on or after the date of enactment of this section.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H0DBD199D80AC47459C0606B946906479" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Finding described</header><text>The finding referred to in paragraph (1) is a finding that—</text> <subparagraph id="H57C0A87BB2BF4ECFB1108069F791BF03" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the applicant for a certificate of public convenience and necessity is able and willing—</text> <clause id="H4F5E9128519F4207BE811A476B1CB6FF" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to carry out the activities and perform the services proposed in the application in a manner determined to be appropriate by the Commission; and</text></clause> <clause id="H9D747B27DEB7416CA52EDCB17715866B" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements of—</text> <subclause id="H82F8DEBC023F48319A7ABA3AA2EF2937" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>this part; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H52A46F52634C460EBC0DF148F7982AEB" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>any rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission pursuant to this part;</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEF48ABDE4DD54D059C22FD6D38D33974" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the transmission facility of national significance to be constructed, modified, or operated under the certificate of public convenience and necessity will—</text> <clause id="HF54B168EE4E645BDA0604596A299A0E0" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be interstate or interregional;</text></clause> <clause id="H1BDDACA05FE54D97BC78E0CE7BC68598" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>be used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce; and</text></clause> <clause id="H83818EF4FBDA4A39ACA715CD5FE46498" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>have a transmission capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts.</text></clause></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HBE81B3CA54EB4C7A82F55C9A52B650D9" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue regulations specifying—</text> <subparagraph id="H59BE8FAB1F1348C8A18BCCC58184BEAE" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a pre-filing process during which a person described in subsection (b)(1) and the Commission shall consult with—</text> <clause id="HF287000F58AC4C168A1828C826BC2295" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the State commission for each State through which the applicable transmission facility of national significance will traverse;</text> </clause> <clause id="H871B3863A38F4C9A962696141C9111C1" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>appropriate Federal agencies;</text></clause> <clause id="HEE9647A6E45642FF880C0DB99FCA1ECF" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>each Indian Tribe that may be affected by the proposed project to construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility of national significance; and</text></clause> <clause id="H7D62185612EE45E8B7BBD8074800D334" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the appropriate Transmission Organization;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H62C3E6B702FB48ADAE006D2379A5A633" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the form of, and information to be contained in, an application submitted under subsection (b)(1);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H1D4AF0815F674EF6B29471CD6B0CD7B7"><enum>(C)</enum><text>requirements for determining whether the applicable transmission facility of national significance will—</text> <clause commented="no" id="H59B88F284B3C46228000C8AD0E13919C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>traverse not fewer than 2 States;</text></clause> <clause commented="no" id="H2E3E57CF44D5440FBA49252BC0A7E9D9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>be used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce; and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" id="H8D705539C15E42C5A295C5FD85C4AC59"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>have a power capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE8E5D71FDA174C42A6AC506AB70F3E7C" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>criteria for determining the reasonable and economical use of—</text> <clause id="H38773DB01E264D0D8E75FFFDB42D7D0F" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>existing rights-of-way; and</text></clause> <clause id="H7520BE9D12B24CD088C8381A9FE12C14" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the transmission capabilities of existing towers or structures;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H24F3987C91544CB68E88C4D89E52D638" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>the manner in which an application submitted under subsection (b)(1) shall be considered, which, to the extent practicable, shall be consistent with State statutory and regulatory policies concerning generation and retail sales of electricity in the States in which the electric energy transmitted by the transmission facility of national significance will be generated or sold; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3C9B3DDF9C43401D8EA935FF5013C9EA" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the manner in which the Commission will consider the needs of communities that will be impacted directly by the applicable transmission facility of national significance, including how any impacts of the transmission facility of national significance could be mitigated or offset.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" id="HCAD70CEF82DF4A1EBE0C943260D7BE61"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Publication, public comment, and hearings for certain notice of intent and draft environmental impact statements</header> <subparagraph id="HD0BBBEC85769497BB853CA75720FF465" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Publication</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of intent to prepare an environmental document under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>) with respect to an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity that has been submitted under subsection (b)(1).</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H19BBE8FAA5AA4F309ABAEB75ABC18693" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Public comment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall provide not less than 60 days for public comment on each notice of intent and draft environmental impact statement published under subparagraph (A).</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H95279D121FEB40609E2F405BDB96ADAA" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Hearing</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall provide to the individuals and entities described in paragraph (6)(B) a reasonable opportunity for presentation, in at least 1 public hearing, of any views and recommendations on each notice of intent and each draft environmental impact statement published under subparagraph (A). The Commission shall publish in the Federal Register notice of any hearing held under this subparagraph.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0FCE433301CD49BBBE5DB626B28B62CB" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Notice and opportunity for a hearing on applications</header> <subparagraph id="H180D66D7AB5045CB84135BB4B5F6EA94" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In any proceeding before the Commission to consider an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under this section, the Commission shall—</text> <clause id="HA61E1FDAE71145C998D1C0E04B5383F5" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>publish a notice of the application in the Federal Register;</text></clause> <clause id="H2CB649A86AD04AE192EEF4C52B33374C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide written notice of such application to all affected landowners in accordance with subsection (c); and</text> </clause> <clause id="HD1F5A1D02AF14161A4FC866766C50DE8" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>provide to the individuals and entities described in subparagraph (B) a notice and reasonable opportunity for the presentation in at least 1 public hearing of any views and recommendations with respect to the need for, and impact of, the construction, modification, or operation of the transmission facility of national significance proposed to be constructed, modified, or operated under the certificate.</text> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4B8D253E0A1348B3AA354BB271396861" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Individuals and entities described</header><text>The individuals and entities referred to in subparagraph (A) are—</text> <clause id="HD1F8B4A5333041E59B53EA0BCD533292" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an agency, selected by the Governor (or equivalent official) of the applicable State, of each State in which the transmission facility of national significance proposed to be constructed, modified, or operated under the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity is or will be located;</text></clause> <clause id="H0D45B1E84B954A53B3C2DC4892B36E37" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>each affected landowner; and</text></clause> <clause id="H3288CE52368F4AFDAA6AD2A47374264C" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>as determined by the Commission—</text> <subclause id="H3CCE9CDC94FB41888B805795FDA96269" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>each affected Federal agency; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H1D6046C3D69940B1B8DC273A56BC9AA9" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>each Indian Tribe that may be affected by the proposed construction, modification, or operation.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H955BA65036D74FF086A6F67D65AE412E" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Prohibition</header><text>The Commission may not—</text> <clause id="H9A3E898687AF4F6F809439D9C6ADBF1B" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>require an applicant for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under this section to provide any notice required under this section; or</text></clause> <clause id="H023A6D13947E4F8DB00554895EA073DD" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>enter into a contract to provide any notice required under this section with—</text> <subclause id="HBA619D35BFDE4A228B0761D7B52EDC43" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the applicant for the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H2728999B89634E34B0B3C8EBF0293511" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>any other person that has a financial interest in the project proposed in the application for such certificate.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="HC5A4AC8FEE184BF783BBBF789110149F" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Applications</header> <paragraph id="H09B80C645C17450483FBB6E81AA2AF2D" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A person desiring a certificate of public convenience and necessity under this section shall submit to the Commission an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Commission may require.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD7035B1858244B8C91F6EC4C7916652E" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>An application submitted to the Commission under paragraph (1) shall include all information necessary for the Commission to make the finding described in subsection (a)(3).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HF29811DC201341A0B87FE06BE801B4A9" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Notice to affected landowners</header> <paragraph id="H245957A45CBC4D3782E4C152B966A7AD" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission shall provide written notice of an application submitted under subsection (b)(1) to all affected landowners with respect to the transmission facility of national significance for which such application was submitted in accordance with this subsection.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H707C87A7AD6C44BB9383DD786107BC8E" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>Any notice provided to an affected landowner under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H307A812165E448428AEDF0E94C4EB867" commented="no"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>The following statement in 14-point bold typeface:</text> <continuation-text continuation-text-level="subparagraph" commented="no">“ ‘The [name of applicant] has proposed building power lines that will cross your property, and may also require building transmission towers on your property. If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves [applicant]’s proposed project, then [applicant] may have the right to build transmission towers on, and power lines over, your property, or use your property to construct the proposed project, subject to paying you just compensation for the loss of your property.</continuation-text> <continuation-text continuation-text-level="subparagraph" commented="no">“ ‘If you want to raise objections to, offer support for, or otherwise comment on this, or otherwise comment on this project, you can do so by submitting written comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Docket No. [___]. You can do this electronically or by mail. To do so electronically [to be inserted by the Commission]. To do so by mail [to be inserted by the Commission].’.</continuation-text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0C359D110B35404A82FA64E8EE5BCB41" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A description of the proposed project to construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility of national significance, including—</text> <clause id="HC0FD1DA46D6240F8AC410985BABE4469" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the location of the proposed project (including a general location map);</text></clause> <clause id="H00067B36BBFD4DBEB4C35945B4EEDAF0" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the purpose of the proposed project; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF8BB9629E1EF4AEABE6CA367922BC043" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the timing of the proposed project.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB2D4AECD03AA4CFF8CD61D7547DF0163" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The name of, and the location in the docket of the Commission at which may be found, each submission by the applicant to the Commission relating to the proposed project.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF55DEB6569B5469BAEB6660542AA43FD" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>A general description of what the applicant will need from the landowner if the proposed project is approved, including the activities the applicant may undertake and the facilities that the applicant may seek to construct on the property of the landowner.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBADE16F2F37242D2B168A70C4BC03822" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>A description of how the landowner may contact the applicant, including—</text> <clause id="HFF9BDEAA425D4D2A84202EF454DEE3EE" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a website;</text></clause> <clause id="H5AAD15CB62F34719B9BED6CD6C473854" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an email address;</text></clause> <clause id="H4BC84087D89441CA88151AE570EB99EF" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>a local or toll-free telephone number; and</text></clause> <clause id="H5EF7D27477FB40F483CC0463DDF7BCE8" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the name of a specific person to contact who is knowledgeable about the proposed project.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H964FFBCD0A424CB79ACD9E8E3E2EFB7B" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>A description of how the landowner may contact the Commission, including—</text> <clause id="HA556412890D24D96AD6864F81F1718CA" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a website;</text></clause> <clause id="H0AD26B653E134CFF9352B7503E2DCB56" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an email address;</text></clause> <clause id="HD97FA23305754DCA86E158C688E339CB" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>a local or toll-free telephone number; and</text></clause> <clause id="HAA272916F07B49A396C2D5B00B56CE4C" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the name of a specific person to contact who is knowledgeable about the proposed project.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE30477FF0EB248C48164644BEB0D2528" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>A summary of the rights that the landowner has—</text> <clause id="H85A2709AE60346A09827494C1CEFEE08" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>before the Commission; and</text></clause> <clause id="HC8FB26BC71A34799930B39552E173D5D" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in other proceedings under—</text> <subclause id="H6D25693A28AF44E190A6E3D103138418" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H21CA831B99D745BFBBD27373CDAE6BCA" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the eminent domain rules of the relevant State.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8FCA19926AC844B29BC0BB3B52F2A010" commented="no"><enum>(H)</enum><text>Any other information that the Commission determines to be appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4B6E0BB13D754D378AA977D3994044AD" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Obligation of applicant</header><text>An applicant for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under this section shall submit to the Commission, together with the application for the certificate, the name and address of each affected landowner.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE47E5B7786F54ADD80D8CED86EA1E408" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Regulatory jurisdiction</header> <paragraph id="HE6B62B11686A4378BBEDFB294BF6527A" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding section 216(i), no State shall regulate any aspect of the siting or permitting of a transmission facility of national significance constructed, modified, or operated under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under this section.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H33A4502DE4DA4CFA9389903F704C6C69" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Savings clause</header><text>Nothing in this section affects the rights of States under—</text> <subparagraph id="H5CD01097BC004CB1A9C9D8652F7A7189" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the <act-name parsable-cite="CAMA72">Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972</act-name> (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1451">16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H24C6D65A3A294DBCB7CEA9AF56145C94" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/33/1251">33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H60E8BC849F714D05ACD92460A4187347" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Clean Air Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/7401">42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.</external-xref>); or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H56DE296660E84DE7B9974B9B0C726125" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (formerly known as the <quote>National Historic Preservation Act</quote>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H77E552B547C841C8A52542359DD4571B" commented="no"> <enum>(3)</enum> <header>Tribal consent for certain rights-of-way</header> <text>No right-of-way over or across Tribal land may be granted pursuant to this section unless consent for the right-of-way has been obtained from the proper Tribal official in a manner consistent with the requirements of section 2 of the Act of February 5, 1948 (62 Stat. 18, chapter 45; <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/25/324">25 U.S.C. 324</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H78C7EDDB3F3D41B1880CEED50A5DE57C" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Judicial review</header> <paragraph id="H10BC45F59BA04B2AB362F5D7A7B9AB30" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any person aggrieved by an order of the Commission issued under this section may obtain review of the order in—</text> <subparagraph id="HD057543935E04076B2ABE56A1B53BE21" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the court of appeals of the United States for any judicial circuit in which the transmission facility of national significance to be constructed, modified, or operated under the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity is or will be located; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA3FA81C59DDA4FF6B1796899FFDFC5EE" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF9711A0BABF844B3B42565A744D8F3BE" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Petition for review</header> <subparagraph id="HC19F8F4B109F412884A9260C0CD5B72E" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A person may obtain review under paragraph (1) by filing in the applicable court a written petition praying that the order of the Commission be modified or set aside in whole or in part.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H07AAC70414714BA59429FB52B09485B4" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Timing</header><text>A petition under subparagraph (A) shall be filed by not later than 60 days after the date on which the applicable order of the Commission is published in the Federal Register.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFE4A9FB7F5D243FF894086FF3A2DECF6" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Person aggrieved</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a person aggrieved by an order of the Commission issued under this section need not—</text> <subparagraph id="H55CEE713638F4CB492001E36DE55B1B0" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>have been a party to the proceedings before the Commission in which that order was issued in order to obtain judicial review of the order under this subsection; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0D07A6945BBE403981059C8C401B0DC5" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>have requested rehearing before the Commission prior to seeking judicial review.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H000A74D3E549432483B2D4D187446554" commented="no"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Right of eminent domain for electric transmission facilities</header> <paragraph id="H32E173E38C0C42F896587A0E4F269EAD" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity may acquire through the exercise of the right of eminent domain in a court described in paragraph (2) any right-of-way, land, or other property that is necessary to construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility of national significance in accordance with such certificate if the holder has, in the determination of the Commission, made good faith efforts to engage with landowners and other stakeholders early in the permitting process established under this section, and—</text> <subparagraph id="HD6EBE09E21A84DFD844EC6DBB00779D6" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>cannot acquire the necessary right-of-way, land, or other property by contract;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H95F256D264934AE1BFAC6FA6E37CA626" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is unable to agree with the owner of the right-of-way, land, or other property with respect to the compensation to be paid for that right-of-way, land, or other property; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB22233CC5948485593AB024506B3C1EF" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>cannot clear defective title with respect to the right-of-way, land, or other property.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H109FF125DB284C519D4641E4A5B7F66C" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Court described</header><text>A court referred to in paragraph (1) is—</text> <subparagraph id="H06C45EE550534D509AEE331DB088C566" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the district court of the United States for the district in which the applicable right-of-way, land, or other property is located; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9D2C6A6FD97A4123949FD5089FF97B32" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the appropriate State court.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDC2B96123CD84B76A4829F1A321EF782" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Notice of order issuing certificate</header><text>The holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity may not exercise the right of eminent domain under this subsection with respect to any property covered by the certificate unless the Commission has first, in addition to publishing the notice of certificate of public convenience and necessity in the Federal Register, provided all affected landowners with notice of—</text> <subparagraph id="H6F569ADD33E945CE88CD95215EE62047" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the order; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3347443B56254034A3E828ECD279EECB" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the procedures for obtaining judicial review of such order under subsection (e), including a description of the time period for seeking judicial review under that subsection.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H00A79CED75A34D8E84AC7F5C0AF87369" commented="no"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Condemnation procedures</header> <paragraph id="HA1F4BDECA20A4EC8BC0F5BC39B5CDC09" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Appraisals</header> <subparagraph id="H7AFB0D0ACFBA4240830750DBC853D767" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A holder of, or applicant for, a certificate of public convenience and necessity shall have any property that the holder or applicant seeks to acquire through the exercise of the right of eminent domain under subsection (f) appraised in accordance with generally accepted appraisal standards by an appraiser selected by the owner of the property, subject to subparagraph (D).</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF994F1219BDB457083CF60B939365017" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Requirements</header> <clause id="H57A251B3AED24959B15CC43820F1F28C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Costs</header><text>The applicable holder of, or applicant for, a certificate of public convenience and necessity shall pay for each appraisal carried out under subparagraph (A).</text></clause> <clause id="H29E332D33E3E4D76A87EAE4CD4FD032B" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Inspections</header><text>The owner of the applicable property (or a designated representative of the owner) shall be given the opportunity to accompany the appraiser during any inspection of the property that is part of an appraisal under subparagraph (A).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H755EB1D992C24273B377F141AD92BE0D" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Timing</header><text>An appraisal under subparagraph (A) shall be carried out before—</text> <clause id="H7FE4AA03FE9B4B9389D20E5EA6F532AC" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the holder of, or applicant for, the certificate of public convenience and necessity makes an offer of just compensation under paragraph (2); or</text></clause> <clause id="H7132069DBD4248E9863385DCDB20C511" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the holder of the certificate of public convenience and necessity commences an action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under subsection (f).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCA8AEB55E4F342F9AFE24CDD6C774238" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Selection of appraiser</header><text>If the owner of the applicable property does not select an appraiser under subparagraph (A) by the date that is 60 days after the date on which the holder of, or applicant for, the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity requests that the owner do so, the holder or applicant shall have the right to select the appraiser.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H57AE96680CD54480810A565D885B88B4" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Offers of just compensation</header> <subparagraph id="HC4B7635677CF4241A66098930C62AF9C" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any offer of just compensation made to an affected landowner of property that is or will be covered by a certificate of public convenience and necessity—</text> <clause id="HB8F45002E0F348A1858BAC463A2E49A3" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall be made in writing;</text></clause> <clause id="H1A28104F10B94AD8AC4908F416F0119D" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>may not be for an amount less than the fair market value of the property, as determined by an appraisal carried out under paragraph (1); and</text></clause> <clause id="HEED80AE8E5014B28A54F030CB09A87A9" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>shall include compensation for—</text> <subclause id="H29CED15DE54840B4983A66CA2B8B0C98" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>any lost income from the property; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H659A1EE94CB842A5A0ADD038A2518019" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>any damages to any other property of the owner.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0B5A6BED988B45398648E02053C6EF04" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Timing</header><text>The holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity may not make an offer of just compensation to an affected landowner until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Commission provides a notice to the affected landowner under subsection (f)(3).</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE7F19C53725342C499C11A8D90E9C708" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Jurisdictional limitations</header> <subparagraph id="H6FD409015A4E405E898633D85BD3A77E" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Minimum jurisdictional amount</header><text>A district court of the United States shall only have jurisdiction of an action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under subsection (f) if the amount claimed by the owner of the property to be condemned exceeds $3,000.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H8B1A8EC702354E22BBEE0545D90F80F1"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Tribal land</header><text>A district court of the United States shall have no jurisdiction to condemn any interest in Tribal land.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2C8D7DF4AF61406AAD5375F3FF221AFF" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Limitation on condemnation</header><text>In any action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under subsection (f), a court—</text> <subparagraph id="H37B982A501DE44C9B0F6247FB7CACC02" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>may condemn an interest in property only to the extent necessary for the specific facilities described in the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H112F25EBB0EA48709BBBA62631084FAF" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>may not—</text> <clause id="H8138B56F1BA845F99A478D29A9C9233E" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>condemn any other interest; or</text></clause> <clause id="H089A51B7AC9A45D7BE6399B88FC6FD67" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>condemn an interest for any purpose not described in that certificate.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA6019532F8C54AA790E036E3BBB18E42" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Right of possession</header><text>With respect to any action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under subsection (f), an owner of property that is covered by the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity shall not be required to surrender possession of that property unless the holder of the certificate—</text> <subparagraph id="HB719760A76514DDF9480B69B25D0DC16" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has paid to the owner the award of compensation in the action or proceeding; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H70B7721CAE074010A2B3082E21973A36" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has deposited the amount of that award with the court.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB84F3AE670404C5786336F73CDCE398D" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Litigation costs</header> <subparagraph id="HF890CF9132E94CED918B84DB34B38D9A" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity that commences an action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under subsection (f) shall be liable to the owner of any property condemned in that proceeding for the costs described in subparagraph (B) if the amount awarded to that owner for the property condemned is more than 125 percent of the amount offered to the owner by the holder before the commencement of that action or proceeding.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H347C36656BA6407FA2582585E018A8E6" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Costs described</header><text>The costs referred to in subparagraph (A) are litigation costs incurred for the action or proceeding described in that subparagraph by the owner of the property condemned, including—</text> <clause id="HDEE26E238EEF463091DC9C894A062C7C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>reasonable attorney fees;</text></clause> <clause id="HC567F6E28FCB4F909E85B6D45CE03D68" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>expert witness fees and costs; and</text></clause> <clause id="H424AB0876E284D63AF341D37F24D8047" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reasonable travel costs to participate in proceedings.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H7D0C5A1B6E43496D8B87E9FEA5D9690D" commented="no"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Enforcement of conditions</header> <paragraph id="H5ADC2BEBFD344FF1A791980F9AB3758D" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An affected landowner the property of which has been acquired by eminent domain under subsection (f) shall have the right—</text> <subparagraph id="H10C7430F33CB425CA73A69CE61D1E75C" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to enforce any condition in the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9AA3598878E046EBBA015B534AF3B175" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to seek damages for a violation of any condition described in subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3E3D5709F61745DDBFF380E5882915E5" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Jurisdiction</header><text>The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any action arising under paragraph (1).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H47479D6CDE3241FE8E802148FBCFB853" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Other landowner rights and protections</header> <paragraph id="H7762C06F6BFF4AB2AFC55543B3D5E812" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Failure to timely complete projects</header> <subparagraph id="HB15353FE5B1E4EE69C0B33BAE965F7A3" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Surrender of condemned property</header> <clause id="H5C03E2BE66AD4C93B1909D28E86C7CA6" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An individual or entity from which an interest in property is acquired through the exercise of the right of eminent domain under subsection (f) by the holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity that is issued for the construction, modification, or operation of a transmission facility of national significance may demand that the holder of the certificate surrender that interest to that individual or entity if—</text> <subclause id="H98C996E5253A43A981C1F0CFD5ECFA84" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum> <item commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H53D5D782D96C4BF8912B8C74E01960B3"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the transmission facility of national significance is not in operation (as modified, in the case of a modification of a transmission facility of national significance) by the date specified in the certificate (including any modification of the certificate by the Commission); and</text></item> <item id="HF9AC55D7C458477B8D1E6E88F01E1770" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>there is no request for the extension of that date pending before the Commission; or</text></item></subclause> <subclause id="H28E5BC79F77049828FE08EB0A6701DF4" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>subject to clause (ii), the holder of the certificate, with the approval of the Commission, abandons the portion of the transmission facility of national significance that is located on the applicable property relating to that interest.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H467501475ADB4B7F90B1EE04D8E330C5" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>The Commission may not approve in a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under this section or in any subsequent proceeding the abandonment of all or any part of a transmission facility of national significance unless the Commission requires the holder of the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity to offer to each individual or entity described in clause (i) the option of having the property acquired from that individual or entity as described in that clause restored to the condition that the property was in prior to the issuance of the certificate.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF558429FA9764D9B86AE0C8506782ACA" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Repayment of condemnation award</header><text>If an individual or entity described in subparagraph (A)(i) demands the surrender of an interest under that subparagraph, the holder of the applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity shall be entitled to repayment of an amount equal to not more than 50 percent of the condemnation award relating to the interest.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA885B89B3E004D09BBC0717A487CF72A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Jurisdiction</header><text>The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any action arising under this paragraph.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCA66C72E79024E0694E59CFD8142F084" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Material misrepresentations</header> <subparagraph id="H1DD70E2CDADF4971B8F60BF15AE8FB34" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Rescission of transaction</header> <clause id="H3384AFCFC77E40F28D249A53E2A93B3F" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An individual or entity from which an interest in property is acquired through the exercise of the right of eminent domain under subsection (f) that proves, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the individual or entity has granted a right-of-way or any other property interest based on a material misrepresentation made by or on behalf of an applicant for, or holder of, a certificate of public convenience and necessity under this section concerning the transmission facility of national significance to be constructed, modified, or operated under the certificate shall have the right to rescind the transaction.</text></clause> <clause id="H47A3A0E3A5E44F9AB5E89A5DF05F7F3A" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Jurisdiction</header><text>The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any action arising under clause (i).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD851B247D6144C01A01C798AFF4F1D6A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Civil penalties</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A material misrepresentation made by an applicant for, or holder of, a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or on behalf of such an applicant or holder, to an affected landowner concerning the transmission facility of national significance to be constructed, modified, or operated under the certificate, shall be considered to be a violation of this part for purposes of section 316A and such applicant or holder shall be assessed a civil penalty by the Commission in accordance with such section 316A, except the amount of such civil penalty may not exceed $10,000 per affected landowner to whom the misrepresentation was made.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H35186F64B0884DB5B773C7BCEB85AC61" commented="no"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H59EF4304585B443EBCA3910923F8C40D" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Affected landowner</header> <subparagraph id="H52FA2041473844A397F0FEF26ABC48F8" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>affected landowner</term> includes each owner of a property interest in land or other property described in subparagraph (B), including—</text> <clause id="HEA020A6A70944A0397B96B4711FC93C7" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Federal Government;</text></clause> <clause id="HD4CD54F53C944776BB87BC688AF9134B" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a State or local government; and</text></clause> <clause id="H29E4043E8D604809B26A9F9E88E58FCC" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>each owner noted in the most recent county or city tax record as receiving the relevant tax notice with respect to that interest.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA02044724E3643C9A8DE2012D9AC51E3" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Land and other property described</header><text>The land or other property described in this subparagraph is any land or other property—</text> <clause id="H16126325B3784563B979C29266A9EC6A" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>that is directly affected by the proposed construction, modification, or operation of a transmission facility of national significance, including all facility sites;</text> </clause> <clause id="H274D44294D154883A0EB81A7FB7532F3" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>that is located within the greater of—</text> <subclause id="HD98AB2B02FDA431998A89E573220ED54" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>0.25 miles from a proposed facility site for a transmission facility of national significance; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H4D1E0FB2D48C48F9838CB039C1F9727E" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>a minimum distance from the proposed transmission facility of national significance as specified by State law; or</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HD9846FF8DAF349CBA9D291590B194ECE" commented="no"> <enum>(iii)</enum> <text>contains a residence that is within 3,000 feet of a proposed facility site for a transmission facility of national significance.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H779DB543F4F444C99E3B175339B64D63" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Alternating current transmission facility</header><text>The term <term>alternating current transmission facility</term> means a transmission facility that uses alternating current for the bulk transmission of electric energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H039DCBB70413406CB00DA44BCC23F710" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Electric power transmission line</header><text>The term <term>electric power transmission line</term> means, as applicable—</text> <subparagraph id="H8A8C22F2EF404F71877D8106CAF6B31B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an alternating current transmission facility;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H79DDB2048D774583B7149CA23C4E6F78" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a high-voltage, direct current transmission facility; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD14A180A65C64994977743FC8E2104C3" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>infrastructure associated with an alternating current transmission facility or a high-voltage, direct current transmission facility, including substations and switchyards.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBF4F25DB45454618B771F5D16DDD98EF" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Facility site</header><text>The term <term>facility site</term> includes—</text> <subparagraph id="HE86E5513CA3046D5B40D3D8EB6D0B1F2" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an area covered by a right-of-way;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFE628E313C744B5CAFD50FCC2F1A5100" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an access road;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEDC22455843C4268AED9A53422B99799" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a contractor yard where equipment and material are stored or where assembly work is conducted; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4D8AEB2E84E8417D9D6A43E2C0B0A229" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>any temporary workspace.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0A871B625E55495F8F21F0A3D9CE1544" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>High-voltage, direct current transmission facility</header><text>The term <term>high-voltage, direct current transmission facility</term> means a transmission facility that uses direct current for the bulk transmission of electric energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H532126AAB5CB424BB438C9BE2D8F7069" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Tribal land</header><text>The term <term>Tribal land</term> has the meaning given the term <term>Indian land</term> in section 2601 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/25/3501">25 U.S.C. 3501</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection> </section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H4EDEFD424DF84F15A4C50C63156CCA1A" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Conforming changes to the Federal Power Act</header> <paragraph id="H080CE43E274B4792957690E41ADFD8A1" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Siting of interstate electric transmission facilities</header><text>Section 216 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824p">16 U.S.C. 824p</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="HC134670AF4F443168652DD9A87E3D6FC" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subsection (b)(2), by inserting <quote>(including transmission of electric energy from the outer Continental Shelf to a State)</quote> after <quote>interstate commerce</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF64473E0D99846B88513711DC028F873" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in subsection (h)—</text> <clause id="H720EC60A6F254BA79A97569FCCE2680E" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H1D400956247A490EA6C672EA8F8D76B7" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <paragraph id="H663EF81BE49343BBB51B553DE8E32AE8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Lead agency</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For the purposes of coordinating all applicable Federal authorizations and related environmental reviews—</text> <subparagraph id="H7A6729A7A4F34E8CA9202BD29239FCE6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Commission shall act as the lead agency in the case of—</text> <clause id="H1D144EE30576493CB0A9267FA557CEE5"><enum>(i)</enum><text>except as provided in subparagraph (B), a transmission facility of national significance in a national interest electric transmission corridor designated by the Secretary under subsection (a); or</text></clause> <clause id="H12EADE97DA5140A7B3950EE818C4ACF4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a transmission facility of national significance for which an application has been submitted for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under section 227;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD7239D5B7E6343B9A33FE04701EA1AC6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Department of the Interior shall act as the lead agency in the case of a transmission facility of national significance in a national interest electric transmission corridor designated by the Secretary under subsection (a) that is located on a lease, easement, or right-of-way granted by the Secretary of the Interior under section 8(p)(1)(C) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1337">43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)(C)</external-xref>); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5348BDBAD5FD43D486F3E2FC9EF28BA6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Department of Energy shall act as the lead agency in the case of any other transmission facility of national significance.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause> <clause id="H05E75482DA954808A185FFC5955D80BB" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in each of paragraphs (3), (4)(B), (4)(C), (5)(B), (6)(A), (7)(A), (8)(A)(i), and (9), by striking <quote>Secretary</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>applicable lead agency</quote>;</text> </clause> <clause id="H29094AD7194F4E9CBC586826503798C3" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>in paragraph (4)(A), by striking <quote>As head of the lead agency, the Secretary</quote> and inserting <quote>The applicable lead agency</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="H1E9117DC461841A3A55F6B341D9379EF" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>in paragraph (5)(A), by striking <quote>As lead agency head, the Secretary</quote> and inserting <quote>The applicable lead agency</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="HE8ADA719D39649FDBC7FFBCD735FF37E" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>in paragraph (7)—</text> <subclause id="H7BAA7717C8B849A69DC7AB25C7A4D34D" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>in subparagraph (A), by striking <quote>after the date of enactment of this section</quote> and inserting <quote>after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title></quote>; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H1506814F2C9E4870B5CC0515D98FE3DB" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B), by amending clause (i) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H75104B5907634A3EB1EFE1176FEBEE99" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <clause id="H56B5F753C7364D8CAADFE687847BFAAB" indent="up2" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than six months after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>, the Secretary, the Commission, and the heads of all Federal agencies with authority to issue Federal authorizations shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure the timely and coordinated review and permitting of electric transmission facilities.</text></clause><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3BA205F1584844B28F7D57890F71DFC3" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Transmission infrastructure investment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 219(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824s">16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(4)(B)</external-xref>) is amended by striking <quote>section 216</quote> and inserting <quote>sections 216 and 227</quote>.</text></paragraph></subsection> </section> <section id="H7338399639004EF5805367554AE7EB83"><enum>406.</enum><header>Prohibiting expensive, unjust queue jumping</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>) is further amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HE198F47A786C4E5EB9630531EB0526C5" style="OLC"> <section id="HF9C6820B3DE04914865871E47B549F3C"><enum>228.</enum><header>Limitation on certain procedures to expedite interconnection requests</header> <subsection id="H59BBC60FEF0C4F5D978087615DF29807"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>The Commission may not establish or authorize a covered procedure unless—</text> <paragraph id="H94CE6BD223674079AE4DEA834CD2005F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the Commission finds, by clear and convincing evidence and in accordance with subsection (b), that reliance upon existing procedures for processing interconnection requests would jeopardize the reliable operation of the bulk-power system by failing to address predicted demand for electric energy;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3D15472F1CB54639993529C619DFB198"><enum>(2)</enum><text>such covered procedure—</text> <subparagraph id="H03071403890748A3BF0D8B2A88ABADC8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>provides only for a one-time opportunity to submit applications for generators to interconnect with the bulk power system;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF356F21D4D30498A911E952FBDB5DB10"><enum>(B)</enum><text>only allows for the adjustment of a generator interconnection queue to prioritize an interconnection on the basis of the potential for such interconnection to address the continued reliable operation of the bulk-power system, as determined by the Commission consistent with subsection (c); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2152A2E332F245F48836A707CF06002F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>does not provide for the prioritization of generating facilities or energy storage systems based upon the means by which the energy is generated or stored, respectively.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H226EEFC3DD974A12919ADE555D3439DC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Finding requirements</header><text>In making the finding under subsection (a)(1), the Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="HED1815586A76427AB0DF1A6879A62F8D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>use predictions of growth in the demand for electric energy that are based on the best available data and account for the possibility of duplicative load interconnection requests by customers with high demand for electric energy, including by averaging such predictions if there is a range; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF23A8604CDEB45B4B7A61508769B036E"><enum>(2)</enum><text>account for the energy generation and storage capacity likely to enter commercial operation by using surplus interconnection service and generator replacement or interconnection right transfer processes.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H6F8C75BFA89942B1A5AE28441A3E3D4D"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Determinations for priority</header><text>To make a determination referred to in subsection (a)(2)(B), the Commission must determine—</text> <paragraph id="H43200F96DF5044A7876EF31E4CC9FF43"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the adjustment of a generator interconnection queue has the demonstrated ability to allow a prioritized energy generating facility or storage system to commence operation prior to the potential unreliable operation of the bulk-power system, taking into consideration factors such as if such prioritized facility or system—</text> <subparagraph id="HFF67A5AC04674B30B6A608A5FE108D5B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has signed an engineering agreement;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC62BEBB5C6DF4FDA94768F59E1895B20"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has signed contracts for procurement or construction relating to such prioritized facility or system;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H330B28CF896849E690F92D8E54EDD6ED"><enum>(C)</enum><text>has access to any equipment necessary to be procured in advance;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC0BE1BE81DB849A680E14A69B4C45454"><enum>(D)</enum><text>has access to any fuel necessary for the operation of such prioritized facility or system;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H26C1B4C38EA74460A74C8AA275A3EFFF"><enum>(E)</enum><text>has obtained any necessary permits for the construction or operation of such prioritized facility or system; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H830EFB7F72C94C398F08B0516A69081B"><enum>(F)</enum><text>would require extensive construction or modification to relevant electric transmission or distribution infrastructure.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H0FFD34984E284141934DC5414758D25C"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HD6ED2B6CD58640CC9A3E698953A4C25C"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Bulk-power system; reliable operation</header><text>The terms <term>bulk-power system</term> and <term>reliable operation</term> have the meanings given those terms in section 215.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA0045CABF7EE4AB88763D48D68A23394"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Covered procedure</header> <subparagraph id="HEF7E2D57D1FD49B18725E6134255F955"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term <quote>covered procedure</quote> means a procedure to expedite the study and processing of generator interconnection requests for certain generating facilities or energy storage systems that—</text> <clause id="H3A301769D20049BC89E57236673186B4"><enum>(i)</enum><text>previously submitted such a request; and</text></clause> <clause id="H4392F3B0954C4D58A9EA49044CEEA409"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">but for such procedure, would otherwise be assigned a higher position in the generator interconnection queue.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H572B0A45F4224A5AA0BD57A30D4B8030"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>covered procedure</quote> shall not include any procedure to expedite requests for generator interconnection relating to requests for energy-resource interconnection service, connect-and-manage approaches, reassigning surplus interconnection service, or reassigning generator interconnection rights after the retirement of a generating facility or energy storage system.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> </subtitle> <subtitle id="HD2FAC95AF8E2448F8A5A30D5F4E6EB2B"><enum>B</enum><header>Tax and grants</header> <section id="H9B9FAFD8AA044602A90FE35C58AC1812"><enum>411.</enum><header>Transmission investment tax credit</header> <subsection id="HFE6E8F9537CD4E02B950B899655A773F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/26/1">chapter 1</external-xref> of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 48E the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H056D3AEC50E54804A3D5A877A4B0FFAD" style="OLC"> <section id="H20D3784437D444C38D3F38B4A24D1BC2"><enum>48F.</enum><header>Qualifying electric power transmission line credit</header> <subsection id="H00FF78B81CD34D6590AAC7787BB42D20"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Allowance of credit</header><text>For purposes of section 46, the qualifying electric power transmission line credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 6 percent of the qualified investment for such taxable year with respect to any qualifying electric power transmission line property of the taxpayer.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H7FCDED5907CB4B63AFCF7CF3772AC16E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Qualified investment</header> <paragraph id="H1440ACDC4D8947758AD2F319C5933A9A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>For purposes of subsection (a), the qualified investment for any taxable year is the basis of any qualifying electric power transmission line property placed in service by the taxpayer during such taxable year.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCBA09541EBE844D8B1D9C6C0819AB8B9"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Certain qualified progress expenditures rules made applicable</header><text>Rules similar to the rules of subsections (c)(4) and (d) of section 46 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall apply for purposes of this section.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HDD400D6B5DB243DC9321FC09F25C23FA"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Qualifying electric power transmission line property</header><text>For purposes of this section, the term <term>qualifying electric power transmission line property</term> means any overhead, submarine, or underground property—</text> <paragraph id="H5A3B3680EB8C448D9158296E08B3EC11"><enum>(1)</enum><text>which is a qualifying electric power transmission line that transmits electricity—</text> <subparagraph id="H5D70553F4B4F42049FC52C1A4A2D9546"><enum>(A)</enum><text>across no fewer than 2 States or not less than 150 continuous miles, or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H91D27D714CAC4555AD793EDC0A389293"><enum>(B)</enum><text>across the Outer Continental Shelf (as defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1331">43 U.S.C. 1331</external-xref>)), or</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8342BFEF3273491B897000FC14E59104"><enum>(2)</enum><text>which is related transmission property.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HCFA2A052FCF245ABAB04DC2F77320ED0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Qualifying electric power transmission line</header><text>For purposes of this section—</text> <paragraph id="H8DC38B5C408149B6853F432109F1A39A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>qualifying electric power transmission line</term> means any applicable new transmission property and any modified existing transmission property.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD91FA92FAA734A1C807BD219D220741C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Applicable new transmission property</header> <subparagraph id="H3C6A15950A414F1495E318ED831CC3D8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>applicable new transmission property</term> means any electric power transmission line which is—</text> <clause id="H2FA83ACB09174BA5B80EB44E2DD58DFE"><enum>(i)</enum><text>originally placed in service after the date of the enactment of this section,</text></clause> <clause id="HC760672057F34E54900B077EAF68BDFC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>primarily used for 1 or more purposes described in subparagraph (B), and</text></clause> <clause id="HA554DFF3F3274FDC81080C90EECC0D05"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>described in subparagraph (C).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6C729D65FA79415D91459FD6A29712DD"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Purposes described</header><text>The purposes described in this subparagraph are—</text> <clause id="HE6EF6E8E6C1349D285804E3BAA1E9B75"><enum>(i)</enum><text>enhancing resilience to prepare for, withstand, and recover rapidly from disruptions from the impact of weather events, wildfires, or natural disasters,</text></clause> <clause id="HA09642D3B98D42CAB826A5348254B970"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>addressing clearance concerns,</text></clause> <clause id="H30EEB8E2EDF64E58A62DC86CDCAFA6EE"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>facilitating the interconnection of electric power generation capacity to the bulk-power system (as defined in section 215 of the Federal Power Act), or</text></clause> <clause id="H5118A284B4E7448CBF35AF7708737AE6"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>addressing high load needs of 2,000 ampere and above.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA033ABA0A0CA4BAEBE70CB34C4D1ABEB"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Additional requirements for new transmission property</header><text>An electric power transmission line is described in this subparagraph if—</text> <clause id="HB7CBB85CDAC344DEBFB8A4DCD57C1113"><enum>(i)</enum><text>such transmission line—</text> <subclause id="H6795D59715C24B78959026EC61AE4623"><enum>(I)</enum><text>includes an advanced transmission conductor, and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H625A8067B192478EB7BE07F49127039A"><enum>(II)</enum><text>is capable of transmitting electricity at a voltage of not less than 100 kilovolts, or</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HD0E66C2BAA0D4E9B9B495D2F9638307E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>such transmission line—</text> <subclause id="H4084BD5F9278426995F8E8204F667C73"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is a superconducting transmission line or is capable of transmitting electricity at a voltage of at least 345 kilovolts, and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H6C143A4344F54CB4BB550C4F23C4BA1D"><enum>(II)</enum><text>has a transmission capacity of not less than 750 megawatts or is a transmission line described in subparagraph (D).</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2D96EC0C50CA4811A0F693843867E7F1" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Multiple transmission lines located in the same right-of-way</header><text>A transmission line is described in this subparagraph if such a transmission line—</text> <clause id="H7EACDB2F084945618A0C26CBDCA16C43" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>is co-located in the same right-of-way or adjacent right-of-way as 1 or more other overhead, submarine, or underground transmission lines, and</text></clause> <clause id="HA85CDAAC62B3434785FDC5FA6D14A15C" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>together with the other transmission lines described in subparagraph (A), has a transmission capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7234C1A5380F418D998661A29EB83873"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Modified existing transmission property</header><text>The term <term>modified existing transmission property</term> means any electric power transmission line which—</text> <subparagraph id="HA80BFF2DA22A4DBA9CA173E3FD508D9C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>was placed in service before the date of the enactment of this section,</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE72790B691334F36BDABC269720CC9BB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is modified after the date of enactment of this Act in a manner that—</text> <clause id="H877A61936742400B93F55F0E9360B6F9"><enum>(i)</enum><text>increases the transmission capacity of such transmission line by not less than 500 megawatts, or</text></clause> <clause id="H4919182CC9404B2EB1D630A90C3954F5"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>includes an advanced transmission conductor that transmits electricity at a voltage of not less than 100 kilovolts, and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB46F516DBF2F4155B2D37273031C7F3F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>after the completion of such modification, is an electric power transmission line which satisfies the requirements under subclauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (2)(A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3634E0FD633E45A98F141127F89A8B37"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Advanced transmission conductor</header><text>The term <term>advanced transmission conductor</term> means a transmission conductor technology that uses recently developed technology or materials such as a composite core and such other future advances as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD97F0D19067A447F93BA2FF63D92DFEA"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Superconducting transmission line</header><text>The term <term>superconducting transmission line</term> means a transmission line that conducts all of its current over a super-conducting material.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H5B99517A914842BAB20EA1F011DE3C11"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Related transmission property</header><text>For purposes of this section—</text> <paragraph id="H65A1D78D0F824185AEBC51F2740AE8DE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The term <term>related transmission property</term> means any of the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H66F03F48051D40B5872AB5172E247668"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Transmission property used for interconnection or generator tie-line</header><text>Any electric power transmission line which is—</text> <clause id="HBECC6E6337B742F8A5E3A82F7701386A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>placed in service after the date of enactment of this section,</text></clause> <clause id="HDD3E768A0A1D4AA2B7D8D6E5964BB408"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>primarily used—</text> <subclause id="HA4D62E9F3E1B45B1BE683BCB581FD62F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>as a generator interconnection tie line at an associated facility that extends from the secondary (high) side of a generator step-up transformer to the point of interconnection with the host transmission owner from interconnecting new generation resources or facilities to the electric grid, or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9C6B7B24DCF349079FB9624498E46F19"><enum>(II)</enum><text>for network upgrades associated with the interconnection of new generation resources or facilities to the electric grid,</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H7BFF0096C81F4BFDBAF3A6C9A15EF677"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>primarily used for 1 or more purposes described in subsection (d)(2)(B), and</text></clause> <clause id="HA8B69FD395B447FB93CEB7B894E58241"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>capable of transmitting electricity at a voltage of not less than 230 kilovolts.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H05F1E7B1CF384D2993C5BCDCA8841D26"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Grid enhancing technology</header><text>Any grid enhancing technology property used in the operation of the electric power transmission line described in paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (d).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB2EF06D0E89D404B80DE4F7B7F981796"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Subcomponents</header><text>Any conductors or cables, towers, insulators, reactors, capacitors, circuit breakers, static VAR compensators, static synchronous compensators, power converters, transformers, synchronous condensers, braking resistors, and any ancillary facilities and equipment necessary for the proper operation of the electric power transmission line described in paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (d) or for the proper operation of any property described in subsection (d)(2).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF5B73EE88C964F9BBC008D0AD0C94E7C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Grid enhancing technology property</header><text>The term <term>grid enhancing technology property</term> means power flow controls and transmission switching equipment, storage technology, and hardware or software that enables dynamic line ratings, advanced line rating management technologies, on new or existing transmission property for the purpose of enhancing the capacity, efficiency, resiliency, or reliability of an electric power transmission system and such other similar property determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE33355AE21804280A179227E501E7A99"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Increased credit amount for certain transmission line property</header> <paragraph id="H8C3A93BA8EAA4768AE11A58AAFD1ED13"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In the case of any qualifying electric power transmission line property which meets the requirements of paragraph (2), the amount of credit determined under subsection (a) (determined without regard to this subsection) shall be equal to such amount multiplied by 5.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9E30A8AE65624201A5CDA64C3DDB0120"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Facility requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Qualifying electric power transmission line property shall be treated as meeting the requirements of this paragraph if—</text> <subparagraph id="H62B3E2D8287A43BCBEC38D058E94F9BF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the construction of such property meets rules similar to the rules of section 48(a)(10) (relating to prevailing wage requirements) and section 45(b)(8) (relating to apprenticeship requirements), or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEDB54B138FFA4D1397DDD6F618972A2B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the construction of such property begins before the date that is 60 days after the Secretary publishes guidance with respect to the requirements under subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H6FD454358C95467E88F440638FA4FD36"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Termination</header><text>This section shall not apply to any property the construction of which begins after December 31, 2035.</text></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="HEA933F503537403D9DFA685C2E9D7B54"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Public utility property</header><text>Paragraph (2) of section 50(d) of the Internal Revenue Code is amended—</text> <paragraph id="HE940E82E9F0749F28F81592819D992DB"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>(as defined in section 48(c)(6))</quote> and inserting <quote>(as defined in section 48(c)(6), except that subparagraph (D) of such section shall not apply) or any qualifying electric power transmission line property (as defined by section 48F(c))</quote>, and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC518BAFB3B424A52AB1C8BE3E4E28DC8"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B)—</text> <subparagraph id="HC99DB777CE3640D3B1841F44722FC6AA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>or qualifying electric power transmission line property</quote> after <quote>each energy storage technology</quote>, and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9EF13061BB1744098923EE325B480D50"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>or the qualifying electric power transmission line property</quote> after <quote>the energy storage technology</quote>.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H75C11788DE9342F989991168AD5862CB"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Transfer of certain credits</header><text><external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/26/6418">Section 6418(f)(1)(A)</external-xref> of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HC24B184E6C5A4306A90AB8BCB542A812" style="OLC"> <clause id="H31EE15F3A6434B7C9F34BD30374D173F"><enum>(xiii)</enum><text>The qualifying electric power transmission line credit under section 48F.</text></clause><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H0BEF326FF4EE429E93EFF898C4E5CD61"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Conforming amendments</header> <paragraph id="H284067AB81A34F14AFEC077F60BB3349"><enum>(1)</enum><text><external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/26/46">Section 46</external-xref> of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="HA2F1FE295CCA4D1281096C1393D03A0C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in paragraph (6), by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end,</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7AB5FBB5DD8B42319230CEA6F2137B1F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting <quote>, and</quote>, and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9C1A86A2BC79400A9D97EAA48C0BF8C7"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HE9725B19C9EA4902AC06614C5D0BA6FF" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H8375263825484909846EE20657FCC548"><enum>(8)</enum><text>the qualifying electric power transmission line credit.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H157EF9ABDD0D4F7AAD4741F84D9A220B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Section 49(a)(1)(C) of such Code is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="HBC4571B2E28642A790203D3A0DE4DBEB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in clause (vii), by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end,</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAAF41ABC50C74C2E873BD3B0A2A57F70"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting <quote>, and</quote>, and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB8E6C114D7DB465AB27F7B9765724A0A"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HA0E31B4B4498468AAE85D0374C14560C" style="OLC"> <clause id="H23E4183A38D54C13B9AEAA9DEF6F4F64"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>the basis of any qualifying electric power transmission line property under section 48F.</text></clause><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H090E59166E7B4AEBB010C32BA7D42A8C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The table of sections for subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 48E the following new item:</text> <quoted-block id="H390BE4238366491D9D022D4F8902A239" style="OLC"> <toc regeneration="no-regeneration"> <toc-entry level="section">Sec. 48F. Qualifying electric power transmission line credit.</toc-entry></toc><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H84E215EE7FCB4ED18906E7514C89FE56"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Effective date</header><text>The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.</text></subsection></section> <section id="H2AEB509D4E434607B116D22CFA2D21F1" commented="no"><enum>412.</enum><header>Reduced wildfire risks to the grid</header> <subsection id="HC9B82AE5D0B24E868BD0253BF313E475" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H4B7E1D908C8C4C2A9EC3CE778BC9F261" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Eligible entity</header><text>The term <term>eligible entity</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="H29DB2F00B79441C9BE99989E576015BD" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an electric grid operator;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0D0E25E890D04776911F29D33607E4F8" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an electricity storage operator;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE9ED724999F446549493CEA0BF4CFD5F" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>an electricity generator;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAF90B7CC36194B9789FE5ACC66180521" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>a transmission owner or operator;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6AF6A2B5F33F48D092C73E6BA953C6AF" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>a distribution provider;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA696B2FF5F7F4859BC51643365864DF0" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>a fuel supplier; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4634B0EEC6DA4F0FBB31B1C3A23D20FF" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>any other relevant entity, as determined by the Secretary.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4AC0C0895B314F8F80658F7ED5E6BEF7" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Power line</header><text>The term <term>power line</term> includes a transmission line or a distribution line, as applicable.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H662DB13AA46D47419DDC5CA2F686896F" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Program</header><text>The term <term>program</term> means the program established under subsection (b).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H5265D3E3A97843A38AA62E76E0D5A849" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment of program</header><text>Not later than days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities, States, and Indian Tribes in accordance with this section.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H68521FA4A54D431FB740506086CAD02D" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Grants to eligible entities</header> <paragraph id="H1DB4249DC3904BD3AFDCBA69573ACEB5" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary may make a grant under the program to an eligible entity to carry out activities that—</text> <subparagraph id="HD8C19A2614EC4CA9BC8A9E1F43999707" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>are supplemental to existing hardening efforts of the eligible entity planned for any given year; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEF3CB032E0EB4D8E911A05F913434CAF" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum> <clause id="HEA223009B87442C19B963F05B40F4AE1" display-inline="yes-display-inline" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>reduce the risk of any power lines owned or operated by the eligible entity causing a wildfire; or</text></clause> <clause id="HFB6FBC7EB41040939FCFF1F7CFF38DF3" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>increase the ability of the eligible entity to reduce the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5A17E541B570460B908D308A7A6AA5EC" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Application</header> <subparagraph id="H1B74319285C74A2BA5367CACE915FE8C" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An eligible entity desiring a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBED87B69137B49D2918EF76A27DA4933" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>As a condition of receiving a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary, as part of the application of the eligible entity submitted under subparagraph (A), a report detailing past, current, and future efforts by the eligible entity to reduce the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HACF7F9859B2F464E9CEB0C8BB1731BF7" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>The Secretary may not award a grant to an eligible entity in an amount that is greater than the total amount that the eligible entity has spent in the previous 3 years on efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0385C431EEE1441F9B38B48AA8EB089F" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Priority</header><text>In making grants to eligible entities under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that, in the determination of the Secretary, will generate the greatest community benefit (whether rural or urban) in reducing the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H00A86B028024446AB70CA0DA8675A45E" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Small utilities set aside</header><text>The Secretary shall ensure that not less than 30 percent of the amounts made available to eligible entities under the program are made available to eligible entities that sell not more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H97FD3A3695ED4A8396CFDCA5DBDCA057" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Grants to States and Indian Tribes</header> <paragraph id="H56C1A02B2B4F4462ADD553F0671B7646" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary, in accordance with this subsection, may make grants under the program to States and Indian Tribes, which each State or Indian Tribe may use to award grants to eligible entities.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7C1E6B9AEFE540228AEF4CD37B110A8E" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Annual application</header> <subparagraph id="HF7775549AECE40788E37D94CF5AB4E9E" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>For each fiscal year, to be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a State or Indian Tribe shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes a plan described in subparagraph (B).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9ACB1F759F954A1BB7F91A363209E81A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Plan required</header><text>A plan prepared by a State or Indian Tribe for purposes of an application described in subparagraph (A) shall—</text> <clause id="HE0F77D844BA5463DA4F9A2C6E41C84B0" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>describe the criteria and methods that will be used by the State or Indian Tribe to award grants to eligible entities;</text></clause> <clause id="H3B420B331D384DE6B19DD8A5887729DB" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>be adopted after notice and a public hearing; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF770950CC88B47179E3DDC0B5AE579EC" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>describe the proposed funding distributions and recipients of the grants to be provided by the State or Indian Tribe.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0CAD2C605EDD46F1A8B3EFDB3CAB645D" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Distribution of funds</header> <subparagraph id="HA3A7118421AF40029FA0591261D67ED4" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall provide grants to States and Indian Tribes under this subsection based on a formula determined by the Secretary, in accordance with subparagraph (B).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB85FF1B6A3B34406B5E5C1FBD289BD4D" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>The formula referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be based on the following factors:</text> <clause id="H6CC3ACE36B004D82833E39668C651256" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The total population of the State or Indian Tribe.</text></clause> <clause id="H9ED7708D44FE4CCEAD8D6601B73902AC" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum> <subclause id="HFA040215EA7B487E95B40F30322B7618" display-inline="yes-display-inline" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>The total area of the State or the land of the Indian Tribe; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H693341C29D5A44CFBA45BF0663A65D53" commented="no"> <enum>(II)</enum> <text>the areas in the State or on the land of the Indian Tribe with a low ratio of electricity customers per mileage of power lines.</text> </subclause></clause> <clause id="HCECC352BE44D4D079FC88FB6D05D6471" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The Wildfire Risk Index score and rating as calculated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.</text></clause> <clause id="H4D8A62D7370042D5B44FE4EDA7475548" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The probability of wildfires in the State or on the land of the Indian Tribe during the previous 10 years, as determined based on the number of federally declared disasters or emergencies related to wildfires in the State or on the land of the Indian Tribe, as applicable, including—</text> <subclause id="HD4D8954C2CA9472F9DE07C76DC9B4132" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>disasters for which Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/5187">42 U.S.C. 5187</external-xref>);</text></subclause> <subclause id="HAF3B706BF15240A598E7FB79F5358BA0" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>major disasters declared by the President under section 401 of that Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/5170">42 U.S.C. 5170</external-xref>);</text></subclause> <subclause id="HC81418550BC54A7FAD62AF8064DD3FF7" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>emergencies declared by the President under section 501 of that Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/5191">42 U.S.C. 5191</external-xref>); and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD492BA8012E44001B9B3933645FB645A" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>any other federally declared disaster or emergency in the State or on the land of the Indian Tribe.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H960F764A143340249B55D656CD0F9618" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>The number and severity, measured by population and economic impacts, of wildfires experienced by the State or Indian Tribe on or after January 1, 2015.</text></clause> <clause id="H3F0AA2CCF065401C84FDA75CE169F1BE" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>The total amount, on a per capita basis, of public and private expenditures during the previous 10 years to carry out mitigation efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of wildfires in the State or on the land of the Indian Tribe, with States or Indian Tribes with higher per capita expenditures receiving additional weight or consideration as compared to States or Indian Tribes with lower per capita expenditures.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H245C48C8FB884ADFA9E226B5F1753E38" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Annual update of data used in distribution of funds</header><text>Beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall annually update—</text> <clause id="H925D990316284715A3AC93DBDCACD258" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>all data relating to the factors described in subparagraph (B); and</text></clause> <clause id="HF6D1786019EC43BE98443A0197215FA5" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>all other data used in distributing grants to States and Indian Tribes under this subsection.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H355B75E1CF954CF3B12F299EAF9923C0" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Oversight</header><text>The Secretary shall ensure that each grant provided to a State or Indian Tribe under the program is allocated, pursuant to the applicable plan of the State or Indian Tribe, to eligible entities for projects within the State or on the land of the Indian Tribe.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HED4E0A8E8D444EE894045F1D2856FAE1" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Priority</header><text>In making grants to eligible entities using funds made available to the applicable State or Indian Tribe under the program, the State or Indian Tribe shall give priority to projects that, in the determination of the State or Indian Tribe, will generate the greatest community benefit (whether rural or urban) in reducing the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF2BEF0CF95024AB4973935F50004E94A" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Small utilities set aside</header><text>A State or Indian Tribe receiving a grant under the program shall ensure that, of the amounts made available to eligible entities from funds made available to the State or Indian Tribe under the program, the percentage made available to eligible entities that sell not more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year is not less than the percentage of all customers in the State or Indian Tribe that are served by those eligible entities.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCB28DCAC1B764EC196A72BD6396F6D59" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Technical assistance and administrative expenses</header><text>Of the amounts made available to a State or Indian Tribe under the program each fiscal year, the State or Indian Tribe may use not more than 5 percent for—</text> <subparagraph id="HAA60BB9D76BB47DF941A58ABF8B48E0B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>providing technical assistance under subsection (g)(1)(A); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H16BC1836917F44D2AA31988A7B3ADB0B" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>administrative expenses associated with the program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H50751BF56A5D40C3B78AAF7F4043A8AE" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Matching requirement</header><text>Each State and Indian Tribe shall be required to match 15 percent of the amount of each grant provided to the State or Indian Tribe under the program.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H1D645F71CE684E0D8FBC616FBCFB5BF9" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Use of grants</header> <paragraph id="H892DB7EE358C4E84972C6DF24A9A15C5" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A grant awarded to an eligible entity under the program may be used for activities, technologies, equipment, and hardening measures to reduce the likelihood and consequences of wildfires, including—</text> <subparagraph id="HD8716063562745E98D34C0F41A219BD0" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>weatherization technologies and equipment;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE3757A9848A0465BA355EE1253973794" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>fire-resistant technologies and fire prevention systems;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6988ABF5E0AB49319A018FD7D94C8A37" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>monitoring and control technologies, including digital tools;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H102C7D9DB753462D966103DA369D510F" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the undergrounding of electrical equipment;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H842F92CEA1284950901ACC9CDE0C8BF9" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>utility pole management;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8F76D2CB3EE5404DB3EC0D4D675007BD" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the relocation of power lines or the reconductoring of power lines with low-sag, advanced conductors;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2851EA28A13F427AB7CE87150D7E6390" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>vegetation and fuel-load management;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H081D4BA706D44FDA8D3717DA9AB3B6C1" commented="no"><enum>(H)</enum><text>the use or construction of distributed energy resources for enhancing system adaptive capacity during wildfires, including—</text> <clause id="HBFE7B38657B14F7A8B59F28A62470140" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>microgrids; and</text></clause> <clause id="H7CC8E2BAE56F441A9A4CFFD1B8681AAF" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>battery-storage subcomponents;</text> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD6D11984CC0B45B79DB052C31F3A085B" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>adaptive protection technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE97AD3FF8DE7430FB944212268699231"><enum>(J)</enum><text>advanced modeling technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4985C2CFDF4E4F96B2479DA5F7B9C105" commented="no"><enum>(K)</enum><text>hardening of power lines, facilities, substations, of other systems;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H29B5CDAE2DC044AAA9C6CA9925EF9D04" commented="no"><enum>(L)</enum><text>the replacement of old overhead conductors and underground cables; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCA701208E9D245EE8635098BAA6DBF8A"><enum>(M)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the removal or replacement of old power lines.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4FD338479F614027ACA1F532CA2525C1" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Prohibitions and limitations</header> <subparagraph id="H533736C203034CE9A08E50236488D4C9" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A grant awarded to an eligible entity under the program may not be used for—</text> <clause id="H6A1CD0F069744B52AABCE5FAF5C2FEF6" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>construction of a new—</text> <subclause id="H5A90C0A45685478EA3CA99FC7F782196" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>electric generating facility; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H6D87D64BB5A84B2A82B15EA4DAC62E4C" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>large-scale battery-storage facility that is not used for enhancing system adaptive capacity during wildfires; or</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H41AF716999774289934C8595A0FB3EB9" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>cybersecurity.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD2676470E83341D292DD1CF2B0A0AA81" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Certain investments eligible for recovery</header> <clause id="H7F9009B8CD0844D18B70B6C8CE81E784" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An eligible entity may not seek cost recovery for the portion of the cost of any system, technology, or equipment that is funded through a grant awarded under the program.</text></clause> <clause id="HD003161317844A529ED5F818B63CAD14" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Savings provision</header><text>Nothing in this subparagraph prohibits an eligible entity from recovering through traditional or incentive-based ratemaking any portion of an investment in a system, technology, or equipment that is not funded by a grant awarded under the program.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9DD89B935EA54FE48A31A2C6DD580212" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Application limitations</header><text>An eligible entity may not submit an application for a grant provided by the Secretary under subsection (c) and a grant provided by a State or Indian Tribe pursuant to subsection (d) during the same application cycle.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD6C575D3BB284CC99E5C7E3006476236" commented="no"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Distribution of funding</header><text>Of the amounts made available to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall ensure that—</text> <paragraph id="H6DF364D19D8C427A936B78A190DB6F1C" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>50 percent is used to award grants to eligible entities under subsection (c); and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCF6AD45BDCEB4C96B8CBA6AD52308F1F" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>50 percent is used to make grants to States and Indian Tribes under subsection (d).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HDE95291F497E425995CC4DF790493BE0" commented="no"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Technical and other assistance</header> <paragraph id="H5F6F3D6034634378A2DC270A949D244F" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary, States, and Indian Tribes may—</text> <subparagraph id="H0CF665EF85EB41E9A840864B2685BCA2" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>provide technical assistance and facilitate the distribution and sharing of information to reduce the likelihood and consequences of wildfires; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H066238E9D86F488C9EC83AF6D01E9AFF" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>promulgate consumer-facing information and resources to inform the public of best practices and resources relating to reducing the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H072846825FD343B18152BB9946E0D726" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Use of funds by the secretary</header><text>Of the amounts made available to the Secretary to carry out the program each fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than 5 percent for—</text> <subparagraph id="HFDCEADAF17014E41B5EC5EFC355528BE" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>providing technical assistance under paragraph (1)(A); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H92B9909F65AD4EFE9A003A5C2BF9A92C" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>administrative expenses associated with the program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H36D8D2E899FD4846A5CB4AEE265FF616" commented="no"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Matching requirement</header> <paragraph id="H366B781DB4704CDCAE4B5C5D6DB61047" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in paragraph (2), an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall be required to match 100 percent of the amount of the grant.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H77085A64EAB94C7DA44187F869194AE5" commented="no"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Exception for small utilities</header> <text>An eligible entity that sells not more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year shall be required to match <fraction>1/3</fraction> of the amount of the grant.</text> </paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB7ACA33D67784580B36984FBE95A01E9" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Biennial report to Congress</header> <paragraph id="HF80B5AB0DAA34767932E0692B89DEC89" commented="no"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>In general</header> <text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter through, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing the program.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H76F4B0780D4E405C836E274FC9A1BEFE" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The report under paragraph (1) shall include information and data on—</text> <subparagraph id="H89E9770F2CDC4259A05009534BF7B54B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the costs of the projects for which grants are awarded to eligible entities;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H74E723F1CB434E14B7E29D564611F961" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the types of activities, technologies, equipment, and hardening measures funded by those grants; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD6495D9F5D7144D3BAB9FF5B81812D17" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the extent to which the ability of the power grid to withstand and reduce the likelihood of wildfires has increased.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HAEEEC73CA1B74B799F3563F07503914D" commented="no"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program $3,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H9BDAE2B2F80D4FE6A40BEFD4F8E95502" commented="no"><enum>(k)</enum><header>Continued activities</header><text>The Secretary shall carry out the program, in addition to any activities authorized under Section 40103 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (<external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/117/58">Public Law 117–58</external-xref>).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H5F0FC75568AE465F891EAEC4F737C9CD"> <enum>(l)</enum> <header>Davis-Bacon</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by funds made available under this section (or any amendment made by this section) shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/40/31">chapter 31</external-xref> of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the <quote>Davis-Bacon Act</quote>), and the regulations issued thereunder at 29 CFR Part 5 (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts regulations). Compliance with these labor standards shall be a condition of receiving assistance under this section, and the Secretary concerned shall require that all contracts and subcontracts include the labor standards clauses prescribed by the Secretary of Labor.</text> </subsection></section></subtitle> <subtitle id="H9B31FDD810504A25A9B61E918E2CBB39"><enum>C</enum><header>Transmission governance reform</header> <section id="HF36918F687714CB2B6EBF78C8B155A11" commented="no"><enum>421.</enum><header>FERC staffing</header> <subsection id="H65C677E831CD444AB4DAEBF536077242" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Ensuring timely review of infrastructure</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 401(k) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/7171">42 U.S.C. 7171(k)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H2C51C5B5C35D4016AE2C374F5F30590E" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in paragraph (1), by striking <quote>subchapter III of</quote>;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H34005E2A57754CB884641E87E36B8C74" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)—</text> <subparagraph id="HD7F63044B0774D8DA7E48717F2FA3713" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking subparagraph (A); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEAC4E962A22444F288075EBB5C11AD6A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7A2D9514F56D49BB98459ED756499ED3" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in paragraph (6)—</text> <subparagraph id="H09B6107C78DC49AEA136F5909A388B6B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking <quote>The Chairman</quote> and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H3047C76D63EC453EAC99E0B152E84827" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subparagraph id="H9D263B5CEE85426F84F07C8FFCB85062" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Chairman</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H58C665D0E216469BABADC58B459D650C" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HB38502801A354EBEBB99DF99A9A35BFD" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subparagraph id="H87CDEEE2FA634BD38BC6C9835814DBD3" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Implementation plan</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Chairman shall submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management a plan to implement this subsection. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take final action on the plan not later than 120 days after the submission of such plan.</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HC4FA4944B22448FD90FB1458832D9C9C" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Direct hire authority</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 401 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/7171">42 U.S.C. 7171</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H187ACD03E4AE4B6886AF4599E8EB584C" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subsection id="H1DEA933CE9FE45E68DD5E31802DEE9EC" commented="no"><enum>(l)</enum><header>Direct hire authority</header> <paragraph id="H2448485A934F49C0BABCCAE1E9A65DA6" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Notwithstanding section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title 5, if the Chairman of the Commission issues a certification that there is as severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the Commission’s responsibilities and activities, the Chairman may, subject to paragraph (3), recruit and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive service.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1FD41411D2C248EB9BF189BC28343B36" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>Any action authorized pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the merit principles of section 2301 of title 5, United States Code, and the Commission shall comply with the public notice requirements of section 3327 of such title 5.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H936D4F2BD75D473691CBBCE01D231B5A" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Termination</header> <subparagraph id="HFF015A79F76C4154802D66E509AFE2FC" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A certification issued or renewed under this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of—</text> <clause id="HB408AD7FDE05492281A09A2B252D5FCC" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the date that is 5 years after the certification is issued or renewed; or</text></clause> <clause id="H11BF4FC7986B471C92ABC6DF70820BE8" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the date on which the Chairman determines that there is no longer a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the Commission’s responsibilities and activities.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6A2FE8FE4E4D4EB29B7AF6F6D75B39E1" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Renewal</header><text>The Chairman may renew a certification issued or renewed under this subsection for an additional 5-year period if the Chairman determines there is still a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the Commission’s responsibilities and activities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA1501E009E9F4098944084C1BD6252F0" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Covered position</header><text>In this subsection, the term <term>covered position</term> means a position in which an employee is responsible for conducting work of a scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical, legal, or otherwise highly specialized or skilled nature.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H710724D665E641A6B58ABEF468F0DCBA" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Elimination of reporting sunset</header><text>Section 11004(b) of the Energy Act of 2020 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/7171">42 U.S.C. 7171</external-xref> note; <external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/116/260">Public Law 116–260</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="HC452AD7D8C454745B51D5FD25C31BE92" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in paragraph (1), by striking <quote>thereafter for 10 years</quote> and inserting <quote>thereafter</quote>; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5A812C6FA5A44081A2780D549BA17448" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)(B), by striking <quote>or mathematical</quote> and inserting <quote>mathematical, or otherwise highly specialized or skilled</quote>.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H6D165838A2E645EFAD0007D351495C64" commented="no"><enum>422.</enum><header>FERC fee assessments</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 3401 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/7178">42 U.S.C. 7178</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H045ACC797B644259B151D5ABAD145506" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subsection id="HE5E7D8B9E3E34E249B21EF8F30ED7C0F" commented="no"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not less often than once every 5 years, the Commission shall undertake a review to determine if the fees and charges it assesses under this section and other laws are sufficient to allow the Commission to handle its workload in an expedient manner.</text> </subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> <section id="HC1483092B61B4DF6AD66AD14FF6959C9"><enum>423.</enum><header>State public utility commission capacity grants</header> <subsection id="H806EF2C2BAAB48AFB87EE68B53B9C3D3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years following the enactment of this title, the Secretary of Energy shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall award grants to State regulatory authorities to increase the capacity of said authorities to evaluate filings made by utilities related to transmission and integrated resource plans, including through the hiring of economic modelers, engineers, and others with relevant expertise.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H0794433570064B079F50C539CF367997"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.</text></subsection></section> <section id="HAA1F606125514609B5D6A07D0A898B3F"><enum>424.</enum><header>Independent transmission monitors</header> <subsection id="H1FD29490B8E14009B3924D09E3493687"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="H1C6FF573B2814B94BE4366272066271A"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">require each transmission planning region to establish an independent entity to monitor the planning for, and operation of, transmission facilities in the transmission planning region; or</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB4900B3FCDA741BAAB866DFE98C55621" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish an independent entity to monitor the planning for, and operation of, transmission facilities in all transmission planning regions.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H09939D95F06E4CB9A79C229E4DF4CBA2"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Role of transmission monitor</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An independent entity described in subsection (a) shall provide independent analysis of transmission planning and ratemaking processes by the Commission and Transmission Organizations to inform Commission proceedings, including by, as applicable—</text> <paragraph id="HD4D8387718EB4A96AE95227B5E29F630" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><text>reviewing the operation and practices of transmission facilities in the applicable transmission planning region for inefficiency;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8CF4D2C8AC284E849FA097D307BDF1BB"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">investigating whether any rate, charge, or classification for transmission facilities in the applicable transmission planning region, or any rule, regulation, practice, or contract affecting such a rate, charge, or classification, is unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory or preferential;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC8A2F79A191B48A3AFB5C4D17BEFE858"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reviewing the transmission planning process for the applicable transmission planning region, including processes for planning new and upgraded local transmission projects;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2DAB4FD5D7B64455A0FA821415F14380"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reviewing transmission facility costs in the applicable transmission planning region;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8BBE01B3B83144E58FE2CCDAE407596B" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">providing examples and advice to Transmission Organizations in the applicable transmission planning region on regional transmission operations, planning, and cost-allocation processes;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAAA9BA56603C4B95AE1DA794B28F8C25" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identifying situations in which it is cost-effective or otherwise appropriate to construct or deploy advanced transmission technologies, demand-side energy efficiency measures, demand response, and distributed energy resources, including rooftop and community solar, microgrids, and storage;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H0B4652A3AB32404DBEE64B528C18365B"><enum>(7)</enum><text>coordinating and sharing information with State regulatory authorities in the applicable transmission planning region; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA6F8F9FB479A47DDAF5C61EA2E17C1FD"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identifying reliable data sets and methodologies for use in regional planning and providing access to data to stakeholders.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H9EB19C1A710D4272BBB86BB085122B31"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Savings clause</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the sole power of the Commission to, under sections 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824d">16 U.S.C. 824d</external-xref>; 824e), determine if any rates, charges, or classifications are unjust, unreasonable, or unduly discriminatory or preferential.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H2609AEF4F65A4A92BF6276ABE74E605A"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HD25300D8AF804B9788292D9BEBF6CBBD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0F4016275E53484A882CC7C84EE47B4D"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology; State regulatory authority; Transmission Organization; transmission planning region</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The terms <term>advanced transmission technology</term>, <term>State regulatory authority</term>, <term>Transmission Organization</term>, and <term>transmission planning region</term> have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HE863057A90B44A33AA5BF0B62A842E48" commented="no"><enum>425.</enum><header>Aggregator bidding into organized wholesale electric markets</header> <subsection id="H3F68FEC5421C490AA2F26FB4E5843A87" commented="no"> <enum>(a)</enum> <header>In general</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding any prohibition established by a relevant electric retail regulatory authority with respect to who may bid into an organized wholesale electric market, each Transmission Organization shall, with respect to the organized wholesale electric market controlled by the Transmission Organization, allow any bid from an aggregator of retail customers that aggregates the demand flexibility of the customers of utilities that distributed more than 4 million megawatt-hours in the previous fiscal year. Such flexibility may be achieved through demand response, distributed generation, distributed storage, and community-based or municipal aggregation programs.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H473387651D75456DBD15C57F9FFFFBD6" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule pursuant to subsection (a).</text></subsection> <subsection id="HC147487FA2004FD585FA886446074889"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Standard procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each Transmission Organization shall establish standardized registration, telemetry, and settlement procedures for aggregators of distributed energy resources to ensure non-discriminatory participation and data access.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H18F9306FB6E941DD96CBDE978C8F3E70" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HE496365976994AC89DD4A4B254EB6E4C" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H88BB1D1DA8D3434F8D1DA3A092319A6B" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Electric retail regulatory authority</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>electric retail regulatory authority</term> means an entity that establishes retail electricity prices and retail competition policies for customers.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H37A893F684364CA598C4985A481F24E6" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Transmission Organization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>Transmission Organization</term> has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H3D7F0243CA5C4526AE5C600DA5652A09" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>426.</enum><header>RTO and ISO governance and participation</header> <subsection id="H29DB1BEC54D84064988EBF3D37E41C24" commented="no"> <enum>(a)</enum> <header>Technical Conference</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall convene a technical conference to consider Regional Transmission Organization and Independent System Operator independence from their members interests, the responsiveness of RTOs and ISOs to consumers and other stakeholders, and ways for RTOs and ISOs to increase the equitable treatment of consumers and other stakeholders, including the effectiveness of stakeholder policies and procedures adopted in compliance with the final rule entitled <quote>Wholesale Competition in Regions With Organized Electric Markets</quote> published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2008 (73 Fed. Reg. 64100).</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H404C363F9F684BFD9BE84BC8C7817019" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Participation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The technical conference convened under subsection (a) shall be led by members of the Commission, and the Commission shall invite participation from representatives of each RTO and ISO, owners and operators of transmission facilities, representatives of entities that develop advanced transmission technologies, owners and operators of electric generation facilities that interconnect at either the transmission or distribution system level, including energy storage, end-use customers, electric power marketers, publicly owned electric utilities, consumer advocates, environmental justice advocates, environmental groups, State public utility commissions, State governors, and such other stakeholders as the Commission determines appropriate.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H667AA41EA76144CF93107B5AF3A59517" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Topics</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In conducting the technical conference convened under subsection (a), the Commission shall seek to identify policies and procedures that maintain RTO and ISO independence, and enhance the responsiveness of RTOs and ISOs to their customers and other stakeholders, taking into consideration—</text> <paragraph id="H1D5026C498C0400A82DF955171A6449E" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the benefits of greater transparency in RTO and ISO stakeholder processes, including access by stakeholders to relevant data and written background materials;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H72EF61DE510C41C796D5CC13D9A1DECC" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>barriers to participation in such stakeholder processes for new market participants and other non-incumbent stakeholders;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H97BFA25F0BCD4B15B6D15A2A8FC9CD2A" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the need for periodic, independent review of RTO and ISO stakeholder policies and procedures;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA2D19AA72E844FA28D332BB184384253" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><text>power imbalances between incumbent and non-incumbent stakeholders, including whether current RTO and ISO membership rules, sectoral designations, and voting procedures allow for adequate representation of all stakeholder views;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2FEA31439E6A47409AD904FECFA08441" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text>how RTOs and ISOs should take State public policy objectives into consideration as part of such stakeholder processes;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H56778C9E46A047008505902FC338250F" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text>whether existing RTO and ISO decision-making processes are sufficiently independent from the control of any market participant or class of participants;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA13C68263C4E45C580AB4575B635C31B" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><text>the role of the Office of Public Participation of the Commission in facilitating greater stakeholder participation in RTOs and ISOs; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBAAB5363AEFD49AE85486C8AA3B1C601" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><text>such other subjects as the Commission considers appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HF03C10FE76B24728B0D5D1BBF7602B87" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Public comment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the technical conference convened under subsection (a).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H41F88D2D1CA24AE0A74B027D311B8110" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 18 months after the conclusion of the technical conference convened under subsection (a), and after public notice and comment, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule adopting such policies and procedures as the Commission determines necessary to maintain the independence of RTOs and ISOs, and to enhance the transparency and responsiveness of RTOs and ISOs to their customers and other stakeholders.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HFC07CEE3AD9A4789BCEFD76B7B7EC4BF" commented="no"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H2B1EA784F396440D9D9BF7C66339677E" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8A5D9F59AFF04CFD8D2014AF7A2152AE" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Federal Power Act definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The terms <term>electric utility</term>, <term>Independent System Operator</term>, <term>ISO</term>, <term>Regional Transmission Organization</term>, <term>RTO</term>, and <term>State commission</term> have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HF37A647062AE43D29DB6450DB09999E9" commented="no"><enum>427.</enum><header>Modernized grid data and analytics</header> <subsection id="HB00A9AB800D343D79223826C899077ED" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Modernization of reporting information and data under the Federal Power Act</header> <paragraph id="HE12121C2E283414F9DB8687240C7C59F" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission shall, by rule, standardize the manner in which information and data is reported by transmitting utilities and Transmission Organizations to the Commission under the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/972">16 U.S.C. 972 et seq.</external-xref>) in accordance with this subsection.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H870CD9D41C7C4EF0B14B949DCAF24FF0" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Content of reports requirements</header><text>In carrying out paragraph (1), the Commission shall require the information and data that will be reported, as it applies to projects, existing assets, or systems owned or operated by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization, to include the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H20E10458C77144AF9F86322FA6FDBC00" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Information and data relating to a project and the lifecycle of such project, including—</text> <clause id="H9D5E88498A094B2AA863E95604BBCACD" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>project milestones, including proposed, approved, and actual in-service dates;</text></clause> <clause id="H4BF9BE4833FC4956BBEC97B23A600AEF" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>project classification information, including whether the project represents new construction, an upgrade, or a rebuild of existing infrastructure;</text></clause> <clause id="H37A5F0E283174EE592688DEDA57D4B37" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>major development history, including original construction and last major upgrade dates;</text></clause> <clause id="H1837DF3359544334984C0CED9F049A71" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the location of any applicable project;</text></clause> <clause id="H3BD1952786C24023953C38942A83AF3D" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>the project nameplate capacity, length, voltage, and conductor material and specifications; and</text></clause> <clause id="H4274CE1E0FF3418CA83D64325BB4D562" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>an identification of the applicable planning process through which the applicable project originated.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDB60830359A34337AB809CA261E8F000" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The costs and economic justifications of a project, existing asset, or system owned or operated by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization, as applicable, including—</text> <clause id="HC3E10F5DF2AD477FBEC63C555A9711D1" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>original projected and actual final costs of all new projects;</text></clause> <clause id="H47AA7FBB5A7143B7BAB60A089B76BFAD" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>original projected and actual final costs of renewals and replacements of project works;</text></clause> <clause id="H06FBFC8080E948398F7BF7972BC699AC" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>original projected and actual maintenance and operations expenses of the projects and existing assets on a current-year and five-year rolling average basis;</text></clause> <clause id="H8B4E75DE36554A6199A453BDAAA944F6" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>cost allocation shares where applicable, including identification of entities responsible for shared investments in projects;</text></clause> <clause id="H87B6A1401E874A3AA3F93B1374170C7C" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>cost-benefit analyses of projects;</text></clause> <clause id="H99982A83CF054AC5A5E11E5DDA6D8D1C" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>whether the project was subject to a competitive solicitation process and, if applicable, the outcome of that process; and</text></clause> <clause id="HDA54C1001D4246FE9103181897C47C9F" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>classification of the project based on benefits provided, under the relevant transmission planning framework.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4675B3613CD4472FAA8EF824C0BB4F5D" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The capital structure and the rate of return of a project, existing asset, or system owned or operated by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization, including—</text> <clause id="H4F02A160FC264B8B8F76CA1440E328F0" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the allowed return on equity (ROE), return on debt, and return on preferred stock;</text></clause> <clause id="HBF992FBA740E42DFAB62404A3A83CA76" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the utility’s authorized or actual capital structure, including the percentage of debt, equity, and preferred stock used in ratemaking;</text></clause> <clause id="H6D9648D390C542C08BBF63CC6543736B" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the resulting overall weighted average rate of return;</text></clause> <clause id="H0E7074E23F0F4E3BB3F0D12C16E09AF1" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>any FERC-approved incentive adders applied to the base ROE, including rationale and duration; and</text></clause> <clause id="H1B4C789C63394D1E9A931A74A7E1E995" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>where applicable, information necessary to assess potential double leveraging effects arising from a holding company structure, as defined by the Commission.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H176D26BC8F2E460CBF8E6CE9F09345CC" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>For information and data relating to a system owned or operated by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization, as applicable, congestion-related costs or the costs incurred by ratepayers, power supplies, or distribution customers as a result of transmission system constraints that prevent the dispatch of least-cost generation resources.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8B8B42FCA6594EC9B2AF9C4290F92426" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Technical and non-technical losses and inefficiencies.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H01E515E5932B4CD2BD05241BBB0C79EE" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>A complete accounting of interconnection-related costs incurred by interconnection customers, transmitting utilities, or other entities, disaggregated by cost type and responsible party, including—</text> <clause id="H69AEFE4E74E242E6B3B9DD01BBDED061" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>study fees;</text></clause> <clause id="H4D9E70E165B84119B090C64BC386DC67" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>milestones or reservation payments;</text></clause> <clause id="H69A8A5BC946444CEBFD2F8205C1AC96C" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>costs of local interconnection attachment facilities;</text></clause> <clause id="HA5BC4FA00E134C07871C4D1B736003E2" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>grid network upgrade costs; and</text></clause> <clause id="H75A7285A65B94F449EDD594FADCF0CDE" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>estimates of costs to a larger system.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE5871F69E4E746568B85C8FAAE098625" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>The projected and actual capacity and load of a system owned or operated by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization and the projected and actual amount of energy delivered by such system.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCE977F12815049D18D0B9AADAF4BC0A9" commented="no"><enum>(H)</enum><text>Information and data on the use of capital-efficient advanced technologies, including information on—</text> <clause id="HC7F0BEC02F6F43FBB59B75A2F8295ADC" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>hourly usage;</text></clause> <clause id="HE0330F2BCF6A41199838D56AFB5EAC8A" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the location of the technologies; and</text></clause> <clause id="H00DC6973475848B5927F9E1612DD8170" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the types of technologies deployed.</text> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE0682328AB2F44C5B2BCAF5EC87073A4" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Any additional metrics the Commission determines necessary to improve ratepayer affordability and understanding of the transmission sector.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF2273EEB5F114581B3EC53D9F55F502C" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Content of interconnection reports</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out paragraph (1), the Commission shall require a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization to report, no less than quarterly, to the Commission information and data on interconnection queues and details relating to interconnection study models used. Data reported under this paragraph shall include both historical and real time information to allow trend analysis and retrospective validation of study timelines.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4F5ADA23E8F24719803EF64658037B11" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Format of reports</header> <subparagraph id="H109EC10189F745B7ADDA49BBB4F7B159" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Pursuant to paragraph (1), the Commission shall ensure the completeness, accuracy, and accessibility of information and data reported to the Commission under the Federal Power Act, as the Commission determines necessary, by—</text> <clause id="H2CEFC89369CB4D55AA85ECA2694A76B2" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>establishing standardized reporting requirements that specify standards for describing and recording such information and data, and, if the Commission determines appropriate, providing templates or other tools to reduce administrative burden;</text></clause> <clause id="HF61F4EBF635E4BCDB04A1AADCEFCBE08" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>providing a format for such information and data to be submitted in a manner that is fully searchable and machine-readable;</text></clause> <clause id="H18850A1A155643EEBDC755A0B8914BF9" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>requiring any form filed by a transmitting utility or a Transmission Organization contains no blank cells, unless clearly marked as exempt pursuant to subparagraph (B);</text></clause> <clause id="H2A0FE997F8CA4E768BF281FEEE62C288" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>requiring any projections required under paragraph (1) are defined, including key assumptions, methodologies, and any other information that could influence the result of the projection; and</text></clause> <clause id="HB605FE35221A4C2FB866BC0CD9EB1058" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>requiring data reported under this subsection is also made available to the public through a single, user-friendly web interface that allows users to search, filter, and download the data in a machine-readable format.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC6AC357319AC426792797A36DADB59D5" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Exemption</header><text>A transmitting utility or a Transmission Organization may request an exemption from a requirement under subparagraph (A)(iii) if—</text> <clause id="H72C3B9817CA54BAE80A72E2C7C929BDB" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>such transmitting utility or Transmission Organization submits to the Commission a written statement explaining why such an exemption is needed; and</text></clause> <clause id="H2CA1114F7C434E95896E215806D5D2BB" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Commission determines that the exemption is justified based on the written statement submitted under clause (i).</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBD7AD337163F4C13A68DB2300BE31A1B" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>FERC form no 1</header> <subparagraph id="H5098158C98E24EDA8A8B53C39F3002EF" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Refiling</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Commission issues a rule under paragraph (1), with respect to a covered form, in the event the Commission determines that such covered form is incomplete, the Commission shall require the relevant transmitting utility or Transmission Organization to file a revised FERC Form No. 1 in a manner that complies with the requirements of paragraph (4) and the requirements under section 141.1 of title 18, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE1BF8311F0ED42728048CCEF30B6F8F3" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Covered form defined</header><text>In this subsection, the term <term>covered form</term> means a FERC Form No. 1 filed with the Commission by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization during the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of enactment of this Act.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4BB8B6DB54CC478997EB795F7BBE759A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Modernization and centralization of FERC form no. 1</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission, in collaboration with the Administrator, shall make all historical and future FERC Form No. 1 filings publicly available through the centralized data repository established under subsection (b).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H4EA4B834E78643E68FC86D845B5394E3" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Development of centralized data repository</header> <paragraph id="HE4B71B2870E943FABBBF11171F33DEE5" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission, in collaboration with the Administrator, shall develop and maintain a searchable and publicly accessible data repository containing information and data the Commission determines necessary to carry out the requirements of this Act, including information and data reported or filed by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization—</text> <subparagraph id="H2A825F096744450C8506CF2E35D646B1" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in FERC Form Nos. 1, 1–F, 3–Q, 714, 715, and 730, including information or data from these forms reported prior to the date of enactment of this Act; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBFC6B1CA381A4C2FB84D33F24593D5E3" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>pursuant to the requirements of this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8CAA75A6161C491B92A3C53E7181FDD4" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>EIA expertise</header><text>In collaborating with the Commission under this subsection with respect to the data repository developed under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H5BBEA274363F44D88FD61F13387BB891" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>develop and maintain schemas and metadata for Form No. 1 data consistent with section 3506(b)(6) of title 44, United States Code;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF1E90D28279E4D21820C5D085B579531" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide user-friendly tools to explore, download, and analyze such data, including filtering by utility, year, region, and data category; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE0557995E71543CCA902B5518D097A45" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>ensure such data is accessible to the public in both bulk and disaggregated forms, with Application Programming Interfaces and visualization tools where feasible.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H78BBB56A935441DCA4DE14BB76827FED" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that the data repository developed and maintained under paragraph (1)—</text> <subparagraph id="HFAE367F0943B4732B0E250CA01642086" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>includes the data in fully searchable and machine-readable format;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3BC428F5DDCB4C478A43651A6AE5501B" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is capable of including high-quality data through schemas and accompanying metadata;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H485E5490420E47FD8B000B919DF59882" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>ensures consistent identification of data elements or assets that satisfy regulatory requirements for data, established by the Commission, as reflected in machine-readable metadata;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H681F6DE7706E4CC490E76FF6F9F8127D" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>uses standardized data formats across all Transmission Organizations and transmitting utilities;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H81AACCBCA73E448689A5E81B489B084C" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>is used by Transmission Organizations and transmitting utilities to file reports required under the Federal Power Act and this Act;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H86CA405F099240B6839670C96A465272" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>enables uploading of reports filed under the Federal Power Act or this Act;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA0A619A6EB304F13A316AD15F35A3E49" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>is optimized for operability by Transmission Organizations and transmitting utilities to limit the administrative burden of, and ensure consistency in, such filings;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9DF958E33E64450DB6C8B8D52E123A90" commented="no"><enum>(H)</enum><text>includes interactive tools and visualization interfaces to allow users to explore trends in transmission buildout, interconnection timelines, and associated ratepayer costs;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC53A41EF6E414ACA80A250DB710F0C68" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>incorporates Application Programming Interfaces or bulk download functionality to support third-party analysis and research; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H81D8C5EC50C349C286011388C7C69686" commented="no"><enum>(J)</enum><text>ensures that publicly accessible data is aligned with the security of guidelines for Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information, and includes appropriate data anonymization and cybersecurity protections, based on Commission guidance.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H935F3EBD212A492DB778B549E2E3FB3D" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Grid research and analytics</header> <paragraph id="H9870AB46BF5B4286BEA788F69AC83B3C" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Research and policy analysis</header><text>The Secretary, in collaboration with the Commission, using standardized methodologies and anonymized queue data collected under this Act, shall conduct research and publish periodic reports on the following topics:</text> <subparagraph id="H1E311069B65340FABA8FAD89158320B9" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Primary drivers of increased costs to ratepayers associated with transmission and interconnection, including—</text> <clause id="HAB685CC2895B4315BCEC729A364CA0F6" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>transmission capital expenditures;</text></clause> <clause id="H993798810B994E23B96464BD217EE9D6" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>interconnection-related upgrade costs;</text></clause> <clause id="HBD77CF381C294020BD52FE3A14CD9E5B" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>interconnection study delays;</text></clause> <clause id="H6DABC86B5D2D4C4486A040D9CF4EC8F4" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>regional variations in cost allocation methodologies; and</text></clause> <clause id="H224569E4ECBE48D7ACF5EE0D1044B50F" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>cost recovery practices by utilities and grid operators.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H717562C4AA654E32B264594CD57DE807" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Value delivered to ratepayers from transmission and interconnection investments, including through—</text> <clause id="H7865A08E1FF441699777E45B4E6E964A" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>improvements to electric system reliability;</text></clause> <clause id="HCC48944F278545F7A2099800F93B2F1D" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>avoided emissions or emissions reductions; and</text></clause> <clause id="H0BBED095B10344718BE53C9E32223AA0" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>enhancements to long-term system resilience and grid flexibility.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7CCC735387DF4BAEA05F274E60D5D299" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Mechanisms to enhance ratepayer affordability, including—</text> <clause id="HC348B02688C743BCAAE122C12338A2B0" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>evaluation of performance-based regulation frameworks applied to transmission and interconnection-related investments;</text></clause> <clause id="H2DA93C9650224B058A6AB9BE9C586154" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>assessment of alternative interconnection solutions such as advanced transmission technologies, shared infrastructure models, or consolidated upgrades; and</text></clause> <clause id="H330BA9BE8AF744048889AD01883C86BB" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>evaluation of demand-side interventions that reduce the need for costly transmission or interconnection investments.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA9395598F0F14B7F8418B284E20BCD75" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Comparative scenario modeling of potential energy futures, to—</text> <clause id="H05861D4474004B9FABB561B187E3B1BE" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>identify lowest-cost pathways to national grid expansion;</text></clause> <clause id="H5E4440D207F1469388487CFA696D54E2" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>assess trade-offs among investment strategies; and</text></clause> <clause id="HDDB0E013F8D2436A8DC5B9350E12E33D" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>inform decision-making by utilities, regional planning entities, and Federal agencies.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5EE250A53D2D45F7B380E1EB55F8CE89" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Systemic cost impacts from interconnection inefficiencies, including analysis of how study delays, queue withdrawals, and increased construction periods contribute to higher system costs for ratepayers or generators.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H40D5DA0001FC45129ABEE7709C777541" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>Opportunities to increase system efficiency and unlock latent capacity through improved operational practices and deployment of advanced technologies, including—</text> <clause id="HD7A85DD8EEC54F8E9DE4D4C194E8190D" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>assessment of unused or underutilized grid capacity due to outdated planning assumptions or lack of dynamic optimization;</text></clause> <clause id="H7D129FD3790D47DBBC67C69517E39A35" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>evaluation of technologies such as dynamic line ratings, topology optimization, flexible interconnection, or flow control devices; and</text></clause> <clause id="H31B8980707A148618AAAC5016C30340A" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>quantification of benefits to ratepayers and system operators from unlocking this capacity relative to traditional capital-intensive buildout.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H11480AFA38014FF6918AAB5DDEE9D4A9" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Interconnection transparency and dashboard</header> <subparagraph id="H10646599A55849E087A79FF5646EAEE1" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall, through 1 or more National Laboratories, develop, maintain, and continuously improve an Interconnection Data Dashboard that presents real-time and historical information relevant to interconnection of generators, loads, and other utilities or transmission systems.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H794ECA570B2342F782C65202379CD463" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text>The Dashboard shall provide public stakeholders, regulators, utilities, developers, and researchers with transparent, up-to-date insights into the effectiveness, efficiency, affordability, and reliability of interconnection processes across all transmission planning regions.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEDE580DDCC8D4338B72A842824EC776E" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Data sources</header><text>The Dashboard shall incorporate data collected under subsection (b) of this Act and from FERC Form No. 1 filings, relevant Commission filings, publicly available interconnection queue data, and additional datasets, as determined appropriate by the Secretary or the Commission.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4E83D9BB419547DD824D5731AAE27847" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Capabilities</header><text>The Secretary shall develop the Dashboard to be able to—</text> <clause id="H0AD422FEAC44421CB71576DBA66A853C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>present anonymized interconnection queue data, including application volumes, withdrawal rates, project timelines, and milestones;</text></clause> <clause id="HBE0D88D621E141289D94054293FCDC89" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide visualization of average and median interconnection study durations, disaggregated by region and project type;</text></clause> <clause id="H1354963850B5490DAD7F987F31076DFC" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>show aggregated system upgrade costs, study backlogs, and queue performance metrics;</text></clause> <clause id="H84F5A962D94245EFA5325CCDB388847E" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>allow filtering by geographic location (e.g., State, balancing authority, latitude/longitude coordinate), utility, fuel type, and project size;</text></clause> <clause id="H4605DB8838464B859E8232114762089F" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>present each interconnection project’s current development status, such as application submitted, study phase, approved, under construction, or in-service;</text></clause> <clause id="H00DBDAF9D35C447E99C115FF842E0BEC" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>display physical asset characteristics for each interconnection project and system segment, including nameplate generation capacity, peak load served, and conductor capacity ratings;</text></clause> <clause id="H16F194E2C32143528AB3977A353A9639" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>identify trends in queue reform outcomes, including impacts on throughput, delay reduction, and project completion rates;</text></clause> <clause id="H17963AD9B2D747E18A2D5830F099ACD9" commented="no"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>support export of underlying data in machine-readable formats for public analysis; and</text></clause> <clause id="H289A1628B5A0496E99CFC6748457B082" commented="no"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>perform any other function the Secretary determines appropriate.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5E1BEF46D1B44889AFC08C03516A5B65" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The Secretary, in collaboration with National Laboratories and the Commission, shall publish annual reports summarizing findings from the Dashboard, based on data collected pursuant to subsection (b), without substituting for the more comprehensive cost-driver analysis required under paragraph (1), including—</text> <clause id="H31D86918C2EF42F3952AECBD5483ACE6" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>interregional comparisons of queue efficiency and project success rates;</text></clause> <clause id="H0D4E985DE9C54329A641CFF7139F2FBD" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>systemic drivers of delay or cost escalation;</text></clause> <clause id="H36DBB00AB2B6433DB3945418FA5C26AB" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>estimated ratepayer impacts associated with interconnection bottlenecks; and</text></clause> <clause id="H3A71B2EF77D1410CB6FDFFAF4661EC33" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>recommendations for improving interconnection transparency and system performance.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H50EDA03665D84F10ACCE21B2E1B670C2" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Public access</header><text>The Dashboard shall be made available on a public website and designed for use by a broad range of users, including through visualizations, downloadable datasets, and API access, while maintaining protections for CEII.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HA20419987CB841FEABF42EAE380F2CF3" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HEF0E1CFBAF884147A59047810B11EF61" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Administrator</header><text>The term <term>Administrator</term> means the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H630870772DA047F58BF9A47F8AF2F576" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAB29C6E4E26F412693F437C0ECA5AD83" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Ferc form no. 1</header><text>The term <term>FERC Form No. 1</term> means the Form of Annual Report for Major electric utilities, licensees, and others, designated as FERC Form No. 1 and prescribed under section 141.1 of title 18, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1A80C8A04ED34425A50803ABA2842526" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Metadata</header><text>The term <term>metadata</term> has the meaning given such term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF35ABE4D78034ABC92338614D8CAE61B" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Project</header><text>The term <term>project</term> refers exclusively to transmission infrastructure projects planned, proposed, or undertaken by the transmitting utility. This includes projects initiated through—</text> <subparagraph id="H08BB35D05B8B42728AB46335BA5D24D5" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>regional or local transmission planning processes;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC37AFA2EF94A4D2A96D7BBA76DDF3092" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>interconnection studies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6BFBBF28C10248E2B7E1B3F58CC68355" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>reliability-driven upgrades; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H34BFB7C8D8DD42878E268139033B0560" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>other applicable pathways as determined by the Commission.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB7BCBE022B8A464188A861BE9E6C5523" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC2B8A71F42B74C16BBBA3F59C2788966" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Transmitting utility; transmission organization</header><text>The terms <term>transmitting utility</term>, and <term>Transmission Organization</term> have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph></subsection> </section></subtitle> <enum>V</enum><header>Deploying low-cost, clean energy responsibly on public lands and waters</header> <subtitle id="H678E3318B1B84782882445A03C663C69"><enum>A</enum><header>Public land renewable energy development</header> <section id="H52A6CDDA7E7D4D9C89F47204AA57C219"><enum>501.</enum><header>Public land renewable energy development</header> <subsection id="H0DA77C7C10EF4624A77FB127C998E209"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this Act:</text> <paragraph id="HB1499DEA3C824983965E76064CE1BA6F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Covered land</header><text>The term <term>covered land</term> means land that is—</text> <subparagraph id="H623485A3B36440EE9B91CAA4384831D7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Federal land;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC6DFC75426AB4BF4B177684E2EEE1B52"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not excluded from the development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy under—</text> <clause id="H0590DCF2AF5B4196B7CED50F82F10EB2"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a land use plan; or</text></clause> <clause id="H3EFACFB9F9934D67AC1C850482B9858C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>other Federal law; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA4A22FC8BCD84222B010FC14BC3F5A50"><enum>(C)</enum><text>not included in an area—</text> <clause id="HD5AC7DBAEB44411FA39270676811F46D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>that is subject to the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan developed by the California Energy Commission, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; or</text></clause> <clause id="HBE6CDC9F22874AFFB42CD2C3F8C061F0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>for which the Secretary determines existing wind and solar energy land use planning meets or exceeds the standards established under section 3.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDEFF591F172F441092FA9667DAB357A6" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Energy storage project</header><text>The term <term>energy storage project</term> means equipment that—</text> <subparagraph id="H15918E6D7DDD4F4482757881A9C4BC0A" commented="no"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>receives, stores, and delivers energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by the Secretary of Energy; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0EC1ADEDB2F14058ABC4B81AAA2AB6D0" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has a storage capacity of not less than 5 kilowatt hours.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H37C20B3A2A2546D7AA754F883D27C883"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Exclusion area</header><text>The term <term>exclusion area</term> means covered land that is identified by the Bureau of Land Management as not suitable for development of renewable energy projects.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7839C558374445CDB6A63FCE782EDDCA"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Federal land</header><text>The term <term>Federal land</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="H978A2189DD6B437FB0BBBD9A93DB7CFF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>public land; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF730BE0A672E488FA657B1139A583163"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">National Forest System lands administered by the Department of Agriculture through the Forest Service where the Secretary has authority to issue leases for the development and utilization of geothermal resources under section 3 and section 15 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/30/1002">30 U.S.C. 1002</external-xref>, 1014).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1B48E148A7D94E339EA6C1252BC5DB6D"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Fund</header><text>The term <term>Fund</term> means the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund established by section 6(c)(1).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H47A7C7127C3F4380B7B15EF543E1B3EE"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Land use plan</header><text>The term <term>land use plan</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HAF8AA2B85E044DF7A3345DA07C4AF94F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>with respect to public land, a land use plan established under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1701">43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.</external-xref>); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7B096EE448DC4F77A27042DCBD764BC9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>with respect to National Forest System land, a land management plan approved, amended, or revised under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1604">16 U.S.C. 1604</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEC80EF6798CB4AF99224985A59E4B327" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(7)</enum><header>National Forest System</header><text>The term <term>National Forest System</term> has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1609">16 U.S.C. 1609(a)</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H16D4738A512148D389C73295C8BAEC5D"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Priority area</header><text>The term <term>priority area</term> means covered land identified by the land use planning process of the Bureau of Land Management as being a preferred location for a renewable energy project, including an area that is identified as a designated leasing area under the rule of the Bureau of Land Management entitled <quote>Competitive Processes, Terms, and Conditions for Leasing Public Lands for Solar and Wind Energy Development and Technical Changes and Corrections</quote> (81 Fed. Reg. 92122 (December 19, 2016)) (or a successor regulation).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H30513CD6BDD041679A635DC3C61FDD24"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Public land</header><text>The term <term>public land</term> has the meaning given the term <term>public lands</term> in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1702">43 U.S.C. 1702</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H014FF9876594485DA02681060CCDFE84"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Renewable energy project</header><text>The term <term>renewable energy project</term>—</text> <subparagraph id="H5C2DAD24C447457FA45D55876666ED5E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>means a project carried out on covered land that—</text> <clause id="HF8C115127C954EFABBBAE5B83AD76E9C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>uses wind, solar, or geothermal energy to generate energy; or</text></clause> <clause id="H44F363821C874B3486EBDE5C6E0E6200"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>transmits electricity to support wind, solar, or geothermal energy generation; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H891485236CF1494FA75125D22E9F588E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>may include an associated energy storage project.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF820B321A1EB40198499A7B8E91D6FED"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of the Interior.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H3F54DC8105DC4C358D67FD0D25071E13" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Updating national goals for renewable energy production on Federal land</header><text>Section 3104 of the Energy Act of 2020 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/3004">43 U.S.C. 3004</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H654B0C0553DB43EB93F9ADB036CBCC72" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph id="H6418492D570948DBAFB46EFBCB62746A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>seek to</quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8C6D341E92A5428FB9C4ED6BA79AA94E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking <quote>25</quote> and inserting <quote>60</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H786D90BA46F2454183C324618072366D" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>2025</quote> and inserting <quote>December 31, 2035</quote>; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H722EBE74AD054E0A9B2D2F62BEA03CD8" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6EF50825360E438EA3538867E3A89DB7"> <subsection id="H476B28E839DB4724A39038E144F9C6EC" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Update</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall update the national goals for renewable energy production on Federal land established under subsection (a).</text></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H2725830FEAF848E5933239C7E9EC10D9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Land use planning and updates to programmatic environmental impact statements</header> <paragraph id="H1E12F31383F0411B8336663BE03649BC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Priority areas</header> <subparagraph id="H71BF952C546B49CD8D836291FD5F28CE"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Establishment of priority areas; designation of areas eligible for the submission of renewable energy project applications</header> <clause id="H3EB9EA5F8AA345EBAD6147E5F35764FD" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of renewable energy planning, the Secretary, consistent with the requirements described in clause (ii), shall—</text> <subclause id="H36673D2332E249B0AAA7A1010ADC8FBF" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">update completed land use plans that, with respect to covered lands, have designated areas as eligible for the submission of renewable energy project applications; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H149EF4A49A3146E6834C02919BBE890B" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish priority areas on covered land for renewable energy projects.</text> </subclause></clause> <clause id="H7411172985764419B8C983214C318E03" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out activities under clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—</text> <subclause id="H3AAF5EC8811A4D7CA30D9539661CB8B2"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">after an opportunity for public comment, review the adequacy of public lands for renewable energy projects for the purposes of—</text> <item id="HFCAFEEB043064664911B15C7FADB1A2B"><enum>(aa)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">encouraging and facilitating new renewable energy projects; and</text></item> <item id="HE8A334C63A6440AF909245DF74658BBB"><enum>(bb)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensuring consistency with a mitigation sequence of avoiding, minimizing, and compensating for adverse impacts to other public uses and values of covered land, including—</text> <subitem id="H28E5D9E37D7C4ACEBA38592F5A64B939"><enum>(AA)</enum><text>wildlife habitat;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H707BD522DCF446398CD1E7C5A4E8A784"><enum>(BB)</enum><text>species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1531">16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></subitem> <subitem id="H257199D3017B471DAF8BC12BC7D5B4E5"><enum>(CC)</enum><text>water resources;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H4B645970B13E4683A729001C759874D6"><enum>(DD)</enum><text>cultural resources;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H200B8A6CDBB44530AA8AA5052F303AE2"><enum>(EE)</enum><text>recreational uses;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H02614E26338043A1B77C75C52F9942BE"><enum>(FF)</enum><text>land with wilderness characteristics;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H69C7DD43DD0B49A7B7A981FFF169BA65"><enum>(GG)</enum><text>land with special management designations; and</text></subitem> <subitem id="H4E570A34E45B405B97D829B522A373D0"><enum>(HH)</enum><text>areas of Tribal importance; and</text></subitem></item> </subclause> <subclause id="H829CD9210C5A429C8F970BEF939646C5"> <enum>(II)</enum> <text>comply with—</text> <item id="H6176E9509F1F43C3BF7530CD7B9C9DF6"> <enum>(aa)</enum> <text>the principles of multiple use (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1702">43 U.S.C. 1702</external-xref>)); and</text> </item> <item id="H9F298D436B534B21B2142F12A2D44487"> <enum>(bb)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the national goals for renewable energy production established under section 3104 of the Energy Act of 2020 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/3004">43 U.S.C. 3004</external-xref>), including the minimum production goal described in subsection (b) of that section.</text> </item> </subclause> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7DDCA696F0884C69811A18445E43473D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Priority for certain applications</header><text>In considering applications for renewable energy projects on covered land, with respect to an application for a proposed renewable energy project on covered land that is to be carried out in a priority area, the Secretary shall—</text> <clause id="HD9C7CC0B126740FB8665CEF11B1CE837"><enum>(i)</enum><text>prioritize the application to be carried out in any identified priority area; and</text></clause> <clause id="H0351D6E5DE894E448EE1F9C477B68697"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>on approval of the application, provide to the applicant who submitted the application the opportunity to participate in any regional mitigation plan developed for the applicable priority area.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H669486482C1C40938A5F523EC82BD246"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Programmatic planning</header> <clause id="HD3DD8169259C419AAF76F6563A363E46"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Solar energy</header><text>As soon as practicable, but not later than 18 months after the Record of Decision entitled <quote>Approved Record of Decision and Amendments/Record of Decision for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development</quote> dated December 2024 was issued, the Secretary shall consider establishing priority areas on covered land for Solar energy projects in the planning area (as defined in the Record of Decision).</text></clause> <clause id="H5A81C8AE5CEF43E2BACCBAFDA2AB506C"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <header>Wind energy</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">As soon as practicable, but not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a review of the final programmatic Environment Impact Statement referenced in the notice of availability entitled <quote>Notice of Availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the Western United States, Including Proposed Amendments to Selected Land Use Plans</quote> (70 Fed. Reg. 36651 (June 24, 2005)), that considers establishment of wind application and priority areas on covered lands, and complete that review within 3 years of issuing a notice of intent.</text> </clause> <clause id="HEF1465E9D3084C49851AAC61600B1F99"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Geothermal energy</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall initiate and complete a review or update of existing programmatic analyses for geothermal energy development on covered lands, identifying areas suitable for leasing and development, and aligning such analyses with current land use plans and transmission planning efforts.</text></clause> <clause id="HBDB9A24C23944D20B4DA5891FDC58599"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Electric transmission</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall initiate and complete a programmatic analysis for electric transmission development on covered lands, identifying priority and corridor areas that support renewable energy buildout and grid reliability, and coordinating with regional transmission planning processes and existing right-of-way designations.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAC75E42550A24C6C97A32D52355FAAAA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Review and modification</header> <subparagraph id="H6C5D07BFF77A4CA8BBB528434F103B2F"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to paragraph (2), not less frequently than once every 10 years, the Secretary shall—</text> <clause id="HC2D2959F3FDC4D9EBFDAFFEA51B649E2"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">after an opportunity for public comment, review the adequacy of all land allocations for renewable energy projects under the requirements in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A); and</text> </clause> <clause id="H9085703B81604CAAA306686D6108AA97"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>based on the review carried out under subparagraph (A), add, modify, or eliminate priority areas, exclusion areas, and areas on covered land open or closed to solar or wind energy right-of-way applications or to geothermal leasing.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4691454E79264062A80D73B09AB58D24"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any covered land that the Secretary determines, after seeking public input, is subject to an existing land use plan that meets the purposes described in paragraph (1)(A).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1BD790B314BE4868B87CF35C73905C44"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Report</header><text>If the Secretary determines, in an annual report required under subsection (g) of section 3102 of the Energy Act of 2020 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/3002">43 U.S.C. 3002</external-xref>) (as redesignated by subsection (d)(1)(A)), that the national goal for renewable energy production established under subsection (a) of section 3104 of that Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/3004">43 U.S.C. 3004</external-xref>), including the minimum production goal established under subsection (b) of that section, may not be met, the Secretary shall act more frequently than otherwise required by this subsection to designate areas eligible for the submission of renewable energy project applications and establish additional priority areas for renewable energy projects.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3F33C898C888492E96F89180057BA946"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Compliance with the national environmental policy act of 1969</header><text>For purposes of this section, compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>) shall be accomplished—</text> <subparagraph id="H687B724B5B294EDCBA010F99213CE58E" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>for geothermal energy—</text> <clause id="H32268D820C25469CB4E9BA9CBA013B51" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by updating the document entitled <quote>Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Geothermal Leasing in the Western United States</quote> and dated October 2008; and</text></clause> <clause id="H683B8E8ACDAF4DDAA3482978D42F3D08" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by incorporating into the updated document under clause (i) any additional regional analyses completed by Federal agencies after the date on which the document described in that subparagraph was finalized;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H805A2331216049D491B4AA862ADE1F54"><enum>(B)</enum><text>for solar energy—</text> <clause id="H863D0E6BEFC5400FB9CACEF686BB7EA5" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by updating the document entitled <quote>Approved Record of Decision and Amendments/Record of Decision for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development</quote> and dated December 2024, 10 years after the publication of the document; and</text> </clause> <clause id="H861AC43F1293494BB59663BB75B12E0A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by incorporating into the updated document under clause (i) any additional regional analyses completed by Federal agencies after the date on which the document described in that subparagraph was finalized; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEF09C1BFF5634A68A5E8F5DFF4DC4FD9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>for wind energy—</text> <clause id="H9E16AE8C8DE247EAA983C2CAF5812F80" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by updating the document entitled <quote>Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the Western United States</quote> and dated June 2005; and</text> </clause> <clause id="HC8C5E7923B8C4F11B3D94ADD991F0A1B" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by incorporating into the updated document under clause (i) any additional regional analyses completed by Federal agencies after the date on which the document described in that subparagraph was finalized.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCDAA625D165C442DBB7DFC4B107AA4CF"><enum>(4)</enum><header>No effect on processing site-Specific applications</header><text>Nothing in this section modifies any requirement to conduct site-specific environmental reviews or process permits for proposed renewable energy projects during preparation of an updated programmatic environmental impact statement, land use plan, or amendment to a land use plan.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC72E4499AAFF40B6A45732C14CC7123B"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text>In developing any update required under this section, the Secretary shall coordinate, on an ongoing basis, with appropriate State, Tribal, and local governments, transmission infrastructure owners, operators, and developers, renewable energy developers, and other appropriate entities to ensure that priority areas established by the Secretary under this section take into account—</text> <subparagraph id="HF3FFD5B8AB004B388EE8C67C61711711"><enum>(A)</enum><text>economic viability (including having access to existing or planned transmission lines);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFEB1A267F53D4BEAA319E862A24CE598"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">consistency with a mitigation sequence to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to—</text> <clause id="H2289900F85DF47D1B51EBC658C00B8F6" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">fish, wildlife, or plants;</text></clause> <clause id="H546837E9340E40679779447670A99E4C" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">fish, wildlife, or plant habitat;</text></clause> <clause id="HAB98D8DD6C054C2381B192156C596DCC" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">recreational uses;</text></clause> <clause id="HB5DBE96733E542F7B83FC4F79106503E" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">land with wilderness characteristics;</text></clause> <clause id="HE6621D5891D24658BF64C9020A724294" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(v)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">land with special management designations;</text></clause> <clause id="H5B8F51D4ECFE4E6DBD9DD13785E3A1C1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(vi)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">cultural resources;</text></clause> <clause id="H0CD5449DE53444BAA4F5132B3D103515" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(vii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">areas of Tribal importance; and</text></clause> <clause id="H0E25162022B141A59E84F1FDC6312F6F" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(viii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">other uses of covered land;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAD3B12C184A14C12BD9E9B518571C9E1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">feasibility of siting on previously disturbed land, including commercial and industrial land, mine land, and previously contaminated sites; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD4700B1FA5D84494A3368B337D61B9F0"><enum>(D)</enum><text>consistency with section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1712">43 U.S.C. 1712</external-xref>), including subsection (c)(9) of that section (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1712">43 U.S.C. 1712(c)(9)</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF8E7FC3A7CDD479B8865743E7FDCFCA5"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Transmission</header><text>In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HD53AA7B423C34248B19ACD0430A061E1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">determine whether adequate transmission exists for renewable energy projects on covered land; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5893EEC26CEC4EB9A43272DB5BB00F14" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if a determination is made in the negative under subparagraph (A), in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, review existing land use plans to determine if amendments to those land use plans would be appropriate to support adequate transmission capability.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="HA0B524F095424AB2953BD896400243A2"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Improving wind and solar energy project permitting</header> <paragraph id="H4A1FC622D7084F49817C673CAD0C3F80" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Role of Renewable Energy Coordination Offices</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 3102 of the Energy Act of 2020 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/3002">43 U.S.C. 3002</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="H5FB923971B654B6AA247C9DC2A3A4629" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFF8EE5CA7CC34B839DBFD57B2700BDD1" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting after subsection (d) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H77D3A39B74504D38B4B8394F10A72EA0"> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3E2FFF8478C6425C858F670060885E75"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Processing of Wind and Solar energy applications</header> <paragraph id="HD0FC6D187F944CA4B8D5DCAC2668864C"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Delegation to State Renewable Energy Coordination Offices</header> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5FF6EBD6B3704793AE1B2F93A98EE5DB"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may delegate to a State Renewable Energy Coordination Office the authority to process applications for eligible projects proposed to be carried out on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the applicable State.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC89A8B2F49104E23A0B47F5186903EC5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Roles and responsibilities of managers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of processing applications described in subparagraph (A), the manager of the applicable State Renewable Energy Coordination Office—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1D3C178E98B74A62924EC25822198B20"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall have the authority to issue grants or leases for eligible projects;</text></clause> <clause id="HDB04F9D5416C40149FB3E7F31F0E29E0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">with the approval of the State Director of the applicable Bureau of Land Management State Office, may use other employees in field and district offices of the applicable Bureau of Land Management State Office, or hire additional experts, to assist with timely processing of applications, with the costs of hiring additional experts to be charged to applicants; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF6244CC38BAB434E9EC2EC945654EF13"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>shall report to the State Director of the applicable Bureau of Land Management State Office.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAEC1A76802D54E758A195BBE325A45B1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Prohibition of delegation to employees of field or district offices</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the Secretary may not delegate to employees of field or district offices of the Bureau of Land Management the authority to process applications for eligible projects proposed to be carried out on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H14B44864CD004FBEA8A1F0AEBBAEB49B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Cost recovery agreements</header> <subparagraph id="H7011D8F118284EE59D5A1C548F40B674"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which an applicant submits a complete application for a right-of-way for a wind or solar energy project, including submission of the filing fee required under section 2804.12 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), the Secretary shall provide a cost recovery agreement with respect to the application.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA8E24E24FB7C49A0987C6D25EC40B91E"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Effect</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Issuance of a cost recovery agreement under subparagraph (A) and payment of cost recovery fees shall preclude any new claims to the use of the applicable covered land during any period in which the application is active.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H37FD6870BA5843889B5FCA0F872BE9F7" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Conflicts; studies</header> <clause id="H12F9719C9BF946B9893BE82DC9DF754F" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Conflicts</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be considered complete under subparagraph (A), an application described in that paragraph shall address any known conflicts with respect to the use of the applicable covered land, as identified in scientific literature or other studies.</text></clause> <clause id="HDE3FDDCC8AD64035A783E97E321674B9" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Additional studies</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Additional studies shall not be required for purposes of considering an application to be complete under subparagraph (A).</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3C4C6A24A5F746619F558B392A712907"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Environmental requirements</header> <subparagraph id="HB674010A68D44BFCB7AD34F26C00C036" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Notice of intent</header> <clause id="H860675E0772B41C39CDB0F79EB9D28C6" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date on which the agency notifies the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way is complete, or a later date to be established by the Secretary under clause (ii), if an environmental impact statement is determined to be necessary, the Secretary shall issue a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement with respect to the application.</text></clause> <clause id="H41D806CD54654DD98E71D45450277B05" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Extension</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish a later date by which the notice under clause (i) shall be issued, if the Secretary determines that the 180-day period under that paragraph should be extended due to—</text> <subclause id="H93CF60D649DB49DFAE291CA061ADE11D" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the application being considered a low priority under section 2804.35 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation);</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD5EA26FFF1ED4E6DB34D6BC02BE135BF" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">project-specific circumstances, including the need for further studies, making the 180-day deadline insufficient; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H6CFE6767751D4471A52D524A58B4092B" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the application not meeting the requirements for approval.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H61B122DC70624E90BDBC1FFC4FB55415"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Categorical exclusion</header> <clause id="H80B57EA762024A43972703A31DC5A6A0"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Preliminary work</header><text>As the Secretary determines to be appropriate, the Secretary may promulgate regulations providing that preliminary geotechnical work and meteorological monitoring relating to renewable energy projects shall be categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under section 1501.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).</text></clause> <clause id="H887E0C96FE8849C7AFCCD820FB1A7943"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For any energy projects eligible for a categorical exclusion under paragraph 1, the Secretary shall issue a decision within 90 days of the submission of a complete application.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1D89C54A7C98432DAAC5D4BC6AAAAA67"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Processing priority</header><text>In processing applications described in paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H925F4AB635C5496082D612FC171F95BD" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">give priority to applications for renewable energy projects in priority areas; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H636EAC8169244B0FA3C5ABAD859D7B36" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text>process applications for renewable energy projects in areas that are not priority areas in the order in which the applications are received.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H020B1104E5314F92B48A9045A2FDF095"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Use of competitive process</header> <subparagraph id="H4371CCA16E7D463D92A040C604500340" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall not use a competitive process for the review of an application described in paragraph (2)(A), except—</text> <clause id="H527E48267FBB474FA1EBF9208122D1C5"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in a case in which 2 or more applicants file an application for the same site (or portions of the same site) not more than 15 days apart; or</text></clause> <clause id="H95E62277C1F94767AA77A912ADFDDE40"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>as otherwise established by the Secretary through a subsequent rulemaking process delineating the instances in which the Secretary will use the competitive process.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H436ED080819F47E99033CA887D6F62BC" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to applications for competitive right-of-way leases in priority areas.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H33E58C2D8347412F8F31E76AA68B0E64" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Increasing economic certainty</header> <paragraph id="HFEF45A8C5E1248389F3D52B70B50D369" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Rents and fees</header> <subparagraph id="H370E98E9CD38492DA679FFF6944B971D" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In determining rental rates and other fees for renewable energy project leases or right-of-way grants, the Secretary shall ensure that the total rental rates and other fees charged do not exceed the average amount charged for similar activities on private land in the State or county in which the rental rates and other fees are charged.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1E1E02C947BE4BBB9BA7C4D3ACB5A072" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Individual appraisals not required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of determining rental rates for renewable energy projects, the Secretary—</text> <clause id="H62EFC04ED0DE494394DD4B93421134C0" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall not be required to conduct individual appraisals; and</text></clause> <clause id="H165FBFC8062D4EE0B6EBD43F7EF3D9F0" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may use average cash rents included in the Pastureland Rents Survey prepared by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, as determined for the 5-year period ending on the date on which the rental rate is determined.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC0A758DA7B8B4B92BE2C8F462536938A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Increases in base rental rates</header><text>After a base rental rate is established for a lease or right-of-way grant authorization for a renewable energy project, any increase in the base rental rate shall be limited to the Implicit Price Deflator-Gross Product Index published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce on the date of issuance of the lease or right-of way grant authorization.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8BBD6ABC790C4198B5BE3D10D8DCC2DC"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Capacity fees</header><text>The Secretary may consider charging a capacity fee for a renewable energy project only if the Secretary determines that capacity fees are charged within the region or State in which the renewable energy project is carried out, as part of leaseholds on State or private land.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE44BB7BB92084018B5828729BAD162C1" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Bonds</header><text>The Secretary shall adopt a process for establishing bond requirements for decommissioning renewable energy projects that—</text> <subparagraph id="H433BFE735EA14715BEAE5A9718C94E17" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">do not establish a minimum per acre amount; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0314928BA766458C948AB7621DF835E2" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">are based on the difference between—</text> <clause id="H6EBDEB39418D4720BFC7167D7EA3DB1A" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the estimated, site-specific net costs of reclamation of the covered land; and</text></clause> <clause id="H556FD1E38D1248258E74CC2D7D0B981F" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the salvage value of materials available after decommissioning the renewable energy project.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD1A1C09AB2864EF9A5DBA432BA3943F0"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Disposition of revenues; Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund</header> <paragraph id="HD3C4D29FE7984ABBB317E1FE4D781568"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Disposition of revenues</header> <subparagraph id="H6155AE78E06F44DF8B5B157E113906CB"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>Except as provided in subparagraph (C), without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation, of amounts collected from wind and solar energy projects as bonus bids, rentals, fees, or other payments under a right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization—</text> <clause id="H7BDFA0A3681349D9B84CCC50326E2493"><enum>(i)</enum><text>for the period beginning on January 1, 2027, and ending on December 31, 2046—</text> <subclause id="HA7D20BAB21DD4AF6AE599F0E91217EA5"> <enum>(I)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the State within the boundaries of which the revenue is derived;</text> </subclause> <subclause id="H85E0A253DA014A02B34731559E55CFBA"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the 1 or more counties within the boundaries of which the revenue is derived, to be allocated among the counties based on the percentage of land from which the revenue is derived;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HAEDF1EC70F2541409096CFA34CBBACDF"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">15 percent shall be deposited in the Treasury and credited to the Bureau of Land Management’s Renewable Energy Management account to be made available to the Secretary to carry out sections 3 and 4 (including amendments made by those sections), including the transfer of the funds by the Bureau of Land Management to other Federal agencies and State agencies to facilitate the processing of permits for renewable energy projects, with priority given to using the amounts, to the maximum extent practicable, without detrimental impacts to emerging markets, expediting the issuance of permits required for the development of wind and solar energy projects in the States from which the revenues are derived; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H00876CB1D8504389B5F488974DD81503"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">35 percent shall be deposited in the Fund; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H28753B74028B415E835C363BF275F4D1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>beginning on January 1, 2047—</text> <subclause id="H25800186CFC04E67AF4B2E75E78FE335"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the State within the boundaries of which the revenue is derived;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HAC682BD7B2904B99A913611BDD9E07A2"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the 1 or more counties within the boundaries of which the revenue is derived, to be allocated among the counties based on the percentage of land from which the revenue is derived;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD1C1A200098C4212A74F388AA3F1BA1D"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">10 percent shall be deposited in the Treasury and be made available to the Secretary to carry out sections 3 and 4 (including amendments made by those sections), including the transfer of the funds by the Bureau of Land Management to other Federal agencies and State agencies to facilitate the processing of permits for wind and solar energy projects, with priority given to using the amounts, to the maximum extent practicable, without detrimental impacts to emerging markets, expediting the issuance of permits required for the development of renewable energy projects in the States from which the revenues are derived; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H6C99AC87288A41E69466C4C5FEDFF1F5"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">40 percent shall be deposited in the Fund.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE7D97A5CDC9D481C83E8E6510CF490B8" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Rule for projects located in multiple States</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a proposed rule establishing a formula for the disposition of revenues under clauses (i)(I) and (ii)(I) of subparagraph (A) in a case in which a wind and solar energy project is located in more than 1 State.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC201BC469992418B8F475B4A3AA4EE55"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Filing fees</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to wind and solar energy projects—</text> <clause id="H80A13ED515CF469FA010F737A08DA989"><enum>(i)</enum><text>subparagraph (A) does not apply to amounts collected from application filing fees authorized under section 304 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1734">43 U.S.C. 1734</external-xref>); and</text></clause> <clause id="H52D52E7AAEE84E52B3ED9407C668F4D8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>such application filing fees may be retained by the applicable agency to recover costs associated with issuing the right-of-way, permit, or other authorization associated with the application.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC981884A1D7942E4AA688A470C521A51"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Payments to States and Counties</header> <subparagraph id="HB6A28B1B8DFD4B9EA03E12A9C7B76112"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Amounts paid to States and Counties under paragraph (1)(A) shall be used consistent with section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/30/191">30 U.S.C. 191</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF7D19B02200543C2ABCE548FBF47BED8" commented="no"> <enum>(B)</enum> <header>Payments in lieu of taxes</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A payment to a County under clause (i)(II) or (ii)(II) of paragraph (1)(A) shall be in addition to a payment in lieu of taxes received by the County under <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/31/69">chapter 69</external-xref> of title 31, United States Code.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H10CE443C5DE74633B567EEB10AD29A63"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Renewable energy resource conservation fund</header> <subparagraph id="H83248008717A4784BBBEE370380E9A15"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>There is established in the Treasury a fund, to be known as the <quote>Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund</quote>, which shall be administered by the Secretary.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H13AB25A4273B436DB43801DE61775B23"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Use of funds</header> <clause id="H63B06B4D223441AF8B7046DB7F19D87F" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may make amounts in the Fund available to Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on Federal land, for the purposes described in clause (ii).</text></clause> <clause id="HDE39123D2D5A4A348D23053AF1AD5329" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Purposes</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The purposes referred to in clause (i) are—</text> <subclause id="H2B8CDE32EB894AC2A8B03813E3DD32AD"><enum>(I)</enum><text>restoring and protecting—</text> <item id="H491CF7801AB2474A917FBA3366DF5039"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>fish and wildlife habitat for species affected by renewable energy projects;</text></item> <item id="H987C770C0DBB46869D8C5E9154E0CC83"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>fish and wildlife corridors for species affected by renewable energy projects; and</text></item> <item id="H8AA5256D811E4F3490EECCF775C256B3"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>wetlands, streams, rivers, and other natural water bodies in areas affected by renewable energy projects; and</text></item></subclause> <subclause id="H61F41883BCCD4B0C95ADCDBA213CAF8D"><enum>(II)</enum><text>preserving and improving recreational access to Federal land and water in the applicable region through an easement, right-of-way, or other instrument from willing landowners for the purpose of enhancing public access to existing Federal land and water that is inaccessible or restricted due to renewable energy projects.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCAFE6D6565FB432898981AE7D43CDE40"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Cooperative agreements</header><text>The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with State and Tribal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities to carry out the activities described in subparagraph (B).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB2A914187FDE4EE3BE31065A2B756363"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Investment of fund</header> <clause id="HD259945E16FE40C9987C5C3BF1395455"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any amounts deposited in the Fund shall earn interest in an amount determined by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturities.</text></clause> <clause id="H8284E0FC2DC241498FCF2B664940F541"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Use</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any interest earned under clause (i) may be deposited into the Fund and used without further appropriation.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H482940DF610F4F1AB66CAEB142EA1991"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Report to congress</header><text>At the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report identifying—</text> <clause id="HE915017213D64CB9B3C26969F15750CF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the amounts described in paragraph (1) that were collected during that fiscal year, organized by source;</text></clause> <clause id="H4A78E09750414414968E643DABA043BC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the amount and purpose of payments made to each Federal, State, local, and Tribal agency under subparagraph (B) during that fiscal year; and</text></clause> <clause id="H2283E1EE73E841C595453767C59CFEA1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the amount remaining in the Fund at the end of the fiscal year.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H16D70C0197E74DD082F50A43E395961B"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Intent of congress</header><text>It is the intent of Congress that the revenues deposited and expended from the Fund shall supplement (and not supplant) annual appropriations for activities described in subparagraph (B).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H014A2E39A3764106841BB402A3ADA98C" commented="no"><enum>(g)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of the Interior shall include in its annual budget requests staffing, contracting and technological resources necessary to meet the permitting timelines required in this Act and in <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336a">42 U.S.C. 4336a</external-xref>.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H6B2FE30B875649B3A182E06D7AF8169C"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Savings clause</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to manage public land under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield in accordance with title I of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1701">43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.</external-xref>) or the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1600">16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.</external-xref>), as applicable, for the purposes of land use planning, permit processing, and conducting environmental reviews.</text></subsection></section> <section id="H45065B7B64114380BD85F5C7CE7279D8"><enum>502.</enum><header>Geothermal cost recovery</header> <subsection id="HBDA88575668E4AB68B254B709178F1FE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Cost recovery from geothermal leasing, permitting, and inspections</header><text>Section 6 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/30/1005">30 U.S.C. 1005</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H9D894669019845CF95CE2B56A67598B2" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subsection id="H46ED464417694368BCF4BFEC54288AA5"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Cost recovery</header> <paragraph id="H0E4677F4F71F42CDB6C1338FCDE9B7A8" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>During the period that begins on the date of enactment of this subsection and ends September 30, 2033, the Secretary may require an applicant for, or a holder of, a geothermal lease to reimburse the United States for all reasonable administrative and other costs incurred by the United States from—</text> <subparagraph id="H0B1ACB8FC6734811BC55029500F345B6" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">processing the application for the geothermal lease, including any application for an operations plan, geothermal drilling permit, utilization plan, site license, facility construction permit, commercial use permit, and any other approval associated with a geothermal lease; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H13966BC98BBB44E78E1D6A06A5DB9145" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">inspecting and monitoring—</text> <clause id="HC1117666D4844F7AA19107C8845E5A4D" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>geophysical exploration activities;</text></clause> <clause id="H07A9A001BE5B4400BF581DB43CD7B62A" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the drilling, plugging, and abandonment of wells; and</text></clause> <clause id="HFF71D37D7A2747AC87AD97B197BF44A9" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the construction, operation, termination, and reclamation of any well site or facility for the utilization of geothermal resources pursuant to the geothermal lease.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H37096356C45445BF847C22CA4F72249D" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In determining whether to require reimbursement under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider whether there is in existence a cooperative cost share agreement between the United States and the holder of a geothermal lease.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8F2C42F4BDB24827BC4E0A7E6D93A9C9" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Adjustments</header><text>The Secretary may reduce the amount to be reimbursed under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines—</text> <subparagraph id="HA10EC403CF4C4384845997A00A594904" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>that full reimbursement would impose an economic hardship on the applicant; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC44C513D64C249F6B5CE895111A0A97E" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>that a less than full reimbursement is necessary to promote the greatest use of geothermal resources.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFB2A8E5EA2564A81BF818ED18AC9E559" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Use</header><text>The amounts reimbursed under this subsection shall be credited to the currently applicable appropriation, account, or fund of the Department of the Interior as discretionary offsetting collections, and shall be available only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts for—</text> <subparagraph id="HD274269E1C0446CCB782A73BDBD44148" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">processing the application for geothermal leases, including any application for operations plans, geothermal drilling permits, utilization plans, site licenses, facility construction permits, commercial use permits, and any other approval associated with geothermal leases; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA5AB1D7C366D46A0BFBC5FCAF5474418" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>inspecting and monitoring—</text> <clause id="H49BD1CF2BA6241A6B0F69D224E6AFF7F" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>geophysical exploration activities;</text></clause> <clause id="H44936B33E5334DCD98A4160A7C8F9296" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the drilling, plugging, and abandonment of wells; and</text></clause> <clause id="H22BA7254D6844DFA908C453A9CECD19C" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the construction, operation, termination, and reclamation of any well site or facility for the utilization of geothermal resources pursuant to geothermal leases.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="HDD7B229BC83F4077A375003301DAD050" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report</header> <paragraph id="HB158F87AD6F54313B09226031744967B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the geothermal industry and other stakeholders, shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and make publicly available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a report that includes—</text> <subparagraph id="H37ED032CA436479FA8E86155BE88DC6A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an assessment of how the amendments made by subsection (b) of this Act affected the Bureau of Land Management’s geothermal program;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H90B389F576B2409D8E550226F5F679AF"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any recommendations for reauthorization of section 6(j) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as added by this Act; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H841EF59718FA478C82AE224CE39A57A9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any other recommendations for updates to such section and the Bureau of Land Management’s geothermal program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5F9A967F3E0345AD8D99D5C099F10F53"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In developing the report required in paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall solicit facts or information from the geothermal industry and other stakeholders.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H40769C3FFDE447B98D9EEEA7DDFC705C"><enum>503.</enum><header>Geothermal Gold Book development</header> <subsection id="HF33E156060ED491FAFF372CE26698559"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Identification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Department of the Interior, in consultation with other relevant Federal agencies, shall identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HFC654CA8EAF244D5B76FBB5ECE9DA5F8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Publication</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after identifying standard procedures and guidelines under subsection (a), the Department of the Interior shall publish a <quote>Gold Book</quote> containing such standard procedures and guidelines for use by the field offices of the Bureau of Land Management and geothermal operators.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H3899B6553F8B48ACAB53618FDEDBA779"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Before publishing the Gold Book, the Department of the Interior shall consult with—</text> <paragraph id="H4789D3F8DD25422889FBAF7CDE009FAE"><enum>(1)</enum><text>other relevant Federal agencies, including field offices of the Bureau of Land Management; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H383B1C55F7EE490694547B68EBE3BD4D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>outside stakeholders, including developers and other experts.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H707702BD37F64F41A9AF415DE8442F96"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Inclusions</header><text>The Gold Book shall include standard procedures and guidelines for—</text> <paragraph id="H3E827BFB9ED44F27B6F5B955F45ACBD7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>land use planning and geothermal lease sales; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H84EE75EF748F4FC586BB456CF5DE303E"><enum>(2)</enum><text>ensuring the efficient review and approval of environmentally responsible geothermal development, including—</text> <subparagraph id="HB9A6C177F4B94F51A99E64D86C80E9AA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>exploration and geophysical operations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE55A60E81B534960A23DFA9A522E4A36"><enum>(B)</enum><text>permitting lease operations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC113F67E726847148C248D0014F73ECE"><enum>(C)</enum><text>compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H149634DC783F40B3805D21466EE39F08"><enum>(D)</enum><text>construction and maintenance;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H609D978F49E34ACCAE57FE4DC41D12E7"><enum>(E)</enum><text>drilling and production operations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC5B70E9E12AC44298047EB4566C6B2F0"><enum>(F)</enum><text>appeals; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H979FFDCD73304F85A28B8C427F696BE7"><enum>(G)</enum><text>relevant categorical exclusions available at each stage.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HF23149369A9C47C58DBF1247AF193721"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Periodic revision</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Department of the Interior shall—</text> <paragraph id="H3DF89F4342F14D159F5A147D9549576B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>at least once every five years, review the Gold Book; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB6D4C2702B264DBF87A8412DA04CA866"><enum>(2)</enum><text>as necessary, revise the Gold Book.</text></paragraph></subsection></section></subtitle> <subtitle id="H8F738DE50150413BB02C534185862383"><enum>B</enum><header>Offshore renewable deployment</header> <section id="H32B343A23DC24640A72B622CBADBCBAD" commented="no"><enum>511.</enum><header>Responsible development of offshore renewable energy</header> <subsection id="H756902DD3423470190B7122402CAD090" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>Section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1331">43 U.S.C. 1331</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H356B21C60D03475A92B9C321D7FD97DC" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the second subsection (r), as added by section 50251(b)(1)(A)(iv) of <external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/117/169">Public Law 117–169</external-xref>—</text> <subparagraph id="H1C5D04BDADC4408FAD6D59406C004BF0" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by redesignating such subsection (r) as subsection (t); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF3B63E2FDE704E698D650462AF080679" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting after the enumerator <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">State.—</header-in-text></quote>; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H07FDF6F329F74151A4A8A3FAEDA6314B" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H6A16EEC7B91041F8BF987F20771253FA" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H9535E63FCD0643678A0203E3B198A17F" commented="no"><enum>(u)</enum><header>Offshore renewable energy project</header><text>The term <term>offshore renewable energy project</term> means a project to carry out an activity described in section 8(p)(1)(C) related to wind, solar, wave, or tidal energy.</text></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H5254D798D00A490E9835C0ACC4A4FABF" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>National Policy for the Outer Continental Shelf</header><text>Section 3 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1332">43 U.S.C. 1332</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H18654CF6B4C04A52BDC2BFDDFDC4FF45" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block id="H8D22B022A4D046D19BEE9B7C166EB500" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HE66B94968A2F41B69F95317BA8EF6B95" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the outer Continental Shelf is a vital national resource reserve held by the Federal Government for the public, which can be made available for orderly development, subject to environmental safeguards and coexistence with other ocean users, in a manner which includes—</text> <subparagraph id="H2FFA951BA8A04C7B9804E7DF083771FB" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>supporting the generation, transmission, and storage of zero-emission electricity; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD54CF8B33194428D941192892A3466A0" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the maintenance of competition and other national needs, including the need to achieve State and Federal zero-emission electricity or renewable energy mandates, targets, and goals;</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3ABBCE4686C04809B49B0E2C87A6608A" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H075D9E4231DE407EAD1424FA802D3863" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HE3BA8516C9034AD8A4CBF329E5448F69" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HE76590E26D654B2C96C390CE6A82091E" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text>the identification and development of lease areas for offshore renewable energy projects should be determined by a robust and transparent stakeholder process that incorporates engagement and input from a diverse group of ocean users and other impacted stakeholders, and Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments;</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H6225BA25DD094677BB47C2103AE428F3" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Leases, Easements, and Rights-of-Way on the Outer Continental Shelf</header><text>Section 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1337">43 U.S.C. 1337(p)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H2413D736E1294BA2BAF2CDC11FCD31DD" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)—</text> <subparagraph id="HEAB3E3DD8D9A42C68EA35EDC82DB18EC" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B)—</text> <clause id="H390D7723BAF04B4C86E2C3EC58668F24" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by striking <quote>27</quote> and inserting <quote>17</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="HAACB2E1194704B0E8AEC3F442F4EB4B0" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by striking <quote>three</quote> and inserting <quote>100</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="H792C70783F1449D0B5DF919785FD6F15" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by striking <quote>15</quote> and inserting <quote>100</quote>; and</text></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE14B491E755D4683BD5ABF1705ED7D9D" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HCC757987B5D54D8AB1D5DE525C873A90" style="OLC"> <subparagraph id="HBE1675FF13BD4BC7897CA72298FAAD0C" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Payments for conservation and mitigation activities</header> <clause id="H335A8431EA5A4BBD8F8334B935C47DE7" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding section 9, the Secretary shall, without appropriation or fiscal year limitation, use 10 percent of the revenue received by the Federal Government from royalties, fees, rents, bonuses, and other payments from any lease, easement, or right-of-way granted under this subsection to provide grants to—</text> <subclause id="H0194F27BC2124F239A3D728CBAC109B5" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">State, local, and Tribal governments, and regional partnerships thereof, including Regional Ocean Partnerships, Regional Wildlife Science Collaboratives, and other similar organizations; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H7765C01A766A4681A90564E06A0AC091" commented="no"> <enum>(II)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">nonprofit organizations.</text> </subclause></clause> <clause id="H35684AADEC7241568C3CBA4ABC945168" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Use of grants</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grants provided under clause (i) shall be used for carrying out activities related to marine and coastal habitat protection and restoration, mitigation of damage to natural resources and marine life that results from activities authorized by this subsection, relevant research and data sharing initiatives, or increasing the organizational capacity of an entity described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (i) to increase the effectiveness of entities that carry out such activities.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCD2FBD76F9F34FEAB2031C40815EA7FA" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Offshore renewable energy compensation fund</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding section 9, the Secretary shall, without appropriation or fiscal year limitation, deposit 10 percent of the revenue received by the Federal Government from royalties, fees, rents, bonuses, and other payments from any lease, easement, or right-of-way granted under this subsection into the Offshore Renewable Energy Compensation Fund established under section 34.</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0177998B17FF4E75A1F930D1CFFA4F1B" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block id="H5D2A1CE8EAC743F7AEDA1DA2301675A0" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H368009C96E1245E188E67DFB89C814B9" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Leasing</header> <subparagraph id="H7DB57ADCBD4B49F49743CF1DC90E2AD6" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Competitive or noncompetitive basis</header><text>The Secretary shall issue a lease, easement, or right-of-way under paragraph (1) on a competitive basis unless the Secretary determines after public notice of a proposed lease, easement, or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H856C96DAFB354458926B0B273FBB5B72" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Schedule of offshore renewable energy lease sales</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall, after providing an opportunity for public notice and comment, publish and periodically update a schedule not less frequently than every 5 years of areas that may be available for leasing in the future for offshore renewable energy projects, indicating, to the extent possible, the timing of site identification activities, the timing of designation of any area to be leased, the anticipated size of such areas, the timing of lease sales, and the location of leasing activities.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H67783F0B53C6470ABE48C1C525782533" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Multi-factor bidding</header> <clause id="H12655DF66FAF41FF82FD34E0512052A6" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary may consider non-monetary factors when competitively awarding leases under paragraph (1), which may include commitments made by the bidder to—</text> <subclause id="H01785C3FFCE84A46B7355E53000AC95F" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">support educational, training, and skills development, including supporting or increasing access to registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs that have an articulation agreement with a registered apprenticeships program for offshore renewable energy projects;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HB75BA16C38F34A9085DFEDF915263E97" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>support development of domestic supply chains for offshore renewable energy projects, including development of ports and other energy infrastructure necessary to facilitate offshore renewable energy projects;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H76B99F46149345C0ADF36163C638D369" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish a community benefit agreement with 1 or more community or stakeholder groups that may be impacted by the development and operation of an offshore renewable energy project, which may include covered entities;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H98C59CDE32A44E66A5E7C15ED823A77B" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">make investments to evaluate, monitor, improve, and mitigate impacts to the health and biodiversity of ecosystems and wildlife from the development and operation of an offshore renewable energy project;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H857F1AF978904E3FAB63A10936E055A7" commented="no"><enum>(V)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">support the development and use of shared transmission infrastructure connecting to offshore renewable energy projects; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H376A7C9FD33D4E6E817888D81EAA1EF5" commented="no"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>make other investments determined appropriate by the Secretary.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H96AFFCD84AAC41AC8966EC74C348F77A" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Contractual commitments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">When considering non-monetary factors under this subparagraph, the Secretary may—</text> <subclause id="HF528C426455F4C5C91D0C24B6F585070" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">evaluate the quality of commitments made by the bidder; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H2EC1811B9359478DA6839ECC373E2BCA" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reward finalized binding agreements above assurances for future commitments.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HF3FD7FEBBB6F436D973C389EB78F356E" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this subparagraph:</text> <subclause id="H8F2AF0DFD56542BB9EA8C2533A6324C7" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Covered entity</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered entity</term> has the meaning given such term in section 34(k).</text></subclause> <subclause id="H10B997D9038F46A6BDBEE39A9820FDA5" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Registered apprenticeship program</header><text>The term <term>registered apprenticeship program</term> means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/50">29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H28C8B52C99E1494E8B3873C0CABFAFEB" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block id="H0CE07282D8914CAF9C47A19CB417A2CC" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HFCD77C0664BE45BB8179B5AD68D7B29F" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Requirements</header> <subparagraph id="H3384BA81B9A6451898EFAC65549ABB84" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall ensure that any activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that provides for—</text> <clause id="HFDF64114C1B243A28ECA28D922663C8F" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>safety;</text></clause> <clause id="H69CCFA8D1D8149A3B69CFA4E40FED7D0" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">protection of the environment, which includes facilitation of the generation, transmission, and storage of zero-emission electricity;</text></clause> <clause id="H07777DC88784433A998F4D3D9097B0CB" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>prevention of waste;</text></clause> <clause id="H2E5163FA83CD4A828A04DEC3BDC93E96" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>conservation of the natural resources of the outer Continental Shelf;</text></clause> <clause id="HFD5273EF926B41B087887BF776525B55" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">coordination with relevant Federal agencies and State, Tribal, and local governments;</text></clause> <clause id="H75488DC0625843198F593CA7991A0C7F" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>protection of national security interests of the United States;</text></clause> <clause id="H5742BE4F9A6E4FC1880551182A2856EE" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>protection of correlative rights in the outer Continental Shelf;</text></clause> <clause id="HC3658B4B0D1C4373864A0338AB85D62D" commented="no"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>a fair return to the United States for any lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;</text></clause> <clause id="H1113DD9B699747768AF1B40DDAD14228" commented="no"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>reasonable uses (as determined by the Secretary) of the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas;</text></clause> <clause id="H63650DA3D0384D1AB6EF41538BBD3FC0" commented="no"><enum>(x)</enum><text>consideration of—</text> <subclause id="H46B828C975DE45CBB6E5B83D1D0FCB06" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the location of, and any schedule relating to, a lease, easement, or right-of-way for an area of the outer Continental Shelf; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H68AA234CD10E4336B300FB5D7EEBE7B7" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>any other use of the sea or seabed, including use for a fishery, a sealane, a potential site of a deepwater port, or navigation;</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H6F3D7644419546B18935AD1191F2084C" commented="no"><enum>(xi)</enum><text>public notice and comment on any proposal submitted for a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;</text></clause> <clause id="H1BDCA6EC119C4C92B4848AF6BDA8F699" commented="no"><enum>(xii)</enum><text>oversight, inspection, research, monitoring, and enforcement relating to a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF81B60273AC441F5B61150334DAFFCA5" commented="no"><enum>(xiii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">satisfaction of any applicable State and Federal renewable and clean energy mandates, targets, and goals.</text> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8E12BE3EEBCA4D1BB7FC8A068D6A97A6" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Project labor agreements</header> <clause id="HE269E42382F0493F93DC6CAE9E5FA7B8" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Beginning not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall require, as a term or condition of each lease, right-of-way, and easement, as applicable, for an offshore renewable energy project that the holder of the lease, right-of-way, or easement, (and any successor or assignee) and its agents, contractors, and subcontractors engaged in the construction of any facilities for such offshore renewable energy project agree, for purposes of such construction, to negotiate and become a party to a project labor agreement with 1 or more labor organizations. A project labor agreement shall bind all contractors and subcontractors on the project through the inclusion of appropriate specifications in all relevant solicitation provisions and contract documents. The Secretary shall not approve a construction and operations plan with respect to any offshore renewable energy project until being assured by the lessee that such project labor agreement will be maintained for the duration of the project.</text></clause> <clause id="H4D2398C72CCD43FF98AFFDE530AE9C53" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this subparagraph:</text> <subclause id="H6035BF0DEA124B7DB5A85DB8A657EF16" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Construction</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>construction</term> includes reconstruction, rehabilitation, modernization, alteration, conversion, extension, repair, or improvement of any facility, structure, or other real property (including any onshore facilities) for an offshore renewable energy project.</text></subclause> <subclause id="HEEA136A6F3754668BFED8491450E6741" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Labor organization</header><text>The term <term>labor organization</term> means a labor organization as defined in section 2(5) of the National Labor Relations Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/152">29 U.S.C. 152(5)</external-xref>)—</text> <item id="HC521CC40F6994B22A59B541C0DD55CB4" commented="no"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>of which building and construction employees are members; and</text></item> <item id="HF6E9633DFA0942CE9952ED03DCF6811A" commented="no"><enum>(bb)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that directly, or through its affiliates, sponsors a registered apprenticeship program.</text></item></subclause> <subclause id="HDE57C5111B594378BF372C3F1EDEFCBB" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Project labor agreement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>project labor agreement</term> means a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with 1 or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project and is an agreement described in section 8(e) and (f) of the National Labor Relations Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/158">29 U.S.C. 158(f)</external-xref>).</text></subclause> <subclause id="H2092E25E58F44585820105A01079BE00" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><header>Registered apprenticeship program</header><text>The term <term>registered apprenticeship program</term> means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/50">29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF17A4941281049B0883481B98240C45E" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Domestic content</header> <clause id="HC59E2ECFE1404263A61B674FE52738F5" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>With respect to the construction of facilities for an offshore renewable energy project that begins after January 1, 2033, the Secretary shall require that—</text> <subclause id="HD1944DB460EC4259BFA35F4ECDD71121" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">all structural iron and steel products that are (upon completion of construction) components of such facilities for an offshore renewable energy project shall be produced in the United States; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H286DBD845D0C4244859634B93AE72352" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">not less than 80 percent of the total costs of all manufactured products that are (upon completion of construction) components of such facilities shall be attributable to manufactured products which are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H97DD6B56DEF248448AD0F50A67E4A01A" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Waiver</header><text>The Secretary may waive the requirements of clause (i) in any case or category of cases in which the Secretary finds that—</text> <subclause id="HAA5C86978F6B41CF8A0EB51D2D397E5B" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>applying clause (i) would be inconsistent with the public interest;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H137EA75E1D294A2690EBAF75AEC3C4D0" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>such products are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H92ABE4A034F2434B9E08624E45857F06" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>the use of such products will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H2250273F5C27424DAF466E7ED90BF528" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Public notification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary receives a request for a waiver under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall make available to the public a copy of the request and information available to the Secretary concerning the request, and shall allow for informal public input on the request for at least 15 business days prior to making a finding based on the request. The Secretary shall make the request and accompanying information available to the public by electronic means, including on the official public Internet site of the Department of the Interior.</text></clause> <clause id="H0EE7FCEFAEDC440C901E0F7F203999C5" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>International agreements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">This paragraph shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.</text></clause></subparagraph> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H91C1BA3EFA4648FCA22138C0454A4F90" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><text>by amending paragraph (7) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HE6F0E9D19DC6459CB71CE5BDA28E5E4C" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <paragraph id="HCAAD6516B33F4743B79763715CA0B40D" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Coordination and consultation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall provide for coordination and consultation with—</text> <subparagraph id="H521EDB32C4434C5BBE1586FE0E0BA030" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Governor of any State or the executive of any local government that may be affected by a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2290630DE04542758B9338F44C1124DC"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Indian Tribes (following the procedures of the President’s Memorandum of Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation, issued on November 30, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 74479), or any subsequent order) before undertaking any activities under this subsection that may have a direct, indirect, or cumulative impact on—</text> <clause id="H2033C19802C24C15B7846C627075868E" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the land, including allotted, ceded, or traditional land, or interests in such land of an Indian Tribe or member of an Indian Tribe;</text></clause> <clause id="H9AD322E06E514DD696D38259F0FB3776" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Tribal land, cultural practices, resources, or access to traditional areas of cultural or religious importance;</text></clause> <clause id="HA60C307546294E608E2173069182F854" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>any part of any Federal land that shares a border with Indian country, as such term is defined in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code;</text></clause> <clause id="H658BD463FDA4403CA1DE7A496EB10F60" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the protected rights of an Indian Tribe, whether or not such rights are enumerated in a treaty, including water, hunting, gathering, and fishing rights;</text></clause> <clause id="H3788F8FE146F4CF6ABF9246B410D262F" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>the ability of an Indian Tribe to govern or provide services to members of the Indian Tribe;</text></clause> <clause id="H3D086F0764504C99A60059C7A3E32582" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>the relationship between the Federal Government and an Indian Tribe; or</text></clause> <clause id="H042FFD0A8544498B84B89A9598576806" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>the trust responsibility of the Federal Government to an Indian Tribe.</text></clause></subparagraph> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="HACC2F05094DE4BDC818231E3E002B262" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text>by amending paragraph (10) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block id="HB98C420A7F3D453F9D696CDB3B716314" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H1599AD9FB6724667AE6A184C175BDBAB" commented="no"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Applicability</header> <subparagraph id="HD529092522914957ADB2EFF169C51869" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>This subsection does not apply to any area on the outer Continental Shelf within the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, or National Marine Sanctuary System, or any National Monument.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8DA664DA3CF649459A66F924FE30BA68" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Certain transmission infrastructure</header> <clause id="H8DF17208D31E42C8AB6499855CEF3295" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if otherwise authorized pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/1431">16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.</external-xref>), the Secretary may issue a lease, easement, or right-of-way to enable the transmission of electricity generated by an offshore renewable energy project.</text> </clause> <clause id="HBDF63FF0A3CA4560BA28C5DD624B3EFF" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Terms and conditions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In issuing a lease, easement, or right-of-way under clause (i), the Secretary may approve and regulate the construction and operation of such transmission facilities (including electrical substations and other related infrastructure) for the transmission of electricity generated by such projects in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts.</text> </clause> <clause id="H06B9FA46C3084B02AFC455303A1CDC25" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text>In regulating the construction and operation of transmission facilities and related infrastructure under clause (ii), the Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce to ensure the duration of any necessary authorizations of such facilities under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act aligns with the duration of the relevant leases, easements, or rights-of-way issued under clause (i).</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBDAC184BA03C4E89911DB31090AB542D" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H57FB51EBCF2648CFAA2C52EFD5202176" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H9B9CF804791249139EDB9B237AA96F2B" commented="no"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Planning area impact studies</header> <subparagraph id="H5FB6917E780349319269FF67D30941EE" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Beginning three years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, before holding any lease sale pursuant to paragraph (1) for an area, the Secretary shall conduct a study of such area, or the wider planning area that includes such area, in order to establish information needed for assessment and management of the environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments of the outer Continental Shelf and the coastal areas which may be affected by offshore renewable energy projects in such area or planning area.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H606EFB55222B402B8177C28DA396C807" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Inclusions</header><text>A study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall—</text> <clause id="H4E29D10B9678484994AF869015DCC42C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>incorporate the best available existing science and data;</text></clause> <clause id="H7CB7D5144F2D44FF8796820A0F3E5B4F" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>identify areas for which there is insufficient science and data; and</text></clause> <clause id="HEF3822CE35C04AC896C1245F4C15CF9A" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>include consideration of the cumulative impacts (including potential navigational impacts) of offshore renewable energy projects on human, marine, and coastal environments.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCFF5908B65274BF88663BE533135DC76" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Use of data and assessments</header><text>The Secretary shall use the data and assessments included in studies conducted under this paragraph, as appropriate, when deciding—</text> <clause id="H3F62216165A142C7BC03A6E50AC11918" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">which portions of an area or region are most appropriate to make available for leasing; and</text></clause> <clause id="HDE554AC19B5E42BC89A9399C169378E3" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>whether to issue any permit or other authorization that is necessary to carry out an offshore renewable energy project.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2288A6F52DB94E56867F0964F26CDACA" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>NEPA applicability</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall not consider a study conducted under subparagraph (A) to be a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4332">42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4B7894430BD64974986C8D7DC8964F35" commented="no"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Capacity building and community engagement</header> <subparagraph id="H7787B2357E30406DB3C392FC88E4F384" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, may award grants to entities to build organizational capacity and enhance engagement opportunities related to offshore renewable energy project development, including environmental reviews and permitting activities of such projects.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7A0C85A595024DFF9F8112B660A8ED41" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Purposes</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grants awarded under subparagraph (A) shall be used by entities to—</text> <clause id="HC1C66BB41C64424C9E4E15074E2684EE" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enable States, Indian Tribes, affected ocean users, and nonprofit associations that represent affected ocean users to compile data, conduct analyses, educate stakeholders, and complete other activities relating to offshore renewable energy project development;</text> </clause> <clause id="H9530C151F6784732A2F4B1C0FCC645C9" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>engage in planning activities and in the development of offshore wind projects for the purposes of—</text> <subclause id="H3AADDCC9A160403A8B12377064A25A9F" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">determining potential economic, social, public health, and environmental benefits and impacts; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HE8B095169B4B4B2FBB94E1EFC7E8855D" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>identifying opportunities to mitigate such impacts;</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H1EA84615FEE540D2B4A02D54F3728844" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">facilitate siting of offshore renewable energy projects and associated electric transmission infrastructure; and</text></clause> <clause id="H30DD66D78CAB4106B4010A8861F5B8C3" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">hire and train personnel, and other activities designed to increase the capacity of States, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit associations, as applicable, to carry out activities described in clauses (i) through (iii).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDD538F786EC3454383D93F565E42E2F9" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Prioritization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">When awarding grants under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prioritize awarding grants that will be used to build organizational capacity and enhance community engagement opportunities of Indian Tribes.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA3E8BC16C59D45E99D76BD89A213FF2A" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this paragraph $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H44C0AC807BD34327893F9AA52DB7ACF3" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Reservations</header><text>Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1341">43 U.S.C. 1341(a)</external-xref>) is amended to read as follows—</text> <quoted-block id="H61D6CCAD950B4337B3223FDF3B19BD68" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H485683EAC21549ECBC13B1C43AF6B9ED" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Withdrawal of unleased lands by the President</header> <paragraph id="HA8C5E3A1D4854DAFB74423231EE9BE30" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The President of the United States may, from time to time, withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H273FCD1CC9144537A67EC988E93D9751" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Reversal for certain offshore renewable energy projects</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to a withdrawal under paragraph (1) of unleased lands from disposition, the President may reverse such a withdrawal only to allow for leasing under section (8)(p)(1)(C) and only if the President determines that environmental, national security, or national or regional energy conditions or demands have changed such that a reversal would be in the public interest.</text> </paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="HFBDD9845326A41E0ADC9964F290222AA" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Citizen Suits, Court Jurisdiction, and Judicial Review</header><text>Section 23(c)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1349">43 U.S.C. 1349(c)(2)</external-xref>) is amended to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="HF800D3A5F84646489911F34086F6C425" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <paragraph id="H1EADA2DA327A46C1944CDAD8DD026CCD" commented="no" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any action of the Secretary to approve, require modification of, or disapprove any exploration plan or development and production plan under this Act, or any plan, final lease, easement, or right-of-way granted pursuant to section (8)(p)(1) (and any related final Federal agency actions), shall be subject to judicial review only in a United States court of appeals for a circuit in which an affected State is located.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H53471123A02D4FE3AEA871D05997B820"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Report on decommissioning of offshore renewable energy projects</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a report evaluating decommissioning options for offshore renewable energy projects (and associated electric transmission infrastructure), including an assessment of the potential for the holder of a lease, easement, or right-of-way to keep facilities in place or otherwise convert such facilities to artificial reefs to support marine habitats, provided that such facilities will not adversely impact navigation, national security, the marine environment, Tribal uses, or other competing uses of the outer Continental Shelf.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HB6D403C013034A0E968FB38C2526CAA1"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Updating regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall issue any necessary regulations to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section.</text></subsection></section> <section id="HA77C1C002A15436BA1EBA2DD718D26EA" commented="no"><enum>512.</enum><header>Compensation for offshore renewable energy projects</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/43/1331">43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H251E53B87E9B4C7F8FC32A5387338E92" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <section id="HFAC8B347B4D241F598FAF3E5DB463ACA" commented="no"><enum>34.</enum><header>Offshore Renewable Energy Compensation Fund</header> <subsection id="HC36584352A4141989D8CDBC1D3F49BF4" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is established in the Treasury of the United States the Offshore Renewable Energy Compensation Fund, which shall be used by the Secretary, or a third-party the Secretary enters into a contract with, to provide to covered entities—</text> <paragraph id="HA0B7BC47E3C545DF94EDEF4868376649" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>payments for claims—</text> <subparagraph id="H29E1BC2E58864CC3A270899F8C01CBD7" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>described under subsection (f)(1); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H072B7EFFCE2C4A9A895FC546E922168D" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>verified pursuant to subsection (d)(1); and</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFA68397BC43F4E6F971080DF5A92AAB2" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>grants to carry out mitigation activities described in subsection (f)(2).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H2DD7C3EEB77D4BDB893E8577D5149D5C" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Availability of fund</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Fund shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitations for the purpose of providing payments and grants under subsection (a).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H04E29CC0A12F4D739963FF351E99676C" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Accounts</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Fund shall—</text> <paragraph id="HD24D1F572DC94D848EC96E2510E4712C" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>consist of the royalties, fees, rents, bonuses, and other payments deposited under section 8(p)(2)(D); and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6871A5BE453144EC913BBDA8AD897DE9" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>be divided into separate area accounts from which payments and grants shall be provided based on the area in which damages occur.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H2CEB5FB9C71D44AAAED6951D5F0A9553" display-inline="no-display-inline" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Regulations</header><text>The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a process to—</text> <paragraph id="HD51748F9D91D40B69370F94D49B165E1" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>file, process, and verify claims for purposes of providing payments under subsection (a)(1); and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H52EFA60906754477B5719AACD3ED2385" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>apply for a grant provided under subsection (a)(2).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HCCBB76FEBF444D49A48D06CE303B8337" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Payment amount</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Payments provided under subsection (a)(1) shall—</text> <paragraph id="H4CFA04ACC0074303AC5576D35487CDC5" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be based on the scope of the verified claim;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2466A5FD36BD400EB5AB2515FFE16AA4" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text>be fair and provided efficiently and in a transparent manner; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE3692B0A26A6411C9BA8079C64A977C0" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if the covered entity receiving the payment has or will receive direct compensation for the verified claim pursuant to a community benefit agreement or other agreement between such covered entity and a holder of a lease, easement, or right-of-way, be reduced by an amount that is equal to the amount of such direct compensation.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H24E588EF03074FE787C33EE946BBCD9E" commented="no"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Claims; mitigation grants</header> <paragraph id="HECC3281A93AB48FCB44340847FF1004F" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Claims</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A payment may be provided under subsection (a)(1) for a verified claim to—</text> <subparagraph id="H6F2601D3F6C84249AE992ADE60E660B6" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">replace or repair gear that was lost or damaged by the development, construction, operation, or decommissioning of an offshore renewable energy project; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1BE5FD4229454B15ADA8C0D1E9D4B482" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">replace income that was lost from the development, construction, operation, or decommissioning of an offshore renewable energy project.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD2271E6630E349EF9C14A4AE3449ACFD" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Mitigation grants</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary determines that there are sufficient amounts in an area account of the Fund to provide payments for all verified claims at any given time, the Secretary may use amounts in the Fund to provide grants to covered entities, and other entities determined appropriate by the Secretary, to mitigate the potential effects of development, construction, operation, and decommissioning of an offshore renewable energy project, including by paying for gear changes, navigation technology improvements, and other measures to enhance the safety and resiliency of the covered entities near an offshore renewable energy project.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HFDEA74E905C144FAAFB1D7A774F17107" commented="no"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Advisory group</header> <paragraph id="HB28BBC049A2F4F30B726D5B31203EF79" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall establish and regularly convene an advisory group that shall provide recommendations on the development and administration of this section.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5DEC2443ECD54A79B4504B6FC9BA8903" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Membership</header><text>The advisory group shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H27668C54FBEB4C9F95BA9693EC181E7A" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be comprised of individuals—</text> <clause id="HDC3F57441248462CA44A24CCC1F18DD0" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>appointed by the Secretary; and</text></clause> <clause id="H04E3D75E2748444FBF0EA195A882AF1C" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>representing the geographic diversity of areas impacted by the development, construction, operation, or decommissioning of offshore renewable energy projects; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0C4C034FCE8A4A4D9847F5341DF0F65B" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>include representatives from—</text> <clause id="HFB3631E19A104D05A3B80D0CDA03A13F" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>recreational fishing interests;</text></clause> <clause id="H49E47D730DFD41819D991F10E4997F60" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>commercial fishing interests;</text></clause> <clause id="H11E399DC7DCC4FFD86BE56884A9D23F8" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Tribal fishing interests;</text></clause> <clause id="H4FCF1D0C25264B43A187930D62CDCA0C" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the National Marine Fisheries Services;</text></clause> <clause id="HF40AE5E14B0E4EBF825938002FFAE593" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>the fisheries science community; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF68A40D68C084B6CB5B2B913505492A2" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>other fields of expertise necessary to effectively develop and administer this section, as determined by the Secretary.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6372A25C3D434FA598E5B32A07E2D4B6" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Travel expenses</header><text>The Secretary may provide amounts to any member of the advisory group to pay for travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the advisory group.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H0C23AAD1B5394917B43C846F9F9AB9F1" commented="no"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Insufficient funds</header> <paragraph id="HA069A6B5C79B482889ABD37CB0E8A06D" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Secretary determines that an area account does not contain a sufficient amount to provide payments under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may, not more than once each calendar year, require any holder of an offshore renewable energy lease located within the area covered by the area account to pay an amount specified by the Secretary, which shall be deposited into such area account.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF1D520C3A9AF4EA991CA4484BEDBD9A7" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Amount</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No holder of an offshore renewable energy lease shall be required to pay an amount under paragraph (1) in excess of $3 per acre of the leased land described in paragraph (1).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB5E301C1A3AF40378A6A681D276E0B04" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Administrative expenses</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may use up to 15 percent of the amount deposited into the Fund under section 8(p)(2)(D) during a given fiscal year for administrative expenses to carry out this section.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H170724363E51413490030DA631CE2940" commented="no"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Annual report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available, an annual report on activities carried out under this section, including a description of claims filed and the amount of payments and grants provided.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H289ED4DC7F494085A5B7484F7365BBA4" commented="no"><enum>(k)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H4F8C8C52E0F740A281D8AEB35DA25AD4" display-inline="no-display-inline" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Covered entity</header><text>The term <term>covered entity</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HEB73409009B348D59F79ED426DA83600" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a community, stakeholder, or Tribal interest—</text> <clause id="H8313A08B87454A3C8D624AAEBD542BF5" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>that uses a geographic space of a lease area, or uses resources harvested from a geographic space of a lease area; and</text></clause> <clause id="H50DA600153B74F8187D2E56C46EB32FE" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>for which such use is directly and adversely impacted by the development, construction, operation, or decommissioning of an offshore renewable energy project located in such leased area; or</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8BE731A95B454EFA9B9DF66795E4BD55" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a regional association, cooperative, non-profit organization, commission, or corporation that—</text> <clause id="H5961DB48546149F1AF71EBB8C0228E11" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">serves a community, stakeholder, or Tribal interest described in subparagraph (A); and</text></clause> <clause id="H33EA257F9A88420690C711F111D49B2E" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">acts on behalf of such a community, stakeholder, or Tribal interest for purposes of this section, including by submitting a claim for a covered entity.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD6C81AB94F2541279A97C7BFEF069A74" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Fund</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>Fund</term> means the Offshore Renewable Energy Compensation Fund established under subsection (a).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H869D6B9FD68D40E59FF43490E3020CE8" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Lease area</header><text>The term <term>lease area</term> means an area covered by an offshore renewable energy lease.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEDE2A737BBF043709A6B300D9B66BEA2" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Offshore renewable energy lease</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>offshore renewable energy lease</term> means a lease, easement, or right-of-way granted under section 8(p)(1)(C).</text></paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section> <section id="H6499412D17B94E38B856FA4D60123A8E" commented="no"><enum>513.</enum><header>Interoperability of offshore electric transmission infrastructure</header> <subsection id="HD0760189651D40A6BC6863C6805EF270" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Study</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall complete and publish on the website of the Department of Energy a study that assesses the need to, and challenges of, developing and standardizing interoperable electric grid components, systems, and technologies in support of shared offshore transmission networks. Such study shall include recommendations for Congress, State, Tribal, and local governments, manufacturers of electric grid components, systems, and technologies, Transmission Organizations, offshore electricity generation project developers, and appropriate standards organizations to help ensure interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies between offshore electricity generation projects and shared offshore infrastructure connecting to onshore transmission systems.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H58F89F370487424E96ABE7988E880A7E" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Interoperability standard development program</header> <paragraph id="H6366B5DBD37740A39C74DCF72CE019D3" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Energy shall establish and implement a program to identify, develop, support, document, and encourage the adoption of standards necessary to maximize the interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies to accelerate the implementation and delivery of electricity generated by offshore electricity generation projects through shared electricity transmission infrastructure.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H94ED262CD1684949B72EDCD49C457280" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Goals</header><text>The goals of establishing and implementing the program under paragraph (1) shall be—</text> <subparagraph id="H58BDCE49F55D41C084EF4725186FC6D9" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to harmonize and standardize functional specifications of electric grid components, systems, and technologies to maximize the interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies across types and manufacturers;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8B03743E45E7476C92888E42FBB85690" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to hasten adoption of shared electric transmission infrastructure, including interregional transmission infrastructure, for offshore electricity generation by encouraging cooperation among manufacturers of electric grid components, systems, or technologies in order to—</text> <clause id="H00344807D50D40BF89EAA87D91459775" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">maximize interoperability of such manufacturers’ electric grid components, systems, or technologies;</text></clause> <clause id="H81B0346C28ED45A8B7117A82876F039A" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>reduce offshore electricity generation project delays and cost overruns;</text></clause> <clause id="H3EC6E433A6EB48F3AEF8B114B4AF4629" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>manage power grid complexity; and</text></clause> <clause id="H3B9BAFD4987641B6BF7E390610BBF9B4" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>enhance electric grid resilience, reliability, and cybersecurity; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB3CC194724BA43FDB24A791D003F9025" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to identify common technical specifications to effectively and securely measure, monitor, control, and protect offshore electricity generation and electric transmission infrastructure from the point of generation to load centers.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF62C341ABA8241CEA7DE4ACA5785AA3D" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Financial assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Under the program established and implemented under paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide grants to—</text> <subparagraph id="HA9FFC2FB11C544429430E0D628B24728" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">engage equipment manufacturers and industry stakeholders in collaborative platforms, including workshops and forums;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H96120A9B28F84793A3875D76FD9D95FE" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify current challenges and propose solutions to improve interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5A310379E5AE4F70B0FE982C20BD1F6F" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">develop a set of voluntary industry standards to maximize interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies that meet the goals described in paragraph (2); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H173D18FE1F7D43B3B7118E4C072F055B"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">promote data sharing alignment with the Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to integrate oceanographic, wildlife, and grid planning data relevant to offshore transmission corridors.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H11401AB47BC94B2E816FF16A344B5379" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out this section $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H8B5554C6C78B4E2D929426B70395D19E" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section, the term <term>Transmission Organization</term> has the meaning given such term in section 3(29) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text></subsection></section></subtitle> <enum>VI</enum><header>Protecting consumers in electricity regulation</header> <section id="HD7F6810CF9A94A54B0CD85D7188AE4E2"><enum>601.</enum><header>Utility earnings tied to ratepayer benefits</header> <subsection id="H44DE09B68AF9400B97BBA02B7E674458"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendments to the Federal Power Act</header> <paragraph id="H7DE96D920AFB4823B2F53D08FFF261A7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 219 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824s">16 U.S.C. 824s</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="H80FD61145B3942F2B1A112817E11EC2B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subsection (a)—</text> <clause id="HD30A0BA9D7CD4BD790C67095D82D40DD" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall establish, by rule,</quote> and inserting <quote>The Commission shall issue such rules as may be necessary to establish</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="H01CEABEC4FF4482B83ED2CF060A80032" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>, improving efficiency,</quote> after <quote>ensuring reliability</quote>;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6F5E82D7A016470E9A4D467A77924BC3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text> <clause id="H954BD4D9F0784B0AA52E54CAF3486BC1" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking <quote>The rule shall</quote> and inserting <quote>The rules issued under this section shall</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="H3BDB3CA65E24498ABA3236F45E179FD1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in paragraph (1), by inserting <quote>, and operational improvements for,</quote> after <quote>capital investment in</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="H95D2FA957C454E25AD3512D5781EDCAC"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)—</text> <subclause id="H0CE083D051B240A28F1FDD72674A43D9"><enum>(I)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>or other incentive mechanism</quote> after <quote>return on equity</quote>; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H62403B6AE7F2423F97A0F1D4F16D5666"><enum>(II)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>or incentivizes improvements that increase the efficiency of the transmission of electric energy and reduce costs for consumers</quote> after <quote>(including related transmission technologies)</quote>;</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H6A106BF2A0264B7196A41ACB4D740B4D"> <enum>(iv)</enum> <text>in paragraph (3), by inserting <quote>, including performance-based measures,</quote> after <quote>other measures</quote>; and</text> </clause> <clause id="H26D3C7BEAA414730AC7CEF946C421D87"><enum>(v)</enum><text>in paragraph (4)—</text> <subclause id="HDFBDC1483A12482EAB1EEC60C71825F3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>in subparagraph (A), by striking <quote>; and</quote> and inserting a semicolon;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HF0EF1745FC6C4416BE84F76CA9991C7F"><enum>(II)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting <quote>; and</quote>; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HFDDD1970FB1E411098B6B54BF8E56953"><enum>(III)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" id="H7EDF09FB12C4438E8F61F7F6FCE23EF6" display-inline="no-display-inline"> <subparagraph id="H6371B56BC19F47CFAD9E3D34168E6CAE"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">amounts determined pursuant to shared savings frameworks or other incentive mechanisms prescribed in such rules.</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA71A150D495E4478A5A7E9D44076A2BE"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block id="H124D04A9BB1C4527B7A62C874AD8CFCF" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H5C5FB7B14DE64F9CBE1A80C2D897897F"> <enum>(c)</enum> <header>Transmission organization-Based incentives</header> <paragraph id="H5580717489D44CE89AB608904C023F66"> <enum>(1)</enum> <header>Transmission organization membership</header> <text>In a rule issued under this section, the Commission shall, to the extent within its jurisdiction, provide for incentives to each transmitting utility or electric utility that joins a Transmission Organization.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H5CF6E606212B46D08848B0DD64E58ECE"> <enum>(2)</enum> <header>Initial membership incentive</header> <text>In carrying out paragraph (1), the Commission shall provide for an electric utility to yield a return on equity incentive—</text> <subparagraph id="H4C7031BF4EB144D0AA08FE1FAD4D8745"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>of not more than 50 basis points for the 3-year period beginning on the date on which the electric utility joins a Transmission Organization; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9E7C901CC9C8461D9BA985251DD9C102"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the transfer of a transmitting utility from 1 transmission organization to another shall not trigger a new period under subparagraph (A).</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H24933B67F5CD4694917CCEF113A8F027"> <enum>(3)</enum> <header>Regional and interregional facility incentive</header> <text>After the expiration of the period under paragraph (2)(A), the Commission may provide a return on equity incentive of not more than 75 basis points with respect to transmission facilities of such utility that—</text> <subparagraph id="H827D4E50E83F4F31B92FD2B6AA098ED5"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>provide demonstrable benefits to customers on a regional or interregional basis, as determined by the Commission; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H99EC34A4C3674CE1A69D811AE52BC34B"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text>are selected in a transmission planning process conducted by a Transmission Organization or by 2 or more such organizations on an interregional basis.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HC17102E19CA044DD9491DF47BF6C609B"> <enum>(4)</enum> <header>Incentives for non-members</header> <text>In the case of an electric utility that is not a member of a Transmission Organization, the Commission may provide an additional return on equity incentive of not more than 25 basis points with respect to transmission facilities that satisfy the criteria set forth in paragraph (3).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HEE01019AEEC34C00ADCB391C902AD932"> <enum>(5)</enum> <header>Guardrails</header> <text>In determining whether, and at what level, to provide incentives under this subsection, the Commission may consider—</text> <subparagraph id="H2261524A7170450A96F2458D9AF8E908"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>measurable customer benefits, including reliability, resilience, and congestion cost reductions;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9E34427BC5304085BCED90E92930FD94"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text>cost discipline, including consistency with least-cost planning and mitigation of excessive capital bias; and</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9571C55AACA145D6A366E440E5B21478"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text>the persistence and magnitude of expected benefits.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H901C9D237545447D8C9DB90FB001824A"> <enum>(6)</enum> <header>Duration and review</header> <text>The Commission may establish time limits for incentives under this subsection and shall provide for periodic review and adjustment or termination of such incentives if the underlying bases for the incentives no longer exist.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H0F8231FE5736460EAED3DD396B1B8648"> <enum>(7)</enum> <header>Method of cost recovery</header> <text>The Commission shall ensure that any costs recoverable pursuant to this subsection may be recovered by such utility through the transmission rates charged by such utility or through the transmission rates charged by the Transmission Organization that provides transmission service to such utility.</text> </paragraph> </subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCE1C4F731C8E4C8881C02E330F6BAC53"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rulemakings</header> <subparagraph id="HC82E2B7585014E5A9F1F6240481E81B0"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Commission shall revise the rule issued under section 219 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824s">16 U.S.C. 824s</external-xref>) to implement the amendment made by paragraph (1)(C).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4756C301212841908E4FAA8EE86EFA31"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text>In revising the rule specified in paragraph (1)(C) with respect to the implementation of the return on equity incentive under section 219(c) of the Federal Power Act, as amended by such paragraph, the Commission shall take into consideration the following:</text> <clause id="H4B14EA85276D4AC288D2A2DB17AE3A83"> <enum>(i)</enum> <text>The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled <quote>Electric Transmission Incentives Policy Under Section 219 of the Federal Power Act</quote>, published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2020 (85 Fed. Reg. 18784).</text> </clause> <clause id="H30A1CCBFDCEC4CC39C8AFB6A6891E157"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>The Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled <quote>Electric Transmission Incentives Policy Under Section 219 of the Federal Power Act</quote>, published in the Federal Register on April 26, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 21972).</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H8ED94129DD1B424892771E5D33CCB3A7" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Rulemaking on shared savings framework for transmitting utilities subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction</header> <paragraph id="H4E32E4B747B6460181FA1D17162CB641"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Rule required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue a final rule under section 219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824s">16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(3)</external-xref>), as amended by subsection (a), that establishes a framework under which a covered transmitting utility may recover a portion of verified cost savings attributable to a qualifying action of such transmitting utility as an incentive (in this subsection referred to as the <quote>shared savings framework</quote>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD09614A137394DB2868A6445A49D5EDE" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Methodologies</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission shall develop and include in the rule under paragraph (1) standardized methodologies, applicable across similarly situated transmission segments, as follows:</text> <subparagraph id="HD4D7065E158C41D4A376AF6DFB9B4A7D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Baseline performance methodologies</header><text>Methodologies, developed in consultation with the Secretary, for covered transmitting utilities to determine the annual baseline performance of transmission facilities or transmission segments absent qualifying actions—</text> <clause id="H07188665A2D3469A81047564E79784CC" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by measuring the baseline performance of such a transmission facility or transmission segment—</text> <subclause id="H2AE662FA5AC849629E72B223DD76E6EB" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">through the actual amount of electrical energy entering and leaving such facility or segment (commonly referred to as <quote>direct metering</quote>); or</text></subclause> <subclause id="HF9F6026EBC1847129A467F8DB15AE69B" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if the method under subclause (I) is not feasible, through an estimation of such amount consistent with modeling methodologies prescribed by the Commission; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H344121F853124B9385A24E37F0D66426" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by normalizing data to ensure such baseline performance accounts for variability in exogenous factors determined by the Commission, such as variability in—</text> <subclause id="H00E68BB3517C498DA358F9A6D4D808A0" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>weather;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9B77C280B4C94BAEA212695FD64BE331" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>demand over time;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H4C56675FCE43440880CC378E4B19401F" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>upgrades, interconnections, or operational changes made by other utilities, Independent System Operators or Regional Transmission Organizations, or other entities determined relevant by the Commission; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="HC9117D26EB7D46E7B30CD8FABB361D9F" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>other conditions affecting demand or generation.</text></subclause> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD6DCDE3663964FE1B3A486778913A9E3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Methodologies relating to cost savings</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Methodologies for covered transmitting utilities to estimate and calculate, and for independent evaluators to verify, the cost savings attributable to qualifying actions under the shared savings framework, taking into account—</text> <clause id="H0409C433A051402C8EAB90F7F1F2C79E" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the baseline performance of any transmission facility or transmission segment with respect to which a qualifying action is conducted; and</text></clause> <clause id="H697972F865CB44CEB74CF2D9637A7385" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">price proxies, determined according to a methodology prescribed by the Commission, for the value of electric energy transmitted (which may include, for a region managed by an Independent System Operator or Regional Transmission Organization, the locational marginal price corresponding to the location on the electric grid where an injection or withdrawal of power is modeled (commonly referred to as a <quote>pricing node</quote>)).</text> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF5C1482D86544B26978F1922D1C6972A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Methodologies relating to recoverable percentage and rate recovery timeline</header> <clause id="H0562AB2961FA4318806CA2D15249F890" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Methodologies for covered transmitting utilities to determine, taking into account the factors described in clause (ii), the following:</text> <subclause id="H1E1FF47778DF42DF83408ABE05F86869" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The total percentage of cost savings attributable to a qualifying action that such a utility may recover as an incentive under the shared savings framework, which may not be less than 10 percent or greater than 60 percent of such total attributable cost savings (in this subsection referred to as the <quote>recoverable percentage</quote> of such savings).</text></subclause> <subclause id="H40B99C34EBAA40658D243306C58BC5EB" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The period of time during which such a utility may recover amounts as an incentive for such an action, which may not be shorter than a 2-year period or longer than a 5-year period (in this subsection referred to as the <quote>rate recovery timeline</quote> for such action).</text> </subclause></clause> <clause id="HA1DF4C436ADE412BA64AFAE1AD9494BE" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Factors</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The factors described in this clause are the following:</text> <subclause id="H71E14C022DD74FC2BA1F7A03801170BA" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The extent of financial or operational risk to be assumed by a covered transmitting utility in conducting a qualifying action.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H639F232C22C440EF92FDAF8B09614D5F" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The baseline performance for transmission facilities or transmission segments with respect to which such action is to be conducted.</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD60AA11E9A2B401788D3F89AFD6CEC08" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The replicability or demonstration value of such action.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H133BABE98BA549CBB56FF5E518B34821" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The duration of cost savings predicted to result from such action and whether such cost savings will remain consistent over such duration.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H593C608BE9904A5CB41414E7B5E4E7BF" commented="no"><enum>(V)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The extent to which such action is expected to result in additional benefits, such as improvements to the resilience or the reliable operation of the bulk-power system, reductions to transmission congestion, or reductions to greenhouse gas emissions.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H798961A27DA74639A79D1E619F3E4FEA" commented="no"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>Such other factors as the Commission may determine relevant to ensure the incentive is performance-based, transparent, and cost-effective.</text></subclause></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H4ECAC3DDDC15403F9182D82EE92A4BD4" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Initial filing required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be considered for an incentive under the shared savings framework for the conduct of a qualifying action, a covered transmitting utility shall submit to the Commission an initial filing, the contents of which shall be verified by an independent evaluator determined appropriate by the Commission, that includes the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H68A54AB35EEE4EE290298A61A5B2473E" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An identification of the baseline performance of any transmission facility or transmission segment with respect to which such action is to be conducted for the 1-year period preceding the date on which such conduct is to be commenced, determined by such utility pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(A) (including the data underlying such calculation).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H636B8C1124E24105923D63B795F7476A"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A description of such action, including an analysis of improvements expected to result from such action.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HECF04001B4A044A7A09CBA9F2713B594"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The rate recovery timeline for such action and the recoverable percentage of cost savings attributable to such action, determined pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(C)<internal-xref idref="HF5C1482D86544B26978F1922D1C6972A" legis-path="3.(b)(3)">.</internal-xref></text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFFB83E6CDC2147D2B164BC2F5BF7B4C4"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An estimate, developed pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(B), of the cost savings to result from such action for—</text> <clause id="HC33D104329F44ADBAA0AF9D922A7E325"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the conduct of such action commences; and</text></clause> <clause id="HF1EB1489E3D74062817E303085343F13" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the duration of the rate recovery timeline for such action.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAF95A0B0B4EC47B782A00965ABDEDF56" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A claim for 50 percent of the recoverable percentage of cost savings estimated under subparagraph (D)(i).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3B798051050F44EAA54B2667CBBD172A" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>An agreement by such utility to file with the Commission the annual reports required under paragraph (4), the contents of which shall be verified by an independent evaluator determined appropriate by the Commission.</text></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HD3B9DC94ABFD40C889EA323D808F9F74"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Annual reporting required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Beginning 1 year after the date on which a covered transmitting utility submits an initial filing for a qualifying action under paragraph (3), and on an annual basis thereafter until the end of the rate recovery timeline for such action determined under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph or until such action no longer results in cost savings, whichever occurs first, such utility shall file with the Commission a report containing, with respect to the qualifying action of such utility, the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H8FCEFCC89DDA4A05945DCABE3C279642" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Data on the performance during the preceding year of any transmission facility or transmission segment with respect to which such action was conducted, and a comparison of such performance to the baseline performance of that transmission facility or transmission segment determined pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(A) for such year.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA08B71BB236642339447329A0D5890A6"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The actual cost savings attributable to the qualifying action for the preceding year, calculated pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(B).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H64DE12D106B64D4289C589B808BDFE80" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If such utility expects cost savings to result from the qualifying action during the following year, an estimate, developed pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(B), of the cost savings for such following year.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H19ABC9336E354E8F9DD019651268458A" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A claim for the following:</text> <clause id="H218B168B53264D65A9E118F7C4A940CA" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An amount that is the recoverable percentage of the actual cost savings for the preceding year calculated under subparagraph (B) minus any amount previously recovered based on an estimate of cost savings for such year under paragraph (5)(A) or paragraph (5)(B)(ii), as the case may be.</text></clause> <clause id="H164C3E5F0EEE49358AC92864678C4075" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the report includes an estimate of cost savings for the following year under paragraph (5), an amount that is 50 percent of the recoverable percentage of such estimated cost savings.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAA3AC837FD6D4D019993752CB3C56792"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If such utility finds that the total amount recovered for a year under paragraph (5) exceeds the amount equal to the total recoverable percentage of the actual cost savings for that year under subparagraph (B), an identification of the excess amount.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1812409B9E9A4F7E9E00B2150CD07AAB"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Recovery mechanism</header> <subparagraph id="HF3F0F7437C974E5AA8797D42BB57EB5A"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Rate adjustment based on initial filing</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 60 days after receiving an initial filing of a covered transmitting utility under paragraph (3), the Commission shall provide to such utility a rate adjustment under which such utility may recover the amount claimed under paragraph (3)(D).</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7E75574BC48241F6B8DF92EF8E7E5DA3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Rate adjustment based on annual reports</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 60 days after receiving an annual report of a covered transmitting utility under paragraph (4), the Commission shall provide to such utility a rate adjustment under which—</text> <clause id="HFEFD22F53E624C75AFF3255C10A5FF60"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">subject to subparagraph (C), such utility may recover the amount claimed under paragraph (4)(D)(i); and</text></clause> <clause id="HD723AF0775934E8ABC647CAA265695F4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if the report included a claim under paragraph (4)(D)(ii), such utility may recover the amount so claimed.</text></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAC17BAE66BF74470B4F51619DC3E1686"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Reconciliation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If a utility identifies an excess amount under paragraph (4)(E), or the Commission determines the information reported for that year under paragraph (4) is insufficient for purposes of this paragraph, the Commission shall credit the difference to ratepayers through a rate adjustment.</text></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HB4F7658650A94FEEB8A125DCEAEC5026"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Sense of Congress regarding additional rulemakings</header><text>It is the sense of Congress that—</text> <subparagraph id="HBF257826D5CF4AAE9FB015CAAC071426"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">following the issuance of the rule under paragraph (1), the Commission should revise such rule, or issue additional rules under the authority of section 219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824s">16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(3)</external-xref>), as amended by subsection (a), to expand the shared savings framework to additional categories of measurable, demonstrable, and verifiable covered transmission actions;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDA2563EED9B84EFCBB1225EC404FA1EB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any such rule should include a version of the methodologies developed under paragraph (2) adapted for such additional categories; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3800C796C68D4AEE9CAB84B375B09B83"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any such rule should take into account the findings of the most recently conducted study under subsection (e).</text></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H59A43B421CA7486E9FB998909D8BFE27" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Guidance for electric utilities not subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction</header> <paragraph id="HE96C4641C6734BF6ACE366D1F4E2002C"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in coordination with the Commission and State regulatory authorities, shall develop and publish on a publicly available website of the Department of Energy guidance to support State regulatory authorities in establishing frameworks under which covered electric utilities may recover a portion of verified cost savings attributable to a covered utility action as an incentive.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H78FD2B6436114D1AA14133FAA73D3EF3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Minimum elements</header><text>The guidance under paragraph (1) shall include—</text> <subparagraph id="HEC0ECE11D35B4221A9CD18D49607C985"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">guidance, developed in accordance with paragraph (3), for determining the baseline performance of a covered electric utility absent a covered utility action;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6F4670EE40C44729A1C3F173AF235A89"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">guidance, developed in accordance with paragraph (4), for determining the cost savings attributable to a covered utility action;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4BC6788EADF6471781532626A35BCD27"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">guidance for the measurement and verification of a covered utility action, and any cost savings attributable to such action, by an independent evaluator determined appropriate by the State regulatory authority concerned;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4586C7DF3C674DF38A14ED95F8BC5D49"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">guidance on potential mechanisms by which covered electric utilities may recover a portion of the verified cost savings attributable to a covered utility action, including through the provision of rate adjustments by State regulatory authorities; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5BFB2FFAB6AE4EB08AD629029B65589A"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such other elements as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure the framework specified in paragraph (1) is transparent, performance-based, cost-effective, and consistent with State ratemaking practices.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H49FECABF5246453CB1EFB5CC18A0F410"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Methodology for determining baseline performance</header> <subparagraph id="H5CA2D75521EE43EB9F391E58B4A5440F"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In developing the guidance under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary, acting through the heads of the Grid Deployment Office, Office of Electricity, and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, in coordination with the Commission, shall—</text> <clause id="H4232C9E705F84C40BBE62F56E67B1AC9"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">consult with State regulatory authorities, Independent System Operators, Regional Transmission Organizations, and independent evaluators determined appropriate by the Secretary regarding such guidance;</text></clause> <clause id="H474FC21EAED94A84BA7D3E0A28E9DF68"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">include in such guidance technical guidance for normalizing data to ensure the baseline performance of a covered electric utility accounts for variability in exogenous factors, such as variability in—</text> <subclause id="H2A6BC3519F264F18A08F22804F52CCD9"><enum>(I)</enum><text>weather;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H98C5293534B3495497F12DBDFCD2BF80"><enum>(II)</enum><text>demand over time;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HBF58606300034BD5B15376FB97841404"><enum>(III)</enum><text>upgrades, interconnections, or operational changes made by other utilities, Independent System Operators or Regional Transmission Organizations, or other entities determined relevant by the Commission; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9A1B1195B4264A4483A79D04214C2207"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>other conditions affecting demand or generation, as determined by the Secretary; and</text></subclause> </clause> <clause id="HA9F47E4878ED43C58A127986013F06B3"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure such guidance supports consistent treatment across covered electric utilities within each category described in paragraph (5).</text></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9AAD3C2B9EBD4020B41C65E1B62B563C"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Support from National Laboratories</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The National Laboratories shall provide such technical support as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this paragraph.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H05B05DF85AAB450899685C88F7074233"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Guidance on determining cost savings</header><text>In developing the guidance under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H547E04B7913F416DA5E1E647103D5718"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">include in such guidance—</text> <clause id="HA555F92100314BC398EF278F50EC8C1A"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">principles to ensure that cost savings attributable to a covered utility action are calculated in a manner that takes into account price proxies for the value of electric energy and the baseline performance of the covered electric utility; and</text></clause> <clause id="H64BB855F6E324B028552724E7E8FE1B7"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">tools, technical support, and reference data to assist State regulatory authorities in applying the principles specified in clause (i); and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9C4593DE993B4638810DEEC191BAF289"><enum>(B)</enum><text>ensure such guidance supports consistent treatment across covered electric utilities within each category described in paragraph (5).</text></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HCBAB61C326814CAD9941B053150CA18B"> <enum>(5)</enum> <header>Applicability to utility market structures</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall develop separate guidance for each category of covered electric utilities as follows:</text> <subparagraph id="HCECBD1A5758046A2AC0F885C9B773B07"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>Vertically integrated utilities.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H25BF55ACC4F74B779A96F98F87BF69A8"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered electric utilities that own or operate transmission infrastructure but not distribution or generation infrastructure.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD39B8C21E49C4D5C9FAD903E7C7E2441"> <enum>(C)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered electric utilities that own or operate distribution infrastructure but not transmission or generation infrastructure.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDBAD2F0437C14A25A424247F0424A32B"> <enum>(D)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered electric utilities that own or operate distribution and transmission infrastructure but not generation infrastructure.</text> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H930D47D4906145AD9F9830ECB06C5FC1"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Revisions</header><text>Upon the publication of each report under subsection (e), the Secretary shall determine whether to revise the guidance under paragraph (1), taking into account the contents of such report and the recommendations included therein.</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H5AAC84E7DB244CA997BBF0A8F590F215" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Grant program for State regulatory authorities</header> <paragraph id="HDBAFC140BF394C5F89F9F9A1C94B97D5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary may award grants to State regulatory authorities to support the development, implementation, and oversight by such State regulatory authorities of frameworks under which covered electric utilities may recover a portion of verified cost savings attributable to a covered utility action as an incentive (in this subsection referred to as the <quote>grant program</quote>).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HCF3A363CCC984AEDADEED28A94906A4E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Authorized uses of funds</header><text>Amounts awarded under the grant program may only be used to conduct the following activities:</text> <subparagraph id="H5F353056126944F18FB3A501F9D4E9B1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The development of a framework referred to in paragraph (1), or revision of an existing such framework, such that the framework is consistent with the guidance developed under subsection (c), including the following:</text> <clause id="HE1D1E6C8ED3A47FDA6C4A1413682CADA"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The development, including the design or modeling, of methodologies consistent with the methodologies set forth under such guidance.</text></clause> <clause id="H8417DA77CF1845A88914363A69D70A29"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The development of data systems or other tools necessary for the development of the framework.</text></clause> <clause id="H32BF2B70EA8C4A718D732FB93E841A8D"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The issuance or revision of regulations necessary for the development of the framework.</text></clause> <clause id="H69DA4537CEFA41248FDAE9E996E44D68"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The engagement with stakeholders with respect to the development of the framework.</text></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0CBC44F5DB674EF293A65026CC31B821"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The implementation or oversight of a framework consistent with such guidance.</text></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H1C1920F523C44CF2919B8647E33C0731"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Prohibited use of funds</header><text>No amounts awarded under the grant program may be used to pay a covered electric utility.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H02BDF852A1E345FBB7DBACCB27E54C15" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Grant recipient reporting requirement</header> <subparagraph id="HD439CAF1D3A94FEF983CC106572460AD" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>As a condition of receiving amounts under the grant program, a State regulatory authority shall agree to submit to the Secretary, on an annual basis for the duration of the period in which such State regulatory authority expends such amounts, a report describing the activities carried out using such amounts.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2C986E20D1A04FFE81BA126D06767296" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Effect of noncompliance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If a grant recipient fails to submit a report required under subparagraph (A), such recipient shall be ineligible for additional awards under this subsection until the report is submitted.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5526EFCEA6814165A3EB71EFD9BAE74F"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Administration of program</header> <subparagraph id="H0DD5A6AEFCBD4744A7CD5B599D302549"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Technical support; public registry</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the grant program, the Secretary shall—</text> <clause id="H4E34EA2ADF4C4E73B729A27419D060BA"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide to grant recipients technical assistance in support of activities conducted using amounts awarded under the grant program; and</text></clause> <clause id="HB0AE7BE0C7B54ABEBD716594C30C1CB6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>maintain a publicly accessible registry of the activities so conducted.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H16F3BF88C9BB47F6A54AACD1D5D04A12"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Reporting by Secretary</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter for the duration of the grant program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing—</text> <clause id="H6F99FC3BD9DC4033B691EDD513E06A7F"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a summary of the activities conducted using amounts awarded under the grant program;</text></clause> <clause id="HC17B034351394A0BAC03371EF94D4176"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>an assessment of the effectiveness of any framework implemented using such amounts; and</text></clause> <clause id="H992042EE38D9495F92DD615069165DCF"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an identification of any barrier to the development, implementation, or oversight of a framework consistent with the guidance developed under subsection (c) and recommendations for addressing such barrier, as applicable.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5E0E28F6795A4E0293D7FBBCE77C8311"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Allocation of funds</header><text>Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the Secretary to carry out the grant program—</text> <clause id="HEFAE0CF436874EC394406460356254E9"><enum>(i)</enum><text>not more than 70 percent may be awarded for the conduct of activities under paragraph (2)(A);</text></clause> <clause id="H388180C1222B4CFE8EF8CD379BAFE98A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">not less than 30 percent may be awarded for the conduct of activities under paragraph (2)(B); and</text></clause> <clause id="H2F0C8EF7B51640539755CAB3DA056A4C"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">not more than 5 percent may be obligated or expended for Federal administrative expenses.</text> </clause> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB3CFD77C90F5498CB47BE742BDC84CB0" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Studies on effects of certain rate treatments and alternative frameworks</header> <paragraph id="HE70AF82D6073404C9C3C8891471BF047"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Studies required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HDB2EFFD05CF041CB8CF8D2F4F585D7F2"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">conduct a study on—</text> <clause id="H1FAE8BF3A11E4A459CDD988BA8CDD991"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">inefficiencies in the electric power sector incentivized by existing rate treatments for the transmission of electric energy and any economic, environmental, or societal effect of such inefficiencies, including with respect to the customers of electric utilities, the reliable operation of the bulk-power system, and the deployment of cost-effective advanced transmission technologies; and</text></clause> <clause id="H2C1AE45C48E647C2A56C481E85D13ADA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>alternative frameworks for incentive-based, including performance-based, rate treatments for such transmission, such as the alternative frameworks described in paragraph (2); and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7C82992E2A7A4EF3A203C76027A0016E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">publish on a publicly available website of the Department of Energy, and submit to the appropriate congressional committees, a report that includes—</text> <clause id="H5B84B7B6EB594231B783EA8C3338D057"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a detailed description of the findings of such study; and</text></clause> <clause id="H825F5636482E452F95D20A16A2C82BCD"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">recommendations of the Secretary to align rate treatments for the transmission of electric energy with the goals of lowering costs for the customers of electric utilities, enhancing the reliable operation of the bulk-power system, reducing transmission congestion and other inefficiencies in the transmission or delivery of electric energy, and encouraging the deployment of cost-effective advanced transmission technologies.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD43E579A8AB14452A6D38B5BC807DC53" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Examples of alternative frameworks</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The alternative frameworks described in this paragraph are the following:</text> <subparagraph id="HBDF29D1737A84B1D910223F28646B376" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Shared savings frameworks.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB250B5A960994536A10BF740647F20D9" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Revenue decoupling models, under which authorized revenues of utilities are separated from volumetric sales of electricity to reduce disincentives for energy efficiency and programs to reduce the consumption of, or peak demand for, electric energy.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB0F3D70260DC402789922FEAE776736D" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Return on equity adjustments, under which authorized utility returns are increased or decreased based on measurable factors such as risk profile, performance outcomes, or efficiency improvements.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE796B9D142F04BCB874DEA3A56CB164B" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Multi-year rate plans, under which revenue requirements and performance expectations for utilities are established for a fixed multi-year period rather than through single-year rate cases.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H389CF600D5EA484C8B7FABDEB31F8E6A" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Earnings sharing mechanisms, under which earnings of utilities falling outside an authorized range as compared to the return on equity are shared between shareholders and ratepayers.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9BF163CCF05449D3BD9F8C31EE48E4D4" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Total expenditure models, under which capital and operating expenditures of utilities are treated on an equivalent basis to reduce bias toward capital investment.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H71B4AAD9C9FB45BF8E56538E509A2D80" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Performance scorecards, under which utilities are evaluated against transparent outcome-based metrics such as reliability, affordability, equity, or the reduction of emissions, with results informing regulatory decisions or incentive adjustments.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4757223BA6C04DB4AC22D1240F05C3C2"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Sources</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that each study under paragraph (1) is informed by—</text> <subparagraph id="H7B785777DF95402D8624DC0BBC6BF7E1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>reports filed with the Commission pursuant to subsections (b) and (d) of this section, and section 304 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/825c">16 U.S.C. 825c</external-xref>);</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF9D459FD66824D9C9BEAB5EFBF6C86D3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>relevant reports issued by the National Laboratories; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC31403D3874D4FBDAA4176BB07878964"><enum>(C)</enum><text>such other studies, reports, and other data sources as the Secretary may determine appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H9BFCB0F734B6418FA4EE91DF7EA3EBF7" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H7974304B762949B89A257C8712E8E0C9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Advanced conductor</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>advanced conductor</term> means an electric transmission conductor that, relative to a conductor being replaced on a given transmission or distribution line, is designed to substantially improve electrical or mechanical performance through the achievement of the following criteria, as determined by the Commission:</text> <subparagraph id="HCE55868BAD5A444783807DF0C07EBF21"><enum>(A)</enum><text>A substantial increase in current-carrying capacity under normal operating conditions.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB38155B79E9B4B539642B76369A8015B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A substantial reduction in electrical resistance or line losses under normal operating conditions.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF4008DF5FE724CA7B70F141A6BD5A702"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Operation at materially higher continuous allowable operating temperatures.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H15F9B9C28D984D18957A755736F728C7"><enum>(D)</enum><text>A reduction in thermal sag or mechanical constraints that enables increased use of a transmission segment or facility.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0017CBEADAA34296BA54261C6CFEF55F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology</header><text>The term <quote>advanced transmission technology</quote> means any hardware or software that—</text> <subparagraph id="H937B1FA440444712AFC7773915E12F70"><enum>(A)</enum><text>increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission facilities and transmission technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9F2237632368411E8C39C3E55A6FA8C2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is installed in addition to new or existing transmission facilities and transmission technologies—</text> <clause id="HD1CA4DFE77AB45C8AA84C26D53C19EC6"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to give operators of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more situational awareness and control over the electric grid;</text></clause> <clause id="H0577E471A53D4C4896DE8123C7888AD3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to make the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more efficient; or</text></clause> <clause id="HE9EFFD8077D34C22BF54D0BA64EA5EE4"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to increase the transfer capacity of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCC494C059E534568B74A6928918B8362"><enum>(C)</enum><text>includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization, advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or physical systems that increase the usable transfer capability of the grid.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE6279CF98EA840CFB8564DE4231B513D"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Appropriate congressional committees</header><text>The term <term>appropriate congressional committees</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HAF78FB9138084E42BE274525AFB75AB4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5D7837EED5314D9A854276535966AE9B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB76A889EC7C44AB9B16FF2DE24C7A674"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Bulk-power system; electric utility; Independent System Operator; Regional Transmission Organization; State regulatory authority; transmitting utility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The terms <term>bulk-power system</term>, <term>electric utility</term>, <term>Independent System Operator</term>, <term>Regional Transmission Organization</term>, <term>State regulatory authority</term>, and <term>transmitting utility</term> have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H9817E6E69D384839B010D9E91CD60CFF"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6793AFB94DBB46ED87267E2510934BC2"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Covered electric utility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered electric utility</term> means an electric utility not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission for ratemaking purposes under Part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H56695B41E1C047FC9ACA06A9621F7271"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Covered action</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered action</term>—</text> <subparagraph id="HCC49963242324E28B9954A4AEB4C8EC9"><enum>(A)</enum><text>means an action that would generate cost savings for ratepayers; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H44ECBB76064746968D73ECDF76532FAC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>does not include the construction of a new facility or the complete reconstruction of an existing facility.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H07063402AE224F14B2DAFA9A595F25D3" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Covered transmission action</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered transmission action</term> means a covered action to improve the efficiency, capacity, reliability, or resilience of 1 or more transmission facilities or transmission segments, including through—</text> <subparagraph id="HBFD590AF73164D70B9ADC24DA11174F3" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the replacement of a conductor on a transmission line within such a facility or segment with an advanced conductor; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6037F2B4149F4EE790CEBBEE269D623F" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the deployment of an advanced transmission technology.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H90F10EFB9319459E8F3C46AE041244BA"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Covered transmitting utility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered transmitting utility</term> means a transmitting utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission for ratemaking purposes under part II of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824">16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD5BBF06708064B31BA71CE045D99F2B6"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Covered utility action</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered utility action</term> means a covered action taken by an electric utility to—</text> <subparagraph id="H893C53AADF874DD186A4AD37E371E244"><enum>(A)</enum><text>improve the efficiency of the generation, transmission, or distribution of electric energy, including by reducing the proportion of electrical energy lost during such generation, transmission, or distribution (including through the deployment of energy storage systems or other technologies); or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1ED99CCE389C462CAE69470E2BA9FE45"><enum>(B)</enum><text>reduce the consumption of, or peak demand for, electric energy, including through—</text> <clause id="H505C637197554EA9857A89D42BACBEB1"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a technological improvement, such as the deployment of high-efficiency appliances, smart thermostats, distributed energy resources, or building retrofits;</text></clause> <clause id="H026B6F741DF34BE2B76F09E9A8E43A33"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the establishment of a pricing mechanism to encourage customers of the electric utility to reduce such consumption or shift such demand to non-peak hours; or</text></clause> <clause id="H1D68038E98D84F718820FB6C325B7CFB"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any other action or program to incentivize or otherwise produce such a reduction or shift in demand.</text></clause> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0F144253FBA8451AA4C20C1CAB5F7242" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Qualifying action</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>qualifying action</term> means a covered transmission action achieved through the reduction of transmission physical losses.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1AA46D2EEB83495DA9EC3F47C7AAC2F6"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE185567B659B451EADF07F18B52E51C9"><enum>(13)</enum><header>Similarly situated</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>similarly situated</term>, with respect to transmission segments, means transmission segments that the Commission determines share comparable characteristics, such as voltage class, geography, load profile, or historical performance.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE9D60A1A24EF4C24B6335F85C395F855"><enum>(14)</enum><header>Transmission physical loss</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>transmission physical loss</term> means the amount of electrical energy that enters a transmission segment but does not exit such transmission segment, as measured over a prescribed period of time.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HECFCE6B7073C44CDA790E5850697D668" commented="no"><enum>(15)</enum><header>Transmission segment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>transmission segment</term> means a functionally distinct portion of an interconnected transmission system (such as a single transmission line or multiple transmission lines within a prescribed zone, such as between prescribed substations), for which the amount of electrical energy transmitted and the amount of electrical energy lost during such transmission may be independently measured, as determined by the Commission.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HD4D5906519B84AF39E986A1B6264678E"><enum>(16)</enum><header>Vertically integrated electric utility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>vertically integrated electric utility</term> means a covered electric utility that—</text> <subparagraph id="H7D1648C0B2474390914CEF205E11B130"><enum>(A)</enum><text>owns and operates generation, transmission, and distribution facilities; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6706B354B73E4EAB8E559D038B90A92C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>directly provides retail electric service to end-use customers.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection></section> <section id="HFAD56709181C45B1B4299BCB89D464B9"><enum>602.</enum><header>Consumer protection from energy market manipulation</header> <subsection id="H801466663FF74E16AC6B8477D9879A72"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendments to the Federal Power Act</header> <paragraph id="HEA71A3E06F6D4B7495D580E6D0B597C6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Enforcement of certain provisions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 316A of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/825o-1">16 U.S.C. 825o–1</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F6E9A3A83F54449B67670681BA38EBF"> <subsection id="H8D8BDDB5B38E497AB907200095A817FF"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Prohibition or suspension for violations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission may prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, permanently or for such period of time as the Commission determines to be appropriate, any person who is engaged or has engaged in practices constituting a violation of section 221 or 222 (and related rules and regulations) from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the business of purchasing or selling—</text> <paragraph id="H58AC688E24934D6387579E458499609A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>electric energy;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H278E3C91F4884D30BD9F8B812D69B466"><enum>(2)</enum><text>electric energy products, including financial transmission rights; or</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4F52A97196054A6399C9C3F55FE6478A"><enum>(3)</enum><text>transmission services subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBBCF56C56A2447E3BE1E3926FFAB6B4F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Conforming amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 314(d) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/825m">16 U.S.C. 825m(d)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="H849E60859DB84924BC5FA47E9C780397"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—</text> <clause id="HE36A2B104099461EBBE98C32E2AC7345"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by striking <quote>individual</quote> and inserting <quote>person</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="HBE891C7A843243F8A875A6662052C01D"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>or 222</quote> after <quote>section 221</quote>;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3EB78B1015C94E38B5C50999B7F50D57"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (1), by inserting <quote>with respect to a person who is an individual,</quote> before <quote>acting</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD6F87D6708CC4776AD1361D7455142BC"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in paragraph (2)—</text> <clause commented="no" id="H8F7A2B43DAB4480AAAD6C77380B12A34"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting <quote>, directly or indirectly,</quote> after <quote>engaging</quote>;</text></clause> <clause id="H6B9E78D4A99C4BC9AB629363831B8AD7"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in subparagraph (A), by striking <quote>; or</quote> and inserting a semicolon;</text></clause> <clause id="HACD66B17849E49A9A8D7EDE94820F37F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and</text></clause> <clause id="H15B58191BCBD498DB761A47B7E11321B"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE5FD66D175F3415A88D36479B5D23217"> <subparagraph id="H86A372EB73F243CAB3564A8C95A8E2F7"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">electric energy products, including financial transmission rights; or</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H7907BF78489746A885955ABE45163304"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Amendments to Natural Gas Act</header> <paragraph id="HD91C6C5A62C8481E9DD2243CC04ADDC8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Prohibition on filing false information</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Natural Gas Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/717">15 U.S.C. 717 et seq.</external-xref>) is amended by inserting after section 4A the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H219CAEF0B6354A46BB2D8150E0654585"> <section id="H791666D049B54869BFE9A972F85A0EC2"><enum>4B.</enum><header>Prohibition on filing false information</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">No person shall willfully and knowingly report to a Federal agency or private-sector price-reporting agency, with intent to fraudulently affect the data being compiled by the Federal agency or private-sector price-reporting agency, any information relating to the transportation or sale of natural gas subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission (including information relating to the availability and prices of natural gas sold at wholesale and in interstate commerce and information relating to the operation of facilities for the transportation and sale of natural gas at wholesale and in interstate commerce) that the person knows to be false at the time of the reporting.</text></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H706A4CB7F9A249B28AA0F8FB19A25A48"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Civil penalty authority</header><text>Section 22 of the Natural Gas Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/717t-1">15 U.S.C. 717t–1</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC27222B8E5424A78A4BCD057B3A327FA"> <subsection id="H87C0808D51D84DBEA2DD4841948C1D9F"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Prohibition or suspension for violations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission may prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, permanently or for such period of time as the Commission determines to be appropriate, any person who is engaged or has engaged in practices constituting a violation of section 4A or 4B (including related rules and regulations) from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the business of purchasing or selling—</text> <paragraph id="HDA430B6604DD4B0980B62899571A04D2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>natural gas; or</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB1ED6C40BC684CCA87D452482F3B99C3"><enum>(2)</enum><text>transmission services subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6825B25E89304212BAE89FDAF17B889D"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Conforming amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 20(d) of the Natural Gas Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/15/717s">15 U.S.C. 717s(d)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="HBB9C9E42697041ACA6561B0F979B6B4A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking <quote>individual</quote> and inserting <quote>person</quote>;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA16001392EBA4EB48D81BD9C2B1E1AFC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (1), by inserting <quote>with respect to a person who is an individual,</quote> before <quote>acting</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4D2CFEB34EC84F62AF895C58B6041B2B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting <quote>, directly or indirectly,</quote> after <quote>engaging</quote>.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HEF64432B39A14776AC2BCD509EF286DA" commented="no"><enum>603.</enum><header>Avoiding cost shifts onto families</header> <subsection id="H2B0A875CC3034AF0B75C38B2C30729AC" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2621">16 U.S.C. 2621(d)</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HC44229A84ADE461AAA1FC69722438852" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H8A9E92867A2C449CB12BEA993F4AE638" commented="no"><enum>(22)</enum><header>Large load facility class</header> <subparagraph id="H11A7A26337574FE3A2F7ECECEFAF695D" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Classification</header><text>Large load facilities shall be considered a class of electric consumers.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD452B834A279449F9BC103D37F69F07F" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Cost recovery relating to large load facility class</header><text>Each electric utility that provides electric service to a class of electric consumers described in subparagraph (A) shall fully recover from such class all costs associated with any upgrade made to the generation, transmission, or distribution facilities of the electric grid, including local facilities, in order to meet the demand for electric energy from such class, including in the event that a large load facility ceases operations or uses less electric energy than projected at the time of such upgrade.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3C6A70964BA84DB7B926108D017EF3F4" commented="no"><enum>(23)</enum><header>Grid reliability for large load facilities</header><text>Each electric utility shall prioritize, among requests from owners or operators of large load facilities for electric service, such a request under which the owner or operator agrees to employ—</text> <subparagraph id="H9DC97CDA9AAF4121850A15617D013123" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>features that reduce the demand for electric energy from the electric grid during times of peak demand, including—</text> <clause id="HD3A4933972C840538282EC2D1EE05B01" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>energy efficiency or energy conservation measures;</text></clause> <clause id="H896CC7FD02BA4B83B254C81187A4F6FD" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>onsite energy storage; or</text></clause> <clause id="H62806074F23B424BB73F05121AB88587" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>demand response or load flexibility technologies; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCABF0746A9D34001919F836BF2692A9A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>zero-emission electric energy generated onsite or procured within the same balancing authority through a power purchase agreement to meet all of the demand of the large load facility for electric energy.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H32AF1CDD516A4480BC0285ACE7AEB658" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>Section 111 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2621">16 U.S.C. 2621</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="H00DC59685A3047C5863D7D757012E23A" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H5C311B8FD8E347278784A623BBF9F238" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>For the purposes of subsection (d):</text> <paragraph id="H059722EA7240424EB2216B343D0C48F8" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Large load facility</header><text>The term <term>large load facility</term>—</text> <subparagraph id="H2BE77488F65643258913331188D46FBC" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>means a facility, or an aggregation of facilities at a single site, with respect to which the peak demand of such facility or such aggregation of facilities exceeds 75 megawatts; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC002A10A9A5641DDB37F89A147F18D3D" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>does not include an existing facility with respect to which any increased demand is predominantly caused by electrification or measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H227E3B3588194F3481E5F986F4346022" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Zero-emission electric energy</header><text>The term <term>zero-emission electric energy</term> means electric energy generated without emitting greenhouse gases, including from solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, fission, or fusion energy.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H6B0092ED157E4FA9AF988A773A7EC9E4" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Conforming amendments</header> <paragraph id="H5FDB64C5BC5247B7AFE851D7D9BB00A1" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Obligations to consider and determine</header><text>Section 112 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2622">16 U.S.C. 2622</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph id="HBE82D9CB1A4B44E493AB74EA746B48FE" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HAAA2477B65A94EF1B5CC37CE35CDFEFF" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H306A598B2CD8437EAF87DCDD22C8A6C4" commented="no"><enum>(9)</enum> <subparagraph id="H4C559ED81AE44ECC92980ECB0AF73B9C" display-inline="yes-display-inline" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated utility shall commence consideration under section 111, or set a hearing date for consideration, with respect to each standard established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9778E4F9D555429EA27E44E72F29250B" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility shall complete the consideration and make the determination under section 111 with respect to each standard established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0652BF53591C40ED94E895AC96FEFD25"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 30 days after completing the determination and making a determination under section 111 with respect to each standard established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report detailing the process used for consideration and an explanation for the determination.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0A662E05DB554BF692FDBB9847580C26" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in subsection (c)—</text> <clause id="HD55AC9BAE9E748EF9E1B2FE3E7DA5871" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by striking <quote>subsection (b)(2)</quote> and inserting <quote>subsection (b)</quote>; and</text></clause> <clause id="H1AECCE903F6F4B75A9F3A440E9D7FB0D" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>In the case of the standard established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of such paragraphs (22) and (23).</quote> after <quote>paragraph (21).</quote>; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA37A1EF069B44789880C2B23C9C40885" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text> <quoted-block id="HDDFC5F4DF2CC450BA4B77FFE60355123" style="OLC"> <clause id="H8643AFB24EAF4DFDBD50E557619D1ED3" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Other prior state actions</header><text>Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to the standards established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d) in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before the date of enactment of this subsection—</text></clause> <paragraph id="HC2ED7DCB16D44611B5051886297EE58F" commented="no" indent="down3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the State has implemented for the electric utility the standard concerned (or a comparable standard);</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAD974B21B15E4975A28467F7E1B421DE" commented="no" indent="down3"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the State regulatory authority for the State or the relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard concerned (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility; or</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0A478D78E0134820A3C3CE8BD214D503" commented="no" indent="down3"><enum>(III)</enum><text>the State legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard concerned (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility during the 3-year period ending on that date of enactment.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H782387C89C08459E89A0634B6AAA89E8" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Prior and pending proceedings</header><text>Section 124 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/2634">16 U.S.C. 2634</external-xref>) is amended by inserting <quote>In the case of each standard established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this section to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of such paragraphs (22) and (23).</quote> after <quote>paragraph (21).</quote>.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HAAFCC869364047F28203C6B04D416E01" commented="no"><enum>604.</enum><header>True costs and value of energy for economic and public benefit</header> <subsection id="HA76B717185D0424F8120929191098EFE" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Energy productivity assessments</header> <paragraph id="H915AF5B4043443F989422EBF985DD81E" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Baseline assessment</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Task Force established under subsection (c) of this Act, shall publish a comprehensive baseline assessment of energy productivity in the United States, which shall, at a minimum—</text> <subparagraph id="HF4219A279EF449B088473222562AF84B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>define a framework and methodology for measuring energy productivity as the relationship between energy inputs and the economic or societal value of the work performed by those inputs, at the national, regional, and sectoral levels;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H77D037A37B294A2EBDE8C588C3E890D5" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>evaluate current energy productivity performance at the national, regional, and sectoral levels;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFDDE6C60AEF44855AD1F342CA43E98C6" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>identify barriers to improved energy productivity across economic sectors; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H17AFB08386FC49A98700978D08FFEEB0" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>highlight opportunities for improvement through technology, policy, behavioral, or structural interventions.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5EDCD4ED4F6E4998B3801EE63152C6E9" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Periodic national energy productivity reporting</header><text>Not later than 6 months after the publication of the baseline assessment under paragraph (1), and at least quarterly thereafter, the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration shall publish a report on energy productivity in the United States using the same measures of economic output in each sector and nationally as those used in the estimates of labor productivity published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Administrator of the Energy Information Administration shall coordinate with the Secretary of Labor on such energy productivity reports so the publication of such energy productivity reports is on the same timeline as the reporting of labor productivity by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3E9C3B9AEEAA4415B103C42C72712BDA" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>National energy productivity modeling</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every three years thereafter, the Secretary of Energy shall produce a comprehensive National Energy Productivity Assessment using existing Federal modeling tools and data systems. The assessment shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HB091642D5C914E8B8D28A32047D13F5B" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>quantify the direct and indirect economic, environmental, health, and societal impacts of achieving accelerated energy productivity improvements, relative to a business-as-usual scenario, at the national, regional, and sectoral levels;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0840E094FD924E6E88D027CC2BFFF3E3" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>analyze potential policy pathways to enhance competitiveness, reduce energy costs, increase resilience, and support job creation;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3CDD09E3FF1C4B5FAC24CF504A0D2D3B" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>evaluate how such improvements affect national and regional well-being, including reductions in pollution, energy costs, public health burdens, water use, and economic vulnerability;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB3652FBC33654D1BAA59FDEB2265AF51" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>evaluate risks associated with delayed action, including stranded asset exposure and competitiveness losses; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC6F01AF09EE7448ABED17CF4805972F5" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>include, as appropriate, recommendations for Federal policies, programs, and research priorities to support sustained energy productivity gains.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF241856BF38D47579E0632C286720F29" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Reports on energy productivity and competitiveness</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a report detailing how improvements in energy productivity in the United States affects United States competitiveness in key economic sectors, including manufacturing, services, and energy-intensive industries. The report shall include modeling scenarios, investment implications, and policy options to maximize national economic benefits from improved energy productivity.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HBB0FB68267F845CFBB4F0F7EC8891698" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Improving energy indicators</header> <paragraph id="H2564B6CA89A64774A8B57CA1256F3277" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Standardized reporting on energy indicators</header> <subparagraph id="HFB8FA494B47544AA9250525DC3480221" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Task Force established under subsection (c) of this Act shall develop standardized methodologies for collecting, evaluating, assembling, analyzing, and disseminating data and other information on the following indicators:</text> <clause id="H2613A5744F184205A31776AEFB3EFBC1" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>National energy potential, where the term <term>national energy potential</term> means the theoretical maximum amount of energy physically present within a country’s geographic boundary, including the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, across all energy forms, including—</text> <subclause id="H2A4E6199FBF347C892722D9CC4EE0D97" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>energy stocks for—</text> <item id="H3B215A214DE644D5B6133C0E2F8729D6" commented="no"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>oil and gas, in units of chemical energy, which includes—</text> <subitem id="H296082576A914AA9AF4DC0F55B75E23C" commented="no"><enum>(AA)</enum><text>proven reserves as determined by the Energy Information Administration;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H1CE762C6E34A422A95A19774D5E75535" commented="no"><enum>(BB)</enum><text>probable reserves as determined by the Energy Information Administration;</text></subitem> <subitem id="H21532C27A18D426E8A7395023EB77CBA" commented="no"><enum>(CC)</enum><text>undiscovered technically recoverable resources as determined by the United States Geological Survey; and</text></subitem> <subitem id="H1E8F3696A5A5461AADD0F3411009DE7F" commented="no"><enum>(DD)</enum><text>undiscovered unrecoverable resources as determined by the United States Geological Survey;</text></subitem></item> <item id="HFD109FDF0ED6425E855119DB889B04B0" commented="no"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>coal, in units of chemical energy, which includes identified and undiscovered resources, as determined by the United States Geological Survey; and</text></item> <item id="HB768C68B96FF45CAB3C445D4C8A5DDC4" commented="no"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>nuclear fuel, in units of fissionable energy from reasonably assured, estimated additional, and speculative uranium and thorium resources, as determined by the Energy Information Administration; and</text></item></subclause> <subclause id="H073B340DD18F42729FAE49CBCB67255F" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>energy flows for—</text> <item id="H7B7745F70F8A4D7298C323380A9724EB" commented="no"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>solar energy, in units of annual total Global Horizontal Irradiance;</text></item> <item id="HD027AB3B3660481C965CC388609D212B" commented="no"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>wind energy, in units of annual kinetic energy from wind at hub heights and atmospheric conditions consistent with commercial wind energy applications, as determined by the Department of Energy;</text></item> <item id="H69B8526A89384D758D4B7FF636424909" commented="no"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>hydropower energy, in units of annual gravitational potential energy from inland water flows that, at a minimum, could power a micro hydropower plant, as determined by the Department of Energy;</text></item> <item id="H1634F8A534F94DA48AA80BEF6D607490" commented="no"><enum>(dd)</enum><text>geothermal energy, in units of annual subsurface thermal energy at a subsurface depth of 10 kilometers or less, or under temperature, pressure, and geological conditions suitable for energy extraction, as determined by the Department of Energy;</text></item> <item id="HF505C012013A47849E5311325F4802E0" commented="no"><enum>(ee)</enum><text>biomass-based energy, in units of annual chemical energy, including primary resources, and secondary and tertiary residues, as determined by the Department of Energy; and</text></item> <item id="HC3A858637EBB49B094AF175AEA904E78" commented="no"><enum>(ff)</enum><text>marine energy, in units of annual mechanical, thermal, and chemical potential energy in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.</text></item></subclause></clause> <clause id="H1442AC5A3782462293E59A5682157C40" commented="no"> <enum>(ii)</enum> <text>Technically-accessible energy potential, where the term <term>technically-accessible energy potential</term> means the theoretical maximum amount of national energy potential that can be accessed and converted into usable energy using existing commercially-available technologies and industry-standard practices, without regard to cost or policy.</text> </clause> <clause id="HDA404E89C2A848FD840072CEFDC46193" commented="no"> <enum>(iii)</enum> <text>Cost-qualified energy potential, where the term <quote>cost-qualified energy potential</quote> means the theoretical maximum amount of technically-accessible energy potential that could be profitably developed and delivered as usable energy under current or anticipated near-term economic conditions, as determined using prevailing market prices, technology costs, and industry-standard practices, considering existing ordinances and regulations and current industry practices for siting for energy stocks and energy flows.</text> </clause> <clause id="H5F2C915D71A44A0E87923A9CB947ED3E" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Market-viable energy potential, where the term <term>market-viable energy potential</term> means the amount of cost-qualified energy potential that is already online or likely to be developed and brought online in practice, at the time of reporting in subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii).</text></clause> <clause id="HFAF4751E9A234D95A48888329E679498" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Secondary energy, where the term <term>secondary energy</term>—</text> <subclause id="H94AD4E5AC2E14069BA05DBD73912DADA" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>means the amount of energy resources that have been converted into intermediate carriers electricity generation;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HD543F1DA39984608B3F59DC8F99F45AF" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>represents energy forms that can be stored, transported, distributed, or further converted before final consumption; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HA8364E07DBCB455CB41739CF6B187531" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>includes, but is not limited to, electricity, refined fuels (such as refined petroleum products, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels), and district heat.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H0E4828F3E7CA46B7A7022A83F153C375" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>Final energy, where the term <term>final energy</term>—</text> <subclause id="HFA2E18327D8F497CBB8A23D9F71463AC" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>means the amount of secondary energy in the form delivered for end-use consumption for consumption in buildings, transportation, industrial processes, or other sectors or applications; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H0BF62892C2C94D7D910C45F2BA93422C" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>includes, but is not limited to, electricity, refined fuels (such as refined petroleum products, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels), and district heat.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H6C1BA1CCB6B349A4A9E8D974417860CD" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>Useful energy, where the term <term>useful energy</term>—</text> <subclause id="H7674F2A6B720451A864E85F90F03D830" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>means the amount of final energy that is effectively converted into the desired service or output after accounting for energy losses during end-use conversion; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HBB3E0DD97CC84D9B95F2768530523633" commented="no"> <enum>(II)</enum> <text>includes lighting, mechanical work and motion, heating and cooling, chemical process energy, and any other end-use services delivered to meet a desired function.</text> </subclause></clause> <clause id="H1ECC2B005BA04A4DB4DE20AE20AF7AD4" commented="no"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>Exergy, where term <quote>exergy</quote> means the amount of usable energy and resulting work obtainable from a system or energy stream, accounting for both the quantity and quality of energy.</text></clause> <clause id="HCD5AAF6602034FFDB1056CFFF9E32DC4" commented="no"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>Exergy efficiency, where the term <term>exergy efficiency</term> means the extent to which the exergy is preserved and converted into valuable economic or societal services during their use for a given system, sector, or economy.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE76B3E5EDD1D4FF693E074853A5A8515" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Incorporation of new indicators in department reporting</header> <clause id="H114A2071EC174F6AADAEFA36A5E7A039" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the initial development of the standardized methodologies under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Energy shall, as part the Department of Energy’s modeling frameworks, scenario analysis tools, and energy outlooks, collect, evaluate, assemble, analyze, and disseminate data and other information related to the indicators listed in clauses (i) through (ix) of subparagraph (A).</text></clause> <clause id="H4B8E36785C7846E894DEB7E05B6E99A2" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Covered reporting</header><text>The modeling frameworks, scenario analysis tools, and energy outlooks described in clause (i) include—</text> <subclause id="H1D97745ECE25402B8405B095F217C44A" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Annual Energy Outlook;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H6E7515459BBC4604829A886FC281D746" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>to the maximum extent possible—</text> <item id="HFAA920F2D22D44208EE13D38CCBF20A4" commented="no"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the Monthly Energy Review;</text></item> <item id="H12131DC4AE8E4DCCA62F6F3A1508B141" commented="no"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the International Energy Outlook;</text></item> <item id="H878907D48F1548418DE9816C4CF7F305" commented="no"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>the State Energy Data System; and</text></item> <item id="HDFFF3664B66C4A69A8F2804D51724F39" commented="no"><enum>(dd)</enum><text>the Short-Term Energy Outlook; and</text></item></subclause> <subclause id="H5DF83572F672479F9A7DC1926D83BC49" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>any successor model or analysis to a model or analysis described in subclauses (I) and (II).</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H62719C908AF04955A034AF59E2E81C59" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Transparency and documentation</header><text>The Administrator of the Energy Information Administration shall publish and maintain detailed documentation on how the Task Force developed the methodologies under subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2BBF66B035DC4E75B5574F3AD1364A2A" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Study on primary energy indicators</header> <subparagraph id="H53AD6FAB6CF84BE68780C73F55906E63" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Required study</header><text>The Secretary of Energy, with support from the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, relevant offices within the Department of Energy, and the Task Force, shall conduct a comprehensive study on the validity, limitations, and potential alternatives to the use of the indicators for primary energy in national energy accounting.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB0E40EE1C3664F3E88066A20CAEB38AC" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Scope of study</header><text>The study shall include—</text> <clause id="HCEEE32DF3B67415C8C34DCFE99DB52E2" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an evaluation of the conceptual basis and historical rationale for the current indicator for primary energy calculated and reported by the Energy Information Administration;</text></clause> <clause id="HAB99FAD4001542B49B52B3114A58624D" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>an assessment of the limitations of primary energy accounting in accurately reflecting energy efficiency, energy transitions, and the value and comparability of combustible and non-combustible energy sources;</text></clause> <clause id="HD41FC276AF594065835FD3157728EFA3" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>an analysis of alternative indicators, including secondary energy, final energy, useful energy, and exergy, and their suitability for integration into national energy statistics;</text></clause> <clause id="H6B81D5AA7B8E49F39C84A8BCF1762D02" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>a review of international best practices for energy accounting, including methodologies used by the International Energy Agency and peer nations; and</text></clause> <clause id="HC5EA6D7FF2EF419FA8950148DB29FCF2" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>recommendations for improvements or replacements to the primary energy indicator that better align with national goals for energy efficiency, electrification, decarbonization, and economic productivity.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB694E93BE7CD4278B05662677EAB65D8" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Report to Congress</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing the findings and recommendations of the study required under subparagraph (A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HFECACD86B2204EE1A7D789A5E74C1380" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Establishment of energy productivity and cost task force</header> <paragraph id="HA2B25958E4724E5EAA0716833B46AA78" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall establish an advisory group, to be known as the <quote>Energy Productivity and Value Task Force</quote> (in this Act referred to as the <quote>Task Force</quote>), which shall be led by the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7E48B9B44A3A4961B83F747DA5728FF2" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Membership</header> <subparagraph id="H3D3694047DBA414F8C631AD6686B1A38" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Federal agencies</header><text>The following heads of Federal agencies shall serve as members of the Task Force:</text> <clause id="HC07260EF03014FF69C694B067FFC94E2" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The Secretary of Energy.</text></clause> <clause id="H051F26BE170A47438857E434EBFE3379" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The Secretary of Commerce.</text></clause> <clause id="H787E280775C04277A70AFA909A524C70" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.</text></clause> <clause id="HDEF96D61913D4B1699283172BC237DAB" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The Administrator of the Energy Information Administration.</text></clause> <clause id="H9299A83F049E44B3BBF8746B07DE244F" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>The Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></clause> <clause id="H2FC39B1A2C14441D8CA7EB8B993BB65A" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</text></clause> <clause id="H32370E8928E04044BE963DDD34D3DE7E" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>The Director of the United States Geological Survey.</text></clause> <clause id="HE9AB6A389FCD41F8990F1D8A8DE67264" commented="no"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>The Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.</text></clause> <clause id="H868F933035024124B043D8A9A4EC0446" commented="no"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H24216C1EFD864834AD2DF870C3481BAE" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Independent technical experts</header> <clause id="H254B547FA3CE4808A3A83B6616ADB5D8" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the other heads of Federal agencies listed in subparagraph (A), shall appoint independent technical experts as members of the Task Force, which shall consist of independent technical experts with a demonstrated expertise in—</text> <subclause id="H6EDB86B1FEF84D7ABABD811256ECF0E7" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>environmental and energy economics;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HDFA05321BC9142ADB01323F9D12FFA06" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>energy technologies, including renewables, fossil fuel systems, bioenergy, and energy storage;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H445A4A45E9AD46A593D5B8E8813A33F5" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>public health and environmental epidemiology;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HF0ED404F3D54460482128D1AE782670C" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>ecology and ecosystem services;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H8FDA30CA21104B49A03E10E8B008E940" commented="no"><enum>(V)</enum><text>industrial engineering and lifecycle assessment; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H2DC7BF0F8ACC41B883ED91BBE594E12C" commented="no"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>any other field the Oversight Board determines relevant for the purposes of this Act.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HE99462FEDA8243E2B708C950A012C56E" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Number of experts</header><text>Under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Energy shall appoint—</text> <subclause id="HF16A419E5ACA4F899E3418EF8DA0AAE7" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>at least 1 independent technical expert for each field under subclauses (I) through (VI) of such subparagraph; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9C7C1F75CF4549318484E518EED1ACCF" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>separate independent technical experts for each such field.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H61DEB53F64E84AB899D69CEF57BAEC9D" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Stakeholder representatives</header><text>The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the other heads of Federal agencies listed in subparagraph (A), shall appoint stakeholders as members of the Task Force, which shall consist of at least 1, but not more than two, stakeholders that represent each of—</text> <clause id="H72F1D2BB9852480688BDB34B7526EE7C" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the electric power sector;</text></clause> <clause id="HCF2EAAF4109149A4992FB364D6B82D55" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the renewable energy sector;</text></clause> <clause id="H9B2722F9B60D4C0BAA532814AE9B0D62" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the non-renewable energy sector;</text></clause> <clause id="H1C84D941BE20453AB2E7AE59EA642574" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>consumer advocacy groups;</text></clause> <clause id="H9CFA3FF67F6B4783862FF2C2BF1CBC51" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>energy-intensive industries;</text></clause> <clause id="H2CC71DD01A634EB48E14F2A2FBD148D6" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>environmental and public interest advocacy organizations;</text></clause> <clause id="HE92F197D642E4BE8B30389E5976C9617" commented="no"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine;</text></clause> <clause id="H29CED9DD539942C9A21D4E0EE282DBC3" commented="no"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>academic- and National Laboratory-based researchers with expertise in—</text> <subclause id="H5292C6D5E7C84D70A7D1118BBCA23901" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>energy and economics;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HADDD934BF5924A27B5FC64EF94897733" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>climate and economics; or</text></subclause> <subclause id="H403CFFF4C6CA4B1B92D9276A596DC929" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>environmental systems and economics; and</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H641C55AEC53E4C4087643C0075BA661A" commented="no"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>any other sectors or organizations the Secretary of Energy determines relevant for the purposes of this Act.</text></clause></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H879D703F2D204B18B3CAC15424E8387D" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Termination</header><text>Notwithstanding section 1013 of title 5, United States Code, the Task Force shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this section.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE6ECFEBE30F5488C8CE5E519BF15125E" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Lifecycle impact and costs of energy technologies</header> <paragraph id="H1996025A134D48BFAED8C9876F88CD3B" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Comprehensive analytical framework and dataset</header><text>The Secretary of Energy shall develop and maintain a comprehensive analytical framework and dataset based on the methodology and guiding principles submitted to the Secretary of Energy by the Task Force under paragraph (3).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H38D14FF93502417C97285DC943E1C2F2" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Assessment of lifecycle impacts and costs</header> <subparagraph id="H98E054A58F414669878086BBE645F538" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Development and maintenance</header><text>The Secretary of Energy shall use the comprehensive analytical framework and dataset developed and maintained under subsection (a) to prepare an assessment of the full lifecycle impacts and costs of producing and delivering energy services from each major energy resource or technology, including impacts and costs from upstream, operational, and downstream stages from extraction to end-use and waste management.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAA111FC21CD249A7B873F48290BA693A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Scope of assessment</header><text>The assessment prepared under paragraph (1) shall include, for each major energy resource or technology, a complete quantification and characterization of the lifecycle impacts associated with producing and delivering energy services using the resource or technology, including, impacts from—</text> <clause id="H168FE3D443254C6CA5B232E36B496CBE" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>energy inputs and losses, from extraction through end use and waste management, including embodied energy;</text></clause> <clause id="H545E7222A57F46A2B91E1E286491C1F0" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>material use, including chemical use, and waste generation;</text></clause> <clause id="HF8D5528C01EB42F2B2C113101392AD82" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>water use, including withdrawals, consumption, quality impacts, and other risks to water availability, quality, and ecosystem function;</text></clause> <clause id="H63795113E52D4342864AC43848AE3FB7" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>pollution and emissions, including emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, water pollutants, and land disturbance; and</text></clause> <clause id="HB43A184A1CE4470490100E0B5795FEDE" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>indirect and direct costs to social, environmental, and economic well-being resulting from such impacts.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8BBE1BFB739340A79855452367FBF3D2" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Uses of assessment</header><text>The Secretary of Energy shall use the assessment prepared under paragraph (1)—</text> <clause id="HA03B9FD6BDE14C3296D7EB03B3D10EFE" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to develop strategic planning, investment prioritization, policies and programs, and regulatory analysis to limit the social, environmental, and economic costs of energy production and use;</text></clause> <clause id="HE627DB4B98AB49DFA564B7E881BF5A1B" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to inform the allocation of grants and making loans and loan guarantees for Federal energy research, development, State and local programs, and demonstrations; and</text></clause> <clause id="H7DB1383FD1FA409FB5D4C85205D16AB7" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>as a resource for future reports and analyses of energy productivity, recognizing the link between resource impacts and social, economic, and environmental well-being.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5BB206C3095A43DBB734DB5AD3CC3333" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Updates and availability</header><text>The Secretary of Energy shall—</text> <clause id="H61F67D87DC624DDFB70910DD1F9CCD77" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>update the assessment at regular intervals, but not less frequently than once every 3 years;</text></clause> <clause id="HC9E6CE9ADC7048D3A080FEE254B09419" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>make the results of the assessment publicly available in a transparent, machine-readable format, including documentation of assumptions, data sources, and methodologies used; and</text></clause> <clause id="HBC2871447EB74C0A9D5B710AAA5F19C5" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>publish a report describing the lifecycle social, economic, and environmental impacts and costs of producing and delivering energy services from each major renewable or nonrenewable energy resource or technology.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H92ECC2E292214CB9966B9C88AFE98445" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Task force methodology and guiding principles</header> <subparagraph id="HBE417C23F36A437695589BE58F268370" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than the date that is 12 months after the date on which the Task Force is established, the Task Force shall submit to the Secretary of Energy a methodology and guiding principles for the analytical framework and dataset developed and maintained by the Secretary of Energy under paragraph (2), including definitions, the scope of the analytical framework and dataset, data sources, and procedures for periodic review, validation, and updates to such methodology and guiding principles.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3D17B9844F1842EAA9045C95A45E53E0" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Reconvening task force for review, validation, and updates</header><text>If the Secretary of Energy determines that the methodology and guiding principles submitted to the Secretary of Energy under subparagraph (A) are no longer suitable or otherwise require revision, including in response to new data, advances in analytical methods, or changes in statutory or regulatory requirements, the Secretary of Energy may reconvene the Task Force for the sole purpose of submitting to the Secretary of Energy an updated methodology and guiding principles by not later than 90 days after the date on which the Task Force is reconvened. Any reconvened Task Force shall terminate on the earlier of the date on which it submits the updated methodology and guiding principles to the Secretary or the date that is 90 days after the date on which it is reconvened.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H87D54C0EFD9042669F0E18267BF840A6" commented="no"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H4AD3451A08C74ABA9D56FE7771628443" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Energy productivity</header><text>The term <term>energy productivity</term> means a measure of how efficiently an economy, region, or industry uses energy to generate economic value.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H797FDDB25CEF4E51A856D847BC5688B8" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Major energy resource or technology</header><text>The term <term>major energy resource or technology</term>—</text> <subparagraph id="HEE65D76825EA474AA8FA613A08142EC2" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>means an energy resource, carrier, or technology and any associated systems for producing, converting, storing, transmitting, or delivering energy services that contribute significantly to the national energy supply, demand, or infrastructure and materially affect energy system performance, emissions, or economic outcomes; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0F1865FD911B496CA6AC669D1E7D3EE4" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>includes—</text> <clause id="H69D40FCF4DDC4DDC9D7D050A757F0E4F" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>fossil fuels (including coal, petroleum, and natural gas);</text></clause> <clause id="HF50A42F7A0204E7E8EADB6EB373A93B3" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>nuclear energy;</text></clause> <clause id="H16B42A2E1E254A5C8C8DD9E4287D34A3" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>renewable energy (including solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, marine, and biomass);</text></clause> <clause id="HE6E19618537D4605A50BCF77FB16C9E4" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>hydrogen and other chemical energy carriers and associated systems;</text></clause> <clause id="HD86DCC6DE05C4E0D819E794C9CECD869" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>energy storage technologies; and</text></clause> <clause id="HAD3E743EA8EC48B39AAEA4F6BCBC9B41" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>any other energy resources, carriers, or technologies that the Secretary determines may materially affect the performance, emissions, resilience, reliability, or economic outcomes of the national energy system.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H6727503B884F43089BAD4B31BB5A4142" commented="no"><enum>605.</enum><header>Grid performance disclosure</header> <subsection id="H9FE5B6CF9D724B99A34CBA74B3B2611E" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Electricity transmission scorecard elements and verification</header> <paragraph id="H1163DB32A35E4698B284F7F82209370C" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Reporting requirements</header> <subparagraph id="HB1D52832F24241A7971B9A9B0243032C" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Covered transmission owner scorecards</header> <clause id="HA4C419E1A3404C7283DE38955C070A55" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission shall require each covered transmission owner to annually develop, publish, and submit to the Commission and the Secretary a report, to be known as a transmission owner scorecard, that includes metrics that are standardized as required under paragraph (2) and evaluate the following:</text> <subclause id="HA38103941AEC43C6B0AE8C647B00AE49" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Ratepayer affordability, which shall assess the cost of transmission services per unit of energy transmitted or other metrics that can be used to assess affordability of energy provided to ratepayers.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H1308E9FF9EFC4473A35A7C1A306B28A8" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Financing costs, which shall assess the financing structure and cost of capital for a covered transmission owner, and may include consideration of capital structure and leverage ratios, reliance on formula rates or other automatic adjustment mechanisms, allowed and earned returns on equity, the cost of debt and preferred stock, the presence and magnitude of incentive rate adders, and other related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H0561EC920B8B49319C289D1EC12925A6" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Investment prudency and cost recovery, which shall assess the prudency of capital investments and the transparency and structure of associated cost recovery mechanisms, and may include the frequency and magnitude of cost disallowances in rate proceedings, the types of facilities or investments associated with disallowed costs, the degree of cost recovery from ratepayers relative to shareholder contributions, and the transparency and accountability of cost allocation frameworks.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H3FBFB40ABF7B414685618884649BC475" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>Investment effectiveness, which shall assess the value delivered by covered transmission owner investments relative to their costs, including how effectively the covered transmission owner considered and deployed the most economically efficient solutions to reduce cost burden on ratepayers and the accuracy of project cost estimates, and may include metrics such as benefit-cost ratios, investments in advanced technology deployment, non-wires alternatives, advanced transmission technologies, or other operational upgrades that avoid higher cost capital investment, estimated and actual cost for new or updated assets, and other indicators of prudent capital deployment.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H50146924F5044BCF8A11C3C74CDA34F8" commented="no"><enum>(V)</enum><text>Capital expenditure tilt, which shall assess the covered transmission owner’s balance of spending on capital investment versus operational and maintenance activities.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H0EEED2A0C1644BB8A3B2318BF1A590DC" commented="no"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>System reliability and availability, which shall assess the operational performance of the transmission facilities of the covered transmission owner over the reporting year, including information related to outages, equipment availability, and resilience to system disturbances, and may be expressed using existing transmission-specific reliability indicators, as described by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation or other entity established to oversee and administer reliability standards and procedures for the bulk-power system, metrics regarding the economic costs of outages or lost reliability, or other related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H05D02869AD38420482BF01BFF3A02633" commented="no"><enum>(VII)</enum><text>Physical system performance, which shall assess how effectively the transmission facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the covered transmission owner are used to deliver electricity, including both physical and economic performance, and may include technical and non-technical losses, utilization relative to rated capacity and design constraints, age of system components, and other indicators of transmission system utilization, performance, and efficiency.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H581F3A9975AA44CFAB01FD9612F0D219" commented="no"><enum>(VIII)</enum> <item id="H2EA26910F4EA45A198A496F8BE9320CB" display-inline="yes-display-inline" commented="no"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>Interconnection and access fairness, which shall assess the extent to which the interconnection process for interregional interconnections and new facilities (including generators, energy storage, load, and merchant transmission projects) is conducted in a timely and impartial manner consistent with Commission regulations, including comparisons between affiliated entities and unaffiliated entities, and may be expressed as the difference in the number of days from initial interconnection request to execution of an Interconnection Agreement, or through related measures of procedural equity.</text></item> <item id="H0014E6BD488D441988945295BD3220FF" commented="no"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>For purposes of this subclause:</text> <subitem id="H5F5DA8D73D674F21AED33F8E227725FE" commented="no"><enum>(AA)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>affiliated entity</term> means any entity that has a direct or indirect relationship with a covered transmission owner or its parent entity that could reasonably influence interconnection treatment, including an entity that shares common ownership or controlling interest with the covered transmission owner or its parent entity; is a direct or indirect subsidiary of the covered transmission owner or its parent entity; is engaged in a joint venture, contractual partnership, or strategic alliance with the covered transmission owner or its parent entity, where such partnership includes shared financial interest, revenue sharing, or asset co-development; or is otherwise determined by the Commission to have a financial, governance, or operational relationship that may reasonably be expected to influence interconnection prioritization.</text></subitem> <subitem id="HDA37CE6E721A4BD1B88610FC16A3A99E" commented="no"><enum>(BB)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>unaffiliated entity</term> means any entity that has logged an interconnection request with the covered transmission owner and is not an affiliated entity.</text></subitem></item></subclause> <subclause id="HEE4B1480811D4FB3802AA13739F7BEDA" commented="no"><enum>(IX)</enum><text>Non-operational cost recovery, which shall assess the amount of covered transmission owner spending on lobbying, advertising, penalties, and advocacy activities recovered through customer rates, and may be expressed as a total sum of expenditures on such activities, or related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="HF7CB6FC3EBA44AB2BAAA10456B35E04B" commented="no"><enum>(X)</enum><text>Interregional and regional planning integration, which shall assess the extent to which the covered transmission owner participates in coordinated regional and interregional transmission planning processes and infrastructure development, and may be expressed as the number and capacity of interregional transmission ties, the share of projects subject to regional or interregional planning review, or related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H221FC7D5CA844161B609EBB5D229F7EF"> <enum>(XI)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Co-location and reuse of rights-of-way, which shall report the percentage of new circuit-miles placed in service that are—</text> <item id="H8B75317A0E28424181F4A0579C3FA0E6"> <enum>(aa)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">sited within the existing corridor of linear infrastructure, including transmission, pipeline, rail, and highway infrastructure; and</text> </item> <item id="H0220966E41F348C6BB6AD43612034E1B"> <enum>(bb)</enum> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reconductored or right-sized on existing structures.</text> </item> </subclause> <subclause id="H9B5228D225F34B05A6B8179A345187CE" commented="no"><enum>(XII)</enum><text>Any additional matters that may be evaluated using outcome-based performance metrics the Commission determines necessary to improve transparency, affordability, reliability, equity, or environmental performance of the facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the covered transmission owner.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H57E038ED587440CE9A45269FA66BE243" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Exemptions</header><text>The Commission may, by rule, exempt any category of covered transmission owners from the requirement to include a metric described in clause (i) if the Commission determines that the metric is inapplicable to the covered transmission owners in the category.</text></clause> <clause id="H83961A7360394B8D8E5AF25C7B7A84B2" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Coordination</header><text>In preparing and developing a transmission owner scorecard pursuant to this subparagraph, a covered transmission owner shall coordinate, as necessary to obtain or estimate data required to be included in a scorecard under this subsection, with any relevant entity, including—</text> <subclause id="HEA0A7FF2AE874A0C9A1906AAA45ED4A4" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>regional grid operators, including Independent System Operators, Regional Transmission Organizations, transmission planning entities, and balancing authorities;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H938AA4FCF13E49DA89C4BA1D1606AAAE" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>interconnected electric utilities, including load serving entities and other transmission providers;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HBEE0A3154D654ACBAFC91880125290D8" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>owners of generation facilities, including utility-scale and merchant generators seeking interconnection or operating within the service territory of the covered transmission owner; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HE6A0B53952864066825A4C90B7E0DBCE" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>regulatory and oversight entities, including State public utility commissions, and applicable Federal or State energy, reliability, or environmental agencies.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H9D2968FCB5E447A5A6222074409B134E" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Regional transmission scorecards</header><text>The Commission shall require each Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission Organization, and transmission planning entity to annually develop, publish, and submit to the Commission and the Secretary a report, to be known as a regional transmission scorecard, that uses metrics that are standardized as required under paragraph (2) and includes the following:</text> <clause id="H6E000DFC7D2B4172A3BBFE97CF355035" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Aggregation of the metrics reported for the year in the transmission owner scorecards of the covered transmission owners within the jurisdiction of the applicable ISO, RTO, or transmission planning entity, which shall consist of a summary of such metrics that—</text> <subclause id="H20782A3892B1414FAA157182A213CB82" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>reflects weighted or capacity-adjusted averages of covered transmission owner-reported metrics, as appropriate; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H0390F6C53BF94F1D8CD66400A2681F0C" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>highlights significant intra-regional variation or performance outliers.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="HD581BF3200BC45E0BBB91211256BB535" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Regional-specific metrics, which shall consist of reporting on metrics specific to operational responsibilities of the ISO, RTO, or transmission planning entity, including the following:</text> <subclause id="H7A04BC32C41C49D7ABD2D5B2239808DB" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Market efficiency, which shall assess the extent to which the ISO, RTO, or transmission planning entity is successful in operating efficient wholesale electricity markets, minimizing system congestion, and maximizing the use of existing grid infrastructure to deliver cost-effective outcomes for consumers, and may be expressed as average energy and ancillary service costs (system-wide and by major zone), system and zonal capacity costs where applicable, congestion costs, out-of-market payments, frequency of redispatch, implementation of congestion-relieving technologies, or related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H1135429F83764D60B90E701424ABF23C" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Regional interconnection performance, which shall assess the effectiveness and efficiency of interconnection processes, and may include metrics that measure the duration of queue processing, the rate of project withdrawals, and the share of projects that successfully reach commercial operation, or related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H15C0FF8BE51E43D5A52B38BBB212C532" commented="no"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Regional and interregional development, which shall assess the extent and effectiveness of regional and interregional transmission planning and buildout, and may be expressed in relation to the number and total capacity of transmission lines developed through regional and interregional planning processes, the proportion of new transmission projects selected through regional planning processes versus those advanced outside of such processes (including local or supplemental projects), the number of projects selected through competitive processes, the use and outcomes of benefit-cost analysis in project selection and development, the frequency of stakeholder engagement, the ratio of total investment in interregional and regional transmission to investment in local transmission, or other related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="HFD718518AFD1448E924350ABF09EA048" commented="no"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>Greenhouse gas emissions intensity, which shall assess the emissions profile of electricity delivered within the service territory of the ISO, RTO, or transmission planning entity in the reporting year, and may be expressed as the emissions intensity of delivered electricity in carbon dioxide equivalents per megawatt-hour, or related metrics.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9627087F0E794CBD9C66DBB9A6A310DD" commented="no"><enum>(V)</enum><text>Any additional outcome-based performance metrics the Commission determines necessary to improve transparency, affordability, reliability, equity, or environmental performance of the transmission system overseen by the RTO, ISO, or transmission planning entity.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF445D4D75AC74169994D27389A88622A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Data disclosure</header><text>Each reporting entity shall publish and submit to the Secretary, with each scorecard published under this paragraph, all non-confidential underlying data supporting the metrics included in the scorecard, in a machine-readable, open-data format.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H761D6A90FE984B1E88F460E528879CAD" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Initial reporting</header><text>Each reporting entity shall publish and submit to the Secretary its first annual scorecard not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H66A96191DD1B4DF192AEF312F3E4EB5E" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Metric and methodology standardization</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission, with input from the Secretary, the Administrator, the National Laboratories, and other stakeholders shall issue guidance that, where appropriate, standardizes the metrics required to be included in a scorecard under paragraph (1) and the methodologies for calculating such metrics.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2CDB9D2DDB154ED193CFC80FE307BB83" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Verification requirements</header> <subparagraph id="HB20D01F0B3644AFCA3AB9B693CBF9A70" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission shall establish a process by which scorecards required to be developed under paragraph (1) are verified by independent evaluators to ensure accuracy, consistency, and credibility prior to publication under such paragraph. The Commission shall include in such process—</text> <clause id="HAB58F64BDC8149AF926F19E3AFDC1ADD" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>requirements for the approval by the Commission of independent evaluators, including requirements that an independent evaluator—</text> <subclause id="HF18FB7AC740B4295A6B0AAF9486B8D27" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>possess demonstrated expertise in electric transmission planning, data validation, engineering analysis, or grid performance evaluation; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H44D8DAE48E5C496CB802881C1079178C" commented="no"><enum>(II)</enum><text>be independent from the entity being verified and have no financial, contractual, or governance conflicts of interest;</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H8AB505634C6C4A7197532C23A0D10445" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>procedures for auditing the assumptions and methodologies used in applying performance metrics, including to detect selective reporting and ensure alignment with Commission-defined protocols;</text></clause> <clause id="HA16EACA01C054B32A3E1C346DEDA02B2" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>requirements to ensure that no single independent evaluator, or their parent company or subsidiary, may evaluate a reporting entity more than 4 years in a row, and not more than 7 times in any 10-year period;</text></clause> <clause id="HFC64ABBB352F48E98472449DAFF762B4" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>requirements under which an independent evaluator approved by the Commission may verify the information in the scorecard of the reporting entity, by reviewing supporting documentation, conducting project inspections, and applying standardized evaluation, measurement, and verification protocols for the metrics included in the scorecard;</text></clause> <clause id="H86921A4C7F2D45F48CE6E66394B98569" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>requirements for public disclosure of the results of such verification, including any adjustments to reported values, methodologies used in the verification process, and justifications for material discrepancies; and</text></clause> <clause id="HBDE2DB9DA05A472DA069348683ABE6B4" commented="no"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>a process for reviewing and refining verification protocols at regular intervals, in consultation with any relevant stakeholder advisory group convened under subsection (c), to incorporate advances in data analytics, energy system modeling, and grid performance assessment.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF8F2A50DC9AB40ABB8BA9FD1020C35B5" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Role of national laboratories</header><text>In carrying out this paragraph, the Commission shall—</text> <clause id="H40A0590EB76047D593CD3596452CF4AA" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>collaborate with National Laboratories that have the necessary expertise, in coordination with the Secretary, to design and publish standardized verification protocols, including templates, analytical tools, and calibration datasets;</text></clause> <clause id="H7F942C894C01467D86B7B387ED93EDB7" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>utilize the technical expertise of National Laboratories to assist in the training, evaluation, or approval of independent evaluators;</text></clause> <clause id="H3EBD51D6ACDD471788CFDC66D8A0A9B1" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>engage National Laboratories in conducting selective audits or quality assurance reviews of verified scorecards during initial implementation of the scorecard reporting and verification process and implementation of any subsequent updates to such scorecards; and</text></clause> <clause id="H47C0DFB20C0A4727AF3AC8AED1A27ADB" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>consult National Laboratories during periodic updates to the verification process, in coordination with any relevant stakeholder advisory group convened under subsection (c).</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H235765F7AABA4E40816FD1AE7A9B59E1" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Independent audits</header> <subparagraph id="H81CA7B28F3D04EBC9D2B5AD23C811B65" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commission, in consultation with the Secretary, shall designate National Laboratories with necessary expertise, or other qualified institutions, to conduct independent audits of scorecards published under paragraph (1) on a periodic or as-needed basis to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of reported data, methodologies, and performance metrics.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4D867E3534894F36986807F6947E02ED" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Initiation</header><text>An audit under this paragraph may be initiated—</text> <clause id="H27665484ABE549BEA24800918DC96CAB" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>at the discretion of the Secretary;</text></clause> <clause id="HB02DB4A6A6B24659A2EF29002E74926E" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>upon identification of material discrepancies in reported metrics;</text></clause> <clause id="H8B8310FCC2CB4E9F848DE6107374420C" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>in response to concerns raised by a stakeholder advisory group convened under subsection (c); or</text></clause> <clause id="H57EDB160942F4544B7DE4092519C681F" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>as part of a randomized, rotating sample of reporting entities to support continuous oversight.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H67EC6AC6FB7849AEBFF2F550DC5896A3" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Results</header><text>The results of an audit conducted under this paragraph shall be made publicly available not later than 2 months after completion of the audit.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9B5BD4C0AE6643ADBCC14722450345E7" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header> <subparagraph id="HBA420F59863047FE9B7B2E7E13CEAF85" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall issue a final rule to carry out this subsection.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5A631A08548A4C94AFB2590E749D4E4C" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Department of energy support</header><text>Upon request by the Commission, the Secretary shall provide technical assistance, subject-matter expertise, and access to relevant data and tools to the Commission in developing the rule required to be published under this paragraph.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8B809B0B9D054793B5801301A82506E6" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Inclusions</header><text>The Commission shall include in the rule issued under this paragraph—</text> <clause id="HC91E896CD5A6454DB31CC294A02CFD28" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>requirements to ensure timely and consistent reporting, which may include requirements for data-sharing agreements, protocols for data access, and other mechanisms as necessary to facilitate the completion of scorecards;</text></clause> <clause id="H45BFFE8742D249DBAC1317CD8265E698" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>allowance for the use of reasonable proxies, estimates, or approximations based on best available data and transparent methodologies where direct data is unavailable; and</text></clause> <clause id="H197DE6A982BE4261B111ED08D5D28CE0" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>requirements that all reported metrics reflect a good-faith effort to provide reasonably accurate representations of transmission facility and system performance, subject to Commission review and oversight.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAFC9F9B03D384870A86A99BE6E99CD48" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Revisions</header><text>In issuing any revisions to the rule under this subsection, the Commission shall ensure that—</text> <clause id="H3E2A3A23F53F46DDAF9D7959CE142083" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>such revisions are based on the outcomes of any applicable technical conference held under subsection (c);</text></clause> <clause id="H949E1F08730E44BBBDCE5E937167C702" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the period for public comment on such revisions is not less than 90 days; and</text></clause> <clause id="HC0532C627FFD4A0781B0E9DD0F53D6B0" commented="no"> <enum>(iii)</enum> <text>the final rulemaking such revisions is issued not later than 180 days after the close of such period for public comment.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDB88FF18A1EF43959EE6E02C9A38ACC7" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Enforcement</header><text>With respect to any Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission Organization, or covered transmission owner subject to the requirements of part II of the Federal Power Act that is required to publish a scorecard under paragraph (1), a violation of a requirement of this subsection shall be considered a violation of a provision of such part II for purposes of section 316A of such Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/825o-1">16 U.S.C. 825o–1</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H65900BF274694441B2D135DEB0C510DA" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Report</header><text>The Secretary shall annually publish a report that compiles and analyzes scorecards submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (1) and, for each metric—</text> <subparagraph id="H1D2BAEAB07E5469FAB5D6847E4E61336" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>ranks the performance of reporting entities, grouped by market type and governance structure; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE72B3456A97E446C84601D9CB250EE82" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>explains the metric and describes any changes over time in the affordability, reliability, equity, or environmental performance of the transmission system, as evidenced by changes in the information included by reporting entities in such scorecards with respect to the metric.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC031015FAF95407798B257993B436861" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Scorecard review</header><text>Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the Commission shall conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of this subsection, including the administration of the subsection, data collection and coordination, reporting entity compliance, stakeholder engagement, and the effectiveness of the information included in scorecards as a policy tool and issue a public report that includes—</text> <subparagraph id="HC6D5E65DBA874B65AF4C55857E2C0CE4" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an assessment and comparison of the annual changes in utility performance regarding the metrics required to be included in the scorecards;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H88751AE3F14E4A019E57DAD16C445668" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>evaluation of data quality, availability, methodologies, and verification practices relevant to the scorecards; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF5BEBB3745D5485DAE53EA93963A6EC8" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>findings and recommendations regarding the scorecards provided by the technical conferences held and stakeholder advisory group convened under subsection (c).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H7218A70E62764DCE84D3F818778D7D4B" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Accessibility and public transparency</header> <paragraph id="H9B98248A660040F39F0AE27F8E13007A" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment of public-facing scorecard portal</header> <subparagraph id="HE3F2EBA1984241C3B9D0FEAFD50FAE1F" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Initiation</header><text>Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in collaboration with the Commission and the Administrator, shall initiate the establishment of a public, searchable online portal housing scorecards and underlying data submitted to the Secretary under this Act.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1F803929DC85450C8E20F92A1617923A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Portal availability</header><text>Not later than 27 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish and make available a public, searchable online portal housing scorecards and underlying data submitted to the Secretary under this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7E139A68AF994B28B7F5BC6A628476B7" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Inclusion in portal</header><text>The Secretary shall make public through the searchable online portal established under this subsection each scorecard, together with the underlying data associated with each scorecard, that is submitted to the Secretary under this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H99B02372B20F4FAF807B26A9F194D34C" commented="no"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Scorecard improvement</header> <paragraph id="H775A19482A0C46BA8A3084B8563EEB85" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Technical conferences</header><text>The Commission shall hold public technical conferences not less often than once every 3 years to solicit stakeholder feedback on—</text> <subparagraph id="H4115A3FAC08542CC850479019DD71C1A" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the effectiveness of scorecard metrics in conveying the performance of a given reporting entity;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8F2505126CB14DBBAAE31838E30ACA30" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the sufficiency and quality of the data disclosed in scorecards;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6CCACA63E64848DE9D258C04A6114BD5" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the alignment of scorecards with Federal and State priorities, including affordability and reliability of transmitted electricity; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBD58973AFE2A48EF9CDC3819BC4DDB94" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>opportunities to refine metrics in light of emerging technologies, grid conditions, and energy markets.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB029DCC385AA4ABBB9E121403674E86A" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Stakeholder advisory groups</header><text>For purposes of a rulemaking under subsection (a) and each technical conference held under paragraph (1), the Commission shall convene a stakeholder advisory group to provide advice to the Commission. Each such stakeholder advisory group shall be composed of 17 members, as follows:</text> <subparagraph id="HC8C9350EAB2D472ABE0A4160B9EEC148" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>2 members representing State public utility commissions.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC855E5EF949C4500B40D5511E316E8A8" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>2 members representing covered transmission owners.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H56C1FB0E5A224D5C85CF5A7D47004E6A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>1 member representing independent power producers.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H87DD4514798B452D8945E3E7982FCFA0" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>2 members representing Regional Transmission Organizations.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H84AB8CE8A91A4F8680A6F67C94ACE9EB" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>2 members representing Independent System Operators.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1CFCA92A77D6422C9C84690E712B658E" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>2 members representing transmission planning entities that are not Regional Transmission Organizations or Independent System Operators.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF66C4DAB8FED4EE99FAACB47804C94D5" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text>2 members representing ratepayer advocacy organizations.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA5041D1EC0AD42B0BA787CD1D61B8509" commented="no"><enum>(H)</enum><text>2 members with expertise in energy data and grid analytics.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H31874C210D3C4570AC01E614D867CD30" commented="no"><enum>(I)</enum><text>2 members with expertise in energy systems performance, representing academic or research institutions, including the National Laboratories.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H755F8AF6668D4DB599BA67DAB607A180" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Response required</header><text>Not later than 60 days after receiving any advice from a stakeholder group convened under paragraph (2), the Commission shall respond in writing to such advice.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HDC30FD2D0308459CA098722E4CA64245" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H28A58FB9368F40178807C156A3B8313A" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Administrator</header><text>The term <term>Administrator</term> means the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1C63739BB3434F8B8009DB4DFCB8A4C3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Advanced transmission technology</header><text>The term <term>advanced transmission technology</term> means any hardware or software that—</text> <subparagraph id="H6FCC49AC06D342D2833AFD71D7275BCE"><enum>(A)</enum><text>increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission facilities and transmission technologies;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H74A505B150004954B65CCAEC26E053C3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is installed in addition to new or existing transmission facilities and transmission technologies—</text> <clause id="HA30BA2A9401342B081D1B8479C1194EE"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to give operators of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more situational awareness and control over the electric grid;</text></clause> <clause id="H37C21286D68E4D528BA546019FF04CEA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to make the transmission facilities and transmission technologies more efficient; or</text></clause> <clause id="H70FF993A74E141BBB7EABA27B6AE0D74"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to increase the transfer capacity of the transmission facilities and transmission technologies; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0780198A90434B859FB0109FF5ED70D5"><enum>(C)</enum><text>includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization, advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or physical systems that increase the usable transfer capability of the grid.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6CEE1113AA7B4B59863C8C9BD1103E6C" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Bulk-power system</header><text>The term <term>bulk-power system</term> has the meaning given that term in section 215 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/824o">16 U.S.C. 824o</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H168F717371A5488C8AC0F57AC985654C" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Commission</header><text>The term <term>Commission</term> means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD5AE2861A320406FA04DCA9D33B2E467" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Covered transmission owner</header><text>The term <term>covered transmission owner</term> means any entity, other than an Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission Organization, or transmission planning entity, that—</text> <subparagraph id="H9B46464C2966439089221B24034C74B6" commented="no"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text>owns, operates, or controls transmission facilities that are part of, or connected to, the bulk-power system;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF0C7F5583BF94DF88DA1F9FE8031B00A" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provides, or is capable of providing, transmission service for the movement of electric energy, whether in interstate or intrastate commerce; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H73AC974FE2D2400A9BD9E7FC58390AF2" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>if the entity owns, operates, or controls transmission facilities that are not part of, or connected to, the bulk-power system, the total transmission capacity under peak demand conditions of all transmission facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the entity is 100 megawatts or greater.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6E19F383ECBE4F479102E42182837E73" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Independent system operator; ISO; regional transmission organization; RTO; transmitting utility</header><text>The terms <term>Independent System Operator</term>, <term>ISO</term>, <term>Regional Transmission Organization</term>, <term>RTO</term>, and <term>transmitting utility</term> have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/796">16 U.S.C. 796</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H35DAB72AF2E745CFAA16F480958E34D4" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Interregional interconnection</header><text>The term <term>interregional interconnection</term> means a transmission facility or interconnection project that enables the transfer of electric energy between 2 or more transmission planning regions, including connections between any of the Western Interconnection, the Eastern Interconnection, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4AE1A954B45A459E8F1685F57ADE8D63" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Reporting entity</header><text>The term <term>reporting entity</term> means an entity required to submit a scorecard under this Act.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8AE0CB493DC3443FA59544A3B206BC1C" commented="no"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Scorecard</header><text>The term <term>scorecard</term> means an annual report required to be submitted by a covered transmission owner, Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission Organization, or transmission planning entity pursuant to subsection (a).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9CD9555E58214FEBB66CFBC8EC30DF8F" commented="no"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Energy.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEB0448CF82F84A2887A2FD51E57F2628" commented="no"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Transmission planning entity</header><text>The term <term>transmission planning entity</term> means an entity, other than a RTO or an ISO, that is responsible for planning for the deployment of electric transmission for a transmission planning region.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1B7B17E00A3C45CA814F1B549646836F" commented="no"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Transmission planning region</header><text>The term <term>transmission planning region</term> means a geographic area determined by the Commission to satisfy the requirements for the scope of regional transmission planning, as established in or in compliance with the following orders issued by the Commission:</text> <subparagraph id="HB105AB3A76E34FC2997BA85879A1CECA" commented="no"> <enum>(A)</enum> <text><quote>Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities</quote> published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2012 (77 Fed. Reg. 64890).</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC148869A7E4046FC9F9AC27F2429D4CE" commented="no"> <enum>(B)</enum> <text><quote>Building for the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation</quote> published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 49280).</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section> <enum>VII</enum><header>Collaborating with communities for successful deployment</header> <section id="H3C321454DA62408686BBE67F04AE892A"><enum>701.</enum><header>Federal permitting capacity</header> <subsection id="H3BE2C40FDA7A4A36932F7F12AB9DCA1E"> <enum>(a)</enum> <header>In general</header> <text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To the maximum extent practicable, the head of each agency listed under section 41002(b)(2)(B) of the FAST Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4370m-1">42 U.S.C. 4370m–1(b)(2)(B)</external-xref>), including the head of any agency invited pursuant to clause (xiv) of such subparagraph (B), shall maintain adequate personnel capacity and expertise to process authorizations and environmental documents for projects in a timely manner, including in compliance with sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336a">42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)</external-xref> and 4336f(a)(4)).</text> </subsection> <subsection id="HF222B4DA987C40D1907CA471725E6707"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Assessment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the head of each agency described in subsection (a) shall submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Environment and Public Works Committee a report on the personnel capacity of the agency to process authorizations and environmental documents for projects in a timely manner, which shall include—</text> <paragraph id="HF71466CB8DF742CD86ECE1D4E1D714E6"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of employees—broken down by field office—responsible for processing such authorizations and environmental documents as of the date on which the report is submitted;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC63911127F4C47CBB80B23DEBB515916"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of employees—broken down by field office—responsible for processing such authorizations and environmental documents as of January 1, 2025;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2A02670FE4CB4C3283B772504E116ED6"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of employees—broken down by field office—necessary for the agency to complete environmental documents in compliance with sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336a">42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)</external-xref> and 4336f(a)(4));</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4E38C4AD13F8486E80157F849240A739"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the capacity of the agency—broken down by field office—to engage with communities affected by projects when preparing environmental documents, including dedicated Tribal consultation capacity, language access services, and designated community engagement personnel as described in section 706;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0A4D198A22284E68BFF718B209C92CD2"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the adequacy of the training available to employees related to processing such authorizations and environmental documents; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1E003953F2E14958BAFFF4D689109F77"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a finding by the agency whether there are a sufficient number of employees of the agency to comply with sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336a">42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)</external-xref> and 4336f(a)(4)) and engage with communities.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H02A527768209459A86ECC32F1B25F0A9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Implementation plan</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon receipt of the report, if an agency finds under subsection (b)(5) that there are an insufficient number of employees—broken down by field office—of the agency to comply with sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336a">42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)</external-xref> and 4336f(a)(4)) and engage with communities, or insufficient training opportunities available, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall develop and execute a plan to increase personnel capacity and expertise at the agency.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H66F26FA7E98D406D81DB3F8C1D8C9F19"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Direct hire authority</header> <paragraph id="HCAAB401716A94BB787C72FD8ECBF215E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title 5, if the head of an agency described in subsection (a) issues or renews a certification that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the responsibilities and activities of the agency with respect to processing authorizations and environmental documents for infrastructure projects in a timely manner, the agency head may, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), recruit and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive service.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H13C4DD35923F413B95DFE64C906F0B08"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The recruiting and appointment of highly qualified individuals under paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the merit principles of section 2301 of title 5, United States Code, and the agency shall comply with the public notice requirements of section 3327 of such title 5.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3BA9EC0810F244C1B214FDD4E6092843"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Termination</header><text>A certification issued or renewed under this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of—</text> <subparagraph id="H2C899FEB188C48DF901DD784561FE1C1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the date that is 5 years after the certification is issued or renewed; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3E783F111991424F88BCA00CDA607E11"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the date on which the agency head determines that there is no longer a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the responsibilities and activities of the agency related to permitting.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HFD335E86FD5840649C8AF5F469434375"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as is necessary to conduct more efficient, accurate, and timely reviews for planning, permitting and approval processes through the hiring and training of personnel, and the purchase of technical and scientific services and new equipment, and to improve agency transparency, accountability, and public engagement.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HD6B38090375644B88FCEFE209B15955E"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HA5A549C58208424B954734A497E224DA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authorization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>authorization</term> means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of an infrastructure project.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF0D4CFFA0EED460AB7CD8C2039F45178"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Covered position</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>covered position</term> means a position in which an employee is responsible for conducting work of a scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical, legal, or otherwise highly specialized or skilled nature related to processing authorizations and environmental documents for infrastructure projects in a timely manner.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD1B5A30C802046ECA4228E57419EEEC9"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Environmental document</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>environmental document</term> has the meaning given such term in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336e">42 U.S.C. 4336e</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection> </section> <section id="H254785D47B874A97A37D094E5972CA4C"><enum>702.</enum><header>Interagency environmental data system</header> <subsection id="HD5E827F17BB2486BA86BDA2E860D132A"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of data standards</header> <paragraph id="H3324075DBE6A4CDEA62212E2E4090AF7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, the Chief Information Officers Council, the Office of Management and Budget, and other relevant stakeholders and Federal agencies, shall develop, publish, and iteratively update data standards for the collection and curation of authorization data by Federal agencies, which shall be used to—</text> <subparagraph id="H78E9BA7CFB9F46BC90D6A59CC2EE5C99"><enum>(A)</enum><text>assist with environmental reviews and authorizations;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2676BE3672BC4F5C82E95BD9E5F04FBE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>organize, define, and standardize various concepts, formats, and protocols that are included in environmental reviews and authorizations; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H89D7C6F497BA42C9A1728C7BC36A143C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>reduce the need for redundant environmental reviews by creating a shared vocabulary and software systems that will support vendor neutrality, data interoperability, workflow automation, and automatic data exchange between Federal agencies.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5D64F8E6B3624BCD9B4286C5352CFD11"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Inclusions</header><text>The data standards developed, published, and iteratively updated under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text> <subparagraph id="HE17F060FCB2A4536A89FF4C5F7C81951"><enum>(A)</enum><text>A standardized taxonomy that allows Federal agencies to identify and track data types, relationships, and values.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H032CCD355C32490591E0689C6C544031"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Comprehensive categories for data, such as—</text> <clause id="H1050BE047AFA4F108187FF16F33F5EA1"><enum>(i)</enum><text>projects;</text></clause> <clause id="HF4D12A96C309447EB221A375D3D9AD9E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>processes;</text></clause> <clause id="HCCE16DCAFC514ACEB05364CE714ED408"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>environmental documents;</text></clause> <clause id="H5D6D5EE49E904346A28560CAB8CA14E8"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>public comments;</text></clause> <clause id="H00FD2641E5B64F13B7A3A4C5F1543E9F"><enum>(v)</enum><text>geospatial information;</text></clause> <clause id="H859F8A734C404804A74531A6A80D65B7"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>public engagement events, as applicable by process or Federal agency;</text></clause> <clause id="HBEF99091099846F1BABB8FFE2BB05A73"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>case events; and</text></clause> <clause id="HE242990CC05342F4B94A38D2D9ABF668"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>milestones to ensure clarity and uniformity.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HC4F1E2576D5A40329F59A56B6A27FAB4"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Development of prototype tools</header><text>The Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, the Chief Information Officers Council, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and other relevant stakeholders and Federal agencies, shall design, test, and build prototype tools for environmental reviews and authorizations that will assist Federal agencies in implementing the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c). The Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality shall prioritize designing, testing, and building tools under this subsection that—</text> <paragraph id="H13509F5A4E6544CE801AC15E887CF14B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>support authorization case or project management systems that manage tasks, milestones, and activities associated with environmental reviews and authorizations, and provide Federal agencies more data and insight into such reviews and authorizations;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3859C9837C5A40DA9697C8E6F52BCB03"><enum>(2)</enum><text>enable—</text> <subparagraph id="HF1B8637EF0A14AC6BD1FDD63A5D5E0BF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>application submission and tracking portals used by project sponsors, enabling greater transparency; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDC35BFD8B8B947A7BB9CBC24041E28D6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>public comment opportunity tracking portals to increase transparency;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD724478B9B0A4B92BE051260A0046733"> <enum>(3)</enum> <text>facilitate automated applications, environmental reviews, and authorizations;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H92DF5E9A5C1348F0AC7EBB8BAAFE2AAA"><enum>(4)</enum><text>allow data exchange between Federal agency systems; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H072A29D88FC84332956141DEFD9859A2"><enum>(5)</enum><text>accelerate complex environmental reviews.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H61B8E5A87A1A42A7AF66DDBBFAE67C86"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Publication of guidance for implementation of data standards and minimum functional requirements</header> <paragraph id="HD5388D02F63442C68C4C08504C5614E8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Publication</header><text>Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality shall publish guidance for how each Federal agency responsible for environmental reviews or authorizations implements—</text> <subparagraph id="H425D66FCC9A4439CB01409A274C2FDE2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the data standards published under subsection (a); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H96B6742D1E2048A88FFAAD02825CA050"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the following minimum functional requirements:</text> <clause id="H18369039CD274E3FA9B060430E4B3F51"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Application data sharing that enables automated transfer of relevant environmental review and authorization data among Federal agencies.</text></clause> <clause id="HC856C04E1E91473FA4587DE1D24CBED8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Automated project screening to assist frontline staff with reviewing project sponsor provided information for completeness and accuracy and determining if a categorical exclusion or other general authorization applies to an action. Automated project screening may not be used by the Council on Environmental Quality or a Federal agency to unlawfully restrict any activities on Federal lands.</text></clause> <clause id="H0E48585688354AE68AAB3A82AA07CCC9"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Public availability of screening criteria and related decision models.</text></clause> <clause id="H45E48F0303074174A6230848E7DB6A23"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Automated case or project management tools which include a repository of relevant data and metadata that enable advanced tracking, reporting, and optimization to aid workflows.</text></clause> <clause id="H8F977F48A1FE4B0182A1B92A56E8C37D"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Integrated geographic information system analysis tools which incorporate geospatial data layers and models for each resource analyzed as part of an environmental review or authorization for a given study area.</text></clause> <clause id="HBBA2FC761AD94648B4FC0D6AD51EC459"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>Document management tools that preserve metadata associated with geospatial analysis, modeling, and other analytic processes conducted during an environmental review or authorization, to support future reviews and enable Artificial Intelligence-assisted analysis of past decisions.</text></clause> <clause id="H11843D9596ED4E39A04BC9358F562815"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>Automated comment compilation and analysis tools, including services for comment categorization and response that handle the lifecycle of comment submission, analysis, categorization and response with Artificial Intelligence support where appropriate.</text></clause> <clause id="HAB6849F0B99447A19A0FA0C54D58FC1D"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>Administrative record management tools that maintain both portable document formats and data-rich repositories accessible to both machine and human users.</text></clause> <clause id="H02FAF801BD5D442FBB88A429FEEA4457"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>Common or interoperable Federal agency services that integrate shared services, shared applications, and common user experiences for Federal agency staff, project sponsors, and the public.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDC9C006F101C46E996AA47432E760A86"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Inclusions</header><text>The guidance published under this subsection shall include the following:</text> <subparagraph id="HE35B41E36A8145628E364BA8E16A1DB7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Guidelines for cloud-based storage, data sharing protocols, and application programming interfaces to enable the Council on Environmental Quality to work with Federal agencies to use authorization data to aid Federal agencies in modernizing their environmental reviews and authorizations and for iterative development of the authorization portal.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB8C74A87374A43C6BD145662D3E1EDEB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Provisions that support scalability and adaptability of the minimum requirements to emerging technologies.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE15491B9A44043F998998DB396C0BC07"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Implementation of data standards and minimum functional requirements</header> <paragraph id="H45128FAA3FCF4C39B81DC3CAAE1C699C"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Implementation</header><text>The head of each Federal agency responsible for environmental reviews or authorizations shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HB23DFF1C96544F42AB244DFE14DFD418"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section—</text> <clause id="H5CA5611C396A4717BFC0609DC62A3A25"><enum>(i)</enum><text>compare existing Federal agency systems for environmental reviews and authorizations under their authority with the data standards published under subsection (a) and the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B) and report findings from such comparison to the Council on Environmental Quality;</text></clause> <clause id="HAC0D64B10FFC4597B555EF87AD365FDA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>assess whether existing Federal agency technological capabilities are consistent with the data standards published under subsection (a) and the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B);</text></clause> <clause id="HADE657E194674A13B2E8C7D53A3D880A"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>submit to the Council on Environmental Quality a report that estimates the completion dates for implementing the data standards published under subsection (a) and the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B); and</text></clause> <clause id="HA0C2D307691A4554B1F1AD80FFBA72BC"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>submit to the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, an implementation plan that—</text> <subclause id="H5BFB23A0A6D4428C857C7F4B9A61F138"><enum>(I)</enum><text>describes how the Federal agency will implement the data standards published under subsection (a) and the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B); and</text></subclause> <subclause id="HBB9517A7185F4B8D8E9C511C41D967C3"><enum>(II)</enum><text>describes how, to the extent the Federal agency determines necessary to meet relevant statutory requirements, the Federal agency will adopt or implement the prototype tools tested, designed, and built under subsection (b); and</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4D2A2B75B35C4596A9610BE1E528D857"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, begin implementing the data standards published under subsection (a) and the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC18D488A3C714B46B569331206555C2B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not less frequently than twice each year, the Chief Information Officer of each Federal agency, in consultation with the Chief Environmental Review and Permitting Officer of each Federal agency, shall submit to the Council on Environmental Quality and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a report on the progress of the Federal agency towards meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H80294619BC8E4E6FBD96B5D2C0CC9CEB"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Unified interagency data system</header> <paragraph id="H848DE5E6237C4E50982D0B997578FADC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header> <subparagraph id="HF0C70F5A694747CF9CC956AC10C00C12"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Unified interagency data system</header><text>To the maximum extent practicable, the Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality and the head of each Federal agency responsible for environmental reviews or authorizations shall iteratively develop and maintain a unified interagency data system consisting of interconnected Federal agency systems and shared services for environmental reviews and authorizations.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H46B54D84A3934FC2BD443691EAC016AF"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Authorization portal</header> <clause id="H85252847A16440E68228B85E388D0AB9"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The shared services developed and maintained under subparagraph (A) shall include a common interactive, digital, cloud-based authorization portal, which shall—</text> <subclause id="H323BEE2557544BADA03FD200A4EA901D"><enum>(I)</enum><text>be designed in a manner consistent with—</text> <item id="H3B0CDF2901D743789C58A9296B689C39"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the recommendations of the Council on Environmental Quality included in the study submitted pursuant to section 110 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336d">42 U.S.C. 4336d</external-xref>) entitled <quote>Council on Environmental Quality Report to Congress on the Potential for Online and Digital Technologies to Address Delays in Reviews and Improve Public Accessibility and Transparency under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4332">42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)</external-xref></quote>; and</text></item> <item id="H8383263F7B2D454E89552B99B07F5286"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B);</text></item></subclause> <subclause id="H4FB25FD35E064648932FD63DB1C892B9"><enum>(II)</enum><text>serve as a platform for tracking and displaying real-time data on environmental reviews and authorizations made available through application programming interfaces or other reporting mechanisms from Federal agency systems that are compliant with the data standards and data architecture described in this section;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H7E8CB3E0728543EBB92DCF12C3556942"><enum>(III)</enum><text>be supported by a decentralized, cross-network digital infrastructure software that ensures vendor neutrality and interoperability of data and models across Federal agencies;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H728A03ECE0044DE596897C1F5323D025"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>include a mechanism for the dissemination of relevant information (such as a notice of intent for public comment, public meetings, project statuses, or a notice of intent to begin an environmental review) to local communities, as applicable;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H4624ADE924264E0DB78D80C2801C4F59"><enum>(V)</enum><text>allow a project sponsor to submit all necessary documentation for environmental reviews and authorizations in 1 unified and secure portal;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H476EDF87F4424016A3A4A04601F0D28F"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>support interactive, digital, and cloud-based tools enabling applicants to edit documents and collaborate with relevant Federal agencies in real time;</text></subclause> <subclause id="HF3B87A05343F444E9AD25F25D4A5A19E"><enum>(VII)</enum><text>support visual features, including video, animation, geographic information system displays, interactive maps, and three-dimensional renderings;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H9C0A2D9EC9CD4CB5A1672E420D6F6566"><enum>(VIII)</enum><text>provide for the exchange of information to and from Federal agency data systems via an application programming interface or another reporting mechanisms;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H25F5BE47C7DD44A39AAE4BCAA602D8CF"><enum>(IX)</enum><text>allow for the submission of geospatial data associated with project location, footprint, and impact;</text></subclause> <subclause id="H1B5477CA7010416B9AC88006C8A55FB2"><enum>(X)</enum><text>support automatic documentation of submission and process timelines; and</text></subclause> <subclause id="H07FD050704E34D70845815AC21E55AD4"><enum>(XI)</enum><text>allow the following metrics to be tracked over time—</text> <item id="H19FF8FFD344D4F579191EFA10AAA1991"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>estimates of achieved efficiencies, such as reductions in the time between receipt of applications and final authorization decisions;</text></item> <item id="HEDC04E5B20B648E59377F4345EEE6914"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>comparisons of authorization timelines before and after the implementation of this section;</text></item> <item id="H21A38AFB44BD4BB3BE6062021DE04666"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>usage of the authorization portal and other statistics from the Digital Analytics Program;</text></item> <item id="H995B370D39924EB79B6E8E0336866FBD"><enum>(dd)</enum><text>metrics on the number of public comments received, responses provided, and community meetings held;</text></item> <item id="HC18948E69C9C44288D454C1F487D3D68"><enum>(ee)</enum><text>the number of projects subject to litigation based on authorization deficiencies or inefficiencies;</text></item> <item id="H66CC5F3763304631A596ECE2C70F4E24"><enum>(ff)</enum><text>a list of Federal agencies that are not yet fully compliant with the data standards published under subsection (a) and the minimum functional requirements described in subsection (c)(1)(B), along with their progress toward compliance; and</text></item> <item id="HE5E5335AE6AA41A78E274F6F1CD44185"><enum>(gg)</enum><text>examples or repositories of Federal agency-developed digital workflows enabled by the implementation of this section, including visualizations of data sharing, authorizations and decision logic, and environmental reviews.</text></item></subclause></clause> <clause id="HA7ED65DB1EF347ECADCF44D81D50B501"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Administrative support</header><text>The Administrator of General Services shall host the authorization portal as a shared service for Congress, Federal agencies, and the public.</text></clause> <clause id="H0A951FFB51144A089F0162F1CCD474A5"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Accessability</header><text>The authorization portal shall be accessible to Congress, Federal agencies, and the public, with appropriate safeguards to protect sensitive or classified information and information restricted by user type as appropriate.</text></clause> <clause id="H755FFB349F524AB9837A14AF2750F46F"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Public accessibility</header><text>To the extent practicable and consistent with other law, the authorization portal shall provide public access to non-sensitive data, including authorization timelines, location, project type, environmental reviews, and mitigation measures.</text></clause> <clause id="H312C40006876458DBB0E85E140A159AE"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Congressional access and oversight</header> <subclause id="H9AA668C7534340F38A4ADAA94FC76588"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The authorization portal shall provide Congress with direct access to aggregated performance data and other analytics to enable real-time oversight of Federal agencies.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H8884FDFBC38F4DB5A382C1FB1210C7C5"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Artificial intelligence support systems and training materials</header><text>Congress shall have access to the data, fine-tuning procedures, and prompt configurations specifically created or adapted for Artificial Intelligence systems used to support environmental review or authorization activities, excluding proprietary or general pretraining materials unrelated to such agency-specific customization.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H43B43585B188456596A5BF94C7190068"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Technical assistance</header><text>The Council on Environmental Quality shall provide to Congress technical assistance upon request to ensure effective use of the authorization portal and Artificial Intelligence systems for oversight purposes.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB93BA812BED646608B528132EEB6C17A"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Cybersecurity and compliance considerations</header><text>The authorization portal shall be designed to promote vendor neutral interoperability, reduce redundancy, and ensure compliance and coordination with other laws, including—</text> <clause id="HCB2B7AB42A334B28836B970C9F4B52BD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act of 1974), and subchapter II of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/44/35">chapter 35</external-xref> of title 44, United States Code;</text></clause> <clause id="H6E72D7F6750040DB810153AB6F71BCD5"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program established under section 3608 of title 44, United States Code; and</text></clause> <clause id="HE5562F84D0774F79A99F6B509C96FAEF"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security, for a case in which the project is in coordination with a Federal agency with stringent security requirements.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC1EF2FD6FEC84B88B816F504DE7F0D1A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deadlines</header> <subparagraph id="H16FF1EE1519747B4A4BBBF7B646C0A94"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Shared services pilot</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Council on Environmental Quality shall oversee piloting of shared services for environmental reviews and authorizations, including the authorization portal under paragraph (1)(B).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HEEE5F4683BAE482FBB449CACE47505DB"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Unified system development and implementation</header><text>To the maximum extent practicable, not later than December 1, 2027, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality shall develop and implement the unified interagency data system required under paragraph (1)(A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HAAE1979F859248F29AD8800FD5A070BC"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not less frequently than annually, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, the Chief Information Officers Council, and other relevant stakeholders and Federal agencies, shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the Council on Environmental Quality’s progress on developing a unified interagency data system under paragraph (1).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H8D59B4DBD75B4986A7DC9BBF8B2EEA58"> <enum>(f)</enum> <header>Authority To enter into contracts</header> <text>Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Council on Environmental Quality may enter into contracts and other arrangements for analyses, services, and products with Federal agencies, private organizations, and businesses, and make such payments as determined necessary by the Council on Environmental Quality to carry out the provisions of this section.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H44EA0D42FD2D4B0387DE1B84A2092213"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Clarifying rulemaking authority</header><text>Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Council on Environmental Quality or a Federal agency to impose additional regulatory processes or requirements beyond those expressly stipulated under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>) or any other law.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HF4678C26D9574D088576C6CCFCEAC87E"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Savings clause</header><text>To the extent that a data system, technology, or tool developed or incorporated into a unified interagency data system under this section is not limited by project type, the data system, technology, or tool shall not have its use be restricted by project type.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HFE986B8302A04D9985A0FC25E5441770"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HF9E3E47222944C2A827933855E597494"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authorization</header><text>The term <term>authorization</term> means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of a project administered by a Federal agency.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7DAC859CCEFF4DF8B16F218C1E53E78F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Authorization data</header><text>The term <term>authorization data</term> means—</text> <subparagraph id="HBA808A6555E5408B8DCB63909C003CA4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>any data relevant for a Federal agency to—</text> <clause id="HC66ABD81258B42D3874241FC09394079"><enum>(i)</enum><text>determine the effect on the environment of an action for which an authorization is required by the Federal agency; and</text></clause> <clause id="HA829BC2A91644E6787CF67C4079990AF"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>determine whether to issue such authorization; and</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0713004620644FC5BC9CBD12F368B115"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any community input or public comment on such determinations.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF828853C23F649868DC08280094E95AD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Data architecture</header><text>The term <term>data architecture</term> means the design and organization of data systems, including frameworks for data storage, processing, and exchange.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC27F8BE0C6724B32BC3C18570C5DE60E"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Data standards</header><text>The term <term>data standards</term> means agreed-upon specifications for data formats, structures, and definitions to ensure consistency and vendor neutral interoperability.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEE89E87F600C4757960076579976532B"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Environmental review</header><text>The term <term>environmental review</term> means any Federal agency procedures or processes for—</text> <subparagraph id="H54E57BCC3A5F4634A84C202B36C51B68"><enum>(A)</enum><text>applying a categorical exclusion; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA7D1A4A7256043B692C0153045C0A1AB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>preparing an environmental assessment, an environmental impact statement, or another document required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5016DF3B5F834B70B9948E559CAFA45E"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Federal agency</header><text>The term <term>Federal agency</term> has the meaning given the term <term>agency</term> in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H65A456D87F50497AA51A1305E99CB8DC"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Federal permitting improvement steering council</header><text>The term <term>Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council</term> has the meaning given the term <term>Council</term> in section 41001 of the FAST Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4370m">42 U.S.C. 4370m</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H04D00D17803F4B099B8B89D7B826281E" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>703.</enum><header>Timely public release of NEPA documentation</header> <subsection id="HF623BCFDE30C4AC7AC1CE2737410A1AD" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To achieve the goals described in section 1507.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), to allow agencies and the public to efficiently and effectively access timely information relating to environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4321">42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.</external-xref>), the lead agency for a proposed major Federal action shall make the documents identified under subsection (b) with respect to such proposed major Federal action available to the public in a searchable, digital format when such documents are completed by the lead agency, or in the case of final documents, finalized by the agency. The lead agency shall make such documents available to the public in a searchable, digital format by—</text> <paragraph id="HBC1313053C8D4F89B43C59D23C598D3E" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">publishing and maintaining such documents on the public website or websites of the applicable agency or agencies; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7132D6DAF3FF44E187518A5CEC1F003C" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">uploading such documents to the E–NEPA online permitting portal established under subsection (b) of section 110 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as added by section 702(b) of this Act).</text></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="HBF76360C6695403F8E6B6B71B8782070" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Documents</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The documents identified under this subsection are the following:</text> <paragraph id="HEDD31D3B92984BEA8770F05340BB36B7" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any notice of intent and other scoping notices.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1764D628B9874C3B9A7ECC3E12FDD54E"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any draft and final environmental assessments and findings of no significant impacts.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB65FF2F0AB3A44A29242ADD7E0555F3E" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any draft, final, and supplemental environmental impact statements.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC0AF252567054633B635961F27E677C7" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any records of decision.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBCF3CB517B254D7ABF30B96A691B7D0E" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Any documentation associated with a determination to proceed with the proposed major Federal action under a categorical exclusion.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H76E47ACEF823473DB92DBB2911E40B4C" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Any additional related documentation.</text></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCE4731592FAF4FB1935F32AD25648362"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Timing</header><text>The lead agency shall make the documents identified under subsection (b) available to the public in a searchable, digital format under subsection (a) by not later than the earlier of—</text> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B37B6F3EDDC4D339174654AEB1158B1"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">3 days after the date on which the lead agency completes the document; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H10F06C67DC994F3CA77614A920F557AD"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">3 days after the date on the document is published in the Federal Register.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H32A369D81C3A43B6AC2C5CF371727D10" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Cooperating agencies</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A cooperating agency shall publish a link to the location on the website of the lead agency to the documents identified under subsection (b) on which the agency was a cooperating agency.</text></subsection></section> <section id="HBFEE2DB5284F40B8A8C6D7B6DECA92D4"><enum>704.</enum><header>Community benefits agreements</header> <subsection id="HFB43A73618424F0F8AD9D2363A5D08C5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Prioritization in NEPA</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If a project sponsor has entered into a community benefits agreement described in subsection (b) with respect to an eligible project, the applicable lead agency shall prioritize the completion of the required environmental documents for the eligible project.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H381E9F56953C4BA0BD1BEC35B664C2CA"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Community benefits agreement (CBA)</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A project sponsor and a CBA partner may enter into an agreement that—</text> <paragraph id="HAA2EF457BC5E42E9B37A492F3FF73554"><enum>(1)</enum><text>relates to an eligible project for which an authorization is sought;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0F702B502F154D7B99A7FE2FCDDEDABE"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may include the disbursement of funds, including commitments, for social, economic, or environmental benefits that will—</text> <subparagraph id="HEC6C3C7C6C14417FA3BBB38763218DC9"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure benefits from the construction, modification, and operation of the eligible project are shared with nearby residents;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA609BA3675204A1A9B6BEC6F7A3E7411"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">offset adverse impacts resulting from such construction, modification, or operation; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCC468B617B19466C88A1405732D7665D"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">address legacy or historical harm or adverse cumulative social, economic, or environmental impacts in the location in which the eligible project is to be carried out;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB2536B2606984B03B26985608D120B9B"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">includes commitments by a project sponsor to hire members of the local workforce during construction, modification, operation, or maintenance of the eligible project;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD14D784AD795420C9D37807C9118062F"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">includes commitments to provide educational opportunities and training for workforce and skills development, if it is determined that there is an insufficient local workforce;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF49205EDEC014392A3EB39AFC6EAAC86"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may include commitments by a project sponsor to procure materials and services from local businesses, when possible;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB0B8F3A7B6874598B91C0B1D1DDCC85B"><enum>(6)</enum><text>is negotiated through a process that includes meaningful engagement by the project sponsor with the CBA partner;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H277377C9F3FF47FA9F1AB48D18FE385A"><enum>(7)</enum><text>details specific, measurable, and legally enforceable CBA commitments;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA19531B618D64770B7CE7E4FF47E9133"><enum>(8)</enum><text>includes a detailed plan, with clear metrics, milestones, and timelines for accomplishing such commitments;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H0D3E9FDEF479459DBDA78B95522EB6B2"><enum>(9)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establishes specific roles, responsibilities, and processes for tracking and reporting progress with respect to commitments agreed to in the CBA;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H79A831AF44564F4E93AEEFB5B9FBF565"><enum>(10)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establishes clear enforcement processes to address a failure to fulfill a commitment that was agreed to;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB51151950BAB495E9B0D704BC5652A99"><enum>(11)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">addresses the mechanism through which any disbursement agreed to in the CBA will be held and dispersed, such as through a trust fund or similar instrument; and</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HCCE4BF0ABA954B58B2B10352558D35F5" commented="no"><enum>(12)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if the CBA involves tribal lands or interests—</text> <subparagraph id="H6130B93FC11C4F0CA723947B082C4C1C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>it must be negotiated on a government-to-government basis, in recognition of trust obligations and tribal sovereignty; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4857C3D9F2464B9FB2EE56C1038B0BB2"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the CBA may include compensation to a Tribe for legal costs incurred during negotiation (including legal, staffing, and consulting expenses).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H3C8937BB69174814BE66E1DAD9FF56A7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Technical assistance</header> <paragraph id="H832399B2D2A24EAE996F8CCFBABC7C52"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Upon request by a CBA partner, the lead agency may provide technical assistance to the CBA partner in developing and negotiating a community benefits agreement.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC657B27AD01B435ABFECAA5458418A6A"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In providing technical assistance, the agency must utilize technical assistance providers who are neutral, culturally competent, third parties with experience developing CBAs.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HCA84F9890DA04B258DF06C86CF22A6A6"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HE24EBFFA1A5349A2A7EB4B918382963B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authorization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>authorization</term> means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of an infrastructure project.</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="H0A62388C2040432FB2D7BB8DF0881A47"><enum>(2)</enum><header>CBA partner</header><text>The term <term>CBA partner</term> means a State, a local unit of government, an Indian Tribe, a labor organization, or a community benefits organization.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB957F30FD26F4B338F1F408B0FD6CD98"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Community benefits organization</header><text>The term <term>community benefits organization</term> means an organization that—</text> <subparagraph id="H52F6B148287B448AAB66EACA80C18D5D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is described in <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/26/501">section 501(c)(3)</external-xref> of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6088698E88614C21AE32B2D169815E4E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is formed to protect the human health and environment of communities in the area in which a proposed the eligible project is to be carried out.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H06F5124633244A258FDA6886DD631013"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Eligible project</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>eligible project</term> means a project for the construction, modification, or operation of a clean energy facility.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFED3B02F719A4F95BF4A6678412EB5D5"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Environmental document; lead agency</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The terms <term>environmental document</term> and <term>lead agency</term> have the meanings given such terms, respectively, in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336e">42 U.S.C. 4336e</external-xref>).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3F676F7AB5A148FEBED3117937544EDC"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Clean energy facility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>clean energy facility</term> means a facility that—</text> <subparagraph id="H6873551122664A7B8DC7BDA15E4C8DE6"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">uses wind, solar, or geothermal energy to generate energy;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H73C9E7AA460F48D597A016153323514A"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">transmits electricity to support wind, solar, or geothermal energy generation; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H90868F6C86CD4E66B96A92388BA72518"><enum>(C)</enum><text>stores energy.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HC5A96B574A3A43EA83A40CB9E5A7D152" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>705.</enum><header>Intervenor funding at FERC Office of Public Participation</header> <subsection id="H92209DD163DA4779953851E750511390" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 319(b)(2) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825q–l(b)(2)) is amended by striking <quote>The Commission may</quote> and inserting <quote>The Commission shall</quote>.</text> </subsection> <subsection id="H9C6CCBDF94244A37A9A8A56783A7C513" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall promulgate a final rule to provide compensation under section 319(b)(2) of the Federal Power Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/16/825q-1">16 U.S.C. 825q–1(b)(2)</external-xref>), as amended by this section. Under such rule the Commission shall require that each intervenor or participant file a disclosure form of earned and unearned income to identify conflicts of interest. Such form shall not be overly burdensome.</text> </subsection></section> <section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section" id="H4F8D58E4F121484E9059E2F53BBDF23E"><enum>706.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Senior community engagement officers and Tribal community engagement officers</header> <subsection id="H42F141A5C6CE468C8B725E566C2FC4C8" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Designation of senior community engagement officers and Tribal community engagement officers</header> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H73FA72C293E64E83880B917FF697D1DF"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The head of each Federal agency required or authorized to complete an environmental document or an authorization for a major Federal action shall designate—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H86AEADB1321D4DDBA9C090753927F924"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">1 or more appropriate employees or officials of the applicable Federal agency to serve as a senior community engagement officer (referred to in this section as an <term>SCO</term>); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H22D6DEF4961D48DA8D6F7A166CFACE2B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">1 or more appropriate employees or officials of the applicable Federal agency (other than an employee or official designated as an SCO under subparagraph (A)) to serve as a Tribal community engagement officer (referred to in this section as a <term>TEO</term>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBF2E74D370EA4A889511CA084A5DC422" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Responsibilities of an SCO and TEO</header><text>An SCO and a TEO shall—</text> <subparagraph id="HB7D616A526934A8BB185C15240CBF360" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">oversee community or Tribal, as applicable, engagement in environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6ACF7D2D4A0142F294395B113B6CD054" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">advise the applicable head of the Federal agency on matters relating to community or Tribal, as applicable, engagement in such reviews and processes;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDFB49E3603A14FFDBD3904683864A900" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text>identify, recommend, and implement approaches to expand and improve early, meaningful community or Tribal, as applicable, engagement relating to the environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency, including to ensure timely public access to all information relevant to inform such engagement;</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6AAB9C29705E40619DC8102293AB763B" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text>identify and avoid or resolve conflicts with communities or Indian Tribes affected by the environmental review or authorization processes, as applicable—</text> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCD0BD5AA34C74001839F4C7D1035B13B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to align Federal actions with the needs and interests of those communities or Indian Tribes, as applicable; and</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H17C7B48C909C4E1CAA259D7793AE863A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to minimize the potential for delay of environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD3A8C9A805F04913BA9C0B038CE4F29D" commented="no"><enum>(E)</enum><text>identify opportunities with affected communities or Indian Tribes to accelerate the environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H7000866FBAAF4EA1832C55A4356D87FD" commented="no"><enum>(F)</enum><text>provide technical support and capacity building, on request of a community or an Indian Tribe to enhance the ability of communities and Indian Tribes to engage constructively in Federal agency decision making;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8494D36AF29F4056A85E68C5FB621D15" commented="no"><enum>(G)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">assist in developing and negotiating community benefits agreements consistent with section 704; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2C073AA12CC64C7A82F663E516526162"><enum>(H)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">coordinate with the Council on Environmental Quality to develop interagency training modules, data sharing protocols, and community engagement standards to ensure consistency and accountability across Federal agencies.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD12BA4D78DDD43968FC94CB2571F9671" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>An SCO and a TEO shall report directly to a Deputy Secretary (or equivalent) or higher position in the Federal agency in which the SCO or TEO serves.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE4255A92052643F4AC15EB6874D70C01" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Guidance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall establish any guidance necessary to establish SCO and TEO positions not later than 2 years of the date of enactment of this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB822E8D618E34E6293E98551EEFC4524" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Regional community engagement officers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A Federal agency may appoint regional community engagement officers to support community and Tribal engagement in environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency within a region impacted by a proposed major Federal project, including by carrying out activities—</text> <paragraph id="H6B7E73944142464085C91941862F995B" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to identify and implement approaches to expand and improve early, meaningful community and Tribal engagement relating to the environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;</text> </paragraph> <paragraph id="HCD21845B7F344A229FCB0BBB3927035D" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to identify and avoid or resolve conflicts with affected communities and Indian Tribes that have the potential to delay environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC77605E29B72434CBD2E57198E7E72C1" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to identify opportunities with affected communities and Indian Tribes to accelerate the environmental review and authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB475909FE87D4F2A9AFB4AB36CEC3FC8" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to provide technical support and capacity building, on request of a community or an Indian Tribe, to enhance the ability of communities or Indian Tribes to engage constructively in Federal agency decision making; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7231CF1AAB754B34A5E7D14B478117A6" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to assist in developing and negotiating community benefits agreements consistent with section 704.</text> </paragraph></subsection> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H579E475B757141D2A9DD7E4F252B8AF9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Application</header><text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/5/10">chapter 10</external-xref> of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the <quote>Federal Advisory Committee Act</quote>), shall not apply to stakeholder engagement processes or public comment activities that are required under or proceeding from a Federal environmental permitting process and led by an SCO, a TEO, or a regional community engagement officer appointed under subsection (b).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H717A12EB0940415981EF95F7EBDDDE3F" commented="no"><enum>(d)</enum><header>FAST 41</header> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE2D97D7E6B204A2D8C25ED4D252E5EBE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Definition of agency SCO</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 41001 of the FAST Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4370m">42 U.S.C. 4370m</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA6A8A84496D14979BBA91452617F0CD2"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (18) as paragraphs (3) through (19), respectively; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD1968495F813432B9F25F2BFD75469EA"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:</text> <quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD14F5BBE0A53459F819B9585AEB04174"> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE9D9DCCCE7354AD18BB51D9DD187BC29"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Agency SCO</header><text>The term <term>agency SCO</term> means the senior community engagement officer of an agency, as designated by the head of the agency under section 706(a)(1)(A) of the <short-title>Energy Bills Relief Act</short-title>.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6349A5557424400283E746328D6C0D5D"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Dispute resolution</header><text>Section 41003(c)(2)(C)(i) of the FAST Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4370m-2">42 U.S.C. 4370m–2(c)(2)(C)(i)</external-xref>) is amended by striking <quote>agency CERPOs</quote> and inserting <quote>agency CERPOs, agency SCOs,</quote>.</text></paragraph> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE98DA9E533F342FC8870E3E5FA36CEE5"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Environmental review improvement fund</header><text>Section 41009(d)(3) of the FAST Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4370m-8">42 U.S.C. 4370m–8(d)(3)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H85A1FB0D78E24194B22524258B15652C"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>facilitate timely</quote> and inserting <quote>facilitate early, meaningful community engagement and timely</quote>; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBD1E43A69AA94D27B8B2E84A0FA0D6C6"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting <quote>and agency SCOs</quote> after <quote>agency CERPOs</quote>.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HE221DB7C0DF0436DA29AC486D28AA917"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H4BDA7C8F2B2A4B5E897DF0ED4DEE63DA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authorization</header><text>The term <term>authorization</term> means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of an infrastructure project.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDFE4B86C52164AF8925BF3CD123B5547"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Environmental document</header><text>The term <term>environmental document</term> has the meaning given such term in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/4336e">42 U.S.C. 4336e</external-xref>).</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H95B03F222A8149649439E4D2489FF763" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>707.</enum><header>Capacity grants for permitting and community engagement</header> <subsection id="H1060EBDE1F0A4E84A27CA8D08E811FC8" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall make grants to States, units of local government, and Indian Tribes which shall be used for purposes of—</text> <paragraph id="H8E07B4A401CF4363AA16DF0DB2AD1B67" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">increasing the capacity of such organizations to conduct activities related to proposed major Federal actions, and State, local, and Tribal environmental reviews, permits, and consultations, including by—</text> <subparagraph id="HE828BF653447480EA753FB0F16B90BD3" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">compiling data and conducting analyses, planning, and environmental review;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBEA6425A08354D3E88E9E2D596C93639" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">determining potential economic, social, public health, and environmental impacts; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HC0E3B469F98E4320A2240038C08ED4ED" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identifying opportunities to mitigate such impacts;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1509F79002164F0A84ED6244325CDCDC"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">coordinating with relevant Federal agencies in order to establish shared permitting information portals in association with the linked interagency environmental data collection systems established under section 702 through which project developers can—</text> <subparagraph id="HC84962B3B10F4EAA886E6807F4AB36A1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">acquire all relevant information regarding pertinent Federal, State and local permitting requirements;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HDC5C18A0C66C416384165553230AACBF"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit all required permit applications; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H286E4F4197C5496799D10F4ABC036F74"><enum>(C)</enum><text>request and receive assistance in completing relevant permit applications;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8A7DCEF57CD943A0BDE3AC89E826637D" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identifying and minimizing redundancy between relevant Federal, State and local permitting requirements;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE08450339246414CB74C048812DE933C"><enum>(4)</enum><text>enhancing community engagement opportunities related to environmental reviews;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H732F41D6F9CF416B9A61347F00F75F80" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identifying zones for renewable energy development;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1EC7F9D520FF4E8B99629FAD902FA68A" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">facilitating the siting of renewable energy-related facilities and infrastructure;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3139D7A55174475CACF540D477880634" commented="no"><enum>(7)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establishing local zoning ordinances that promote the development of renewable energy; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4C59E45ED1764423AC1301FBA4A60639" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">training and hiring personnel, and other activities to increase the capacity of States, units of local government, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit associations, as applicable, to carry out activities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).</text> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection id="H4DAB9E1CA2E544CF953DFDCDB0757E44" commented="no"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Funding</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants under subsection (a) $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031.</text> </subsection></section>