[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H8011-H8018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 6203) to provide for Federal energy research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities, and for other
purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 6203
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Alternative Energy Research
and Development Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``biomass'' has the meaning given that term in
section 932(a)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16232(a)(1));
(2) the term ``cellulosic feedstock'' has the meaning given
the term ``lignocellulosic feedstock'' in section 932(a)(2)
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16232(a)(2));
(3) the term ``Department'' means the Department of Energy;
(4) the term ``institution of higher education'' has the
meaning given that term in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a));
(5) the term ``National Laboratory'' has the meaning given
the term ``nonmilitary energy laboratory'' in section 903(3)
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16182(3)); and
(6) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy.
SEC. 3. ADVANCED BIOFUEL TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application for production of motor and other fuels from
biomass.
(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall design the program
under this section to--
(1) develop technologies that would make ethanol produced
from cellulosic feedstocks cost competitive with ethanol
produced from corn by 2012;
(2) conduct research and development on how to apply
advanced genetic engineering and bioengineering techniques to
increase the efficiency and lower the cost of industrial-
scale production of liquid fuels from cellulosic feedstocks;
and
(3) conduct research and development on the production of
hydrocarbons other than ethanol from biomass.
(c) Institution of Higher Education Grants.--The Secretary
shall designate not less than 10 percent of the funds
appropriated under subsection (d) for each fiscal year to
carry out the program for grants to competitively selected
institutions of higher education around the country focused
on meeting the objectives stated in subsection (b).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts
authorized to be appropriated under section 931(c) of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16231(c)), there are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out
this section--
(1) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 and 2009.
SEC. 4. ADVANCED HYDROGEN STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application for technologies to enable practical onboard
storage of hydrogen for use as a fuel for light-duty motor
vehicles.
(b) Objective.--The Secretary shall design the program
under this section to develop practical hydrogen storage
technologies that would enable a hydrogen-fueled light-duty
motor vehicle to travel 300 miles before refueling.
SEC. 5. ADVANCED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application for advanced solar photovoltaic technologies.
(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall design the program
under this section to develop technologies that would--
(1) make electricity generated by solar photovoltaic power
cost-competitive by 2015; and
(2) enable the widespread use of solar photovoltaic power.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
section--
(1) $148,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 through 2011.
SEC. 6. ADVANCED WIND ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application for advanced wind energy technologies.
(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall design the program
under this section to--
[[Page H8012]]
(1) improve the efficiency and lower the cost of wind
turbines;
(2) minimize adverse environmental impacts; and
(3) develop new small-scale wind energy technologies for
use in low wind speed environments.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
section--
(1) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 through 2011.
SEC. 7. CONTINUING PROGRAMS.
The Secretary shall continue to carry out the research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application
activities authorized in sections 921(b)(1) (for distributed
energy), 923 (for micro-cogeneration technology), and
931(a)(2)(C), (D),and (E)(i) (for geothermal energy,
hydropower, and ocean energy) of the Energy Policy Act of
2005.
SEC. 8. PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Plug-
In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006''.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Battery.--The term ``battery'' means a device or system
for the electrochemical storage of energy.
(2) E85.--The term ``E85'' means a fuel blend containing 85
percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline by volume.
(3) Electric drive transportation technology.--The term
``electric drive transportation technology'' means--
(A) vehicles that use an electric motor for all or part of
their motive power and that may or may not use offboard
electricity, including battery electric vehicles, hybrid
electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, flexible
fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and electric rail; and
(B) related equipment, including electric equipment
necessary to recharge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
(4) Flexible fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.--The
term ``flexible fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle'' means
a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle warranted by its
manufacturer as capable of operating on any combination of
gasoline or E85 for its onboard internal combustion or heat
engine.
(5) Hybrid electric vehicle.--The term ``hybrid electric
vehicle'' means a vehicle that--
(A) can be propelled using liquid combustible fuel and
electric power provided by an onboard battery; and
(B) utilizes regenerative power capture technology to
recover energy expended in braking the vehicle for use in
recharging the battery.
(6) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.--The term ``plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle'' means a hybrid electric onroad
light-duty vehicle that can be propelled solely on electric
power for a minimum of 20 miles under city driving
conditions, and that is capable of recharging its battery
from an offboard electricity source.
(c) Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application on technologies needed for the development of
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric drive
transportation, including--
(1) high capacity, high efficiency batteries, to--
(A) improve battery life, energy storage capacity, and
power delivery capacity, and lower cost; and
(B) minimize waste and hazardous material production in the
entire value chain, including after the end of the useful
life of the batteries;
(2) high efficiency onboard and offboard charging
components;
(3) high power drive train systems for passenger and
commercial vehicles and for supporting equipment;
(4) onboard energy management systems, power trains, and
systems integration for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,
flexible fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hybrid
electric vehicles, including efficient cooling systems and
systems that minimize the emissions profile of such vehicles;
and
(5) lightweight materials, including research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application to reduce the cost
of materials such as steel alloys and carbon fibers.
(d) Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Demonstration
Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
competitive grant pilot demonstration program to provide not
more than 25 grants annually to State governments, local
governments and public entities, metropolitan transportation
authorities, or combinations thereof to carry out a project
or projects for demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles.
(2) Applications.--
(A) Requirements.--The Secretary shall issue requirements
for applying for grants under the demonstration pilot
program. The Secretary shall require that applications, at a
minimum, include a description of how data will be--
(i) collected on the--
(I) performance of the vehicle or vehicles and the
components, including the battery, energy management, and
charging systems, under various driving speeds, trip ranges,
traffic, and other driving conditions;
(II) costs of the vehicle or vehicles, including
acquisition, operating, and maintenance costs, and how the
project or projects will be self-sustaining after Federal
assistance is completed; and
(III) emissions of the vehicle or vehicles, including
greenhouse gases, and the amount of petroleum displaced as a
result of the project or projects; and
(ii) summarized for dissemination to the Department, other
grantees, and the public.
(B) Partners.--An applicant under subparagraph (A) may
carry out a project or projects under the pilot program in
partnership with one or more private or nonprofit entities,
which may include institutions of higher education, including
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic
Serving Institutions, and other minority-serving
institutions.
(3) Selection criteria.--
(A) Preference.--When making awards under this subsection,
the Secretary shall consider each applicant's previous
experience involving plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and
shall give preference to proposals that--
(i) provide the greatest demonstration per award dollar,
with preference increasing as the number of miles that a
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can be propelled solely on
electric power under city driving conditions increases; and
(ii) maximize the non-Federal share of project funding and
demonstrate the greatest likelihood that each project
proposed in the application will be maintained or expanded
after Federal assistance under this subsection is completed.
(B) Breadth of demonstrations.--In awarding grants under
this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure the program will
demonstrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles under various
circumstances, including--
(i) driving speeds;
(ii) trip ranges;
(iii) driving conditions;
(iv) climate conditions; and
(v) topography,
to optimize understanding and function of plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles.
(4) Pilot project requirements.--
(A) Subsequent funding.--An applicant that has received a
grant in one year may apply for additional funds in
subsequent years, but the Secretary shall not provide more
than $10,000,000 in Federal assistance under the pilot
program to any applicant for the period encompassing fiscal
years 2007 through fiscal year 2011.
(B) Information.--The Secretary shall establish mechanisms
to ensure that the information and knowledge gained by
participants in the pilot program are shared among the pilot
program participants and are available to other interested
parties, including other applicants.
(5) Award amounts.--The Secretary shall determine grant
amounts, but the maximum size of grants shall decline as the
cost of producing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles declines
or the cost of converting a hybrid electric vehicle to a
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle declines.
(e) Cost Sharing.--The Secretary shall carry out the
program under this section in compliance with section 988(a)
through (d) and section 989 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(42 U.S.C. 16352(a) through (d) and 16353).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary--
(1) for carrying out subsection (c), $100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each
of the fiscal years 2009 through 2011; and
(2) for carrying out subsection (d), $50,000,000 for fiscal
year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 2009 through 2011.
SEC. 9. PHOTOVOLTAIC DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Solar
Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006'' or the ``SUN Act
of 2006''.
(b) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program of
grants to States to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic
technology.
(c) Requirements.--
(1) Ability to meet requirements.--To receive funding under
the program under this section, a State must submit a
proposal that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the
Secretary, that the State will meet the requirements of
subsection (g).
(2) Compliance with requirements.--If a State has received
funding under this section for the preceding year, the State
must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that
it complied with the requirements of subsection (g) in
carrying out the program during that preceding year, and that
it will do so in the future, before it can receive further
funding under this section.
(3) Funding allocation.--Except as provided in subsection
(d), each State submitting a proposal that meets the
requirements under subsection (c) shall receive funding under
the program based on the proportion of United States
population in the State according to the 2000 census. In each
fiscal year, the portion of funds attributable under this
paragraph to States that have not submitted proposals that
meet the requirements under subsection (c) in the time and
manner specified by the Secretary shall be distributed pro
rata to the States that have submitted proposals that meet
the requirements under subsection (c) in the specified time
and manner.
(d) Competition.--If more than $80,000,000 is available for
the program under this section for any fiscal year, the
Secretary shall
[[Page H8013]]
allocate 75 percent of the total amount of funds available
according to subsection (c)(3), and shall award the remaining
25 percent on a competitive basis to the States with the
proposals the Secretary considers most likely to encourage
the widespread adoption of photovoltaic technologies. In
awarding funds under this subsection, the Secretary may give
preference to proposals that would demonstrate the use of
newer materials or technologies.
(e) Proposals.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, and in each subsequent fiscal year for
the life of the program, the Secretary shall solicit
proposals from the States to participate in the program under
this section.
(f) Competitive Criteria.--In awarding funds in a
competitive allocation under subsection (d), the Secretary
shall consider--
(1) the likelihood of a proposal to encourage the
demonstration of, or lower the costs of, advanced
photovoltaic technologies; and
(2) the extent to which a proposal is likely to--
(A) maximize the amount of photovoltaics demonstrated;
(B) maximize the proportion of non-Federal cost share; and
(C) limit State administrative costs.
(g) State Program.--A program operated by a State with
funding under this section shall provide competitive awards
for the demonstration of advanced photovoltaic technologies.
Each State program shall--
(1) require a contribution of at least 60 percent per award
from non-Federal sources, which may include any combination
of State, local, and private funds, except that at least 10
percent of the funding must be supplied by the State;
(2) limit awards for any single project to a maximum of
$1,000,000;
(3) prohibit any nongovernmental recipient from receiving
more than $1,000,000 per year;
(4) endeavor to fund recipients in the commercial,
industrial, institutional, governmental, and residential
sectors;
(5) limit State administrative costs to no more than 10
percent of the grant;
(6) report annually to the Secretary on--
(A) the amount of funds disbursed;
(B) the amount of photovoltaics purchased; and
(C) the results of the monitoring under paragraph (7);
(7) provide for measurement and verification of the output
of a representative sample of the photovoltaics systems
demonstrated throughout the average working life of the
systems, or at least 20 years;
(8) require that applicant buildings must have received an
independent energy efficiency audit during the 6-month period
preceding the filing of the application; and
(9) encourage Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
Hispanic Serving Institutions, and other minority-serving
institutions to apply for grants under this program.
(h) Unexpended Funds.--If a State fails to expend any funds
received under subsection (c) or (d) within 3 years of
receipt, such remaining funds shall be returned to the
Treasury.
(i) Reports.--The Secretary shall report to Congress 5
years after funds are first distributed to the States under
this section--
(1) the amount of photovoltaics demonstrated;
(2) the number of projects undertaken;
(3) the administrative costs of the program;
(4) the amount of funds that each State has not received
because of a failure to submit a qualifying proposal, as
described in subsection (c)(3);
(5) the results of the monitoring under subsection (g)(7);
and
(6) the total amount of funds distributed, including a
breakdown by State.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary for the purposes of
carrying out this section--
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2009 through 2011.
SEC. 10. ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Energy Efficient Building Pilot Grant Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot
program to award grants to businesses and organizations for
new construction of energy efficient buildings, or major
renovations of buildings that will result in energy efficient
buildings, to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency
technologies, especially those sponsored by the Department.
(2) Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under this
subsection competitively to those applicants whose
proposals--
(A) best demonstrate--
(i) likelihood to meet or exceed the standards referred to
in subsection (b)(2);
(ii) likelihood to maximize cost-effective energy
efficiency opportunities; and
(iii) advanced energy efficiency technologies; and
(B) maximize the leverage of private investment for costs
related to increasing the energy efficiency of the building.
(3) Consideration.--The Secretary shall give due
consideration to proposals for buildings that are likely to
serve low and moderate income populations.
(4) Amount of grants.--Grants under this subsection shall
be for up to 50 percent of design and energy modeling costs,
not to exceed $50,000 per building. No single grantee may be
eligible for more than 3 grants per year under this program.
(5) Grant payments.--
(A) Initial payment.--The Secretary shall pay 50 percent of
the total amount of the grant to grant recipients upon
selection.
(B) Remainder of payment.--The Secretary shall pay the
remaining 50 percent of the grant only after independent
certification, by a professional engineer or other qualified
professional, that operational buildings are energy efficient
buildings as defined in subsection (b).
(C) Failure to comply.--The Secretary shall not provide the
remainder of the payment unless the building is certified
within 6 months after operation of the completed building to
meet the requirements described in subparagraph (B), or in
the case of major renovations the building is certified
within 6 months of the completion of the renovations.
(6) Report to congress.--Not later than 3 years after
awarding the first grant under this subsection, the Secretary
shall transmit to Congress a report containing--
(A) the total number and dollar amount of grants awarded
under this subsection; and
(B) an estimate of aggregate cost and energy savings
enabled by the pilot program under this subsection.
(7) Administrative expenses.--Administrative expenses for
the program under this subsection shall not exceed 10 percent
of appropriated funds.
(b) Definition of Energy Efficient Building.--For purposes
of this section the term ``energy efficient building'' means
a building that--
(1) achieves a reduction in energy consumption of--
(A) at least 30 percent for new construction, compared to
the energy standards set by the 2004 International Energy
Conservation Code (in the case of residential buildings) or
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004; or
(B) at least 20 percent for major renovations, compared to
energy consumption before renovations are begun;
(2) is constructed or renovated in accordance with the most
current, appropriate, and applicable voluntary consensus
standards, as determined by the Secretary, such as those
listed in the assessment under section 914(b), or revised or
developed under section 914(c), of the Energy Policy Act of
2005; and
(3) after construction or renovation--
(A) uses heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems
that perform at no less than Energy Star standards; or
(B) if Energy Star standards are not applicable, uses
Federal Energy Management Program recommended heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning products.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this
section--
(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2009 through 2011.
SEC. 11. ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
Section 917 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16197) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 917. ADVANCED ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTERS.
``(a) Grants.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of the Alternative Energy Research and Development
Act, the Secretary shall make grants to nonprofit
institutions, State and local governments, cooperative
extension services, or universities (or consortia thereof),
to establish a geographically dispersed network of Advanced
Energy Technology Transfer Centers, to be located in areas
the Secretary determines have the greatest need of the
services of such Centers. In establishing the network, the
Secretary shall consider the special needs and opportunities
for increased energy efficiency for manufactured and site-
built housing, including construction, renovation, and
retrofit. In making awards under this section, the Secretary
shall--
``(1) give priority to applicants already operating or
partnered with an outreach program capable of transferring
knowledge and information about advanced energy efficiency
methods and technologies;
``(2) ensure that, to the extent practicable, the program
enables the transfer of knowledge and information--
``(A) about a variety of technologies and
``(B) in a variety of geographic areas; and
``(3) give preference to applicants that would
significantly expand on or fill a gap in existing programs in
a geographical region.
``(b) Activities.--Each Center shall operate a program to
encourage demonstration and commercial application of
advanced energy methods and technologies through education
and outreach to building and industrial professionals, and to
other individuals and organizations with an interest in
efficient energy use. Funds awarded under this section may be
used for the following activities:
``(1) Developing and distributing informational materials
on technologies that could use energy more efficiently.
``(2) Carrying out demonstrations of advanced energy
methods and technologies.
``(3) Developing and conducting seminars, workshops, long-
distance learning sessions, and other activities to aid in
the dissemination of knowledge and information on
technologies that could use energy more efficiently.
``(4) Providing or coordinating onsite energy evaluations,
including instruction on the commissioning of building
heating and
[[Page H8014]]
cooling systems, for a wide range of energy end-users.
``(5) Examining the energy efficiency needs of energy end-
users to develop recommended research projects for the
Department.
``(6) Hiring experts in energy efficient technologies to
carry out activities described in paragraphs (1) through (5).
``(c) Application.--A person seeking a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary an application in such
form and containing such information as the Secretary may
require. The Secretary may award a grant under this section
to an entity already in existence if the entity is otherwise
eligible under this section. The application shall include,
at a minimum--
``(1) a description of the applicant's outreach program,
and the geographic region it would serve, and of why the
program would be capable of transferring knowledge and
information about advanced energy technologies that increase
efficiency of energy use;
``(2) a description of the activities the applicant would
carry out, of the technologies that would be transferred, and
of any other organizations that will help facilitate a
regional approach to carrying out those activities;
``(3) a description of how the proposed activities would be
appropriate to the specific energy needs of the geographic
region to be served;
``(4) an estimate of the number and types of energy end-
users expected to be reached through such activities; and
``(5) a description of how the applicant will assess the
success of the program.
``(d) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall award grants
under this section on the basis of the following criteria, at
a minimum:
``(1) The ability of the applicant to carry out the
proposed activities.
``(2) The extent to which the applicant will coordinate the
activities of the Center with other entities as appropriate,
such as State and local governments, utilities, universities,
and National Laboratories.
``(3) The appropriateness of the applicant's outreach
program for carrying out the program described in this
section.
``(4) The likelihood that proposed activities could be
expanded or used as a model for other areas.
``(e) Cost-Sharing.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall require cost-sharing in accordance with the
requirements of section 988 for commercial application
activities.
``(f) Duration.--
``(1) Initial grant period.--A grant awarded under this
section shall be for a period of 5 years.
``(2) Initial evaluation.--Each grantee under this section
shall be evaluated during its third year of operation under
procedures established by the Secretary to determine if the
grantee is accomplishing the purposes of this section
described in subsection (a). The Secretary shall terminate
any grant that does not receive a positive evaluation. If an
evaluation is positive, the Secretary may extend the grant
for 3 additional years beyond the original term of the grant.
``(3) Additional extension.--If a grantee receives an
extension under paragraph (2), the grantee shall be evaluated
again during the second year of the extension. The Secretary
shall terminate any grant that does not receive a positive
evaluation. If an evaluation is positive, the Secretary may
extend the grant for a final additional period of 3
additional years beyond the original extension.
``(4) Limitation.--No grantee may receive more than 11
years of support under this section without reapplying for
support and competing against all other applicants seeking a
grant at that time.
``(g) Prohibition.--None of the funds awarded under this
section may be used for the construction of facilities.
``(h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Advanced energy methods and technologies.--The term
`advanced energy methods and technologies' means all methods
and technologies that promote energy efficiency and
conservation, including distributed generation technologies,
and life-cycle analysis of energy use.
``(2) Center.--The term `Center' means an Advanced Energy
Technology Transfer Center established pursuant to this
section.
``(3) Distributed generation.--The term `distributed
generation' means an electric power generation technology,
including photovoltaic, small wind and micro-combined heat
and power, that is designed to serve retail electric
consumers on-site.
``(4) Cooperative extension.--The term `Cooperative
Extension' means the extension services established at the
land-grant colleges and universities under the Smith-Lever
Act of May 8, 1914.
``(5) Land-grant colleges and universities.--The term
`land-grant colleges and universities' means--
``(A) 1862 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
``(B) 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of that
Act); and
``(C) 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of that
Act).
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to
amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated in section
911, there are authorized to be appropriated for the program
under this section such sums as may be appropriated.''.
SEC. 12. GREEN ENERGY EDUCATION.
(a) Definition.--For the purposes of this section:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(2) High performance building.--The term ``high performance
building'' has the meaning given that term in section 914(a)
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16194(a)).
(b) Graduate Training in Energy Research and Development.--
(1) Funding.--In carrying out research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities
authorized for the Department, the Secretary may contribute
funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative
Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program to
support projects that enable graduate education related to
such activities.
(2) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with the
Secretary when preparing solicitations and awarding grants
for projects described in paragraph (1).
(c) Curriculum Development for High Performance Building
Design.--
(1) Funding.--In carrying out advanced energy technology
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application activities authorized for the Department related
to high performance buildings, the Secretary may contribute
funds to curriculum development activities at the National
Science Foundation for the purpose of improving undergraduate
or graduate interdisciplinary engineering and architecture
education related to the design and construction of high
performance buildings, including development of curricula, of
laboratory activities, of training practicums, or of design
projects. A primary goal of curriculum development activities
supported under this section shall be to improve the ability
of engineers, architects, and planners to work together on
the incorporation of advanced energy technologies during the
design and construction of high performance buildings.
(2) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with the
Secretary when preparing solicitations and awarding grants
for projects described in paragraph (1).
(3) Priority.--In awarding grants with respect to which the
Secretary has contributed funds under this subsection, the
Director shall give priority to applications from
departments, programs, or centers of a school of engineering
that are partnered with schools, departments, or programs of
design, architecture, and city, regional, or urban planning,
and due consideration to applications from Historically Black
Colleges and Universities and other minority serving
institutions.
SEC. 13. ARPA-E STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct
a detailed study of, and make further recommendations on, the
October 2005 National Academy of Sciences recommendation to
establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (in
this section referred to as ARPA-E).
(b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to
Congress the study described in subsection (a) and the
Secretary's response to the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations of that study.
(c) Terms of Reference.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the study described in subsection (a) addresses the following
questions:
(1) What basic research related to new energy technologies
is occurring now, what entities are funding it, and what is
preventing the results of that research from reaching the
market?
(2) What economic evidence indicates that the limiting
factor in the market penetration of new energy technologies
is a lack of basic research on pathbreaking new technologies?
What barriers do those trying to develop new energy
technologies face during later stages of research and
development?
(3) To what extent is the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency an appropriate model for an energy research
agency, given that the Federal Government would not be the
primary customer for its technology and where cost is an
important concern?
(4) How would research and development sponsored by ARPA-E
differ from research and development conducted by the
National Laboratories or sponsored by the Department through
the Office of Science, the Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of
Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, and the Office
of Nuclear Energy?
(5) Should industry or National Laboratories be recipients
of ARPA-E grants? What institutional or organizational
arrangements would be required to ensure that ARPA-E sponsors
transformational, rather than incremental, research and
development?
SEC. 14. COAL METHANATION.
(a) Program.--The Secretary shall establish a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application of coal gasification facilities that convert coal
into pipeline quality gaseous fuels for direct use or
subsequent chemical or physical conversion.
(b) Procedures.--The program established under subsection
(a) shall be carried out using procedures described in title
XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
[[Page H8015]]
SEC. 15. ALTERNATIVE BIOBASED FUELS AND ULTRA LOW SULFUR
DIESEL.
(a) Alternative Fuel and ULSD Infrastructure and Additives
Research and Development.--The Secretary, in consultation
with the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
shall carry out a program of research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application of materials to be
added to alternative biobased fuels and Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel fuels to make them more compatible with existing
infrastructure used to store and deliver petroleum-based
fuels to the point of final sale. The program shall address--
(1) materials to prevent or mitigate--
(A) corrosion of metal, plastic, rubber, cork, fiberglass,
glues, or any other material used in pipes and storage tanks;
(B) dissolving of storage tank sediments;
(C) clogging of filters;
(D) contamination from water or other adulterants or
pollutants;
(E) poor flow properties related to low temperatures;
(F) oxidative and thermal instability in long-term storage
and use;
(G) increased volatile emissions;
(H) microbial contamination;
(I) problems associated with electrical conductivity; and
(J) increased nitrogen oxide emissions;
(2) alternatives to conventional methods for refurbishment
and cleaning of gasoline and diesel tanks, including tank
lining applications; and
(3) other problems as identified by the Secretary in
consultation with the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
(b) Sulfur Testing for Diesel Fuels.--
(1) Program.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall carry
out a research, development, and demonstration program on
portable, low-cost, and accurate methods and technologies for
testing of sulfur content in fuel, including Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel and Low Sulfur Diesel.
(2) Schedule of demonstrations.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
begin demonstrations of technologies under paragraph (1).
(c) Standard Reference Materials and Data Base
Development.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Institute of Standards
and Technology shall develop a physical properties data base
and standard reference materials for alternative fuels. Such
data base and standard reference materials shall be
maintained and updated as appropriate as additional
alternative fuels become available.
SEC. 16. BIOENERGY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 931 of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16231) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``, including
$25,000,000 for section 932(d)(1)(B)(v)'' after ``section
932(d)'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``, including
$25,000,000 for section 932(d)(1)(B)(v)'' after ``section
932(d)''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting ``, including
$25,000,000 for section 932(d)(1)(B)(v)'' after ``section
932(d)''.
(b) Bioenergy Program.--Section 932(d)(1)(B) of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16232(d)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii); and
(2) by adding after clause (iv) the following new clause:
``(v) biodegradable natural plastics from biomass; and''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to
include extraneous material on H.R. 6203, the bill now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6203, the Alternative Energy
and Research Development Act.
As its title suggests, this bill is designed to advance development
of a number of alternative energy technologies by establishing policy
goals and focusing research on key technical challenges.
Building on the excellent R&D provisions the Science Committee
included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, or EPACT, H.R. 6203 supports
the development of biofuels from cellulose, meaning feedstocks other
than corn; biodegradable natural plastics from biomass; technologies
for hydrogen storage onboard vehicles; advanced solar technologies that
are economical and make solar power cost competitive in a decade;
technologies that minimize the cost and environmental impact and
maximize the efficiency of harnessing the power of the wind; and
advanced battery technologies specifically for plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles.
In addition to requiring the DOE to continue carrying out the
geothermal energy, hydropower distributor and cogeneration research
authorized in EPACT, H.R. 6203 supports research to convert coal into
pipeline quality gaseous fuels.
The bill also promotes energy conservation in three important ways.
First, it provides incentives for the construction of energy efficient
buildings. Today's buildings consume 50 percent of the Nation's supply
of natural gas and 70 percent of its electricity, more energy than any
other sector of the economy, including industry and transportation.
Second, the bill offers grants to States who deploy solar cells and
purchase plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Finally, it establishes a cooperative extension program to encourage
the use of advanced energy technologies patterned after the successful
agricultural extension programs that aided farmers in incorporating
advanced technologies and food production.
H.R. 6203 is a modified version of H.R. 5656, which was approved by
the Science Committee in July. Like most bills that emerge from the
Science Committee, H.R. 6203 represents a compilation of great ideas
from a number of members of the committee, including my colleagues from
Texas, Lamar Smith and Mike McCaul. And I would especially like to
thank the ranking member, Mr. Gordon, for his leadership and his
additions to the bill. The bill was further perfected in committee by
Representatives Ralph Hall, Doris Matsui, Lynn Woolsey, Sheila Jackson-
Lee, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ken Calvert, Al Green, Brian Baird, and
Brad Miller. I want to thank my colleagues on the committee for their
contributions. H.R. 6203 is the product of a truly bipartisan effort.
Mr. Speaker, high natural gas prices and the summer spike in gasoline
prices serve as a stark reminder that the path to energy independence
is a long and arduous one.
{time} 1945
To make significant progress down this path requires a steadfast
commitment from Congress and the Federal Government to support the
development of advanced energy technologies and alternative fuels that
will help end our addiction to oil and gasoline.
The bill we are considering today would do just that in a fiscally
responsible way. In some cases, it gives new direction to research
funding authorized in EPACT. In others, the House already has
appropriated funds for the programs.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6203.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6203. This bill is very
similar to Mrs. Biggert's H.R. 5656 which the Science Committee passed
favorably in June. We support the changes that were made and believe
they express some of the concerns our Members had with H.R. 5656.
The original bill contained a number of important provisions from
Democratic Members, and I want to thank Chairwoman Biggert for working
with us to include them in this most recent version. I am especially
pleased to see my bill, H.R. 5658, included as section 15 of this bill.
If our country is serious about reducing our dependency on foreign
oil, we need to get serious about mobilizing the infrastructure
necessary to distribute and dispense the next generation of fuels.
The bill instructs the Department of Energy and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology to research fuel additives and
other technologies that would make biodiesel fuels more compatible with
the country's petroleum-based infrastructure.
My bill, contained in section 15, also addresses potential challenges
as fuel suppliers transition to ultra-low sulfur diesel, a fuel
significantly cleaner than traditional diesel.
This section instructs the Department of Energy and NIST to develop
portable, low-cost, and accurate methods suppliers can use to test
sulfur content in fuels. It should be noted that in
[[Page H8016]]
no way is this meant to interfere with the authority or activities of
the EPA to continue the successful transition to ultra-low sulfur
diesel or other fuels programs. It is intended to assist companies that
are complying with EPA's programs, and I encourage DOE and NIST to
coordinate these activities with EPA.
While I support Mrs. Biggert's bill, I personally believe the
committee should be sending a stronger message regarding the future of
high-risk, high-payoff energy R&D.
Specifically, we should move towards the establishment of an Advanced
Research Projects Agency for Energy, or ARPA-E, as directed in my bill,
H.R. 4435.
There is a need for an organization capable of finding and promoting
research breakthroughs and converting those findings into potentially
transformational energy technologies that will make this country more
energy self-sufficient.
Mr. Speaker, all in all, I believe this is a good bill with some
strong energy research programs. I urge its adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I recognize a valuable member of the
Science Committee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) for 3 minutes.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank
the gentlewoman from Illinois, who is the chairman of the Science
Committee's Subcommittee on Energy for yielding to me; and I want to
express my appreciation to Mrs. Biggert for assembling this
legislation, which will contribute mightily to our energy independence.
H.R. 6203, the Alternative Energy Research and Development Act,
incorporates two pieces of legislation that I introduced: the Plug-in
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006 and the Solar Utilization Now, or
SUN Act, of 2006. They will reduce our Nation's dependence on foreign
sources of oil by promoting plug-in hybrid vehicles and the use of
solar power.
The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act establishes a partnership
between public and private entities and requires the Secretary of
Energy to carry out a program of research and development for plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles and electric drive transportation technology.
The goal is to develop a plug-in vehicle that can travel up to 40 miles
on battery power alone.
The bill also establishes a pilot program of grants to State and
local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities.
Congress has a responsibility to help promote this new technology.
I introduced the SUN Act of 2006 because the answer to much of our
energy needs in fact comes up every morning. The goal of this
legislation is to make electricity from solar power cost-competitive by
2015. The SUN Act encourages State governments and private industry to
team up to apply for Federal grants. Solar power is clean, plentiful,
and it generates zero emissions and zero waste.
The Federal Government needs to ensure that the research and
development of alternative energy technologies continues. Americans are
concerned about high gas prices, our dependence on foreign oil and
global warming. This bill addresses those concerns and is good for our
energy security, national security and environmental security.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Biggert for taking the
lead on these issues and for getting this package to the House floor.
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, we have no other requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I recognize another member of the Science
Committee who has worked hard in this area, the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. McCall), for 2 minutes.
Mr. McCALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank Congresswoman
Biggert for her leadership on this bill. We have worked very hard to
get to this point to get this bill on the floor. I was very proud to be
a part of it. I thank you again for your leadership. And I thank
Congressman Kirk for helping us in this effort and my colleague from
Texas, Mr. Smith, for his hard work.
This alternative energy legislation is crucial for America. But it
isn't just an alternative energy issue. It is also very much a national
security issue. For some time now, we in the Congress have been pushing
towards reducing America's addiction to foreign sources of oil. This is
a giant step in the right direction. This bill will provide research
and development for energy independence, for clean energy technologies,
for plug-in hybrid vehicles, solar power, wind, biofuels, clean coal
technologies, and hydrogen.
If passed, this visionary legislation will put us on the track to
provide cheaper and more reliable alternatives to fossil fuels and will
work to provide a cleaner environment for our children and our
grandchildren.
I want to thank our colleagues on the other side of the aisle for
their strong support of this legislation as well. It is an important
bill for America's energy future.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Tennessee
(Mr. Wamp), who is not a member of the Science Committee but has been
so helpful as a member of the Policy Committee and of the
Appropriations Committee, and I yield 3 minutes.
Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Biggert and Mr. Gordon for their
leadership.
For 6 years, I have had the privilege of serving as the co-Chair in
the House of the Renewable Energy Efficiency Caucus with Mark Udall of
Colorado, which is over half of the House. They have a similar caucus
in the Senate. There is widespread bipartisan support for these
programs. I think it is so important that we do this.
I want to say that one of the under-reported stories of the last 2
years is the impact of last year's energy bill, the final agreement. I
didn't support the House bill, but I supported the final bill because
the Senate made it so much better, advanced especially the production
of ethanol. There are at least 41 new ethanol plants under construction
across America today because alternative fuels is what we need to
advance.
Leadership cries out for us to do what we need to do for the next
generation with respect to energy, regardless of what energy costs
today. Some people think if it is $4 a gallon you have to make changes,
but if it is $2 a gallon you don't need to. No, we need to. And
leadership cries out for us to be aggressive.
And I am a conservative. Sometimes conservatives forget we are
supposed to conserve, to save, to be efficient. Plus our dependence on
other sources of energy is causing our country to not be independent
and to really be vulnerable. So this is a security issue.
I think, frankly, if we don't do things like this we are being penny-
wise and pound-foolish. These initiatives are real. They are
substantive. This is a great first step.
It is really a second step. I think EPACT was the first step. This is
the second step. I would even argue next year we need to do a third
step and continue to advance this cause.
We didn't balance the budget for 3 years by cutting spending. We did
slow the rate of growth of spending, but we balanced the budget because
the economy grew because we led the world in information. Earl
Blumenauer, from out on your side of this country. The Microsoft
explosion was a robust, U.S. manufacturing export-driven economy where
revenues surpassed expenses and we balanced the budget.
We can do that again, solving the world's energy problems because we
are the smartest people in the world. A dynamic, export-driven economy
if we will invest in energy solutions for the world, and you can't just
expect it to happen. The government plays a role. We have to lead on
this issue.
This is a double negative, but I with close with this: We cannot
afford not to do this. That is what the House needs to understand. We
cannot afford not to do this. Please support this bill, move it
forward, and then let's go further in the 110th Congress.
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. WAMP. I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee.
Mr. GORDON. Let me just add my voice to my friend and colleague from
Tennessee to say he has been a strong, consistent leader in this area,
and I want to thank you for that. It has made this Congress better for
your efforts.
Mr. WAMP. Reclaiming my time, thank you for your leadership, and
thank you, Mrs. Biggert.
[[Page H8017]]
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Kirk). He has been the chairman of the Suburban Caucus, and this
bill has been on the Suburban Caucus list for those bills that are
important to not only suburban areas but all over the country, and I
yield 2 minutes.
Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Illinois who put
together this legislation as a leader in Congress. Along with
Congressman McCall of Texas, you have outlined an alternative energy
and renewable fuels future for the country in a bipartisan way, along
with the gentleman from Tennessee.
The U.S. imports nearly 5 billion barrels of oil a year. And there
has been a recent decline in the price of gas across the United States,
but we need oil independence to protect us from a volatile world of oil
markets, increasing global pollution, and unstable leaders in Iran and
Venezuela. We know that alternative energy and renewable fuels equals
national security for the United States.
This legislation will accelerate the development of advanced and
clean technologies. It promotes the implementation of solar
photovoltaic, wind, geothermal and hydropower. It establishes a
research and development program for the conversion of coal into
pipeline-quality fuel.
In my State of Illinois, we have a 250-year American supply of coal,
one of the largest supplies in the United States; and with the
development of clean coal technology we can better utilize a vast
resource to help out the energy independence of the United States.
The grants, incentives and programs established in this bipartisan
bill have the potential to save American consumers billions of dollars,
create thousands of new jobs and dramatically decrease energy
consumption and pollution. In achieving the goals set forth in this
bipartisan bill, we end our addiction to foreign oil and enhance our
national security.
Mr. Speaker, on a day in which we look at the loss of a colleague in
this House, in which we see vigorous foreign policy debate, what is
being missed without a single reporter in the gallery is bipartisan
legislation working on an alternative-energy future for the Nation. It
is a story that should not be missed, both parties joining together to
make sure that we enhance renewable and alternative fuels and that we
make sure that America leads.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Bartlett), a long-time member of the Science Committee, for 3
minutes.
Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, there have been in the last
couple of years two major government-sponsored studies on energy. One
was a big SAIC report, commonly called the Hirsch Report. The other was
a more recent report by the Corps of Engineers, and both of them
reached essentially the same conclusion.
{time} 2000
The world has either peaked in oil production, conventional oil
production, or it will shortly peak in oil production with potentially
devastating consequences. The Hirsch report said that the world has
never faced a problem like this, that mitigation consequences will be
unprecedented.
Today I got across my desk a flyer from a group here on the Hill that
said that we ought to be cautious about this suspension vote because
some new programs were suggested here. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that some
new programs are suggested here because the reality is the Hirsch
report said if you didn't anticipate the peaking of oil, in 20 years
there were going to be economic consequences.
We knew 25 years ago that this was a reality. By 1980, 1981, we
absolutely knew that M. King Huppert was right. The United States had
peaked in 1970. We are well down that slope now. He predicted the world
would be peaking about now.
I hope, Mr. Speaker, that there are a lot of new programs in here
because we don't have 10 years. We don't have 20 years. I think we have
essentially run out of time. We have run out of energy.
And don't be lulled into complacency by this find of oil in the gulf.
Instead of our responding, saying here is some energy and we can invest
in alternatives, what we have said is, I don't need to buy that hybrid
now; I can now buy an SUV. We have exactly the wrong response to this.
Please, this is a great bill. I hope there are new programs in it. My
only complaint with the bill is it doesn't have enough new programs in
it.
Thank you very much for a great bill. Everybody should vote ``yes''
on this.
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me rise in support of this
legislation and ask my colleagues to support it and thank the
gentlewoman from Illinois and the gentleman from Tennessee for their
leadership and to comment on how the Science Committee provides such a
contribution in a bipartisan way of looking at the next generation of
alternative fuels.
Representing what has been called the ``energy capital of the
world,'' I know the use of fossil fuels, oil, gas, coal. And, frankly,
I believe that energy connotes opportunity, new energy alternatives,
and our companies are called ``energy companies.'' So this gives us the
opportunity in a bipartisan way to take this country forward.
I will drop tonight legislation that deals with cellulose research on
ethanol to encourage the production of ethanol in a different manner.
And I hope that as we are dependent at this time on oil, gas, and coal
that we will also look to the research opportunities that have been
created by this legislation and the forward-thinking aspects that this
legislation generates. Research, investment in research, generates
value for the consumers, efficiency for the consumers, and low cost for
the consumers.
And, frankly, all of the dialogue that we have had, whether we are
for or against wars that are raging around the world, all of us have
discussed the question of dependency on foreign energy resources. This
legislation allows us in a thoughtful manner to create a pathway of
independence for America.
And I want to thank the gentleman for yielding and thank the
gentlewoman and ask my colleagues to support this legislation. And I
hope in the Science Committee in the 110th Congress we will be in the
forefront of alternative energies because I would be delighted to have
those same energy companies in Houston, Texas, of which I know may be
listening and certainly not fearful because we are using oil and we are
using gas, but in any event to diversify and utilize alternative fuels,
and I think we will be the better for it.
I ask my colleagues to support it.
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).
Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman and the gentleman for
yielding.
I just think there ought to be somebody who stands and says that
research like this is going on in the private sector, continually, as
it should be. That is where it ought to be. I hope that we can reach
more energy independence. But when we look at the situation that we
have now with a massive deficit and a huge debt, I think it is too much
to ask, particularly given the oil prices where they are and the fact
that there are huge profits being made by oil companies who have plenty
of room to actually fund a lot of this research on their own, and it is
a little too much to ask taxpayers, in my view, to come in. And I have
heard the price tag to be somewhere around $400 million. That would
seem to me to be a bit steep.
So I for one do not support the legislation. I know that it has
overwhelming broad bipartisan support, and I am not hopeful that my
views will prevail. But I just want to add that I think that this, for
the taxpayers at this time, is not a wise move.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Mr. Bartlett from
Maryland.
Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, we have 2 percent of the
nonreserves of oil. We use 25 percent of the world's oil. We import
almost two-thirds of what we use. Ten years from now when we look back,
our regret is going to be that there wasn't ten times as much money in
this bill for these programs.
[[Page H8018]]
This is desperately needed. The market is neither omniscient nor
omnipotent. It will not solve this problem. If this government does not
solve it, it won't be solved because the private sector cannot do it.
We need real leadership in this area, and that is a major
responsibility of government.
And again I say mark it down. Ten years from now you will look back
and say why wasn't there ten times as much money in that bill because
we really needed it?
This falls far short of what we ought to be doing, but at least it is
something. Please vote for it.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert in
the Record an exchange of letters between the Committees on Science and
Education and the Workforce.
Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of
Representatives, 2181 Rayburn House Office Building,
Washington, DC, September 29, 2006.
Hon. Sherwood Boehlert,
Chairman, Committee on Science, 2320 Rayburn HOB, Washington,
DC.
Dear Chairman Boehlert: I am writing to confirm our mutual
understanding with respect to consideration of H.R. 6203, to
provide for Federal energy research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application, activities, and
for other purposes. Education provisions in Section 12 of the
bill as introduced are within the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Given the importance of moving this bill forward promptly,
I will not request the referral of H.R. 6203 to the Committee
on Education and the Workforce. However, I do so only with
the understanding that this procedural route should not be
construed to prejudice the Committee on Education and the
Workforce's jurisdictional interest and prerogative on these
provisions or any other similar legislation and will not be
considered as precedent for consideration of matters of
jurisdictional interest to my Committee in the future.
Finally, I ask that you include a copy of our exchange of
letters in the Congressional Record during the consideration
of H.R. 6203. If you have questions regarding this matter,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC, September 29, 2006.
Hon. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon,
Chairman, Committee on Education and the Workforce, 2181
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding the
consideration of H.R. 6203, the Alternative Energy Research
and Development Act. I appreciate your waiving your
Committee's right to a referral on this bill so that it can
move expeditiously to the floor.
I recognize your Committee's jurisdiction over education
provisions in Section 12 of the bill and will support any
request you may make to have conferees on H.R. 6203 or
similar legislation. The exchange of letters between our two
committees will be included in the Congressional Record when
the bill is considered on the floor.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Sherwood Boehlert,
Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday's headlines announced that the national
average price of gasoline dropped another 12 cents in the last week,
the seventh straight week that gasoline prices have fallen. That is
certainly good news for the American consumer in the U.S., and
businesses.
However, we cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into a sense of
complacency whenever the price of gasoline drops. We have to face the
fact that we cannot meet today's energy needs, much less tomorrow's,
with yesterday's energy infrastructure and technology. We must reduce
our reliance on expensive natural gas and Mid-Eastern oil and instead
encourage the use of clean, efficient alternatives like solar, wind,
hydrogen, and biofuels. These advanced energy technologies offer the
best hope for diversifying energy supplies. They can improve
efficiency. They can promote conservation. And perhaps most
importantly, they can bring us ever closer to ending our reliance on
Mid-Eastern oil.
I want to thank the staff who worked so hard to bring this bill to
the floor today, including Bill Koetzle in the Speaker's office and
Michael Ference in the majority whip's office. And I want to thank the
staff of the Science Committee for all their hard work on this bill and
the many others we have worked on together over the past years. And
particularly I want to commend David Goldston for his tireless efforts
on behalf of the committee and its chairman. Both he and my good
friend, Chairman Boehlert, will be missed.
Again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6203.
Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, but
I rise mostly to praise the Members who have contributed to it:
Chairman Judy Biggert, and Congressmen Lamar Smith and Mike McCaul not
only wrote the excellent provisions of this bill, but it's been their
persistence that has enabled it to come to the floor today. I also want
to recognize my ranking Member, Mr. Gordon, and his colleagues, who
have also contributed provisions to this bill.
This bill should be one of the easiest votes we cast this Congress
and certainly today. The bill commits our Nation to conducting more
research and development on the technologies that will reduce our
dependence on foreign oil. That includes biomass, solar, wind,
hydrogen, and hybrid vehicle technologies. It's a non-controversial
list; indeed, it's a must-do list.
Many of the provisions in the bill originated with the President's
Advanced Energy Initiative.
This bill is quite frankly the bare minimum we can do; it establishes
the R&D foundation we need to build from. I urge my colleagues to
support this valuable measure.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6203, which is very
similar to a bill we marked up earlier this year in the Science
Committee, with some of the more expensive and contentious elements
taken out.
I'm pleased that this bill, which enjoys bipartisan support, contains
amendments offered by a number of my colleagues in committee, including
Mr. Baird, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Mr. Brad Miller, Ranking Member
Gordon, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Al Green, Ms. Woolsey, Ms. Jackson-Lee.
The bill addresses research on a wide range of important energy
technologies, including advanced biofuels, hydrogen storage, wind
energy, plug in hybrid vehicles, energy efficient buildings, and
alternative biobased fuels and ultra low sulfur diesel.
The bill also establishes programs for energy technology transfer and
green energy education, and calls for a study of an advanced Research
Projects Agency for Energy.
I'm particularly pleased that the bill includes research on advanced
solar photovoltaic technologies and a photovoltaic demonstration
program. In August, Chairwoman Biggert and I held a field hearing in my
district that focused on photovoltaics.
At the hearing, the witnesses, and let me just note there were 2
Nobel Prize winners on the panel, described how the relatively high
cost current supply constraints associated with currently available
solar technologies are limiting adoption. But they also outlined
several research directions that will help reduce costs and ease
manufacturing, which will expand availability.
So I'm glad that this bill will help move that research along and
establish a demonstration program to speed adoption, with the goal of
making electricity generated by solar photovoltaic power cost-
competitive by 2015.
I have some concerns about the ramifications of the coal methanation
section in the area of greenhouse gas emissions. While I want to reduce
America's dependence on foreign oil as much as anyone, in doing so we
need to be mindful of the harmful effects of global climate change.
Converting coal to liquid or gaseous fuels results in much greater
carbon dioxide emissions than for conventional crude oil derived
hydrocarbon fuels. I hope that any plants built using such an approach
will incorporate carbon capture and storage, in order to keep those
gases out of our atmosphere.
The rapid development of alternative energy sources is essential to
our nation's security, and while I wish we could do more, I'm happy to
support the efforts included in H.R. 6203 and ask my colleagues to vote
for it.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6203.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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