[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.

                          ____________________