[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5942-S5947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 5020. Mr. ENSIGN (for himself, Mr. Sununu, Mr. Domenici, Mr. 
Roberts, Ms. Collins, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Enzi, and Mrs. Dole) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 4983 proposed by Mr. 
Reid (for Mr. Dodd (for himself and Mr. Shelby)) to the bill H.R. 3221, 
moving the United States toward greater energy independence and 
security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing carbon 
emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean 
renewable energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure, 
and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax 
incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy 
conservation; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of division C, add the following:

                   TITLE _--CLEAN ENERGY TAX STIMULUS

     SEC. __01. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Clean Energy Tax Stimulus 
     Act of 2008''.

      Subtitle A--Extension of Clean Energy Production Incentives

     SEC. __11. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY 
                   PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT.

       (a) Extension of Credit.--Each of the following provisions 
     of section 45(d) (relating to

[[Page S5943]]

     qualified facilities) is amended by striking ``January 1, 
     2009'' and inserting ``January 1, 2010'':
       (1) Paragraph (1).
       (2) Clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(A).
       (3) Clauses (i)(I) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(A).
       (4) Paragraph (4).
       (5) Paragraph (5).
       (6) Paragraph (6).
       (7) Paragraph (7).
       (8) Paragraph (8).
       (9) Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (9).
       (b) Production Credit for Electricity Produced From Marine 
     Renewables.--
       (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 45(c) (relating 
     to resources) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of 
     subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end of 
     subparagraph (H) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at 
     the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(I) marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy.''.
       (2) Marine renewables.--Subsection (c) of section 45 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(10) Marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `marine and hydrokinetic 
     renewable energy' means energy derived from--
       ``(i) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries, and 
     tidal areas,
       ``(ii) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, and streams,
       ``(iii) free flowing water in an irrigation system, canal, 
     or other man-made channel, including projects that utilize 
     nonmechanical structures to accelerate the flow of water for 
     electric power production purposes, or
       ``(iv) differentials in ocean temperature (ocean thermal 
     energy conversion).
       ``(B) Exceptions.--Such term shall not include any energy 
     which is derived from any source which utilizes a dam, 
     diversionary structure (except as provided in subparagraph 
     (A)(iii)), or impoundment for electric power production 
     purposes.''.
       (3) Definition of facility.--Subsection (d) of section 45 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(11) Marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy 
     facilities.--In the case of a facility producing electricity 
     from marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy, the term 
     `qualified facility' means any facility owned by the 
     taxpayer--
       ``(A) which has a nameplate capacity rating of at least 150 
     kilowatts, and
       ``(B) which is originally placed in service on or after the 
     date of the enactment of this paragraph and before January 1, 
     2010.''.
       (4) Credit rate.--Subparagraph (A) of section 45(b)(4) is 
     amended by striking ``or (9)'' and inserting ``(9), or 
     (11)''.
       (5) Coordination with small irrigation power.--Paragraph 
     (5) of section 45(d), as amended by subsection (a), is 
     amended by striking ``January 1, 2010'' and inserting ``the 
     date of the enactment of paragraph (11)''.
       (c) Sales of Electricity to Regulated Public Utilities 
     Treated as Sales to Unrelated Persons.--Section 45(e)(4) 
     (relating to related persons) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new sentence: ``A taxpayer shall be treated as 
     selling electricity to an unrelated person if such 
     electricity is sold to a regulated public utility (as defined 
     in section 7701(a)(33).''.
       (d) Trash Facility Clarification.--Paragraph (7) of section 
     45(d) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``facility which burns'' and inserting 
     ``facility (other than a facility described in paragraph (6)) 
     which uses'', and
       (2) by striking ``combustion''.
       (e) Effective Dates.--
       (1) Extension.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
     apply to property originally placed in service after December 
     31, 2008.
       (2) Modifications.--The amendments made by subsections (b) 
     and (c) shall apply to electricity produced and sold after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years 
     ending after such date.
       (3) Trash facility clarification.--The amendments made by 
     subsection (d) shall apply to electricity produced and sold 
     before, on, or after December 31, 2007.

     SEC. __12. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF SOLAR ENERGY AND 
                   FUEL CELL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.

       (a) Extension of Credit.--
       (1) Solar energy property.--Paragraphs (2)(A)(i)(II) and 
     (3)(A)(ii) of section 48(a) (relating to energy credit) are 
     each amended by striking ``January 1, 2009'' and inserting 
     ``January 1, 2017''.
       (2) Fuel cell property.--Subparagraph (E) of section 
     48(c)(1) (relating to qualified fuel cell property) is 
     amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2016''.
       (3) Qualified microturbine property.--Subparagraph (E) of 
     section 48(c)(2) (relating to qualified microturbine 
     property) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and 
     inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
       (b) Allowance of Energy Credit Against Alternative Minimum 
     Tax.--Subparagraph (B) of section 38(c)(4) (relating to 
     specified credits) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end 
     of clause (iii), by striking the period at the end of clause 
     (iv) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the 
     following new clause:
       ``(v) the credit determined under section 46 to the extent 
     that such credit is attributable to the energy credit 
     determined under section 48.''.
       (c) Repeal of Dollar Per Kilowatt Limitation for Fuel Cell 
     Property.--
       (1) In general.--Section 48(c)(1) (relating to qualified 
     fuel cell), as amended by subsection (a)(2), is amended by 
     striking subparagraph (B) and by redesignating subparagraphs 
     (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), 
     respectively.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 48(a)(1) is amended by 
     striking ``paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B) of subsection (c)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (c)(2)(B)''.
       (d) Public Electric Utility Property Taken Into Account.--
       (1) In general.--Paragraph (3) of section 48(a) is amended 
     by striking the second sentence thereof.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Paragraph (1) of section 48(c), as amended by this 
     section, is amended by striking subparagraph (C) and 
     redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C).
       (B) Paragraph (2) of section 48(c), as amended by 
     subsection (a)(3), is amended by striking subparagraph (D) 
     and redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).
       (e) Effective Dates.--
       (1) Extension.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
     take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) Allowance against alternative minimum tax.--The 
     amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply to credits 
     determined under section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 in taxable years beginning after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act and to carrybacks of such credits.
       (3) Fuel cell property and public electric utility 
     property.--The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) 
     shall apply to periods after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, in taxable years ending after such date, under 
     rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date 
     of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990).

     SEC. __13. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL ENERGY 
                   EFFICIENT PROPERTY CREDIT.

       (a) Extension.--Section 25D(g) (relating to termination) is 
     amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2009''.
       (b) No Dollar Limitation for Credit for Solar Electric 
     Property.--
       (1) In general.--Section 25D(b)(1) (relating to maximum 
     credit) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and by 
     redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B), respectively.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 25D(e)(4) is amended--
       (A) by striking clause (i) in subparagraph (A),
       (B) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) in subparagraph 
     (A) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
       (C) by striking ``, (2),'' in subparagraph (C).
       (c) Credit Allowed Against Alternative Minimum Tax.--
       (1) In general.--Subsection (c) of section 25D is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(c) Limitation Based on Amount of Tax; Carryforward of 
     Unused Credit.--
       ``(1) Limitation based on amount of tax.--In the case of a 
     taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, the 
     credit allowed under subsection (a) for the taxable year 
     shall not exceed the excess of--
       ``(A) the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in 
     section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over
       ``(B) the sum of the credits allowable under this subpart 
     (other than this section) and section 27 for the taxable 
     year.
       ``(2) Carryforward of unused credit.--
       ``(A) Rule for years in which all personal credits allowed 
     against regular and alternative minimum tax.--In the case of 
     a taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) applies, if the 
     credit allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation 
     imposed by section 26(a)(2) for such taxable year reduced by 
     the sum of the credits allowable under this subpart (other 
     than this section), such excess shall be carried to the 
     succeeding taxable year and added to the credit allowable 
     under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year.
       ``(B) Rule for other years.--In the case of a taxable year 
     to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, if the credit 
     allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed 
     by paragraph (1) for such taxable year, such excess shall be 
     carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the 
     credit allowable under subsection (a) for such succeeding 
     taxable year.''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Section 23(b)(4)(B) is amended by inserting ``and 
     section 25D'' after ``this section''.
       (B) Section 24(b)(3)(B) is amended by striking ``and 25B'' 
     and inserting ``, 25B, and 25D''.
       (C) Section 25B(g)(2) is amended by striking ``section 23'' 
     and inserting ``sections 23 and 25D''.
       (D) Section 26(a)(1) is amended by striking ``and 25B'' and 
     inserting ``25B, and 25D''.
       (d) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007.
       (2) Application of egtrra sunset.--The amendments made by 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (c)(2) shall be 
     subject to title IX of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief 
     Reconciliation Act of 2001 in the same manner as the 
     provisions of such Act to which such amendments relate.

[[Page S5944]]

     SEC. __14. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF CREDIT FOR CLEAN 
                   RENEWABLE ENERGY BONDS.

       (a) Extension.--Section 54(m) (relating to termination) is 
     amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2009''.
       (b) Increase in National Limitation.--Section 54(f) 
     (relating to limitation on amount of bonds designated) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``, and for the period beginning after the 
     date of the enactment of the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 
     2008 and ending before January 1, 2010, $400,000,000'' after 
     ``$1,200,000,000'' in paragraph (1),
       (2) by striking ``$750,000,000 of the'' in paragraph (2) 
     and inserting ``$750,000,000 of the $1,200,000,000'', and
       (3) by striking ``bodies'' in paragraph (2) and inserting 
     ``bodies, and except that the Secretary may not allocate more 
     than \1/3\ of the $400,000,000 national clean renewable 
     energy bond limitation to finance qualified projects of 
     qualified borrowers which are public power providers nor more 
     than \1/3\ of such limitation to finance qualified projects 
     of qualified borrowers which are mutual or cooperative 
     electric companies described in section 501(c)(12) or section 
     1381(a)(2)(C)''.
       (c) Public Power Providers Defined.--Section 54(j) is 
     amended--
       (1) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(6) Public power provider.--The term `public power 
     provider' means a State utility with a service obligation, as 
     such terms are defined in section 217 of the Federal Power 
     Act (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this 
     paragraph).'', and
       (2) by inserting ``; Public Power Provider'' before the 
     period at the end of the heading.
       (d) Technical Amendment.--The third sentence of section 
     54(e)(2) is amended by striking ``subsection (l)(6)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (l)(5)''.
       (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to bonds issued after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. __15. EXTENSION OF SPECIAL RULE TO IMPLEMENT FERC 
                   RESTRUCTURING POLICY.

       (a) Qualifying Electric Transmission Transaction.--
       (1) In general.--Section 451(i)(3) (defining qualifying 
     electric transmission transaction) is amended by striking 
     ``January 1, 2008'' and inserting ``January 1, 2010''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection 
     shall apply to transactions after December 31, 2007.
       (b) Independent Transmission Company.--
       (1) In general.--Section 451(i)(4)(B)(ii) (defining 
     independent transmission company) is amended by striking 
     ``December 31, 2007'' and inserting ``the date which is 2 
     years after the date of such transaction''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection 
     shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by 
     section 909 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

    Subtitle B--Extension of Incentives to Improve Energy Efficiency

     SEC. __21. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF CREDIT FOR ENERGY 
                   EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING HOMES.

       (a) Extension of Credit.--Section 25C(g) (relating to 
     termination) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2007'' and 
     inserting ``December 31, 2009''.
       (b) Qualified Biomass Fuel Property.--
       (1) In general.--Section 25C(d)(3) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D),
       (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E) 
     and inserting ``, and'', and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(F) a stove which uses the burning of biomass fuel to 
     heat a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as 
     a residence by the taxpayer, or to heat water for use in such 
     a dwelling unit, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of 
     at least 75 percent.''.
       (2) Biomass fuel.--Section 25C(d) (relating to residential 
     energy property expenditures) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(6) Biomass fuel.--The term `biomass fuel' means any 
     plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring 
     basis, including agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood 
     waste and residues (including wood pellets), plants 
     (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.''.
       (c) Modifications of Standards for Energy-Efficient 
     Building Property.--
       (1) Electric heat pumps.--Subparagraph (B) of section 
     25C(d)(3) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(A) an electric heat pump which achieves the highest 
     efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy 
     Efficiency, as in effect on January 1, 2008.''.
       (2) Central air conditioners.--Section 25C(d)(3)(D) is 
     amended by striking ``2006'' and inserting ``2008''.
       (3) Water heaters.--Subparagraph (E) of section 25C(d) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(E) a natural gas, propane, or oil water heater which has 
     either an energy factor of at least 0.80 or a thermal 
     efficiency of at least 90 percent.''.
       (4) Oil furnaces and hot water boilers.--Paragraph (4) of 
     section 25C(d) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(4) Qualified natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces and 
     hot water boilers.--
       ``(A) Qualified natural gas furnace.--The term `qualified 
     natural gas furnace' means any natural gas furnace which 
     achieves an annual fuel utilization efficiency rate of not 
     less than 95.
       ``(B) Qualified natural gas hot water boiler.--The term 
     `qualified natural gas hot water boiler' means any natural 
     gas hot water boiler which achieves an annual fuel 
     utilization efficiency rate of not less than 90.
       ``(C) Qualified propane furnace.--The term `qualified 
     propane furnace' means any propane furnace which achieves an 
     annual fuel utilization efficiency rate of not less than 95.
       ``(D) Qualified propane hot water boiler.--The term 
     `qualified propane hot water boiler' means any propane hot 
     water boiler which achieves an annual fuel utilization 
     efficiency rate of not less than 90.
       ``(E) Qualified oil furnaces.--The term `qualified oil 
     furnace' means any oil furnace which achieves an annual fuel 
     utilization efficiency rate of not less than 90.
       ``(F) Qualified oil hot water boiler.--The term `qualified 
     oil hot water boiler' means any oil hot water boiler which 
     achieves an annual fuel utilization efficiency rate of not 
     less than 90.''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made this section shall 
     apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2007.

     SEC. __22. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF TAX CREDIT FOR 
                   ENERGY EFFICIENT NEW HOMES.

       (a) Extension of Credit.--Subsection (g) of section 45L 
     (relating to termination) is amended by striking ``December 
     31, 2008'' and inserting ``December 31, 2010''.
       (b) Allowance for Contractor's Personal Residence.--
     Subparagraph (B) of section 45L(a)(1) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(B)(i) acquired by a person from such eligible contractor 
     and used by any person as a residence during the taxable 
     year, or
       ``(ii) used by such eligible contractor as a residence 
     during the taxable year.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to homes acquired after December 31, 2008.

     SEC. __23. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT 
                   COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS DEDUCTION.

       (a) Extension.--Section 179D(h) (relating to termination) 
     is amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2009''.
       (b) Adjustment of Maximum Deduction Amount.--
       (1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 179D(b)(1) 
     (relating to maximum amount of deduction) is amended by 
     striking ``$1.80'' and inserting ``$2.25''.
       (2) Partial allowance.--Paragraph (1) of section 179D(d) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``$.60'' and inserting ``$0.75'', and
       (B) by striking ``$1.80'' and inserting ``$2.25''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to property placed in service after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. __24. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT 
                   APPLIANCE CREDIT FOR APPLIANCES PRODUCED AFTER 
                   2007.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 45M (relating to 
     applicable amount) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Applicable Amount.--For purposes of subsection (a)--
       ``(1) Dishwashers.--The applicable amount is--
       ``(A) $45 in the case of a dishwasher which is manufactured 
     in calendar year 2008 or 2009 and which uses no more than 324 
     kilowatt hours per year and 5.8 gallons per cycle, and
       ``(B) $75 in the case of a dishwasher which is manufactured 
     in calendar year 2008, 2009, or 2010 and which uses no more 
     than 307 kilowatt hours per year and 5.0 gallons per cycle 
     (5.5 gallons per cycle for dishwashers designed for greater 
     than 12 place settings).
       ``(2) Clothes washers.--The applicable amount is--
       ``(A) $75 in the case of a residential top-loading clothes 
     washer manufactured in calendar year 2008 which meets or 
     exceeds a 1.72 modified energy factor and does not exceed a 
     8.0 water consumption factor,
       ``(B) $125 in the case of a residential top-loading clothes 
     washer manufactured in calendar year 2008 or 2009 which meets 
     or exceeds a 1.8 modified energy factor and does not exceed a 
     7.5 water consumption factor,
       ``(C) $150 in the case of a residential or commercial 
     clothes washer manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009, or 
     2010 which meets or exceeds 2.0 modified energy factor and 
     does not exceed a 6.0 water consumption factor, and
       ``(D) $250 in the case of a residential or commercial 
     clothes washer manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009, or 
     2010 which meets or exceeds 2.2 modified energy factor and 
     does not exceed a 4.5 water consumption factor.
       ``(3) Refrigerators.--The applicable amount is--
       ``(A) $50 in the case of a refrigerator which is 
     manufactured in calendar year 2008, and consumes at least 20 
     percent but not more than 22.9 percent less kilowatt hours 
     per year than the 2001 energy conservation standards,
       ``(B) $75 in the case of a refrigerator which is 
     manufactured in calendar year 2008 or 2009, and consumes at 
     least 23 percent but no more than 24.9 percent less kilowatt 
     hours

[[Page S5945]]

     per year than the 2001 energy conservation standards,
       ``(C) $100 in the case of a refrigerator which is 
     manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009, or 2010, and 
     consumes at least 25 percent but not more than 29.9 percent 
     less kilowatt hours per year than the 2001 energy 
     conservation standards, and
       ``(D) $200 in the case of a refrigerator manufactured in 
     calendar year 2008, 2009, or 2010 and which consumes at least 
     30 percent less energy than the 2001 energy conservation 
     standards.''.
       (b) Eligible Production.--
       (1) Similar treatment for all appliances.--Subsection (c) 
     of section 45M (relating to eligible production) is amended--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2),
       (B) by striking ``(1) In general'' and all that follows 
     through ``the eligible'' and inserting ``The eligible'', and
       (C) by moving the text of such subsection in line with the 
     subsection heading and redesignating subparagraphs (A) and 
     (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
       (2) Modification of base period.--Paragraph (2) of section 
     45M(c), as amended by paragraph (1) of this section, is 
     amended by striking ``3-calendar year'' and inserting ``2-
     calendar year''.
       (c) Types of Energy Efficient Appliances.--Subsection (d) 
     of section 45M (defining types of energy efficient 
     appliances) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) Types of Energy Efficient Appliance.--For purposes of 
     this section, the types of energy efficient appliances are--
       ``(1) dishwashers described in subsection (b)(1),
       ``(2) clothes washers described in subsection (b)(2), and
       ``(3) refrigerators described in subsection (b)(3).''.
       (d) Aggregate Credit Amount Allowed.--
       (1) Increase in limit.--Paragraph (1) of section 45M(e) 
     (relating to aggregate credit amount allowed) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(1) Aggregate credit amount allowed.--The aggregate 
     amount of credit allowed under subsection (a) with respect to 
     a taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $75,000,000 
     reduced by the amount of the credit allowed under subsection 
     (a) to the taxpayer (or any predecessor) for all prior 
     taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007.''.
       (2) Exception for certain refrigerator and clothes 
     washers.--Paragraph (2) of section 45M(e) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(2) Amount allowed for certain refrigerators and clothes 
     washers.--Refrigerators described in subsection (b)(3)(D) and 
     clothes washers described in subsection (b)(2)(D) shall not 
     be taken into account under paragraph (1).''.
       (e) Qualified Energy Efficient Appliances.--
       (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 45M(f) (defining 
     qualified energy efficient appliance) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(1) Qualified energy efficient appliance.--The term 
     `qualified energy efficient appliance' means--
       ``(A) any dishwasher described in subsection (b)(1),
       ``(B) any clothes washer described in subsection (b)(2), 
     and
       ``(C) any refrigerator described in subsection (b)(3).''.
       (2) Clothes washer.--Section 45M(f)(3) (defining clothes 
     washer) is amended by inserting ``commercial'' before 
     ``residential'' the second place it appears.
       (3) Top-loading clothes washer.--Subsection (f) of section 
     45M (relating to definitions) is amended by redesignating 
     paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (5), (6), 
     (7), and (8), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph 
     (3) the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) Top-loading clothes washer.--The term `top-loading 
     clothes washer' means a clothes washer which has the clothes 
     container compartment access located on the top of the 
     machine and which operates on a vertical axis.''.
       (4) Replacement of energy factor.--Section 45M(f)(6), as 
     redesignated by paragraph (3), is amended to read as follows:
       ``(6) Modified energy factor.--The term `modified energy 
     factor' means the modified energy factor established by the 
     Department of Energy for compliance with the Federal energy 
     conservation standard.''.
       (5) Gallons per cycle; water consumption factor.--Section 
     45M(f) (relating to definitions), as amended by paragraph 
     (3), is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) Gallons per cycle.--The term `gallons per cycle' 
     means, with respect to a dishwasher, the amount of water, 
     expressed in gallons, required to complete a normal cycle of 
     a dishwasher.
       ``(10) Water consumption factor.--The term `water 
     consumption factor' means, with respect to a clothes washer, 
     the quotient of the total weighted per-cycle water 
     consumption divided by the cubic foot (or liter) capacity of 
     the clothes washer.''.
       (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to appliances produced after December 31, 2007.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 5021. Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Levin) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 3221, moving 
the United States toward greater energy independence and security, 
developing innovative new technologies; reducing carbon emissions, 
creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable 
energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure, and to 
amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for 
the production of renewable energy and energy conservation; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 455, between lines 14 and 15, insert the following:

     SEC. 1606. CLARIFICATION OF DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN 
                   PROPERTIES.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, subtitle A of 
     title II of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (12 U.S.C. 
     1701z-11 note) and the amendments made by such title shall 
     not apply to any transaction regarding a multifamily real 
     property for which--
       (1) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has 
     received, before the date of the enactment of such Act, 
     written expressions of interest in purchasing the property 
     from both a city government and the housing commission of 
     such city;
       (2) after such receipt, the Secretary acquires title to the 
     property at a foreclosure sale; and
       (3) such city government and housing commission have 
     resolved a previous disagreement with respect to the 
     disposition of the property.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 5022. Mr. SANDERS (for himself and Mr. Coleman, Mr. Kerry, Ms. 
Collins, Mr. Brown, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. Casey) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 4983 by Mr. Reid (for Mr. Dodd 
(for himself and Mr. Shelby)) to the bill H.R. 3221, moving the United 
States toward greater energy independence and security, developing 
innovative new technologies; reducing carbon emissions, creating green 
jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy 
production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure, and to amend the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the 
production of renewable energy and energy conservation; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title VI of division A, add the following:

     SEC. 1606. LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--In addition to any amounts appropriated 
     under any other provision of Federal law, there is 
     appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise 
     appropriated, for fiscal year 2008--
       (1) $1,265,000,000 (to remain available until expended) for 
     making payments under subsections (a) through (d) of section 
     2604 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 
     U.S.C. 8623); and
       (2) $1,265,000,000 (to remain available until expended) for 
     making payments under section 2604(e) of the Low-Income Home 
     Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8623(e)), 
     notwithstanding the designation requirement of section 
     2602(e) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 8621(e)).
       (b) Emergency Requirement.--The amount provided under this 
     section is designated as an emergency requirement, pursuant 
     to section 204 of S. Con. Res. 21 (110th Congress).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 5023. Mr. KOHL submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 3221, moving the United States toward greater 
energy independence and security, developing innovative new 
technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, 
protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy production, and 
modernizing our energy infrastructure, and to amend the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of 
renewable energy and energy conservation; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       At the end of division B, add the following:

             TITLE VII--FORECLOSURE RESCUE FRAUD PROTECTION

     SEC. 2701. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Foreclosure Rescue Fraud 
     Act of 2008''.

     SEC. 2702. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal 
     Trade Commission.
       (2) Foreclosure consultant.--The term ``foreclosure 
     consultant''--
       (A) means a person who makes any solicitation, 
     representation, or offer to a homeowner facing foreclosure on 
     residential real property to perform, for gain, or who 
     performs, for gain, any service that such person represents 
     will prevent, postpone, or reverse the effect of such 
     foreclosure; and
       (B) does not include--
       (i) an attorney licensed to practice law in the State in 
     which the property is located who has established an 
     attorney-client relationship with the homeowner;
       (ii) a person licensed as a real estate broker or 
     salesperson in the State where the property is located, and 
     such person engages in acts permitted under the licensure 
     laws of such State;
       (iii) a housing counseling agency approved by the 
     Secretary;

[[Page S5946]]

       (iv) a depository institution (as defined in section 3 of 
     the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813));
       (v) a Federal credit union or a State credit union (as 
     defined in section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 
     U.S.C. 1752)); or
       (vi) an insurance company organized under the laws of any 
     State.
       (3) Homeowner.--The term ``homeowner'', with respect to 
     residential real property for which an action to foreclose on 
     the mortgage or deed of trust on such real property is filed, 
     means the person holding record title to such property as of 
     the date on which such action is filed.
       (4) Loan servicer.--The term ``loan servicer'' has the same 
     meaning as the term ``servicer'' in section 6(i)(2) of the 
     Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 
     2605(i)(2)).
       (5) Residential mortgage loan.--The term ``residential 
     mortgage loan'' means any loan primarily for personal, 
     family, or household use that is secured by a mortgage, deed 
     of trust, or other equivalent consensual security interest on 
     a dwelling (as defined in section 103(v) of the Truth in 
     Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1602)(v)) or residential real estate 
     upon which is constructed or intended to be constructed a 
     dwelling (as so defined).
       (6) Residential real property.--The term ``residential real 
     property'' has the meaning given the term ``dwelling'' in 
     section 103 of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 
     1602).
       (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Housing and Urban Development.

     SEC. 2703. MORTGAGE RESCUE FRAUD PROTECTION.

       (a) Limits on Foreclosure Consultants.--A foreclosure 
     consultant may not--
       (1) claim, demand, charge, collect, or receive any 
     compensation from a homeowner for services performed by such 
     foreclosure consultant with respect to residential real 
     property until such foreclosure consultant has fully 
     performed each service that such foreclosure consultant 
     contracted to perform or represented would be performed with 
     respect to such residential real property;
       (2) hold any power of attorney from any homeowner, except 
     to inspect documents, as provided by applicable law;
       (3) receive any consideration from a third party in 
     connection with services rendered to a homeowner by such 
     third party with respect to the foreclosure of residential 
     real property, unless such consideration is fully disclosed, 
     in a clear and conspicuous manner, to such homeowner in 
     writing before such services are rendered;
       (4) accept any wage assignment, any lien of any type on 
     real or personal property, or other security to secure the 
     payment of compensation with respect to services provided by 
     such foreclosure consultant in connection with the 
     foreclosure of residential real property; or
       (5) acquire any interest, directly or indirectly, in the 
     residence of a homeowner with whom the foreclosure consultant 
     has contracted.
       (b) Contract Requirements.--
       (1) Written contract required.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, a foreclosure consultant may not provide to 
     a homeowner a service related to the foreclosure of 
     residential real property--
       (A) unless--
       (i) a written contract for the purchase of such service has 
     been signed and dated by the homeowner; and
       (ii) such contract complies with the requirements described 
     in paragraph (2); and
       (B) before the end of the 3-business-day period beginning 
     on the date on which the contract is signed.
       (2) Terms and conditions of contract.--The requirements 
     described in this paragraph, with respect to a contract, are 
     as follows:
       (A) The contract includes, in writing--
       (i) a full and detailed description of the exact nature of 
     the contract and the total amount and terms of compensation;
       (ii) the name, physical address, phone number, email 
     address, and facsimile number, if any, of the foreclosure 
     consultant to whom a notice of cancellation can be mailed or 
     sent under subsection (d); and
       (iii) a conspicuous statement in at least 12 point bold 
     face type in immediate proximity to the space reserved for 
     the homeowner's signature on the contract that reads as 
     follows: ``You may cancel this contract without penalty or 
     obligation at any time before midnight of the 3rd business 
     day after the date on which you sign the contract. See the 
     attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of 
     this right.''.
       (B) The contract is written in the principal language used 
     to solicit or market the services to the homeowner.
       (C) The contract is accompanied by the form required by 
     subsection (c)(2).
       (c) Right To Cancel Contract.--
       (1) In general.--With respect to a contract between a 
     homeowner and a foreclosure consultant regarding the 
     foreclosure on the residential real property of such 
     homeowner, such homeowner may cancel such contract without 
     penalty or obligation by mailing a notice of cancellation not 
     later than midnight of the 3rd business day after the date on 
     which such contract is executed or would become enforceable 
     against the parties to such contract.
       (2) Cancellation form and other information.--Each contract 
     described in paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by a form, in 
     duplicate, that--
       (A) has the heading ``Notice of Cancellation'' in boldface 
     type; and
       (B) contains in boldface type the following statement:
       ``You may cancel this contract, without any penalty or 
     obligation, at any time before midnight of the 3rd day after 
     the date on which the contract is signed by you.
       ``To cancel this contract, mail or deliver a signed and 
     dated copy of this cancellation notice or any other 
     equivalent written notice to [insert name of foreclosure 
     consultant] at [insert address of foreclosure consultant] 
     before midnight on [insert date].
       ``I hereby cancel this transaction on [insert date] [insert 
     homeowner signature].''.
       (d) Waiver of Rights and Protections Prohibited.--
       (1) In general.--A waiver by a homeowner of any protection 
     provided by this section or any right of a homeowner under 
     this section--
       (A) shall be treated as void; and
       (B) may not be enforced by any Federal or State court or by 
     any person.
       (2) Attempt to obtain a waiver.--Any attempt by any person 
     to obtain a waiver from any homeowner of any protection 
     provided by this section or any right of the homeowner under 
     this section shall be treated as a violation of this section.
       (3) Contracts not in compliance.--Any contract that does 
     not comply with the applicable provisions of this title shall 
     be void and may not be enforceable by any party.

     SEC. 2704. WARNINGS TO HOMEOWNERS OF FORECLOSURE RESCUE 
                   SCAMS.

       (a) In General.--If a loan servicer finds that a homeowner 
     has failed to make 2 consecutive payments on a residential 
     mortgage loan and such loan is at risk of being foreclosed 
     upon, the loan servicer shall notify such homeowner of the 
     dangers of fraudulent activities associated with foreclosure.
       (b) Notice Requirements.--Each notice provided under 
     subsection (a) shall--
       (1) be in writing;
       (2) be included with a mailing of account information;
       (3) have the heading ``Notice Required by Federal Law'' in 
     a 14-point boldface type in English and Spanish at the top of 
     such notice; and
       (4) contain the following statement in English and Spanish: 
     ``Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may 
     approach you about saving your home. You should be careful 
     about any such promises. There are government and nonprofit 
     agencies you may contact for helpful information about the 
     foreclosure process. Contact your lender immediately at 
     [____], call the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
     Housing Counseling Line at (800) 569-4287 to find a housing 
     counseling agency certified by the Department to assist you 
     in avoiding foreclosure, or visit the Department's Tips for 
     Avoiding Foreclosure website at http://www.hud.gov/
 foreclosure for additional assistance.'' (the blank space to 
     be filled in by the loan servicer and successor telephone 
     numbers and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for the 
     Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing 
     Counseling Line and Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure website, 
     respectively).

     SEC. 2705. CIVIL LIABILITY.

       (a) In General.--Any foreclosure consultant who fails to 
     comply with any provision of section 2703 or 2704 with 
     respect to any other person shall be liable to such person in 
     an amount equal to the greater of--
       (1) the amount of any actual damage sustained by such 
     person as a result of such failure; or
       (2) any amount paid by the person to the foreclosure 
     consultant.
       (b) Class Actions Prohibited.--No Federal court may certify 
     a civil action under subsection (a) as a class action under 
     rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

     SEC. 2706. ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission.--
       (1) Unfair or deceptive act or practice.--A violation of a 
     prohibition described in section 2703 or a failure to comply 
     with any provision of section 2703 or 2704 shall be treated 
     as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act 
     or practice described under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the 
     Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).
       (2) Actions by the federal trade commission.--The Federal 
     Trade Commission shall enforce the provisions of sections 
     2703 and 2704 in the same manner, by the same means, and with 
     the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all 
     applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade 
     Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into 
     and made part of this title.
       (b) State Action for Violations.--
       (1) Authority of states.--In addition to such other 
     remedies as are provided under State law, whenever the chief 
     law enforcement officer of a State, or an official or agency 
     designated by a State, has reason to believe that any person 
     has violated or is violating the provisions of section 2703 
     or 2704, the State--
       (A) may bring an action to enjoin such violation;
       (B) may bring an action on behalf of its residents to 
     recover damages for which the person is liable to such 
     residents under section 2705 as a result of the violation; 
     and
       (C) in the case of any successful action under subparagraph 
     (A) or (B), shall be awarded the costs of the action.
       (2) Rights of federal trade commission.--
       (A) Notice to commission.--The State shall serve prior 
     written notice of any civil action

[[Page S5947]]

     under paragraph (1) upon the Commission and provide the 
     Commission with a copy of its complaint, except in any case 
     in which such prior notice is not feasible, in which case the 
     State shall serve such notice immediately upon instituting 
     such action.
       (B) Intervention.--The Commission shall have the right--
       (i) to intervene in any action referred to in subparagraph 
     (A);
       (ii) upon so intervening, to be heard on all matters 
     arising in the action; and
       (iii) to file petitions for appeal in such actions.
       (3) Investigatory powers.--For purposes of bringing any 
     action under this subsection, nothing in this subsection 
     shall prevent the chief law enforcement officer, or an 
     official or agency designated by a State, from exercising the 
     powers conferred on the chief law enforcement officer or such 
     official by the laws of such State to conduct investigations 
     or to administer oaths or affirmations, or to compel the 
     attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and 
     other evidence.
       (4) Limitation.--Whenever the Federal Trade Commission has 
     instituted a civil action for a violation of section 2703 or 
     2704, no State may, during the pendency of such action, bring 
     an action under this section against any defendant named in 
     the complaint of the Commission for any violation of section 
     2703 or 2704 that is alleged in that complaint.

     SEC. 2707. LIMITATION.

       No violation of a prohibition described in section 2703 or 
     a failure to comply with any provision of section 2703 or 
     2704 shall provide grounds for the halt, delay, or 
     modification of a foreclosure process or proceeding.

     SEC. 2708. PREEMPTION.

       Nothing in this title affects any provision of State or 
     local law respecting any foreclosure consultant, residential 
     mortgage loan, or residential real property that provides 
     equal or greater protection to homeowners than what is 
     provided under this title.

       Amend the table of contents accordingly.

                          ____________________