[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 15955-15959]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 1610. Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Kerry, 
Mr. Reed, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Whitehouse, and Ms. Snowe) proposed an 
amendment to amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, 
to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in 
alternative energy, and for other purposes; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. SITING, CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, AND OPERATION OF 
                   LNG TERMINALS.

       Section 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403), is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking the section designation and all that 
     follows through ``creation'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 10. OBSTRUCTION OF NAVIGABLE WATERS; WHARVES AND 
                   PIERS; EXCAVATIONS AND FILLING IN.

       ``(a) In General.--The creation''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Siting, Construction, Expansion, and Operation of LNG 
     Terminals.--
       ``(1) Definition of affected state.--In this subsection, 
     the term `affected State' means, with respect to a liquefied 
     natural gas terminal that is the subject of an application 
     for an authorization under this section, a State that--
       ``(A) would be directly connected by a pipeline to the 
     liquefied natural gas terminal;
       ``(B) would be located within 15 miles of the liquefied 
     natural gas terminal; or
       ``(C) is designated as an affected State by the Secretary 
     due to a risk of damage to the coastal environment of the 
     affected State that is equal to or greater than the risk of 
     damage to the coastal environment of the State in which the 
     liquified natural gas terminal is proposed to be located.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not approve or 
     disapprove an application for an authorization under this 
     section for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation 
     of a liquefied natural gas terminal pursuant to this section 
     without the express concurrence of the Governor of each 
     affected State.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1611. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce 
our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in 
alternative energy, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       On page 38, strike lines 11 through 17 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(4) Project design.--
       ``(A) In general.--A project for which a guarantee is made 
     under this subsection shall have a project design that--
       ``(i) has been validated through the operation of a 
     continuous process pilot facility with an annual output of at 
     least 50,000 gallons of ethanol or the energy equivalent 
     volume of other advanced biofuels; or
       ``(ii) provides for upgrades to an existing ethanol 
     production facility that would increase ethanol production at 
     the facility through the addition of cellulosic production 
     capabilities, if the Secretary certifies that--

       ``(I) the upgrades would increase total ethanol production 
     at the facility; and
       ``(II) the facility has the cellulosic transportation and 
     logistical resources and cellulosic process technologies 
     necessary to provide the increase in ethanol production 
     required under subclause (I).

       ``(B) Priority.--In providing guarantees under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to projects to 
     be carried out in communities with a population of 25,000 or 
     less residents.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1612. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce 
our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in 
alternative energy, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       On page 47, after line 23, add the following:

     SEC. 131. RENEWABLE FUEL COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC 
                   COORDINATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall develop a 
     comprehensive strategic program to coordinate, to the maximum 
     extent practicable--
       (1) the renewable fuel standards required by this Act; and
       (2) the distribution infrastructure development and vehicle 
     production levels necessary to minimize economic disruption 
     as a result of those standards.
       (b) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report that contains--
       (1) a determination of the Secretary with respect to the 
     effectiveness and practicability of using, on a national 
     scale, an ethanol blend fuel (such as E-15 or E-20 blended 
     fuel) to achieve the most efficient expansion of ethanol use; 
     and
       (2) if the Secretary determines that use of an ethanol 
     blend fuel as described in paragraph (1) would be effective 
     and practicable, recommendations of the Secretary relating 
     to--
       (A) the appropriate type and level of use of ethanol blend 
     fuels; and
       (B) an interagency plan to achieve that type and level.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1613. Mr. COLEMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce 
our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency

[[Page 15956]]

and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 12, strike the table between lines 15 and 16 and 
     insert the following:

                                 ``Applicable volume of renewable fuel 
Calendar year:                               (in billions of gallons): 
  2008.........................................................8.5 ....

  2009........................................................10.5 ....

  2010........................................................12.0 ....

  2011........................................................12.6 ....

  2012........................................................14.2 ....

  2013........................................................15.8 ....

  2014........................................................18.4 ....

  2015........................................................23.0 ....

  2016........................................................26.0 ....

  2017........................................................29.0 ....

  2018........................................................32.0 ....

  2019........................................................35.0 ....

  2020........................................................38.0 ....

  2021........................................................41.0 ....

  2022.....................................................44.0.''.....

       On page 13, line 3, strike ``2016'' and insert ``2012''.
       On page 13, strike the table between lines 5 and 6 and 
     insert the following:

                              ``Applicable volume of advanced biofuels 
Calendar year:                               (in billions of gallons): 
  2012.........................................................1.0 ....

  2013.........................................................2.0 ....

  2014.........................................................4.0 ....

  2015.........................................................8.0 ....

  2016........................................................11.0 ....

  2017........................................................14.0 ....

  2018........................................................17.0 ....

  2019........................................................20.0 ....

  2020........................................................23.0 ....

  2021........................................................27.0 ....

  2022.....................................................30.0.''.....

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1614. Mr. TESTER (for himself, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. 
Salazar, and Mr. Bingaman) submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, 
to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in 
alternative energy, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       At the end of title III, add the following:

     SEC. 3___. COAL INNOVATION DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Title XXXI of the Energy Policy Act of 
     1992 (42 U.S.C. 13571 et seq.) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``SEC. 3105. COAL INNOVATION DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Carbon capture.--The term `carbon capture' means the 
     capture, separation, and compression of carbon dioxide that 
     would otherwise be released to the atmosphere at a facility 
     in the production of end products of a project prior to 
     transportation of the carbon dioxide to a long-term storage 
     site.
       ``(2) Coal-to-liquid product.--The term `coal-to-liquid 
     product' means a liquid fuel resulting from the conversion of 
     a feedstock, as described in this section.
       ``(3) Combustible end product.--The term `combustible end 
     product' means any product of a facility intended to be used 
     as a combustible fuel.
       ``(4) Conventional baseline emissions.--The term 
     `conventional baseline emissions' means--
       ``(A) the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of a facility 
     that produces combustible end products, using petroleum as a 
     feedstock, that are equivalent to combustible end products 
     produced by a facility of comparable size through an eligible 
     project;
       ``(B) in the case of noncombustible products produced 
     through an eligible project, the average lifecycle greenhouse 
     gas emissions emitted by projects that--
       ``(i) are of comparable size; and
       ``(ii) produce equivalent products using conventional 
     feedstocks; and
       ``(C) in the case of synthesized gas intended for use as a 
     combustible fuel in lieu of natural gas produced by an 
     eligible project, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions that 
     would result from equivalent use of natural gas.
       ``(5) Eligible project.--The term `eligible project' means 
     a project--
       ``(A) that employs gasification technology or another 
     conversion process for feedstocks described in this section; 
     and
       ``(B) for which--
       ``(i) the annual lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of the 
     project are at least 20 percent lower than conventional 
     baseline emissions;
       ``(ii) at least 75 percent of the carbon dioxide that would 
     otherwise be released to the atmosphere at the facility in 
     the production of end products of the project is captured for 
     long-term storage;
       ``(iii) the individual or entity carrying out the eligible 
     project has entered into an enforceable agreement with the 
     Secretary to implement carbon capture at the percentage that, 
     by the end of the 5-year period after commencement of 
     commercial operation of the eligible project--

       ``(I) represents the best available technology; and
       ``(II) achieves a reduction in carbon emissions that is not 
     less than 75 percent; and

       ``(iv) in the opinion of the Secretary, sufficient 
     commitments have been secured to achieve long-term storage of 
     captured carbon dioxide beginning as of the date of 
     commencement of commercial operation of the project.
       ``(6) Facility.--The term `facility' means a facility at 
     which the conversion of feedstocks to end products takes 
     place.
       ``(7) Gasification technology.--The term `gasification 
     technology' means any process that converts coal, petroleum 
     residue, renewable biomass, or other material that is 
     recovered for energy or feedstock value into a synthesis gas 
     composed primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen for direct 
     use or subsequent chemical or physical conversion.
       ``(8) Greenhouse gas.--The term `greenhouse gas' means any 
     of--
       ``(A) carbon dioxide;
       ``(B) methane;
       ``(C) nitrous oxide;
       ``(D) hydrofluorocarbons;
       ``(E) perfluorocarbons; and
       ``(F) sulfur hexafluoride.
       ``(9) Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.--The term 
     `lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions' means the aggregate 
     quantity of greenhouse gases attributable to the production 
     and transportation of end products at a facility, including 
     the production, extraction, cultivation, distribution, 
     marketing, and transportation of feedstocks, and the 
     subsequent distribution and use of any combustible end 
     products, as modified by deducting, as determined by the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency--
       ``(A) any greenhouse gases captured at the facility and 
     sequestered;
       ``(B) the carbon content, expressed in units of carbon 
     dioxide equivalent, of any feedstock that is renewable 
     biomass; and
       ``(C) the carbon content, expressed in units of carbon 
     dioxide equivalent, of any end products that do not result in 
     the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
       ``(10) Long-term storage.--The term `long-term storage' 
     means sequestration with an expected maximum rate of carbon 
     dioxide leakage over a specified period of time that is 
     consistent with the objective of reducing atmospheric 
     concentrations of carbon dioxide, subject to a permit issued 
     pursuant to law in effect as of the date of the 
     sequestration.
       ``(11) Renewable biomass.--The term `renewable biomass' has 
     the definition given the term in section 102 of the Renewable 
     Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 
     2007.
       ``(12) Sequestration.--The term `sequestration' means the 
     placement of carbon dioxide in a geological formation, 
     including--
       ``(A) an operating oil and gas field;
       ``(B) coal bed methane recovery;
       ``(C) a depleted oil and gas field;
       ``(D) an unmineable coal seam;
       ``(E) a deep saline formation; and
       ``(F) a deep geological systems containing basalt 
     formations.
       ``(b) FEED Assistance Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), and in 
     accordance with section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 
     (42 U.S.C. 16352), not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall carry out 
     a program to provide grants for use in obtaining or carrying 
     out any services necessary for the planning, permitting, and 
     construction of an eligible project.
       ``(2) Selection of eligible projects.--The Secretary shall 
     select eligible projects to receive grants under this 
     section--
       ``(A) through the conduct of a reverse auction, in which 
     eligible projects proposed to be carried out that have the 
     greatest rate of carbon capture and long-term storage, and 
     the lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, are given 
     priority;
       ``(B) that, taken together, would--
       ``(i) represent a variety of geographical regions;
       ``(ii) use a variety of feedstocks and types of coal; and
       ``(iii) to the extent consistent with achieving long-term 
     storage, represent a variety of geological formations; and
       ``(C) for which eligible projects, in the opinion of the 
     Secretary--
       ``(i) each award recipient is financially viable without 
     the receipt of additional Federal funding associated with the 
     proposed project;
       ``(ii) each recipient will provide sufficient information 
     to the Secretary for the Secretary to ensure that the 
     qualified investment is expended efficiently and effectively;
       ``(iii) a market exists for the products of the proposed 
     project, as evidenced by contracts or written statements of 
     intent from potential customers;
       ``(iv) the project team of each recipient is competent in 
     the construction and operation of the gasification technology 
     proposed; and
       ``(v) each recipient has met such other criteria as may be 
     established and published by the Secretary.

[[Page 15957]]

       ``(3) Maximum amount of grants.--In carrying out this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall provide not more than--
       ``(A) $20,000,000 in grant funds for any eligible project; 
     and
       ``(B) $200,000,000 in grant funds, in the aggregate, for 
     all eligible projects.
       ``(c) Direct Loan Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, and subject to funds being made 
     available in advance through appropriations Acts, the 
     Secretary shall carry out a program to provide a total of not 
     more than $10,000,000,000 in loans to eligible individuals 
     and entities (as determined by the Secretary) for use in 
     carrying out eligible projects.
       ``(2) Application.--An applicant for a loan under this 
     section shall comply with the terms and conditions in section 
     215(b)(3) of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and 
     Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 in the same manner in which 
     applicants for Renewable Energy Construction grants are 
     required to comply with that section.
       ``(3) Selection of eligible projects.--The Secretary shall 
     select eligible projects to receive loans under this 
     section--
       ``(A) through the conduct of a reverse auction, in which 
     eligible projects proposed to be carried out that have the 
     greatest rate of carbon capture and long-term storage, and 
     the lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, are given 
     priority;
       ``(B) that, taken together, would--
       ``(i) represent a variety of geographic regions;
       ``(ii) use a variety of types of feedstocks and coal; and
       ``(iii) to the extent consistent with achieving long-term 
     storage, represent a variety of geological formations; and
       ``(C) for which eligible projects, in the opinion of the 
     Secretary--
       ``(i) each award recipient is financially viable without 
     the receipt of additional Federal funding associated with the 
     proposed project;
       ``(ii) each recipient will provide sufficient information 
     to the Secretary for the Secretary to ensure that the 
     qualified investment is expended efficiently and effectively;
       ``(iii) a market exists for the products of the proposed 
     project, as evidenced by contracts or written statements of 
     intent from potential customers;
       ``(iv) the project team of each recipient is competent in 
     the construction and operation of the gasification technology 
     proposed; and
       ``(v) each recipient has met such other criteria as may be 
     established and published by the Secretary.
       ``(4) Use of loan funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), funds from 
     a loan provided under this section may be used to pay up to 
     100 percent of the costs of capital associated with reducing 
     lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions at the facility (including 
     carbon dioxide capture, compression, and long-term storage, 
     cogeneration, and gasification of biomass) carried out as 
     part of an eligible project.
       ``(B) Total project cost.--Funds from a loan provided under 
     this section may not be used to pay more than 50 percent of 
     the total cost of an eligible project.
       ``(5) Rates, terms, and repayment of loans.--A loan 
     provided under this section--
       ``(A) shall have an interest rate that, as of the date on 
     which the loan is made, is equal to the cost of funds to the 
     Department of the Treasury for obligations of comparable 
     maturity;
       ``(B) shall have a term equal to the lesser of--
       ``(i) the projected life, in years, of the eligible project 
     to be carried out using funds from the loan, as determined by 
     the Secretary; and
       ``(ii) 25 years;
       ``(C) may be subject to a deferral in repayment for not 
     more than 5 years after the date on which the eligible 
     project carried out using funds from the loan first begins 
     operations, as determined by the Secretary; and
       ``(D) shall be made on the condition that the Secretary 
     shall be subrogated to the rights of the recipient of the 
     payment as specified in the loan or related agreements, 
     including, as appropriate, the authority (notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law)--
       ``(i) to complete, maintain, operate, lease, or otherwise 
     dispose of any property acquired pursuant to the guarantee or 
     a related agreement; or
       ``(ii) to permit the borrower, pursuant to an agreement 
     with the Secretary, to continue to pursue the purposes of the 
     project, if the Secretary determines the pursuit to be in the 
     public interest.
       ``(6) Methodology.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency shall, by regulation, 
     establish a methodology for use in determining the lifecycle 
     greenhouse gas emissions of products produced using 
     gasification technology.
       ``(d) Study of Maintaining Coal-to-Liquid Products in 
     Strategic Petroleum Reserve.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Secretary and the 
     Secretary of Defense shall--
       ``(1) conduct a study of the feasibility and suitability of 
     maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic 
     Petroleum Reserve; and
       ``(2) submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on 
     Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report 
     describing the results of the study.
       ``(e) Report on Emissions of Coal-to-Liquid Products Used 
     as Transportation Fuels.--
       ``(1) In general.--In cooperation with the Secretary, the 
     Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, and the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services, the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency shall--
       ``(A) carry out a research and demonstration program to 
     evaluate the emissions of the use of coal-to-liquid fuel for 
     transportation, including diesel and jet fuel;
       ``(B) evaluate the effect of using coal-to-liquid 
     transportation fuel on emissions of vehicles, including motor 
     vehicles and nonroad vehicles, and aircraft (as those terms 
     are defined in sections 216 and 234, respectively, of the 
     Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7550, 7574)); and
       ``(C) in accordance with paragraph (4), submit to Congress 
     a report on the effect on air and water quality, water 
     scarcity, land use, and public health of using coal-to-liquid 
     fuel in the transportation sector.
       ``(2) Guidance and technical support.--The Administrator of 
     the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the 
     Secretary, shall issue any guidance or technical support 
     documents necessary to facilitate the effective use of coal-
     to-liquid fuel and blends under this subsection.
       ``(3) Requirements.--The program described in paragraph 
     (1)(A) shall take into consideration--
       ``(A) the use of neat (100 percent) coal-to-liquid fuel and 
     blends of coal-to-liquid fuels with conventional crude oil-
     derived fuel for heavy-duty and light-duty diesel engines and 
     the aviation sector;
       ``(B) the production costs associated with domestic 
     production of those fuels and prices for consumers; and
       ``(C) the overall greenhouse gas effects of substituting 
     coal-derived fuels for crude oil-derived fuels.
       ``(4) Reports.--The Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency shall submit to the Committee on Energy and 
     Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy 
     and Commerce of the House of Representatives--
       ``(A) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
     of this section, an interim report on actions taken to carry 
     out this subsection; and
       ``(B) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this section, a final report on actions taken to carry out 
     this subsection.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the 
     Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. prec. 13201) is amended 
     by adding at the end of the items relating to title XXXI the 
     following:

``Sec. 3105. Coal innovation direct loan program.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1615. Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. Cantwell, Ms. Snowe, and Mrs. 
Murray) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 
1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's 
dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and 
alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy 
technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic 
Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative 
energy, and for other purposes; as follows:

       At the end of title III, insert the following:

     SEC. 305. ABRUPT CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary of Commerce 
     shall establish within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Research of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, and shall carry out, a program of scientific 
     research on abrupt climate change.
       (b) Purposes of Program.--The purposes of the program are 
     as follows:
       (1) To develop a global array of terrestrial and 
     oceanographic indicators of paleoclimate in order to 
     sufficiently identify and describe past instances of abrupt 
     climate change.
       (2) To improve understanding of thresholds and 
     0nonlinearities in geophysical systems related to the 
     mechanisms of abrupt climate change.
       (3) To incorporate such mechanisms into advanced 
     geophysical models of climate change.
       (4) To test the output of such models against an improved 
     global array of records of past abrupt climate changes.
       (c) Abrupt Climate Change Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``abrupt climate change'' means a change in the climate 
     that occurs so rapidly or unexpectedly that human or natural 
     systems have difficulty adapting to the climate as changed.

[[Page 15958]]

       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce for each of 
     fiscal years 2009 through 2014, to remain available until 
     expended, $10,000,000 to carry out the research program 
     required under this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1616. Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Carper) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. 
Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign 
oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, 
promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater 
efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables 
Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle B of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 131. REPORT ON USE OF FUNDS TO REDUCE OIL AND FUEL 
                   CONSUMPTION.

       (a) Report; Incorporation of Information Into Plans.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than December 1, 2008, each State 
     and metropolitan planning organization that serves a 
     population of 200,000 or more shall make available to the 
     public, using the Internet and other means commonly used to 
     inform the public, a report that describes--
       (A) the ways in which the planned use of Federal funds made 
     available under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient 
     Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (Public Law 
     109-59), and title 23, United States Code, to the State or 
     metropolitan planning organization for the preceding fiscal 
     year, including any documentation or materials assembled in 
     the project development process on anticipated fuel and cost 
     savings benefits, will--
       (i) reduce the demand for gasoline and diesel fuels; and
       (ii) lower household transportation expenditures; and
       (B)(i) the number of residences, jobs, and shopping venues 
     within the State or metropolitan area, as applicable, that 
     are located within \1/2\ of a mile of any transit or 
     intercity rail transportation station or stop; and
       (ii) with respect to transit and intercity rail stations 
     and stops described in clause (i)--
       (I) the frequency of transit or intercity rail 
     transportation service; and
       (II) a description of whether the transit and intercity 
     rail stations and stops are safely accessible by pedestrians.
       (2) Incorporation of information into plans.--For fiscal 
     year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter, each State and 
     metropolitan planning organization described in paragraph (1) 
     shall consider and include in any update or revision of the 
     transportation improvement program of the State or 
     metropolitan planning organization the information required 
     to be included in the report submitted under paragraph (1).
       (b) Information, Data, and Technical Assistance.--The 
     Secretary, with assistance from the Bureau of Transportation 
     Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other Federal 
     agencies, shall provide to States and metropolitan planning 
     organizations any information, data, and technical assistance 
     that would assist the States and metropolitan planning 
     organizations in preparing the report under subsection 
     (a)(1).
       (c) Report on Fuel Savings.--Not later than July 1, 2009, 
     the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that 
     describes any cumulative savings in fuel, the most effective 
     fuel savings measures, and any other benefits identified by 
     the States and metropolitan planning organizations, from the 
     use of Federal funds made available under the Safe, 
     Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
     Legacy for Users (Public Law 109-59) during each of fiscal 
     years 2008 and 2009.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1617. Mr. TESTER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce 
our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in 
alternative energy, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       At the end of title III, add the following:

     SEC. 305. PROPOSED REGULATORY PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the President, acting through the 
     Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, shall 
     develop a proposed regulatory plan for the long-term geologic 
     storage of carbon dioxide.
       (b) Consultation.--In developing the proposed regulatory 
     plan, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality 
     shall consult with--
       (1) the Secretary of the Interior;
       (2) the Secretary of Agriculture;
       (3) the Secretary of Energy;
       (4) the Secretary of Transportation;
       (5) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency;
       (6) the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory 
     Commission;
       (7) the Attorney General; and
       (8) such other officials as the Chairman of the Council on 
     Environmental Quality determines to be appropriate.
       (c) Contents.--The proposed regulatory plan shall include--
       (1) a recommended performance standard for long-term 
     geologic storage of carbon dioxide, including--
       (A) a minimum period of time that carbon dioxide stored in 
     a geologic formation will remain in the formation without 
     substantial leakage to the atmosphere; and
       (B) a maximum percentage of acceptable leakage from a 
     formation over the minimum storage period;
       (2) recommended standards for certifying geologic storage 
     sites, which standards shall--
       (A) include criteria for site selection and management of 
     long-term storage in each of the types of geologic settings 
     described in section 963(c)(3)(A) of the Energy Policy Act of 
     2005 (42 U.S.C. 16293(c)(3)(A)); and
       (B) ensure that carbon dioxide stored in a geologic storage 
     site shall not--
       (i) present a substantial threat to the health or safety of 
     the public or the environment; or
       (ii) present a substantial risk of leakage in a quantity in 
     excess of the maximum acceptable leakage rate recommended 
     under paragraph (1)(B);
       (3) recommended standards and best practices for the 
     injection of carbon dioxide into, and the management of, 
     geologic storage sites to ensure the suitability of long-term 
     storage;
       (4) a proposed regulatory framework for the leasing of 
     Federal land or an interest in land for the long-term 
     geologic storage of carbon dioxide that ensures that--
       (A) the views of adjacent residents, landowners, and the 
     general public are heard and considered;
       (B) the quality of scientific, scenic, historical, 
     ecological, environmental, air, atmospheric, water resource, 
     and archeological values of the Federal land or an interest 
     in land overlaying a geologic storage site are protected; and
       (C) the United States receives fair market value for the 
     use of Federal land or an interest in land for the long-term 
     storage of carbon dioxide;
       (5) a report on the potential for any legal liability that 
     may arise out of, or result from, a release of carbon dioxide 
     from a long-term geologic storage site (on Federal or non-
     Federal land) that may result in bodily injury, sickness, 
     disease, or death, the loss of or damage to property, or the 
     loss of use of property, including--
       (A) the likelihood of a release resulting in legal 
     liability;
       (B) the maximum amount of legal liability;
       (C) the commercial availability of financial protection 
     from legal liability; and
       (D) recommendations for additional legislation that may be 
     needed to--
       (i) provide financial protection to persons storing carbon 
     dioxide at Federal sites; or
       (ii) compensate the public from any harm to 1 or more 
     persons or property resulting from the release of carbon 
     dioxide at a long-term geologic storage site; and
       (6) a prioritized list of--
       (A) Federal sites that are geologically suitable for 
     storage of carbon dioxide; and
       (B) the locations at which carbon dioxide may be stored 
     without adversely affecting the use for which the site was 
     reserved or acquired.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the President shall submit the 
     proposed regulatory plan to appropriate committees of 
     Congress, including--
       (1) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate;
       (2) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
     Senate;
       (3) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (4) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (e) Effect on Other Laws.--Nothing in this section modifies 
     or otherwise affects the authority of a Federal land 
     management agency to manage land under the jurisdiction of 
     the agency in accordance with applicable law.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1618. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign 
oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, 
promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater 
efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables 
Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:


[[Page 15959]]

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. _. ELECTION TO EXPENSE THREE DIMENSIONAL SEISMIC DATA 
                   EXPENDITURES.

       (a) In General.--Part VI of subchapter B of chapter 1 of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting 
     after section 179E the following new section:

     ``SEC. 179F. ELECTION TO EXPENSE THREE DIMENSIONAL SEISMIC 
                   DATA EXPENDITURES.

       ``(a) Treatment as Expenses.--Notwithstanding section 
     167(h), a taxpayer may elect to treat 100 percent of the cost 
     of any qualified three dimensional seismic data expenditure 
     as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account. Any 
     cost so treated shall be allowed as a deduction for the 
     taxable year in which the qualified three dimensional seismic 
     data expenditure is made.
       ``(b) Election.--
       ``(1) In general.--An election under this section for any 
     taxable year shall be made on the taxpayer's return of the 
     tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year. Such 
     election shall specify any three dimensional seismic data 
     expenditure to which the election applies and shall be made 
     in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.
       ``(2) Election irrevocable.--Any election made under this 
     section may not be revoked except with the consent of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(c) Qualified Three Dimensional Seismic Data 
     Expenditure.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     `qualified three dimensional seismic data expenditure' means 
     any geological and geophysical expenses described in section 
     167(h)(1) paid or incurred in connection with the collection, 
     processing, or interpretation of three dimensional seismic 
     data.
       ``(d) Coordination With Section 179.--No expenditures shall 
     be taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to 
     the portion of the cost of any property specified in an 
     election under section 179.''.
       (b) Cross Reference.--Section 167(h) of such Code (relating 
     to amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(6) Treatment of three dimensional seismic data 
     expenditures.--For the treatment of geological and 
     geophysical expenses relating to three dimensional seismic 
     data expenditures, see section 179F.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part VI 
     of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 179E the 
     following new item:

``Sec. 179F. Election to expense three dimensional seismic data 
              expenditures.''.

       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to expenditures paid or incurred in taxable years 
     beginning after December 31, 2007.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1619. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1502 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce 
our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, 
renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging 
energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a 
Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in 
alternative energy, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. ELIMINATION OF TAXABLE INCOME LIMIT ON PERCENTAGE 
                   DEPLETION FOR OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCED FROM 
                   MARGINAL PROPERTIES.

       (a) In General.--Subparagraph (H) of section 613A(c)(6) of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to oil and 
     natural gas produced from marginal properties) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(H) Nonapplication of taxable income limit with respect 
     to marginal production.--The second sentence of subsection 
     (a) of section 613 shall not apply to so much of the 
     allowance for depletion as is determined under subparagraph 
     (A).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 
     2006.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1620. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign 
oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, 
promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater 
efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables 
Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. _. INCREASE OF BARRELS PER DAY AND CUBIC FEET 
                   LIMITATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 613A(c) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 (relating to exemption for independent producers 
     and royalty owners) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``1,000'' in paragraph (3)(B) and inserting 
     ``1,500'', and
       (2) by striking ``6,000'' in paragraph (4) and inserting 
     ``9,000''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 
     2007.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1621. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign 
oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, 
promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater 
efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables 
Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. _. INCREASED PHASEOUT THRESHOLD CREDIT FOR PRODUCING OIL 
                   AND GAS FROM MARGINAL WELLS.

       (a) In General.--Section 45I(b)(2)(A) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to reduction as oil and gas 
     prices increase) is amended--
       (1) in clause (i)--
       (A) by striking ``$15'' and inserting ``$22'', and
       (B) by striking ``$1.67'' and inserting ``$2.50'', and
       (2) by striking ``$0.33'' in clause (ii) and inserting 
     ``$0.30''.
       (b) Amendment of Inflation Adjustment.--Subparagraph (B) of 
     section 45I(b)(2) of such Code (relating to inflation 
     adjustment) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2008'', and
       (2) by striking ``2004'' and inserting ``2007''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 
     2007.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1622. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign 
oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, 
promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater 
efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables 
Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. _. INCREASE OF BARRELS PER DAY LIMITATION FOR THE SMALL 
                   REFINER EXCEPTION.

       (a) In General.--Section 613A(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 (relating to exclusion of certain refiners) is 
     amended by striking ``75,000'' and inserting ``100,000''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 
     2007.

                          ____________________