[House Report 110-41]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 110-41
======================================================================
STEEL AND ALUMINUM ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS
ACT OF 1988 REAUTHORIZATION
_______
March 8, 2007.--Committed to the Committee on the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and Technology,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 1126]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was
referred the bill (H.R. 1126) to reauthorize the Steel and
Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act
of 1988, having considered the same, report favorably thereon
without amendment and recommend that the bill do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Purpose of the Bill.............................................2
II. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................2
III. Hearing Summary.................................................2
IV. Committee Actions...............................................2
V. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................3
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis.....................................3
VII. Committee Views.................................................3
VIII. Cost Estimate...................................................3
IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.......................4
X. Compliance with Public Law 104-4................................5
XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations................5
XII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives...........5
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement..............................5
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement............................5
XV. Congressional Accountability Act................................6
XVI. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law..........6
XVII. Earmark Identification..........................................6
XVIII.Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported...........6
XIX. Committee Recommendations.......................................8
XX. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup........................8
I. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the bill is to reauthorize a program of
energy efficiency research and development (R&D) at the
Department of Energy (DOE) focused on the domestic metals
industry. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Steel and
Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act
of 1988, and makes minor modifications to that act.
II. Background and Need for the Legislation
DOE's steel-related energy efficiency R&D program was
established in 1986. The program was expanded to a broader
``metals initiative'' in 1988 when the President signed into
law the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988. Reauthorization of appropriations
for the program occurred in 1992 with the passage of the Energy
Policy Act. Authorization of appropriations expired in 1997,
although Congress has continued to appropriate funds for the
program each year since then as part of the Industries of the
Future program at DOE. H.R. 1126 reaffirms Congressional
support for the metals program through reauthorization of
appropriations through 2012, updates program priorities and
reinstates the annual report requirement.
III. Hearing Summary
On May 20, 2004, during the 108th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Energy of the Committee on Science held a
hearing to examine the metals R&D program at DOE. Witnesses
included: (1) Mr. Douglas L. Faulkner, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
at the U.S. Department of Energy; (2) Mr. Richard A. Shulkosky,
Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Product Development at
the INTEG Process Group, a small company that supplies
industrial process control systems and electronics; (3) Ms.
Lisa A. Roudabush, General Manager of Research for the United
States Steel Corporation; and (4) Dr. Ronald Sutherland,
Consulting Economist and Adjunct Professor of Law at the George
Mason University School of Law.
Mr. Faulkner, speaking on behalf of the Administration,
testified on the history and management of the program and
provided examples of success stories. He indicated that the
Administration had no objection to the legislation. Mr.
Shulkosky and Ms. Roudabush spoke of their companies'
experiences and successes with the program. Mr. Sutherland
suggested that the program placed too much emphasis on energy
efficiency rather than economic efficiency. He also recommended
program improvements that he felt would help ensure the program
benefited metals companies in the United States.
IV. Committee Actions
On February 26, 2007, H.R. 1126, a bill to reauthorize the
Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988, was introduced by Congressmen
Lipinski and Ehlers and was referred to the Committee on
Science and Technology. The bill was not referred to a
subcommittee. On February 28, 2007, the Committee met to
consider H.R. 1126 and ordered the bill reported without
amendment by voice vote. Except for the years the program is
authorized, H.R. 1126 is virtually identical to H.R. 1158,
introduced by Congresswoman Hart, Congressman Lipinski, and
Congressman Ehlers in the 109th Congress.
V. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
The bill amends the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation
and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. Primarily, the bill
authorizes appropriations each year for fiscal years 2008
through 2012 for the Department of Energy. The bill also
updates priorities to be considered in research planning,
repeals a section related to National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) programs that have been inactive, and
reinstates the annual report requirement for DOE.
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis
SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS
Amends various sections of the Steel and Aluminum Energy
Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988 as
follows:
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2008 through 2012
at $12 million annually, roughly the same level as enacted in
fiscal year 2005 ($11,111,000 was allocated to the program).
Amends the list of priorities to delete ``coatings for
sheet steels'' and substitute ``sheet and bar steels,'' and to
add research on technologies that reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Strikes the section referring to activities at NIST.
Reinstates the annual report to Congress requirement.
VII. Committee Views
The Committee believes that energy efficiency research and
development (R&D) is an important component of the Nation's R&D
portfolio, especially given concerns about energy security and
the environmental impact of energy use. As one of the largest
energy-consuming industries, efficiency research for the metals
industry seeks to pay large dividends at a relatively low cost.
Improvements by these large energy consumers have the potential
to provide for significant reductions in energy demand for the
nation, lowering demand for fuels and reducing upward pressure
on prices. The Committee also believes that the metals program
can help the U.S. steel and aluminum industries to maintain a
competitive edge over foreign producers. A healthy U.S. metals
industry helps keep skilled jobs here in America, and protects
the Nation against reliance on foreign sources of metal
materials and products essential to our economy and national
security.
VIII. Cost Estimate
A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to
the Committee on Science prior to the filing of this report and
is included in Section X of this report pursuant to House Rule
XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
H.R. 1126 does not contain new budget authority, credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming
that the sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R.
1126 does authorize additional discretionary spending, as
described in the Congressional Budget Office report on the
bill, which is contained in Section X of this report.
IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
March 9, 2007.
Hon. Bart Gordon,
Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1126, a bill to
reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and
Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan
Carroll.
Sincerely,
Peter R. Orszag.
Enclosure.
H.R. 1126--A bill to reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy
Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988
Summary: H.R. 1126 would authorize appropriations totaling
$60 million over the 2008-2012 period for research and
development to enhance the energy efficiency of processes to
manufacture metals, particularly steel and aluminum. Assuming
appropriation of the specified amounts, CBO estimates that
implementing the bill would increase discretionary spending by
$6 million in 2008 and $54 million over the next five years.
Enacting H.R. 1126 would not affect direct spending or
revenues.
H.R. 1126 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: For this
estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 1126 will be enacted before the
end of fiscal year 2007 and that appropriations will be
provided as specified in the bill. The estimated budgetary
impact of H.R. 1126 is shown in the following table. The costs
of this legislation fall within budget function 270 (energy).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-----------------------------------------------
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Spending Under Current Law for Research on Energy Efficiency of
Metals Manufacturing:
Budget Authority)\1\........................................ 7 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays........................................... 6 2 0 0 0 0
Proposed Changes:
Authorization Level......................................... 0 12 12 12 12 12
Estimated Outlays........................................... 0 6 12 12 12 12
Spending Under H.R. 1126 for Research on Energy Efficiency of
Metals Manufacturing:
Authorization Level......................................... 7 12 12 12 12 12
Estimated Outlays........................................... 6 8 12 12 12 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 2007 level is the amount appropriated for that year for programs to improve the energy efficiency of
metals manufacturing.
Basis of estimate: H.R. 1126 would reauthorize the Steel
and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness
Act of 1988. The bill would authorize the appropriation of $12
million a year over the 2008-2012 period for research and
development to enhance the energy efficiency of processes to
manufacture steel, aluminum, and other metals. It also would
expand research authorized under the act to include processes
that make bar steel and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Based on historical spending patterns for similar
activities, CBO estimates that fully funding H.R. 1126 would
increase discretionary spending by $6 million in 2008 and $54
million over the next five years, assuming appropriation of the
specified amounts.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1126
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA. Funds authorized in the bill would benefit
institutions of higher education that participate in research
programs to improve the energy efficiency of metals. Any costs
that they might incur, including matching funds, would result
from complying with conditions of federal assistance.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Megan Carroll. Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Lisa Ramirez-Branum.
Impact on the Private Sector: Craig Cammarata.
Estimate approved by: Robert A. Sunshine, Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
X. Compliance With Public Law 104-4
H.R. 1126 contains no unfunded mandates.
XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
The Committee on Science's and Technology's oversight
findings and recommendations are reflected in the body of this
report.
XII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objective
Pursuant to clause (3)(c) of House rule XIII, the goals of
H.R. 1126 to reauthorize the Department of Energy's program
scientific research and development of steel and aluminum
technologies to increase the energy efficiency, international
competitiveness and environmental performance of these American
industries by aligning the research and development resources
of industry and government. The program promotes collaborative,
cost-shared, public-private research and pre-competitive
development, bringing together the expertise and experience of
the metals industries, the DOE National Laboratories,
universities, states and others.
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 1126.
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
H.R. 1126 does not establish nor authorize the
establishment of any advisory committee.
XV. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds that H.R. 1126 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVI. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XVII. Earmark Identification
H.R. 1126 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of Rule XXI.
XVIII. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
STEEL AND ALUMINUM ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS
ACT OF 1988
* * * * * * *
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO
DEVELOP COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES AND
INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE STEEL AND
ALUMINUM INDUSTRIES.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Priorities.--Within 6 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall publish an update of the
research plan. In reviewing research and development activities
for possible inclusion in the research plan, the Secretary
shall consider the following:
(1) Steel projects.--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(H) The development of advanced [coatings for
sheet steels] sheet and bar steels.
* * * * * * *
(K) The development of technologies which
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 7. EXPANDED STEEL AND ALUMINUM RESEARCH PROGRAM IN NATIONAL
INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.
[The National Institute of Standards and Technology, through
its Institute for Materials Science and Engineering and, as
appropriate, in coordination with the Department of Energy and
other Federal agencies, shall conduct an expanded program of
steel and aluminum research to provide necessary
instrumentation and measurement research and development in
support of activities conducted under this Act.]
SEC. 8. REPORTS.
The Secretary shall prepare and submit annually to the
President and the Congress at the close of each fiscal year,
beginning with fiscal year 2008, a complete report of the
research and development activities carried out under this Act
during the fiscal year involved, including the actual and
anticipated obligation of funds, for such activities, together
with such recommendations as the Secretary may consider
appropriate for further legislative, administrative, and other
actions, including actions by the American steel, aluminum,
copper, and other metals industries, which should be taken in
order to achieve the purposes of this Act. The report submitted
at the close of fiscal year 1991 shall also contain a complete
summary of activities under the management plan and the
research plan from the first year of their operation, along
with an analysis of the extent to which they have succeeded in
accomplishing the purposes of this Act. The reports submitted
at the close of fiscal years 1993, 1995, and 1997 shall also
contain a complete summary of activities under the management
plan and the research plan from the first year of their
operation, along with an analysis of the extent to which they
have succeeded in accomplishing the purposes of this Act.
[SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
[(a) To the Secretary.--(1) There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary, to carry out the functions of
the Department of Energy under this Act, $2,000,000 for fiscal
year 1989, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, $25,000,000 for
fiscal year 1991, $17,968,000 for fiscal year 1992, and
$18,091,000 for each of the fiscal years 1993 through 1997, to
be derived from sums authorized under section 2101(e) of the
Energy Policy Act of 1992.
[(2) Funds previously appropriated for the steel research and
development initiative--
[(A) under title II of the Interior and Related
Agencies portion of the joint resolution entitled
``Joint Resolution making further continuing
appropriations for the fiscal year 1986, and for other
purposes'', approved December 19, 1985 (Public Law 99-
190); or
[(B) under subsequent appropriation Acts,
which remain available under the terms of such Acts may be used
for the purposes of this Act.
[(b) To the Institute.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology to carry out the functions of the
Institute under this Act, $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal
years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997,
to be derived from sums otherwise authorized to be appropriated
to the Institute.]
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to
carry out this Act $12,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2008 through 2012.
* * * * * * *
XIX. Committee Recommendations
On February 28, 2007, the Committee on Science and
Technology favorably reported H.R. 1126, a bill to reauthorize
the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988, by a voice vote, and recommended
its enactment.
XX. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 1126, TO
REAUTHORIZE THE STEEL AND ALUMINUM ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 1988
----------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science and Technology,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:05 a.m., in Room
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon
[Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairman Gordon. Good morning. The Committee on Science and
Technology will come to order. Pursuant to notice, the
Committee on Science and Technology meets to consider the
following measures: H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science
and Engineering Research Act; H.R. 1068, To amend the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991; H.R. 1126, To reauthorize
the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988; and H.R. 85, the Energy Technology
Transfer.
Today, we are here to mark up these four bipartisan bills.
They are all good bills and I am happy to support them all. I
want to note that all of these bills have extensive legislative
histories in prior Congress. It is not my intention for this
committee to regularly markup legislation that has not gone
through the Subcommittee hearing process; however, as I noted
before, these bills were fully vetted in the last Congress and
they are ready to go.
I have said it before and I will say it again. I want this
committee to be a Committee of good ideas. Here, we have four
good ideas and I hope four bills everybody on this committee
can get behind and support.
Now I recognize Mr. Hall to present his opening remarks.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for calling the markup
today. We have before us today, as you say, four bills that
were passed by this Committee in the 109th Congress, and I look
forward to their easy passage again today. The continued
bipartisan support for these bills reflects their broad appeal
and the fact that they are good bills and they are good for
this country.
The National Academy of Science's Rising Above the
Gathering Storm and the President's American Competitiveness
Initiative have emphasized the importance of supporting high-
risk research, young researchers, and research infrastructure
in the U.S. to ensure that the next generation of high tech
industries and products are developed in the United States.
H.R. 363 is a step in the right direction. I thank the
Chairman for his willingness to work with us on improving this
legislation, and recommend a yes vote for the manager's
amendment and for the underlying measure.
As the Chairman has already mentioned, Mrs. Biggert has
been instrumental in getting a high-performance computing bill
through the Committee and the full House, for that matter, in
two previous Congresses, and I certainly applaud her and Mr.
Baird for their persistence. I recommend a yes vote on H.R.
1068 and trust the Senate will follow suit when it is sent to
them once again.
I am happy to see Mr. Lipinski and Mr. Ehlers continuing
former Representative Hart's lead in their continuing effort to
reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and
Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. This is another bill
that has been passed twice by our committee in the full House,
and I also recommend a yes vote for H.R. 1126.
I would also recommend a yes vote for Representative
Biggert and Representative Miller's bill, H.R. 85, that will
provide for the establishment of centers to encourage
demonstration and commercial applications of advanced energy
methods and technology. As I understand, they will be offering
an amendment in the nature of a substitute that makes technical
corrections, which I support as well.
Mr. Chairman, I look forward to these bills moving to the
Floor. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this markup today. We have
before us today four bills that were passed by this committee in the
109th Congress, and I look forward to their easy passage again today.
The continued bipartisan support for these bills reflects their broad
appeal and the fact that they are good bills that are good for the
country.
The National Academy of Science's Rising above the Gathering Storm
and the President's American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) have
emphasized the importance of supporting high-risk research, young
researchers, and research infrastructure in the United States to ensure
that the next generation of high-tech industries and products are
developed in the United States. H.R. 363 is a step in the right
direction. This bill authorizes programs at the National Science
Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science
to provide grants to researchers just starting their careers to conduct
high-risk, high-return research at the cutting edge of new scientific
fields. In addition, it requires NIST to report to us on their efforts
to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers, and it includes
our recognition that NASA should be at the table for any interagency
efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness. I thank the
Chairman for his willingness to work with us on improving this
legislation and recommend a ``yes'' vote for the managers' amendment
and for the underlying measure.
As the Chairman has already mentioned, Mrs. Biggert has been
instrumental in getting this bill through the Committee, and the full
House for that matter, in two previous Congresses, and I applaud her
and Mr. Baird for their persistence. I recommend a ``yes'' vote on H.R.
1068 and trust the Senate will follow suit when it is sent to them once
again.
I am happy to see Mr. Lipinski and Mr. Ehlers continuing former
Representative Hart's lead in their continuing effort to reauthorize
the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988. This is another bill that has been passed
twice by our committee, and the full House and I also recommend a
``yes'' vote for H.R. 1126.
I would also recommend a ``yes'' vote for Rep. Biggert and Rep.
Miller's bill, H.R. 85 that will provide for the establishment of
centers to encourage demonstration and commercial application of
advanced energy methods and technologies. I understand they will be
offering an amendment in the nature of a substitute that makes
technical corrections which I will support as well.
Mr. Chairman, I look forward to these bills moving to the floor and
being passed. With that I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Hall.
Without objection, Members may place statements in the
record.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Harry Mitchell
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
America needs innovators and leaders if it wants to remain
competitive in the global economy. This is especially true when it
comes to science and engineering.
Retaining scientists and engineers, however, is often difficult,
because they receive such low pay early-on in their careers.
If we don't invest early in our future innovators, we will fall
behind.
Spreading technological innovation across existing industry is
another indispensable part of maintaining our competitiveness.
In my view, we should help businesses access both the technology
and the research they need to modernize and improve their efficiency.
Industry standards can also play a role.
Today, we are considering four bills to address these issues and I
look forward to working on them.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. With that introduction, Mr. Akin, we will
now consider H.R. 1126, To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum
Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988,
and I yield to Mr. Lipinski five minutes to describe his bill.
Mr. Lipinski. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding, and
thank you for scheduling this bill early in the session.
I am pleased to be here today for the markup of H.R. 1126,
legislation reauthorizing the Steel and Aluminum Energy
Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988, also
known as--more easily known as the Metals Initiative.
I would also like to thank Representative Ehlers and
Representative Akin for being co-sponsors in the introduction
of the bill this year.
Today, the steel industry and other metals industries are
important parts of our national economy, and they must remain
innovative in order to stay competitive in an increasingly
global economy. Now, more than ever, it is vital to ensure that
these industries are fully prepared to confront the challenges
that it faces at home and abroad.
This bill will protect valuable jobs and vital businesses
in the United States, while developing advanced environmentally
friendly technologies to prepare the industry fro the
challenges of tomorrow.
Originally passed by the 100th Congress, the Metals
Initiative authorizes federal cost-sharing of research whose
goals are three-fold. First, enhancing energy efficiency;
second, increasing the competitiveness of U.S. industry; and
third, improving the environment, the reductions in greenhouse
gas emissions.
More specifically, this legislation promotes collaborative
cost-shared public private research between the American
industry, the Department of Energy, and institutions of higher
learning.
The bill would reauthorize the Metals Initiative at $12
million per year from fiscal year 2008 through 2012 to fund
advanced metals research.
The success of the American steel industry has a special,
personal significance to me. My father-in-law was a steel
worker at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He had
this job for many years before his plant closed due to foreign
competition. This bill will help prevent further losses of good
American jobs like his by increasing the competitiveness of our
domestic industry.
While the U.S. steel industry has significantly modernized,
the pace of technology and competition from overseas is
relentless. Reauthorization of this bill is essential to
preserve American jobs, keep the customers of U.S. steel
industry and other metal industry strong, and ensure the
defense industry has a secure supply of domestic steel products
it needs.
The results of this program speak for themselves. Since its
inception, the Metals Initiative has delivered numerous
technologies to the factory floor, resulting in incredible
environmental and energy savings, while increasing the
competitive position of the steel industry in the domestic
manufacturing sector.
In the Chicago area, schools such as my alma mater,
Northwestern University, have participated in this program,
along with companies such as IPSCO and A. Finkle and Sons.
Because of advances made in steel production, partially
through programs funded through DOE, the steel industry as a
whole used 28 percent less energy in 2004 to produce a ton of
steel than it did in 1990.
Lastly, it is important to note that the federal funds in
this program are given to the schools to conduct the research.
Companies are not the recipients of funds, and they must
provide a share of the cost of the research. But the American
company that provides that match has the first opportunity to
take advantage of the research findings and improve their
operations, benefiting American workers.
H.R. 1126 is simply a great example of how public private
partnerships can benefit both taxpayers and shareholders by
saving energy, improving the environment, and accelerating the
development and implementation of modern technology.
We passed this bill through the Science Committee in the
last Congress. We also had it pass on the House Floor in the
last Congress. Hopefully this year we can get it through the
Committee, through the House, and we can work and get it done
in the Senate this year also.
All Americans can benefit from a common sense program such
as this one, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1126.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my
time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Lipinski follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Daniel Lipinski
Thank you, Mr. Chairman; I am pleased to be here today for the
markup of H.R. 1126, legislation reauthorizing the Steel and Aluminum
Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988, also
known as the Metals Initiative.
Today, the steel industry and other metals industries are important
parts of our national economy and they must remain innovative in order
to stay competitive in the increasingly global economy. Now more than
ever it is vital to ensure that these industries are fully prepared to
confront the challenges that it faces at home and abroad. This bill
will protect valuable jobs and vital businesses in the United States,
while developing advanced, environmentally-friendly technologies to
prepare the industry for the challenges of tomorrow.
Originally passed by the 100th Congress, the Metals Initiative
authorizes federal cost sharing of research whose goals are threefold:
first, enhancing energy-efficiency, second, increasing the
competitiveness of U.S. industry, and third, improving the environment
through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, this
legislation promotes collaborative, cost-shared, public-private
research between the American industry, the Department of Energy, and
institutions of higher learning. The bill would reauthorize the Metals
Initiative at $12 million per year from Fiscal Year 2008 through 2012
to fund advanced metals research.
The success of the American steel industry has a special personal
significance for me. My father-in-law was a steelworker at Bethlehem
Steel in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, before his plant closed due to
foreign competition. This bill will help prevent further losses of good
American jobs like his by increasing the competitiveness of our
domestic industry.
While the U.S. steel industry has significantly modernized, the
pace of technology and the competition from overseas is relentless.
Reauthorization of this bill is essential to preserve American jobs,
keep the customers of the U.S. steel industry strong, and assure that
our defense industry has the secure supply of domestic steel products
it needs.
The results of this program speak for themselves. Since its
inception, the Metals Initiative has delivered numerous technologies to
the factory floor, resulting in incredible environmental and energy
savings while increasing the competitive position of the steel industry
and the domestic manufacturing sector. In the Chicago area, schools
such as my alma mater Northwestern University have participated in this
program, along with companies such as IPSCO and A. Finkle & Sons.
Because of advances made in steel production, partially through the
industry's partnership with DOE, the steel industry as a whole used 28
percent less energy in 2004 to produce a ton of steel than in 1990.
In addition, this research has produced several successful and
important technological breakthroughs, including the development of
advanced high strength steels and Ultra-Light Weight Steel Automobile
Bodies, leading to lighter, safer, and more energy-efficient
automobiles. In fact, recently these advanced technologies were applied
to a new, lightweight military vehicle, yielding performance
improvements including 25 percent weight savings and 50 percent fuel
efficiency improvement. Through this partnership program, the U.S. Army
now has a next generation tactical vehicle that ensures a mobile,
agile, and responsive force for use by American war fighters. These
advances, applied to the civilian versions of the vehicle, add a
substantial further positive impact to our nation's economy.
Lastly, it is important to note that the federal funds in this
program are given to the schools to conduct the research. Companies are
not the recipients of funds and they must provide a share of the cost
of the research. But the American company that provides that match has
the first opportunity to take advantage of the research findings and
improve their manufacturing operations, benefiting American workers.
H.R. 1126 is simply a great example of how public-private
partnerships can benefit both taxpayers and shareholders by saving
energy, improving the environment, and accelerating the development and
implementation of modern technology.
All Americans benefit from common sense programs such as this one,
and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1126.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. I recognize Mr. Hall to present any
remarks on the bill.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, thank you, and I thank Mr. Akin. I
am going to recognize him, pass my time on to him. I want to
thank him for recommending the visit to the North Pole. I
always wanted to go, but not much, so--I am more of an Equator
man.
I yield to Mr. Akin my remaining time.
Mr. Akin. Thank you. I appreciate that.
One of the problems with Codel's is your constituents
sometimes think that you are getting a special deal, but when
the paper printed that we had a beautiful, sunny day at the
South Pole, it was 27 below zero with a 30 mile an hour wind.
We didn't receive any criticism, so there is a benefit of
staying away from the Equator.
On this--Mr. Lipinski's bill, 1126, there is just something
in terms of the nature of aluminum, its being so tightly
combined with oxygen or other different elements, and steel or
iron are the same way with oxygen, that it takes a tremendous
amount of energy to refine and to pull metals away from those
bonds. And so just by nature, this is a very energy-intensive
process. And then further in the process of refining and
getting the crystalline structure and the shape of the material
the way you want uses a whole lot more energy.
So first of all, this is a place where there is a lot of
potential savings for energy, and it is just a logical place
for us to be making some investments. I can also say that my
great-grandfather started a steel mill, which has since gone
bankrupt. The steel industry has really been hammered in this
country. It is very hard for them to be competitive, and the
things that we can do to make steel competitive, they are good,
solid jobs and a very important part of our infrastructure. So
investing some money in research in order to save energy, to
save jobs, and to clean the environment, all together it is
just like a triple win.
So I just wanted to compliment what we are doing here, and
I think that it is important to keep that point that if we do a
good job on this and if we develop a technology that really
works, that is going to be paid back by industry, so in a way
it is an investment. So I think you have got a triple win piece
of legislation for Vern and Mr.--Congressman Lipinski.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you.
Anyone else like to be recognized?
Mr. Baird. Mr. Chairman? Mr. Chairman, this side.
Chairman Gordon. Well, let me go to this side first if
there is anybody here.
Mr. Gingrey.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, thank you. I just want to
commend Representative Lipinski and Representative Akin in
regard to this bill.
I was just reading in front of me kind of a summary of some
of the things, but the development of technologies which reduce
greenhouse gas emissions as an additional priority under the
bill, this is in follow up to just two weeks ago when were
talking about climate change and greenhouse gases and the
importance of the issue of global warming. I do want to commend
Dan Lipinski and Todd Akin on this bill. I think that we need
to continue to go in this direction, Mr. Chairman.
As you know, I have a strong interest in the Green
Chemistry bill that we had--you helped pass through the
Committee last year, and it is all along that same line of
trying to, with a little bit of money, and a public--as
Representative Lipinski said--public private partnership to do
things that in small increments, slowly but surely, we get to
the point where we are reducing all this contamination and
doing it in an efficient manner. I commend him for that.
I yield back my time, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Chairman Gordon. Does anyone else wish to be recognized?
If not, then I ask unanimous that the bill is considered as
read and open to amendment at any point, and that the Members
proceed with the amendments in the order of the roster. Without
objection, so ordered.
Are there any amendments?
Hearing none, the vote is on the bill, H.R. 1126. All those
in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. In the opinion of
the Chair, the ayes have it.
I recognize Mr. Hall to offer a motion.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee favorably
report H.R. 1126 to the House with recommendation that the bill
do pass.
Furthermore, I move that the staff be instructed to prepare
the legislative report and make necessary technical and
conforming changes, and that the Chairman take all necessary
steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration.
I yield back.
Chairman Gordon. The question is on the motion to report
the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify
by saying aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The bill is
favorably reported.
Without objection, the motion is--to reconsider is on the
table. I move that Members have two subsequent calendar days in
which to submit supplemental, minority or additional views on
the measure. I move pursuant to Clause I, Rule 22 of the Rules
of the House of Representatives that the Committee authorize
the Chairman to offer such motions as may be necessary in the
House to adopt and pass H.R. 1126, To reauthorize the Steel and
Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technological Competitiveness
Act of 1988. Without objection, so ordered.
Let me finally say that these amendments--and I thank all
of you for a smooth hearing, smooth markup. We went fairly
quick today, but the reason is there was a lot of staff work
put in before this, and I thank the staff for that. I thank the
Members for their patience, and this is the conclusion of our
Committee markup.
[Whereupon, at 11:08 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
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H.R. 1126, Section-by-Section
H.R. 1126, Section-by-Section
Section (1) replaces Section 9 of the Steel and Aluminum,
Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. Subsection
1(a) authorizes $12 million for each of the fiscal years 2008 through
2012 to carry out the Act. Section 1(b) amends the priorities to be
addressed under the Act by replacing ``coatings for sheet steels'' with
``coatings for sheet and bar steels'' and adds ``the development of
technologies which reduce greenhouse gas emissions'' as an additional
priority under the bill, bringing the total number of research
priorities in the underlying act to eleven. Section 1(c) contains
conforming amendments to other sections of the original Act.