[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.
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