[House Report 111-343]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


111th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session                                                    111-343

======================================================================



 
                      HIGH EFFICIENCY GAS TURBINES

                                _______
                                

December 1, 2009.--Committed to the Committee of 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. 3029]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

  The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 3029) to establish a research, development, and 
technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of 
gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation systems, 
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an 
amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
   I. Amendment.......................................................2
  II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................2
 III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................3
  IV. Committee Actions...............................................4
   V. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill, As Reported............4
  VI. Section-by-Section Analysis, As Reported........................5
 VII. Committee Views.................................................6
VIII. Cost Estimate...................................................6
  IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.......................6
   X. Compliance with Public Law 104-4................................8
  XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations................8
 XII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives...........8
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement..............................8
 XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement............................8
  XV. Congressional Accountability Act................................8
 XVI. Earmark Identification..........................................8
XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law..........8
XVIII.Committee Recommendations.......................................8

 XIX. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup..........................9
  XX. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup.......................20

                              I. AMENDMENT

    The amendment is as follows:
    Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

                SECTION 1. HIGH EFFICIENCY GAS TURBINES.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a multiyear, 
multiphase program of research, development, and technology 
demonstration to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in 
combined cycle power generation systems and to identify the 
technologies that ultimately will lead to gas turbine combined cycle 
efficiency of 65 percent.
  (b) Program Elements.--The program under this section shall--
          (1) support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas 
        turbine design for megawatt-scale and utility-scale electric 
        power generation, including--
                  (A) high temperature materials, including 
                superalloys, coatings, and ceramics;
                  (B) improved heat transfer capability;
                  (C) manufacturing technology required to construct 
                complex three-dimensional geometry parts with improved 
                aerodynamic capability;
                  (D) combustion technology to produce higher firing 
                temperature while lowering nitrogen oxide and carbon 
                monoxide emissions per unit of output;
                  (E) advanced controls and systems integration;
                  (F) advanced high performance compressor technology; 
                and
                  (G) validation facilities for the testing of 
                components and subsystems;
          (2) include technology demonstration through component 
        testing, subscale testing, and full scale testing in existing 
        fleets;
          (3) include field demonstrations of the developed technology 
        elements so as to demonstrate technical and economic 
        feasibility; and
          (4) assess overall combined cycle system performance.
  (c) Program Goals.--The goals of the multiphase program established 
under subsection (a) shall be--
          (1) in phase I--
                  (A) to develop the conceptual design of advanced high 
                efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62 
                percent combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating 
                value basis; and
                  (B) to develop and demonstrate the technology 
                required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that 
                can achieve at least 62 percent combined cycle 
                efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and
          (2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for 
        advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 
        65 percent combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value 
        basis.
  (d) Proposals.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary shall solicit grant and contract proposals from 
industry, universities, and other appropriate parties for conducting 
activities under this Act. In selecting proposals, the Secretary shall 
emphasize--
          (1) the extent to which the proposal will stimulate the 
        creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States; 
        and
          (2) the extent to which the proposal will promote and enhance 
        United States technology leadership.
  (e) Competitive Awards.--The provision of funding under this section 
shall be on a competitive basis with an emphasis on technical merit.
  (f) Cost Sharing.--Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
U.S.C. 16352) shall apply to an award of financial assistance made 
under this section.
  (g) Limits on Participation.--The limits on participation applicable 
under section 999E of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16375) 
shall apply to financial assistance awarded under this section.
  (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $65,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014.

                        II. PURPOSE OF THE BILL

    The purpose of H.R. 3029 is to establish a research, 
development, and technology demonstration program to improve 
the efficiency of gas turbines used in power generation 
systems.

              III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

    Natural gas is playing an increasingly important role in 
the nation's electric generation portfolio. Gas-fired plants 
now comprise about 20% of the total electric generation 
portfolio in the U.S. after falling from 24% in 1970 to 12% in 
1985. The majority of electric generation capacity additions in 
the last decade have been gas-fired. For example, the Energy 
Information Administration (EIA) reported that, in 2000, of the 
23,453 megawatts of total new electric capacity added in the 
U.S. almost 95 percent, or 22,238 MW were natural gas-fired 
additions. In 2009 it is estimated that over 50 percent of 
additions will be gas-fired. Given the likelihood of tightening 
environmental regulations on power plants and the recent 
confirmation of sizeable new domestic natural gas resources, 
the EIA estimates that natural gas-fired electricity generation 
will increase dramatically over the next 20 years.
    The use of natural gas for electricity production has a 
number of benefits. Like coal, most natural gas used in the 
United States is domestically produced and estimates of 
domestic reserves are increasing. However, natural gas is 
generally cleaner than other fossil fuels, with significantly 
lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen 
oxides (NOX), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and 
other pollutants and particulates. Furthermore, natural gas-
fired plants can be constructed and commissioned in relatively 
short periods of time and require comparatively lower levels of 
capital investment than other large centralized electric 
generation facilities. Gas plants also have high operating 
flexibility, including the ability to power up and down in 
short periods of time.
    Natural gas is used to generate electricity in a variety of 
ways. The first is through a steam generation unit, where 
natural gas is burned in a boiler to heat water and produce 
steam. The steam is then used to turn a turbine to generate 
electricity. The second is through gas turbines where, instead 
of heating steam to turn a turbine, natural gas is mixed with 
air and ignited, which increases the temperature, velocity and 
volume of the gas flow. The hot gas is then used to turn the 
turbine directly, and generate electricity. The final way is 
through combined-cycle units that utilize both a gas turbine 
and a steam unit. The gas turbine operates in much the same way 
as a normal gas turbine, using the hot gases released from 
burning natural gas to turn a turbine and generate electricity. 
However, in combined-cycle plants, the waste heat from the gas 
turbine process is used to generate steam, which is then used 
to generate electricity much like a steam unit, resulting in 
significantly higher efficiency than simple steam generation or 
gas turbine cycles alone.
    Efficiency enhancements for both combined cycle and simple 
cycle gas turbine units could result in significantly reduced 
natural gas usage and emissions. For example, General Electric 
estimates that a one-percentage point improvement in efficiency 
applied to its existing F Class fleet would result in 
CO2 emission reductions of 4.4 million tons per 
year, while also providing savings of more than a billion 
dollars per year in fuel costs.
    In 1992, the Department of Energy, through the Office of 
Fossil Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable 
Energy, developed the Advanced Turbine Systems Program to 
address a temperature barrier that, for all practical purposes, 
capped efficiencies for turbine-based power generating systems. 
Above 2300 degree F, conventional cooling technologies were 
insufficient to protect the turbine blades and other internal 
components from heat degradation. Because higher temperatures 
generally correlate with higher efficiencies (ie. faster 
turbine speeds), this effectively limited the generating 
efficiency at which a turbine power plant could convert the 
energy in the fuel into electricity.
    Nine years after the development of the Advanced Turbine 
Systems Program, the Department of Energy and its private 
partners produced ``breakthrough'' turbine systems that pushed 
firing temperatures to 2,600 degrees F and permitted combined 
cycle efficiencies that surpassed 60%. Among the innovations 
that emerged from the Department's Advanced Turbine Systems 
program were single-crystal turbine blades and thermal barrier 
coatings (TBC) that could withstand the high inlet 
temperatures, along with new firing techniques to stabilize 
combustion and minimize nitrogen oxide formation.

                         IV. COMMITTEE ACTIONS

    H.R. 3029 was introduced on June 24, 2009 by Representative 
Paul Tonko.
    On July 21, 2009 the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment 
met to consider H.R. 3029. No amendments were offered. The bill 
was favorably reported by voice vote to the Full Committee.
    On July 29, 2009 the Full Committee met to consider H.R. 
3029. The following three amendments were offered:
    1. An amendment by Mr. Bilbray specifying that the program 
support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas turbine 
design for ``megawatt-scale'' electric power generation, in 
addition to utility-scale electric power generation. The 
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
    2. An amendment by Mr. Bilbray requiring that funding under 
the bill be provided on a competitive basis with an emphasis on 
technical merit. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
    3. An amendment by Ms. Kosmas requiring the Secretary to 
solicit grant and contract proposals from ``industry, 
universities, and other appropriate parties'' for activities 
under the bill. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
    The bill, as amended, was favorably reported by voice vote 
to the House.

        V. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, AS REPORTED

    H.R. 3029 requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out a 
multiyear, multiphase program of research, development, and 
technology demonstration to improve the efficiency of gas 
turbines used in power generation systems and to identify the 
technologies that will ultimately lead to gas turbine combined 
cycle efficiency of 65 percent.
    The bill requires that the program support engineering and 
gas turbine design for utility-scale and megawatt-scale 
electric power generation. Under the bill, this includes high 
temperature materials, improved heat transfer capability, 
manufacturing technology, combustion technology, advanced 
controls and systems integration, advanced high performance 
compressor technology, and validation facilities for the 
testing of components and subsystems. It also requires that the 
program include technology and field demonstrations, and assess 
overall combined cycle system performance.
    H.R. 3029 sets out specific program goals. In Phase I, the 
goal is to develop the conceptual design of and demonstrate the 
technology required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines 
that can achieve at least 62 percent combined cycle efficiency 
on a lower heating value basis. In Phase II, the goal is to 
develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas 
turbines that can achieve at least 65 percent combined cycle 
efficiency.
    The bill requires that the Secretary solicit proposals from 
industry, universities, and other appropriate parties for 
activities under the program within 180 days of enactment. The 
bill requires the Secretary, in selecting proposals, to 
emphasize the extent to which the proposal will stimulate the 
creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States 
and the extent to which the proposal will promote and enhance 
United States technology leadership. Awards shall be made on a 
competitive basis with emphasis on technical merit.
    H.R. 3029 authorizes $65 million for each of fiscal years 
2011 through 2014 for carrying out the program.

              VI. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS, AS REPORTED

Section 1. High efficiency gas turbines

    (a) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a 
program of research, development, and technology demonstration 
to improve the efficiency of gas turbines and to identify the 
technologies with the potential to improve efficiency of 65%.
    (b) Outlines the program elements to include engineering 
and design activities for both megawatt and utility-scale 
turbines in high temperature materials, heat transfer, 
manufacturing technology, combustion technology, controls and 
systems integration, compressor technology, and validation 
facilities. Calls for technology demonstrations on multiple 
scales, field demonstrations, and overall performance 
assessments.
    (c) States the goals of the program to be, in Phase I, the 
design, development and demonstration of gas turbine 
technologies with efficiency of at least 62%; and in Phase II, 
design of gas turbine technologies with efficiency of at least 
65%.
    (d) Instructs the Secretary to solicit proposals from 
universities, industry and other appropriate parties, and calls 
for applicants to emphasize the extent to which proposals will 
stimulate job creation or retention in the U.S., and promote 
U.S. technological leadership.
    (e) Specifies that funding shall be on a competitive basis 
with emphasis on technical merit.
    (f) Specifies that cost-sharing requirements will be in 
accordance with Section 988 of Energy Policy Act of 2005.
    (g) Limits participation to companies that are U.S.-owned, 
or owned by a parent entity organized under the laws of a 
country that affords the U.S. similar rights.
    (h) Authorizes $65 million per year for the fiscal years 
2011 through 2014.

                          VII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

    It is the Committee's view that natural gas will likely 
account for an increasing percentage of the nation's electric 
generation, and that advances to make natural gas-fired power 
plants more efficient will result in an overall cleaner, more 
secure energy portfolio in the U.S. The efficiency goals stated 
in the bill represent very significant improvements in turbine 
efficiency, while likely being technologically achievable with 
more research and development.
    The Department of Energy has engaged in various activities 
to increase the efficiency of natural gas turbines in the past, 
with promising results. However, current federal efforts are 
not sufficient to advance the state of the technology far 
beyond what is currently available, and many stakeholders in 
the turbine industry are not likely to undertake the necessary 
activities on their own. Therefore, a more robust and focused 
Department of Energy effort is needed to improve efficiencies 
of the nation's natural gas-fired power plants. Furthermore, it 
is the committee's view that DOE-sponsored research and 
development activities in gas turbines should result in 
technological advancements that can be quickly deployed in new 
turbine systems and, if possible, retrofitted onto existing 
fleets of turbines.
    While very sizable efficiency gains can be made in large, 
utility-scale combined cycle systems, a comprehensive federal 
program should seek advances in multiple scales of systems, and 
in both combined and simple cycle. Furthermore, the program 
should take into account the diversity of stakeholders and the 
role of small businesses in driving innovation in the turbine 
industry. In that regard, the Secretary should carefully 
consider how to leverage the resources of a range of turbine 
manufacturers.

                          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 and Technology prior to the filing of 
this report and is included in Section IX of this report 
pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
    H.R. 3029 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. 
3029 does authorize additional discretionary spending, as 
described in the Congressional Budget Office report on the 
bill, which is contained in Section IX of this report.

             IX. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

                                                   August 19, 2009.
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. 3029, a bill to 
establish a research, development, and technology demonstration 
program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in 
combined cycle power generation systems.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jeff LaFave.
            Sincerely,
                                              Douglas W. Elmendorf.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 3029--A bill to establish a research, development, and technology 
        demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines 
        used in combined cycle power generation systems

    Summary: H.R. 3029 would authorize the appropriation of 
$260 million over the 2011-2014 period for the Department of 
Energy (DOE) to improve the efficiency of turbines that use 
natural gas to generate electricity. Assuming appropriation of 
the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing the 
legislation would cost $221 million over the 2010-2014 period 
and $39 million after 2014. Enacting the legislation would not 
affect direct spending or revenues.
    H.R. 3029 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: The estimated 
budgetary impact of H.R. 3029 is shown in the following table. 
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 250 
(general science, space, and technology).


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
                                                                2010    2011    2012    2013    2014   2010-2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Authorization Level..........................................       0      65      65      65      65       260
Estimated Outlays............................................       0      36      55      65      65       221
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes the bill 
will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2009 and that the 
authorized amounts will be appropriated each year. Estimated 
outlays are based on historical spending patterns for DOE 
research programs.
    H.R. 3029 would authorize the appropriation of $65 million 
a year over the 2011-2014 period for research, development, and 
demonstration activities related to gas turbines. The bill 
would direct DOE to establish a research and development 
program to improve the efficiency of turbines that use natural 
gas to generate electricity. The bill also would require DOE to 
demonstrate the feasibility of implementing new gas turbine 
technologies.
    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 3029 
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as 
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on State, local, or 
tribal governments.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Jeff LaFave; Impact on 
State, local, and tribal governments: Ryan Miller; Impact on 
the private sector: Amy Petz.
    Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.

                  X. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4

    H.R. 3029 contains no unfunded mandates.

          XI. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee on Science and Technology's oversight 
findings and recommendations are reflected in the body of this 
report.

       XII. STATEMENT ON GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    Pursuant to clause 3(c) of House rule XIII, the goal of 
H.R. 3029 is to establish a research, development, and 
technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of 
gas turbines used in power generation systems.

                XIII. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

    Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United 
States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 3029.

               XIV. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

    H.R. 3029 does not create any advisory committees.

                  XV. CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

    The Committee finds that H.R. 3029 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. EARMARK IDENTIFICATION

    H.R. 3029 does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
House rule XII, clause 9.

      XVII. STATEMENT ON PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL LAW

    The bill is not intended to preempt any State, local, or 
tribal law.

                    XVIII. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    On July 29, 2009, the Committee on Science and Technology 
favorably reported H.R. 3029, as amended, by voice vote, and 
recommended its enactment.



   XIX: PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND 
  ENVIRONMENT ON H.R. 3029, TO ESTABLISH A RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND 
   TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF GAS 
        TURBINES USED IN COMBINED CYCLE POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS

                              ----------                              


                         TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009

                  House of Representatives,
            Subcommittee on Energy and Environment,
                                      Committee on Science,
                                                    Washington, DC.

    The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 2:03 p.m., in 
Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Brian 
Baird [Chair of the Subcommittee] presiding.
    Chair Baird. The Subcommittee will now come to order. 
Pursuant to notice the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment 
meets to consider the following measures: H.R. 3246, the 
Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, H.R. 3165, the Wind 
Energy Research and Development Act of 2009, H.R. 3029, To 
establish a research, development, and technology demonstration 
program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in 
combined cycle power generation systems, and H.R. 3247, To 
establish a social and behavioral sciences research program at 
the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.
    As I just mentioned, this afternoon our committee is 
considering those four bills. I will go into a bit more detail 
now.
    H.R. 3246 is authored by Representative Peters and co-
sponsored by Representative Biggert of our subcommittee. This 
legislation authorizes research and development on different 
classes of vehicles with the goal of reducing or eliminating 
petroleum fuel use and their associated emissions.
    H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 
2009, is offered by our colleague, Mr. Tonko. This legislation 
authorizes several areas of research identified in a recent 
report outlining the needs for expanding the use of wind-
powered electricity generation.
    H.R. 3029 is also offered by the now prolific Mr. Tonko. 
This bill establishes an R&D program to improve the efficiency 
of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems. Today 15 percent of electric power is produced from 
natural gas. This percentage is predicted to double over the 
next decade. The investment cost for new power plants are very 
high, and once built they operate for many decades. It is vital 
we build them to be as efficient as possible from the outset, 
and this legislation will help achieve that goal.
    Finally, we will mark up H.R. 3247, a bill I introduced to 
authorize a social and behavioral research program at the 
Department of Energy. Technology development and investment are 
only part of the solution to our energy problem. The decisions 
each of us make every day have a significant impact on energy 
production and consumption. It is important that we understand 
why some technologies are more readily embraced than others, 
and it is important that we know how to communicate effectively 
about the nature of our energy challenge and know how to 
empower individual citizens to participate in overcoming those 
challenges.
    The four bills we will consider today address important 
energy technology needs and the need for more research on the 
human factors that determine their acceptance and success. I 
look forward to a productive markup. Thank you all for your 
attendance and participation this afternoon.
    I now recognize Mr. Inglis to present opening remarks.
    [The prepared statement of Chair Baird follows:]

                Prepared Statement of Chair Brian Baird

    This afternoon the Subcommittee will consider four bills.
    H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 is authored 
by Rep. Peters and co-sponsored by Rep. Biggert of our subcommittee. 
This legislation authorizes research and development on different 
classes of vehicles with a goal of reducing or eliminating petroleum 
fuel use and their associated emissions.
    H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 is 
authored by our colleague, Mr. Tonko. This legislation authorizes 
several areas of research identified in a recent report outlining the 
needs for expanding the use of wind powered electricity generation.
    H.R. 3029, is also authored by Rep. Tonko. This bill establishes an 
R&D program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined 
cycle power generation systems. Today, 15 percent of our electric power 
is produced from natural gas. This percentage is predicted to double 
over the next decade. The investment costs for new power plants are 
very high and, once built they operate for many decades. It is vital 
that we build them to be as efficient as possible from the outset.
    Finally, we will be marking up H.R. 3247. I introduced H.R. 3247 
last week to authorize a social and behavioral research program at the 
Department of Energy. Technology development and investment are only 
part of the solution to our energy problem. The decisions each of us 
make every day have a significant impact on energy production and 
consumption. It is important that we understand why some technologies 
are more readily embraced than others. And it is important that we know 
how to communicate effectively about the nature of our energy 
challenges and know how to empower individual citizens to participate 
in overcoming them.
    The four bills we will consider today address important energy 
technology needs and the need for more research on the human factors 
that determine their acceptance and success.
    I look forward to a productive markup. Thank you all for your 
attendance and participation this afternoon.

    Mr. Inglis. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I am looking forward 
to discussing and improving the four pieces of legislation 
before us today.
    The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 will authorize 
a vehicle technologies program at DOE. The bill realigns the 
program to approach a wide variety of critical transportation 
and technology research areas, with the goal of reducing 
petroleum use and the related emissions.
    A balanced and robust research program is necessary to 
expand our mobility options, increase our national security, 
and establish the United States as a world leader in auto and 
truck design, manufacture, and transportation fuel development.
    The second bill we will discuss today is the Wind Energy 
Research and Development Act. As the Department of Energy and 
the American Wind Energy Association have made clear, expanding 
our wind-power generating capacity will require a significant 
improvement in turbine technologies, forecasting capabilities, 
energy storage, and the transmission grid.
    Strengthening the research effort in wind energy will help 
us move away from polluting fossil fuel energy, while creating 
jobs in wind energy design, manufacturing, and operation.
    H.R. 3029 will implement a short-term research, 
development, and demonstration project at DOE to push gas 
turbine combine cycle generating power generation systems to 65 
percent efficiency. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel 
produced right here in the United States and is the fastest 
growing source of new electricity capacity. Increasing turbine 
efficiency will reduce fuel usage and corresponding emissions, 
optimize our use of this limited resource, and lower 
electricity costs.
    Finally, H.R. 3247 establishes a social and behavioral 
sciences research program at the Department of Energy. This 
research is intended to help us better understand the way 
individual decisions impact energy markets and energy 
technology development.
    I am aware of the National Science Foundation's work in 
this area. I understand the Chair's desire to see this work 
become an emphasis of DOE. I look forward to hearing how that 
cross-pollenization may work, and I will have some questions 
about how it would work.
    Thank you again for the opportunity to work with you on 
this legislation, Mr. Chair.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Inglis follows:]

            Prepared Statement of Representative Bob Inglis

    Good morning and thank you for holding this markup, Mr. Chairman. 
I'm looking forward to discussing and improving the four pieces of 
legislation before us today.
    The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 will reauthorize the 
Vehicle Technologies Program at DOE. The bill realigns the program to 
approach a wide variety of critical transportation technology research 
areas with the goal of reducing petroleum use and the related 
emissions. A balanced and robust research program is necessary to 
expand our mobility options, increase our national security, and 
establish the United States as a world leader in auto and truck design 
and manufacturing and transportation fuel development.
    The second bill we'll address today, is the Wind Energy Research 
and Development Act. As the Department of Energy and the American Wind 
Energy Association have made clear, expanding our wind power generating 
capacity will require significant improvement in turbine technologies, 
forecasting capabilities, energy storage, and the transmission grid. 
Strengthening the research effort in wind energy will help us move away 
from polluting fossil fuel energy while creating jobs in wind energy 
design, manufacturing, and operation.
    H.R. 3029 will implement a short-term research, development, and 
demonstration program at DOE to push gas turbine combined cycle 
generating systems to 65 percent efficiency. Natural gas is a clean 
burning fuel produced right here in the United States and is the 
fastest growing source of new electricity capacity. Increasing turbine 
efficiency will reduce fuel usage and corresponding emissions, optimize 
our use of this limited resource, and lower electricity costs.
    Finally, H.R. 3247 establishes a social and behavioral sciences 
research program at the Department of Energy. This research is intended 
to help us better understand the way individual decisions impact energy 
markets and energy technology development. I'm aware of the National 
Science Foundation's work in this area, and I understand the Chairman's 
desire to see this work become an emphasis at the DOE. I look forward 
to hearing how that cross-pollination might work.
    Thank you again for the opportunity to work with you on this 
legislation, Mr. Chairman.

    Chair Baird. Thank you, Mr. Inglis. Members may place 
statements in the record at this point.
    We will now consider H.R. 3029, To establish a research, 
development, and technology demonstration program to improve 
the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power 
generation systems. Again, Mr. Tonko is at a markup 
regrettably, but we have had a very successful hearing on these 
kinds of issues, and I applaud him for his leadership on this 
legislation.
    Clearly if we can improve the efficiency of gas turbines, 
we can save a great deal of energy and reduce our ocean 
acidification and global warming gases.
    I would now recognize Mr. Inglis to present any remarks on 
the bill.
    Mr. Inglis. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This bill creates a 
competitive program with the aim of identifying and achieving 
the significant technological and materials breakthroughs that 
are necessary to boost gas turbine combined cycle efficiency. 
Higher gas turbine efficiency will help us get the most out of 
our domestic natural gas resources, generate jobs in 
engineering and turbine design, and leverage U.S. technological 
expertise to keep us competitive in the global market.
    I am happy to be a co-sponsor of this important 
legislation, and I yield back, Mr. Chair.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Inglis follows:]

            Prepared Statement of Representative Bob Inglis

    This bill creates a competitive program with the aim of identifying 
and achieving the significant technological and materials breakthroughs 
necessary to boost gas turbine combined cycle efficiency. Higher gas 
turbine efficiency will help us get the most out of our domestic 
natural gas resources, generate jobs in engineering and turbine design, 
and leverage U.S. technological expertise to keep us competitive in the 
global market. I'm happy to be a co-sponsor of this important 
legislation.

    Chair Baird. I thank the gentleman from South Carolina.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Tonko follows:]

           Prepared Statement of Representative Paul D. Tonko

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Mr. Chairman, my bill, H.R. 3029, would establish a research, 
development, and technology demonstration program to improve the 
efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems. This legislation is vital if our country is once again going 
to be an energy technology leader in the world. Currently, the United 
States uses natural gas for nearly 20 percent of its power generation. 
The most advanced gas turbines based systems at this time are capable 
of reaching 60 percent efficiency.
    The goal of this bill is for those same turbines to achieve 65 
percent combined cycle efficiency. If this five percent increase of 
efficiency is achieved, we will see numerous benefits as a country.
    First, a one percentage-point improvement in efficiency would 
result in CO2 emissions reductions of 4.4 million tons per 
year and substantial reductions in other emissions such as NOX and SOX. 
The technologies developed for this new program can be an essential 
part of our response to climate change, both in this country and around 
the world.
    Secondly, the energy and fuel savings created by more efficient 
turbines will help rate payers save more than a billion dollars per 
year in fuel costs. Deployment of a 65 percent efficient gas turbine 
throughout the country would result in significant reductions in fuel 
use, leading to savings in electricity costs of $180 billion through 
the year 2040.
    Third, this bill promotes U.S. technology leadership, putting the 
U.S. in a position to assume a greater share of the worldwide energy 
market by creating and retaining high value domestic jobs in turbine 
manufacturing.
    Finally, I would like to thank Ranking Member Inglis for co-
sponsoring this legislation.
    Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

    Chair Baird. Does anyone else wish to be recognized?
    If not, I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered 
as read and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, 
so ordered.
    Are there any amendments that anyone wishes to offer to 
this legislation?
    If no, the vote is on the bill, H.R. 3029. All those in 
favor say aye. All those opposed will say no. In the opinion of 
the Chair the ayes have it.
    I recognize myself to offer a motion. I move the 
Subcommittee favorably report H.R. 3029 to the Full Committee. 
Furthermore, I move the staff be instructed to prepare the 
Subcommittee report and make necessary technical and conforming 
changes to the bill in accordance with the recommendations of 
the Subcommittee.
    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, and the bill is favorably 
reported.
    Without objection the motion to reconsider is laid upon the 
table. Members will have two subsequent calendar days in which 
to submit supplemental Minority or additional views on the 
measure.
    I want to thank Members for their attendance, staff for all 
their good work. This concludes our Subcommittee markup.
    [Whereupon, at 2:41 p.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]

                                Appendix

                              ----------                              


                 H.R. 3029, Section-by-Section Analysis





                     Section-by-Section Analysis of
          H.R. 3029, To establish a research, development, and
            technology demonstration program to improve the
              efficiency of gas turbines used in combined
                     cycle power generation systems

SECTION 1. HIGH EFFICIENCY GAS TURBINES

    (a) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program of 
technology research, development, and demonstration to improve the 
efficiency of gas turbines and to identify the technologies with the 
potential to improve efficiency of 65 percent.
    (b) Outlines the program elements to include engineering and design 
activities in high temperature materials, heat transfer, manufacturing 
technology, combustion technology, controls and systems integration, 
compressor technology, and validation facilities. Calls for technology 
demonstrations on multiple scales, field demonstrations, and overall 
performance assessments.
    (c) States the goals of the program to be, in Phase I, the design, 
development and demonstration of gas turbine technologies with 
efficiency of at least 62 percent; and in Phase II, design of gas 
turbine technologies with efficiency of at least 65 percent.
    (d) Calls for applicants to emphasize the extent to which proposals 
will stimulate job creation or job retention in the U.S., and promote 
U.S. technological leadership.
    (e) Specifies that cost-sharing requirements will be in accordance 
with Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
    (f) Limits participation to firms that are U.S.-owned, or owned by 
a parent entity organized under the laws of a country that affords 
U.S.-owned firms similar rights.
    (g) Authorizes $65 million per year for the fiscal years 2011 
through 2014.



XX: PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 3029, TO ESTABLISH 
A RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM TO IMPROVE 
THE EFFICIENCY OF GAS TURBINES USED IN COMBINED CYCLE POWER GENERATION 
                                SYSTEMS

                              ----------                              


                        WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2009

                  House of Representatives,
                                      Committee on Science,
                                                    Washington, DC.

    The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon 
[Chair of the Committee] presiding.
    Chair Gordon. Good morning. The Committee will come to 
order.
    Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science and Technology 
meets to consider the following measures: H.R. 3246, the 
Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009; H.R. 3165, the Wind 
Energy Research and Development Act of 2009; H.R. 3029, To 
establish a research, development and technology demonstration 
program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in 
combined cycle power generation systems, and H.R. 3247, To 
establish a social and behavioral science research program at 
the Department of Energy, and for other purposes. We will now 
proceed with the markup.
    This morning the Committee will consider four bills. H.R. 
3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, is authored 
by our colleague, Mr. Peters, and co-sponsored by 
Representative Biggert. I think we have a Michigan theme going 
here. H.R. 3246 authorizes research and development on vehicles 
with a goal of reducing or eliminating petroleum fuel base and 
its associated emissions.
    We will also consider H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research 
and Development Act of 2009, and H.R. 3029, a bill to authorize 
R&D and to improve the efficiency of gas turbines, both of 
these bills authored by Mr. Tonko. H.R. 3165 authorizes R&D on 
wind power. The specific areas of R&D were identified in a 
recent report by the Department of Energy and the American Wind 
Energy Association describing the areas of improvements needed 
if we are to expand wind power electricity generation.
    Currently, 15 percent of our electric power is produced 
from natural gas. Over the next decade, this percentage is 
predicted to double. The research and development authorized in 
H.R. 3029 is intended to improve the efficiency of turbines 
used in these combined cycle power generation systems.
    Finally, we will be marking up H.R. 3247, a bill to 
establish a social and behavioral research program at the 
Department of Energy. H.R. 3247 was introduced by Dr. Baird, 
who has been a champion of these areas of research throughout 
his service on the Committee. It is important to understand why 
some technologies are more readily adopted than others, and it 
is important that we communicate to the public clearly about 
the challenges and opportunities of becoming a more energy-
efficient society. H.R. 3247 will help us to accomplish these 
important goals.
    I now recognize Mr. Hall to present his remarks.
    [The prepared statement of Chair Gordon follows:]

                Prepared Statement of Chair Bart Gordon

    This morning the Committee will consider four bills. H.R. 3246, the 
Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, is authored by our colleague, 
Mr. Peters, and co-sponsored by Representative Biggert. I think we have 
a Michigan theme going here. H.R. 3246 authorizes research and 
development on vehicles with a goal of reducing or eliminating 
petroleum fuel base and its associated emissions.
    We will also consider H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and 
Development Act of 2009, and H.R. 3029, a bill to authorize R&D and to 
improve the efficiency of gas turbines, both of these bills authored by 
Mr. Tonko.
    H.R. 3165 authorizes R&D on wind power. The specific areas of R&D 
were identified in a recent report by the Department of Energy and the 
American Wind Energy Association describing the areas of improvements 
needed if we are to expand wind power electricity generation.
    Currently, 15 percent of our electric power is produced from 
natural gas. Over the next decade, this percentage is predicted to 
double. The research and development authorized in H.R. 3029 is 
intended to improve the efficiency of turbines used in these combined 
cycle power generation systems. It is vital that utilities build new 
plants to be as efficient as possible since the investment costs are 
high and plants operate for many decades once they are brought online.
    Finally, we will be marking up H.R. 3247, a bill to establish a 
social and behavioral research program at the Department of Energy. 
H.R. 3247 was introduced by Dr. Baird, who has been a champion of these 
areas of research throughout his service on the Committee. People 
determine the success or failure of new technologies. It is important 
to understand why some technologies are more readily adopted than 
others. And it is important that we communicate to the public clearly 
about the challenges and opportunities of becoming a more energy 
efficient society. H.R. 3247 will help us to accomplish these important 
goals.
    The four bills we have before us today target several important 
energy research needs. I congratulate the Members for their work on 
these bills, and I look forward to a productive markup. Thank you all 
for your attendance and participation this morning.
    I now recognize Mr. Hall to present his opening remarks.

    Mr. Hall. I thank you, Mr. Chair.
    Today we do meet to mark up these bills that you set out 
there, and H.R. 3029 is to establish a research, development 
and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency 
of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems, and H.R. 3247, to establish a social and behavioral 
sciences research program at the Department of Energy, and I 
will have some things to say about that one a little bit later, 
especially about the author who is a very good friend of mine 
and may need this bill. I don't know. These two boys from 
California every now and then I think they need it, even 
Sensenbrenner sometimes. We are going to have to really look at 
this. Josh himself does now and then--I mean Roscoe, but he is 
too old to be up here anyway. I better yield my time back right 
now.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]

           Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall

    Thank you Mr. Chairman. Today we meet to markup four bills. H.R. 
3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009; H.R. 3165, the Wind 
Energy Research and Development Act of 2009; H.R. 3029, To establish a 
research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve 
the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems; and H.R. 3247, To establish a social and behavioral sciences 
research program at the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.
    I will not take up a lot of time talking about these bills in my 
opening statement but will instead make any necessary comments when 
each bill is brought up.
    I would like to thank the staff on both sides for their hard work 
in getting these bills and their amendments together and ready in such 
a short period of time.
    With that I yield back the balance of my time.

    Chair Gordon. Are you sure you don't want to say something 
about Mr. Neugebauer here before we proceed?
    Mr. Hall. He and Boone Pickens got the wind in their 
problem out in West Texas. Women complain about it blowing 
their hair.
    Chair Gordon. Yes, sir, so here we go. Members can place 
statements in the record at any point.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:]

         Prepared Statement of Representative Harry E. Mitchell

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Today we will mark up four pieces of legislation: H.R. 3246, the 
Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research 
and Development Act, H.R. 3029, legislation to establish a research, 
development, and technology demonstration program to improve the 
efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems, and H.R. 3247, legislation to establish a social and 
behavioral sciences research program at the Department of Energy.
    I am especially pleased that we are considering H.R. 3165, the Wind 
Energy Research and Development Act.
    Wind energy, like solar energy, is a clean alternative energy 
source that could not only help meet our energy needs, but it could 
also be a boon to our economy.
    According to a May 2008 report from the Department of Energy, 
current U.S. land-based and offshore wind resources are sufficient to 
supply the electrical energy needs of the U.S. several times over.
    H.R. 3165 would take important steps in advancing wind energy 
research efforts. Specifically, this bill would require the DOE to 
focus research and development on improving the energy efficiency, 
reliability, and capacity of wind turbines, optimizing the design and 
adaptability of wind energy systems, and reducing the cost of wind 
energy systems. This legislation would also establish a wind 
demonstration program.
    I urge my colleagues to support this important measure, and I yield 
back.

    Chair Gordon. We will now consider H.R. 3029, To establish 
a research, development and technology demonstration program to 
improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle 
power generation systems. I recognize the gentleman from New 
York, Mr. Tonko, to describe the bill.
    Mr. Tonko. Thank you, Mr. Chair. You just highlighted the 
core substance of H.R. 3029. This legislation is vital if our 
country is once again going to be an energy technology leader 
in the world.
    Currently, the United States uses natural gas for nearly 20 
percent of its power generation. The most advanced gas turbine-
based systems at this time are capable of reaching 60 percent 
efficiency. The goal of this bill is for those same turbines to 
achieve 65 percent combined cycle efficiency. A one percentage 
point improvement in efficiency would result in CO2 
emissions reductions of 4.4 million tons per year and 
substantial reductions in other emissions such as NOX and SOX. 
The energy and fuel savings created by more efficient turbines 
will help rate payers save more than $1 billion per year in 
fuel costs. Deployment of a 65 percent efficient gas turbine 
throughout the country would result in significant reductions 
in fuel use, leading to savings in electricity costs of 
somewhat $180 billion through the year 2040. In addition to the 
environmental benefits, energy and fuel savings, this bill 
promotes United States technology leadership, putting the 
United States in a position to assume a greater share of the 
worldwide energy market by creating and retaining high-value 
domestic jobs in turbine manufacturing.
    I know that my colleagues, Mr. Bilbray and Ms. Kosmas, have 
amendments to the bill. I thank them for their input and again 
am supportive of their amendments.
    Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Tonko follows:]

           Prepared Statement of Representative Paul D. Tonko

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
    Mr. Chairman, my bill, H.R. 3029, would establish a research, 
development, and technology demonstration program to improve the 
efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems. This legislation is vital if our country is once again going 
to be an energy technology leader in the world. Currently, the United 
States uses natural gas for nearly 20 percent of its power generation. 
The most advanced gas turbines based systems at this time are capable 
of reaching 60 percent efficiency. The goal of this bill is for those 
same turbines to achieve 65 percent combined cycle efficiency.
    A one percentage-point improvement in efficiency would result in 
CO2 emissions reductions of 4.4 million tons per year and 
substantial reductions in other emissions such as NOX and SOX.
    The energy and fuel savings created by more efficient turbines will 
help rate payers save more than a billion dollars per year in fuel 
costs. Deployment of a 65 percent efficient gas turbine throughout the 
country would result in significant reductions in fuel use, leading to 
savings in electricity costs of $180 billion through the year 2040.
    In addition, to the environmental benefits, energy and fuel savings 
this bill promotes U.S. technology leadership, putting the U.S. in a 
position to assume a greater share of the worldwide energy market by 
creating and retaining high value domestic jobs in turbine 
manufacturing.
    I know that my colleagues Mr. Bilbray and Ms. Kosmas have 
amendments on this bill. I thank them for their input and am supportive 
of those amendments.
    Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

    Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Tonko.
    Mr. Hall is recognized.
    Mr. Hall. Mr. Chair, I support H.R. 3029, To establish a 
research, development and technology demonstration program to 
improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle 
power generation systems with a footnote. I will admit that at 
first I was a little apprehensive in that it seemed as though 
the bill would benefit one company, but we have been assured 
that this is not the case. My colleague, Mr. Bilbray, will also 
be offering an amendment that will expand the number of 
entities eligible to participate in the program. While I would 
have preferred a hearing to discuss the merits of this bill 
before its last-minute inclusion in the Waxman-Markey cap-and-
trade bill and before the Subcommittee markup last week, I 
won't oppose what I consider a very worthy goal of efficiency 
enhancements to gas turbine combined cycle units, which could 
result in significantly reduced natural gas usage and CO2 
emissions.
    Again, I thank Mr. Tonko for his work on the bill. He has 
been a very busy man. With that, I yield back my time.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]

           Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall

    Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 3029, To establish a research, 
development, and technology demonstration program to improve the 
efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation 
systems with a footnote. I will admit that at first I was a little 
apprehensive in that it seemed as though the bill would benefit one 
company, but I have been assured that that is not the case. My 
colleague, Mr. Bilbray will also be offering an amendment that will 
expand the number of entities eligible to participate in the program. 
While I would have preferred a hearing to discuss the merits of this 
bill before its last-minute inclusion in the Waxman-Markey cap-and-
trade bill and before the Subcommittee markup last week, I will not 
oppose what I consider a worthy goal of efficiency enhancements to gas 
turbine combined cycle units which could result in significantly 
reduced natural gas usage and CO2 emissions. Again, I thank 
Mr. Tonko for his work on this bill. You have been a very busy man.
    With that I yield back the balance of my time.

    [The prepared statement of Mr. Inglis follows:]

            Prepared Statement of Representative Bob Inglis

    This bill creates a competitive program with the aim of identifying 
and achieving the significant technological and materials breakthroughs 
necessary to boost gas turbine combined cycle efficiency. Higher gas 
turbine efficiency will help us get the most out of our domestic 
natural gas resources, generate jobs in engineering and turbine design, 
and leverage U.S. technological expertise to keep us competitive in the 
global market. I'm happy to be a co-sponsor of this important 
legislation.

    Chair Gordon. Does anyone else wish to be recognized? Then 
I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read and 
open to amendment at any point and that the Members proceed 
with the amendments in order of the roster. Without objection, 
so ordered.
    The first amendment on the roster is an amendment offered 
by the gentleman from California, Mr. Bilbray. Are you ready to 
proceed with your amendment?
    Mr. Bilbray. Yes, Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
    Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
    The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 3029, amendment number 032, 
offered by Mr. Bilbray of California.
    Mr. Bilbray. I will ask unanimous consent that the----
    Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent, if that is okay, to 
dispense with the reading. Without objection, so ordered.
    I recognize the gentleman from California to explain his 
amendment.
    Mr. Bilbray. Excuse me, Mr. Chair. Once a mayor, always a 
mayor.
    First of all, for public disclosure, I want to make it 
clear that as far as I know, I own no stock in natural gas in 
any form but I do take exception to the Committee's report on 
paragraph 2 on this bill where it makes a reference to the fact 
that the use of natural gas for electrical generation produces 
generally cleaner. Let me say this. It is extremely cleaner 
than other fossil fuels, so just for the record, I want to let 
everybody know, this is a great technology from an air 
pollution point of view.
    My amendment just tries to make sure that the research does 
not pick out just large units but also recognizes that we need 
a diversity in units, especially the fact, Mr. Chair, that we 
are going to need natural gas to be able to fill the gap 
between those other zero-emission technologies that are 
available that tend to be larger and fill those gaps into where 
you can have smaller units that are much closer to the source 
of consumption, thus reducing the inefficiency of long 
transmission. This research just sort of gives the flexibility 
that we should be looking at large, medium and small and not 
restricted to one size, and with that, basically it is self-
explanatory. This is an application that I think we are going 
to find not just in mega cities but applications in those rural 
areas that will need a clean alternative to large, centralized 
generation facilities, and this technology can produce it and 
produce it in a manner that is what we call turnkey. Basically 
gas turbine is very, very efficient for those smaller units, 
and I yield back, Mr. Chair.
    Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Bilbray. Is there further 
discussion on the amendment? All in favor, say aye. Those 
opposed, no. The ayes have it and the amendment is agreed to.
    The second amendment on the roster is an amendment offered 
also by the gentleman from California, Mr. Bilbray. Are you 
ready to proceed with your amendment?
    Mr. Bilbray. Yes, Mr. Chair.
    Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
    The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 3029, amendment number 001, 
offered by Mr. Bilbray of California.
    Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the 
reading. Without objection, so ordered.
    I recognize the gentleman for five minutes to explain the 
amendment.
    Mr. Bilbray. Mr. Chair, this is very simple. I think it 
stands in the spirit of everyone here and that is that there 
should be competitive bidding in this process and we keep this 
open, competitive. Competition is not only a very efficient way 
of doing it, it is what our taxpayers have always demanded. We 
keep it open, we keep it competitive, keep the system honest. 
That speaks for itself. I yield back.
    Chair Gordon. Is there further discussion on the amendment? 
If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. 
Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed 
to.
    The third amendment on the roster is an amendment offered 
by the gentlelady from Florida, Ms. Kosmas. Are you ready to 
proceed with your amendment?
    Ms. Kosmas. I have an amendment at the desk.
    Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
    The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 3029, amendment number 002, 
offered by Ms. Kosmas of Florida.
    Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the 
reading. Without objection, so ordered.
    I recognize the gentlelady for five minutes to explain her 
amendment.
    Ms. Kosmas. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank Mr. 
Tonko for introducing this important bill that will advance new 
energy efficiency technology and move Americans down the path 
to energy independence.
    My amendment to H.R. 3029 will enable businesses and 
universities to participate in and help shape this new R&D 
program by requiring the Secretary of Energy to solicit grant 
and contract proposals from industry, universities and other 
appropriate parties. The addition of these institutions will 
ensure that our entire knowledge base is utilized to advance 
energy-efficient technology. Clean energy technology is a 
growing field and we must do all that we can to support such an 
important industry. For example, small businesses such as 
Florida Turbine Technologies and universities such as the 
University of Central Florida can provide valuable expertise 
and real-world experience that can make substantial 
contributions to DOE's research programs and the overall energy 
sector.
    Investing in and improving the efficiency of abundant 
domestic energy sources such as natural gas and harnessing the 
innovative capabilities of small businesses and universities is 
vital to developing new technologies that will create jobs, 
reduce greenhouse gases and strengthen national security. I ask 
my colleagues for their support, and I yield back.
    [The prepared statement of Ms. Kosmas follows:]

         Prepared Statement of Representative Suzanne M. Kosmas

    Thank you Mr. Chairman. And I would like to thank Mr. Tonko for 
introducing such an important bill that will advance new energy 
efficiency technology and move Americans down the path to energy 
independence.
    My amendment to H.R. 3029 will enable businesses and universities 
to participate in and help shape this new R&D program by requiring the 
Secretary of Energy to solicit grant and contract proposals from 
industry, universities, and other appropriate parties. The addition of 
these institutions will ensure that our entire knowledge base is 
utilized to advance energy efficient technologies.
    Clean energy technology is a growing field and we must do all we 
can to support such an important industry. Small businesses such as 
Florida Turbine Technologies and universities such as the University of 
Central Florida can provide valuable expertise and real world 
experience that can make substantial contributions to DOE's research 
programs and the overall energy sector.
    Investing in and improving the efficiency of abundant domestic 
energy sources such as natural gas and harnessing the innovative 
capabilities of small businesses and universities is vital to 
developing new technologies that will create jobs, reduce greenhouse 
gases, and strengthen national security.
    I ask my colleagues for their support and I yield back.

    Chair Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Kosmas.
    Is there further discussion? If note, the vote occurs on 
the amendment--oh, excuse me. Ms. Biggert.
    Ms. Biggert. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have one question 
of the author, and that is, you talk about the universities and 
others. Are the National labs included in this, do you know?
    Ms. Kosmas. I think there is nothing in my language that 
would prohibit that.
    Ms. Biggert. I just wondered if it was in the bill, or why 
they wouldn't have been included in the amendment.
    Ms. Kosmas. I didn't consider it, frankly, but I don't 
think there is anything in my amendment that would prevent that 
from being made part of it.
    Chair Gordon. If Ms. Biggert would yield, why don't we let 
Mr. King address that.
    The Counsel. There is nothing in the bill that would 
preclude National labs from being included or eligible, but it 
is not explicitly stated that they are, so----
    Ms. Biggert. All right. Thank you.
    Chair Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Biggert. I think we both agree 
that our National labs are great resources for the country.
    Is there further discussion on the amendment? If note, the 
vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. Opposed, 
no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
    Are there other amendments? If no, the vote is on the bill, 
H.R. 3029 as amended. All those in favor, say aye. All those 
opposed will say no. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have 
it.
    I now recognize Mr. Tonko for a motion.
    Mr. Tonko. Thank you, Chair Gordon. I move that the 
Committee favorably report H.R. 3029 as amended to the House 
with the recommendation that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I 
move that staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report 
and make necessary technical and conforming changes and that 
the Chair take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the 
House for consideration.
    Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Tonko.
    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 to reconsider is laid upon 
the table. Members will have two subsequent calendar days in 
which to submit supplemental Minority or additional views on 
the measure.
    Chair Gordon. This concludes our Committee markup.
    [Whereupon, at 12:53 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]

                                Appendix

                              ----------                              


                            Amendment Roster





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