Rebuilding Resilient Energy Systems Act of 2017

To promote the use of resilient energy systems to rebuild infrastructure following disasters. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rebuilding Resilient Energy Systems Act of 2017 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Efficient The term efficient (2) Resilient The term resilient 3. Use of resilient energy systems to rebuild following disasters (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any amounts awarded under sections 403, 404, 406, 408, and 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170b 42 U.S.C. 5121 (1) is more resilient; (2) is more efficient; (3) provides continuous flow of power to facilities critical to public health, safety, and welfare; (4) maximizes the use of clean energy resources and energy storage technologies; and (5) promotes lower energy bills to the extent feasible. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in subsection (a) creates eligibility for assistance for any energy provider that is not otherwise eligible for assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 (c) Coordination with private entities (1) In general The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall designate a representative of the Agency to coordinate with one or more private entities that are interested in donating energy system technologies and services to rebuild in accordance with subsection (a) following a major disaster or emergency. (2) Coordination among agencies In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraged to coordinate with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Homeland Security. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each National Laboratory (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 (A) developing plans or providing guidance on the design of a resilient and efficient energy system or building; and (B) building, repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing an energy system or building in accordance with subsection (a) following a major disaster or emergency. (2) Consultation among agencies The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraged to consult with the Secretary of Defense regarding the experience of the Department of Defense in building resilient power systems.

Summary: Rebuilding Resilient Energy Systems Act of 2017 This bill permits amounts awarded under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for essential assistance, hazard mitigation, repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities, federal assistance to individuals and households, and public assistance program alternative procedures to be used to build, repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace an energy system or building as a result of a major disaster or emergency designated by the President during calendar year 2017 in a manner that: is more resilient and more efficient; provides continuous flow of power to facilities critical to public health, safety, and welfare; maximizes the use of clean energy resources and energy storage technologies; and promotes lower energy bills. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): (1) shall designate a representative to coordinate with private entities interested in donating energy system technologies and services for such purposes following a major disaster or emergency, (2) is encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Homeland Security in designating such representative, and (3) is encouraged to consult with the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding DOD's experience in building resilient power systems. Each National Laboratory, in coordination with DOE programs that provide assistance to states and industry, must make technical assistance available to federal, state, and local agencies and private entities interested in: (1) developing plans or providing guidance on the design of a resilient and efficient energy system or building; and (2) building, repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing an energy system or building following a major disaster or emergency.