Climate Protection and Justice Act of 2015

To provide for emissions reductions, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Climate Protection and Justice Act of 2015 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings and purposes. Sec. 3. Statement of policy. Sec. 4. Sense of Congress. Sec. 5. Definition of Administrator. TITLE I—Achieving emissions reductions Sec. 101. Carbon pollution fee. Sec. 102. Carbon Fee Rebate Program. TITLE II—Protecting vulnerable people of the United States from the impacts of climate change Subtitle A—Ensuring climate justice for all Sec. 201. Findings. Sec. 202. Definitions. Sec. 203. Climate Justice Resiliency Council. Sec. 204. Climate Justice Resiliency Grant Program. Sec. 205. Low-income and municipal energy efficiency. Subtitle B—Strengthening environmental protections for communities disproportionately impacted by climate change Sec. 211. Ending toxic air pollution from incinerators. TITLE III—Protecting and enhancing United States manufacturing Sec. 301. Carbon equivalency fee border adjustments for carbon pollution-intensive goods. Sec. 302. Carbon equivalency fee fund. TITLE IV—Protecting agriculture and enhancing farm opportunities Sec. 401. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 402. Soil quality improvement. Sec. 403. Nitrous oxide emissions reductions. TITLE V—Wholesale demand response Sec. 501. Wholesale demand response. Sec. 502. General right to neutrality of interconnection. 2. Findings and purposes (a) Findings Congress finds that— (1) greenhouse gases are accumulating in the atmosphere at a rate that may cause average temperatures to rise 8 degrees Fahrenheit or more; (2) the expected rise in average temperatures poses a risk of— (A) increasing global average air and ocean temperatures; (B) widespread melting of snow and ice; and (C) rising global average sea level; (3) the overwhelming majority of the scientific community is clear that climate change is— (A) real; (B) caused by human activity; and (C) already causing devastating problems in the United States and around the world; and (4) mandatory steps will be required to move aggressively to transform the energy system of the United States away from fossil fuels to energy efficiency and sustainable energy. (b) Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to reduce, in conjunction with other laws, emissions of carbon pollution to ensure that the contribution of the United States to global climate change is lower than the level required to keep global average temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius; (2) to implement solutions that acknowledge the intersections of environmental degradation that perpetuate racial, social, and economic inequities; (3) to protect the lives of low-income, minority, and tribal communities and reinvest in those communities; (4) to empower communities to prepare for, and react to, the impacts of climate change that are already being experienced by communities; and (5) to demonstrate to the international community a commitment by the Government of the United States to aggressively reduce carbon pollution emissions. 3. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States that— (1) the Government of the United States should lead the international community in an aggressive transition away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable energy; (2) the Government of the United States should tax carbon pollution to capture the price on the atmosphere and motivate significant reductions in emissions; and (3) the transition away from fossil fuels shall focus on climate justice, which requires solutions that consider— (A) the needs of workers; and (B) the manners in which the causes and effects of climate change disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities. 4. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that Congress agrees with the opinion of virtually the entire worldwide scientific community that— (1) climate change is real; (2) climate change is caused by human activities; (3) climate change has already caused devastating problems in the United States and around the world; (4) a brief window of opportunity exists before the United States and the entire planet suffer irreparable harm; and (5) it is imperative that the United States transform the energy system of the United States away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and sustainable energy as rapidly as possible. 5. Definition of Administrator In this Act, the term Administrator I Achieving emissions reductions 101. Carbon pollution fee (a) In general Title I of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. E Emissions reductions 194. Definitions In this part: (1) Carbon polluting substance The term carbon polluting substance (A) when combusted or otherwise used, will release greenhouse gas emissions; and (B) is— (i) extracted, manufactured, or produced in the United States; or (ii) imported into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing. (2) Carbon pollution-intensive good The term carbon pollution-intensive good (3) Rate of inflation The term rate of inflation section 1(f)(3) calendar year 2017 calendar year 1992 (4) Substantially equivalent measure The term substantially equivalent measure 195. Emissions reductions targets It is the policy of the United States that greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of the United States economy should not exceed— (1) 5,800,000,000 tons in 2020; (2) 3,700,000,000 tons in 2030; (3) 2,500,000,000 tons in 2040; and (4) 1,260,000,000 tons in 2050. 196. Carbon pollution fee (a) In general The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator, shall impose on any manufacturer, producer, or importer of a carbon polluting substance a fee in accordance with this section. (b) Amount (1) In general The amount of the carbon pollution fee imposed under subsection (a) on any carbon polluting substance shall be assessed per ton of carbon dioxide content (including carbon dioxide equivalent content of methane) of the carbon polluting substance, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy. (2) Fractional part of ton In the case of a fraction of a ton of a carbon polluting substance, the fee imposed under subsection (a) shall be the same fraction of the amount of the fee imposed on a whole ton of the carbon polluting substance. (3) Applicable amount for calendar years 2017 through 2035 For purposes of paragraph (1), the amount of the fee for the following calendar years shall be— Fee year Fee rate (dollars per metric ton) 2017 $15 2018 $17 2019 $19 2020 $21 2021 $24 2022 $27 2023 $30 2024 $33 2025 $36 2026 $39 2027 $41 2028 $44 2029 $47 2030 $50 2031 $54 2032 $58 2033 $63 2034 $68 2035 $73. (4) Applicable amount after calendar year 2035 For purposes of paragraph (1), for each calendar year occurring after calendar year 2035, the amount of the fee shall be an amount equal to the sum of— (A) the amount in effect for the preceding calendar year; and (B) the product (rounded to the nearest dollar) obtained by multiplying— (i) the amount described in subparagraph (A); and (ii) 5 percent, plus the rate of inflation. (c) Single imposition of fee No fee shall be imposed under subsection (a) with respect to a carbon polluting substance if the person that would be liable for the fee establishes that a prior fee imposed under that subsection has been imposed with respect to that carbon polluting substance. (d) Limitations No fee shall be imposed against a person under subsection (a) if during the calendar year, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator, may prescribe— (1) for a calendar year before calendar year 2036, the person uses a carbon polluting substance as a feedstock so that the carbon associated with that carbon polluting substance will not be emitted; or (2) a fee under subsection (a) was paid with respect to another carbon polluting substance that is used by the person in the manufacture or production of the applicable carbon polluting substance. 197. Interagency Climate Council (a) Establishment There is established a council, to be known as the Interagency Climate Council Council (b) Membership The Council shall be composed of— (1) the Administrator, who shall be the Chairperson; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) the Secretary of Energy; (4) the Secretary of Transportation; (5) the Secretary of Commerce; (6) the Secretary of the Interior; (7) the Secretary of Agriculture; (8) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (9) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and (10) the Chairperson of the Council of Environmental Quality. (c) Activities (1) Efficacy assessment Beginning in 2020 and every 3 years thereafter, the Council shall assess the efficacy of Federal, State, and local actions in effect as of the date of the assessment, including Federal statutory or regulatory policies and policies established by the Climate Protection and Justice Act of 2015 (2) Reduction opportunities The Council shall identify and evaluate potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions opportunities in all sectors of the economy, including opportunities for the promulgation under this Act of new or updated regulations for stationary and mobile sources. (d) Regulations If the Council finds, in carrying out an assessment under subsection (c)(1), that the United States has not met any emissions reductions target described in section 195, or if there is substantial risk that the United States may not meet an emissions reduction target described in that section, the Administrator shall, not later than 2 years after the date of the assessment by the Council, promulgate final regulations under this Act to update existing regulations or establish new regulations relating to a sector of the economy identified by the Council, with sufficient stringency and coverage to ensure that the United States meets the emissions reductions target. 198. Savings provisions (a) In general For purposes of other provisions of this Act, nothing in this part shall— (1) affect the regulatory status of carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gas; or (2) limit regulatory authority relating to carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gas. (b) No preemption Nothing in this chapter shall preempt or limit State or local actions to address climate change. . (b) Technical amendments Title IV of the Clean Air Act (relating to noise pollution) ( 42 U.S.C. 7641 et seq. (1) amended by redesignating sections 401 through 403 as sections 701 through 703, respectively; and (2) redesignated as title VII and moved to appear at the end of that Act. 102. Carbon Fee Rebate Program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible dividend recipient The term eligible dividend recipient (A) a citizen of the United States; (B) a lawful permanent resident of the United States; (C) an individual whom the President may designate as meeting the requirements for deferred action described in the Department of Homeland Security memorandum entitled Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States As Children (D) an individual whom the President may designate as meeting the requirements for deferred action described in the Department of Homeland Security memorandum entitled Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States As Children and with Respect to Certain Individuals Who Are the Parents of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents (E) an asylee; (F) a refugee; and (G) any other individual designated by the President. (2) Fund The term Fund (b) Office of Climate Dividend There is established an office within the Department of the Treasury, to be known as the Office of Climate Dividend (c) Carbon Fee Rebate Fund (1) In general There is established in the Treasury a fund, to be known as the Carbon Fee Rebate Fund (2) Deposits to Fund For each fiscal year, there shall be deposited in the Fund, amounts collected from fees imposed under section 196 of the Clean Air Act. (3) Expenditures Amounts deposited in the Fund shall be available without appropriation for the purposes described in subsection (d). (d) Carbon Fee Rebate Program (1) In general On a quarterly basis, the Secretary of the Treasury shall remit from the Fund to each eligible dividend recipient a carbon fee dividend, which, except as provided in paragraph (3), shall be in an amount equal to— (A) the receipts from the fee imposed under section 196 of the Clean Air Act for the preceding quarter, divided by (B) the number of eligible dividend recipients on the last day of the preceding quarter. (2) Regulations The Secretary of the Treasury shall promulgate regulations governing the dispersal of funds under paragraph (1), including— (A) procedures for the identification and maintenance of an accurate list of eligible dividend recipients; (B) the disbursement of funds to individuals under the age of 18 years; and (C) the use of electronic means for transfers of funds, to the maximum extent practicable. (3) Phase out of carbon tax dividend for high income households (A) In general The amount of the carbon fee dividend for any eligible dividend recipient under paragraph (1) (determined without regard to this paragraph) shall be reduced by the amount determined under subparagraph (B). (B) Amount of reduction The amount determined under this subparagraph is the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount which would be paid under paragraph (1) as— (i) the excess of— (I) the eligible individual's adjusted gross income for the most recent taxable year, over (II) the $100,000, bears to (ii) the phaseout range. (C) Phaseout range For purposes of subparagraph (B), the phaseout range is— (i) in the case of an eligible taxpayer who filed a joint return, $10,000, (ii) in the case of an eligible taxpayer who filed as a head of household, $8,000, and (iii) in the case of any other eligible taxpayer, $5,000. (D) Inflation adjustment (i) In general In the case of any calendar year beginning after 2017, the $100,000 amount in subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be increased by an amount equal to— (I) such dollar amount, multiplied by (II) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) 2016 1992 (ii) Inflation adjustment The amount of any increase under clause (i) shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $5,000. (E) Definitions Any term used in this paragraph which is also used in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have the meaning given such term under such Code. II Protecting vulnerable people of the United States from the impacts of climate change A Ensuring climate justice for all 201. Findings Congress finds that— (1) minority and low-income communities in the United States are disproportionately affected by the causes of climate change because— (A) according to a 2012 study by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People— (i) the nearly 6,000,000 people in the United States who live within 3 miles of a coal power plant have an average per capita annual income of $18,400, which is lower than the national average of $21,587; and (ii) among the people who live within 3 miles of a coal power plant, 39 percent are people of color, while people of color comprise only 36 percent of the total population of the United States; (B) 82.3 percent of Native Americans and Alaska Natives live within 50 miles of major sources of NO and NO 2 (C) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that— (i) African-Americans are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from asthma than any other racial or ethnic group; (ii) African-American and Hispanic children visit emergency departments for asthma care more often than Caucasian children; (iii) more than 1 in 4 African-American adults cannot afford routine doctor visits; (iv) nearly 1 in 7 Hispanic adults cannot afford routine doctor visits; (v) Hispanic individuals are 30 percent more likely to visit the hospital for asthma; and (vi) Hispanic children are 40 percent more likely to die from asthma than Caucasian children; and (2) minority and low-income people of the United States are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change because— (A) hurricanes disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities, and regarding Hurricane Katrina in 2005— (i) after the hurricane, people of color were much less likely to return to the homes in New Orleans from which those individuals were evacuated; (ii) according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 54 percent of African-Americans who were evacuated during Hurricane Katrina returned to New Orleans, compared to 82 percent of Caucasian evacuees; (iii) the damage occurred in areas— (I) with populations that were 45.8 percent African-American, compared to undamaged areas with populations that were 26.4 percent African-American; and (II) in which 20.9 percent of the households had incomes below the poverty line, compared to undamaged areas in which 15.3 percent of the households had incomes below the poverty line; (iv) African-Americans are estimated to have accounted for approximately 44 percent of the Hurricane Katrina victims; (v) 1/5 (vi) nearly 1/2 (B) extreme weather disproportionately impacts low-income and minority communities, and regarding Hurricane Sandy in 2012— (i) 80,000 residents living in low-income housing lost power, heat, and hot water for more than 2 weeks in the middle of winter; (ii) 1 in 5 public housing units and almost 1 in 7 affordable rental housing units were damaged; (iii) in contrast to the effects of Hurricane Sandy on low-income communities, Wall Street went back to business with the lights on and stock tickers running only 2 days after Hurricane Sandy hit New York City; (iv) 55 percent of the victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York City were very-low-income renters, with incomes that averaged $18,000 per year; (v) 67 percent of recipients of assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were low-income individuals; and (vi) the median rent paid by households affected by Hurricane Sandy has increased $200 per month since the date Hurricane Sandy hit New York City; (C) heat waves disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities because— (i) African-Americans are 52 percent more likely than Caucasians to live in dense, urban neighborhoods that may be 22 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than rural neighborhoods, which increases the risk of health complications for African-Americans, including death from heat-related complications; (ii) although access to air conditioning lowers the risk of mortality from heat-related health complications by 80 percent, 1 in 5 low-income households has no access to air conditioning; (iii) in 2011 and 2012, drought and heat waves affected communities with median incomes that were 5 percent lower than the national average; (iv) heat waves— (I) cause more deaths in the United States than all other weather events combined; and (II) are particularly dangerous for Hispanic people, who are disproportionately likely to have low incomes; (v) the number of unhealthy red alert (I) will likely double due to increased ozone formation caused by rising temperatures; and (II) will increase rates of asthma complications for Hispanic people, who are also at risk for cardiovascular conditions; and (vi) by the end of the 21st century, climate change is projected to triple the average number of extremely hot days in the United States, the consequences of which— (I) include— (aa) thousands of premature deaths annually by 2100; (bb) nearly 2,000,000,000 lost labor hours per year; and (cc) over $100,000,000,000 in lost wages annually; and (II) disproportionately burden Hispanic people, who comprise— (aa) 42 percent of construction laborers; and (bb) approximately 75 percent of agricultural field workers; (D) floods disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities, for example— (i) in 2011 and 2012, floods affected communities with median incomes that were 14 percent lower than the national average; and (ii) in June 2011, extreme Missouri River rain runoff hit record highs and caused $1,500,000,000 in damages, including damages in communities in Arkansas and Mississippi with median incomes that were 23 percent and 30 percent lower, respectively, than the national average; (E) tornadoes disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities— (i) because even though mobile homes comprise only 8 percent of housing in the United States, 1/2 (ii) with the deadliest tornado in the history of the United States having occurred in Joplin, Missouri, a community with— (I) a median income that is 29 percent lower than the national average; and (II) a 20-percent poverty rate; (F) wildfires disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities, for example— (i) the Ash Creek Fire devastated an Indian reservation on which— (I) 1/3 (II) 2/3 (ii) the most destructive wildfire in Texas history destroyed almost 1,700 homes in Bastrop, a community with 14 percent of households at, or below, the poverty line; (G) droughts disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities because— (i) droughts are expected to increase the prices of fruits and vegetables by roughly 3 percent in 2015, which increases the economic burden of nutrition on low-income families; (ii) in California, farmworkers, of whom 92 percent identify as Latino and 3/4 (iii) all of the Indian tribes in the State of Arizona and several Indian tribes in the States of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California have Indian reservations (as defined in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 ( 25 U.S.C. 1452 (iv) approximately 30 percent of the people of the Navajo Nation— (I) are not served by municipal water systems; and (II) risk severe water shortages due to worsening droughts caused by climate change; and (H) (i) sea level rise and erosion disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities; (ii) in 2008, the Comptroller General of the United States found that more than 86 percent of the 216 Alaska Native villages are already subject to flooding and erosion caused by increasing temperatures due to climate change; and (iii) the land under the village of Newtok, Alaska, is eroding at the rate of 72 feet per year, which may require the village to move. 202. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Climate impacts The term climate impacts (A) means the damage to the health of human and natural environments, habitats, and the economy caused by factors including erratic climate and weather extremes due to excess carbon pollution in the atmosphere; and (B) includes— (i) the increased frequency of— (I) extreme weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and snow storms; (II) floods; (III) wildfires; (IV) droughts; (V) disease; and (VI) heat waves; (ii) sea level rise; (iii) ocean acidification; and (iv) altered— (I) ecosystems and habitats; and (II) soil health and crop availability. (2) Climate justice resiliency project The term climate justice resiliency project (3) Climate resiliency hotspot community The term climate resiliency hotspot community (A) likely to experience climate impacts; (B) traditionally unable to afford the management or mitigation of climate impacts; and (C) likely to receive a high score in the report described in section 204(h). (4) Council The term Council (5) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) a State; (B) an Indian tribe; (C) a territory; (D) a municipality; (E) a county; (F) a locality; (G) a native Hawaiian community; and (H) a nonprofit community organization. (6) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 450b 203. Climate Justice Resiliency Council (a) Establishment There is established within the Environmental Protection Agency, a council to be known as the Climate Justice Resiliency Council (b) Membership The Council shall be composed of— (1) the Administrator, who shall serve as the Chairperson of the Council; (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; (4) the Secretary of Agriculture; (5) the Secretary of Transportation; (6) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (7) the Secretary of Energy; (8) the Secretary of Labor; and (9) the Secretary of the Interior. (c) Activities The Administrator, in consultation with the Council, may promulgate regulations to carry out the Climate Justice Resiliency Grant Program under section 204. 204. Climate Justice Resiliency Grant Program (a) In general The Administrator, in consultation with the Council, shall establish a Climate Justice Resiliency Grant Program to provide block grants to eligible entities with the goal of promoting climate justice resiliency projects described in subsection (f). (b) Environmental justice study (1) In general To facilitate administration of grants under this section, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall conduct a county-by-county or equivalent regional or tribal environmental justice study to identify climate resiliency hotspot communities. (2) Requirements The study described in paragraph (1)— (A) shall be conducted in consultation with— (i) climate resiliency hotspot communities; and (ii) communities that are likely to receive a high score in the report described in subsection (h); (B) shall identify localities based on geographical proximity to climate impacts, socioeconomic, public health, and environmental hazard criteria; and (C) may include an area— (i) that is disproportionately affected by climate impacts or other hazards that lead to negative public health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation; (ii) with a concentration of individuals who have— (I) a low income; (II) high unemployment; (III) a low level of homeownership; (IV) a high rent burden; (V) a low level of educational attainment; or (VI) a disproportionate health burden; or (iii) with a climate-sensitive population. (c) Eligibility for grant funds (1) Multi-year plan (A) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Council a plan for a climate justice resiliency investment for not less than 5 years that describes climate justice resiliency projects to be prioritized based on the study carried out under subsection (b). (B) Contents The multi-year plan described in subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a description of— (I) the proposed climate justice resiliency project; and (II) the climate resiliency hotspot communities intended to benefit from the proposed climate justice resiliency project; (ii) the expected climate resiliency improvement benefits; and (iii) a funding level request. (d) Application process The Council shall establish application requirements for participation in the Climate Justice Resiliency Grant Program. (e) Grant funds The Administrator, in consultation with the Council, shall award to eligible entities grant funds commensurate with the duration and scope of the proposed climate justice resiliency project. (f) Climate justice resiliency projects (1) In general An eligible entity may use grant funds made available in accordance with subsection (a) for a climate justice resiliency project, including— (A) a project relating to— (i) climate impact disaster adaptation and planning; (ii) wetland restoration; (iii) mine reclamation; (iv) a seawall, levee, or other coastal flood mitigation effort; (v) the development of— (I) a community evacuation plan; (II) resources for safe and complete evacuation; (III) a community plan for returning after an evacuation; or (IV) a plan and funding for the relocation of Indian tribes in the event of a climate impact disaster; (vi) brownfields redevelopment; (vii) rural water and waste disposal; (viii) lead and asbestos hazard reduction in homes with high flood, hurricane, or sea level rise exposure risk; (ix) flood mapping, planning, and adaptation; (x) public transportation; (xi) vehicle traffic emissions exposure reduction; (xii) a road or bridge that facilitates disaster evacuation; (xiii) a local food cooperative or market; (xiv) public sewage; (xv) broadband Internet; (xvi) a microgrid; (xvii) air conditioning units for low-income housing; or (xviii) emergency communication infrastructure; (B) a fund established to assist evacuees to return home after an evacuation; or (C) a disaster loan. (2) Exclusions An eligible entity shall not use funds made available in accordance with subsection (a) for an activity relating to— (A) the generation of electricity; (B) carbon capture or sequestration; or (C) a highway. (g) Cost-Sharing requirement The Council— (1) shall require eligible entities that receive funds under this section to enter into a cost-sharing agreement for, at a minimum, 20 percent of the total cost of the proposed climate justice resiliency project; and (2) may, at the discretion of the Council, waive the cost-sharing requirement described in paragraph (1). (h) Report to Congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes— (1) in detail the manner in which this section has been carried out; and (2) the results of the study carried out under subsection (b), including a score for each locality studied based on the level of climate impacts experienced by the locality. (i) Funding Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on October 1, 2016, and on each October 1 thereafter, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Administrator for the cost of grants to carry out this section $20,000,000,000, to remain available until expended. 205. Low-income and municipal energy efficiency (a) Weatherization Assistance Program (1) In general Part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by striking section 422 ( 42 U.S.C. 6872 422. Funding (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on October 1, 2016, and on each October 1 thereafter, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary for the cost of grants to carry out this part $1,500,000,000, to remain available until expended. (b) Receipt and acceptance The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this part the funds transferred under subsection (a), without further appropriation. . (2) Technical correction Section 415 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act ( 42 U.S.C. 6865 section 422(b) section 422 (b) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Section 548 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 ( 42 U.S.C. 17158 (a) In general (1) Grants Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on October 1, 2016, and on each October 1 thereafter, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary for the cost of grants to carry out this section $30,000,000, to remain available until expended. (2) Receipt and acceptance The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under paragraph (1), without further appropriation. . B Strengthening environmental protections for communities disproportionately impacted by climate change 211. Ending toxic air pollution from incinerators Section 129(g) of the Clean Air Act 42 U.S.C. 7429(g) (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (7), (5), (1), (4), and (2), respectively; (2) by moving the paragraphs so as to appear in alphabetical order; (3) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking (2) have the meanings (2) Medical waste The term medical waste ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) the following: (6) Solid waste (A) In general The term solid waste (i) whole, shredded, or otherwise processed tires; (ii) tire-derived fuel; (iii) hogged fuel, including fuel from wood pallets; (iv) paper; (v) paper or cardboard recycling residuals, including— (I) paper-derived fuel cubes; (II) paper fines; and (III) paper and cardboard rejects; (vi) construction and demolition debris; (vii) animal— (I) manure; and (II) bedding material; (viii) any plastic; (ix) non-hazardous solvents; (x) residue from wet and dry pollution control systems; (xi) automotive shredder residue or fluff; (xii) wood, including railroad ties and utility poles, that is— (I) creosote-treated; (II) borate-treated; (III) sap-stained; or (IV) otherwise treated; (xiii) any material derived or processed from any material described in clauses (i) through (xii); and (xiv) any material derived or processed from municipal waste. (B) Regulatory definition The Administrator shall ensure that all regulations of the Administrator define the term solid waste . III Protecting and enhancing United States manufacturing 301. Carbon equivalency fee border adjustments for carbon pollution-intensive goods (a) In general There is imposed on each person importing a carbon pollution-intensive good into the United States a fee in an amount that is equal to the cost that a producer of a good that is comparable to the carbon pollution-intensive good (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Energy) and is produced in the United States incurs as a result of— (1) any fee imposed under section 196 of the Clean Air Act, as added by section 101 of this Act— (A) paid by the producer of the comparable good with respect to a carbon-polluting substance used in the production of the comparable good; or (B) paid by a person that imported a carbon-polluting substance used in the production of the comparable good; and (2) any fee imposed under this subsection paid by a person that imported a carbon pollution-intensive good that was used in the production of the comparable good. (b) Determination of fee amount (1) In general In determining the amount of the fee imposed under subsection (a) with respect to a carbon pollution-intensive good, the Secretary of the Treasury shall— (A) determine the amount of the fee annually; and (B) determine different amounts for such goods— (i) based on class of good and country of origin; and (ii) taking into account the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions released during the process of manufacturing such goods and transporting such goods from the country of origin to the United States. (2) Petitions for adjustment The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish a process for petitioning for adjustment of the fee imposed under subsection (a). (c) Termination The fee imposed under subsection (a) shall cease to apply with respect to goods imported from a country at such time as, and to the extent that— (1) (A) in the case of a country that adopts and ratifies an international agreement requiring countries that emit greenhouse gases and produce carbon pollution-intensive goods for exportation to adopt substantially equivalent measures, that agreement takes effect; or (B) in the case of a country that has not adopted and ratified such an agreement, the country has implemented substantially equivalent measures, as determined by the President; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the application of the fee with respect to imports from that country is no longer appropriate. (d) Regulations The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Energy, shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (e) Definitions In this section, the terms carbon pollution-intensive good substantially equivalent measure 302. Carbon equivalency fee fund (a) Establishment There is established in the Treasury a fund, to be known as the Carbon Equivalency Fee Fund Fund (b) Deposits to fund In each fiscal year, there shall be deposited in the Fund amounts collected from fees imposed under section 301(a). (c) Expenditures Amounts deposited in the Fund shall be available without further appropriation in a fiscal year, as follows: (1) The lesser of $150,000,000, or 5 percent of amounts in the Fund, shall be made available to the Secretary of Commerce for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership under section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act ( 15 U.S.C. 278k (2) Twenty percent of such amounts shall be made available to the Secretary of Energy, to be used, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, for activities of the Advanced Manufacturing Office of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (3) Thirty percent of such amounts shall be made available to the Secretary of Energy for the State Energy Program, to be used exclusively by energy offices of States and territories to promote energy efficiency projects at industrial facilities within the jurisdiction of such States and territories. (4) Any of such amounts remaining after distributions under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) shall be made available to the Secretary of Energy for industrial energy efficiency programs authorized under part E of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act ( 42 U.S.C. 6341 et seq. Public Law 110–140 IV Protecting agriculture and enhancing farm opportunities 401. Rural Energy for America Program Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking and (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. years 2014 and 2015; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (F) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Biodigester funding Of the funds made available for each fiscal year under paragraph (1)(F), not less than $30,000,000 shall be used to support the deployment of biodigesters— (A) as part of a manure management strategy to reduce methane emissions; and (B) in a manner that includes safeguards to maintain or improve local air quality. . 402. Soil quality improvement Chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq. C Soil quality improvement program 1238H. Soil Quality Improvement Program (a) No-Till farm equipment grant and loan program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish, in the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a program to provide grants and loans to agricultural producers with the goal, not later than January 1, 2026, of increasing to 50 percent the total percent of farmed acres in the United States under continuous no-till cultivation. (2) Grants The Secretary shall use not less than 20 percent of the funds made available for the program established under paragraph (1) to make grants. (3) Purchase or lease of equipment An agricultural producer may use funds made available under this section to finance or otherwise incentivize the purchase or lease of equipment necessary to carry out continuous no-till cultivation, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Education and outreach In establishing the program under this section, the Secretary shall include an education and outreach program, carried out by the Secretary in coordination with— (A) State and local farm agencies; (B) institutions of higher education; (C) the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (D) the National Association of Conservation Districts; (E) the Soil and Water Conservation Society; and (F) the Agricultural Tri-Societies. (b) Report on soil carbon uptake Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subchapter, the Secretary shall publish a report that includes— (1) methodologies and protocols for tracking practices (including conservation tillage, continuous no-till cultivation, and the use of cover crops) that increase the uptake of carbon into soils, including— (A) the use of satellite-based and other remote sensing technologies; and (B) methods for monitoring net carbon transfer rates between soils and the atmosphere, including biogeochemical process models; and (2) an assessment of— (A) carbon stocks in United States soils as of the date of the report; (B) the potential for United States soils as a reservoir for carbon; (C) the net mass transfer rate of carbon between soils and the atmosphere on agricultural land and rangeland, including— (i) conservation tillage land; (ii) no-till cultivated land; and (iii) land on which cover crops are used in rotation; and (D) rangeland management practices that increase soil carbon sequestration. (c) Environmental quality incentives program The Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall carry out a soil carbon uptake initiative within the environmental quality incentives program established under chapter 4 of this subtitle to foster the adoption and sustained use of practices that increase the amount and the rate of carbon uptake in soils. (d) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 403. Nitrous oxide emissions reductions (a) Findings Congress finds that— (1) fertilizer is a significant cost input in many agricultural operations; (2) opportunities exist for agricultural producers— (A) to reduce the amount of fertilizer inputs; and (B) to increase the efficiency of fertilizer use through the development of more effective fertilizer application protocols that maximize the uptake of fertilizer by crops while maintaining or increasing yields; and (3) improving the application of nitrogen fertilizers at the correct rate, in the correct manner, at the correct time, and in the correct place will provide significant benefits to the environment, including reductions of— (A) nitrogen runoff, which will improve water quality; and (B) emissions of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas associated with climate change. (b) Nitrous oxide emissions reductions Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb et seq. 1240S. Nitrous oxide emissions reductions (a) Agricultural Research Data (1) Federally funded research data (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall make available all relevant data relating to fertilizer application in a format that is— (i) aggregated so as not to divulge proprietary or confidential business information; and (ii) searchable and accessible to the public, including, to the maximum extent possible, all federally funded research data, including data of— (I) the Department of Agriculture; and (II) land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 (B) Exceptions Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the release of data or information in a format that may divulge proprietary or confidential business information. (2) Non-federally funded research data The Secretary shall develop incentives to encourage the sharing of non-federally funded research data relating to fertilizer application, including data from— (A) research funded through a State program; and (B) independent or privately held research. (b) Nitrogen uptake pilot program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish and carry out a 5-year pilot program for the development and optimization of nitrogen fertilizer application rates, timing, location, and formulation for— (A) corn; (B) soybeans; (C) wheat; (D) barley; (E) cotton; (F) oats; (G) sorghum; (H) rice; and (I) potatoes. (2) Requirements The pilot program described in paragraph (1) shall— (A) consist of projects in a diverse range of— (i) geographies; (ii) soil types; (iii) drainage conditions; (iv) tillage practices; and (v) climatic conditions; and (B) consider— (i) the effect of crop rotation; (ii) the use of cover crops; (iii) the use of soil amendments; and (iv) any other factor that the Secretary determines to be appropriate— (I) to enhance the optimization of fertilizer application practices that reduce the generation of nitrous oxide and leached nitrogen; and (II) to support high agricultural yields. (c) Environmental quality incentives program The Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall carry out a nitrous oxide reduction initiative within the environmental quality incentives program established under chapter 4 of this subtitle to foster the adoption and continued use of fertilizer application protocols that reduce the production of nitrous oxide associated with the use of nitrogen fertilizer. (d) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . V Wholesale demand response 501. Wholesale demand response (a) Definitions Section 3 of the Federal Power Act ( 16 U.S.C. 796 (1) in paragraph (17)(C)— (A) by indenting appropriately; and (B) by inserting (including a demand response energy resource in any State in which a State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility determines not to establish standards in accordance with paragraph (20) of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2621(d) that the Commission determines (2) in paragraph (18)(B)— (A) by indenting appropriately; and (B) by inserting (including a demand response energy resource in any State in which a State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility determines not to establish standards in accordance with paragraph (20) of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2621(d) that the Commission determines (3) by adding at the end the following: (30) Aggregator The term aggregator (31) Demand response energy resource The term demand response energy resource (A) a direct load control program that provides the ability for power companies to cycle air conditioners and water heaters on and off during periods of peak demand in exchange for a financial incentive and lower electric bills; or (B) time-of-use pricing that— (i) may account for locational benefit; (ii) is provided on an unbundled basis after— (I) accounting for the 2-way valuation of time-of-use rates; and (II) progressing to real-time pricing; and (iii) is provided for— (I) energy sold to an electric utility; (II) energy purchased from an electric utility; (III) capacity; (IV) energy conservation; (V) demand-side management or demand response; (VI) peak monthly demand; or (VII) the provision of ancillary services. (32) Electric utility service The term electric utility service (33) Organized market The term organized market (A) in which a single entity may— (i) receive 1 or more offers to sell, or bids to buy, electric energy or ancillary services from 1 or more sellers, or buyers, respectively; and (ii) determine which sales and purchases are completed, and at what prices, based on formal rules contained in tariffs approved by the Commission; and (B) the prices of which are used by transmission organizations for establishing transmission usage charges set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. . (b) Requirement Part I of the Federal Power Act ( 16 U.S.C. 792 et seq. 34. Wholesale demand response The Commission shall require that sellers and aggregators of demand response energy resources be permitted to participate in any organized market on terms that are— (1) comparable to terms applicable to sellers of electric capacity or energy; and (2) just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory. . 502. General right to neutrality of interconnection (a) In general The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 is amended by inserting after section 4 ( 16 U.S.C. 2603 5. General right to neutrality of interconnection (a) In general Demand response energy resources (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Power Act ( 16 U.S.C. 796 (b) Rate and fees All rates and fees for interconnection of demand response energy resources under this Act, regardless of whether the demand response energy resource is a qualifying facility— (1) shall be just and reasonable; (2) shall provide for the 2-way benefit, as required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for the demand response energy resource and the electricity grid; (3) shall not exceed the actual cost of service, including reasonable return on investment; and (4) shall not be punitive. (c) Timeframes Timeframes for interconnection of demand response energy resources under this Act, regardless of whether the demand response energy resource is a qualifying facility, shall be well-defined, expeditious, not unduly protracted, and comparable to the timeframes available to a seller of electric capacity or energy. . (b) Improved interconnection standards for demand response energy resources Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2621(d) (20) Demand response energy resources Each State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility shall consider requiring that demand response energy resources (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Power Act ( 16 U.S.C. 796 (A) the societal value of demand response energy resources; and (B) any other benefits of demand response energy resources that the State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility considers to be appropriate. (21) Improved interconnections standards for demand response energy resources Each State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility, acting under State authority in a State that has determined not to establish standards under paragraph (20), shall consider— (A) removing discriminatory rate barriers for demand response energy resources by setting rates that exceed the incremental cost of alternative electric energy for purchases from any demand response energy resource (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Power Act ( 16 U.S.C. 796 (i) the rates to be established at the full retail rate; and (ii) fixed monthly charges for residential electricity bills to be established at a charge of not more than 10 dollars per month, with optional reevaluations by the State authority of the amount of charge to be considered on a periodic basis; (B) making any demand response energy resource project exempt from filing requirements with the Commission; (C) ensuring that any requirements considered under this paragraph would not affect the purchase obligation under section 210 for demand response energy resource facilities; and (D) requiring that all rates and fees for interconnection of demand response facilities— (i) shall be just and reasonable; (ii) shall provide for the benefit of the demand response energy resource to the electricity grid and benefit of the electricity grid to the demand response energy resource; and (iii) shall not exceed the actual cost of service. .

Summary: Climate Protection and Justice Act of 2015 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to address greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the bill: states as U.S. policy greenhouse gas emission targets for 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050 that will result in reducing the emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050; establishes a fee for manufacturing, producing, or importing certain carbon polluting substances (coal, petroleum, and natural gas) that increases over time; establishes the Interagency Climate Council to evaluate whether the targets are being met; requires the Environmental Protection Agency to issue regulations to ensure the targets are met if the council finds the targets are not being met; requires those fees to be deposited in the Carbon Fee Rebate Fund established by this bill; establishes the Carbon Fee Rebate Program, which will distribute proceeds from the fees to eligible U.S. residents; establishes a Climate Justice Resiliency Grant Program to fund projects that mitigate climate impacts on communities that are unable to afford the management or mitigation of those impacts; expands the definition of solid waste under the Clean Air Act and applies air pollution emission limits to those wastes; and establishes a fee on carbon pollution-intensive goods imported into the United States, requires the fees to be deposited in the Carbon Equivalency Fee Fund established by this bill, and requires the fund to be used for certain purposes, including improving industrial energy efficiency. The bill provides funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, and the Rural Energy for America Program. The bill revises the Food Security Act of 1985 by providing incentives for farmers to use no-till cultivation practices and sustainable fertilizer application practices. The bill revises the Federal Power Act to enable access on the electric grid for demand response programs (programs that enable customers to reduce or shift their power use during peak demand periods).