I 
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 5705 
To establish a commission to study methods for improving and promoting 
bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and 
India, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 3, 2008 
Mr. MCDERMOTT (for himself and Mr. MARKEY) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
A BILL 
To establish a commission to study methods for improving 
and promoting bilateral renewable energy cooperation be-
tween the United States and India, and for other pur-
poses. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Clean Energy Partner-
ship with India Act of 2008’’. 
SEC. 2. RENEWABLE ENERGY DEFINED. 
For purposes of this Act, the term ‘‘renewable en-
ergy’’ means an energy supply or end-use technology (in-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
cluding solar technology, wind technology, geothermal 
technology, hydroelectric technology, and carbon capture 
technology), that over its life cycle and compared to a 
similar technology already in commercial use— 
(1) is reliable, affordable, economically viable, 
socially acceptable, and compatible with the needs 
and norms of— 
(A) each country that has a generating 
plant that generates energy that is used in 
India or the United States; and 
(B) each country that uses energy or end- 
use technology that is generated or produced in 
India or the United States; 
(2) results in— 
(A) reduced emissions of greenhouse gases; 
or 
(B) increased geological sequestration of 
greenhouse gases; and 
(3) may result in— 
(A) substantially reduced emissions of air 
pollutants; or 
(B) the generation of substantially smaller 
or less hazardous quantities of solid or liquid 
waste. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
TITLE I—CONGRESSIONAL COM-
MISSION 
ON 
RENEWABLE 
POWER TECHNOLOGY COM-
MERCE 
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT. 
There is established in the legislative branch a com-
mission to be known as the Congressional Commission on 
Renewable Power Technology Commerce with India (in 
this title referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’). The Commis-
sion shall study the methods of improving and promoting 
bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United 
States and India. 
SEC. 102. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. 
The Commission shall make recommendations to 
Congress and the President on methods and strategies to 
develop joint energy policy between the United States and 
India to provide reliable energy throughout India through 
the utilization of renewable, environmentally–friendly 
means of production. The Commission shall submit to 
Congress and the President a report containing— 
(1) a description of— 
(A) general market conditions for energy 
in India and the potential for renewable tech-
nology solutions in particular; 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
(B) key policy constraints that exist in the 
United States and India for the production and 
distribution of renewable energy in India; 
(C) best practices for public, private, and 
public-private partnerships that can spur invest-
ment in Indian energy production and distribu-
tion through renewable means in India; and 
(D) key constraints preventing renewable 
technology companies organized under the laws 
of the United States or any State from invest-
ing in India; and 
(2) its recommendations— 
(A) to address the constraints described by 
the Commission under paragraph (1)(D); 
(B) regarding policy measures that the 
governments of India and the United States 
could take to help realize the full potential of 
its collaboration with the United States on en-
ergy policy; 
(C) for developing an optimal framework 
for joint research and development opportuni-
ties related to renewable energy between the 
United States and India in the private, edu-
cational, and public sectors; and 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
(D) regarding the ideal role for energy-re-
lated end-user devices (such as energy-efficient 
devices used in residential and commercial 
buildings) in a policy emphasizing energy effi-
ciency. 
SEC. 103. MEMBERSHIP. 
(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Commission shall be 
composed of 15 members appointed as follows: 
(A) Five members appointed by the Presi-
dent, including at least two representatives of 
nongovernmental organizations. 
(B) Three members appointed by the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives and 
two members appointed by the minority leader 
of the House of Representatives. 
(C) Three members appointed by the ma-
jority leader of the Senate and two members 
appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. 
(2) CHAIRPERSON.—At the time of appoint-
ment, the President shall designate one of the mem-
bers appointed in paragraph (1)(A) as the Chair-
person of the Commission. 
(b) QUALIFICATIONS.—To be eligible for appoint-
ment as a member of the Commission, an individual shall 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
be of recognized standing and distinction in one or more 
of the following: 
(1) Renewable energy production. 
(2) The transmission and distribution of en-
ergy. 
(3) Energy efficiency. 
(4) Business. 
(5) Entrepreneurship. 
(6) Academia and public policy. 
(c) DEADLINE FOR APPOINTMENT.—The members of 
the Commission shall be appointed before the end of the 
60-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
this title. 
(d) TERMS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each member shall be ap-
pointed for the life of the Commission. 
(2) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Commission 
shall not affect the power of the remaining members 
to execute the duties of the Commission. Any such 
vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which 
the original appointment was made. 
(e) COMPENSATION.— 
(1) RATES
OF
PAY.—Each member may be 
compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equiv-
alent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for a 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under 
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each 
day during which each such member is engaged in 
the actual performance of the duties of the Commis-
sion. 
(2) TRAVEL
EXPENSES.—Each member shall 
receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions 
of subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United 
States Code, while away from the home or regular 
place of business of the member in performance of 
the duties of the Commission. 
(3) PROHIBITION OF COMPENSATION OF FED-
ERAL EMPLOYEES.—Notwithstanding the provisions 
of paragraphs (1) and (2), any member of the Com-
mission who is a full-time officer or employee of the 
United States or a Member of Congress may not re-
ceive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by rea-
son their of service on the Commission. 
(f) MEETINGS.— 
(1) FREQUENCY.— 
(A) QUARTERLY
MEETINGS.—The Com-
mission shall meet at least quarterly. 
(B) ADDITIONAL MEETINGS.—In addition 
to quarterly meetings, the Commission shall 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
meet at the call of the Chairperson or a major-
ity of its members. 
(2) QUORUM.—Five members of the Commis-
sion shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number 
may hold hearings. 
(3) MEETING BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER AP-
PROPRIATE
TECHNOLOGY.—Members of the Com-
mission may meet using telephones or other suitable 
telecommunications technologies if all members of 
the Commission are able to communicate with all 
other members simultaneously. 
SEC. 104. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS 
AND CONSULTANTS. 
(a) DIRECTOR.— 
(1) APPOINTMENT.—The Commission shall 
have a director who shall be appointed by the chair-
person of the Commission with the approval of a 
majority of the members of the Commission. 
(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—To be eligible for ap-
pointment as the director, an individual shall be of 
recognized standing and distinction in one or more 
of the following: 
(A) International, national, or local public 
service. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
(B) Service-learning, as defined in section 
101(23) of the National and Community Serv-
ice Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511(23)). 
(3) SALARY.—The director shall be paid at a 
rate determined by the chairperson with the ap-
proval of the Commission, except that the rate of 
pay may not exceed the maximum rate of basic pay 
for GS–15 of the General Schedule. 
(b) STAFF.—With the approval of the chairperson, 
the director may appoint and fix the pay of additional 
qualified personnel as the director considers appropriate, 
except that the rate of pay may not exceed the maximum 
rate of basic pay for GS–15 of the General Schedule. 
(c) EXPERTS
AND CONSULTANTS.—With the ap-
proval of the Commission, the director may procure tem-
porary and intermittent services in the same manner as 
an agency under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States 
Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily 
equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic pay for 
GS–15 of the General Schedule. 
(d) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Upon request 
of the Commission, the head of any department or agency 
of the United States may detail, on a reimbursable basis, 
any of the personnel of that department or agency to the 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its 
duties under this title. 
SEC. 105. POWERS OF COMMISSION. 
(a) HEARINGS AND SESSIONS.—For the purpose of 
carrying out this title, the Commission may hold public 
hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, 
and receive evidence as the Commission considers appro-
priate. 
(b) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.—If author-
ized by the Commission, any member or agent of the Com-
mission may take any action that the Commission is au-
thorized to take by this title. 
(c) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA.—The Commission 
may secure directly from any department or agency of the 
United States information necessary to enable it to carry 
out its duties under this title. Upon request of the chair-
person, the head of the department or agency shall furnish 
that information to the Commission. 
(d) MAILS.—The Commission may use the United 
States mails in the same manner and under the same con-
ditions as other departments and agencies of the United 
States. 
(e) PHYSICAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.—The 
Architect of the Capitol shall provide, on a nonreimburs-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
able basis, suitable facilities and equipment for the oper-
ation of the Commission. 
(f) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.—Upon the 
request of the Commission, the Architect of the Capitol 
and the Administrator of General Services shall provide 
to the Commission, on a nonreimbursable basis, the ad-
ministrative support services necessary for the Commis-
sion to carry out its duties under this title. 
(g) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—To the extent provided 
in advance in appropriations Acts, the Commission may 
contract with and compensate Government and private 
agencies or persons for services necessary for the Commis-
sion to carry out its duties under this title. 
SEC. 106. REPORTS. 
(a) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than the last day 
of the 12-month period beginning on the date of the enact-
ment of this title, the Commission shall submit to Con-
gress an interim report on its activities. 
(b) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than the last day of 
the 120-day period beginning on the date of submission 
of the interim report required under subsection (a), the 
Commission shall submit to Congress a final report con-
taining a detailed statement of the findings of the Com-
mission, together with its recommendations for proposed 
legislation. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
SEC. 107. TERMINATION. 
The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 
days after submitting its final report under section 106(b). 
TITLE II—DEVELOPMENT AND 
CAPACITY BUILDING REPORT 
SEC. 201. DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING RE-
PORT. 
Not later than the last day of the one-year period 
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Energy and the Secretary of Commerce, shall submit to 
Congress a report that— 
(1) details the extent to which energy is reliably 
available in India and what portion of such energy 
is produced through renewable means; 
(2) estimates the investment, export, and job 
creation potential if United States industry plays a 
central role in the production and distribution of re-
newable energy in India; 
(3) estimates the economic benefits and poverty 
reduction that would result if India’s energy needs 
were substantially met through the use of renewable 
energy; 
(4) estimates the level of greenhouse gasses 
that India would produce in the coming years if 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
India did not pursue renewable means of energy pro-
duction; 
(5) contains recommendations for the Federal 
Government and the private sector regarding the 
provision of technical assistance to assist in the in-
vestment, production, and distribution of renewable 
energy in India. 
TITLE III—RENEWABLE ENERGY 
COUNCIL 
SEC. 301. RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNCIL. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 60 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall 
seek to establish a permanent joint renewable energy 
council between the United States and India. 
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the council referred 
to in subsection (a) shall be to provide advice to the Presi-
dent of the United States and the Prime Minister of India 
concerning the promotion of environmentally sustainable 
economic growth in India and the United States through 
public policy related to the pursuit and facilitation of in-
vestment, production, and distribution of renewable energy 
in India. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.—The membership of the council 
shall consist of— 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
(1) representatives from the legislative and ex-
ecutive branches of— 
(A) the Government of the United States; 
and 
(B) the Government of India; and 
(2) representatives from the private sector in— 
(A) the United States; and 
(B) India. 
Æ 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
23:12 Apr 04, 2008
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H5705.IH
H5705
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS