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(g) COST SHARING.—Section 988 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352) shall apply to a project car-
ried out under this section.
(h) DISCLOSURE.—Section 623 of the Energy Policy
Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13293) shall apply to a project car-
ried out under this subsection.
(i) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense of the Sen-
ate that the Secretary should ensure that small businesses
engaged in renewable manufacturing be considered for loan
guarantees authorized under title XVII of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16511 et seq.).
(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is
authorized to be appropriated out of funds already author-
ized to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until ex-
pended.
SEC. 270C. EXPRESS LOANS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND
ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
Section 7(a)(31) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(31)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(F) EXPRESS LOANS FOR RENEWABLE EN-
ERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY.—
‘‘(i) 
DEFINITIONS.—In 
this
subparagraph—
‘‘(I) the term ‘biomass’—
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‘‘(aa) means any organic
material that is available on a re-
newable 
or 
recurring 
basis,
including—
‘‘(AA) 
agricultural
crops;
‘‘(BB) trees grown for
energy production;
‘‘(CC) wood waste and
wood residues;
‘‘(DD) plants (including
aquatic plants and grasses);
‘‘(EE) residues;
‘‘(FF) fibers;
‘‘(GG) animal wastes
and other waste materials;
and
‘‘(HH) fats, oils, and
greases (including recycled
fats, oils, and greases); and
‘‘(bb) does not include—
‘‘(AA) paper that is
commonly recycled; or
‘‘(BB) 
unsegregated
solid waste;
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‘‘(II) the term ‘energy efficiency
project’ means the installation or up-
grading of equipment that results in a
significant reduction in energy usage;
and
‘‘(III) the term ‘renewable energy
system’ means a system of energy de-
rived from—
‘‘(aa) a wind, solar, biomass
(including 
biodiesel), 
or 
geo-
thermal source; or
‘‘(bb) hydrogen derived from
biomass or water using an energy
source described in item (aa).
‘‘(ii) LOANS.—Loans may be made
under the ‘Express Loan Program’ for the
purpose of—
‘‘(I) purchasing a renewable en-
ergy system; or
‘‘(II) an energy efficiency project
for an existing business.’’.
SEC. 270D. SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section—
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(1) the terms ‘‘Administration’’ and ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ mean the Small Business Administration and
the Administrator thereof, respectively;
(2) the term ‘‘association’’ means the association
of small business development centers established
under section 21(a)(3)(A) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(A));
(3) the term ‘‘disability’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabil-
ities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102);
(4) the term ‘‘electric utility’’ has the meaning
given that term in section 3 of the Public Utility Reg-
ulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2602);
(5) the term ‘‘on-bill financing’’ means a low in-
terest or no interest financing agreement between a
small business concern and an electric utility for the
purchase or installation of equipment, under which
the regularly scheduled payment of that small busi-
ness concern to that electric utility is not reduced by
the amount of the reduction in cost attributable to the
new equipment and that amount is credited to the
electric utility, until the cost of the purchase or in-
stallation is repaid;
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(6) the term ‘‘small business concern’’ has the
meaning given that term in section 3 of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636);
(7) the term ‘‘small business development center’’
means a small business development center described
in section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
648);
(8) the term ‘‘telecommuting’’ means the use of
telecommunications to perform work functions under
circumstances which reduce or eliminate the need to
commute; and
(9) the term ‘‘veteran’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 101 of title 38, United States
Code.
(b) IMPLEMENTATION OF SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY
EFFICIENCY PROGRAM.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
shall promulgate final rules establishing the Govern-
ment-wide program authorized under subsection (d)
of section 337 of the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act (42 U.S.C. 6307) that ensure compliance with
that subsection by not later than 6 months after such
date of enactment.
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(2) PLAN.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall pub-
lish a detailed plan regarding how the Administrator
will—
(A) assist small business concerns in becom-
ing more energy efficient; and
(B) build on the Energy Star for Small
Business Program of the Department of Energy
and the Environmental Protection Agency.
(3) ASSISTANT
ADMINISTRATOR
FOR
SMALL
BUSINESS ENERGY POLICY.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—There is in the Adminis-
tration an Assistant Administrator for Small
Business Energy Policy, who shall be appointed
by, and report to, the Administrator.
(B) DUTIES.—The Assistant Administrator
for Small Business Energy Policy shall—
(i) oversee and administer the require-
ments under this subsection and section
337(d) of the Energy Policy and Conserva-
tion Act (42 U.S.C. 6307(d)); and
(ii) promote energy efficiency efforts
for small business concerns and reduce en-
ergy costs of small business concerns.
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(4) REPORTS.—The Administrator shall submit
to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepre-
neurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives an annual
report on the progress of the Administrator in encour-
aging small business concerns to become more energy
efficient, including data on the rate of use of the
Small Business Energy Clearinghouse established
under section 337(d)(4) of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6307(d)(4)).
(c) SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY.—
(1) AUTHORITY.—The Administrator shall estab-
lish a Small Business Energy Efficiency Pilot Pro-
gram (in this subsection referred to as the ‘‘Efficiency
Pilot Program’’) to provide energy efficiency assist-
ance to small business concerns through small busi-
ness development centers.
(2) SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the Effi-
ciency Pilot Program, the Administrator shall
enter into agreements with small business devel-
opment centers under which such centers shall—
(i) provide access to information and
resources on energy efficiency practices, in-
cluding on-bill financing options;
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(ii) conduct training and educational
activities;
(iii) offer confidential, free, one-on-one,
in-depth energy audits to the owners and
operators of small business concerns regard-
ing energy efficiency practices;
(iv) give referrals to certified profes-
sionals and other providers of energy effi-
ciency assistance who meet such standards
for educational, technical, and professional
competency as the Administrator shall es-
tablish; and
(v) act as a facilitator between small
business concerns, electric utilities, lenders,
and the Administration to facilitate on-bill
financing arrangements.
(B) REPORTS.—Each small business devel-
opment center participating in the Efficiency
Pilot Program shall submit to the Administrator
and the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency an annual report that
includes—
(i) a summary of the energy efficiency
assistance provided by that center under the
Efficiency Pilot Program;
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(ii) the number of small business con-
cerns assisted by that center under the Effi-
ciency Pilot Program;
(iii) statistics on the total amount of
energy saved as a result of assistance pro-
vided by that center under the Efficiency
Pilot Program; and
(iv) any additional information deter-
mined necessary by the Administrator, in
consultation with the association.
(C) REPORTS
TO
CONGRESS.—Not later
than 60 days after the date on which all reports
under subparagraph (B) relating to a year are
submitted, the Administrator shall submit to the
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneur-
ship of the Senate and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives a report
summarizing the information regarding the Effi-
ciency Pilot Program submitted by small busi-
ness development centers participating in that
program.
(3) ELIGIBILITY.—A small business development
center shall be eligible to participate in the Efficiency
Pilot Program only if that center is certified under
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section 21(k)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
648(k)(2)).
(4) SELECTION OF PARTICIPATING STATE PRO-
GRAMS.—
(A) GROUPINGS.—
(i) SELECTION
OF
PROGRAMS.—The
Administrator shall select the small business
development center programs of 2 States
from each of the groupings of States de-
scribed in clauses (ii) through (xi) to par-
ticipate in the pilot program established
under this subsection.
(ii) GROUP 1.—Group 1 shall consist
of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
(iii) GROUP 2.—Group 2 shall consist
of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and
the Virgin Islands.
(iv) GROUP 3.—Group 3 shall consist
of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia,
Virginia, the District of Columbia, and
Delaware.
(v) GROUP 4.—Group 4 shall consist of
Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South
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Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Kentucky,
and Tennessee.
(vi) GROUP 5.—Group 5 shall consist
of Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wis-
consin, and Minnesota.
(vii) GROUP 6.—Group 6 shall consist
of Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma,
and Louisiana.
(viii) GROUP 7.—Group 7 shall consist
of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
(ix) GROUP 8.—Group 8 shall consist
of Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Montana, and Utah.
(x) GROUP 9.—Group 9 shall consist of
California, Guam, American Samoa, Ha-
waii, Nevada, and Arizona.
(xi) GROUP 10.—Group 10 shall con-
sist of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Or-
egon.
(5) MATCHING
REQUIREMENT.—Subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of section 21(a)(4) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(4)) shall apply to assistance
made available under the Efficiency Pilot Program.
(6) GRANT AMOUNTS.—Each small business de-
velopment center selected to participate in the Effi-
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ciency Pilot Program under paragraph (4) shall be
eligible to receive a grant in an amount equal to—
(A) not less than $100,000 in each fiscal
year; and
(B) not more than $300,000 in each fiscal
year.
(7) EVALUATION AND REPORT.—The Comptroller
General of the United States shall—
(A) not later than 30 months after the date
of disbursement of the first grant under the Effi-
ciency Pilot Program, initiate an evaluation of
that pilot program; and
(B) not later than 6 months after the date
of the initiation of the evaluation under sub-
paragraph (A), submit to the Administrator, the
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneur-
ship of the Senate, and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives, a re-
port containing—
(i) the results of the evaluation; and
(ii) any recommendations regarding
whether the Efficiency Pilot Program, with
or without modification, should be extended
to include the participation of all small
business development centers.
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(8) GUARANTEE.—The Administrator may guar-
antee the timely payment of a loan made to a small
business concern through an on-bill financing agree-
ment on such terms and conditions as the Adminis-
trator shall establish through a formal rule making,
after providing notice and an opportunity for com-
ment.
(9) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to
be appropriated from such sums as are already
authorized under section 21 of the Small Busi-
ness Act to carry out this subsection—
(i) $5,000,000 for the first fiscal year
beginning after the date of enactment of this
Act; and
(ii) $5,000,000 for each of the 3 fiscal
years following the fiscal year described in
clause (i).
(B) 
LIMITATION
ON
USE
OF
OTHER
FUNDS.—The Administrator may carry out the
Efficiency Pilot Program only with amounts ap-
propriated in advance specifically to carry out
this subsection.
(10) TERMINATION.—The authority under this
subsection shall terminate 4 years after the date of
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disbursement of the first grant under the Efficiency
Pilot Program.
(d) SMALL BUSINESS TELECOMMUTING.—
(1) PILOT PROGRAM.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with this
subsection, the Administrator shall conduct, in
not more than 5 of the regions of the Adminis-
tration, a pilot program to provide information
regarding telecommuting to employers that are
small business concerns and to encourage such
employers to offer telecommuting options to em-
ployees (in this subsection referred to as the
‘‘Telecommuting Pilot Program’’).
(B) SPECIAL
OUTREACH
TO
INDIVIDUALS
WITH DISABILITIES.—In carrying out the Tele-
commuting Pilot Program, the Administrator
shall make a concerted effort to provide informa-
tion to—
(i) small business concerns owned by
or employing individuals with disabilities,
particularly veterans who are individuals
with disabilities;
(ii) Federal, State, and local agencies
having knowledge and expertise in assisting
individuals with disabilities, including vet-
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erans who are individuals with disabilities;
and
(iii) any group or organization, the
primary purpose of which is to aid individ-
uals with disabilities or veterans who are
individuals with disabilities.
(C) PERMISSIBLE ACTIVITIES.—In carrying
out the Telecommuting Pilot Program, the Ad-
ministrator may—
(i) produce educational materials and
conduct presentations designed to raise
awareness in the small business community
of the benefits and the ease of telecom-
muting;
(ii) conduct outreach—
(I) to small business concerns that
are considering offering telecommuting
options; and
(II) as provided in subparagraph
(B); and
(iii) 
acquire 
telecommuting 
tech-
nologies and equipment to be used for dem-
onstration purposes.
(D) SELECTION
OF
REGIONS.—In deter-
mining which regions will participate in the
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Telecommuting Pilot Program, the Adminis-
trator shall give priority consideration to regions
in which Federal agencies and private-sector em-
ployers have demonstrated a strong regional
commitment to telecommuting.
(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 2
years after the date on which funds are first appro-
priated to carry out this subsection, the Adminis-
trator shall transmit to the Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the
Committee on Small Business of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report containing the results of an eval-
uation of the Telecommuting Pilot Program and any
recommendations regarding whether the pilot pro-
gram, with or without modification, should be ex-
tended to include the participation of all regions of
the Administration.
(3) TERMINATION.—The Telecommuting Pilot
Program shall terminate 4 years after the date on
which funds are first appropriated to carry out this
subsection.
(4) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Admin-
istration $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
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(e) ENCOURAGING INNOVATION
IN ENERGY EFFI-
CIENCY.—Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
638) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(z) ENCOURAGING INNOVATION
IN ENERGY EFFI-
CIENCY.—
‘‘(1) FEDERAL
AGENCY
ENERGY-RELATED
PRI-
ORITY.—In carrying out its duties under this section
to SBIR and STTR solicitations by Federal agencies,
the Administrator shall—
‘‘(A) ensure that such agencies give high
priority to small business concerns that partici-
pate in or conduct energy efficiency or renewable
energy system research and development projects;
and
‘‘(B) include in the annual report to Con-
gress under subsection (b)(7) a determination of
whether the priority described in subparagraph
(A) is being carried out.
‘‘(2) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.—The Adminis-
trator shall consult with the heads of other Federal
agencies and departments in determining whether
priority has been given to small business concerns
that participate in or conduct energy efficiency or re-
newable energy system research and development
projects, as required by this section.
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‘‘(3) GUIDELINES.—The Administrator shall, as
soon as is practicable after the date of enactment of
this subsection, issue guidelines and directives to as-
sist Federal agencies in meeting the requirements of
this section.
‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection—
‘‘(A) the term ‘biomass’—
‘‘(i) means any organic material that
is available on a renewable or recurring
basis, including—
‘‘(I) agricultural crops;
‘‘(II) trees grown for energy pro-
duction;
‘‘(III) wood waste and wood resi-
dues;
‘‘(IV) plants (including aquatic
plants and grasses);
‘‘(V) residues;
‘‘(VI) fibers;
‘‘(VII) animal wastes and other
waste materials; and
‘‘(VIII) fats, oils, and greases (in-
cluding recycled fats, oils, and greases);
and
‘‘(ii) does not include—
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‘‘(I) paper that is commonly recy-
cled; or
‘‘(II) unsegregated solid waste;
‘‘(B) the term ‘energy efficiency project’
means the installation or upgrading of equip-
ment that results in a significant reduction in
energy usage; and
‘‘(C) the term ‘renewable energy system’
means a system of energy derived from—
‘‘(i) a wind, solar, biomass (including
biodiesel), or geothermal source; or
‘‘(ii) hydrogen derived from biomass or
water using an energy source described in
clause (i).’’.
Subtitle 
F—Assisting 
State 
and
Local Governments in Energy Ef-
ficiency
SEC. 271. WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME
PERSONS.
Section 422 of the Energy Conservation and Produc-
tion Act (42 U.S.C. 6872) is amended by striking
‘‘$700,000,000 for fiscal year 2008’’ and inserting
‘‘$750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012’’.
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SEC. 272. STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION PLANS.
Section 365(f) of the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act (42 U.S.C. 6325(f)) is amended by striking ‘‘fiscal year
2008’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 2008 through
2012’’.
SEC. 273. UTILITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS.
(a) ELECTRIC UTILITIES.—Section 111(d) of the Pub-
lic Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
2621(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(16) INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLANNING.—Each
electric utility shall—
‘‘(A) integrate energy efficiency resources
into utility, State, and regional plans; and
‘‘(B) adopt policies establishing cost-effective
energy efficiency as a priority resource.
‘‘(17) RATE
DESIGN
MODIFICATIONS
TO
PRO-
MOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INVESTMENTS.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The rates allowed to be
charged by any electric utility shall—
‘‘(i) align utility incentives with the
delivery of cost-effective energy efficiency;
and
‘‘(ii) promote energy efficiency invest-
ments.
‘‘(B) POLICY OPTIONS.—In complying with
subparagraph (A), each State regulatory author-
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ity 
and 
each 
nonregulated 
utility 
shall
consider—
‘‘(i) removing the throughput incentive
and other regulatory and management dis-
incentives to energy efficiency;
‘‘(ii) providing utility incentives for
the successful management of energy effi-
ciency programs;
‘‘(iii) including the impact on adop-
tion of energy efficiency as 1 of the goals of
retail rate design, recognizing that energy
efficiency must be balanced with other objec-
tives;
‘‘(iv) adopting rate designs that en-
courage energy efficiency for each customer
class; and
‘‘(v) allowing timely recovery of energy
efficiency-related costs.’’.
(b) NATURAL GAS UTILITIES.—Section 303(b) of the
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
3203(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(5) ENERGY
EFFICIENCY.—Each natural gas
utility shall—
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‘‘(A) integrate energy efficiency resources
into the plans and planning processes of the nat-
ural gas utility; and
‘‘(B) adopt policies that establish energy ef-
ficiency as a priority resource in the plans and
planning processes of the natural gas utility.
‘‘(6) RATE DESIGN MODIFICATIONS TO PROMOTE
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INVESTMENTS.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The rates allowed to be
charged by a natural gas utility shall align util-
ity incentives with the deployment of cost-effec-
tive energy efficiency.
‘‘(B) POLICY OPTIONS.—In complying with
subparagraph (A), each State regulatory author-
ity 
and 
each 
nonregulated 
utility 
shall
consider—
‘‘(i) separating fixed-cost revenue re-
covery from the volume of transportation or
sales service provided to the customer;
‘‘(ii) providing to utilities incentives
for the successful management of energy effi-
ciency programs, such as allowing utilities
to retain a portion of the cost-reducing ben-
efits accruing from the programs;
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‘‘(iii) promoting the impact on adop-
tion of energy efficiency as 1 of the goals of
retail rate design, recognizing that energy
efficiency must be balanced with other objec-
tives; and
‘‘(iv) adopting rate designs that en-
courage energy efficiency for each customer
class.’’.
SEC. 274. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND RESPONSE
PROGRAM ASSISTANCE.
The Secretary shall provide technical assistance re-
garding the design and implementation of the energy effi-
ciency and demand response programs established under
this title, and the amendments made by this title, to State
energy offices, public utility regulatory commissions, and
nonregulated utilities through the appropriate national lab-
oratories of the Department of Energy.
SEC. 275. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK GRANT.
Title I of the Housing and Community Development
Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
‘‘SEC. 123. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK GRANT.
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section
‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible enti-
ty’ means—
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‘‘(A) a State;
‘‘(B) an eligible unit of local government
within a State; and
‘‘(C) an Indian tribe.
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—
The term ‘eligible unit of local government’ means—
‘‘(A) a city with a population—
‘‘(i) of at least 35,000; or
‘‘(ii) that causes the city to be 1 of the
top 10 most populous cities of the State in
which the city is located; and
‘‘(B) a county with a population—
‘‘(i) of at least 200,000; or
‘‘(ii) that causes the county to be 1 of
the top 10 most populous counties of the
State in which the county is located.
‘‘(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means
the Secretary of Energy.
‘‘(4) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means—
‘‘(A) a State;
‘‘(B) the District of Columbia;
‘‘(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
‘‘(D) any other territory or possession of the
United States.
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‘‘(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is to assist
State, Indian tribal, and local governments in imple-
menting strategies—
‘‘(1) to reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a
result of activities within the boundaries of the States
or units of local government in an environmentally
sustainable way that, to the maximum extent prac-
ticable, maximizes benefits for local and regional com-
munities;
‘‘(2) to reduce the total energy use of the States,
Indian tribes, and units of local government; and
‘‘(3) to improve energy efficiency in the trans-
portation sector, building sector, and any other ap-
propriate sectors.
‘‘(c) PROGRAM.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide
to eligible entities block grants to carry out eligible
activities (as specified under paragraph (2)) relating
to the implementation of environmentally beneficial
energy strategies.
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.—The Secretary, in
consultation with the Administrator of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban De-
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velopment, shall establish a list of activities that are
eligible for assistance under the grant program.
‘‘(3) ALLOCATION
TO
STATES, INDIAN
TRIBES,
AND ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts made
available to provide grants under this subsection,
the Secretary shall allocate—
‘‘(i) 68 percent to eligible units of local
government;
‘‘(ii) 28 percent to States; and
‘‘(iii) 4 percent to Indian tribes.
‘‘(B) DISTRIBUTION TO ELIGIBLE UNITS OF
LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall
establish a formula for the distribution of
amounts under subparagraph (A)(i) to eli-
gible units of local government, taking into
account any factors that the Secretary de-
termines to be appropriate, including the
residential and daytime population of the
eligible units of local government.
‘‘(ii) CRITERIA.—Amounts shall be dis-
tributed to eligible units of local government
under clause (i) only if the eligible units of
local government meet the criteria for dis-
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tribution established by the Secretary for
units of local government.
‘‘(C) DISTRIBUTION TO STATES.—
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Of the amounts
provided to States under subparagraph
(A)(ii), the Secretary shall distribute—
‘‘(I) at least 1.25 percent to each
State; and
‘‘(II) the remainder among the
States, based on a formula, to be deter-
mined by the Secretary, that takes into
account the population of the States
and any other criteria that the Sec-
retary determines to be appropriate.
‘‘(ii) CRITERIA.—Amounts shall be dis-
tributed to States under clause (i) only if
the States meet the criteria for distribution
established by the Secretary for States.
‘‘(iii) LIMITATION ON USE OF STATE
FUNDS.—At least 40 percent of the amounts
distributed to States under this subpara-
graph shall be used by the States for the
conduct of eligible activities in nonentitle-
ment areas in the States, in accordance
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with any criteria established by the Sec-
retary.
‘‘(D) DISTRIBUTION TO INDIAN TRIBES.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall
establish a formula for the distribution of
amounts under subparagraph (A)(iii) to eli-
gible Indian tribes, taking into account any
factors that the Secretary determines to be
appropriate, including the residential and
daytime population of the eligible Indian
tribes.
‘‘(ii) CRITERIA.—Amounts shall be dis-
tributed to eligible Indian tribes under
clause (i) only if the eligible Indian tribes
meet the criteria for distribution established
by the Secretary for Indian tribes.
‘‘(4) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the
date on which an eligible entity first receives a grant
under this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the
eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report
that describes any eligible activities carried out using
assistance provided under this subsection.
‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as
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are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of
fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
‘‘(d) ENVIRONMENTALLY BENEFICIAL ENERGY STRAT-
EGIES SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide
to each eligible entity that meets the applicable cri-
teria under subparagraph (B)(ii), (C)(ii), or (D)(ii)
of subsection (c)(3) a supplemental grant to pay the
Federal share of the total costs of carrying out an ac-
tivity relating to the implementation of an environ-
mentally beneficial energy strategy.
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—To be eligible for a grant
under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall—
‘‘(A) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
Secretary that the eligible entity meets the appli-
cable 
criteria 
under 
subparagraph 
(B)(ii),
(C)(ii), or (D)(ii) of subsection (c)(3); and
‘‘(B) submit to the Secretary for approval a
plan that describes the activities to be funded by
the grant.
‘‘(3) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT.—
‘‘(A) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share
of the cost of carrying out any activities under
this subsection shall be 75 percent.
‘‘(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE.—
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‘‘(i) FORM.—Not more than 50 percent
of the non-Federal share may be in the form
of in-kind contributions.
‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—Amounts provided
to an eligible entity under subsection (c)
shall not be used toward the non-Federal
share.
‘‘(4) MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT.—An eligible en-
tity shall provide assurances to the Secretary that
funds provided to the eligible entity under this sub-
section will be used only to supplement, not to sup-
plant, the amount of Federal, State, tribal, and local
funds otherwise expended by the eligible entity for eli-
gible activities under this subsection.
‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as
are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of
fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
‘‘(e) GRANTS TO OTHER STATES AND COMMUNITIES.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the total amount of funds
that are made available each fiscal year to carry out
this section, the Secretary shall use 2 percent of the
amount to make competitive grants under this section
to States, Indian tribes, and units of local govern-
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ment that are not eligible entities or to consortia of
such units of local government.
‘‘(2) APPLICATIONS.—To be eligible for a grant
under this subsection, a State, Indian tribe, unit of
local government, or consortia described in paragraph
(1) shall apply to the Secretary for a grant to carry
out an activity that would otherwise be eligible for a
grant under subsection (c) or (d).
‘‘(3) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under this
subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to—
‘‘(A) States with populations of less than
2,000,000; and
‘‘(B) projects that would result in signifi-
cant energy efficiency improvements, reductions
in fossil fuel use, or capital improvements.’’.
SEC. 
276. 
ENERGY 
SUSTAINABILITY 
AND 
EFFICIENCY
GRANTS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDU-
CATION.
Part G of title III of the Energy Policy and Conserva-
tion Act is amended by inserting after section 399 (42
U.S.C. 371h) the following:
‘‘SEC. 399A. ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
GRANTS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDU-
CATION.
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
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‘‘(1) ENERGY
SUSTAINABILITY.—The term ‘en-
ergy sustainability’ includes using a renewable energy
resource and a highly efficient technology for elec-
tricity generation, transportation, heating, or cooling.
‘‘(2) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The
term ‘institution of higher education’ has the meaning
given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
‘‘(b) GRANTS
FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVE-
MENT.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award
not more than 100 grants to institutions of higher
education to carry out projects to improve energy effi-
ciency on the grounds and facilities of the institution
of higher education, including not less than 1 grant
to an institution of higher education in each State.
‘‘(2) CONDITION.—As a condition of receiving a
grant under this subsection, an institution of higher
education shall agree to—
‘‘(A) implement a public awareness cam-
paign concerning the project in the community
in which the institution of higher education is
located; and
‘‘(B) submit to the Secretary, and make
available to the public, reports on any efficiency
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improvements, energy cost savings, and environ-
mental benefits achieved as part of a project car-
ried out under paragraph (1).
‘‘(c) GRANTS FOR INNOVATION IN ENERGY SUSTAIN-
ABILITY.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award
not more than 250 grants to institutions of higher
education to engage in innovative energy sustain-
ability projects, including not less than 2 grants to
institutions of higher education in each State.
‘‘(2) INNOVATION
PROJECTS.—An innovation
project carried out with a grant under this subsection
shall—
‘‘(A) involve—
‘‘(i) an innovative technology that is
not yet commercially available; or
‘‘(ii) available technology in an inno-
vative application that maximizes energy
efficiency and sustainability;
‘‘(B) have the greatest potential for testing
or demonstrating new technologies or processes;
and
‘‘(C) ensure active student participation in
the project, including the planning, implementa-
tion, evaluation, and other phases of the project.
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‘‘(3) CONDITION.—As a condition of receiving a
grant under this subsection, an institution of higher
education shall agree to submit to the Secretary, and
make available to the public, reports that describe the
results of the projects carried out under paragraph
(1).
‘‘(d) AWARDING OF GRANTS.—
‘‘(1) APPLICATION.—An institution of higher
education that seeks to receive a grant under this sec-
tion may submit to the Secretary an application for
the grant at such time, in such form, and containing
such information as the Secretary may prescribe.
‘‘(2) SELECTION.—The Secretary shall establish
a committee to assist in the selection of grant recipi-
ents under this section.
‘‘(e) ALLOCATION TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDU-
CATION WITH SMALL ENDOWMENTS.—Of the amount of
grants provided for a fiscal year under this section, the Sec-
retary shall provide not less 50 percent of the amount to
institutions of higher education that have an endowment
of not more than $100,000,000, with 50 percent of the allo-
cation set aside for institutions of higher education that
have an endowment of not more than $50,000,000.
‘‘(f) GRANT AMOUNTS.—The maximum amount of
grants for a project under this section shall not exceed—
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‘‘(1) in the case of grants for energy efficiency
improvement under subsection (b), $1,000,000; or
‘‘(2) in the case of grants for innovation in en-
ergy sustainability under subsection (c), $500,000.
‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There
are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are nec-
essary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2008
through 2012.’’.
SEC. 277. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
WORKER TRAINING PROGRAM.
Section 1101 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16411) is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection
(e); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c), the fol-
lowing:
‘‘(d) ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
WORKER TRAINING PROGRAM.—
‘‘(1) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this sub-
section to—
‘‘(A) create a sustainable, comprehensive
public program that provides quality training
that is linked to jobs that are created through re-
newable energy and energy efficiency initiatives;
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‘‘(B) satisfy industry demand for a skilled
workforce, to support economic growth, to boost
America’s global competitiveness in the expand-
ing energy efficiency and renewable energy in-
dustries, and to provide economic self-sufficiency
and family-sustaining jobs for America’s work-
ers, including low wage workers, through quality
training and placement in job opportunities in
the growing energy efficiency and renewable en-
ergy industries;
‘‘(C) provide grants for the safety, health,
and skills training and education of workers who
are, or may be engaged in, activities related to
the energy efficiency and renewable energy in-
dustries; and
‘‘(D) provide funds for national and State
industry-wide research, labor market informa-
tion and labor exchange programs, and the devel-
opment of nationally and State administered
training programs.
‘‘(2) GRANT PROGRAM.—
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Labor (referred to in this sub-
section as the ‘Secretary’), in consultation with
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the Secretary of Energy, shall establish an en-
ergy efficiency and renewable energy worker
training program under which the Secretary
shall carry out the activities described in para-
graph (3) to achieve the purposes of this sub-
section.
‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY.—For purposes of pro-
viding assistance and services under the program
established under this subsection—
‘‘(i) target populations of individuals
eligible for training and other services shall
include, but not be limited to—
‘‘(I) veterans, or past and present
members of the reserve components of
the Armed Forces;
‘‘(II) workers affected by national
energy and environmental policy;
‘‘(III) workers displaced by the
impacts of economic globalization;
‘‘(IV) individuals, including at-
risk youth, seeking employment path-
ways out of poverty and into economic
self-sufficiency;
‘‘(V) formerly incarcerated, adju-
dicated, non-violent offenders; and
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‘‘(VI) individuals in need of up-
dated training related to the energy ef-
ficiency and renewable energy indus-
tries; and
‘‘(ii) energy efficiency and renewable
energy industries eligible for such assistance
and services shall include—
‘‘(I) the energy-efficient building,
construction, and retrofits industries;
‘‘(II) the renewable electric power
industry;
‘‘(III) the energy efficient and ad-
vanced drive train vehicle industry;
‘‘(IV) the bio-fuels industry; and
‘‘(V) the deconstruction and mate-
rials use industries.
‘‘(3) ACTIVITIES.—
‘‘(A) NATIONAL
RESEARCH
PROGRAM.—
Under the program established under paragraph
(2), the Secretary, acting through the Bureau of
Labor Statistics, shall provide assistance to sup-
port national research to develop labor market
data and to track future workforce trends result-
ing from energy-related initiatives carried out
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under this section. Activities carried out under
this paragraph shall include—
‘‘(i) linking research and development
in renewable energy and energy efficiency
technology with the development of stand-
ards and curricula for current and future
jobs;
‘‘(ii) the tracking and documentation
of academic and occupational competencies
as well as future skill needs with respect to
renewable energy and energy efficiency tech-
nology;
‘‘(iii) tracking and documentation of
occupational information and workforce
training data with respect to renewable en-
ergy and energy efficiency technology;
‘‘(iv) assessing new employment and
work practices including career ladder and
upgrade training as well as high perform-
ance work systems; and
‘‘(v) collaborating with State agencies,
industry, organized labor, and community
and nonprofit organizations to disseminate
successful innovations for labor market serv-
ices and worker training with respect to re-
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newable energy and energy efficiency tech-
nology.
‘‘(B) NATIONAL
ENERGY
TRAINING
PART-
NERSHIP GRANTS.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Under the program
established under paragraph (2), the Sec-
retary shall award National Energy Train-
ing Partnerships Grants on a competitive
basis to eligible entities to enable such enti-
ties to carry out national training that
leads to economic self-sufficiency and to de-
velop an energy efficiency and renewable
energy industries workforce. Grants shall be
awarded under this subparagraph so as to
ensure geographic diversity with at least 2
grants awarded to entities located in each of
the 4 Petroleum Administration for Defense
Districts with no subdistricts and at least 1
grant awarded to an entity located in each
of the subdistricts of the Petroleum Admin-
istration for Defense District with subdis-
tricts.
‘‘(ii) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to
receive a grant under clause (i), an entity
shall be a non-profit partnership that—
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‘‘(I) includes the equal participa-
tion of industry, including public or
private employers, and labor organiza-
tions, including joint labor-manage-
ment training programs, and may in-
clude community-based organizations,
educational institutions, small busi-
nesses, cooperatives, State and local
veterans agencies, and veterans service
organizations; and
‘‘(II) demonstrates—
‘‘(aa) experience in imple-
menting and operating worker
skills training and education pro-
grams;
‘‘(bb) the ability to identify
and involve in training programs
carried out under this grant, tar-
get populations of workers who
are, or will be engaged in, activi-
ties related to energy efficiency
and renewable energy industries;
and
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‘‘(cc) the ability to help
workers achieve economic self-suf-
ficiency.
‘‘(iii) ACTIVITIES.—Activities to be
carried out under a grant under this sub-
paragraph may include—
‘‘(I) the provision of occupational
skills training, including curriculum
development, on-the-job training, and
classroom training;
‘‘(II) the provision of safety and
health training;
‘‘(III) the provision of basic skills,
literacy, GED, English as a second
language, and job readiness training;
‘‘(IV) individual referral and tui-
tion assistance for a community college
training program;
‘‘(V) the provision of customized
training in conjunction with an exist-
ing registered apprenticeship program
or labor-management partnership;
‘‘(VI) the provision of career lad-
der and upgrade training; and
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‘‘(II) The administration of skill
and aptitude testing and assessment
for workers.
‘‘(III) The counseling, case man-
agement, and referral of qualified job
seekers to openings and training pro-
grams, including energy efficiency and
renewable energy training programs.
‘‘(D) STATE
ENERGY
TRAINING
PARTNER-
SHIP PROGRAM.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Under the program
established under paragraph (2), the Sec-
retary shall award competitive grants to
States to enable such States to administer
renewable energy and energy efficiency
workforce development programs that in-
clude the implementation of the activities
described in clause (ii).
‘‘(ii) ACTIVITIES.—
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—A State shall
use amounts awarded under a grant
under this subparagraph to award
competitive grants to eligible State En-
ergy Sector Partnerships to enable such
Partnerships to coordinate with exist-
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ing apprenticeship and labor manage-
ment training programs and imple-
ment training programs that lead to
the economic self-sufficiency of train-
ees.
‘‘(II) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible
to receive a grant under this subpara-
graph, a State Energy Sector Partner-
ship shall—
‘‘(aa) consist of non-profit
organizations that include equal
participation from industry, in-
cluding public or private non-
profit employers, and labor orga-
nizations, including joint labor-
management training programs,
and may include representatives
from local governments, worker
investment agency one-stop career
centers, community based organi-
zations, community colleges, other
post-secondary institutions, small
businesses, cooperatives, State and
local veterans agencies, and vet-
erans service organizations;
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‘‘(bb) demonstrate experience
in implementing and operating
worker skills training and edu-
cation programs; and
‘‘(cc) demonstrate the ability
to identify and involve in train-
ing programs, target populations
of workers who are, or will be en-
gaged in, activities related to en-
ergy efficiency and renewable en-
ergy industries.
‘‘(iii) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants
under this subparagraph, the Secretary
shall give priority to States that dem-
onstrate linkages of activities under the
grant with—
‘‘(I) meeting national energy poli-
cies associated with energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and the reduction of
emissions of greenhouse gases; and
‘‘(II) meeting State energy poli-
cies associated with energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and the reduction of
emissions of greenhouse gases.
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‘‘(iv) 
COORDINATION.—A 
grantee
under this subparagraph shall coordinate
activities carried out under the grant with
existing apprenticeship and labor manage-
ment training programs and implement
training programs that lead to the economic
self-sufficiency 
of 
trainees, 
including
providing—
‘‘(I) outreach and recruitment
services, in coordination with the ap-
propriate State agency;
‘‘(II) occupational skills training,
including curriculum development, on-
the-job training, and classroom train-
ing;
‘‘(III) safety and health training;
‘‘(IV) basic skills, literacy, GED,
English as a second language, and job
readiness training;
‘‘(V) individual referral and tui-
tion assistance for a community college
training program;
‘‘(VI) customized training in con-
junction with an existing registered
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apprenticeship program or labor-man-
agement partnership;
‘‘(VII) career ladder and upgrade
training; and
‘‘(VIII) services under transi-
tional jobs strategies.
‘‘(4) 
WORKER
PROTECTIONS
AND
NON-
DISCRIMINATION REQUIREMENTS.—
‘‘(A) APPLICATION OF WIA.—The provisions
of sections 181 and 188 of the Workforce Invest-
ment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2931 and 2938)
shall apply to all programs carried out with as-
sistance under this subsection.
‘‘(B) CONSULTATION WITH LABOR ORGANI-
ZATIONS.—If a labor organization represents a
substantial number of workers who are engaged
in similar work or training in an area that is
the same as the area that is proposed to be fund-
ed under this subsection, the labor organization
shall be provided an opportunity to be consulted
and to submit comments in regard to such a pro-
posal.
‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out
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this subsection, $100,000,000 for each fiscal year, of
which—
‘‘(A) not to exceed 20 percent of the amount
appropriated in each fiscal year shall be made
available for, and shall be equally divided be-
tween, national labor market research and infor-
mation under paragraph (3)(A) and State labor
market information and labor exchange research
under paragraph (3)(C); and
‘‘(B) the remainder shall be divided equally
between National Energy Partnership Training
Grants under paragraph (3)(B) and State en-
ergy training partnership grants under para-
graph (3)(D).
‘‘(6) DEFINITION.—In this subsection, the term
‘renewable electric power’ has the meaning given the
term ‘renewable energy’ in section 203(b)(2) of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–58).’’.
SEC. 278. ASSISTANCE TO STATES TO REDUCE SCHOOL BUS
IDLING.
(a) STATEMENT
OF POLICY.—Congress encourages
each local educational agency (as defined in section
9101(26) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(26))) that receives Federal funds
under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
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pump technologies by not later than the
date that is 5 years after the date of enact-
ment of this Act.
(d) GSA FACILITY TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall—
(1) ensure that a manager responsible for accel-
erating the use of cost-effective technologies and prac-
tices and geothermal heat pump technologies is des-
ignated for each GSA facility; and
(2) submit to Congress a plan, to be implemented
to the maximum extent feasible (including at the
maximum rate feasible) using available appropria-
tions, by not later than the date that is 5 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, that—
(A) with respect to cost-effective technologies
and practices—
(i) identifies the specific activities
needed to achieve a 20-percent reduction in
operational costs through the application of
cost-effective technologies and practices from
2003 levels at GSA facilities by not later
than 5 years after the date of enactment of
this Act;
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(ii) describes activities required and
carried out to estimate the funds necessary
to achieve the reduction described in clause
(i);
(B) includes an estimate of the funds nec-
essary to carry out this section;
(C) describes the status of the implementa-
tion of cost-effective technologies and practices
and geothermal heat pump technologies and
practices at GSA facilities, including—
(i) the extent to which programs, in-
cluding the program established under sub-
section (b), are being carried out in accord-
ance with this subtitle; and
(ii) the status of funding requests and
appropriations for those programs;
(D) identifies within the planning, budg-
eting, and construction processes, all types of
GSA facility-related procedures that inhibit new
and existing GSA facilities from implementing
cost-effective technologies or geothermal heat
pump technologies;
(E) recommends language for uniform
standards for use by Federal agencies in imple-
menting cost-effective technologies and practices
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consumption relative to consumption by the
same customer or at the same facility in a given
year, as defined in guidelines promulgated by
the Administrator pursuant to section 403(b),
that achieves cost savings sufficient to pay the
incremental additional costs of using cost-effec-
tive technologies and practices or geothermal
heat pumps by not later than—
(i) for cost-effective technologies and
practices, the date that is 5 years after the
date of installation; and
(ii) for geothermal heat pumps, as soon
as practical after the date of installation of
the applicable geothermal heat pump.
(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘‘operational
cost savings’’ includes savings achieved at a fa-
cility as a result of—
(i) the installation or use of cost-effec-
tive technologies and practices; or
(ii) the planting of vegetation that
shades the facility and reduces the heating,
cooling, or lighting needs of the facility.
(C) EXCLUSION.—The term ‘‘operational
cost savings’’ does not include savings from
measures that would likely be adopted in the ab-