Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-3165
Sponsor: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-21]
Introduced: 2009-07-09 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Alternative and renewable resources
Energy research
Research administration and funding
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2009-07-09
text: 
Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research and development program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind turbines; (2) optimize the design and adaptability of wind energy systems to the broadest practical range of atmospheric conditions; and (3) reduce the cost of construction, generation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. 
 
Requires the program to focus on research and development of specified areas, including: (1) new materials and designs to make larger, lighter, less expensive, and more reliable rotor blades; (2) technologies to improve gearbox performance and reliability; (3) automation, materials, and assembly of large-scale components to reduce manufacturing costs; (4) advanced generators; (5) wind technology for offshore applications; (6) methods to assess and mitigate the effects of wind energy systems on radar and electromagnetic fields; and (7) wind turbines with a maximum electric power production capacity of 100 kilowatts or less.
 
Directs the Secretary to conduct a wind energy demonstration program that: (1) is of sufficient size to measure wind energy system performance under the full productive range of wind conditions in the United States; and (2) includes demonstration projects conducted in collaboration with industry that yield data that is useful for the research and development program. Requires the Secretary to carry out such demonstration program in compliance with provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding cost sharing and merit review of proposals.

action_date: 2009-09-08
text: 
Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research and development program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind turbines; (2) optimize the design and adaptability of wind energy systems to the broadest practical range of atmospheric conditions; and (3) reduce the cost of construction, generation, and maintenance of such systems. 
 

 

 
Directs the Secretary to conduct a wind energy demonstration program to measure wind energy system performance under the full productive range of wind conditions in the United States.
 
Requires awards under such programs to be made on a competitive basis with an emphasis on technical merit.
 
Requires the Secretary, in carrying out this Act, to: (1) coordinate with the Office of Minority Economic Impact and with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization; and (2) provide special consideration to applications submitted by institutions, businesses, or entities containing majority representation of women, minorities, or persons with disabilities in science and engineering.
 
Authorizes appropriations.

action_date: 2009-09-09
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 8, 2009. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research and development program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind turbines; (2) optimize the design and adaptability of wind energy systems to the broadest practical range of atmospheric conditions; and (3) reduce the cost of construction, generation, and maintenance of such systems. 
 

 

 
Directs the Secretary to conduct a wind energy demonstration program to measure wind energy system performance under the full productive range of wind conditions in the United States.
 
Requires awards under such programs to be made on a competitive basis with an emphasis on technical merit.
 
Requires the Secretary, in carrying out this Act, to: (1) coordinate with the Office of Minority Economic Impact and with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization; and (2) provide special consideration to applications submitted by institutions, businesses, or entities containing majority representation of women, minorities, or persons with disabilities in science and engineering.
 
Authorizes appropriations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-12-08
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held.
action_date: 2009-09-10
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2009-09-09
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2009-09-09
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9351)
action_date: 2009-09-09
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9351)
action_date: 2009-09-09
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3165.
action_date: 2009-09-09
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9351-9352)
action_date: 2009-09-09
text: Mr. Tonko moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2009-09-08
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 136.
action_date: 2009-09-08
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science and Technology. H. Rept. 111-248.
action_date: 2009-09-08
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science and Technology. H. Rept. 111-248.
action_date: 2009-07-29
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2009-07-29
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-07-21
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2009-07-21
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-07-14
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2009-07-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
action_date: 2009-07-09
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.
action_date: 2009-07-09
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-07-09
text: Introduced in House