zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise requirements for the sale by the Secretary of Energy of products from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to sell from the Reserve if the President finds that: (1) there is a severe energy supply interruption (as under existing law); or (2) the price of home heating oil threatens the health and safety of residents of the Northeast. Requires the Secretary to sell specified percentages of the quantity of products in the Reserve as of November 1 of a fiscal year if the President finds that, on successive monthly winter dates of the same fiscal year, the average retail price of No.2 heating oil in the Northeast is equal to or more than $4.00 per gallon (in 2008 dollars). Requires the Secretary to use any revenue derived from such sales to provide assistance to low-income consumers of heating oil under the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons of the Energy Conservation and Production Act.

Date: 2009-01-21
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting any federal agency from entering into a contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use, other than for research or testing, unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel.

Date: 2009-01-21
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a deduction from gross income for: (1) interest paid on indebtedness (up to $49,500) incurred after November 12, 2008, and before January 1, 2010, for the purchase of a motor vehicle (i.e., passenger automobile or light truck) with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds; and (2) state and local sales and excise taxes imposed on the purchase of such a motor vehicle.

Date: 2009-01-27
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Appliance Standards Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize any person to petition the Secretary of Energy to prescribe or amend test procedures that are used to measure energy use by: (1) covered products under the Department of Energy's (DOE's) energy conservation program for consumer products; and (2) certain industrial equipment. Requires DOE to respond to petitions within 180 days and publish a rule on the standard within three years if a petition is granted. Revises the Energy Star Program by: (1) requiring the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update agreements that delineate DOE and EPA responsibilities; (2) expanding the duties of the Secretary and the Administrator, to include reviewing product categories at least once every three years or when market share for a category reaches 35%, updating product criteria for categories, requiring qualified products to demonstrate compliance with criteria, and developing standardized building energy audit methods; and (3) authorizing appropriations for the Program. Requires test procedures for LED fixtures and LED light engines to be based on Illuminating Engineering Society of North America test procedure LM-79, Approved Method for Electrical and Photometric Testing of Solid-State Lighting Devices. Establishes minimum energy efficiency standards for portable light fixtures manufactured on or after January 1, 2012. Phases out the use of incandescent light bulbs in portable light fixtures. Excludes a GU-24 base lamp from the definition of an incandescent lamp. Prohibits GU-24 adaptors from adapting a GU-24 socket to any other line voltage socket. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies on: (1) compliance with appliance energy standards; and (2) the costs and benefits of requiring high-quality, direct-current electricity supply in certain buildings. Requires the Secretary to assess the use of electric motors and the electric motor market in the United States and establish a program to increase awareness of higher efficiency electric motors.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive program to provide between three and seven grants of up to $3 million in each of 3 years to advance research and development and to demonstrate technologies, including plug-in hybrid technology, for advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles (vehicles with a gross weight between 14,000 and 33,000 pounds that are fueled, in part, by a rechargeable energy storage system). Requires grant recipients to: (1) conduct research and demonstrate advanced hybrid technology by producing or retrofitting advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles; and (2) demonstrate advanced manufacturing processes and technologies by producing or retrofitting 50 advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles. Requires the Secretary: (1) to conduct research into alternative power train designs for use in advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles; and (2) acting through the Department of Energy's (DOE) National Laboratories and Technology Centers, to establish a pilot program to research and test the effects on the domestic electric power grid of the widespread use of plug-in hybrid vehicles, including those that are advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicles. Amends the United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary to conduct an applied research program on energy storage systems to support vehicles with a gross weight over 16,000 pounds.

Date: 2009-03-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Assistance Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon request of the Secretary concerned, to transfer amounts from the Fund to that Secretary to make or guarantee low-interest loans or grants to U.S. persons to purchase and install: (1) qualifying energy efficient property in their principal dwelling (i.e., solar powered property to heat water or generate electricity, fuel cells, or compliant stoves); (2) idling reduction devices or advanced insulation in heavy trucks; and (3) qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property at a station.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Reenergize America Loan Program Act of 2009 - Establishes: (1) within the Department of Energy (DOE) the Reenergize America Loan Program, under which the Secretary of Energy shall allocate funds to states for use in providing zero-interest loans to qualified persons to carry out residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation energy efficiency and renewable generation projects contained in approved state energy conservation plans; and (2) the Reenergize America Loan Program Fund. Requires the Secretary, in allocating funds, to consider: (1) the likely energy savings and renewable energy potential of the plans; (2) regional energy needs; and (3) the equitable distribution of funds among regions. Requires states that seek to receive allocations to: (1) submit to the Secretary a five-year plan for the administration and distribution of funds; (2) agree to annual audits; and (3) reapply for a subsequent allocation at the end of the five-year period. Limits the amount of a loan provided by a state to $5 million and the term of a loan to four years. Authorizes states that receive allocations to: (1) impose on loan recipients a fee to cover the costs incurred by the state in administering the loan; and (2) retain the return of principal from loans for the purpose of making additional loans.

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Oil Independence, Limiting Subsidies, and Accelerating Vehicle Efficiency Act or the OILSAVE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of fuel-efficient motor vehicles; (2) allow a business-related tax credit for the installation of fuel savings components in motor vehicles; and (3) revise the gas guzzler tax for automobiles with fuel economy ratings of less than 24.2 miles per gallon of gasoline (or equivalent amount of other fuel) consumed. Increases civil penalties for violations of manufacturer corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a program to support deployment of low-greenhouse gas and fuel-saving technologies; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce to define and collect data on characteristics of the U.S. truck fleet, with emphasis on data relating to fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas performance.

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Short Term Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act of 2009 - Establishes in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a Cash for Clunkers Temporary Vehicle Trade-In Program through which the Secretary of Transportation, acting through NHTSA, shall: (1) authorize the issuance of a voucher to offset the purchase or lease price for a fuel efficient automobile upon the transfer of the eligible trade-in vehicle title to a participating dealer; (2) register dealers for Program participation; (3) make payments to them for eligible transactions they accept between specified dates; and (4) establish and provide for the enforcement of measures to prevent and penalize fraud under the Program. Prescribes requirements, including combined fuel economy, for $1,000, $2,500, $3,500, and $4,500 vouchers to offset the purchase or lease price for a previously owned (model year 2004 or after) or new fuel efficient passenger automobile or truck. Limits the number of vouchers to one per customer, including joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle. Requires a dealer to certify that each eligible trade-in vehicle: (1) has been or will be crushed or shredded, or transferred to an entity that will ensure it will be crushed or shredded, within the period of the Program; and (2) has not been, and will not be, sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of for use as an automobile in the United States or in any other country. Makes it unlawful for any person to violate this Act or any regulations issued under it, particularly by fraud. Prescribes civil penalties for any such violation. Directs the Secretary to make Program information available on an Internet website and through other means. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of any proposed presidential rescission of discretionary budget authority under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Date: 2009-06-08
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Home Energy Retrofit Finance Program Act - Directs the Secretary to Energy (DOE) to: (1) provide Home Energy Retrofit Finance Program grants to states to establish or expand revolving finance funds to support financing for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy improvements to existing homes and residential buildings; and (2) conduct and report to Congress on an evaluation of such Program.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Green Transportation Efficiency Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) a Green Transportation Efficiency Program through which the Secretary of Energy shall: (1) authorize issuance of an electronic voucher to offset the purchase or lease price for a new fuel efficient automobile or motorcycle upon the surrender to a participating dealer of an eligible trade-in vehicle; (2) certify dealers for Program participation; (3) make electronic payments to them for vouchers they accept between January 1, 2009, and three years after implementing regulations are promulgated; (4) provide for the payment of rebates to qualifying persons; and (5) establish enforcement of measures to prevent and penalize fraud under the Program. Prescribes requirements, including combined fuel economy, for $2,500, $3,500, and $4,500 vouchers to offset the purchase or lease price for a qualifying passenger automobile, truck, or motorcycle. Limits the number of vouchers to one per customer, including joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle. Requires a dealer to certify about each eligible trade-in vehicle that the dealer: (1) has not and will not sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of the vehicle for use as an automobile in the United States or in any other country; and (2) will transfer the vehicle to an entity that will ensure that it will be crushed or shredded within the Program period, and has not been, and will not be, sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of for use as an automobile anywhere in the world. Declares that such restrictions shall not prevent a person who dismantles or disposes of such vehicle from selling any of its parts (except the engine block and drive train, unless they have been crushed or shredded) and retaining sale proceeds. Makes any person who purchased or leased a new fuel efficient vehicle after January 1, 2009, and before the enactment of this Act eligible for a cash rebate equivalent to the appropriate voucher amount. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly to violate this Act or any regulations issued under it, particularly by fraud. Prescribes civil penalties for any such violation. Directs the Secretary to make Program information available on an Internet website and through other means. Prescribes standards which any regulations issued by the Secretary for the Program must meet.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a two-year pilot program to promote the production and use of fuel-efficient stoves that do not produce significant amounts of black carbon and are customized for use throughout the world.

Date: 2009-07-06
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: International affairs
Clean Energy for Homes and Buildings Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and publish for review and comment near-, medium-, and long-term goals for: (1) a minimum number of homes and other buildings to be retrofitted through energy efficiency measures or to have on-site renewable energy systems added; (2) the number of on-site solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal heat pump systems to be installed; (3) the quantities by which use of grid-supplied electricity, natural gas, home heating oil, and other fuels, total fossil fuel dependence in the buildings sector, and greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced; (4) the number of jobs that will be created; and (5) the estimated total energy cost savings for building owners. Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) the Clean Energy for Homes and Buildings Program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish eligibility criteria for applicants for financial assistance (including credit enhancements, debt instruments, or other financial products); and (2) select a portfolio of investments that reaches a diversity of building owners. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to promote the widespread deployment of, and mobilize private sector support of credit and investment institutions for, energy efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy generation systems in buildings.

Date: 2009-08-04
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Efficient Vehicle Leadership Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a new income tax credit for certain fuel-efficient motor vehicles with a purchase price not exceeding $50,000, beginning with model year 2011; (2) allow such credit as an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT); and (3) revise the gas guzzler excise tax to impose an increased tax on fuel guzzler motor vehicles, beginning with model year 2013, based on specified fuel efficiency ratings.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Thermal Energy Efficiency Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury a Thermal Energy Efficiency Fund. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) allocate to the Fund 2% of the quantity of emission allowances established for any of calendar years 2012-2050 under any program for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that is established by federal law; (2) auction all of the emission allowances allocated to the Fund for a calendar year; and (3) deposit all proceeds of such auctions into the Fund. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE), for each calendar year during which such a program is in effect, to use amounts in the Fund to make competitive grants to eligible entities (including state and local governments, commercial or industrial entities, and federal agencies) to carry out qualifying district energy, combined heat and power, or recoverable waste energy projects. Establishes as a goal of the United States to meet 20% or more of total U.S. electrical power capacity through combined heat and power by calendar year 2030.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the qualification standard for exterior windows (including skylights) and exterior doors for purposes of the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property to require such standard to meet criteria established by the 2010 Energy Star Program.

Date: 2009-10-15
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Locomotive Fleet Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit for 30% of the cost of qualified locomotive property. Defines "qualified locomotive property" as any newly built or remanufactured diesel line-haul, passenger, or switch locomotive (whether or not owned by a railroad) which is acquired after December 31, 2009, and which meets applicable standards under the Clean Air Act for emissions from locomotives, as in effect on December 31, 2009. Terminates such credit after December 31, 2013.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise the meaning of "weatherization materials" for purposes of the program for the weatherization of low-income dwelling units to include pre-disaster hazard mitigation home improvements designed to decrease the loss of life or property resulting from a natural disaster if the improvements result in increased energy efficiency or weatherization, including wind resistant and energy efficient windows, window coverings, doors, and roofing (including secondary roof water barriers).

Date: 2009-11-30
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2014 the tax credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; (2) allow such credit for certain fuel-efficient heavy trucks and heavy electric vehicles; (3) extend through 2013 tax credits for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; (4) expand the definition of refueling property for electric motor vehicles to include panel upgrades, wiring, conduit, trenching, pedestals, and related equipment; and (5) allow a new tax credit, through 2013, for 50% of the cost, up to $3,500, for electric idling reduction devices installed on heavy-duty diesel powered on-highway vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to publish standards for certifying idling reduction devices.

Date: 2009-12-09
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Home Heating Fuels Cost Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based refundable tax credit for up to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) of the cost of heating oil, natural gas, and propane to heat a principal residence. Terminates such credit after 2010. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to states to create revolving loan funds for home weatherization loans.

Date: 2009-12-16
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Housing and community development
Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to publish a rule that establishes a uniform efficiency descriptor and accompanying test methods for water heaters, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, and unfired water storage tanks (covered heaters). Requires: (1) the efficiency descriptor and accompanying test method to apply to all water heating technologies in use and to future water heating technologies; and (2) the efficiency descriptor to be the efficiency standard for covered heaters. Sets forth provisions concerning a mathematical conversion factor for converting the measurement of efficiency for covered heaters from the test procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to the new energy descriptor. Authorizes the rule to exclude a specific category of covered water heaters from the uniform efficiency descriptor if the category of water heaters: (1) does not have a residential use and can be clearly described; and (2) are rated effectively using the thermal efficiency and standby loss descriptors applied to the category. Requires the Secretary, in establishing the rule, to contract with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to conduct testing and simulation of alternative descriptors identified for consideration. Considers a covered water heater to be in compliance with the rule and with any revised labeling requirements established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to implement the rule if the covered water heater: (1) was manufactured prior to the effective date of the rule; and (2) complied with the efficiency standards and labeling requirements in effect prior to the rule.

Date: 2009-12-18
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include bottle-type water dispensers and compartment bottle-type water dispensers, commercial hot food holding cabinets, and portable electric spas as "covered products" under the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other than Automobiles. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) test procedures for such dispensers, cabinets, and spas; (2) standby energy consumption standards for dispensers; (3) idle energy rate standards for cabinets; and (4) normalized standby power rates standards for spas. Excludes from the general rule of preemption for energy conservation standards before federal standards become effective for products a state regulation that establishes efficiency standards for such dispensers, cabinets, and spas. Excludes from the general rule of preemption when federal standards become effective for products a regulation that establishes standards for such products and is adopted by the California Energy Commission by January 1, 2013.

Date: 2010-03-01
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth provisions concerning establishing standards for: (1) a minimum level of energy efficiency or a maximum quantity of water use for clothes washers and dishwashers; (2) the seasonal energy efficiency ratio of central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2015; (3) the annual fuel utilization efficiency of non-weatherized furnaces manufactured on or after May 1, 2013; (4) the energy conservation of heat pump pool heaters; and (5) the energy efficiency of pole-mounted outdoor luminaires and high light output double-ended quartz halogen lamps. Revises provisions concerning prescribing new or amended standards. Sets forth provisions concerning establishing regional energy efficiency standards for such: (1) central air conditioners and their heat pumps; and (2) non-weatherized furnaces. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish rules that determine whether the Secretary should: (1) establish standards for through-the-wall central air conditioners, through-the-wall central air conditioning heat pumps, and small duct, high velocity systems; and (2) amend standards for weatherized furnaces. Amends the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles to: (1) revise exceptions from preemption requirements for certain building code requirements; (2) provide that No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards do not apply to specified external power supplies manufactured before July 1, 2017; and (3) revise labeling rules for "covered products." Prohibits the manufacture of general purpose mercury vapor lamps on or after January 1, 2016. Provides that state energy conservation standards that are adopted by January 1, 2015, pursuant to statutory requirements to adopt efficiency standards for reducing outdoor lighting energy use enacted prior to January 31, 2008, will not be preempted by federal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to incorporate smart grid technologies or capabilities into energy conservation standards. Requires sates to give notice to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about a state or local public comment period with respect to local laws prohibiting, limiting, or restricting the use of alternative refrigerants for specific end uses.

Date: 2010-03-02
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Building Star Energy Efficiency Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) the Building Star Energy Efficiency Rebate Program of 2010. Directs the Secretary of Energy to issue rebates to building owners to offset a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing qualifying equipment or materials or undertaking qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings and multifamily residential buildings. Prescribes rebates for the purchase and installation of qualifying: (1) insulation, windows, and qualified high-efficiency window films and screens; (2) new energy efficient equipment, such as boilers, furnaces, and water heaters; (3) unitary air conditioners and unitary heat pumps; (4) variable speed drives for motors; and (5) interior lighting. Prescribes calculations for reductions in: (1) installed lighting power resulting from installation of qualified interior lighting; and (2) annual energy usage resulting from installation of qualified exterior lighting. Prescribes calculations also for rebates for qualified: (1) replacement chillers; (2) qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings; (3) energy-efficient building operation and maintenance training; (4) service on space heating equipment and cooling systems, (5) energy monitoring and management systems with analog controls; and (6) HVAC testing, balancing, and duct sealing. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Building Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program to make grants to states to support financial assistance provided by qualified program delivery entities for making energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to existing buildings that qualify under the Building Star energy retrofit program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary to make guarantees for energy efficiency projects, including projects to retrofit residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities, and equipment; and (2) authorize the Secretary, in the case of programs that finance such retrofitting, to offer loan guarantees for portfolios of debt obligations, and to purchase or make commitments to purchase portfolios of debt obligations.

Date: 2010-03-04
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Solar Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for residential energy efficient property, to permit solar electric property otherwise eligible for such credit to be located on a site apart from the dwelling unit for which the electricity generated from such property is used.

Date: 2010-03-18
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Sustainable Property Grants Act of 2010 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow real estate investment trusts to qualify for energy property grants under such Act without affecting limitations on dividend payments applicable to such trusts.

Date: 2010-04-29
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
NIST Grants for Energy Efficiency, New Job Opportunities, and Business Solutions Act of 2010 or the NIST GREEN JOBS Act of 2010 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the themes under the competitive grant program within the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology program to be related to projects: (1) designed to increase the viability both of traditional manufacturing sectors and other sectors, such as construction, that increasingly rely on manufacturing through the use of manufactured components and manufacturing techniques, including supply chain integration and quality management; and (2) related to the transfer of technology based on the technological needs of manufacturers and available technologies from institutions of higher education, laboratories, and other technology producing entities. Authorizes such themes to extend beyond such areas to include projects related to construction industry modernization. Revises the selection criteria for such grants. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to: (1) endeavor to select at least one proposal in each of the nine statistical divisions of the United States (as designated by the Bureau of the Census) for a grant; and (2) award grants to proposals that will create jobs or train newly hired employees, promote technology transfer and commercialization of environmentally focused materials, products, and processes, increase energy efficiency, and improve the competitiveness of industries in regions in which the Centers are located. Limits award duration to three years. Authorizes awards to be used by Centers to assist small or medium-sized construction firms. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2014.

Date: 2010-05-11
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonbusiness energy tax credit for the installation of any building cladding system (including vinyl siding) with integral insulating material that has a minimum thermal resistance of R-2.

Date: 2010-05-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (DOE), acting through the Office of Energy and Renewable Energy, to act as the lead federal agency for coordinating and disseminating information on existing federal programs and assistance that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects for schools. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a review of existing programs and financing mechanisms available in or from appropriate federal agencies with jurisdiction over energy financing and facilitation that are currently used or may be used for such purposes; (2) establish a federal cross-departmental collaborative coordination, education, and outreach effort to streamline communication and promote available federal opportunities and assistance for such projects that enables states, local educational agencies, and schools to use existing federal opportunities more effectively and to form partnerships with governors, state energy programs, local educational, financial, and energy officials, state and local officials, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities to support project initiation; (3) provide technical assistance for states, local educational agencies, and schools to help develop and finance projects that meet specified requirements; (4) develop and maintain a single online resource website with contact information for relevant technical assistance and support staff in the Office for states, local educational agencies, and schools to effectively access and use federal opportunities and assistance to develop such projects; and (5) establish a process for recognition of schools that have successfully implemented such projects and are willing to serve as resources for other local educational agencies and schools to assist initiation of similar efforts.

Date: 2010-05-13
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide rebates for expenditures made by entities: (1) for the purchase and installation of a new electric motor that has a nominal full load efficiency that is not less than the nominal full load efficiency as defined in NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) Standards Publication MG 1-2006 for random wound motors rated 600 volts or lower or for form wound motors rated 5000 volts or lower; and (2) to replace an installed motor the specifications of which are to be established by the Secretary not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide to the distributor of each such new electric motor purchased by an entity that received a rebate a payment to offset expenses relating to processing and motor core disposal costs.

Date: 2010-05-27
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Fuel Cell Industrial Vehicle Jobs Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) continue the maximum dollar amount (i.e., $8,000) of the tax credit for new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles after 2009; and (2) allow such credit for a vehicle which is manufactured primarily to carry or tow loads or materials for commercial or industrial purposes (off-highway vehicles).

Date: 2010-07-19
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Rural Energy Savings Program Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (through the Rural Utilities Service) to make interest-free loans to eligible entities for loans to qualified consumers to implement energy efficiency measures. Directs the Secretary to make grants to such entities to defray related costs, including costs for equipment and labor. Directs the Secretary to contact with a qualified entity to provide: (1) verification and measurement activities for the Rural Utilities Service, including training; and (2) technical assistance and training for employees of eligible entities. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible entities, or groups of eligible entities, that have specified energy efficiency programs for energy efficiency loan demonstration projects.

Date: 3/10/2010
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Better Use of Light Bulbs Act - Repeals provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 concerning lighting energy efficiency, including provisions that: (1) prescribe energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, and other designated lamps; (2) direct the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct and report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on an annual assessment of the market for general service lamps and compact fluorescent lamps; (3) direct the Secretary to carry out a proactive national program of consumer awareness, information, and education about lamp labels and energy-efficient lighting choices; (4) prohibit a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or private labeler from distributing in commerce specified adapters for incandescent lamps; (5) authorize the Secretary to carry out a lighting technology research and development program; (6) set forth minimum energy efficiency standards for incandescent reflector lamps; (7) sets forth requirements for the use of energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs in public building construction, alteration, and acquisition; and (8) require metal halide lamp fixtures and energy efficiency labeling for designated consumer electronic products to be included within the Energy Policy and Conservation Act's (EPCA) regulatory oversight. Provides that EPCA shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Energy Star Improvements Act of 2011 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to revise the Energy Star program by requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of Energy (DOE): (1) to require inclusion of developmental products planned for sale within two years in the testing or evaluation of products proposed for purposes of establishing and revising an Energy Star product category, specification, or criterion; (2) within two years, to establish and implement a ratings system for Energy Star products to provide consumers with the most helpful information on the relative energy efficiency of those products, unless the Administrator and the Secretary communicate to Congress that establishing such a system would diminish the value of the Energy Star brand; (3) at least once every three years, to review the Energy Star product criteria for the 10 products in each product category with the greatest energy consumption; (4) to update and publish the Energy Star product criteria for each such category based on such review; (5) before permitting a product to be identified as an Energy Star product, to require the manufacturer to prove the compliance of the product with Energy Star criteria through testing at a certified independent laboratory; and (6) to periodically verify, at the expense of the manufacturer of the product, compliance by products identified as Energy Star products with Energy Star criteria.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to require the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to publish a rule that establishes a uniform efficiency descriptor and accompanying test methods for water heaters, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, and unfired water storage tanks (covered heaters) no later than 180 days after this Act's enactment. Requires: (1) the efficiency descriptor and accompanying test method to apply to all water heating technologies in use and to future water heating technologies, and (2) the efficiency standard to be denominated according to the efficiency descriptor. Sets forth provisions concerning a mathematical conversion factor for converting the measurement of efficiency for covered heaters from the test procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to the new energy descriptor. Authorizes the rule to exclude a specific category of covered water heaters from the uniform efficiency descriptor if the category of water heaters: (1) does not have a residential use and can be clearly described, and (2) are rated effectively using the thermal efficiency and standby loss descriptors applied to the category. Requires the Secretary, in establishing the rule, to contract with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to conduct testing and simulation of alternative descriptors identified for consideration. Considers a covered water heater to be in compliance with the rule and with any revised labeling requirements established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to implement the rule if the covered water heater: (1) was manufactured prior to the effective date of the rule, and (2) complied with the efficiency standards and labeling requirements in effect prior to the rule.

Date: 2011-01-26
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Home Energy Loss Prevention Act - Prohibits a seller of housing that will be purchased with the assistance of a federally related housing loan from selling such housing, unless: (1) no less than five years before the sale of such housing, an energy audit is conducted; (2) the seller provides the purchaser a copy of audit results; and (3) such results are submitted to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Requires such audits to be conducted by a home energy auditor or equivalent. Requires such audit results to be recorded using energy audit and disclosure forms prescribed by the Secretary and to include: (1) a standardized ratings score that allows the housing's energy efficiency to be compared to the energy efficiency of similar housing; and (2) a prioritized list, based on cost-effectiveness and energy savings, of potential energy efficiency improvements. Establishes notice requirements for persons who accept such loans. Exempts from such requirements the seller of housing that: (1) was constructed no more than five years before the time of sale; and (2) is Energy Star qualified or certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the United States Green Building Council or an equivalent certification system approved by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to maintain an online, publicly accessible database containing copies of audit results. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a seller an exemption from any requirement of this Act that would cause the seller undue hardship due to circumstances unique to the housing and not based on a condition caused by the seller's actions. Requires the Secretary to assess persons that make federally related housing loans a fee for each such loan made and to deposit such fees in the Home Energy Loss Prevention Fund (established by this Act), which shall be available to the Secretary to carry out HUD's responsibilities under this Act.

Date: 2011-02-10
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Housing and community development
Hospital Energy Independence Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a pilot program to award grants and loan guarantees to no more than six hospitals, including academic facilities that specialize in scientific research, provide patient care, and serve as health and medical education centers, during FY2011-FY2012 to carry out energy conservation projects for: (1) significantly improving energy efficiency; and (2) encouraging on-site power generation and energy storage, capable of operating independent of the grid, and providing sufficient on-site emergency backup power for essential hospital functions.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to prohibit any federal or state requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings from requiring a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize energy efficient lighting that contains mercury.

Date: 2011-02-16
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Permits the head of any federal agency to authorize and assist in the construction of a new bridge crossing the St. Croix River approximately six miles north of the I-94 crossing if specified mitigation items described in the 2006 St. Croix River Crossing Project Memorandum of Understanding for Implementation of Riverway Mitigation Items are included as enforceable conditions.

Date: 2011-03-01
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief Act of 2011 or the HEATR Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer an income-based refundable tax credit for energy costs for the taxpayer's principal residence. Limits such credit to the lesser of 33% of such costs or $500. Terminates such credit on December 31, 2012.

Date: 2011-03-09
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allocate to each qualified state an amount equal to 1/56 (currently 1/53) of the funds made available for that fiscal year for distribution to states under the grant and loan program for diesel emission reductions; (2) revoke the requirement that Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall collectively receive an allocation equal to 1/53 of the funds made available for states under such program; and (3) authorize funds that are not claimed by a grantee or loan recipient under such program to be reallocated to such territories.

Date: 2011-03-10
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Environmental protection
Clean Energy Business Zone Act of 2011 and the Clean Energy Empowerment Zone Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to designate 40 clean energy business zones between 2011 and 2014, (2) allow an increased tax credit for wages paid in such a zone, (3) allow a work opportunity tax credit for wages paid to an employee in such a zone, (4) allow financing of any qualified Green building or clean energy facility with clean renewable energy bonds, (5) allow increased expensing of property in such a zone, and (6) allow an exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange or any clean energy business zone asset held for more than five years. Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to waive loan fees for qualified Green building and clean energy facility loans made before 2022.

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish a a two-phased competitive program to provide financial assistance to states, Indian tribes, or local governments (or groups thereof) for the deployment of electric drive vehicles in 10 selected deployment communities. Requires each recipient of financial assistance for a deployment community to provide a minimum of $2,000 in benefits to each of the first 50,000 consumers who purchase electric drive vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a competitive program to provide financial assistance to municipalities not selected to receive assistance under the Targeted Electric Drive Vehicles Deployment Communities Program. Requires this second program to assist non-selected municipalities with the deployment of electric drive vehicles, including the evaluation of the feasibility of large-scale deployment of such vehicles and the installation of publicly available electric drive vehicle charging infrastructure in that municipality. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through December 31, 2016, the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures for vehicles powered by electricity; and (2) allow a tax credit for qualified electric vehicle refueling property bonds. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish standards for electric utilities regarding electric drive vehicle infrastructure. Directs each state regulatory authority (in the case of each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each utility (in the case of a nonregulated utility) to: (1) require that infrastructure deployed complies with federal standards and is interoperable with products of all manufacturers, (2) establish protocols and standards for integrating electric drive vehicles into an electrical distribution system, (3) provide for the ability of each vehicle to be identified individually and to be associated with its owner's electric utility account, and (4) review their determinations on time-based metering and communications. Directs the Secretary to carry out a loan program for eligible individuals and entities for the costs of: (1) re-equipping, expanding, or establishing a manufacturing facility in the United States to produce qualified electric drive infrastructure or qualified electric drive vehicle components; and (2) engineering integration performed in the United States of qualified electric drive vehicle components. Earmarks 25% of such loans for small manufacturers (less than 500 individuals) and component suppliers. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary to establish program to provide loan guarantees to eligible entities by private institutions for the purchase of at least 500 qualified advanced automotive batteries a year. Requires the Administrator of General Services to acquire 1,000 commercially available electric drive vehicles (including the necessary qualified electric drive vehicle infrastructure) for the federal fleet.

Date: 2011-05-03
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy