zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Instructs the Secretary of Energy to issue regulations prohibiting the sale of light bulbs that emit less than: (1) 60 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2012; (2) 90 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2016; and (3) 120 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2020. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress a plan for encouraging and providing incentives for the use of more efficient light bulbs by consumers and businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to provide exemptions to the prohibition only in cases where it is found, after a hearing and opportunity for public comment, that it is not technically feasible to serve a specialized lighting application, such as a military, medical, or public safety application.

Date: 2007-03-15
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Clean and Green Renewable Energy Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2030 the tax credits for investment in solar energy and qualified fuel cell property; (2) modify the percentage rate for the energy tax credit; (3) extend through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures; (4) allow accelerated depreciation of solar energy and fuel cell property; (5) extend through 2013 the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources; (6) allow an energy tax credit and a residential energy efficient property tax credit for certain equipment which uses wind to generate energy; and (7) extend through 2009 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures.

Date: 2007-03-20
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Bulb Replacement in Government With High-Efficiency Technology Energy Savings Act of 2007 or the BRIGHT Energy Savings Act of 2007 - Requires each: (1) public building constructed or significantly altered by the Administrator of General Services to be equipped, to the maximum extent feasible (as specified under this Act), with lighting fixtures and bulbs that are energy efficient (as specified under this Act); and (2) lighting fixture or bulb that is replaced in the normal course of maintenance of public buildings to be replaced with an energy efficient fixture or bulb.

Date: 2007-03-27
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Federal Stimulus of Commercial Application of Energy Technology Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Innovative Energy Technologies Fund for Federal Buildings and to administer the Fund to enable federal agencies to demonstrate innovative energy technologies for retrofit or new construction of federal buildings and facilities. Allows federal agencies to apply to the Secretary for a loan for financing the demonstration of innovative energy technology projects and requires such agencies to repay the Fund from savings in energy other costs attributable to actions taken as a result of the project undertaken with the loan. Permits a federal agency, in addition to financing an innovative energy technology project, to use the loan amount to pay the costs of administration and the development of proposals for subsequent projects to further develop the technology and to acquire and operate equipment necessary to monitor and verify associated energy savings. Requires a federal agency to repay to the Fund the principal amount of the loan and fees determined by the Secretary to cover costs of administering the loan. Requires a federal agency to submit specified annual reports to the Secretary with respect to the implementation of innovative energy technology projects for which loans are provided under this Act.Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the operations of the Fund and the total expenditures from the Fund to each federal agency and examples of project successes and failures in meeting energy savings projections.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Health Care for Hybrids Act - Requires the Secretaries of Energy, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and the Treasury to establish a task force to create a program to reimburse certain domestic automobile manufacturers for a portion (up to 10%) of the annual health care coverage costs for their retired employees. Requires such manufacturers to invest at least 50% of their health care cost savings in petroleum fuel reduction technologies, including alternative or flexible fuel vehicles and hybrids, and in the retraining of workers and retooling of manufacturing plants. Terminates such program on December 31, 2017. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) define economic substance for purposes of evaluating tax shelter transactions; (2) impose penalties for understatements of tax liability resulting from transactions lacking in economic substance; and (3) deny a tax deduction for interest assessed on underpayments of tax resulting from transactions lacking in economic substance.

Date: 2007-04-18
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Industrial Cogeneration Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy tax credit for investment in combined heat and power system property placed in service before January 1, 2011.

Date: 2007-04-23
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to publish a final rule not later than December 31, 2010, determining whether to amend the standards in effect for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers manufactured on or after January 1, 2014. Prescribes specified energy and water factors for: (1) residential clothes washers manufactured on or after January 1, 2011; and (2) dishwashers manufactured on or after January 1, 2010. Requires dehumidifiers manufactured on or after October 1, 2012, to meet or exceed specified energy factor values. Moves up from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2009, the effective date for new qualifying levels for clothes washers the Secretary is required to establish.

Date: 2007-05-01
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Purchasing Low-Emission Vehicles for Use in Government (PLUG) Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the federal government acquires not fewer than 50,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles manufactured in the United States by U.S. entities. Defines a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle as a light duty vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine or heat engine using: (1) a combustible fuel; (2) an on-board, rechargeable storage device; and (3) a device that collects electricity from an off-board source.

Date: 2007-05-02
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Super-Efficient Appliance Incentives and Market Transformation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the applicable amount of the tax credit for energy efficient appliances (i.e., dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers which restrict water and energy consumption) produced after 2007.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Energy Conservation through "Smart Meters" Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to assign a five-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices placed in service by a supplier of electric energy or a provider of electric energy services. Defines an "energy management device" as any time-based meter and related communication equipment used to measure and record electricity usage data on a time-differentiated basis in at least 24 separate time segments per day.

Date: 2007-05-14
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Teacher Education for Autistic Children Act of 2007 or the TEACH Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for up to $10,000 of the annual education expenses (e.g., tuition, books, student loan interest) incurred by individuals studying to become teachers of children or adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Terminates such credit after 2012.

Date: 2007-05-17
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Fuel Consumption Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into a partnership with interested industry groups to create a public education campaign for U.S. drivers about immediate measures that can be taken to conserve transportation fuel.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Requires any advertisement for any model of automobile or light duty truck to include the Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Miles Per Gallon Rating, City Miles Per Gallon Rating, Highway Miles Per Gallon Rating MPG, and Estimated Annual Fuel Cost Rating for that model. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act and requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this Act.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Federal Building Renewal and Energy Savings Act of 2007 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require each federal agency to: (1) complete a comprehensive energy and water evaluation for each of its buildings and facilities meeting minimum size or other criteria established by the Secretary of Energy; and (2) implement each energy and water efficiency measure identified in such evaluation. Requires a federal agency to: (1) use a web-based tracking system to certify compliance with this Act; and (2) enter energy use data for each of its facilities and buildings into a building energy use benchmarking system, such as the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue quarterly scorecards for energy management activities carried out by each federal agency. Prohibits a federal agency from: (1) establishing a policy that limits the maximum term of an energy savings performance contract to a period shorter than 25 years; or (2) limiting the total amount of obligations under such contracts, or other private financing of, energy savings measures. Repeals the termination date for authority to enter into new contracts (thus making such authority permanent).

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
HOPE VI Green Building and Technical Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prescribe green communities requirements for grant applicants regarding revitalization programs for severely distressed public housing. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from making a grant unless the applicant's revitalization plan complies with both the mandatory and some of the nonmandatory green communities affordable housing design, development, and operation criteria as they appear on the national Green Communities program checklist. Adds to such criteria specified requirements for nonresidential structures covered by the plan. Directs the Secretary to establish verification procedures. Repeals current technical assistance and program oversight funding authority, including those for assistance in connection with establishment and operation of computer centers in public housing through the Neighborhoods Networks initiative. Replaces it with mandatory funding for additional grants to assist: (1) potential and actual revitalization grant applicants in developing and planning revitalization programs; or (2) revitalization grant recipients in obtaining technical assistance in carrying out such programs.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Housing and community development
Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Energy to jointly develop a multiyear public relations and education campaign to promote responsible and fuel-efficient driving in the United States.

Date: 2007-06-06
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant to an eligible energy-related research organization to establish and operate an ethanol anti-idling power unit research program. Sets forth program goals, including to develop an ethanol-powered solid oxide fuel cell power system and to facilitate commercial uses of ethanol fuel cell power systems in vehicles.

Date: 2007-06-07
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Leveraging Innovative Gains in High-efficiency Technology (LIGHT) Bulbs Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to issue regulations prohibiting the sale of light bulbs that emit less than: (1) 25 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2010; and (2) 60 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2015. Requires such regulations to include: (1) procedures for the Secretary to provide exemptions to the prohibition where the Secretary finds that it is not technically feasible to serve a specialized lighting application, such as a military, medical, or public safety application; and (2) civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress a plan for encouraging and providing incentives for the domestic production of more efficient light bulbs by U.S. manufacturers.

Date: 2007-06-15
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a nonrefundable tax credit for the purchase of tires certified by the Department of Transportation as energy efficient. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a system for the permanent labeling of tires as energy efficient.

Date: 2007-06-18
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Independence Prize Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a program for awarding prizes to U.S. entities for research, development, and commercialization of advanced or transformational technologies for the production, consumption, and distribution of nonpetroleum-based alternative energy and energy efficiency; and (2) an advisory committee.

Date: 2007-06-26
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Energy Efficient Buildings Promotion Act - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish, by rule, revised building energy performance standards for new federal buildings and those undergoing major renovations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase: (1) limitations for the nonbusiness energy property tax credit; (2) the applicable amount for the new energy efficient home credit; and (3) the per square footage dollar amount for the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction. Requires the Secretary to study and make recommendations to Congress on whether to conform certain Internal Revenue Code incentives, as provided in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, to the building energy performance goal established under this Act.

Date: 2007-06-28
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Advanced Design in Energy for Living Efficiently Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) coordinate and provide information on green building design and practices; (2) establish a program to create and distribute information on green building design principles; and (3) establish criteria for education and training of architects, engineers, and developers in green building design and application.Requires the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) to establish a blue ribbon panel to: (1) provide independent counsel to the Administrator on policy issues associated with green building design and practices; (2) report on the results of a study to determine best practices for quantifying the information necessary to make informed property investment decisions; (3) report on funding necessary for research and development on green building design; and (4) establish standards for the construction of new buildings that will reduce carbon emissions.Requires the U.S. Comptroller General to study the use of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development's program for energy efficient mortgages insured under the National Housing Act.Authorizes the Administrator, acting through NIBS, to award grants to state educational agencies to provide sub-grants to local educational agencies for planing and preparing for healthy, high-performance school building projects.Requires the Administrator: (1) acting through NIBS, to assist local education agencies on sustainable designs; and (2) to establish a program to make loan guarantees available to public institutions of higher education for the construction or renovation of permanent buildings that meet the greenhouse gas emission standards.Requires federal agencies to: (1) increase the energy efficiency of their facilities and operations; (2) annually report on the associated energy efficiency increases and carbon emission reductions; and (3) reward employees who make significant contributions to the reduction of agency carbon emissions.Requires federal agencies' energy managers to receive training on green building design, construction, use, and decommissioning.Requires the Comptroller General to transmit to Congress a report comparing the energy efficiency budget request by the President for each federal agency for FY2006-2007 with each agency's request.Requires the Administrator to make block grants to state and local governments for: (1) renovating existing buildings to achieve NIBS standards; (2) redesigning existing plans to enable new buildings to meet such standards; (3) researching and developing technologies to enable and support green building design and the achievement of such standards; and (4) educating and training on green buildings and their construction, use, and decommissioning.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and extend the energy efficient commercial building deduction.

Date: 2007-07-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Environmental protection
Green Meetings Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to ensure that the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised to require each federal agency to consider, in each purchase of meeting and conference services, the environmentally preferable features and practices of a vendor in a manner substantially similar to that required of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under specified provisions set forth in an EPA final rule published in the Federal Register on April 12, 2007.

Date: 2007-07-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Revises corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE standards) provisions for non-passenger and passenger automobiles to: (1) provide for increased average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles; (2) permit separate average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles based on vehicle attributes related to fuel economy; and (3) establish a corporate average fuel economy credit transferring program within a manufacturer's fleet. Provides for the establishment of a public education campaign to provide information to U.S. drivers about immediate measures that may be taken to conserve transportation fuel.

Date: 2007-07-17
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
School Building Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to: (1) states and local educational agencies (LEAs) for providing intensive technical assistance for, and assisting the implementation of, the EnergySmart Schools Program of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Star for K-12 School Districts program of the Environmental Protection Agency; (2) LEAs that become partners through such Energy Star program; and (3) states for use in the development, in partnership with DOE, of state-level school energy efficiency quality plans. Requires the Secretary to give priority to projects to provide assistance to school districts with a demonstrated need for energy efficiency improvement.

Date: 2007-07-26
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Education
New Opportunities for Fuel Efficient Fleets Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 regarding mandatory state fleet programs to consider a hybrid motor vehicle to be an alternative fueled vehicle when acquired by a state if publicly available fueling facilities that dispense E85 fuel are not convenient or accessible in the state. Defines a hybrid motor vehicle as one that achieves at least: (1) 25% better fuel economy ratings than comparable gasoline fueled vehicles; or (2) 10% better fuel economy ratings than comparable gasoline fueled vehicles, and is determined by the Secretary of Energy to be appropriate for consideration as an alternative fueled vehicle on the basis of improved emissions, availability, or technological innovation.

Date: 2007-07-30
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Energy Efficient Appliance Tax Credit for Washers and Dryers Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 25% of the cost (up to $500) of clothes washers and dryers which meet requirements for the Energy Star program. Terminates such credit after 2016.

Date: 2007-09-14
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Energy Efficient Appliance Tax Credit for Air Conditioners Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 25% of the cost (up to $500) of air conditioners which meet requirements for the Energy Star program. Terminates such credit after 2016.

Date: 2007-09-25
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct programs of basic and applied research to support the development of energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; and (2) award funds to, and coordinate activities with, stakeholders in the public, private, and academic sectors. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2014. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to implement a program of new regionally diversified demonstrations of advanced energy storage systems to expand upon the existing technology demonstration program of the Department of Energy (DOE). Urges such demonstrations to include the participation of a range of stakeholders, such as rural electric cooperatives, investor owned utilities, municipally owned electric utilities, energy storage systems manufacturers, electric drive vehicle manufacturers, the renewable energy production industry, state or local energy offices, the fuel cell industry, and universities. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2014. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to implement a demonstration program of electric drive vehicle energy storage technology, including integration of such systems on a prototype vehicular platform with drivetrain systems for passenger, commercial, and nonroad electric drive vehicles. Requires such demonstrations to be conducted through consortia, which may include the same range of stakeholders suggested for the advanced energy storage systems demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2014. (Sec. 7) Instructs the Secretary to carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration of: (1) secondary applications of energy storage devices following service in electric drive vehicles; and (2) technologies and processes for final recycling and disposal of these devices. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2014. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to carry out the programs under this Act in compliance with the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) for cost sharing and impartial review of the scientific and technical merit of award proposals.

Date: 2007-10-09
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Renewable Energy Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the dollar limitation on the tax credit for residential energy efficiency property expenditures and extend such credit through 2016; (2) extend through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar energy and qualified fuel cell property; (3) allow public electric utility property to qualify for the energy tax credit; (4) extend through 2015 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property; and (5) modify energy efficient appliance tax credit amounts for appliances (e.g., dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers) produced after 2007.

Date: 2007-10-10
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Energy Efficient Appliance Tax Credit for Refrigerators and Freezers Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 25% of the cost (up to $500) of refrigerators or freezers which meet requirements for the Energy Star program. Terminates such credit after 2016.

Date: 2007-10-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2012: (1) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (2) the tax credit for new energy efficient homes; (3) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property; and (4) the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Allows a $500 refundable tax credit ($1,000 in the case of a joint tax return) in 2008 for certain low-income individual taxpayers who have a principal place of abode in the United States and who use heating oil as the primary source of energy for heating such abode.

Date: 2007-12-05
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
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: 2008-02-06
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Environmental protection
Consumer and Manufacturer Energy Efficiency Tax Credit Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2009 the tax credits for: (1) energy efficient appliances (i.e., dishwashers, clothes washers, and refrigerators that meet certain energy conservation standards); and (2) nonbusiness energy property expenditures.

Date: 2008-02-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Needs School Improvement Act or the GREEN School Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states to provide competitive grants to local educational agencies and eligible entities to make energy improvements to schools that result in a direct reduction in school energy costs, an improvement in teacher and student health, or the installation of renewable energy technologies. Requires a priority to be given to high-need local agencies and local agencies designated with a specified metrocentric locale codes.Sets forth grant application requirements, including a needs assessment for the schools involved and a description of the benefits and costs of the energy improvements to be made. Authorizes a state agency to require matching funds.Requires the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to states to develop guidelines and standards for energy improvements and new facility construction.Requires recipients of grants under this Act to report on their use of funds. Requires the Secretary to use report results to publish best practices: (1) for school energy improvement activities; and (2) to further the goal of developing nationwide and regional guidelines and standards for improvements, modernizations, renovations, and new construction.Directs the Comptroller General to carry out a study on: (1) the costs of repair, renovation, and construction for public elementary schools and secondary schools; (2) federal, state, local, and private expenditures for such costs; and (3) the potential of federal funding to address the repair, renovation, and construction needs of such schools with energy improvements.

Date: 2008-02-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Education
Next Generation Homes Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the dollar limits on the new energy efficient home tax credit and revise the energy savings requirements for such credit; and (2) allow a new tax deduction for the purchase of an energy efficient principal residence.

Date: 2008-03-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions concerning energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, other designated lamps, and incandescent reflector lamps unless the Comptroller General has transmitted to Congress within six months after this Act's enactment a report that finds that: (1) consumers will obtain a net savings, in terms of dollars spent on monthly electric bills and expenses for new light fixtures to accommodate the use of the light bulbs required by such provisions, compared to dollars spent before their enactment; (2) the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs required by such provisions will reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions by 20% in the United States by 2025; and (3) such phase-out will not pose any health risks, including risks associated with mercury containment in certain light bulbs, to consumers or the general public, including health risks with respect to hospitals, schools, day care centers, mental health facilities, and nursing homes.Requires the report to include monthly and yearly projections of expenses for electric bills and new light fixtures for January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2017.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends federal transportation law to increase the average fuel economy standard for light-duty passenger automobiles of the Federal fleet which the President is required to prescribe. Increases the standard from a minimum of 18 miles per gallon to: (1) at least 27.5 miles per gallon for the year beginning on January 1, 2009; and (2) beginning January 1, 2010, and each year thereafter, at least two miles per gallon above the previous year's average fuel economy, until a requirement of 40 miles per gallon is reached.

Date: 2008-04-22
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Green Schools Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program awarding matching grants to local educational agencies for green school construction and improvement projects that create healthy learning environments while saving natural resources and money. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend, through 2012, the Qualified Zone Academy Bond program (which provides tax credits to the holders of such bonds, which in turn finance low or no interest loans for the improvement of public schools serving low-income areas). Requires public school rehabilitation, repair, or equipment financed through such bonds to serve the green goals of creating healthy learning environments while saving natural resources and money.

Date: 2008-05-15
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Education
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration to establish a three-year pilot program to provide states with grants to reimburse commuters (except anyone already receiving mileage reimbursement from an employer) for the cost of gasoline for not more than 30 miles a day. Specifies reimbursement levels based on a commuter vehicle's estimated fuel economy rating by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires such a reimbursement to be available to a commuter only if: (1) the average cost of gasoline across the country exceeds $2.75 per gallon; and (2) the state has sufficient funds to provide such reimbursement.

Date: 2008-05-22
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Capital Region Leadership in Environmental and Energy Stewardship Commission Act - Establishes the National Capital Region Leadership in Environmental and Energy Stewardship Commission, requiring it to: (1) analyze the overall facility environmental and energy footprint and impact of the federal government in the National Capital Region; (2) hold a nationwide competition for a cash prize to find innovative solutions to significantly eliminate such emissions and reduce dependence on the national power grid by making local combustion facilities climate neutral or implementing other technologies to achieve the same goals; (3) analyze existing and upcoming technologies which the government can implement to eliminate facility pollution and reduce dependence on the national power grid; and (4) recommend appropriate ways for the government to significantly eliminate facility pollution emissions, including greenhouse gases, and reduce its dependence on the national electrical grid.

Date: 2008-06-03
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Environmental protection
Requires the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantees for renovation projects that: (1) are eligible under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 guarantee program as projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or greenhouse gases and employ new or significantly improved technologies; and (2) will result in a building achieving the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified level or meeting a comparable standard approved by the Secretary.Prohibits such guarantees unless: (1) an appropriation for the cost has been made or the Secretary has received from the borrower and deposited into the Treasury a payment in full for the cost of the obligation; or (2) the Secretary determines that there is a reasonable prospect of repayment of the principal and interest on the obligation by the borrower. Limits the amount of loans that may be guaranteed at any one time to no more than $100 million. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the terms of obligations; (2) payments by the Secretary to the holders of the obligation for the borrower; and (3) actions by the Attorney General to recover unpaid principal and interest from a defaulting borrower.

Date: 2008-06-09
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Environmental protection
Helping Home Owners Make Energy-Efficiency Residential Upgrades Now Act of 2008 or the H-HOMERUN Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a program to make direct loans for energy efficiency improvements for single family housing. Sets forth loan requirements.Directs the Secretary to require that the total present value cost of such improvement is less than the total present value of the energy saved over the useful life of the improvement. Requires such cost and savings to be determined pursuant to a home energy rating report based upon a physical inspection of the property by a home energy rating system, or energy consultant, approved by the Secretary. Requires the aggregate outstanding principal balance of direct loans to not at any time exceed $100 billion.Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to prohibit the Secretary from establishing a maximum limitation on the cost of the cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to be financed by an energy efficient mortgage provided under the Energy Efficient Mortgages Program. Requires a mortgagor to pay on account of the cost-effective energy efficiency improvements for which the mortgage is made at least 5% of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of acquisition and/or installation.

Date: 2008-06-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Housing and community development
Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) expand the Energy Star program to include the certification of buildings as green buildings; and (2) study and make recommendations concerning the streamlining of the certification process, development of an online certification program, and design of a program allowing certification by those without green building expertise.Defines "green building" as a building constructed taking into account sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, life-cycle concerns of building materials (including emissions and environmental impact), and transit and density-oriented development.Requires a report to Congress setting forth the design of the expanded program.

Date: 2008-06-12
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Automobile Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual and business taxpayers: (1) a tax credit for up to $2,000 of the cost of replacing a passenger automobile with another passenger automobile that is at least 20% more fuel efficient; and (2) tax deductions for state and local taxes and loan interest for the replacement automobile.

Date: 2008-07-08
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives to carry out a series of demonstration projects to promote the use of innovative technologies in reducing energy consumption and promoting energy efficiency and cost savings in the House of Representatives.Authorizes the CAO to enter into contracts with entities that have developed new methods of using energy more efficiently, generating electric power in a more sustainable manner, or improving the efficiency and lowering the costs of existing renewable power systems, consistent with regulations promulgated by the Committee on House Administration for CAO contracts.Requires the CAO, upon completion of each project, to report to the Committees on House Administration and Appropriations, including the CAO's analysis of the extent to which the project reduced energy consumption and promoted energy efficiency and cost savings.Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2008-07-10
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Congress
Open Fuel Standard Act of 2008 or the OFS Act - Amends federal transportation law to require each light-duty automobile manufacturer's annual inventory to comprise at least: (1) 50% fuel choice-enabling automobiles in years 2012-2014; and (2) 80% fuel choice-enabling automobiles in 2015, and in each subsequent year. Defines "fuel choice-enabling automobile" as: (1) a flexible fuel automobile capable of operating on gasoline, E85, and M85; or (2) an automobile capable of operating on biodiesel fuel. Authorizes a manufacturer to request an exemption from such requirement from the Secretary of Transportation. Requires: (1) each manufacturer that receives an exemption to place a label on each exempted automobile; and (2) each exempted light-duty automobile delivered to a dealer and first purchaser to be accompanied with a written notification of such exemption.

Date: 2008-07-22
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Home Heating Fuels Cost Relief Act of 2008 - 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 2009.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to states to create revolving loan funds for home weatherization loans.

Date: 2008-07-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Accuracy in Fuel Economy Standards Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to calculate maximum feasible fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and non-passenger automobiles based on the most recent high gasoline price projection issued by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).Defines the "applicable high gasoline price projection" as the greatest of a range of estimated gasoline prices that the EIA issues as part of its annual energy outlook, short-term energy outlook, or similar analyses for: (1) the year (or years) corresponding to the model year (or model years) for which the Secretary is prescribing an average fuel economy standard; and (2) the range of years considered by the Secretary in determining the costs and benefits associated with such standard.

Date: 2008-07-29
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise provisions that require states to update their building energy efficient codes. Modifies the duties of the Secretary of Energy under such Act relating to: (1) updating the national model building energy codes and standards for residential and commercial buildings; (2) reporting requirements; (3) providing technical assistance to model code-setting and standard development organizations; and (4) incentive funding to states for implementing updates of building energy efficiency codes. Requires states to certify to the Secretary that they have reviewed and updated the provisions of their residential and commercial building energy efficiency codes and to certify compliance with such codes. Imposes additional requirements on states that fail to meet compliance deadlines.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer who operates a passenger automobile or light truck a tax credit based upon the average fuel economy of such vehicle. Terminates the tax credit for alternative motor vehicles.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the purchase of a new neighborhood electric vehicle. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $1,000 or the amount paid for such vehicle. Defines "new neighborhood electric vehicle" as a U.S. manufactured vehicle which: (1) draws propulsion energy solely from onboard sources of a rechargeable energy storage system; (2) is classified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a low-speed vehicle; (3) has four wheels; (4) has a top attainable speed in one mile of more than 20 mph and not more than 35 mph on a paved level surface; and (5) has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 2,500 pounds. Terminates such credit after 2013.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Cleaner Trucks for America Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit amount for new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings of more than 26,000 pounds from $40,000 to $80,000.

Date: 2008-09-11
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Taxation
Energy Efficient Vehicles Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the tax credit for alternative motor vehicles. Repeals the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for such credit.

Date: 2008-09-16
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) implement in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an energy sustainability program to minimize energy consumption and encourage the use of alternative energy sources; (2) establish and maintain a database to track and report on VA energy and water expenditures; (3) complete an audit of VA energy usage during FY2009; (4) ensure VA compliance with an Executive Order and VA Directive concerning energy efficiency goals and objectives; (5) install alternative fueling stations on at least 35 VA medical facility campuses; (6) submit to Congress a plan for increasing the use of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies in VA facilities and operations; (7) provide for the installation of individual electric sub-metering equipment at VA facilities; (8) ensure that energy-efficient products meeting VA requirements are purchased whenever the VA purchases items that consume electricity; and (9) conduct a study on water and fuel consumption by the National Cemetery Administration and ways to reduce such consumption. Establishes in the VA: (1) an Office of Energy Management; and (2) the Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability. Authorizes an increase in the dollar limit of VA grants for: (1) adaptive housing to encourage the use of high-efficiency systems and products or other energy-use reduction items; and (2) adaptive vehicles to encourage the purchase of alternative use vehicles. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy to enter into a memorandum of understanding to improve and facilitate the use of expertise of the national laboratories to evaluate energy- and water-efficient technologies for use by the VA. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to sell economic incentives that reduce the emission of air pollutants attributable to a VA facility.

Date: 2008-09-18
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Energy Conservation Corps Act of 2008 - Establishes the Energy Conservation Corps in the Department of Energy (DOE) to hire for up to 24 months disadvantaged or disconnected individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 (Corps members) to work in service projects, primarily team-based, designed to increase energy efficiency and improve natural resources use.Directs the Secretary of Energy to accept applications from nonprofit, governmental, or educational organizations to establish, operate and support the Corps and to undertake projects related to energy and resource conservation and rural development. Requires such organizations to provide Corps members with access to education and job training opportunities.

Date: 2008-09-24
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a residential energy efficient tax credit for 30% of the cost of qualified energy storage air conditioner property installed in a principal residence; and (2) an energy tax credit for 30% of qualified energy storage air conditioner property installed before January 1, 2015. Defines "qualified energy storage air conditioner property" as a cooling system that: (1) consists of thermal or ice storage components that create, store, and supply cooling energy to reduce peak electricity demand; (2) can deliver a minimum of 29,000 Btu and a maximum of 240,000 Btu of cooling capacity; (3) is designed to deliver such cooling capacity for a minimum continuous period of three hours; (4) is designed to reduce peak kilowatt demand by 90% for the cooling load served; and (5) is designed not to exceed the 24-hour energy consumption of conventional cooling equipment by more than 10%.

Date: 2008-09-29
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 to increase the number of days per year the chairperson of the Arctic Research Commission shall be compensated for serving as a member of the Commission.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Energy Star program, to analyze and report to Congress on the growth and energy consumption of computer data centers by the federal government and private enterprise. Expresses the sense of Congress that it is in the United States' best interest for purchasers of computer servers to give high priority to energy efficiency as a factor in determining best value and performance for purchases of servers.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Energy
Government Fleet Fuel Economy Act of 2007 - Amends provisions relating to standards for executive agency automobiles to require each passenger vehicle purchased, or leased for at least 60 consecutive days, by an executive agency after enactment of this Act to be as fuel efficient as possible.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Energy (Conservation)
Subject: Transportation and public works