Climate Legislation Tracker—Energy Policy

House of Representatives – Energy Policy

H.R.1611 – Clean Energy Business Zone Act of 2011 – Allows for the designation of clean energy business zones wherein certain clean energy projects will enjoy federal tax incentives. [H.R. 1611]

On April 15, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On April 15, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On April 15, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Small Business.

H.R.1598 – Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act – Promotes solar energy by ensuring homes can sell excess electricity generated by solar technology back into the electrical grid and by streamlining the installation of solar power technology. [H.R. 1598]

On April 15, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On April 15, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
On April 15, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On April 15, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services.
On April 15, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On April 18, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
On April 25, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
On April 27, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform
On May 2, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity

H.R.1522 – To repeal the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. [H.R. 1522]

On April 4, 2011, this bill was referred to House Administration
On April 13, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Small Business
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Science, Space, and Technology
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Oversight and Government Reform
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Financial Services
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Foreign Affairs
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Education and the Workforce
On April 13, 2011, this bill was referred to House Ways and Means
On April 18, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
On April 19, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
On April 27, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform
On May 2, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity
On May 6, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
On May 20, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
On May 20, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training

H.R.1149 – Includes algae-based biofuel in the CAA renewable fuel program and extends the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit to include algae-based biofuel. [H.R. 1149]

On March 17, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On March 17, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On March 17, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On March 28, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.945 – Streamlining America’s Various Energy Needs Act – Establishes an interagency task force that will monitor and assist Federal agencies in expediting their review of permits and taking other actions that are necessary to accelerate the completion of energy-related projects, while maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. [H.R. 945]

On March 8, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On March 8, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On March 11, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power

H.R.909 – *A Roadmap for America’s Energy Future – Requires the sale of oil and gas leases for production located on the outer continental shelf of the United States. In addition, the bill calls for the development and construction of a coal-to-liquid facility and the licensing of 200 new commercial nuclear reactors by 2040. The bill also creates an “American-Made Energy Trust Fund” to be funded by the royalties from the oil and gas leases and utilized to conduct a reverse auction program to award funds to certain entities that generate renewable electricity. [H.R. 909]

On March 3, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On March 3, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
On March 3, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
On March 3, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On March 3, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On March 3, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
On March 3, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
On March 8, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
On March 11, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
On March 16, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.
On May 31 and June 3, 2011, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held hearings to examine this bill
On May 31 and June 3, 2011, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power heard expert testimony from:
On June 3, 3011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness

H.R.748 – Prohibits EPA from authorizing the use of gasoline containing greater than 10% ethanol in light-duty motor vehicles. It also repeals any waiver granted pursuant to Section 211(f)(4) of the CAA that “allows for the introduction into commerce of gasoline that contains greater than 10-volume-percent ethanol for use in light-duty motor vehicles”. [H.R. 748]

On February 16, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On February 16, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On February 28, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.684 – Extends and revises the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel. It will allow for a $1.00 tax credit for each gallon of biodiesel produced and increase the income tax credit for small biodiesel producers. In addition, the definition of renewable diesel will be treated in the same manner as biodiesel for income tax purposes. [H.R. 684]

On February 14, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On February 14, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.502 – Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2011 – Establishes a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund intended to promote investment and productivity in the clean energy technology sector. For the purposes of this bill, the “clean energy technology” will include a “technology related to the production, use, transmission, storage, control, or conservation of energy that will contribute to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations through reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of energy-related emissions”. In addition, such technology must (1) use existing energy supplies with greater efficiency or work to transmit or transport energy with greater effectiveness through U.S. energy infrastructure; or (2) improve energy security and “increase supplies with a favorable balance of environmental effects”. [H.R. 502]

On January 26, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 26, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
On January 26, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On February 9, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.482 – Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2011 – Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide a uniform efficiency descriptor for water heaters, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, and unfired water storage tanks. [H.R.482]

On January 26, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 26, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On February 9, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.424 – Leave Ethanol Volumes at Existing Levels Act – Reduces the percentage of renewable fuel that is required to be in gasoline. In addition, the bill prohibits EPA (including by granting a wavier through the fuels and fuel additives waiver process under CAA) from introducing into commerce an ethanol-gasoline blend that contain greater than 10% ethanol that is intended for use in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles or engines. [H.R. 424]

On January 25, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 25, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On February 9, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.404 – Renewable Fuels for America’s Future Act of 2011 – Requires (1) a reduction in the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used for fuel by the amount of alcohol used to meet the taxpayer’s renewable fuel obligation under the CAA; and (2) an extension of such tax credits and payments for alcohol fuel mixtures through 2016. In addition, ensures that at least 50% of manufactured automobiles are dual fueled by 2013 and a minimum of 90% of manufactured automobiles are dual fueled by 2015. [H.R. 404]

On January 24, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 24, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On January 24, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On January 24, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On January 25, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
On February 1, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.301 – New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence – Appropriates prize money to be awarded to persons for the research and development of the technologies and materials necessary to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and alternative fuel sources, develop and build energy efficient buildings, construct large scale thermal power plants, develop and produce biofuels, advance carbon sequestration, improve nuclear waste disposal technology and develop a sustainable nuclear fusion reaction. In addition, it establishes a commission called the “New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence” that will recommend steps that must be taken to ensure the U.S. achieves 50% energy independence within 10 years and 100% energy independence within 20 years. [H.R. 301]

On January 18, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 18, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
On February 10, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

H.R.230 – 21st Century Energy Independence Act of 2011 – Establishes a program for loan guarantees, subject to certain limitations, which shall cover up to 80% of the cost for (1) up to 5 projects for the “harvesting, storing, and delivery of agriculture residues for use in cellulosic or traditional ethanol production plants”; (2) “cellulosic ethanol production technologies that will reduce the initial capital cost to $2.50 per annual gallon and reduce operation and maintenance costs to 125 percent of those at traditional corn ethanol plants”; (3) “advanced biomass gasifiers that can provide at least 90[%] of the thermal input requirements for traditional ethanol plants to produce syngas”; and (4) certain appropriately scaled catalytic conversion projects to convert syngas to liquid fuels. [H.R. 230]

On January 7, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 7, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On January 7, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
On February 1, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
On February 10, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

H.R.153 – Ensuring Affordable Energy Act – Prohibits EPA funding for a cap and trade program which is defined as a “distribution of a limited amount of allowances that permit the emission of one or more greenhouse gases.” Greenhouse gases shall, for the purposes of this bill, include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or “any other anthropogenic gas designated as a greenhouse gas for purposes of such cap-and-trade program or such requirement.” This bill would also prohibit funding for any statutory or regulatory requirement for emissions of greenhouse gases from a stationary source. [H.R. 153]

On January 5, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 5, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
On February 1, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.66 – Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of 2011 – Provides for a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified waste-to-energy property. This includes property which “uses municipal solid waste or municipal sewage sludge as the feedstock for producing solid, liquid, or gas fuel, or for producing energy”. To qualify for the tax credit, the Secretary of Treasury must certify any waste-to-energy project based upon the commercial viability of the project and whether the project (1) uses the least of amount of recycled materials as possible; (2) will provide the greatest net impact in avoiding or reducing greenhouse gases; (3) will have the lowest levelized cost of generated or stored energy or of measured reduction in energy consumption or greenhouse gas emission; and (4) will pose the fewest risks (other than climate risks) to environmental and human health. [H.R. 66]

On January 5, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
On January 5, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Senate – Energy Policy

S.828 – Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2011 – coordinates and disseminates information on existing federal programs available to develop and finance energy efficiency measures for schools. [S.828]

On April 14, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On April 14, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.757 – Creates financial awards for the development and implementation of technology to capture carbon dioxide from dilute sources. [S.757]

On April 7, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On April 7, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.741 – *To establish a renewable electricity standard that would require electricity retailers to obtain 25% of electricity from renewable sources by the year 2025. [S.741]

On April 6, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On April 6, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On May 12, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to examine this bill
On May 12, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources heard expert testimony from:
- Mr. Scott Klara, Deputy Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory on the Department of Energy’s efforts in CCS technology development
- For more information
On May 26, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources ordered this bill to be reported favorably with amendments
On July 11, 2011, this bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders

S.699 – Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Sequestration Program Amendments Act of 2011 – promotes the commerical application of integrated systems for the capture, injection, monitoring and the long-term geological storage of carbon dioxide. [S.699]

On March 31, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On March 31, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.689 – *Energy Security Act of 2011 – establishes a national oil independence goal to reduce oil consumption by an amount equal to or greater than the quantity of oil imported by the United States from outside of North America by 2030. In addition, it develops a national oil independence plan that describes programs that will aid in meeting or exceeding the goals of such a plan. [S.689]

On March 30, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On March 30, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On May 12, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to examine this bill.
On May 12, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources heard expert testimony from:
- Mr. Scott Klara, Deputy Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory on the Department of Energy’s efforts in CCS technology development
- Ms. Sallie E. Greenberg, Assistant Director, Illinois State Geological Survey on S.699
- Mr. Matt Watson, Senior Energy Policy Manager, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on EDF support of S.699
- Ms. Chiara Trabucchi, Principal and Chief Financial Officer, Industrial Economics Incorporated on changes to S.699 to ensure financial security for businesses
- For more information
On July 11, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported this bill with amendments.
On July 11, 2011, this bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.

S.559 – Securing America’s Future with Energy and Sustainable Technologies Act – Promotes the production and use of renewable energy by (1) providing tax incentives to promote biofuel; (2) increasing fuel efficiency requirements; (3) providing loan guarantees for the construction of renewable fuel pipelines; (4) authorizing tax incentives for the installation of blender pumps at gas stations; (5) creating a renewable electricity integration tax credit; (6) removing certain tax restrictions to promote wind energy; and (7) imposing a renewable electricity requirement on utilities requiring 10% of electricity to be derived from renewables in 2013 and increasing the requirement incrementally through 2025 when 25% of electricity is required to be derived from renewables. [S.559]

On March 10, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On March 10, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.398 – *Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act of 2011 – Amends the efficiency standards in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with regard to heat pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, water heaters, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers and furnaces. [S. 398]

On February 17, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On February 17, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On March 10, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to examine this bill.
On March 10, 2011, hearings for this bill were held by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On March 10, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources heard expert testimony from:
- Ms. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency, U.S. Department of Energy on implementation of the National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act of 2011
- Mr. Steven Nadel, Executive Director, American Council for an Energy-Efficent Economy (ACEEE) on ACEEE support for S.398
- Mr. Joseph M. McGuire, President, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) on support for S.398
- Mr. Kyle Pitsor, Vice President, Government Relations, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) on NEMA support of consensus provisions to S.398
- Mr. Stephen R. Yurek, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) on AHRI support for provisions in S.398
- Dr. Mark Cooper, Director of Research, Consumer Federation of America (CFA) on CFA support of S.398
- For more information
On April 12, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources ordered this bill to be reported
On May 18, 2011, this bill was reported on in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, by Senator Bingaman with amendments.
On May 18, 2011, this bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders

S.298 – Charging America Forward Act – This bill (1) extends through 2014 the tax credit for purchasing (a) hybrid motor vehicles, or (b) an alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; (2) expands the tax credit for new plug-in electric drive motor vehicles; (3) accelerates depreciation of smart meters and smart grid systems; (4) allows for a tax credit for qualified used energy storage property; and (5) authorizes grants to promote the manufacturing of advanced batteries and related components in the U.S. [S. 298]

On February 7, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On February 7, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.187 – *Biofuels Market Expansion Act of 2011 – Requires that by 2014, 50% of automobiles and light duty trucks for sale in the U.S are dual fueled and that by 2016, 90% of automobiles and light duty trucks for sale in the U.S are dual fueled. In addition, it includes grant money for the installation of pumps at fuel stations capable of dispensing at least three different blends of gasoline and ethanol and loan guarantees for the construction of renewable fuel pipelines. [S.187]

On January 25, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On January 25, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On April 7, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to examine this bill.
On April 7, 2011, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources heard expert testimony from:
- Hon. Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator on support of S.187 and the importance of expanding biofuels in the U.S.
- Mr. Bill Brady, CEO, Mascoma Corporation, Lebanon, NH on the importance of government support of increased biofuel use in U.S.
- Mr. Shane Karr, Vice President for Federal Affairs, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Washington, D.C. on Alliance views of necessary provisions to S.187
- Mr. Bob Dinneen, President & CEO, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Washington, D.C. on RFA support of S.187
- Mr. John Eichberger, Vice President, Government Relations, National Association of Convenience Stores, Alexandria, VA on desired provisions to S.187
- Dr. Henry Kelly, Acting Assistant Secretary , U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. on DOE position on S.187
- For more information

S.156 – Water Heater Rating Improvement Act of 2011 – Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide a uniform efficiency descriptor for water heaters, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, and unfired water storage tanks. [S.156]

On January 25, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On January 25, 2011, this bill referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.77 – Pollution and Costs Reduction Act – Creates the “Building Pollution Reduction Program” with the goal of reducing building emissions and operating costs by assisting owners in constructing highly energy efficient buildings and increasing the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Any such measures should result in “verifiable, additional, and enforceable reductions in emissions of air pollutants” as a result of (1) improved energy efficiency; (2) increased water-use efficiency; (3) the use of renewable energy sources; and/or (4) additional measures that will result in a decrease in emissions. [S.77]

On January 25, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
On January 25, 2011, this will was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

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