Summary:
Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2013 - Title I: Vehicle Research and Development - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct a program of basic and applied research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities on materials, technologies, and processes with the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate petroleum use by, and emissions from, the nation's passenger and commercial vehicles. Requires the program to include activities in the areas of:

 hybridization or full electrification of vehicle systems; batteries, ultracapacitors, and other energy storage devices; power electronics; engine efficiency and combustion optimization; waste heat recovery; hydrogen vehicle technologies; compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicle technologies; reduction of vehicle weight, friction, and wear; innovative propulsion systems; hydraulic hybrid technologies; engine compatibility with and optimization for a variety of transportation fuels; refueling and charging infrastructure for alternative fueled and electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicles; gaseous fuels storage system and system integration and optimization; sensing, communications, and actuation technologies for vehicle, electrical grid, and infrastructure; efficient use, substitution, and recycling of potentially critical materials in vehicles; and retrofitting advanced vehicle technologies to existing vehicles. Directs the Secretary to ensure that DOE continues to support research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application activities and maintains competency in mid- to long-term transformational vehicle technologies with potential to achieve deep reductions in petroleum use and emissions, including activities in the areas of: (1) hydrogen vehicle technology; (2) multiple battery chemistries and novel energy storage devices; (3) communication, connectivity, and power flow amount vehicles, infrastructure, and the electrical grid; and (4) lightweight vehicles and materials.

Requires activities under this Act to be carried out in collaboration with automotive manufacturers, heavy commercial and transit vehicle manufacturers, qualified plug-in electric vehicle manufacturers, compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicle manufacturers, vehicle and engine equipment and component manufacturers, manufacturing equipment manufacturers, advanced vehicle service providers, fuel producers and energy suppliers, electric utilities, institutions of higher education, national laboratories, and independent research laboratories.

Requires the Secretary to:

 determine whether a wide range of companies that manufacture or assemble vehicles or components in the United States are represented in ongoing public private partnership activities; formalize partnerships with industry-led stakeholder organizations, nonprofit organizations, industry consortia, and trade associations with expertise in advanced automotive and commercial vehicle technologies; develop more efficient processes for transferring research findings and technologies to industry; give consideration to conversion of existing or former vehicle technology manufacturing facilities for researching and developing advanced vehicle technologies; establish and support public-private partnerships, dedicated to overcoming barriers in commercial application of transformational vehicle technologies, that utilize such industry-led technology development facilities of entities with demonstrated expertise in successfully designing and engineering pre-commercial generations of such transformational technology; promote efforts to ensure that technology research, development, engineering, and commercial application activities funded under this Act are carried out; coordinate activities between relevant DOE programs and offices and other federal agencies; inform other agencies of the potential for demonstrating technologies funded by this Act; and support and utilize state and local government initiatives in advanced vehicle technology development. Requires the Secretary, when awarding cost-shared grants under this program, to give priority to those technologies that: (1) provide the greatest aggregate fuel savings based on the reasonable projected sales volumes of the technology, and (2) provide the greatest increase in U.S. employment. Requires the Secretary to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities on connectivity of vehicle and transportation systems, including technologies for: (1) onboard vehicle, engine, and component sensing and actuation; (2) vehicle-to-vehicle sensing and communication; and (3) vehicle-to-infrastructure sensing and communication.

 Requires the Secretary to carry out a research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application program of advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies and practices, including innovative processes to:

 increase the production rate and decrease the cost of advanced battery manufacturing; vary the capability of individual manufacturing facilities to accommodate different battery chemistries and configurations; reduce waste streams, emissions, and energy-intensity of vehicle, engine, advanced battery, and component manufacturing processes; recycle and remanufacture used batteries and other vehicle components for reuse in vehicles or stationary applications; produce cost-effective lightweight materials such as advanced metal alloys, polymeric composites, and carbon fiber; produce lightweight high pressure storage systems for gaseous fuels; design and manufacture purpose-built hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles and components; improve the calendar life and cycle life of advanced batteries; and produce permanent magnets for advanced vehicles. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) annually through 2017 on the technologies developed as a result of this Act, with emphasis on technologies that were successfully adopted for commercial applications and, if so, whether products relying on those technologies are manufactured in the United States; and (2) annually on activities undertaken, active industry participants, efforts to recruit new participants, progress of the program in meeting goals and timelines, and a strategic plan for funding of activities across agencies.

Title II: Medium and Heavy Duty Commercial and Transit Vehicles - Requires the Secretary, in partnership with relevant research and development programs in other federal agencies and appropriate industry stakeholders, to carry out cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial, recreational, vocational, and transit vehicles, including activities in the areas of:

 engine efficiency and combustion research; onboard storage technologies for compressed and liquefied petroleum gas; development and integration of engine technologies designed for compressed natural gas liquefied petroleum operation of a variety of vehicle platforms; waste heat recovery; heavy hybrid, hybrid hydraulic, plug-in hybrid, and electric platforms and energy storage technologies; reduction of friction, wear, and engine idle and parasitic energy loss; advanced lightweight materials and vehicle designs; increasing load capacity per vehicle; recharging infrastructure; compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas infrastructure; advanced internal combustion engines; hydrogen vehicle technologies; retrofitting advanced technologies onto existing truck fleets; and integration of advanced systems onto a single truck and trailer platform. Requires the Secretary to: (1) appoint a Director to coordinate such activities; and (2) report annually to Congress on activities, active industry participants, efforts to recruit new participants, progress of the program in meeting goals and timelines, and a strategic plan for funding of activities across agencies.

 Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a competitive grant program to demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies on Class 8 truck and trailer platforms with a goal of improving overall freight efficiency by 50%; (2) develop standard testing procedures and technologies for evaluating the performance of advanced heavy vehicle technologies under a range of representative duty cycles and operating conditions; (3) evaluate heavy vehicle performance using work performance-based metrics other than those based on miles per gallon; and (4) undertake a pilot program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications of technologies to improve total machine or system efficiency for nonroad mobile equipment and seek opportunities to transfer relevant research findings and technologies between the nonroad and on-highway equipment and vehicle sectors.

Authorizes the Secretary to construct heavy duty truck and bus testing facilities.

 Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions that: (1) establish the joint flexible fuel/hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative; (2) require the Secretary to accelerate efforts for improving batteries and other rechargeable energy storage systems, power electronics, hybrid systems integration, and other technologies for use in hybrid vehicles; (3) establish the domestic manufacturing conversion grant program; and (4) establish a research, development, and demonstration program to determine the feasibility of using hydrogen propulsion in light-weight vehicles and the integration of the associated hydrogen production infrastructure using off-the-shelf components. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the vehicle energy storage demonstration program.

advanced vehicle technology act title secretary energy doe conduct program basic applied research development demonstration commercial application activities materials technologies processes potential substantially reduce eliminate petroleum use emissions nation passenger commercial vehicles requires program include activities areas electrification vehicle systems batteries energy storage devices power electronics engine efficiency combustion optimization waste heat recovery hydrogen vehicle technologies compressed natural gas liquefied petroleum gas vehicle technologies reduction vehicle weight friction wear innovative propulsion systems hydraulic hybrid technologies engine compatibility optimization variety transportation fuels refueling charging infrastructure alternative fueled electric plug electric hybrid vehicles gaseous fuels storage system system integration optimization sensing communications technologies vehicle electrical grid infrastructure efficient use substitution recycling potentially critical materials vehicles retrofitting advanced vehicle technologies existing vehicles directs secretary ensure doe continues support research development engineering demonstration commercial application activities maintains competency mid- long term transformational vehicle technologies potential achieve deep reductions petroleum use emissions including activities areas hydrogen vehicle technology multiple battery novel energy storage devices communication connectivity power flow vehicles infrastructure electrical grid lightweight vehicles materials requires activities act carried collaboration automotive manufacturers heavy commercial transit vehicle manufacturers qualified plug electric vehicle manufacturers compressed natural gas liquefied petroleum gas vehicle manufacturers vehicle engine equipment component manufacturers manufacturing equipment manufacturers advanced vehicle service providers fuel producers energy suppliers electric utilities institutions higher education national laboratories independent research laboratories requires secretary determine wide range companies manufacture assemble vehicles components united_states represented ongoing public private partnership activities partnerships industry led stakeholder organizations nonprofit organizations industry consortia trade associations expertise advanced automotive commercial vehicle technologies develop efficient processes transferring research findings technologies industry consideration conversion existing vehicle technology manufacturing facilities researching developing advanced vehicle technologies establish support public private partnerships dedicated barriers commercial application transformational vehicle technologies utilize industry led technology development facilities entities demonstrated expertise successfully designing engineering pre commercial generations transformational technology promote efforts ensure technology research development engineering commercial application activities funded act carried coordinate activities relevant doe programs offices federal agencies inform agencies potential demonstrating technologies funded act support utilize state local government initiatives advanced vehicle technology development requires secretary awarding cost shared grants program priority technologies provide greatest aggregate fuel savings based reasonable projected sales volumes technology provide greatest increase employment requires secretary conduct research development demonstration activities connectivity vehicle transportation systems including technologies onboard vehicle engine component sensing vehicle vehicle sensing communication vehicle infrastructure sensing communication requires secretary carry research development engineering demonstration commercial application program advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies practices including innovative processes increase production rate decrease cost advanced battery manufacturing vary capability individual manufacturing facilities accommodate different battery configurations reduce waste streams emissions energy intensity vehicle engine advanced battery component manufacturing processes recycle remanufacture batteries vehicle components reuse vehicles stationary applications produce cost effective lightweight materials advanced metal carbon fiber produce lightweight high pressure storage systems gaseous fuels design manufacture purpose built hydrogen fuel cell vehicles components improve calendar life cycle life advanced batteries produce permanent magnets advanced vehicles requires secretary report congress annually technologies developed result act emphasis technologies successfully adopted commercial applications products relying technologies manufactured united_states annually activities undertaken active industry participants efforts recruit new participants progress program meeting goals timelines strategic plan funding activities agencies title medium heavy duty commercial transit vehicles requires secretary partnership relevant research development programs federal agencies appropriate industry stakeholders carry cooperative research development demonstration commercial application activities advanced technologies medium- heavy duty commercial recreational vocational transit vehicles including activities areas engine efficiency combustion research onboard storage technologies compressed liquefied petroleum gas development integration engine technologies designed compressed natural gas liquefied petroleum operation variety vehicle platforms waste heat recovery heavy hybrid hybrid hydraulic plug hybrid electric platforms energy storage technologies reduction friction wear engine idle energy loss advanced lightweight materials vehicle designs increasing load capacity vehicle recharging infrastructure compressed natural gas liquefied petroleum gas infrastructure advanced internal combustion engines hydrogen vehicle technologies retrofitting advanced technologies existing truck fleets integration advanced systems single truck trailer platform requires secretary appoint director coordinate activities report annually congress activities active industry participants efforts recruit new participants progress program meeting goals timelines strategic plan funding activities agencies requires secretary conduct competitive grant program demonstrate integration multiple advanced technologies class truck trailer platforms goal improving overall freight efficiency develop standard testing procedures technologies evaluating performance advanced heavy vehicle technologies range representative duty cycles operating conditions evaluate heavy vehicle performance work performance based metrics based miles gallon undertake pilot program research development demonstration commercial applications technologies improve total machine system efficiency nonroad mobile equipment seek opportunities transfer relevant research findings technologies nonroad highway equipment vehicle sectors authorizes secretary construct heavy duty truck bus testing facilities amends energy policy act repeal provisions establish joint flexible fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative require secretary accelerate efforts improving batteries rechargeable energy storage systems power electronics hybrid systems integration technologies use hybrid vehicles establish domestic manufacturing conversion grant program establish research development demonstration program determine feasibility hydrogen propulsion light weight vehicles integration associated hydrogen production infrastructure shelf components amends energy_independence_and_security_act repeal vehicle energy storage demonstration program


Summary:
Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Helium Act to require that all proceeds received by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from the sale or disposition of helium on federal land from sale or auction be credited to the Helium Production Fund (established in this Act).

(Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to impose a fee that accurately reflects the economic value of helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services.

Requires that such a fee be not less than the amount required to reimburse the Secretary for the full costs of providing storage, withdrawal, or transportation services, including capital investments in upgrades and maintenance at the Federal Helium System.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish annually a standardized schedule of fees that will be charged for such services; (2) credit such fees to the Helium Production Fund; (3) allow any person or qualified bidder to which crude helium is sold or auctioned under this Act to store it in the Federal Helium Reserve (Reserve); (4) establish a transportation and delivery schedule that ensures timely delivery of helium, including those by non-allocated sales or other non-auction means, and provide priority access to the Federal Helium Pipeline for in-kind sales for federal users; and (5) consider applications for access to the Federal Helium Pipeline in a manner consistent with the schedule for phasing out commercial sales and disposition of assets under this Act.

(Sec. 5) Revises requirements for the sale of crude helium, now in four phases.

Directs the Secretary offer crude helium for sale in Phase A, between the enactment of this Act and October 1, 2014, as under current law, but without limitation of: (1) purchasers to the Department of Defense (DOD), the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and other federal agencies; or (2) uses to federal, medical, scientific, and commercial.

Authorizes federal users to purchase refined helium with priority pipeline access from persons who have entered into enforceable contracts to purchase from the Secretary an equivalent quantity of crude helium at the in-kind price.

Applies Phase A requirements to any period during which helium sales are delayed or suspended.

Prescribes for Phase B an auction implementation process for crude helium sales.

Requires the Secretary to offer crude helium for sale in quantities not subject to auction, after completion of each auction, at not less than the established minimum price, and under terms and conditions necessary to: (1) maximize total recovery of helium from the Reserve over the long term, (2) maximize the total financial return to the taxpayer, and, among other things, (3) give priority to meeting the helium demand of federal users in the event of any disruption to the Reserve. Directs the Secretary to auction annually to any qualified bidder a quantity of crude helium in the Reserve equal to: (1) 10% of the total volume of crude helium made available for FY2015; and (2) a percentage of the total volume of crude helium for each subsequent fiscal year that is 10% greater than the percentage available for the previous fiscal year, but not to exceed 100%. Extends Phase B from October 1, 2014, to the date on which the volume of recoverable crude helium at the Reserve is 3 billion standard cubic feet (excluding privately owned quantities of crude helium stored there temporarily).

Permits the Secretary to adjust the auctioned quantities: (1) downward to minimize market disruptions threatening U.S. economic well-being, but only after submitting a written justification to specified congressional committees; or (2) upward if necessary to increase participation in auctions or returns to the taxpayer.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish annually sale and minimum auction prices using a specified order of priority, and (2) adopt procedures to ensure confidentiality of information submitted under this Act.

Requires a refiner, as a condition of purchase, to make excess refining capacity of helium available to specified persons at commercially reasonable rates.

Directs the Secretary, during Phase C, to offer crude helium for sale to federal users at prices required to reimburse the Secretary for the full costs of sales.

Permits federal users, also during Phase C, to purchase refined helium with priority pipeline access from persons who have entered into enforceable contracts to purchase an equivalent quantity of crude helium at the in-kind price from the Secretary.

Requires a Phase D for disposal of assets, beginning not earlier than two years after the commencement of Phase C, and ending January 1, 2023, during which the Secretary shall designate as excess property and dispose of all facilities, equipment, and other real and personal property held by the United States in the Federal Helium System.

Makes the Helium Production Fund available for specified purposes, including capital investments in upgrades and maintenance of the Federal Helium System.

Requires excess funds in such Fund to be: (1) paid to the general fund of the Treasury, and (2) used to reduce the annual federal budget deficit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to use $51 million of the amounts paid into the general fund to retire public debt.

Requires the Secretary to offer crude helium for sale or auction during each fiscal year during Phases A, B, and C in a minimum quantity that is the lesser of: (1) the quantity of crude helium offered for sale by the Secretary during FY2012, or (2) the maximum total production capacity of the Federal Helium System.

(Sec. 6) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study whether disposal of helium reserves will have a substantial adverse effect on scientific, technical, biomedical, or national security interests.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to make specified information available on the Internet relating to the Federal Helium System, including an open market and in-kind price. Requires the BLM Director to establish a timely and public reporting process to provide data affecting the helium industry.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to: (1) undertake a national helium gas resource assessment; and (2) submit to certain congressional committees assessments of global and domestic demand for helium, including an inventory of diverse uses of helium.

Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to support research, development, commercial application, and conservation programs to: (1) expand domestic production of low-Btu gas and helium resources, (2) separate and capture helium from natural gas streams, and (3) reduce the venting of helium and helium-bearing low-Btu gas during natural gas operations. Authorizes appropriations.

Requires DOE to support or carry out directly research programs to develop: (1) advanced membrane technology used in the separation of low-Btu gases, and (2) helium separation technology.

Requires also a DOE industrial helium research program to develop: (1) low-cost technologies and technology systems for recycling, reprocessing, and reusing helium for all medical, scientific, industrial, commercial, aerospace, and other uses of helium in the United States, including federal uses; and (2) industrial gathering technologies to capture helium from other chemical processing, including ammonia processing. Authorizes appropriations.

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with DOE on any assessment or research regarding extraction and refinement of the isotope helium-3 from crude helium and other potential sources.

Authorizes the Secretary to study the feasibility of: (1) establishing a facility to separate the isotope helium-3 from crude helium, and (2) exploring other potential sources of the isotope helium-3.

Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the results of assessments conducted under this Act.

Authorizes appropriations.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a federal agency acquisition strategy, including: (1) a 20-year federal strategy for securing access to crude helium; (2) certain assessments for federal users of the consumption of, and projected demand for, crude and refined helium, as well as of the effects of increases in the price of refined helium and methods and policies for mitigating any determined effects; (3) a process for prioritization of uses that accounts for diminished availability of helium supplies that may occur over time; and (4) a determination of a date before January 1, 2023, for the implementation of the Phase D disposal of all federally held assets in the Federal Helium System that minimizes any potential supply disruptions for federal users.

(Sec. 10) Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 to extend through FY2013: (1) certain federal payments to states and counties containing federal land to fund schools and roads (including certain payments to eligible counties in California), (2) authority to conduct special projects on federal land, (3) authority to reserve and use county funds, and (4) the authorization of appropriations for the Act.

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to make available to DOE $50 million to remediate, reclaim, and close abandoned oil and gas wells on current or former NPR land.

Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to make $50 million available to the Secretary to pay the federal funding share of challenge cost-share agreements for deferred maintenance projects and to correct deficiencies in National Park Service infrastructure.

Requires that at least 50% of the total cost of such projects be derived from non-federal sources, including in-kind contribution of goods and services fairly valued.

Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 relating to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to: (1) waive the limitation on the total annual payments to a state or Indian tribe certified as having completed coal reclamation for FY2014, but (2) restrict to $75 million the total FY2014 payment to any certified state or Indian tribe. Prescribes requirements for making such payments if the total annual amount to a certified state or Indian tribe is limited by the $75 million ceiling.

Fixes at 4% the royalty rate on the quantity of gross value of the output of sodium compounds and related products at the point of shipment to market from federal land in the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reduce by $5 million the amount authorized to be appropriated for grants for production of advanced biofuels that has not been appropriated as of the date of enactment of this Act.

helium stewardship act sec amends helium act require proceeds received secretary interior secretary sale disposition helium federal land sale auction credited established act sec requires secretary impose fee accurately reflects economic value helium storage withdrawal transportation services requires fee required reimburse secretary costs providing storage withdrawal transportation services including capital investments upgrades maintenance directs secretary publish annually standardized schedule fees charged services credit fees allow person qualified bidder crude helium sold auctioned act store establish transportation delivery schedule ensures timely delivery helium including non allocated sales non auction means provide priority access kind sales federal users consider applications access manner consistent schedule phasing commercial sales disposition assets act sec revises requirements sale crude helium phases directs secretary offer crude helium sale phase enactment act october current law limitation purchasers department_of_defense dod federal agencies uses federal medical scientific commercial authorizes federal users purchase refined helium priority pipeline access persons entered enforceable contracts purchase secretary equivalent quantity crude helium kind price applies phase requirements period helium sales delayed suspended prescribes phase auction implementation process crude helium sales requires secretary offer crude helium sale quantities subject auction completion auction established minimum price terms conditions necessary maximize total recovery helium reserve long term maximize total financial return taxpayer things priority meeting helium demand federal users event disruption reserve directs secretary auction annually qualified bidder quantity crude helium reserve equal total volume crude helium available fy2015 percentage total volume crude helium subsequent fiscal year greater percentage available previous fiscal year exceed extends phase october date volume recoverable crude helium reserve billion standard cubic feet excluding privately owned quantities crude helium stored temporarily permits secretary adjust auctioned quantities minimize market disruptions threatening economic submitting written justification specified congressional committees upward necessary increase participation auctions returns taxpayer requires secretary establish annually sale minimum auction prices specified order priority adopt procedures ensure confidentiality information submitted act requires refiner condition purchase excess refining capacity helium available specified persons commercially reasonable rates directs secretary offer crude helium sale federal users prices required reimburse secretary costs sales permits federal users purchase refined helium priority pipeline access persons entered enforceable contracts purchase equivalent quantity crude helium kind price secretary requires phase disposal assets beginning earlier years commencement ending january secretary shall designate excess property dispose facilities equipment real personal property held united_states makes helium production fund available specified purposes including capital investments upgrades maintenance requires excess funds fund paid general fund treasury reduce annual federal budget deficit directs secretary treasury use million amounts paid general fund retire public debt requires secretary offer crude helium sale auction fiscal year phases minimum quantity lesser quantity crude helium offered sale secretary fy2012 maximum total production capacity sec repeals requirement secretary arrange national_academy_of_sciences study disposal helium reserves substantial adverse effect scientific technical biomedical national security interests directs secretary acting bureau_of_land_management blm specified information available internet relating including open market kind price requires blm director establish timely public reporting process provide data affecting helium industry directs secretary acting director usgs undertake national helium gas resource assessment submit certain congressional committees assessments global domestic demand helium including inventory diverse uses helium directs secretary energy doe support research development commercial application conservation programs expand domestic production low btu gas helium resources separate capture helium natural gas streams reduce venting helium helium bearing low btu gas natural gas operations authorizes appropriations requires doe support carry directly research programs develop advanced membrane technology separation low btu gases helium separation technology requires doe industrial helium research program develop low cost technologies technology systems recycling reprocessing reusing helium medical scientific industrial commercial aerospace uses helium united_states including federal uses industrial gathering technologies capture helium chemical processing including processing authorizes appropriations directs secretary interior cooperate doe assessment research extraction refinement isotope crude helium potential sources authorizes secretary study feasibility establishing facility separate isotope crude helium exploring potential sources isotope directs secretary report certain congressional committees results assessments conducted act authorizes appropriations directs secretary report congress federal agency acquisition strategy including year federal strategy securing access crude helium certain assessments federal users consumption projected demand crude refined helium effects increases price refined helium methods policies mitigating determined effects process prioritization uses accounts diminished availability helium supplies occur time determination date january implementation phase disposal federally held assets minimizes potential supply disruptions federal users sec amends secure rural schools community determination act extend fy2013 certain federal payments states counties containing federal land fund schools roads including certain payments eligible counties california authority conduct special projects federal land authority reserve use county funds authorization appropriations act amends energy policy act available doe million remediate reclaim close abandoned oil gas wells current npr land amends omnibus_parks_and_public_lands_management_act million available secretary pay federal funding share challenge cost share agreements deferred maintenance projects correct deficiencies national_park_service infrastructure requires total cost projects derived non federal sources including kind contribution goods services fairly valued amends surface mining control reclamation act relating abandoned_mine_reclamation_fund waive limitation total annual payments state indian tribe certified having completed coal reclamation fy2014 restrict million total fy2014 payment certified state indian tribe prescribes requirements making payments total annual certified state indian tribe limited million ceiling fixes royalty rate quantity gross value output sodium compounds related products point shipment market federal land year period beginning date enactment act amends energy independence security act reduce million authorized appropriated grants production advanced biofuels appropriated date enactment act


Summary: Changing How America Reduces Greenhouse Emissions (CHARGE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles to include vehicles that are powered by an alternative electrical energy storage device other than a battery.

changing america reduces greenhouse emissions charge act amends internal revenue code expand tax credit new qualified plug electric drive motor vehicles include vehicles powered alternative electrical energy storage device battery


Summary: North American Alternative Fuels Act - Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement that any federal agency procurement contract for an alternative or synthetic fuel, including those from nonconventional petroleum sources, for any mobility-related use (except research or testing) specify that lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the fuel must, on an ongoing basis, be less than or equal to such emissions from equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources.

north american alternative fuels act amends energy independence security act repeal requirement federal agency procurement contract alternative synthetic fuel including nonconventional petroleum sources mobility related use research testing specify lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated fuel ongoing basis equal emissions equivalent conventional fuel produced conventional petroleum sources


Summary:
Renewable Fuel Standard Repeal Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the renewable fuel standard.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal a requirement that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assess and report to Congress on the impact of the renewable fuel program on environmental issues, resource conservation issues, and the growth and use of cultivated invasive or noxious plants and their impact on the environment and agriculture.

renewable fuel standard repeal act amends clean air act repeal renewable fuel standard amends energy independence security act repeal requirement administrator environmental_protection_agency epa assess report congress impact renewable fuel program environmental issues resource conservation issues growth use cultivated invasive noxious plants impact environment agriculture


Summary:
State Energy Race to the Top Initiative Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a voluntary electric and thermal energy productivity challenge grant program to provide support to no more than 25 states for: (1) expanding industrial energy efficiency, combined heat and power, and waste heat-to-power utilization; (2) expanding policies and programs that will advance energy efficiency retrofits for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings through expanded energy service performance contracts, zero net-energy buildings, or improved building energy efficiency codes; (3) establishing or expanding incentives in the electric utility sector to enhance demand response and energy efficiency; and (4) supporting state activities involving both facilities and vehicle fleets than can be a model for other action to promote energy efficiency.

Requires a state to submit to the Secretary a revised state energy conservation plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act in order to receive a grant.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to no more than six states to provide additional funds for activities to assist energy policy innovation in the states and to promote the goal of doubling electric and thermal energy productivity by January 1, 2030.

Authorizes grants to be given to public power utilities, electric cooperatives, and Indian tribes.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to revoke the authorization of appropriations for FY2014-FY2017 for the Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative.

initiative act requires secretary energy doe establish voluntary electric thermal energy productivity challenge grant program provide support states expanding industrial energy efficiency combined heat power waste heat power utilization expanding policies programs advance energy efficiency retrofits commercial buildings schools hospitals residential buildings expanded energy service performance contracts zero net energy buildings improved building energy efficiency codes establishing expanding incentives electric utility sector enhance demand response energy efficiency supporting state activities involving facilities vehicle fleets model action promote energy efficiency requires state submit secretary revised state energy conservation plan energy_policy_and_conservation_act order receive grant authorizes secretary provide grants states provide additional funds activities assist energy policy innovation states promote goal doubling electric thermal energy productivity january authorizes grants given public power utilities electric cooperatives indian tribes amends energy independence security act revoke authorization appropriations fy2014 fy2017


Summary:
State Energy Race to the Top Initiative Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a voluntary electric and thermal energy productivity challenge grant program to provide support to no more than 25 states for: (1) expanding industrial energy efficiency, combined heat and power, and waste heat-to-power utilization; (2) expanding policies and programs that will advance energy efficiency retrofits for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings through expanded energy service performance contracts, zero net-energy buildings, or improved building energy efficiency codes; (3) establishing or expanding incentives in the electric utility sector to enhance demand response and energy efficiency; and (4) supporting state activities involving both facilities and vehicle fleets than can be a model for other action to promote energy efficiency.

Requires a state to submit to the Secretary a revised state energy conservation plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act in order to receive a grant.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to no more than six states to provide additional funds for activities to assist energy policy innovation in the states and to promote the goal of doubling electric and thermal energy productivity by January 1, 2030.

Authorizes grants to be given to public power utilities, electric cooperatives, and Indian tribes.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reduce the authorized amount of appropriations for FY2014-FY2017 for the Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative.

initiative act requires secretary energy doe establish voluntary electric thermal energy productivity challenge grant program provide support states expanding industrial energy efficiency combined heat power waste heat power utilization expanding policies programs advance energy efficiency retrofits commercial buildings schools hospitals residential buildings expanded energy service performance contracts zero net energy buildings improved building energy efficiency codes establishing expanding incentives electric utility sector enhance demand response energy efficiency supporting state activities involving facilities vehicle fleets model action promote energy efficiency requires state submit secretary revised state energy conservation plan energy_policy_and_conservation_act order receive grant authorizes secretary provide grants states provide additional funds activities assist energy policy innovation states promote goal doubling electric thermal energy productivity january authorizes grants given public power utilities electric cooperatives indian tribes amends energy independence security act reduce authorized appropriations fy2014 fy2017


Summary: Solar Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand the definitions of "qualified solar electric property expenditure" and "qualified solar water heating property expenditure" to allow a residential energy efficient property tax credit for solar energy property which is either installed in a taxpayer's residence or is located within 50 miles of such residence; and (2) exclude from gross income, for income tax purposes, gain from the sale or exchange of electricity generated by solar energy property eligible for such tax credit.

solar uniting neighborhoods sun act amends internal revenue code expand definitions qualified solar electric property expenditure qualified solar water heating property expenditure allow residential energy efficient property tax credit solar energy property installed taxpayer residence located miles residence exclude gross income income tax purposes gain sale exchange electricity generated solar energy property eligible tax credit


Summary:
Alternative Fueled Vehicles Competitiveness and Energy Security Act of 2013 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the list of technology categories that are eligible for loan guarantees by including a category for infrastructure for provision and distribution of alternative fuels.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to: (1) redefine "advanced technology vehicle," for purposes of the advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program, to include certain vehicles that will reduce consumption of conventional motor fuel by 25% or more compared to existing surface transportation technologies that perform a similar function; (2) repeal the limit on the amount of appropriations that may be used for direct loans under such program; and (3) extend funding through FY2018 for such program.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) assess the effectiveness of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles in reducing oil imports; (2) provide technical assistance for the deployment of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure; and (3) award grants to provide training and education for vocational workforce development for the manufacture and maintenance of alternative fueled vehicles and the manufacture, installation, support, and inspection of alternative fuel recharging, refueling, and distribution infrastructure.

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) redefine "idle reduction technology" to include a technology that uses an alternative fuel to reduce consumption of conventional fuel and environmental emissions; and (2) extend appropriations through FY2018 to reduce extended idling from heavy-duty vehicles and locomotives.

Requires the Secretary to identify barriers and remedies in electric and natural gas and oil pipeline transmission and distribution systems to the distribution of alternative fuels and the deployment of alternative fuel recharging and refueling capability at economically competitive costs for consumers.

Requires the Secretary to establish an interagency coordination council for the development and procurement of alternative fueled vehicles by federal agencies. Requires electricity and natural gas consumed by federal agencies to fuel alternative fueled vehicles to be considered an alternative fuel and accounted for under federal fleet management reporting requirements, rather than under federal building management reporting requirements.

Requires the Secretary to assess federal government fleets.

Extends states' authority to allow inherently low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

alternative fueled vehicles competitiveness energy security act amends energy policy act expand list technology categories eligible loan guarantees including category infrastructure provision distribution alternative fuels amends energy independence security act redefine advanced technology vehicle purposes advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program include certain vehicles reduce consumption conventional motor fuel compared existing surface transportation technologies perform similar function repeal limit appropriations direct loans program extend funding fy2018 program directs secretary assess effectiveness alternative fuel alternative fueled vehicles reducing oil imports provide technical assistance deployment alternative fuel alternative fueled vehicles infrastructure award grants provide training education vocational workforce development manufacture maintenance alternative fueled vehicles manufacture installation support inspection alternative fuel recharging refueling distribution infrastructure amends energy policy act redefine idle reduction technology include technology uses alternative fuel reduce consumption conventional fuel environmental emissions extend appropriations fy2018 reduce extended idling heavy duty vehicles locomotives requires secretary identify barriers remedies electric natural gas oil pipeline transmission distribution systems distribution alternative fuels deployment alternative fuel recharging refueling capability economically competitive costs consumers requires secretary establish interagency coordination council development procurement alternative fueled vehicles federal agencies requires electricity natural gas consumed federal agencies fuel alternative fueled vehicles considered alternative fuel accounted federal fleet management reporting requirements federal building management reporting requirements requires secretary assess federal government fleets extends states authority allow inherently low emission energy efficient vehicles use high occupancy vehicle hov lanes


Summary:
Modifies average vehicle fuel economy standards, with respect to alternative fuel automobiles, by:

 excepting natural gas automobiles from maximum fuel economy increase requirements for model years 1993 through 2019 and from minimum driving range requirements for dual fueled automobiles; allowing inclusion in an alternative fuel vehicle of a reserve gasoline tank for incidental or emergency use; requiring reasonably comparable energy efficiency, as compared to a gasoline- or diesel fuel-vehicle (under current law, "equal or superior energy efficiency"); and revising the formula for measuring the fuel economy of a model of gaseous fuel dual fueled automobiles manufactured in models years 1993 through 2019, including by using the model's alternative fuel range as a base.

modifies average vehicle fuel economy standards respect alternative fuel automobiles excepting natural gas automobiles maximum fuel economy increase requirements model years minimum driving range requirements dual fueled automobiles allowing inclusion alternative fuel vehicle reserve gasoline tank incidental emergency use requiring reasonably comparable energy efficiency compared diesel fuel vehicle current law equal superior energy efficiency revising formula measuring fuel economy model gaseous fuel dual fueled automobiles manufactured models years including model alternative fuel range base


Summary:
Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Act of 2014 - Title I: Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Technologies - (Sec. 101) Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to redefine "marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy" to include all forms of energy (currently just electrical energy) from: (1) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries, and tidal areas; (2) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, and streams; (3) free flowing water in man-made channels; and (4) differentials in ocean temperature (ocean thermal energy conversion).

(Sec. 102) Requires Department of Energy (DOE) to consult with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in carrying out the program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to accelerate the introduction of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy production. Requires DOE to prioritize fostering accelerated research, development, and commercialization of technology.

Expands such program, including by: (1) incorporating technology development assistance to improve the components, processes, and systems used for power generation from marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy resources; (2) establishing critical testing infrastructure; (3) increasing the reliability and survivability of such technologies; and (4) supporting in-water technology development with international partners.

(Sec. 103) Declares that the purposes of a National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Center include:

 advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies; support of in-water testing and demonstration of such technologies; and service as an information clearinghouse on best practices for the marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy industry. (Sec. 104) Extends the authorization of funding for the program through FY2018.

Title II: National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers - (Sec. 201) Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize FERC to issue a pilot license to construct, operate, and maintain a hydrokinetic pilot project that meets specified criteria.

marine hydrokinetic renewable energy act title marine hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies sec amends energy_independence_and_security_act redefine marine hydrokinetic renewable energy include forms energy currently electrical energy waves currents oceans estuaries tidal areas free flowing water rivers lakes streams free flowing water man channels differentials ocean temperature ocean thermal energy conversion sec requires department energy doe consult federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc carrying program research development demonstration commercial application accelerate introduction marine hydrokinetic renewable energy production requires doe prioritize fostering accelerated research development commercialization technology expands program including incorporating technology development assistance improve components processes systems power generation marine hydrokinetic renewable energy resources establishing critical testing infrastructure increasing reliability survivability technologies supporting water technology development international partners sec declares purposes demonstration center include advance research development demonstration commercial application marine hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies support water testing demonstration technologies service information clearinghouse best practices marine hydrokinetic renewable energy industry sec extends authorization funding program fy2018 title sec amends federal power act authorize ferc issue pilot license construct operate maintain hydrokinetic pilot project meets specified criteria


Summary:
High Technology Jobs Preservation Act of 2013 - Amends the Helium Act to require that all proceeds received by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from the sale or disposition of helium on federal land from sale or auction be credited to the Helium Production Fund (established in this Act).

Requires the Secretary to impose a fee, credited to the Fund, that accurately reflects the economic value of helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services.

Revises requirements for the sale of crude helium, now in four phases.

Devotes the fourth phase to disposal of assets as excess property, including all facilities, equipment, and other real and personal property held by the United States in the Federal Helium System.

Makes the Helium Production Fund available for specified purposes, including capital investments in upgrades and maintenance of the Federal Helium System.

Repeals the requirement that the Secretary arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study whether disposal of helium reserves will have a substantial adverse effect on scientific, technical, biomedical, or national security interests.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to: (1) undertake a national helium gas resource assessment; and (2) submit to certain congressional committees assessments of global and domestic demand for helium, including an inventory of diverse uses of helium.

Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to support research, development, commercial application, and conservation programs to: (1) expand domestic production of low-Btu gas and helium resources, (2) separate and capture helium from natural gas streams, and (3) reduce the venting of helium and helium-bearing low-Btu gas during natural gas operations.

Requires DOE to support or carry out directly research programs to develop: (1) advanced membrane technology used in the separation of low-Btu gases, and (2) helium separation technology.

Requires also a DOE industrial helium research program to develop: (1) low-cost technologies and technology systems for recycling, reprocessing, and reusing helium for all medical, scientific, industrial, commercial, aerospace, and other uses of helium in the United States, including federal uses; and (2) industrial gathering technologies to capture helium from other chemical processing, including ammonia processing.

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with DOE on any assessment or research regarding extraction and refinement of the isotope helium-3 from crude helium and other potential sources.

Authorizes the Secretary to study the feasibility of: (1) establishing a facility to separate the isotope helium-3 from crude helium, and (2) exploring other potential sources of the isotope helium-3.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a federal agency acquisition strategy.

Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 to extend through FY2013: (1) certain federal payments to states and counties containing federal land to fund schools and roads (including certain payments to eligible counties in California), (2) authority to conduct special projects on federal land, (3) authority to reserve and use county funds, and (4) the authorization of appropriations for the Act.

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to make specified amounts available to DOE for FY2014 and FY2018 to remediate, reclaim, and close abandoned oil and gas wells on current or former National Petroleum Reserve land.

Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to make certain funds available for FY2018 to the Secretary to pay the federal funding share of challenge cost-share agreements for deferred maintenance projects and to correct deficiencies in National Park Service infrastructure.

Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 relating to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to: (1) waive the limitation on the total annual payments to a state or Indian tribe certified as having completed coal reclamation for FY2014, but (2) restrict to a specified amount the total FY2014 payment to any certified state or Indian tribe.

Fixes at 4% the royalty rate on the quantity of gross value of the output of sodium compounds and related products at the point of shipment to market from federal land in the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reduce by a certain amount the amount authorized to be appropriated for grants for production of advanced biofuels that has not been appropriated as of the date of enactment of this Act.

high technology jobs preservation act amends helium act require proceeds received secretary interior secretary sale disposition helium federal land sale auction credited established act requires secretary impose fee credited fund accurately reflects economic value helium storage withdrawal transportation services revises requirements sale crude helium phases fourth phase disposal assets excess property including facilities equipment real personal property held united_states makes helium production fund available specified purposes including capital investments upgrades maintenance repeals requirement secretary arrange national_academy_of_sciences study disposal helium reserves substantial adverse effect scientific technical biomedical national security interests directs secretary acting director usgs undertake national helium gas resource assessment submit certain congressional committees assessments global domestic demand helium including inventory diverse uses helium directs secretary energy doe support research development commercial application conservation programs expand domestic production low btu gas helium resources separate capture helium natural gas streams reduce venting helium helium bearing low btu gas natural gas operations requires doe support carry directly research programs develop advanced membrane technology separation low btu gases helium separation technology requires doe industrial helium research program develop low cost technologies technology systems recycling reprocessing reusing helium medical scientific industrial commercial aerospace uses helium united_states including federal uses industrial gathering technologies capture helium chemical processing including processing directs secretary interior cooperate doe assessment research extraction refinement isotope crude helium potential sources authorizes secretary study feasibility establishing facility separate isotope crude helium exploring potential sources isotope directs secretary report congress federal agency acquisition strategy amends secure rural schools community determination act extend fy2013 certain federal payments states counties containing federal land fund schools roads including certain payments eligible counties california authority conduct special projects federal land authority reserve use county funds authorization appropriations act amends energy policy act specified amounts available doe fy2014 fy2018 remediate reclaim close abandoned oil gas wells current national_petroleum_reserve land amends omnibus_parks_and_public_lands_management_act certain funds available fy2018 secretary pay federal funding share challenge cost share agreements deferred maintenance projects correct deficiencies national_park_service infrastructure amends surface mining control reclamation act relating abandoned_mine_reclamation_fund waive limitation total annual payments state indian tribe certified having completed coal reclamation fy2014 restrict specified total fy2014 payment certified state indian tribe fixes royalty rate quantity gross value output sodium compounds related products point shipment market federal land year period beginning date enactment act amends energy independence security act reduce certain authorized appropriated grants production advanced biofuels appropriated date enactment act


Summary:
Biofuels Market Expansion Act of 2013 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, with respect to the installation of renewable fuel pumps and tanks, to revise the ethanol content requirements for renewable fuel to mean any fuel which is at least 10% ethanol by volume.

Requires automobile manufacturers to ensure that at least 50% of 2015 and 2016 model year automobiles and light duty trucks manufactured for sale in the United States are dual fueled. Increases the minimum to 90% for 2017 and subsequent model years. (Excludes automobiles and light duty trucks that operate only on electricity.)

Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to make grants to eligible facilities to pay the federal share of: (1) installing blender pump fuel infrastructure, including infrastructure necessary for the direct retail sale of ethanol fuel blends (including E-85 fuel); and (2) providing subgrants to direct retailers of such fuels for the installation of such infrastructure. Prohibits a major fuel distributor (any person that owns a refinery or that directly markets the output of a refinery through at least 50 retail fueling stations) from being eligible for such grants or subgrants.

Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure that each major fuel distributor that sells or introduces gasoline into commerce in the United States through majority-owned stations or branded stations installs one or more blender pumps that dispense E-85 fuel and ethanol fuel blends at: (1) an overall percentage of such stations increasing from 10% in 2016 to 50% in 2022, and (2) a specified minimum percentage of such stations in each state. Allows such distributors to earn credits if they exceed such percentages and to sell such credits to other distributors, except for use to fulfill the state distribution requirement.

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to make renewable fuel pipelines eligible for loan guarantees for projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the guarantee is issued.

Amends the temporary program for rapid deployment of renewable energy and electric power transmission projects to make eligible for loan guarantees projects for the installation of sufficient infrastructure to allow for the cost-effective deployment of clean energy technologies appropriate to each region of the United States.

amends petroleum marketing practices act respect installation renewable fuel pumps tanks revise ethanol content requirements renewable fuel mean fuel ethanol volume requires automobile manufacturers ensure model year automobiles light duty trucks manufactured sale united_states dual fueled increases minimum subsequent model years excludes automobiles light duty trucks operate electricity requires secretary energy doe grants eligible facilities pay federal share installing blender pump fuel infrastructure including infrastructure necessary direct retail sale ethanol fuel blends including e-85 fuel providing subgrants direct retailers fuels installation infrastructure prohibits major fuel distributor person owns refinery directly markets output refinery retail fueling stations eligible grants subgrants amends clean air act revise renewable fuel program require secretary promulgate regulations ensure major fuel distributor sells introduces gasoline commerce united_states majority owned stations branded stations installs blender pumps dispense e-85 fuel ethanol fuel blends overall percentage stations increasing specified minimum percentage stations state allows distributors earn credits exceed percentages sell credits distributors use fulfill state distribution requirement amends energy policy act renewable fuel pipelines eligible loan guarantees projects avoid reduce sequester air pollutants anthropogenic emissions greenhouse gases employ new significantly improved technologies compared commercial technologies service united_states time guarantee issued amends temporary program rapid deployment renewable energy electric power transmission projects eligible loan guarantees projects installation sufficient infrastructure allow cost effective deployment clean energy technologies appropriate region united_states


Summary:
Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of clean technology consortia by leveraging the expertise and resources of private research communities, higher education institutions, industry, venture capital, National Laboratories, and other participants in technology innovation. Describes such technology as a technology, production process, or methodology that, among other things, produces energy from renewable sources, produces an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications, improves energy efficiency or water conservation and management, or addresses challenges in advanced manufacturing and supply chain integration.

Sets forth eligibility criteria for support under this Act, including regarding technology expertise, membership agreement policies, funding sources, and operation as a nonprofit organization or a public-private partnership under the leadership of a nonprofit organization.

Requires a consortium, in order to receive a grant, to establish an external advisory committee to review plans, programs, and projects and ensure that projects comply with the consortium's conflict of interest policy.

Provides the terms of grants, which shall not exceed five years initially. Limits grant amounts to $30 million per fiscal year or the collective contributions of non-federal entities. Requires grants to be used for support of translational research, technology development, manufacturing innovation, and commercialization activities relating to clean technology.

Sets forth audit and reporting requirements.

advanced manufacturing networks act directs secretary commerce establish program clean technology consortia leveraging expertise resources private research communities higher education institutions industry venture capital national_laboratories participants technology innovation describes technology technology production process methodology things produces energy renewable sources produces advanced sustainable material energy energy efficiency applications improves energy efficiency water conservation management addresses challenges advanced manufacturing supply chain integration sets forth eligibility criteria support act including technology expertise membership agreement policies funding sources operation nonprofit organization public private partnership leadership nonprofit organization requires consortium order receive grant establish external advisory committee review plans programs projects ensure projects comply consortium conflict interest policy provides terms grants shall exceed years initially limits grant amounts million fiscal year collective contributions non federal entities requires grants support translational research technology development manufacturing innovation commercialization activities relating clean technology sets forth audit reporting requirements


Summary: Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2013 - Amends the Clean Air Act to eliminate the volume standards under the renewable fuel program applicable to corn-starch ethanol.

corn ethanol mandate elimination act amends clean air act eliminate volume standards renewable fuel program applicable corn starch ethanol


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, through December 31, 2018: (1) a new business-related tax credit for sales by an electric utility of renewable electricity generated by a facility using wind or solar energy to a retail customer; and (2) payments to such utilities, in lieu of such tax credit, for sales of renewable electricity to retail customers. Delays, until 2023, the application of rules relating to the allocation and apportionment of the interest expense of domestic corporations that are members of a worldwide affiliated group.

amends internal revenue code allow december new business related tax credit sales electric utility renewable electricity generated facility wind solar energy retail customer payments utilities lieu tax credit sales renewable electricity retail customers delays application rules relating allocation apportionment interest expense domestic corporations members worldwide affiliated group


Summary:
Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation Act or GREEN Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to partnerships of local educational agencies (LEAs), postsecondary institutions, and clean and renewable energy industry representatives to develop programs of study focused on emerging careers and jobs in the fields of clean and renewable energy.

Requires a priority be given to grant applications that: (1) use online learning or other innovative methods to deliver a program of study to individuals outside the partnership, and (2) focus on low-performing students and special populations.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to LEAs and postsecondary institutions to promote development of career and technical educational facilities that are energy efficient and use renewable energy practices.

nation act secretary education award competitive grants partnerships local educational agencies leas postsecondary institutions clean renewable energy industry representatives develop programs study focused emerging careers jobs fields clean renewable energy requires priority given grant applications use online learning innovative methods deliver program study individuals outside partnership focus low performing students special populations authorizes secretary award competitive grants leas postsecondary institutions promote development career technical educational facilities energy efficient use renewable energy practices


Summary: Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel used as fuel to: (1) allow a $1.00 tax credit for each gallon of biodiesel produced, (2) provide for an increased income tax credit for small biodiesel producers, (3) revise the definitions of "biodiesel" and "small biodiesel producer," (4) treat renewable diesel in the same manner as biodiesel for income tax purposes, and (5) treat biodiesel as a taxable fuel for excise tax purposes. Extends the biodiesel income and excise tax credits through December 31, 2017.

biodiesel_tax_incentive_reform_and_extension_act amends internal revenue code revise income excise tax credits biodiesel fuel allow tax credit gallon biodiesel produced provide increased income tax credit small biodiesel producers revise definitions biodiesel small biodiesel producer treat renewable diesel manner biodiesel income tax purposes treat biodiesel taxable fuel excise tax purposes extends biodiesel income excise tax credits december


Summary:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Development Act - Creates incentives for the manufacture of dual-fueled automobiles that use alternative fuels other than methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols (non-alcohol, dual-fueled automobiles).

Removes the cap on credits under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program for non-alcohol, dual-fueled automobiles. (The cap on CAFE credits limits the total increase of a manufacturer's average fuel economy attributable to dual-fueled automobiles.)

Reduces the minimum driving range for non-alcohol, dual-fueled automobiles. Disallows any petition to lower the driving range below 150 miles for those automobiles.

Revises the formula the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to calculate fuel economy for dual-fueled automobiles operating with gaseous fuel, such as natural gas or hydrogen. Requires the EPA to apply utility factors based on the driving range for such automobiles. Allows the EPA to use a different methodology to calculate the fuel economy for dual-fueled, electric automobiles.

 Makes permanent the state's authority to exempt alternative fuel vehicles from high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane restrictions. Makes eligible only those alternative fuel vehicles operating solely on alternative fuel, including electric vehicles.

Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to report on incentives and financing tools to develop public compressed natural gas fueling stations.

alternative fuel vehicle development act creates incentives manufacture dual fueled automobiles use alternative fuels methanol denatured ethanol alcohols non alcohol dual fueled automobiles removes cap credits corporate average fuel economy cafe program non alcohol dual fueled automobiles cap cafe credits limits total increase manufacturer average fuel economy attributable dual fueled automobiles reduces minimum driving range non alcohol dual fueled automobiles disallows petition lower driving range miles automobiles revises formula administrator environmental_protection_agency epa uses calculate fuel economy dual fueled automobiles operating gaseous fuel natural gas hydrogen requires epa apply utility factors based driving range automobiles allows epa use different methodology calculate fuel economy dual fueled electric automobiles makes permanent state authority exempt alternative fuel vehicles high occupancy vehicle hov lane restrictions makes eligible alternative fuel vehicles operating solely alternative fuel including electric vehicles requires secretary energy doe report incentives financing tools develop public compressed natural gas fueling stations


Summary:
Access to Consumer Energy Information Act or E-Access Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to encourage and support the adoption of policies that allow electricity consumers access to their own electricity data.

 Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize state energy conservation plans to include programs that: (1) enhance consumer access to, and understanding of, energy usage and price information, including consumers' own residential and commercial electricity information; and (2) allow for development and adoption of innovative products and services to assist consumers in managing energy consumption and expenditures.

Directs the Secretary to issue voluntary guidelines, meeting specified criteria, which establish model standards to implement retail electric energy information access in states.

Authorizes states to submit to the Secretary a description of their data sharing policies regarding consumer access to electric energy information for DOE certification that they meet such voluntary guidelines.

Directs the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to make federal funds available to any DOE-certified state to assist it in implementing its energy conservation plan.

access consumer energy information act access act directs secretary energy doe encourage support adoption policies allow electricity consumers access electricity data amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act authorize state energy conservation plans include programs enhance consumer access understanding energy usage price information including consumers residential commercial electricity information allow development adoption innovative products services assist consumers managing energy consumption expenditures directs secretary issue voluntary guidelines meeting specified criteria establish model standards implement retail electric energy information access states authorizes states submit secretary description data sharing policies consumer access electric energy information doe certification meet voluntary guidelines directs secretary subject appropriations federal funds available doe certified state assist implementing energy conservation plan


Summary:
Establishes the Green Bank as a federally-owned independent corporation with a 20-year charter. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue Green Bonds in order to provide the Bank with an initial capitalization of $10 billion and to provide additional capitalization of up to $50 billion upon request of the Bank.

Requires the Bank to establish a program to provide financial support or risk management for qualifying clean energy or energy efficiency projects.

Authorizes the Bank to provide funding for low-interest loans to establish state clean energy financing institutions and to co-fund the projects with an institution.

Gives the Bank immunity from impairment, limitations, or restrictions under laws. Authorizes the Bank to conduct its business without regard to state law relating to incorporation.

Exempts the Bank from all state or local taxation except real property taxation.

Requires the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank to set forth spending safeguards, including: (1) deobligating financial support to entities that demonstrate an insufficient level of performance or wasteful or fraudulent spending, and (2) creating a publicly available online database with information about financing support or risk management.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit and defer tax deduction amounts for foreign-related interest expense (i.e., interest expense allocated and apportioned to income from sources outside the United States).

federally owned independent corporation year charter requires secretary treasury issue green bonds order provide bank initial capitalization billion provide additional capitalization billion request bank requires bank establish program provide financial support risk management qualifying clean energy energy efficiency projects authorizes bank provide funding low interest loans establish state clean energy financing institutions fund projects institution immunity impairment limitations restrictions laws authorizes bank conduct business regard state law relating incorporation state local taxation real property taxation requires chief executive officer bank set forth spending safeguards including financial support entities demonstrate insufficient level performance wasteful fraudulent spending creating publicly available online database information financing support risk management amends internal revenue code limit defer tax deduction amounts foreign related interest expense interest expense allocated apportioned income sources outside united_states


Summary: Energy-Efficient Cool Roof Jobs Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify any qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property as 20-year property for depreciation purposes. Defines "qualified energy-efficient cool roof replacement property" as any roof system that: (1) is placed in service above conditioned or semiheated space on an eligible commercial building, (2) has a slope equal to or less than 2:12 (low-slope roof), (3) replaces an existing roof system, and (4) includes insulation meeting specified standards and a primary roof covering that has a cool roof surface. Requires the adjustment for depreciation to the earnings and profits of a real estate investment trust for any taxable year, in the case of such property, to be determined under the alternative depreciation method, except that the recovery period shall be 20 years.

energy efficient cool roof jobs act amends internal revenue code classify qualified energy efficient cool roof replacement property year property depreciation purposes defines qualified energy efficient cool roof replacement property roof system placed service conditioned space eligible commercial building slope equal low slope roof replaces existing roof system includes insulation meeting specified standards primary roof covering cool roof surface requires adjustment depreciation earnings profits real estate investment trust taxable year case property determined alternative depreciation method recovery period shall years


Summary:
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Infrastructure Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures, to: (1) increase the rate of such credit from 30% to 50% for hydrogen-related alternative fuel vehicles, (2) eliminate the dollar limitation on such credit for hydrogen-related vehicles, (3) allow such credit for off-highway motor vehicles designed for carrying or towing loads, and (4) extend such credit through 2016 for property related to hydrogen.

Increases the 30% energy tax credit for investment in fuel cell property to: (1) 40% for fuel cell property used in a combined heat and power system having an energy efficiency percentage of at least 60% but less than 70%, and (2) 50% for fuel cell property having an energy efficiency percentage of 70% or more. Increases the maximum dollar amount of the energy tax credit for investment in qualified fuel cell property.

hydrogen infrastructure act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures increase rate credit hydrogen related alternative fuel vehicles eliminate dollar limitation credit hydrogen related vehicles allow credit highway motor vehicles designed carrying towing loads extend credit property related hydrogen increases energy tax credit investment fuel cell property fuel cell property combined heat power system having energy efficiency percentage fuel cell property having energy efficiency percentage increases maximum dollar energy tax credit investment qualified fuel cell property


Summary:
Renewable Energy Environmental Research Act of 2014 - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), within three years, to: (1) develop a plan for a comprehensive and integrated ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmosphere science program to support renewable energy development and smart grid technology; and (2) establish the program that is based on the plan and designed to collect, synthesize, and distribute data in a manner that can be used by resource managers responsible for making decisions about renewable energy projects.

Requires the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Minerals Management Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Department of Energy (DOE) to consider this information when making planning, siting, and permitting decisions about renewable energy.

Requires NOAA to establish within three years a renewable energy information library and data portal to function as a cross-agency repository of data pertinent to renewable energy development.

Gives NOAA the discretion to allow any offshore exploration and production facility to execute a memorandum of understanding authorizing the use of offshore platforms and infrastructure for the placement of meteorological and oceanographic observation sensors of a type to be designated by NOAA in support of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. Requires information collected by the sensors to be readily available for use in hazard response as well as available to the National Weather Service, other NOAA programs, and the general public.

requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa years develop plan comprehensive integrated ocean coastal great_lakes atmosphere science program support renewable energy development smart grid technology establish program based plan designed collect synthesize distribute data manner resource managers responsible making decisions renewable energy projects requires federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc department_of_energy doe consider information making planning siting permitting decisions renewable energy requires noaa establish years renewable energy information library data portal function cross agency repository data pertinent renewable energy development gives noaa discretion allow offshore exploration production facility execute memorandum understanding authorizing use offshore platforms infrastructure placement meteorological oceanographic observation sensors type designated noaa support requires information collected sensors readily available use hazard response available national_weather_service noaa programs general public


Summary:
Biogas Investment Tax Credit Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an energy tax credit through 2019 for investment in qualified biogas property, and (2) financing of qualified biogas property with new clean renewable energy bonds. Defines "qualified biogas property" as property comprising a system which uses anaerobic digesters or other processes to convert biomas into a gas which consists of not less than 52% methane and which captures such gas for use as a fuel.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to undertake a study of biogas and to submit a report to Congress on such study.

amends internal revenue code allow energy tax credit investment qualified biogas property financing qualified biogas property new clean renewable energy bonds defines qualified biogas property property comprising system uses anaerobic digesters processes convert gas consists methane captures gas use fuel directs secretary treasury enter agreement national_renewable_energy_laboratory undertake study biogas submit report congress study


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources, to allow a taxpayer to elect the application of such credit to open-loop biomass and trash facilities during the period beginning after December 31, 2013, and ending before January 1, 2016 (in lieu of the 10-year period after the facilities are originally placed in service). Limits the aggregate period during which a taxpayer can claim a tax credit with respect to a facility to 10 years.

amends internal revenue code respect tax credit producing electricity renewable resources allow taxpayer elect application credit open loop biomass trash facilities period beginning december ending january lieu year period facilities originally placed service limits aggregate period taxpayer claim tax credit respect facility years


Summary:
This bill requires the Office of Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to provide a comprehensive assessment of research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends, which compares mid-level ethanol blends to gasoline blends containing 10% or 0% ethanol. A mid-level ethanol blend is an ethanol-gasoline blend containing 10%- 20% of ethanol by volume that is intended to be used in any conventional gasoline-powered motor vehicle or nonroad vehicle or engine.

 The assessment must: (1) evaluate the environmental, safety, durability, and performance effects of the introduction of mid-level blends on onroad, nonroad, and marine engines, onroad and nonroad vehicles, and related equipment; and (2) identify areas of research, development, and testing necessary to ensure that existing motor fuel infrastructure is not adversely impacted by mid-level ethanol blends and to reduce the risk of misfueling by users at various points in the distribution and supply chain.

The Office must report on the assessment's findings. Any waivers granted under the Clean Air Act to allow the sale of mid-level ethanol blends for use in motor vehicles are nullified. The Office is also prohibited from granting new waivers until after the report is submitted.

bill requires environmental_protection_agency enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences provide comprehensive assessment research implications use mid level ethanol blends compares mid level ethanol blends gasoline blends containing ethanol mid level ethanol blend ethanol gasoline blend containing ethanol volume intended conventional gasoline powered motor vehicle nonroad vehicle engine assessment evaluate environmental safety durability performance effects introduction mid level blends onroad nonroad marine engines onroad nonroad vehicles related equipment identify areas research development testing necessary ensure existing motor fuel infrastructure adversely impacted mid level ethanol blends reduce risk misfueling users points distribution supply chain office report assessment findings waivers granted clean air act allow sale mid level ethanol blends use motor vehicles nullified office prohibited granting new waivers report submitted


Summary:
Leave Ethanol Volumes at Existing Levels Act or the LEVEL Act

This bill amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program by decreasing the volume of renewable fuel that must be contained in motor vehicle fuel in 2015 through 2022 to 7.5 billion gallons for each year. The separate volume requirements are eliminated for the following renewable fuel categories: advanced biofuels, cellulosic biofuel (ethanol derived from certain types of biological matter), and biomass-based diesel.

The bill revokes the requirement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensure that renewable fuels emit fewer greenhouse gases than the fuel it replaces.

One gallon of cellulosic biomass ethanol or waste-derived ethanol is considered to be equal to 2.5 gallons of renewable fuel.

Petitions for waivers from requirements under the renewable fuel program may not be brought to the EPA by a person who is subject to the requirements of the program.

The EPA may not permit or authorize the introduction into commerce of gasoline that: (1) contains greater than 10% ethanol by volume, (2) is intended for general use in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles or engines, and (3) is not registered under the program and lawfully sold in the United States before this Act's enactment. This prohibition applies to EPA grants of waivers through the fuels and fuel additives waiver process as well.

This bill nullifies waivers that permit the introduction into commerce of gasoline that contains greater than 10% ethanol by volume for general use in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles or engines, except for waivers for gasoline that is registered and lawfully sold in the United States before this Act's enactment.

existing levels act level act bill amends clean air act revise renewable fuel program decreasing volume renewable fuel contained motor vehicle fuel billion gallons year separate volume requirements eliminated following renewable fuel categories advanced biofuels cellulosic biofuel ethanol derived certain types biological matter biomass based diesel bill revokes requirement environmental_protection_agency epa ensure renewable fuels emit fewer greenhouse gases fuel replaces gallon cellulosic biomass ethanol waste derived ethanol considered equal gallons renewable fuel petitions waivers requirements renewable fuel program brought epa person subject requirements program epa permit authorize introduction commerce gasoline contains greater ethanol volume intended general use conventional gasoline powered vehicles engines registered program lawfully sold united_states act enactment prohibition applies epa grants waivers fuels fuel additives waiver process bill nullifies waivers permit introduction commerce gasoline contains greater ethanol volume general use conventional gasoline powered vehicles engines waivers gasoline registered lawfully sold united_states act enactment


Summary:
Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act

This bill amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel program, which requires transportation fuel to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel.

renewable fuel standard elimination act bill amends clean air act repeal environmental_protection_agency renewable fuel program requires transportation fuel contain minimum volume renewable fuel


Summary:
RFS Reform Act of 2015

This bill amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel standard program. Beginning on January 1, 2015, the renewable fuel that is required to be blended into gasoline must be advanced biofuel, which cannot be ethanol derived from corn starch.

This bill revises the renewable fuel standards by decreasing the total volume of renewable fuel that must be contained in gasoline sold or introduced into commerce for years 2015 through 2022.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must determine the target amount of cellulosic biofuel to be blended into transportation fuel based on the actual volume of cellulosic biofuel produced in the current year.

The EPA must reduce the required volume of renewable fuel in transportation fuel by the same volume of cellulosic biofuel in the fuel.

The EPA may not allow gasoline containing greater than 10% ethanol by volume to be introduced into commerce. Waivers that allow gasoline containing a greater percentage of ethanol are nullified.

bill amends clean air act revise renewable fuel standard program beginning january renewable fuel required blended gasoline advanced biofuel ethanol derived corn starch bill revises renewable fuel standards decreasing total volume renewable fuel contained gasoline sold introduced commerce years environmental_protection_agency epa determine target cellulosic biofuel blended transportation fuel based actual volume cellulosic biofuel produced current year epa reduce required volume renewable fuel transportation fuel volume cellulosic biofuel fuel epa allow gasoline containing greater ethanol volume introduced commerce waivers allow gasoline containing greater percentage ethanol nullified


Summary:
Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2015 or the BTU Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include 30% of qualified biomass fuel property expenditures made in taxable years beginning before 2021 in the residential energy efficient property tax credit. Defines "qualified biomass fuel property expenditure" as an expenditure for property which uses the burning of biomass fuel (a plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis) to heat a dwelling used as a residence, or to heat water for use in such dwelling, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%.

Allows: (1) a 15% energy tax credit until 2021 for investment in open-loop biomass heating property, and (2) a 30% credit for boilers or furnaces that operate at thermal output efficiencies of at least 80% and provide thermal energy.

btu act amends internal revenue code include qualified biomass fuel property expenditures taxable years beginning residential energy efficient property tax credit defines qualified biomass fuel property expenditure expenditure property uses burning biomass fuel plant derived fuel available renewable recurring basis heat dwelling residence heat water use dwelling thermal efficiency rating allows energy tax credit investment open loop biomass heating property credit boilers furnaces operate thermal output efficiencies provide thermal energy