Summary:
Heat Efficiency through Applied Technology Act or the HEAT Act

This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, with respect to electric utilities ratemaking standards, to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish:

 guidance for technical interconnection standards that ensure interoperability with federal rules for interconnection between electric utilities and electric consumers; model interconnection procedures, including appropriate fast track procedures; and model rules for determining and assigning interconnection costs. Such standards must reflect current best practices to encourage the use of distributed generation (such as combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology) while ensuring the safety and reliability of the interconnected units and the distribution and transmission networks to which the units connect.

Combined heat and power technology is the generation of electric energy and heat in a single, integrated system meeting specified efficiency criteria under which heat that is conventionally rejected is recovered and used to meet thermal energy requirements.

Qualified waste heat resource does not include a heat resource from a process whose primary purpose is electricity generation using a fossil fuel, but does mean:

 exhaust heat or flared gas from any industrial process; waste gas or industrial tail gas that would otherwise be flared, incinerated, or vented; a pressure drop in any gas for an industrial or commercial process; or any other form of waste heat resource as the Secretary may determine. Waste heat to power technology is any system generating electricity through the recovery of a qualified waste heat resource.

State regulatory authorities and each nonregulated electric utility must: (1) complete consideration of these model standards within two years after DOE has completed them, (2) determine whether or not it is appropriate to implement each standard, and (3) report updated plans for interconnection procedures and tariff schedules that reflect best practices to encourage the use of distributed generation. Specified prior state actions shall shield a technical interconnection standard in the case of any electric utility in a state from certain statutory time limitations and administrative consequences of noncompliance.

DOE must establish model rules and procedures for determining fees or rates for supplementary power, backup or standby power, maintenance power, and interruptible power supplied to facilities that operate combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology that appropriately allow for adequate cost recovery by an electric utility but are not excessive.

Each state regulatory authority and each nonregulated electric utility must update their plans for supplemental, backup, and standby power fees within certain time limitations, and subject to certain administrative consequences for failure to comply, unless specified prior state actions have been undertaken.

The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency must establish a grant program to: (1) update any applicable state or local air permitting regulations to incorporate environmental regulations relating to output-based emissions, or (2) expedite the processing of relevant power generation permit applications if the state has already the permitting regulations to incorporate those output-based emissions environmental regulations.

heat efficiency applied technology act heat act bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act respect electric utilities ratemaking standards direct department_of_energy doe establish guidance technical interconnection standards ensure interoperability federal rules interconnection electric utilities electric consumers model interconnection procedures including appropriate fast track procedures model rules determining assigning interconnection costs standards reflect current best practices encourage use distributed generation combined heat power technology waste heat power technology ensuring safety reliability interconnected units distribution transmission networks units connect combined heat power technology generation electric energy heat single integrated system meeting specified efficiency criteria heat conventionally rejected recovered meet thermal energy requirements qualified waste heat resource include heat resource process primary purpose electricity generation fossil fuel mean exhaust heat flared gas industrial process waste gas industrial tail gas flared vented pressure drop gas industrial commercial process form waste heat resource secretary determine waste heat power technology system generating electricity recovery qualified waste heat resource state regulatory authorities nonregulated electric utility complete consideration model standards years doe completed determine appropriate implement standard report updated plans interconnection procedures tariff schedules reflect best practices encourage use distributed generation specified prior state actions shall shield technical interconnection standard case electric utility state certain statutory time limitations administrative consequences noncompliance doe establish model rules procedures determining fees rates supplementary power backup standby power maintenance power power supplied facilities operate combined heat power technology waste heat power technology appropriately allow adequate cost recovery electric utility excessive state regulatory authority nonregulated electric utility update plans supplemental backup standby power fees certain time limitations subject certain administrative consequences failure comply specified prior state actions undertaken administrator environmental_protection_agency establish grant program update applicable state local air permitting regulations incorporate environmental regulations relating output based emissions expedite processing relevant power generation permit applications state permitting regulations incorporate output based emissions environmental regulations


Summary:
Methane Hydrate Research and Development Amendments Act of 2015

This bill amends the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 2000 to revise and reauthorize the Department of Energy's (DOE) program of methane hydrate research and development.

In carrying out the program, DOE may award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, institutions that: (1) drill a test well and perform a long-term hydrate production test on land in the U.S. Arctic region within 4 years, (2) drill a test well and perform a long-term hydrate production test in a marine environment within 10 years, or (3) drill a full-scale production test well at a location to be determined by DOE.

 DOE must conduct a long-term environmental monitoring program to study the effects of production from methane hydrate reservoirs.

methane hydrate research development amendments act bill amends revise reauthorize department_of_energy doe program methane hydrate research development carrying program doe award grants enter contracts cooperative agreements institutions drill test perform long term hydrate production test land region years drill test perform long term hydrate production test marine environment years drill scale production test location determined doe doe conduct long term environmental monitoring program study effects production methane hydrate reservoirs


Summary:
This bill requires the Department of Energy to develop an implementation strategy to promote the development of hybrid micro-grid systems for isolated communities, particularly communities exposed to extreme weather conditions and high costs of energy, including electricity, space heating and cooling, and transportation.

A hybrid micro-grid system is a stand-alone electrical system composed of conventional generation and at least one alternative energy resource.

Mandatory considerations in developing the strategy include:

 the potential for renewable resources, including wind, solar, and hydropower, to be integrated into a hybrid micro-grid system; the capacity of the local workforce to operate, maintain, and repair a hybrid micro-grid system; and the need for basic infrastructure to develop, deploy, and sustain a hybrid micro-grid system.

bill requires department_of_energy develop implementation strategy promote development hybrid micro grid systems isolated communities particularly communities exposed extreme weather conditions high costs energy including electricity space heating cooling transportation hybrid micro grid system stand electrical system composed conventional generation alternative energy resource mandatory considerations developing strategy include potential renewable resources including wind solar hydropower integrated hybrid micro grid system capacity local workforce operate maintain repair hybrid micro grid system need basic infrastructure develop deploy sustain hybrid micro grid system


Summary:
Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish certain energy storage programs.

The bill establishes a program for the research of energy storage systems within DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.

DOE must establish a loan program to provide loans to states and other government entities, educational institutions, and electric utilities for: (1) the demonstration and deployment of energy storage systems in a specific project, and (2) programs to finance the demonstration and deployment of multiple energy storage systems through a financial assistance program. Loans may only be used to fund programs relating to the demonstration and deployment of energy storage systems in households, businesses, and communities.

DOE must establish a technical assistance and grant program to: (1) disseminate information and provide technical assistance directly to nonprofit or for-profit entities so those entities can identify, evaluate, plan, and design energy storage systems; and (2) make grants to such entities so that they may contract to obtain technical assistance to identify, evaluate, plan, and design energy storage systems.

advancing grid storage act bill requires department_of_energy doe establish certain energy storage programs bill establishes program research energy storage systems doe advanced_research_projects_agency-energy doe establish loan program provide loans states government entities educational institutions electric utilities demonstration deployment energy storage systems specific project programs finance demonstration deployment multiple energy storage systems financial assistance program loans fund programs relating demonstration deployment energy storage systems households businesses communities doe establish technical assistance grant program disseminate information provide technical assistance directly nonprofit profit entities entities identify evaluate plan design energy storage systems grants entities contract obtain technical assistance identify evaluate plan design energy storage systems


Summary:
Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2015

 This bill requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) establish a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund to ensure that U.S. clean energy technology firms have the information and assistance they need to be competitive and to create clean energy technology sector jobs; and (2) administer the Fund to promote policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector, and implement a national clean energy technology export strategy. The Fund must be administered through the International Trade Administration.

Clean energy technology includes technology related to the production, use, transmission, storage, control, or conservation of energy that will contribute to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations through reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of energy-related emissions and that will: (1) reduce the need for additional energy supplies by using existing supplies with greater efficiency or by transmitting, distributing, or transporting energy with greater effectiveness through U.S. infrastructure; or (2) diversify the sources of the energy supply to strengthen energy security and to increase supplies with a favorable balance of environmental effects if the entire technology system is considered.

Commerce must provide information, tools, and other assistance to U.S. businesses to promote clean energy technology manufacturing and facilitate the export of clean energy technology products and services. This assistance must be consistent with the National Export Initiative.

export assistance act bill requires department_of_commerce establish clean energy technology manufacturing export assistance fund ensure clean energy technology firms information assistance need competitive create clean energy technology sector jobs administer fund promote policies reduce production costs encourage innovation investment productivity clean energy technology sector implement national clean energy technology export strategy fund administered international_trade_administration clean energy technology includes technology related production use transmission storage control conservation energy contribute stabilization atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations reduction avoidance sequestration energy related emissions reduce need additional energy supplies existing supplies greater efficiency transmitting distributing transporting energy greater effectiveness infrastructure diversify sources energy supply strengthen energy security increase supplies favorable balance environmental effects entire technology system considered commerce provide information tools assistance businesses promote clean energy technology manufacturing facilitate export clean energy technology products services assistance consistent


Summary:
Renewable Electricity Standard Act

 Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require a retail electric supplier to submit to the Department of Energy (DOE) for 2015 and thereafter one or more of the following: (1) specified federal renewable energy credits, (2) certification of the renewable energy generated and electricity savings, and (3) specified alternative compliance payments. Prescribes, for 2015 through 2039, a schedule of graduated annual percentages of a retail electric supplier's base amount that shall be generated from renewable energy resources (increasing from 7.5% in 2015 to 30% in 2030).

Directs DOE to establish a program to: (1) verify and issue federal renewable energy credits to generators of renewable energy; (2) track the sale, exchange, and retirement of the credits; and (3) enforce the federal renewable energy credits program.

Directs DOE to issue a generator of electric energy one federal renewable energy credit for each kilowatt hour of electric energy generated by the use of a renewable energy resource at an eligible facility.

Prescribes rules for federal renewable energy credit trading and for borrowing and repayment of federal renewable energy credits.

Provides that this Act does not diminish the authority of a state or its political subdivision to: (1) adopt or enforce any law (including regulations) respecting renewable energy, or (2) regulate the acquisition and disposition of federal renewable energy credits by retail electric suppliers.

Permits an electric utility that has sales of electric energy subject to rate regulation to recover the full cost of renewable energy obtained to comply with this Act.

Establishes in the Treasury a state renewable energy account for a grant program for promoting renewable energy production and providing energy assistance and weatherization services to low-income consumers.

renewable electricity standard act amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act require retail electric supplier submit department_of_energy doe following specified federal renewable energy credits certification renewable energy generated electricity savings specified alternative compliance payments prescribes schedule graduated annual percentages retail electric supplier base shall generated renewable energy resources increasing directs doe establish program verify issue federal renewable energy credits generators renewable energy track sale exchange retirement credits enforce federal renewable energy credits program directs doe issue generator electric energy federal renewable energy credit kilowatt hour electric energy generated use renewable energy resource eligible facility prescribes rules federal renewable energy credit trading borrowing repayment federal renewable energy credits provides act diminish authority state political subdivision adopt enforce law including regulations respecting renewable energy regulate acquisition disposition federal renewable energy credits retail electric suppliers permits electric utility sales electric energy subject rate regulation recover cost renewable energy obtained comply act establishes treasury state renewable energy account grant program promoting renewable energy production providing energy assistance weatherization services low income consumers


Summary:
Bioenergy Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a working group known as the Bioheat and Biopower Initiative to: coordinate research and development relating to biopower and bioheat projects, provide recommendations to USDA and DOE regarding the implementation of this bill, and ensure that grants are awarded using an open and competitive process.

Bioheat is the use of woody biomass to generate heat, and biopower is the use of woody biomass to generate electricity.

DOE must establish: (1) a grant program for projects to support innovation and market development in bioheat and biopower, and (2) working groups to share best practices and collaborate in project implementation.

The Forest Service must establish a grant program to support commercially demonstrated thermally led wood energy technologies. Priority is given to projects proposed by State Wood Energy Teams, which are groups of stakeholders that identify sustainable energy applications for woody biomass.

The bill requires USDA to establish a loan program to support construction of thermally led residential, commercial or institutional, and industrial wood energy systems. The bill also makes these projects eligible for loans under USDA's energy efficiency and conservation loan program.

DOE and the Forest Service must establish a bioheat and biopower research program to advance research on the costs and benefits, recommend policies and investments, assess the feasibility of thermally led district wood energy opportunities, and assist communities pursuing thermally led wood energy opportunities.

bill requires department_of_energy doe department_of_agriculture usda establish working group known coordinate research development relating projects provide recommendations usda doe implementation bill ensure grants awarded open competitive process use woody biomass generate heat use woody biomass generate electricity doe establish grant program projects support innovation market development working groups share best practices collaborate project implementation forest_service establish grant program support commercially demonstrated led wood energy technologies priority given projects proposed groups stakeholders identify sustainable energy applications woody biomass bill requires usda establish loan program support construction led residential commercial institutional industrial wood energy systems bill makes projects eligible loans usda energy efficiency conservation loan program doe forest_service establish research program advance research costs benefits recommend policies investments assess feasibility led district wood energy opportunities assist communities pursuing led wood energy opportunities


Summary:
Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2015

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to extend through FY2020 the authorization for deposit and use of lease revenues under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. Makes such funds available to the Department of the Interior for FY2015 and afterwards to implement both the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.

Directs the Bureau of Land Management to establish priority and variance areas on covered land for geothermal, solar, and wind energy projects.

Requires Interior to establish a program to improve federal permit coordination with respect to renewable energy projects carried out on public land administered by Interior and not excluded from the development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy (covered land).

Defines "variance area" as covered land that is neither an exclusion area (not suitable for development of renewable energy projects) nor a priority area.

Establishes in the Treasury the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund, to be available in regions affected by the development of wind or solar energy on federal land for: (1) protecting and restoring important fish and wildlife habitat; and (2) ensuring and improving right-of-way access to federal land and water in the impacted region for fishing, hunting, and other forms of outdoor recreation.

Requires the Department of Agriculture as well as Interior to determine the feasibility of carrying out a conservation banking program on federal land.

Denies the rental fee exemption for rights-of-way under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to wind or solar generation projects with a capacity of 20 megawatts or more that are issued a lease, right-of-way, permit, or other authorization.

public land renewable energy development act amends energy policy act extend fy2020 authorization deposit use lease revenues geothermal steam act makes funds available department_of_the_interior fy2015 implement energy policy act geothermal steam act directs bureau_of_land_management establish priority variance areas covered land geothermal solar wind energy projects requires interior establish program improve federal permit coordination respect renewable energy projects carried public land administered interior excluded development geothermal solar wind energy covered land defines variance area covered land exclusion area suitable development renewable energy projects priority area establishes treasury renewable_energy_resource_conservation_fund available regions affected development wind solar energy federal land protecting restoring important fish wildlife habitat ensuring improving right way access federal land water impacted region fishing hunting forms outdoor recreation requires department_of_agriculture interior determine feasibility carrying conservation banking program federal land denies rental fee exemption rights way federal land policy management act wind solar generation projects capacity megawatts issued lease right way permit authorization


Summary:
Energy Storage Promotion and Deployment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish national energy storage standards for certain electric power suppliers (utilities) that sell at least 500,000 megawatt hours of electric energy annually. Each supplier must have energy storage devices that have the capacity to provide at least 1% of its annual average peak power demand by 2021 and 2% by 2025. Suppliers must also meet a secondary standard.

Energy storage devices include those used to store energy using pumped hydropower, compressed air, batteries or other electrochemical forms, thermal forms, flywheels, capacitors, and superconducting magnets.

The standards do not apply to rural electric cooperatives or government-owned suppliers.

An energy storage device placed in operation before January 1, 2009, may not be used to achieve compliance with the standards.

The Department of Energy may provide one-year waivers from the deadlines if achieving the standard by the deadline would present undue hardship to the supplier or its ratepayers.

bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act establish national energy storage standards certain electric power suppliers utilities sell megawatt hours electric energy annually supplier energy storage devices capacity provide annual average peak power demand suppliers meet secondary standard energy storage devices include store energy pumped hydropower compressed air batteries forms thermal forms magnets standards apply rural electric cooperatives government owned suppliers energy storage device placed operation january achieve compliance standards department_of_energy provide year waivers deadlines achieving standard deadline present undue hardship supplier ratepayers


Summary:
Water Efficiency Innovation Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its Industrial Assessment Centers program to: (1) provide assessment services to water and wastewater treatment facilities comparable to those for other energy efficiency improvements, and (2) equip the centers with the training and tools necessary to provide technical assistance on energy savings to those facilities.

A center is located at an institution of higher education that: (1) receives funding from DOE; (2) provides an in-depth assessment of small- and medium-sized manufacturer plant sites to evaluate the facilities, services, and manufacturing operations of the plant sites; and (3) identifies opportunities for potential savings for those sites from energy efficiency improvements, waste minimization, pollution prevention, and productivity improvement.

water efficiency innovation act bill requires department_of_energy doe expand program provide assessment services water wastewater treatment facilities comparable energy efficiency improvements equip centers training tools necessary provide technical assistance energy savings facilities center located institution higher education receives funding doe provides depth assessment small- medium sized manufacturer plant sites evaluate facilities services manufacturing operations plant sites identifies opportunities potential savings sites energy efficiency improvements waste minimization pollution prevention productivity improvement


Summary:
Clean Vehicle Corridors Act

 Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to:

 designate at least five Clean Vehicle Corridors along federal highways, interstates, or other contiguous highways after consulting with specified agencies; and encourage the addition of cleaner alternative fuel options and other supporting infrastructure along the corridors and the inclusion of existing and private facilities in the corridor. Defines "cleaner alternative fuels" to include:

 compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (also known as propane), plug-in electric, advanced biofuels, and hydrogen. Authorizes DOT to provide waivers of statutory restrictions for cleaner alternative fuel projects and vehicles along Clean Vehicle Corridors.

Requires DOT to: maintain a publicly accessible website containing information and resources for corridors; identify best practices and case studies of communities and complementary programs that have successfully promoted cleaner alternative fuel use in consultation with federal agencies, tribes, states, and Clean Cities; identify existing technical and financial mechanisms available to promote the development of cleaner alternative fuel infrastructure; and collaborate with the Department of Energy (DOE) and all relevant Clean Vehicle Corridor stakeholders to collect data on cleaner alternative fueling station usage patterns. Authorizes: two or more contiguous states to enter into an interstate compact to establish Clean Vehicle Corridor partnerships to facilitate planning for and siting of necessary facilities within those states; and DOT, in consultation with DOE, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to provide technical assistance to interstate compact partnerships.

clean vehicle corridors act requires department_of_transportation dot designate clean vehicle corridors federal highways contiguous highways consulting specified agencies encourage addition cleaner alternative fuel options supporting infrastructure corridors inclusion existing private facilities corridor defines cleaner alternative fuels include compressed natural gas liquefied natural gas liquefied petroleum gas known propane plug electric advanced biofuels hydrogen authorizes dot provide waivers statutory restrictions cleaner alternative fuel projects vehicles clean vehicle corridors requires dot maintain publicly accessible website containing information resources corridors identify best practices case studies communities complementary programs successfully promoted cleaner alternative fuel use consultation federal agencies tribes states identify existing technical financial mechanisms available promote development cleaner alternative fuel infrastructure collaborate department_of_energy doe relevant clean vehicle corridor stakeholders collect data cleaner alternative fueling station usage patterns authorizes contiguous states enter interstate compact establish clean vehicle corridor partnerships facilitate planning siting necessary facilities states dot consultation doe department_of_commerce department_of_the_interior environmental_protection_agency provide technical assistance interstate compact partnerships


Summary:
Low-Income Solar Act

This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish a loan and grant program for photovoltaic solar (a method of converting energy from the sun into electricity) installations in low-income and underserved areas for FY2016-FY2030.

Loans must be provided for: (1) community solar facilities that provide solar energy to low-income households, or (2) solar installations at federally subsidized affordable housing at multi-family complexes.

The community solar facilities must: (1) be owned by an organization of electricity consumers that own a share of the facility's solar electricity generation, (2) have a certain a nameplate rating (or power generation capacity), (3) be located in or near a community that uses the electricity generated by the facility, and (4) reserve at least 25% of the electricity generated for low-income households.

Grants must be given for: (1) solar electricity generating facilities installed on properties of eligible, low-income home owners; or (2) new solar projects for low-income households and individuals, including the costs of equipment and job training associated with solar projects.

low income solar act bill requires department_of_energy establish loan grant program photovoltaic solar method converting energy sun electricity installations low income underserved areas fy2016 loans provided community solar facilities provide solar energy low income households solar installations federally subsidized affordable housing multi family complexes community solar facilities owned organization electricity consumers share facility solar electricity generation certain nameplate rating power generation capacity located near community uses electricity generated facility reserve electricity generated low income households grants given solar electricity generating facilities installed properties eligible low income home owners new solar projects low income households individuals including costs equipment job training associated solar projects


Summary:
Promoting Renewable Energy with Shared Solar Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require an electric utility, upon the request of an electric consumer, to make available to the consumer interconnection service and net billing service for a solar photovoltaic system allocating electricity to multiple individual electric consumers of the utility and meeting other specified characteristics (community solar facility).

Each state regulatory authority and each nonregulated utility must, within specified time limitations, commence consideration of and finally determine ratemaking standards.

The bill makes conforming technical amendments to the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Certain ratemaking time limitations set out in PURPA, and requirements in case of a failure to comply with them, shall not apply in the case of any electric utility in a state if before enactment of this Act:

 the state has implemented the standard under this Act (or a comparable one) for the electric utility; the state regulatory authority or the relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a proceeding to consider implementation of the standard (or a comparable one) for the electric utility; or the state legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard (or a comparable one).

promoting renewable energy shared solar act bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act purpa require electric utility request electric consumer available consumer interconnection service net billing service solar photovoltaic system allocating electricity multiple individual electric consumers utility meeting specified characteristics community solar facility state regulatory authority nonregulated utility specified time limitations commence consideration finally determine ratemaking standards bill makes conforming technical amendments energy policy act certain ratemaking time limitations set purpa requirements case failure comply shall apply case electric utility state enactment act state implemented standard act comparable electric utility state regulatory authority relevant nonregulated electric utility conducted proceeding consider implementation standard comparable electric utility state legislature voted implementation standard comparable


Summary:
Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 30% tax credit for investment in a qualifying offshore wind facility (an offshore facility using wind to produce electricity), and (2) direct the Department of the Treasury to establish a qualifying credit for offshore wind facilities program to consider and award certifications for investments eligible for such a credit to qualifying offshore wind facility sponsors.

Requires Treasury to review credits allocated under this Act periodically and authorizes Treasury to make additional allocations and reallocations of such credits upon determining that: (1) the limit on the total amount of megawatt capacity for offshore facilities with respect to which credits may be allocated under the program has not been attained, or (2) scheduled placed-in-service dates of previously certified facilities have been significantly delayed and the applicant for certification will not meet the required timeline.

incentivizing offshore wind power act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit investment qualifying offshore wind facility offshore facility wind produce electricity direct department_of_the_treasury establish qualifying credit offshore wind facilities program consider award certifications investments eligible credit qualifying offshore wind facility sponsors requires treasury review credits allocated act periodically authorizes treasury additional allocations reallocations credits determining limit total megawatt capacity offshore facilities respect credits allocated program attained scheduled placed service dates previously certified facilities significantly delayed applicant certification meet required timeline


Summary:
PTC Elimination Act

This bill repeals the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources (e.g., wind, biomass, trash, geothermal or solar energy facilities). The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that such credit should be allowed to expire and should not be extended.

ptc elimination act bill repeals tax credit producing electricity renewable resources wind biomass trash geothermal solar energy facilities bill expresses sense congress credit allowed expire extended


Summary:
Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through March 31, 2016, the income tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel and the excise tax credit for biodiesel fuel mixtures, (2) allow through 2018 a new income and excise tax credit equal to $1.00 for each gallon of biodiesel produced, and (3) provide for an increased credit for small biodiesel producers.

biodiesel_tax_incentive_reform_and_extension_act bill amends internal_revenue_code extend march income tax credit biodiesel renewable diesel fuel excise tax credit biodiesel fuel mixtures allow new income excise tax credit equal gallon biodiesel produced provide increased credit small biodiesel producers


Summary:
Lithium Battery Safety Act of 2016

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to repeal the prohibition against new Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for the transportation by aircraft of lithium metal cells or batteries or lithium ion cells or batteries that are more stringent than the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, as amended.

DOT shall:

 initiate a comprehensive review of existing and any other applicable regulations regarding the air transportation, including passenger-carrying and cargo aircraft, of lithium batteries and cells; and take any additional action appropriate to mitigate sufficiently the risks posed by lithium batteries and cells to safe air transport. The President shall establish a lithium battery safety working group to promote and coordinate efforts related to the promotion of the safe manufacture, use, and transportation of lithium batteries and cells.

The working group shall research:

 additional ways to decrease the risk of fires and explosions from lithium batteries and cells, additional ways to ensure uniform transportation requirements for both bulk and individual batteries, and new or existing technologies that could reduce the fire and explosion risk of lithium batteries and cells.

lithium battery safety act bill amends faa_modernization reform act repeal prohibition new department_of_transportation dot regulations transportation aircraft lithium metal cells batteries lithium ion cells batteries stringent requirements air amended dot shall initiate comprehensive review existing applicable regulations air transportation including passenger carrying cargo aircraft lithium batteries cells additional action appropriate mitigate sufficiently risks posed lithium batteries cells safe air transport president shall establish lithium battery safety working group promote coordinate efforts related promotion safe manufacture use transportation lithium batteries cells working group shall research additional ways decrease risk fires explosions lithium batteries cells additional ways ensure uniform transportation requirements bulk individual batteries new existing technologies reduce fire explosion risk lithium batteries cells


Summary:
Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act

This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research, development, manufacture, and deployment of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that:

 produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid (an evolving electric power network that utilizes new information technology systems, including those that enables customers to reduce or shift their power use during peak demand periods); produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.

advanced manufacturing networks act bill requires department_of_commerce carry grant program establishing consortia enhance economic environmental energy security promoting domestic research development manufacture deployment clean technologies advanced manufacturing processes clean technology means technologies production processes methodologies produce energy renewable energy sources transmit distribute store energy efficiently enhance energy efficiency buildings industry enable development smart grid evolving electric power network utilizes new information technology systems including enables customers reduce shift power use peak demand periods produce advanced sustainable material energy energy efficiency applications improve energy efficiency transportation enhance water security improved water management conservation distribution end use applications


Summary:
Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act or the Offshore WIND Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax credit for investment in energy property to include a qualified offshore wind property until January 1, 2026. Under the bill, a qualified offshore wind property is an offshore facility that uses wind to produce electricity, excluding certain small wind energy property which uses a small wind turbine to generate electricity.

new development act offshore wind act bill amends internal_revenue_code expand tax credit investment energy property include qualified offshore wind property january bill qualified offshore wind property offshore facility uses wind produce electricity excluding certain small wind energy property uses small wind turbine generate electricity


Summary:
Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for: (1) energy storage technologies, and (2) battery storage technology.

The bill expands the tax credit for investments in energy property to include equipment that: (1) receives, stores, and delivers energy using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by the Internal Revenue Service; and (2) has a capacity of at least five kilowatt hours.

The bill also expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include expenditures for battery storage technology that: (1) is installed on or in connection with a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer, and (2) has a capacity of at least three kilowatt hours.

bill amends internal_revenue_code allow tax credits energy storage technologies battery storage technology bill expands tax credit investments energy property include equipment receives stores delivers energy batteries compressed air pumped hydropower hydrogen storage including thermal energy storage fuel cells magnets technologies identified internal_revenue_service capacity kilowatt hours bill expands tax credit residential energy efficient property include expenditures battery storage technology installed connection dwelling unit located united_states residence taxpayer capacity kilowatt hours


Summary: This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2019 the Department of Energy's Office of Science. The bill also amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate on January 1, 2017, the tax credit for electricity produced from wind.

bill amends energy policy act reauthorize bill amends internal_revenue_code terminate january tax credit electricity produced wind


Summary:
Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify and extend: (1) the income tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel, and (2) the excise tax credit for biodiesel fuel mixtures.

The bill: (1) makes the credits available to domestic producers of the fuels rather than the policy under current law of providing a mixture credit to the blender of the fuel, (2) increases the income tax credit for certain small biodiesel producers, and (3) extends the credits through 2019.

biodiesel_tax_incentive_reform_and_extension_act bill amends internal_revenue_code modify extend income tax credit biodiesel renewable diesel fuel excise tax credit biodiesel fuel mixtures bill makes credits available domestic producers fuels policy current law providing mixture credit blender fuel increases income tax credit certain small biodiesel producers extends credits


Summary:
Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow energy tax credits through 2020 for investments in: (1) qualified biogas property, or (2) qualified manure resource recovery property. The bill also permits new clean renewable energy bonds to be used for such properties.

"Qualified biogas property" comprises a system that: (1) uses anaerobic digesters or other specified processes to convert biomass into a gas which is at least 52% methane, and (2) captures the gas for use as a fuel. The term includes property that cleans and conditions the gas for use as a fuel.

"Qualified manure resource recovery property" comprises a system that uses specified processes to recover the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from a non-treated digestate or animal manure by reducing or separating at least 50% of the nutrients, excluding any reductions during the incineration, storage, composting, or field application of the non-treated digestate or animal manure. The term also includes certain processing equipment.

The Department of the Treasury must enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for a study of biogas and report to Congress on the study.

bill amends internal_revenue_code allow energy tax credits investments qualified biogas property qualified manure resource recovery property bill permits new clean renewable energy bonds properties qualified biogas property comprises system uses anaerobic digesters specified processes convert biomass gas methane captures gas use fuel term includes property conditions gas use fuel qualified manure resource recovery property comprises system uses specified processes recover nutrients nitrogen phosphorus non treated animal manure reducing separating nutrients excluding reductions storage field application non treated animal manure term includes certain processing equipment department_of_the_treasury enter agreement national_renewable_energy_laboratory study biogas report congress study


Summary:
This bill 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, 2016, and ending before January 1, 2018 (in lieu of the 10-year period after the facilities are originally placed in service). The bill limits the aggregate period during which a taxpayer can claim a tax credit with respect to a facility to 10 years.

The bill also modifies the definition of "municipal solid waste" to specify that the term does not include solid waste collected as part of a system which commingles commonly recycled paper with other solid waste which is not commonly recycled at any point from the time of collection through any materials recovery. The bill includes exceptions for incidental and residual waste.

In the case of a facility that produces electricity both from municipal solid waste and other solid waste that is not a qualified energy resource: (1) the facility is a qualified facility if it otherwise meets the requirements for qualified facilities, and (2) the credit only applies to the portion of the electricity produced from municipal solid waste.

bill 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 bill limits aggregate period taxpayer claim tax credit respect facility years bill modifies definition municipal solid waste specify term include solid waste collected system commonly recycled paper solid waste commonly recycled point time collection materials recovery bill includes exceptions incidental residual waste case facility produces electricity municipal solid waste solid waste qualified energy resource facility qualified facility meets requirements qualified facilities credit applies portion electricity produced municipal solid waste


Summary:
Natural Gas Truck Tax Parity Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax rate on the retail sale of heavy trucks and trailers by 35% for any automobile truck chassis, automobile truck body, or tractor that is fueled wholly or partially by an alternative fuel.

The term "alternative fuel" means compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and any liquid whose volume is at least 85% methanol.

natural gas truck tax parity act bill amends internal_revenue_code reduce excise tax rate retail sale heavy trucks trailers automobile truck automobile truck body fueled wholly partially alternative fuel term alternative fuel means compressed natural gas liquefied natural gas liquefied petroleum gas renewable natural gas hydrogen liquid volume methanol


Summary:
Protection of Military Airfields from Wind Turbine Encroachment Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make new wind facilities located near certain military installations ineligible for the tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources, and (2) investments in qualified small wind energy property.

The bill applies to facilities that are originally placed in service after the date of enactment of this bill and are located within a 30-mile radius of: (1) an airfield or airbase that is under the jurisdiction of a military department and in active use; or (2) an air traffic control radar site, weather radar site, or aircraft navigation aid that is owned or operated by the Department of Defense and is a permanent land-based structure at a fixed location.

wind turbine encroachment act bill amends internal_revenue_code new wind facilities located near certain military installations ineligible tax credits electricity produced renewable resources investments qualified small wind energy property bill applies facilities originally placed service date enactment bill located mile radius airfield jurisdiction military department active use air traffic control radar site weather radar site aircraft navigation aid owned operated department_of_defense permanent land based structure fixed location


Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the charging of an electric vehicle provided on or near the business premises of the employer as a qualified transportation fringe benefit that is excluded from an employee's gross income. The bill limits the benefit to $175 per month (adjusted for inflation) and specifies requirements for the electric vehicles.

bill amends internal_revenue_code treat charging electric vehicle provided near business premises employer qualified transportation fringe benefit excluded employee gross income bill limits benefit month adjusted inflation specifies requirements electric vehicles


Summary: Powder-Crack Cocaine Penalty Equalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate the disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine, with regard to trafficking, possession, importation, and exportation of such substances, by changing the applicable amounts for powder cocaine to those currently applicable to crack cocaine.

powder crack cocaine penalty equalization act amends controlled substances act controlled_substances_import_and_export_act eliminate disparity sentencing crack powder cocaine regard trafficking possession importation exportation substances changing applicable amounts powder cocaine currently applicable crack cocaine


Summary: No More Tulias: Drug Law Enforcement Evidentiary Standards Improvement Act of 2007 - Prohibits a state from receiving for a fiscal year any drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grant funds under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, or any amount from any other law enforcement assistance program of the Department of Justice, unless the state does not fund any antidrug task forces for that fiscal year or the state has in effect laws that ensure that: (1) a person is not convicted of a drug offense unless the facts that a drug offense was committed and that the person committed that offense are supported by evidence other than the eyewitness testimony of a law enforcement officer (officer) or individuals acting on an officer's behalf; and (2) an officer does not participate in a antidrug task force unless that officer's honesty and integrity is evaluated and found to be at an appropriately high level. Requires states receiving federal funds under this Act to collect data on the racial distribution of drug charges, the nature of the criminal law specified in the charges, and the jurisdictions in which such charges are made.

drug law enforcement evidentiary standards improvement act prohibits state receiving fiscal year drug control system improvement byrne grant funds omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act law enforcement assistance program department_of_justice state fund antidrug task forces fiscal year state effect laws ensure person convicted drug offense facts drug offense committed person committed offense supported evidence eyewitness testimony law enforcement officer officer individuals acting officer behalf officer participate antidrug task force officer honesty integrity evaluated found appropriately high level requires states receiving federal funds act collect data racial distribution drug charges nature criminal law specified charges jurisdictions charges


Summary: Communities Leading Everyone Away From Narcotics Through Online Warning Notification Act 0f 2007 or the CLEAN TOWN Act of 2007 - Requires states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and federally recognized Indian tribes (jurisdictions) to establish and maintain jurisdiction-wide criminal drug dealer registries. Sets forth requirements for registration and types of information to be included. Requires jurisdictions to provide Internet access to information about each criminal drug dealer listed, with mandatory exemptions for certain confidential information.Directs the Attorney General to establish and maintain: (1) a national database at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to be know as the National Criminal Drug Dealer Registry; (2) a National Criminal Drug Dealer Public Internet Site; and (3) Criminal Drug Dealer Management Assistance program.

communities leading away narcotics online warning notification act clean town act requires states district_of_columbia commonwealth_of_puerto_rico guam american_samoa northern_mariana islands united_states_virgin_islands federally recognized indian tribes jurisdictions establish maintain jurisdiction wide criminal drug dealer registries sets forth requirements registration types information included requires jurisdictions provide internet access information criminal drug dealer listed mandatory exemptions certain confidential information directs attorney general establish maintain national database federal_bureau_of_investigation know program


Summary: Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) establish voluntary guidelines, based on the best currently available scientific knowledge, for the remediation of former methampehtamine laboratories, including guidelines regarding preliminary site assessment and the remediation of residual contaminants; (2) consider relevant federal, state, and local requirements in developing the guidelines, the varying types and locations of former methamphetamine laboratories, and the cost of carrying out such guidelines; (3) work with state and local governments and other relevant non-federal agencies in adopting the voluntary guidelines; (4) periodically update such guidelines; and (5) establish a research program to support the development and revision of such guidelines.Directs the Administrator: (1) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every third year thereafter, to convene a conference of appropriate state agencies, individuals, and organizations involved in research and other activities directly relating to the environmental or biological impact of former methamphetamine laboratories; (2) to submit a report to Congress that summarizes the proceedings of the conference, including a summary of recommendations and concerns of non-federal participants; and (3) to make such report widely available to the general public.Directs the Administrator to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a study of the status and quality of research on the residual effects of methamphetanmine laboratories and to report to Congress on the uses of such study.Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support a research program to develop: (1) new methamphetamine detection technologies, with an emphasis on field test kits and site detection; and (2) appropriate standard reference materials and validation procedures for methamphetamine detection testing. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2008.

directs administrator environmental_protection_agency epa later year enactment act establish voluntary guidelines based best currently available scientific knowledge remediation laboratories including guidelines preliminary site assessment remediation residual contaminants consider relevant federal state local requirements developing guidelines varying types locations methamphetamine laboratories cost carrying guidelines work state local governments relevant non federal agencies adopting voluntary guidelines periodically update guidelines establish research program support development revision guidelines directs administrator later days date enactment act year convene conference appropriate state agencies individuals organizations involved research activities directly relating environmental biological impact methamphetamine laboratories submit report congress summarizes proceedings conference including summary recommendations concerns non federal participants report widely available general public directs administrator enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences nas study status quality research residual effects laboratories report congress uses study requires director national_institute_of_standards_and_technology support research program develop new methamphetamine detection technologies emphasis field test kits site detection appropriate standard reference materials validation procedures methamphetamine detection testing authorizes appropriations


Summary: Gang Elimination Act of 2007 - Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on a national strategy to eliminate the illegal operations of National Threat Drug Gangs (i.e., the top three international drug gangs that present the greatest threat to law and order in the United States). Sets forth criteria for the Attorney General to consider in identifying a National Threat Drug Gang, including (1) ties to international terrorist organizations or state-sponsored terrorism; (2) the volume of controlled substances imported or distributed by such gangs; and (3) the threat to children and schools in the United States.

gang elimination act directs attorney general report congress national strategy eliminate illegal operations international drug gangs present greatest threat law order united_states sets forth criteria attorney general consider identifying including ties international terrorist organizations state sponsored terrorism volume controlled substances imported distributed gangs threat children schools united_states


Summary: Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating to the trafficking in, and possession, importation, or distribution of, crack cocaine.

amends controlled substances act controlled_substances_import_and_export_act eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating trafficking possession importation distribution crack cocaine


Summary: Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production of Methamphetamines Act or the CLEAN-UP of Methamphetamines Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out environmental cleanup and remediation programs involving specified lands that are contaminated with hazardous substances associated with illegal methamphetamine manufacture. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate as hazardous certain byproducts of the methamphetamine production process and expand penalties against laboratory operators; (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to list byproducts likely to cause long-term environmental harm; (3) the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to provide grants to state and local law enforcement for specified training and equipment acquisition; (4) the EPA Administrator to study the impact of methamphetamine laboratory operation on the environment; and (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study contamination issues. Amends: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants to educate students on prevention and treatment of methamphetamine abuse; (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide treatment; and (3) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include among permissible grant projects under the "cops on the beat" program hiring personnel and purchasing equipment for enforcement, prosecution, and environmental cleanup. Urges the President to seek commitments from the Canadian government to stem the availability of pseudoephedrine in Canada and its illegal importation into the United States.

clean learn educate abolish clean act authorizes secretary agriculture secretary interior carry environmental cleanup remediation programs involving specified lands contaminated hazardous substances associated illegal methamphetamine manufacture directs secretary transportation administrator environmental_protection_agency epa designate hazardous certain byproducts methamphetamine production process expand penalties laboratory operators administrator drug_enforcement_administration list byproducts likely cause long term environmental harm secretary labor acting occupational_safety_and_health_administration provide grants state local law enforcement specified training equipment acquisition epa administrator study impact methamphetamine laboratory operation environment secretary health_and_human_services study contamination issues amends elementary secondary education act authorize grants educate students prevention treatment methamphetamine abuse public_health_service_act authorize grants provide treatment omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act include permissible grant projects cops beat program hiring personnel purchasing equipment enforcement prosecution environmental cleanup urges president seek commitments canadian government stem availability canada illegal importation united_states


Summary: Drug Trafficking Elimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase prison terms or impose mandatory minimum prison terms for: (1) manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing certain large amounts of heroin, marihuana, or methamphetamine; (2) importing or exporting such drugs; (3) manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance on federal property; (4) using hazardous substances on federal land in connection with illegal drug activities; (5) possessing a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance; (6) committing a crime of violence during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; (7) engaging in a dangerous drug trafficking organization; (8) distributing controlled substances to persons under age 21 or to a pregnant person; (9) distributing controlled substances in or near schools; and (10) employing or involving persons under age 18 in illegal drug activities.Directs the Attorney General to develop a National Drug Trafficking Enforcement Strategy.

drug trafficking elimination act amends controlled substances act controlled_substances_import_and_export_act increase prison terms impose mandatory minimum prison terms manufacturing distributing dispensing possessing certain large amounts heroin marihuana methamphetamine importing exporting drugs manufacturing cultivating controlled substance federal property hazardous substances federal land connection illegal drug activities possessing listed chemical intent manufacture controlled substance committing crime violence relation drug trafficking crime engaging dangerous drug trafficking organization distributing controlled substances persons age pregnant person distributing controlled substances near schools employing involving persons age illegal drug activities directs attorney general develop


Summary: Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose increased prison terms on individuals who manufacture, create, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance that is flavored, colored, packaged, or otherwise altered in a way that is designed to appeal to a person under 21 years or age (or who attempt or conspire to do so). Provides for enhanced penalties for repeat offenses involving the marketing of methamphetamine to minors.

stop marketing illegal drugs minors act amends controlled substances act impose increased prison terms individuals manufacture create distribute possess intent distribute controlled substance packaged altered way designed appeal person years age attempt conspire provides enhanced penalties repeat offenses involving marketing methamphetamine minors


Summary: Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to expand electronic logbook requirements applicable to sellers and purchasers of listed chemicals (e.g., legal substances used in the production of methamphetamine). Authorizes the Attorney General to make three-year grants to state and local governments to plan, develop, implement, or enhance methamphetamine precursor electronic logbook systems. Establishes a preference for grant recipients who develop electronic logbook systems that are: (1) statewide; (2) capable of real-time capture and transmission of logbook information to law enforcement and regulatory agencies; and (3) designed to share information across jurisdictional boundaries.Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of methamphetamine precursor electronic logbook systems.

methamphetamine production prevention act amends controlled substances act expand electronic logbook requirements applicable sellers purchasers listed chemicals legal substances production methamphetamine authorizes attorney general year grants state local governments plan develop implement enhance methamphetamine precursor electronic logbook systems establishes preference grant recipients develop electronic logbook systems statewide capable real time capture transmission logbook information law enforcement regulatory agencies designed share information jurisdictional boundaries requires comptroller general study report congress effectiveness methamphetamine precursor electronic logbook systems


Summary: Methamphetamine Kingpin Elimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to expand the threshold criteria for designating an individual as a principal administrator, organizer, or leader of a continuing criminal enterprise involving methamphetamine. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the mandatory minimum prison terms for trafficking in methamphetamine. Requires the Attorney General to establish methamphetamine task forces, consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, to coordinate efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking.

amends controlled substances act expand threshold criteria designating individual principal administrator organizer leader continuing criminal enterprise involving methamphetamine amends controlled_substances_import_and_export_act increase mandatory minimum prison terms trafficking methamphetamine requires attorney general establish methamphetamine task forces consisting federal state local law enforcement authorities coordinate efforts combat methamphetamine trafficking


Summary: Combating Terrorism Financing Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand prohibitions against conducting monetary transactions over $10,000 for the purpose of engaging in interstate criminal activities; (2) authorize the Attorney General to obtain a 30-day ex parte court order freezing the bank account of any individual arrested or charged for crimes involving the movement of funds into or out of the United States; (3) expand money laundering prohibitions to include monetary transactions; and (4) include monetary transactions involving commingled funds or structured transactions in prosecuting interstate transfers of funds greater than $10,000 for criminal purposes. Includes within the requirement to report monetary transactions exceeding $10,000 blank monetary instruments in bearer form drawn on accounts found to contain more than $10,000.

combating terrorism financing act amends federal criminal code expand prohibitions conducting monetary transactions purpose engaging interstate criminal activities authorize attorney general obtain day parte court order freezing bank account individual arrested charged crimes involving movement funds united_states expand money laundering prohibitions include monetary transactions include monetary transactions involving commingled funds structured transactions prosecuting interstate transfers funds greater criminal purposes includes requirement report monetary transactions exceeding blank monetary instruments bearer form drawn accounts found contain


Summary: Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2008 or the PACT Act - Amends the Jenkins Act to revise provisions governing the collection of taxes on, and trafficking in, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. (Sec. 2) Revises the definition of "cigarette" to include roll-your-own tobacco and to exclude cigars. Defines "delivery sale" to mean any sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to a consumer ordered by telephone, the mails, or the Internet or other online service . Redefines "person" to include state, local, and Indian tribal governments. Redefines "use" to include the consumption, storage, handling, or disposal of smokeless tobacco, in addition to cigarettes.Applies state tobacco tax reporting requirements to: (1) the sale or advertising for sale of smokeless tobacco products; (2) persons who ship or transfer cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products; and (3) the shipment of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco into a locality or Indian country that taxes the sale or use of such products. Requires sellers of tobacco products to file with the Attorney General reports filed with state tobacco tax administrators. Imposes additional information reporting requirements on such sellers, including disclosure of electronic mail addresses, website addresses, and authorized agents for service of process. Limits the use of information received from sellers of tobacco products solely for tax enforcement purposes.Expands requirements for delivery sales by requiring each delivery seller, with respect to delivery sales into a specific state and place, to: (1) comply with specified shipping and record-keeping requirements, all state, local, tribal, and other laws generally applicable to sales of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco as if such delivery sales occurred entirely within the specific state and place (including laws imposing excise taxes and licensing and tax-stamping requirements), and specified tax collection requirements; (2) include on the bill of lading for the shipping package containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco a clear and conspicuous statement that federal law requires the payment of all applicable excise and sales taxes and compliance with applicable licensing and tax-stamping obligations; (3) comply with specified weight and age verification requirements; and (4) keep records of all delivery sales, organized by state, for four years and make such records accessible to state, local, and Indian tribe tax authorities and the Attorney General.Prohibits the delivery of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco unless the excise tax on such products has been paid and any required stamps or other indicia of payment are properly affixed to the products. Allows an exception for states that require delivery sellers to collect the tax from consumers and remit such tax to state or local tax authorities.Requires the Attorney General to compile a list of noncompliant delivery sellers of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco and to distribute such list to state attorneys general and tax administrators and common carriers and other couriers, including the U.S. Postal Service. Prohibits the delivery of any package to, or on behalf of, a noncompliant delivery seller without determining that such package does not include cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Makes a violation of the Jenkins Act a felony (currently, a misdemeanor). Increases civil penalties for violations to the greater of $5,000 for a first violation or $10,000 for any other violation, or two percent of the gross sales of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco for the year before the violation.Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act and to provide injunctive or equitable relief, including money damages. Empowers the Attorney General to administer and enforce this Act. Authorizes a state attorney general, a local government, an Indian tribe that levies a tax subject to this Act, or a holder of a permit as a manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor (permit holder) to bring an action in U.S. district court to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Authorizes a state attorney general or such a local government or Indian tribe to provide to the Attorney General or a U.S. Attorney evidence of a violation of this Act by any person not subject to state, local, or tribal government enforcement actions for violations of this Act.Establishes a PACT Anti-Trafficking Fund into which 50% of criminal and civil penalties collected in enforcing this Act shall be deposited and available to the Attorney General to enforce this Act and other laws relating to contraband tobacco products.Requires the Attorney General to make information on enforcement actions publicly available (including on the Internet) and to report to Congress annually on such actions.(Sec. 3) Amends the federal criminal code to treat cigarettes and smokeless tobacco as nonmailable matter and prohibit their deposit into the U.S. mails. Authorizes the U.S. Postal Service to refuse to accept nonmailable tobacco products and to issue cease and desist orders to anyone mailing such products. Imposes civil penalties for failure to comply with such orders. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) cigars; and (2) mailings within Alaska or Hawaii; or (3) mailings for business purposes between legally operating tobacco businesses, and by individuals for noncommercial, nonbusiness, and non-money making purposes.Requires the seizure and forfeiture of any cigarettes or smokeless tobacco illegally deposited into the U.S. mails. Imposes a criminal penalty for intentionally placing nonmailable tobacco products in the U.S. mails.Establishes in the Treasury the PACT Postal Service Fund to hold criminal and civil fines for mailing violations. Makes 50% of such fines available to the Postmaster General to enforce mailing restrictions on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.Allows a state, local government, or Indian tribe to obtain appropriate injunctive or equitable relief for violations of such prohibition in a civil action in a U.S. district court. (Sec. 4) Prohibits a tobacco product manufacturer or importer from selling in, delivering to, or placing for delivery sale in a state that is a party to the Master Settlement Agreement (executed November 23, 1998, by state attorneys general and certain tobacco manufacturers) any cigarette of such a manufacturer that is not in full compliance with the terms of the Model Statute or Qualifying Statute enacted by such state. Grants: (1) U.S. district courts jurisdiction to prevent and restrain prohibited sales; and (2) the Attorney General authority to administer and enforce compliance with restrictions on such sales.(Sec. 5) Authorizes any officer of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to inspect the premises and records of sellers of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Imposes a civil penalty for noncompliance with an ATF inspection or a court order to compel such inspection.(Sec. 6) Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect, amend, or modify specified agreements or limitations relating to the collection of taxes on, and related matters regarding, cigarettes or smokeless tobacco sold in Indian country or to inhibit the coordination of law enforcement by states or other jurisdictions, including Indian tribes, with respect to interstate sales or seizures of tobacco products. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of Congress that unique harms are associated with online cigarette sales and that this Act is not intended to create a precedent regarding the collection of other state sales or use taxes by out-of-state entities that do not have a physical presence within the taxing state. (Sec. 8) Makes provisions of this Act effective 90 days after enactment of this Act, except for provisions relating to ATF authority, which are effective immediately.(Sec. 9) Provides that the invalidation of any provision of this Act or its application will not affect other provisions of this Act, or its application to any other person or circumstance.

prevent cigarette trafficking act pact act amends act revise provisions governing collection taxes trafficking cigarettes smokeless tobacco sec revises definition cigarette include roll tobacco exclude cigars defines delivery sale mean sale cigarettes smokeless tobacco consumer ordered telephone mails internet online service redefines person include state local indian tribal governments redefines use include consumption storage handling disposal smokeless tobacco addition cigarettes applies state tobacco tax reporting requirements sale advertising sale smokeless tobacco products persons ship transfer cigarettes smokeless tobacco products shipment cigarettes smokeless tobacco locality indian country taxes sale use products requires sellers tobacco products file attorney general reports filed state tobacco tax administrators imposes additional information reporting requirements sellers including disclosure electronic mail addresses website addresses authorized agents service process limits use information received sellers tobacco products solely tax enforcement purposes expands requirements delivery sales requiring delivery seller respect delivery sales specific state place comply specified shipping record keeping requirements state local tribal laws generally applicable sales cigarettes smokeless tobacco delivery sales occurred entirely specific state place including laws imposing excise taxes licensing tax requirements specified tax collection requirements include bill shipping package containing cigarettes smokeless tobacco clear conspicuous statement federal law requires payment applicable excise sales taxes compliance applicable licensing tax obligations comply specified weight age verification requirements records delivery sales organized state years records accessible state local indian tribe tax authorities attorney general prohibits delivery cigarettes smokeless tobacco excise tax products paid required stamps indicia payment properly affixed products allows exception states require delivery sellers collect tax consumers remit tax state local tax authorities requires attorney general compile list noncompliant delivery sellers cigarettes smokeless tobacco distribute list state attorneys general tax administrators common carriers including prohibits delivery package behalf noncompliant delivery seller determining package include cigarettes smokeless tobacco makes violation act felony currently misdemeanor increases civil penalties violations greater violation violation percent gross sales cigarettes smokeless tobacco year violation grants district courts jurisdiction prevent restrain violations act provide injunctive equitable relief including money damages empowers attorney general administer enforce act authorizes state attorney general local government indian tribe levies tax subject act holder permit manufacturer importer tobacco products export warehouse permit holder bring action district court prevent restrain violations act authorizes state attorney general local government indian tribe provide attorney general attorney evidence violation act person subject state local tribal government enforcement actions violations act establishes pact anti trafficking fund criminal civil penalties collected enforcing act shall deposited available attorney general enforce act laws relating contraband tobacco products requires attorney general information enforcement actions publicly available including internet report congress annually amends federal criminal code treat cigarettes smokeless tobacco nonmailable matter prohibit deposit mails authorizes refuse accept nonmailable tobacco products issue cease desist orders mailing products imposes civil penalties failure comply orders exempts prohibition cigars mailings alaska hawaii mailings business purposes legally operating tobacco businesses individuals noncommercial nonbusiness non money making purposes requires seizure forfeiture cigarettes smokeless tobacco illegally deposited mails imposes criminal penalty intentionally placing nonmailable tobacco products mails establishes treasury hold criminal civil fines mailing violations makes fines available postmaster general enforce mailing restrictions cigarettes smokeless tobacco products allows state local government indian tribe obtain appropriate injunctive equitable relief violations prohibition civil action district court sec prohibits tobacco product manufacturer importer selling delivering placing delivery sale state party master settlement agreement executed november state attorneys general certain tobacco manufacturers cigarette manufacturer compliance terms enacted state grants district courts jurisdiction prevent restrain prohibited sales attorney general authority administer enforce compliance restrictions authorizes officer explosives atf inspect premises records sellers cigarettes smokeless tobacco imposes civil penalty noncompliance atf inspection court order compel declares act shall construed affect amend modify specified agreements limitations relating collection taxes related matters cigarettes smokeless tobacco sold indian country inhibit coordination law enforcement states jurisdictions including indian tribes respect interstate sales seizures tobacco products sec expresses sense congress unique harms associated online cigarette sales act intended create precedent collection state sales use taxes state entities physical presence taxing state sec makes provisions act effective days enactment act provisions relating atf authority effective provides provision act application affect provisions act application person circumstance


Summary: Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the amount of a controlled substance or mixture containing a cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine) required for the imposition of mandatory minimum prison terms for crack cocaine trafficking to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.Eliminates the five-year mandatory minimum prison term for first-time possession of crack cocaine. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend, if appropriate, its sentencing guidelines for trafficking in a controlled substance to reflect the use of a dangerous weapon or violence in such crime and the culpability and the role of the defendant in such crime, taking into account certain aggravating and mitigating factors. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to improve drug treatment to offenders in prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to establish demonstration programs to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs by substance abusers while incarcerated and until the completion of parole or court supervision. Increases monetary penalties for drug trafficking and for the importation and exportation of controlled substances. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of Justice, the Treasury, and Homeland Security for FY2008-FY2009 for the prosecution of, and for supporting the prosecution of, high-level drug offenses.

drug sentencing reform cocaine trafficking act amends controlled substances act controlled_substances_import_and_export_act increase controlled substance mixture containing cocaine base crack cocaine required imposition mandatory minimum prison terms crack cocaine trafficking eliminate sentencing disparity crack powder cocaine eliminates year mandatory minimum prison term time possession crack cocaine directs review amend appropriate sentencing guidelines trafficking controlled substance reflect use dangerous weapon violence crime role defendant crime taking account certain aggravating mitigating factors directs attorney general grants improve drug treatment offenders prisons jails juvenile facilities authorizes attorney general grants establish demonstration programs reduce use alcohol drugs substance abusers incarcerated completion parole court supervision increases monetary penalties drug trafficking importation exportation controlled substances authorizes appropriations treasury homeland_security fy2008 fy2009 prosecution supporting prosecution high level drug offenses


Summary: Provides that an amendment to the sentencing guidelines promulgated by the U.S. Sentencing Commission with respect to crack cocaine offenses shall apply only to cases pending on and after the effective date of such amendment (i.e., November 1, 2007).

provides amendment sentencing guidelines promulgated respect crack cocaine offenses shall apply cases pending effective date amendment november


Summary: Human Growth Hormone Restriction Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to classify as a Schedule III controlled substance growth hormone, recombinant human growth hormone, or human growth hormone.

human growth restriction act amends controlled substances act classify schedule iii controlled substance growth recombinant human growth human growth


Summary: Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2008 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate: (1) increased and mandatory minimum penalties for drug offenses involving mixtures or substances which contain cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine); and (2) restrictions on judicial authority to grant probation or suspended sentences for certain cocaine offenses.Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for federal pretrial diversion and post conviction drug courts.Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for the drug courts grant program.

fairness amends controlled substances act controlled_substances_import_and_export_act eliminate increased mandatory minimum penalties drug offenses involving mixtures substances contain cocaine base crack cocaine restrictions judicial authority grant probation suspended sentences certain cocaine offenses authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 federal pretrial diversion post conviction drug courts amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize appropriations fy2009 fy2013 drug courts grant program


Summary: Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to require all regulated retail sellers of certain listed chemical products used to make methamphetamine to submit self-certifications of compliance with the requirements of such Act to the Attorney General.Requires the Attorney General to develop a list of all self-certified individuals and make it publicly available on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Prohibits distributors of listed chemical products from selling such products to individuals not currently registered with the DEA. Impose civil penalties for negligent failure to self-certify as required by this Act.

enhancement act amends controlled substances act require regulated retail sellers certain listed chemical products methamphetamine submit self certifications compliance requirements act attorney general requires attorney general develop list self certified individuals publicly available website drug_enforcement_administration dea prohibits distributors listed chemical products selling products individuals currently registered dea impose civil penalties negligent failure self certify required act


Summary: Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to legibly print a unique serial number on all packages of tobacco products manufactured or imported for sale or distribution. Imposes marking requirements for exports of tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to require additional secure methods of identification or marking of tobacco products. Requires the Secretary to prescribe a system of tobacco tax stamps, meter impressions, or other tax-payment indicia for tobacco products. Requires tobacco products sold on Indian reservations to be visibly and prominently labeled as such.Prohibits the export of tobacco products without the posting of a bond with the Secretary. Extends permit, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements to wholesalers of tobacco products. Establishes new criminal offenses relating to the distribution of tobacco products. Increases the civil penalty for tobacco-related infractions from $1,000 to $10,000. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) extend criminal penalties for contraband cigarettes to tobacco products (i.e., cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco) and define "contraband tobacco product" for purposes of such penalties; (2) establish new unlawful acts relating to tobacco products and machines used to manufacture or package tobacco products; and (3) establish whistleblower protections for employees who provide information about violations relating to contraband tobacco.

smuggled tobacco prevention act amends internal revenue code require manufacturers importers tobacco products print unique serial number packages tobacco products manufactured imported sale distribution imposes marking requirements exports tobacco products authorizes secretary treasury require additional secure methods identification marking tobacco products requires secretary prescribe system tobacco tax stamps meter tax payment indicia tobacco products requires tobacco products sold indian reservations prominently labeled prohibits export tobacco products posting bond secretary extends permit recordkeeping reporting requirements wholesalers tobacco products establishes new criminal offenses relating distribution tobacco products increases civil penalty tobacco related amends federal criminal code extend criminal penalties contraband cigarettes tobacco products cigars cigarettes smokeless tobacco pipe tobacco roll tobacco define contraband tobacco product purposes penalties establish new unlawful acts relating tobacco products machines manufacture package tobacco products establish whistleblower protections employees provide information violations relating contraband tobacco


Summary: Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults - Prohibits the imposition of any penalty under an Act of Congress for the possession of marijuana for personal use or for the not-for-profit transfer between adults of marijuana for personal use.Deems the possession of 100 grams or less of marijuana as personal use (one ounce or less for a not-for-profit transfer between adults).Allows the imposition of a civil penalty under the Controlled Substances Act for the public use of marijuana if such penalty does not exceed $100.

act remove federal penalties personal use marijuana imposition penalty act congress possession marijuana personal use profit transfer adults marijuana personal use deems possession grams marijuana personal use profit transfer imposition civil penalty controlled substances act public use marijuana penalty exceed


Summary: Southwest Border Violence Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) to expand resources for the Project Gunrunner initiative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to identify, investigate, and prosecute firearms trafficking across the U.S.- Mexico border; and (2) provide ATF agents, equipment, and training to assist Mexican law enforcement officers in combating firearms trafficking and other criminal enterprises.

southwest border violence reduction act directs attorney general expand resources project gunrunner initiative explosives atf identify investigate prosecute firearms trafficking mexico border provide atf agents equipment training assist mexican law enforcement officers combating firearms trafficking criminal enterprises


Summary: High School Sports Anti-Drug Act - Directs the Secretary of Education, acting through the Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, to award competitive grants to states to develop and carry out statewide pilot programs that randomly test secondary school students for performance-enhancing drug use. Requires a parent's or guardian's written consent before a student may be tested. Directs grantees to: (1) provide recovery, counseling, and treatment programs for students who test positive for performance-enhancing drug use; and (2) spend at least 10% of grant funds on preventing such drug use.

high school sports anti drug act directs secretary education acting assistant deputy secretary award competitive grants states develop carry statewide pilot programs randomly test secondary school students performance enhancing drug use requires parent guardian written consent student tested directs grantees provide recovery counseling treatment programs students test positive performance enhancing drug use spend grant funds preventing drug use


Summary: Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating or embarking in any submersible or semisubmersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating in, or has navigated into, through, or from, waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to evade detection. Grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over violations of this Act.Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this Act that a vessel operated at the time of a violation was: (1) a vessel of the Untied States or lawfully registered in a foreign nation; (2) classed by and designated in accordance with the rules of a classification society; (3) lawfully operated in a government-regulated or licensed activity; or (4) equipped with and using an operable automatic identification system, vessel monitoring system, or a long range identification and tracking system. Specifies the documents required to conclusively prove an affirmative defense. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to provide adequate penalties for violations of this Act.

drug trafficking vessel interdiction act amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years knowingly operating embarking submersible vessel nationality navigating waters outer limit territorial sea single country lateral limit country territorial sea adjacent country intent evade detection grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction violations act makes affirmative defense prosecution act vessel operated time violation vessel untied_states lawfully registered foreign nation classed designated accordance rules classification society lawfully operated government regulated licensed activity equipped operable automatic identification system vessel monitoring system long range identification tracking system specifies documents required conclusively prove affirmative defense directs promulgate amend existing guidelines provide adequate penalties violations act