Summary: Energy Security and Corporate Accountability Act of 2007 - Requires major integrated oil companies to revalue their LIFO inventories of crude oil, natural gas, or other petroleum products according to a specified formula. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) set forth a special rule for the application of the foreign tax credit to major integrated oil companies which are dual capacity taxpayers; (2) provide for extended amortization (seven years instead of five) of geological and geophysical expenditures for major integrated oil companies; and (3) impose a windfall profits tax on major integrated oil companies.Repeals provisions of the Energy Policy Act or 2005 suspending royalties from oil and natural gas production activities in the Gulf of Mexico. Terminates royalty suspension in the Planning Areas offshore Alaska.Establishes a National Energy Security Research and Investment Reserve to fund energy research, including research relating to ethanol and biodiesel, and to defray the cost of providing fueling pumps to deliver new fuels to consumers.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and carry out a Low-Income Transportation Energy Assistance Program and establish a Fund to assist low-income households in purchasing gasoline or diesel fuel or bus passes, train tickets, or other mass-transit fares for transportation purposes. Provides for the transfer of windfall profits tax receipts to the Fund.

energy security corporate accountability act requires major integrated oil companies revalue lifo inventories crude oil natural gas petroleum products according specified formula amends internal revenue code set forth special rule application foreign tax credit major integrated oil companies dual capacity taxpayers provide extended amortization seven years instead geological geophysical expenditures major integrated oil companies impose windfall profits tax major integrated oil companies repeals provisions energy policy act suspending royalties oil natural gas production activities gulf_of_mexico terminates royalty suspension planning areas offshore alaska establishes fund energy research including research relating ethanol biodiesel defray cost providing fueling pumps deliver new fuels consumers requires secretary health_and_human_services establish carry low income transportation energy assistance program establish fund assist low income households purchasing gasoline diesel fuel bus passes train tickets mass transit fares transportation purposes provides transfer windfall profits tax receipts fund


Summary: Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Declares it unlawful for a supplier to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at an unconscionably excessive price in an area the President declares an energy emergency area. States it is unlawful for any person to employ, in connection with the wholesale purchase or sale of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. States it is unlawful for any person to report information to the FTC related to the wholesale price of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates if the person: (1) knows, or reasonably should know, the information to be false or misleading; and (2) intends the false or misleading data to affect market data compiled by the FTC for statistical or analytical purposes. Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency if the well-being of U.S. citizens is at risk because of a shortage or imminent shortage of adequate supplies of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates because of: (1) a disruption in the national distribution system; or (2) significant pricing anomalies in the national energy markets for such products. Empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce this Act.Declares that this Act does not preempt state law.Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.

petroleum consumer price gouging protection act declares unlawful supplier sell crude oil gasoline petroleum distillates unconscionably excessive price area president declares energy emergency area states unlawful person employ connection wholesale purchase sale crude oil gasoline petroleum distillates manipulative deceptive device contrivance contravention federal_trade_commission ftc rules states unlawful person report information ftc related wholesale price crude oil gasoline petroleum distillates person knows reasonably know information false misleading intends false misleading data affect market data compiled ftc statistical analytical purposes authorizes president declare federal energy emergency citizens risk shortage imminent shortage adequate supplies crude oil gasoline petroleum distillates disruption national distribution system significant pricing national energy markets products empowers ftc state attorneys general enforce act declares act preempt state law sets forth civil criminal penalties violations act


Summary: Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act - Authorizes United States persons to: (1) engage in any transaction necessary for exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for such activity. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to grant general license authority for travel-related expenditures to, from, or within Cuba by persons engaging in hydrocarbon exploration and extraction in any part of a foreign maritime Exclusive Economic Zone contiguous to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to: (1) repeal the oil and gas leasing moratorium governing any area east of the Military Mission Line; and (2) decrease from within 125 to within 45 miles of the Florida coastline the moratorium upon oil and gas leasing in the Eastern and Central Planning Area. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations that establish environmental safeguards for exploration and production of oil and natural gas on the outer Continental Shelf. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an oil and natural gas inventory beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, but only upon request of the affected state governor. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding the program of grants to oil and gas producers to carry out projects to inject carbon dioxide for the purpose of enhancing oil or natural gas recovery while increasing the sequestration of carbon dioxide. Directs the Secretary of Energy to grant priority consideration to applications that, together with meeting other requirements, are carried out in geologically challenging fields.

security act authorizes united_states persons engage transaction necessary exploration extraction hydrocarbon resources portion foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous exclusive_economic_zone united_states export license authority equipment necessary activity amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement act direct secretary treasury grant general license authority travel related expenditures cuba persons engaging hydrocarbon exploration extraction foreign maritime exclusive_economic_zone contiguous amends gulf_of_mexico_energy_security act repeal oil gas leasing moratorium governing area east military_mission_line decrease miles florida coastline moratorium oil gas leasing eastern central planning area instructs secretary interior promulgate regulations establish environmental safeguards exploration production oil natural gas outer continental_shelf authorizes secretary interior conduct oil natural gas inventory beneath waters outer continental_shelf coasts virginia north_carolina south_carolina georgia request affected state governor amends energy policy act program grants oil gas producers carry projects carbon dioxide purpose enhancing oil natural gas recovery increasing sequestration carbon dioxide directs secretary energy grant priority consideration applications meeting requirements carried geologically challenging fields


Summary: Bristol Bay Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the conduct of oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities in areas of the outer Continental Shelf located in the North Aleutian Basin Planning Area. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to exclude such Planning Area from a mandated inventory of oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf.

outer_continental_shelf lands act prohibit conduct oil gas preleasing leasing related activities areas outer continental_shelf located amends energy policy act exclude planning area mandated inventory oil natural gas resources beneath waters outer continental_shelf


Summary: 10 by 10 Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to make it unlawful after December 31, 2009, for any person to sell, supply, offer for sale or supply, dispense, transport, or introduce into commerce, for use in any motor vehicle, any gasoline with less than 10% renewable fuel by volume.

act amends clean air act unlawful december person sell supply offer sale supply dispense transport introduce commerce use motor vehicle gasoline renewable fuel volume


Summary: Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish, maintain, and operate a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve of gasoline and jet fuel.Instructs the Secretary to determine between three and five regionally strategic Reserve sites throughout the United States. Permits the Secretary to release gasoline or fuel from the Reserve only if: (1) the President finds that there is a severe fuel supply disruption; or (2) the governor of a state requests a release from the Reserve, accompanied by specified findings. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Fund.

strategic gasoline fuel reserve act amends energy policy conservation act direct secretary energy establish maintain operate strategic gasoline fuel reserve gasoline jet fuel instructs secretary determine regionally strategic reserve sites united_states permits secretary release gasoline fuel reserve president finds severe fuel supply disruption governor state requests release reserve accompanied specified findings establishes treasury revolving fuel reserve fund


Summary: Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the retail price of gasoline in a state in which the average price of regular grade gasoline has increased 20 percent or more for at least seven days during any three-month period in order to determine if the price is being artificially manipulated by reducing refinery capacity or by any other form of manipulation. Requires the FTC to: (1) report to Congress within 30 days after initiating an investigation; and (2) present investigation results, within 14 days after reporting to Congress, at a public hearing in the state in which the retail price of gasoline was investigated. Requires the FTC, in cooperation with the Attorney General of the relevant state, to take appropriate action if it determines that the increase in gasoline prices in a state is a result of market manipulation.

requires federal_trade_commission ftc investigate retail price gasoline state average price regular grade gasoline increased percent seven days month period order determine price artificially manipulated reducing refinery capacity form manipulation requires ftc report congress days initiating investigation present investigation results days reporting congress public hearing state retail price gasoline investigated requires ftc cooperation attorney general relevant state appropriate action determines increase gasoline prices state result market manipulation


Summary: Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to increase the capacity for storage of petroleum products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from 1 billion to 1.5 billion barrels.

amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act energy policy act increase capacity storage petroleum products strategic_petroleum_reserve billion billion barrels


Summary: Requires major integrated oil companies (i.e., companies with annual gross receipts over $1 billion and average daily worldwide production of crude oil of at least 500,000 barrels) to revalue their LIFO inventories of crude oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product according to a specified formula. Exempts such companies from any penalties for underpayment of estimated tax resulting from the revaluation of their LIFO inventories.

requires major integrated oil companies companies annual gross receipts billion average daily worldwide production crude oil barrels revalue lifo inventories crude oil natural gas petroleum product according specified formula exempts companies penalties underpayment estimated tax resulting lifo inventories


Summary: Price Gouging Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), after the President declares a major disaster, to: (1) consult with the Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney for that area, and state and local law enforcement officials to determine whether any supplier is charging unconscionably excessive prices for gasoline or diesel fuel; (2) establish a toll-free hotline for a consumer to report price gouging; and (3) establish a program to develop and distribute public informational materials in English and Spanish to assist consumers in detecting and avoiding price gouging. Makes it unlawful to charge unconscionably excessive prices for any gasoline or diesel fuel during the 180-day period after the President declares a major disaster. Requires the FTC, if it determines a supplier is in violation, to take any action it determines appropriate to remedy the violation. Authorizes civil penalties. Requires imprisonment for knowing violations. Authorizes victims and any state attorney general to bring a civil action against violators of this Act.

price gouging act amends federal_trade_commission act direct federal_trade_commission ftc president declares major disaster consult attorney general attorney area state local law enforcement officials determine supplier charging unconscionably excessive prices gasoline diesel fuel establish toll free hotline consumer report price gouging establish program develop distribute public informational materials english spanish assist consumers detecting avoiding price gouging makes unlawful charge unconscionably excessive prices gasoline diesel fuel day period president declares major disaster requires ftc determines supplier violation action determines appropriate remedy violation authorizes civil penalties requires imprisonment knowing violations authorizes victims state attorney general bring civil action violators act


Summary: Future Accountability in Retail Fuel Act or the FAIR Fuel Act - Requires, after a specified period, all new and existing motor fuel dispensers at retail fuel stations to be equipped with automatic temperature compensation equipment. Requires state inspectors to conduct annual inspections of motor fuel dispensers at such stations and to notify the Federal Trade Commission of any noncompliance with the requirements of this Act. Subjects owners or operators of retail fuel stations who are not in compliance to certain fines. Establishes the Automatic Temperature Compensation Equipment Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to use amounts in the Trust Fund to award grants to owners and operators of retail fuel stations to offset the costs for the installation of automatic temperature compensation equipment on motor fuel dispensers.

future accountability retail fuel act fair fuel act requires specified period new existing motor fuel dispensers retail fuel stations equipped automatic temperature compensation equipment requires state inspectors conduct annual inspections motor fuel dispensers stations notify federal_trade_commission noncompliance requirements act subjects owners operators retail fuel stations compliance certain fines establishes authorizes secretary commerce use amounts trust_fund award grants owners operators retail fuel stations offset costs installation automatic temperature compensation equipment motor fuel dispensers


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2009 the suspension of the taxable income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties.

amends internal revenue code extend suspension taxable income limitation percentage depletion oil natural gas produced marginal properties


Summary: Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise requirements for the sale by the Secretary of Energy of products from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Conditions any sale on a finding by the President that: (1) there is a severe energy supply interruption; or (2) the price of home heating oil threatens the health and safety of residents of the Northeast. Adds to the alternative determinations on whose basis the President may make such a finding a determination that the price of home heating oil has increased by such an extent that the Northeast is experiencing, or will experience, an emergency situation that threatens the safety and health of residents of the Northeast.

amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act revise requirements sale secretary energy products northeast_home_heating_oil_reserve conditions sale finding president severe energy supply interruption price home heating oil threatens health safety residents northeast adds alternative determinations basis president finding determination price home heating oil increased extent northeast experiencing experience emergency situation threatens safety health residents northeast


Summary: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to suspend, during calendar year 2008, petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) through the royalty-in-kind program or any other acquisition method. Authorizes resumption of such acquisition not earlier than 30 days after the Secretary notifies Congress that the weighted average price of petroleum in the United States for the most recent 90-day period is $50 or less per barrel.

strategic petroleum reserve fill suspension consumer protection act directs secretary energy suspend calendar year petroleum acquisition strategic_petroleum_reserve spr royalty kind program acquisition method authorizes resumption acquisition earlier days secretary notifies congress weighted average price petroleum united_states recent day period barrel


Summary: American Energy Independence and Security Act of 2008 - Authorizes the exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain in Alaska. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, and production in the Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. States that, in connection with specified environmental protection laws, the Secretary shall not be required to: (1) identify nonleasing alternative courses of action; or (2) analyze the environmental effects of those actions. Authorizes the Secretary to designate not more than 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a special area (including the Sadlerochit Spring area).Prohibits surface occupancy of land comprising the special area if the Secretary leases all or a portion of such special area for oil and gas exploration and development.Authorizes the Secretary to lease all or a portion of a special area under terms that permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites on leases located outside the special area (directional drilling). Sets forth procedures for lease sales and lease grants. Prohibits the Secretary from closing land within the Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, exploration, or development, except in accordance with this Act. Sets forth procedures for: (1) Coastal Plain environmental protection; (2) expedited judicial review; (3) rights-of-way and easements; and (4) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under the leases granted under this Act.

american_energy_independence security act authorizes exploration leasing development production transportation oil gas coastal_plain alaska instructs secretary interior establish competitive oil gas leasing program oil gas exploration development production coastal_plain amends alaska_national_interest_lands_conservation_act repeal prohibition production oil gas arctic_national_wildlife_refuge states connection specified environmental protection laws secretary shall required identify nonleasing alternative courses action analyze environmental effects actions authorizes secretary designate acres coastal_plain special area including spring surface occupancy land comprising special area secretary leases portion special area oil gas exploration development authorizes secretary lease portion special area terms permit use horizontal drilling technology sites leases located outside special area directional drilling sets forth procedures lease sales lease grants prohibits secretary closing land coastal_plain oil gas leasing exploration development accordance act sets forth procedures coastal_plain environmental protection expedited judicial review rights way easements local government impact aid community service assistance prohibits exportation oil gas produced leases granted act


Summary: Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions amending the Natural Gas Act to extend its jurisdiction to: (1) the exportation or importation of natural gas in foreign commerce and to persons engaged in it; and (2) liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. States that the Natural Gas Act shall be applied and administered as if such provisions and attendant amendments had not been enacted.

amends energy policy act repeal provisions amending natural gas act extend jurisdiction exportation importation natural gas foreign commerce persons engaged liquefied natural gas lng terminals states natural gas act shall applied administered provisions attendant amendments enacted


Summary: Oil Shale Reserve Fund Revenue Act - Requires that any amounts received by the United States, beginning on November 18, 1997, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, from a lease under provisions relating to certain oil shale reserves be deposited in the U.S. Treasury. Requires that 50% of such amounts go to the Secretary of the Interior for the costs of all environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance regarding the remediation of the land transferred under certain existing provisions, including the former Anvil Points oil shale facility in Colorado. Requires that the remaining 50% go to Garfield, Rio Blanco, Moffat, and Mesa Counties, Colorado, to mitigate the effects of oil and gas development activities within the affected areas. Prohibits counting such funds in calculating payments for the counties under provisions relating to payment for entitlement land.

revenue act requires amounts received united_states beginning november ending date enactment act lease provisions relating certain oil shale reserves deposited requires amounts secretary interior costs environmental restoration waste management environmental compliance remediation land transferred certain existing provisions including oil shale facility colorado requires remaining colorado mitigate effects oil gas development activities affected areas prohibits counting funds calculating payments counties provisions relating payment entitlement land


Summary: Roan Plateau Oil and Gas Leasing Improvement Act of 2008 - Designates as Special Protection Areas of the Roan Plateau (Colorado): (1) all public land identified as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern on a specified map; (2) all public land located within the watersheds or drainage of Northeaster Creek and the East Fork of Parachute Creek above the confluence with First Anvil Creek; and (3) all public land identified as subject to a No Ground Disturbance (NGD/NSO) stipulation on a specified map. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage the Special Protection Areas to prevent irreparable damage to fish and wildlife resources as well as historical, cultural, scenic, and environmental resources. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) permit oil and gas exploration and development activities within designated development corridors, subject to specified conditions; and (2) issue mineral leases affecting public land within the Roan Plateau Planning Area. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting oil shale exploration or development within the Planning Area. Permits the Secretary to select an area for initial issuance of mineral leases, but within no more than one phased development area. Restricts selection of an initial lease area to: (1) the Anvil Ridge Oil and Gas Development Area; or (2) the Corral Ridge Oil and Gas Development Area. Authorizes the Secretary to include in oil or gas exploration leases minimum bonus bid amounts and lease sizes above certain limits of the Mineral Leasing Act. Authorizes the Secretary to select the second and each subsequent phased development area for issuance of mineral leases, subject to notice and opportunity for public comment, and other specified conditions. Requires the Secretary to ensure that each lease under this Act requires the lessee to join a federal unitization agreement covering all leases offered in the relevant phased development area.

designates special protection areas colorado public land identified area critical environmental concern specified map public land located watersheds drainage east_fork confluence public land identified subject ground disturbance stipulation specified map directs secretary interior manage special protection areas prevent irreparable damage fish wildlife resources historical cultural scenic environmental resources authorizes secretary permit oil gas exploration development activities designated development corridors subject specified conditions issue mineral leases affecting public land prohibits secretary permitting oil shale exploration development permits secretary select area initial issuance mineral leases phased development area restricts selection initial lease area authorizes secretary include oil gas exploration leases minimum bonus bid amounts lease sizes certain limits mineral leasing act authorizes secretary select second subsequent phased development area issuance mineral leases subject notice opportunity public comment specified conditions requires secretary ensure lease act requires lessee join federal agreement covering leases offered relevant phased development area


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels between May 26, 2008, and September 1, 2008. Provides for reimbursement from the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund for any reduction in Trust Fund receipts resulting from such suspension.Expresses the policy of Congress that: (1) consumers immediately receive the benefit of the reduction in taxes resulting from this Act; and (2) transportation motor fuels producers and other dealers take necessary actions to reduce fuel prices to reflect such reduction in taxes.

amends internal revenue code suspend excise taxes gasoline diesel fuels september provides reimbursement treasury highway_trust_fund reduction trust_fund receipts resulting suspension expresses policy congress consumers immediately receive benefit reduction taxes resulting act transportation motor fuels producers dealers necessary actions reduce fuel prices reflect reduction taxes


Summary: Diesel Tax Parity Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax on diesel fuel for a specified period ending on December 31, 2008. Provides for reimbusement from the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund for any reduction in Trust Fund receipts resulting from this reduction in diesel fuel taxes.

amends internal revenue code reduce excise tax diesel fuel specified period ending december provides treasury highway_trust_fund reduction trust_fund receipts resulting reduction diesel fuel taxes


Summary: Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal: (1) royalty incentives for natural gas production from ultra-deep and deep wells in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) royalty relief for deep water production in the Western and Central Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico.

amends energy policy act repeal royalty incentives natural gas production ultra deep deep wells shallow waters gulf_of_mexico royalty relief deep water production western central planning area gulf_of_mexico


Summary: Government Oil Acquisition Financial Accountability and Consumer Relief Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to suspend petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Authorizes the Secretary to resume petroleum acquisition for the SPR not earlier than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary notifies Congress that for the most recent consecutive four-week period: (1) the weighted average price of retail, regular, all formulations gasoline in the United States is $2.50 or less per gallon; or (2) the weighted average price of retail, No. 2 diesel in the United States is $2.75 or less per gallon. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require that acquisitions made for the SPR reflect a steady monthly dollar value of oil.Instructs the Secretary to include at least 10% heavy crude oil in making any crude oil acquisitions for the SPR.

consumer relief act instructs secretary energy suspend petroleum acquisition strategic_petroleum_reserve spr authorizes secretary resume petroleum acquisition spr earlier days date secretary notifies congress recent consecutive week period weighted average price retail regular formulations gasoline united_states gallon weighted average price retail diesel united_states gallon amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act require acquisitions spr reflect monthly dollar value oil instructs secretary include heavy crude oil making crude oil acquisitions spr


Summary: Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act of 2008, or the DOES Act - Permits United States persons to: (1) engage in exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the exclusive economic zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all pertinent equipment for such activity. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources in any part of a foreign maritime Exclusive Economic Zone contiguous to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Identifies as persons authorized to travel to Cuba any full-time employees, executives, and agents and consultants of oil and gas producers, distributors, and shippers. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to: (1) repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) decrease to 45 miles within the coastline of Florida the moratorium on oil and gas leasing. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations that establish environmental safeguards for oil and natural gas exploration and production on the outer Continental Shelf. Authorizes such Secretary to inventory the oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, only if the respective state governor requests it. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy, in evaluating applications for enhanced oil and natural gas production through carbon dioxide injection, to grant priority consideration to applications carried out in geologically challenging fields. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy (Secretaries) to suspend acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) during calendar 2008. Authorizes the Secretaries to resume such acquisition after the President notifies Congress that the weighted average price of petroleum in the United States for the most recent 90-day period is $75 or less per barrel.

act act permits united_states persons engage exploration extraction hydrocarbon resources portion foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous exclusive economic zone united_states export license authority pertinent equipment activity amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement act direct secretary treasury authorize travel related transactions travel cuba connection exploration extraction hydrocarbon resources foreign maritime exclusive_economic_zone contiguous identifies persons authorized travel cuba time employees executives agents consultants oil gas producers distributors shippers amends gulf_of_mexico_energy_security act repeal moratorium oil gas leasing east military_mission_line gulf_of_mexico decrease miles coastline florida moratorium oil gas leasing instructs secretary interior promulgate regulations establish environmental safeguards oil natural gas exploration production outer continental_shelf authorizes secretary inventory oil natural gas resources beneath waters outer continental_shelf coasts virginia north_carolina south_carolina georgia respective state governor requests amends energy policy act instruct secretary energy evaluating applications enhanced oil natural gas production carbon dioxide injection grant priority consideration applications carried geologically challenging fields requires secretaries interior energy secretaries suspend acquisition petroleum strategic_petroleum_reserve spr calendar authorizes secretaries resume acquisition president notifies congress weighted average price petroleum united_states recent day period barrel


Summary: Increases, for veterans with home loans, the maximum guaranty limit for refinance loans and the percentage of an existing loan that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will refinance.

increases veterans home loans maximum guaranty limit refinance loans percentage existing loan department_of_veterans_affairs refinance


Summary: Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny major integrated oil companies (i.e., companies producing at least 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily) a tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil, gas, or primary products thereof; (2) conform tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (3) impose a windfall profits tax on major integrated oil companies; and (4) establish an Energy Independence and Security Trust Fund funded by revenues raised by the tax provisions of this Act to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and reduce the risks of global warming. Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Declares it unlawful for a supplier to sell crude oil, gasoline, petroleum distillates, or biofuel at an unconscionably excessive price in an area for which the President declares that an energy emergency exists. Grants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce this Act.Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency if the well-being of U.S. citizens is at risk because of a shortage or imminent shortage of adequate supplies of crude oil, gasoline, petroleum distillates, or biofuel because of: (1) a disruption in the national distribution system; or (2) significant pricing anomalies in the national energy markets for such products.Authorizes state attorneys general to bring civil actions to enforce this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations.Directs the Secretaries of Energy and the Interior to suspend acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until December 31, 2008.No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2008 or NOPEC - Amends the Sherman Act to make it illegal for any foreign state to act with another foreign state to: (1) limit the production or distribution of oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product; (2) set or maintain prices for such products; or (3) otherwise take any action in restraint of trade for such products. Denies sovereign immunity or act of state doctrine protections for foreign states who engage in such such illegal conduct. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to require the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to: (1) determine that foreign boards of trade subject to CFTC jurisdiction regulate and provide information on off-shore oil trading; and (2) set a substantial increase in margin levels for all oil futures trades, contracts, or transactions.

consumer energy act amends internal revenue code deny major integrated oil companies companies producing barrels crude oil daily tax deduction income attributable domestic production oil gas primary products thereof conform tax treatment foreign oil gas extraction income foreign oil related income purposes foreign tax credit impose windfall profits tax major integrated oil companies establish funded revenues raised tax provisions act reduce dependence foreign unsustainable energy sources reduce risks global warming petroleum consumer price gouging protection act declares unlawful supplier sell crude oil gasoline petroleum distillates biofuel unconscionably excessive price area president declares energy emergency exists ftc authority enforce act authorizes president declare federal energy emergency citizens risk shortage imminent shortage adequate supplies crude oil gasoline petroleum distillates biofuel disruption national distribution system significant pricing national energy markets products authorizes state attorneys general bring civil actions enforce act sets forth civil criminal penalties violations directs interior suspend acquisition petroleum strategic_petroleum_reserve december exporting cartels act sherman act illegal foreign state act foreign state limit production distribution oil natural gas petroleum product set maintain prices products action restraint trade products denies sovereign immunity act state doctrine protections foreign states engage illegal conduct amends commodity_exchange_act require commodity_futures_trading_commission cftc determine foreign boards trade subject cftc jurisdiction regulate provide information shore oil trading set substantial increase margin levels oil futures trades contracts transactions


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Compensation and Pension Matters - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) appropriate contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) applicable time limitations. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to review actions taken by the Secretary with respect to the adoption and revision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) schedule for the rating of veterans' disabilities. (Sec. 103) Makes a technical correction to the Wounded Warrior Act. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans committees on progress in addressing the causes of variances in compensation payments for veterans for service-connected disabilities. (Sec. 105) Amends the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 to extend through 2010 VA authority to contract with non-VA physicians to perform veterans' medical disability examinations. (Sec. 106) Adds osteoporosis to the list of disabilities presumed to be service-connected (and therefore compensable through VA disability compensation) in the case of veterans who are former prisoners of war, if the Secretary determines that such veteran has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Title II: Modernization of Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation System - Subtitle A: Benefits Matters - (Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to assign a temporary disability rating to a veteran who: (1) has served on active duty no more than 365 days, has one or more disabilities for which a rating of total is not immediately assignable, and has one or more severe disabilities, or wounds or injuries, which materially impair employability; (2) has a mental disorder severe enough to bring about discharge or release from active duty; (3) has a service-connected disability requiring hospital treatment or observation in excess of 21 days; or (4) has a service-connected disability that has required convalescent care or treatment under hospital discharge or outpatient release conditions. Provides limits to the temporary rating period (depending on the category), but authorizes the Secretary to extend such period when appropriate. (Sec. 212) Permits a survivor who would be eligible to receive accrued benefits under a claim, within one year after the death of the claimant, to request to be substituted as the claimant for claim purposes,if the claimant dies while a claim for benefits or appeal of a claim decision is pending. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the compensation of veterans for loss of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of service-connected disabilities, and on long-term transition payments to veterans undergoing rehabilitation due to such disabilities. (Sec. 214) Establishes in the VA the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation to advise the Secretary with respect to the maintenance and periodic readjustment of the VA schedule for rating veteran disabilities. Requires the Advisory Committee to take into special account the needs of veterans who have served in a theater of combat operations. Directs the: (1) Advisory Committee to report biennially to the Secretary on VA programs and activities relating to the payment of disability compensation; and (2) Secretary to transmit such reports to the veterans committees, together with comments and recommendations. Subtitle B: Assistance and Processing Matters - (Sec. 221) Directs the Secretary to carry out a one-year pilot program at 10 VA regional offices to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing expeditious treatment of fully-developed VA compensation or pension claims to ensure that such claims are adjudicated within 90 days after being submitted. Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program at four VA regional offices to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing to claimants and their representatives a checklist of information and evidence required to substantiate a claim. Requires an initial, interim, and final report from the Secretary to Congress concerning the implementation and results of each pilot program. (Sec. 222) Establishes in the VA an Office of Survivors Assistance to advise the Secretary on VA policies, programs, legislative issues, and other initiatives affecting the survivors and dependents of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 223) Requires a report from the Comptroller General (CG) to the veterans and appropriations committees on the adequacy of VA dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability in replacing the deceased veteran's income. (Sec. 224) Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with an independent entity to conduct, over a three-year period, an assessment of the VA quality assurance program; and (2) report the entity's findings and conclusions to Congress. (Sec. 225) Requires the Secretary to provide for an examination of appropriate Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) employees and managers responsible for processing VA compensation and pension benefits claims. Directs the CG to: (1) evaluate the training programs administered for such employees; and (2) report evaluation results to the veterans committees. (Sec. 226) Directs the Secretary to: (1) study the effectiveness of the current VBA employee work credit system and work management system; (2) report study results to Congress; and (3) after such report, establish an updated system for evaluating the performance and accountability of VBA employees responsible for processing claims for VA compensation or pension benefits. (Sec. 227) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review the use of information technology in the VBA with respect to the processing of compensation and pension benefits claims; (2) develop a plan for the use of such technology in processing such claims; (3) review best practices and lessons learned with respect to the use of such technology, including the technology known as "VistA"; (4) require the plan to include technology that reduces claim processing time; and (5) report to Congress on the review and plan. (Sec. 228) Directs the Secretary to study, and report to Congress on, the feasibility and advisability of various mechanisms to improve communication between the VBA and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in providing VBA employees with access to medical advice when needed to perform their duties. Title III: Labor and Education Matters - Subtitle A: Labor and Employment Matters - (Sec. 311) Amends provisions concerning servicemembers' employment and reemployment rights and benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) to require: (1) complainants to be notified of their rights within five days after receipt of the complaint by the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service; (2) complaint investigation and resolution to be completed within 90 days after their receipt; and (3) the Office of Special Counsel or Attorney General, within 60 days after receiving a complaint referral, to determine whether to provide legal representation to the claimant, and to notify the complainant in writing of such decision. Makes inapplicable any statute of limitations against claims under USERRA. (Sec. 312) Modifies requirements for annual USERRA case reporting by the Secretary of Labor to require the inclusion of: (1) the number of actions initiated by the Office of Special Counsel before the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2) data of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; and (3) data concerning those with disabilities. Requires: (1) quarterly reports to Congress from the Secretary of Labor, the Special Counsel, and the Attorney General on their compliance with the deadlines established in the previous section; and (2) a one-time report from the Comptroller General assessing the information received in the quarterly reports. (Sec. 313) Directs the head of each federal agency to provide training to its human resources personnel on the rights, benefits, and obligations of servicemembers under USERRA, and the agency's application and administration of USERRA requirements with respect to such servicemembers. (Sec. 314) Requires the Secretary of Labor to report to the veterans committees an assessment of the employment needs of Native American veterans living in or on tribal lands, Alaska Native villages, and Hawaiian home lands. (Sec. 315) Requires (under current law, authorizes) the appropriate U.S. district court to use its equity powers, including injunctive relief, in any case in which the court determines it appropriate to fully vindicate a veteran's employment or reemployment rights under USERRA with respect to a state or private employer. (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Secretary to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training. (Sec. 317) Includes veterans of the Post 9/11 Global War on Terror within an annual (under current law, biennial) veterans' unemployment study. Subtitle B: Education Matters - (Sec. 321) Extends from 10 to 20 years the time limit for the use of educational benefits under the VA's survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program by the spouse of a member who dies, or is permanently disabled, as the result of a service-connected disability. (Sec. 322) Eliminates the requirement that educational institutions providing non-accredited courses report to the VA any credit that was granted by that institution for a veteran's prior training. (Sec. 323) Reduces from 10 to 5 days the required waiting period prior to a veteran student's affirmation of an enrollment agreement with an institution to pursue a program of education exclusively by correspondence. (Sec. 324) Eliminates the requirement that a veteran or beneficiary make a separate application with the VA for a program change at an educational institution. (Sec. 325) Eliminates a minimum wage-earning requirement in the case of self-employment on-job training. (Sec. 326) Directs the Secretary to ensure the coordination of educational course approval activities by state approving agencies with such activities performed by the Departments of Labor and Education and other appropriate entities. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans committees on actions to establish outcome-oriented performance standards for, and a tracking and reporting system for resources expended by, approving agencies. Subtitle C: Vocational Rehabilitation Matters - (Sec. 331) Allows the VA program of independent living services and assistance for severely-disabled veterans to extend beyond its normal 24-month limit in the case of veterans who served on active duty during the post-9/11 Global Operations period and whose severe disability was incurred in such service. (Sec. 332) Increases, from 2500 to 2600, the cap on the number of veterans for which programs of independent living services and assistance may be annually initiated. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to study, and report to the veterans committees on, measures to assist and encourage veterans in completing their vocational rehabilitation plans. (Sec. 334) Directs the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, to conduct a longitudinal study of each group of individuals who began participating in a veterans' vocational rehabilitation program during FY2010, FY2012, and FY2014. Requires the Secretary to: (1) study each group over at least a 20-year period; and (2) report to the veterans committees during each year covered by the study. Title IV: Insurance Matters - (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and veterans committees an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of including severe and acute PTSD among the conditions covered by the traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). (Sec. 402) Makes a stillborn child an insurable dependent under SGLI for veterans and their survivors and dependents. (Sec. 403) Extends full-time and family SGLI coverage to certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve. Terminates a dependent's SGLI coverage 120 days after a member's separation or release from service (rather than 120 days after the member's SGLI coverage terminates). Allows the VA to set premiums for SGLI coverage for the spouses of members of the Individual Ready Reserve based on the spouse's age. Forfeits all rights to Veterans' Group Life Insurance coverage in the case of any individual: (1) found guilty of mutiny, treason, spying, or desertion; or (2) who, because of conscientious objections, refuses to perform military service or wear a military uniform. (Sec. 404) Allows administrative costs of the Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance program to be paid through premiums. Title V: Housing Matters - (Sec. 501) Provides a temporary increase, from the date of enactment of this Act through December 31, 2011, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the VA. (Sec. 502) Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans committees on the effects of mortgage foreclosures on veterans. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to make available to veterans eligible for specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans, without cost to the veterans, a handbook containing appropriate designs for specially adapted housing. Requires the Secretary, at least every six years, to update the handbook to take into account any new or unique disabilities, including vision impairments, impairments specific to the upper limbs, and burn injuries. (Sec. 504) Increases, for veterans with home loans, the maximum percentage of an existing loan that the VA will refinance. (Sec. 505) Extends through FY2012 VA demonstration projects involving adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages. Title VI: Court Matters - (Sec. 601) Increases, as of December 31, 2009, from seven to nine the maximum number of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). Provides that, as of January 1, 2013, no appointment may be made to the Court that would result in there being more than nine judges. (Sec. 602) Directs the Court to prescribe rules to protect privacy and security concerns relating to all filing of documents and the public availability of documents retained by, or filed electronically with, the Court. (Sec. 603) Repeals the 180-day limit on the number of days per year a recall-eligible retired Court judge may voluntarily serve on the Court in a recall status. Establishes a three-tiered retirement pay structure with respect to Court judges appointed on or after the date of enactment of this Act, with tier one representing retired judges recalled to active service, tier two representing recall-eligible retired judges, and tier three representing non-recall-eligible retired judges. Exempts current and future recall-eligible retired judges from involuntary recall once they have served an aggregate of five years of recall service. (Sec. 604) Requires the Court's chief judge to report annually to the veterans committees on the Court's workload. (Sec. 605) Removes the $30 annual limit on practice and registration fees for those admitted to practice before the Court. Requires any fees charged to be reasonable. Title VII: Assistance to United States Paralympic Integrated Adaptive Sports Program - (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY2010-FY2013, to award grants to the United States Paralympics, Inc. (USPI), to plan, develop, manage, and implement an integrated adaptive sports program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. Requires the USPI to conduct a joint outreach campaign with the Secretary to inform eligible veterans and members of the program, and to encourage their participation. Authorizes appropriations. Requires an annual report during such fiscal years from the USPI to the Secretary, and the Secretary to Congress, on the use of grant funds. (Sec. 703) Establishes in the VA an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to carry out qualifying programs and events for disabled veterans and members. Authorizes the Director to provide an allowance for a disabled veteran for each month in which the veteran is training or competing in a USPI-sanctioned event or residing at a USPI training center. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to direct the VA's Under Secretary for Health to: (1) make VA medical staff available to facilitate veteran participation in USPI sporting events; and (2) allow such personnel to provide support in USPI programs without requiring the use of personal leave. (Sec. 704) Requires a report from the CG to Congress on the grants provided and the activities of the Office established under this title. Title VIII: Other Matters - (Sec. 801) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) suspend or terminate the collection of debts owed to the United States by individuals who die while serving on active duty; and (2) refund to the estate of an individual any debt previously paid under such circumstances. (Sec. 802) Extends through FY2011 VA authority to obtain information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration for income verification purposes for VA needs-based benefits. (Sec. 803) Directs the Medical Follow-Up Agency of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to maintain and manage the assets (including electronic data files and biological specimens of study participants) transferred to the Agency from the Air Force Health Study. Authorizes the Agency, during FY2009-FY2012, to conduct additional research on such assets toward the goal of understanding the determinants of health, and promoting wellness, in veterans. Requires an Agency report to Congress assessing the feasibility and advisability of conducting additional research on such assets after the end of FY2012. Provides funding. (Sec. 804) Requires: (1) the Secretary to contract with the Institute, above, to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological study to identify any increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis as a result of service in the Persian Gulf War or in the Post 9/11 global operations theaters; and (2) an interim and final results report from the Institute to the Secretary and the veterans' committees. (Sec. 805) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow members of the Armed Forces who receive orders to deploy outside the United States for not less than 90 days, or for a permanent change of duty station within the United States, to terminate or suspend their cell phone contracts without incurring early termination or reactivation fees, if their ability to fulfill the service contract or to utilize the service will be materially affected by such deployment or permanent change. (Sec. 806) Provides that if, after December 31, 2008, the Secretary enters into a contract or other arrangement with a governmental entity to acquire goods or services, the Secretary shall include in such contract or arrangement a requirement that such entity complies, to the maximum extent feasible, with VA contracting goals and preferences for veteran-owned small businesses. (Sec. 807) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide penalties against creditors for violations of interest rate limits for servicemembers. (Sec. 808) Extends through 2014 (under current law, terminates at the end of 2009) the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. (Sec. 809) Authorizes the Secretary to purchase advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of veterans' benefits, including assistance for homeless veterans, the promotion of veteran-owned small businesses, opportunities for employment in the VA, and for VA education, training, compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, and health care benefits, as well as mental health care (including the prevention of suicide among veterans). (Sec. 810) Extends eligibility for memorial headstones or markers to deceased remarried surviving spouses of veterans, whether or not the remarriage ended by death or divorce.

veterans benefits improvement act title compensation pension matters sec directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary prescribe regulations specifying contents currently required notice claimants complete substantially complete application including different contents notice depending claim original claim claim reopening prior decision claim claim increased benefits appropriate contents depending benefit services sought type claim benefits general information evidence required applicable time limitations sec authorizes veterans claims review actions taken secretary respect adoption revision department_of_veterans_affairs schedule rating veterans disabilities sec makes technical correction wounded warrior act sec directs secretary report congressional veterans committees progress addressing causes variances compensation payments veterans service connected disabilities sec amends veterans benefits act extend authority contract non-va physicians perform veterans medical disability examinations sec adds osteoporosis list disabilities presumed service connected compensable disability compensation case veterans prisoners war secretary determines veteran post traumatic stress disorder ptsd title modernization department veterans affairs disability compensation system subtitle benefits matters sec directs secretary assign temporary disability rating veteran served active duty days disabilities rating total immediately assignable severe disabilities wounds injuries materially impair employability mental disorder severe bring discharge release active duty service connected disability requiring hospital treatment observation excess days service connected disability required convalescent care treatment hospital discharge outpatient release conditions provides limits temporary rating period depending category authorizes secretary extend period appropriate sec permits survivor eligible receive accrued benefits claim year death claimant request substituted claimant claim purposes claimant dies claim benefits appeal claim decision pending sec directs secretary report congress compensation veterans loss earning capacity quality life result service connected disabilities long term transition payments veterans undergoing rehabilitation disabilities sec establishes advisory committee disability compensation advise secretary respect maintenance periodic readjustment schedule rating veteran disabilities requires advisory committee special account needs veterans served theater combat operations directs advisory_committee report biennially secretary programs activities relating payment disability compensation secretary transmit reports veterans committees comments recommendations subtitle assistance processing matters sec directs secretary carry year pilot program regional offices assess feasibility advisability providing expeditious treatment fully developed compensation pension claims ensure claims adjudicated days submitted directs secretary carry pilot program regional offices assess feasibility advisability providing claimants representatives checklist information evidence required substantiate claim requires initial interim final report secretary congress concerning implementation results pilot program sec establishes advise secretary policies programs legislative issues initiatives affecting survivors dependents deceased veterans members armed_forces sec requires report comptroller_general veterans appropriations committees adequacy dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses dependents veterans die result service connected disability replacing deceased veteran income sec directs secretary contract independent entity conduct year period assessment quality assurance program report entity findings conclusions congress sec requires secretary provide examination appropriate veterans_benefits_administration vba employees managers responsible processing compensation pension benefits claims directs evaluate training programs administered employees report evaluation results veterans committees sec directs secretary study effectiveness current vba employee work credit system work management system report study results congress report establish updated system evaluating performance accountability vba employees responsible processing claims compensation pension benefits sec requires secretary review use information technology vba respect processing compensation pension benefits claims develop plan use technology processing claims review best practices lessons learned respect use technology including technology known vista require plan include technology reduces claim processing time report congress review plan sec directs secretary study report congress feasibility advisability mechanisms improve communication vba veterans_health_administration vha providing vba employees access medical advice needed perform duties title iii labor labor sec amends provisions concerning servicemembers employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra require notified rights days receipt complaint department_of_labor complaint investigation resolution completed days receipt office_of_special_counsel attorney general days receiving complaint referral determine provide legal representation claimant notify complainant writing decision makes inapplicable statute limitations claims userra sec modifies requirements annual userra case reporting secretary labor require inclusion number actions initiated office_of_special_counsel merit_systems_protection_board data data concerning disabilities requires quarterly reports congress secretary labor special_counsel attorney general compliance deadlines established previous section time report comptroller general assessing information received quarterly reports sec directs head federal agency provide training human resources personnel rights benefits obligations servicemembers userra agency application administration userra requirements respect servicemembers sec requires secretary labor report veterans committees assessment employment needs native american veterans living tribal lands alaska_native villages hawaiian home lands sec requires current law authorizes appropriate district court use equity powers including injunctive relief case court determines appropriate fully veteran employment reemployment rights userra respect state private employer sec authorizes secretary waive public interest purposes case case basis residency requirement director training sec includes veterans post global war terror annual current law biennial veterans unemployment study subtitle education matters sec extends years time limit use educational benefits survivors dependents educational assistance program spouse member dies permanently disabled result service connected disability sec eliminates requirement educational institutions providing non accredited courses report credit granted institution veteran prior training sec reduces days required waiting period prior veteran student affirmation enrollment agreement institution pursue program education exclusively correspondence sec eliminates requirement veteran beneficiary separate application program change educational institution sec eliminates minimum wage earning requirement case self employment job training sec directs secretary ensure coordination educational course approval activities state approving agencies activities performed departments_of_labor education appropriate entities requires report secretary veterans committees actions establish outcome oriented performance standards tracking reporting system resources expended approving agencies subtitle vocational rehabilitation matters sec allows program independent living services assistance severely disabled veterans extend normal month limit case veterans served active duty global operations period severe disability incurred service sec increases cap number veterans programs independent living services assistance annually initiated sec directs secretary study report veterans committees measures assist encourage veterans completing vocational rehabilitation plans sec directs secretary subject availability appropriated funds conduct longitudinal study group individuals began participating veterans vocational rehabilitation program fy2010 fy2012 fy2014 requires secretary study group year period report veterans committees year covered study title insurance matters sec directs secretary report defense veterans committees assessment feasibility advisability including severe acute ptsd conditions covered traumatic injury protection coverage sec makes child insurable dependent sgli veterans survivors dependents sec extends time family sgli coverage certain members individual_ready_reserve terminates dependent sgli coverage days member separation release service days member sgli coverage terminates allows set premiums sgli coverage spouses members individual_ready_reserve based spouse age rights coverage case individual found guilty treason conscientious objections refuses perform military service wear military uniform sec allows administrative costs program paid premiums title housing matters sec provides temporary increase date enactment act december maximum veterans loan guaranty certain housing loans guaranteed sec requires report secretary veterans committees effects mortgage foreclosures veterans sec directs secretary available veterans eligible specially adapted housing assistance disabled veterans cost veterans handbook containing appropriate designs specially adapted housing requires secretary years update handbook account new unique disabilities including vision impairments impairments specific upper burn injuries sec increases veterans home loans maximum percentage existing loan refinance sec extends fy2012 demonstration projects involving adjustable rate hybrid adjustable rate mortgages title court matters sec increases december seven maximum number judges veterans claims court provides january appointment court result judges sec directs court prescribe rules protect privacy security concerns relating filing documents public availability documents retained filed electronically court sec repeals day limit number days year recall eligible retired court judge voluntarily serve court recall status establishes tiered retirement pay structure respect court judges appointed date enactment act tier representing retired judges recalled active service tier representing recall eligible retired judges tier representing non recall eligible retired judges exempts current future recall eligible retired judges involuntary recall served aggregate years recall service sec requires court chief judge report annually veterans committees court workload sec removes annual limit practice registration fees admitted practice court requires fees charged reasonable title vii assistance united states sec authorizes secretary fy2010 fy2013 award grants plan develop manage implement integrated adaptive sports program disabled veterans disabled members armed_forces requires conduct joint outreach campaign secretary inform eligible veterans members program encourage participation authorizes appropriations requires annual report fiscal years secretary secretary congress use grant funds sec establishes special events headed director carry qualifying programs events disabled veterans members authorizes director provide allowance disabled veteran month veteran training competing sanctioned event residing training center authorizes appropriations requires secretary direct secretary health medical staff available facilitate veteran participation sporting events allow personnel provide support programs requiring use personal leave sec requires report congress grants provided activities office established title title viii matters sec authorizes secretary suspend terminate collection debts owed united_states individuals die serving active duty refund estate individual debt previously paid circumstances sec extends authority obtain information internal_revenue_service irs social_security_administration income verification purposes needs based benefits sec directs medical follow agency institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academies maintain manage assets including electronic data files biological specimens study participants transferred agency authorizes agency fy2009 fy2012 conduct additional research assets goal understanding determinants health promoting wellness veterans requires agency report congress assessing feasibility advisability conducting additional research assets end fy2012 provides funding sec requires secretary contract institute conduct comprehensive epidemiological study identify increased risk developing multiple sclerosis result service persian_gulf_war post global operations theaters interim final results report institute secretary veterans committees sec amends servicemembers civil relief act allow members armed_forces receive orders deploy outside united_states days permanent change duty station united_states terminate suspend cell phone contracts incurring early termination reactivation fees ability fulfill service contract utilize service materially affected deployment permanent change sec provides december secretary enters contract arrangement governmental entity acquire goods services secretary shall include contract arrangement requirement entity complies maximum extent feasible contracting goals preferences veteran owned small businesses sec amends servicemembers civil relief act provide penalties creditors violations interest rate limits servicemembers sec extends current law terminates end advisory_committee_on_minority_veterans sec authorizes secretary purchase advertising national media outlets promote awareness veterans benefits including assistance homeless veterans promotion veteran owned small businesses opportunities employment education training compensation pension vocational rehabilitation health care benefits mental health care including prevention suicide veterans sec extends eligibility memorial headstones markers deceased remarried surviving spouses veterans remarriage ended death divorce


Summary: Authorizes the city of Aurora, Colorado, to convey by donation to the United States nonfederal lands consisting of parcel I of the former United States Army Garrison Fitzsimons, Colorado, as more specifically described in the deed, and the parcel of land described in the deed, for construction of a veterans' medical facility.

authorizes city aurora colorado convey donation united_states nonfederal lands consisting parcel colorado specifically described deed parcel land described deed construction veterans medical facility


Summary: Oil Savings Act of 2008 - States that it is U.S. policy to reduce the dependence of the United States on oil and thereby: (1) alleviate the strategic dependence of the United States on oil-producing countries; (2) reduce the economic vulnerability of the United States; and (3) reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil use.Directs an Interagency Task Force, composed of the Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, Defense, Agriculture, and the Treasury, as well as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any other agency head determined appropriate by the President, to: (1) publish an action plan for achieving specified oil savings targets during calendar years 2016, 2026, and 2030; and (2) report to Congress on the progress achieved in implementing such targets and expected oil savings under the action plan. Requires the plan to include an analysis demonstrating expected oil savings that result from changes to motor vehicle fuel consumption standards and under the renewable fuel program.Requires a revised action plan if oil savings fall short of targets.

oil savings act 2008_-_states policy reduce dependence united_states oil alleviate strategic dependence united_states oil producing countries reduce economic vulnerability united_states reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated oil use directs interagency_task_force composed treasury administrator environmental_protection_agency epa agency head determined appropriate president publish action plan achieving specified oil savings targets calendar years report congress progress achieved implementing targets expected oil savings action plan requires plan include analysis demonstrating expected oil savings result changes motor vehicle fuel consumption standards renewable fuel program requires revised action plan oil savings fall short targets


Summary: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 with respect to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) searchable federal funding database website. Requires the website to allow the public to search programmatically and access all data in a serialized machine readable format (such as XML) via a web-services application programming interface. Specifies additional information on federal awards (federal financial assistance and expenditures) the website must include by certain deadlines. Requires the website to present information about federal awards and their recipients in ways that meet the needs of users with different levels of understanding about government spending and abilities using searching websites.Sets forth requirements of the Director of OMB to add specified data quality enhancements to the website.Requires the Director to ensure that the unique identifier used to link information on the website is also used to link information about performance of individual contractors and recipients of financial assistance starting with awards given in FY2008.Requires the chief executive officer of an award recipient to certify whether the entity has: (1) filed all federal tax returns required during the preceding five years; (2) been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code; and (3) an outstanding debt under the Code for which a notice of lien has been publicly filed that is not being paid in a timely manner, or for which a collection due process hearing or relief is requested or pending.Requires the Director to: (1) develop certification forms; (2) ensure that each agency providing federal awards complies with tax compliance requirements; and (3) ensure that the website contains such certified information.

strengthening transparency accountability federal spending act amends federal funding accountability transparency act respect office_of_management_and_budget omb searchable federal funding database website requires website allow public search programmatically access data machine readable format web services application programming interface specifies additional information federal awards federal financial assistance expenditures website include certain deadlines requires website present information federal awards recipients ways meet needs users different levels understanding government spending abilities searching websites sets forth requirements director omb add specified data quality enhancements website requires director ensure unique identifier link information website link information performance individual contractors recipients financial assistance starting awards given chief executive officer award recipient certify entity filed federal tax returns required preceding years convicted criminal offense internal revenue code outstanding debt code notice lien publicly filed paid timely manner collection process hearing relief requested pending requires director develop certification forms ensure agency providing federal awards complies tax compliance requirements ensure website contains certified information


Summary: Imported Ethanol Parity Act - Requires the President to: (1) reduce semiannually the temporary duty imposed on ethanol by an amount equal to the reduction in any federal income or excise tax credit for alcohol and ethanol blends used as fuel; and (2) take other necessary actions to ensure that the temporary duty imposed on ethanol is equal to, or lower than, any federal income or excise tax credit applicable to ethanol.

imported ethanol parity act requires president reduce semiannually temporary duty imposed ethanol equal reduction federal income excise tax credit alcohol ethanol blends fuel necessary actions ensure temporary duty imposed ethanol equal lower federal income excise tax credit applicable ethanol


Summary: Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws.Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall be subject to a point of order in the Senate unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) environment and public safety; (3) food and product health and safety; (4) provision of services; (5) investment; (6) procurement; (7) intellectual property; (8) agriculture; (9) trade remedies and safeguards; (10) rules of origin; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; and (13) national security.Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan to bring existing trade agreements into compliance with such standards.Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee.Expresses the sense of Congress that a certain process for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.

trade reform accountability development employment act trade act directs comptroller general united_states review certain free trade agreements including uruguay round agreements united_states foreign countries report agreements including analyses specified subjects agreement country democratic form government respects certain core labor rights fundamental human rights protects intellectual property rights enforces environmental laws declares implementing bills new trade agreements shall subject point order senate agreements include certain standards respect labor environment public safety food product health safety provision services investment procurement intellectual property agriculture trade remedies safeguards rules origin dispute resolution enforcement technical assistance national security requires president submit congress plan bring existing trade agreements compliance standards establishes congressional trade agreement review committee expresses sense congress certain process trade negotiations followed congress considers legislation providing special procedures implementing bills trade agreements


Summary: Cooperative Watershed Management Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Cooperative Watershed Management Program, under which the Secretary shall provide grants to form or enlarge a watershed group or to conduct water management projects in accordance with the goals of such a group. Defines a "watershed group" as a self-sustaining, cooperative watershed-wide group that: (1) is comprised of representatives of the affected stakeholders of the relevant watershed; (2) is a grassroots, nonregulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed; (3) is capable of promoting the sustainable use of the water resources of the relevant watershed and improving the functioning condition of rivers and streams through water conservation, improved water quality, ecological resiliency, and the reduction of water conflicts; and (4) makes decisions on a consensus basis. Requires a watershed group to include: (1) representatives of hydroelectric production, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agricultural production, the environment, potable water purveyors and industrial water users, and private property owners within the watershed; (2) any federal, state, or local agency agency that has authority regarding the watershed; and (3) any Indian tribe member who owns land within the watershed or land held in trust.Authorizes the Secretary, in distributing grant funds, to give priority to watershed groups that represent maximum diversity of interest or serve subbasin-sized watersheds with an eight-digit hydrologic unit code. Sets forth usage and progress requirements for, procedures for awarding, and federal shares of the costs of first-, second-, and third-phase grants.Requires: (1) annual reports by watershed groups to the Secretary on progress; and (2) reports every five years by the Secretary to specified congressional committees on Program benefits and effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2020.

cooperative watershed management act directs secretary interior establish secretary shall provide grants form watershed group conduct water management projects accordance goals group defines watershed group self sustaining cooperative watershed wide group comprised representatives affected stakeholders relevant watershed grassroots nonregulatory entity addresses water availability quality issues relevant watershed capable promoting sustainable use water resources relevant watershed improving functioning condition rivers streams water conservation improved water quality ecological resiliency reduction water conflicts makes decisions consensus basis requires watershed group include representatives hydroelectric production livestock grazing timber production land development recreation tourism irrigated agricultural production environment potable water industrial water users private property owners watershed federal state local agency agency authority watershed indian tribe member owns land watershed land held trust authorizes secretary distributing grant funds priority watershed groups represent maximum diversity interest serve sized watersheds digit hydrologic unit code sets forth usage progress requirements procedures awarding federal shares costs first- phase grants requires annual reports watershed groups secretary progress reports years secretary specified congressional committees program benefits effectiveness authorizes appropriations


Summary: Safe Aviation Facilities Ensure Aircraft Integrity and Reliability Act of 2008 or the SAFE AIR Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to: (1) prescribe regulations requiring maintenance work on passenger aircraft to be performed by certain authorized individuals; (2) certify to Congress that the FAA has inspected each foreign repair station that has performed work on U.S. air carrier aircraft or components at least twice in the preceding year and tested persons who perform safety-sensitive functions at such stations for use of alcohol or controlled substances; and (3) develop a plan to identify all noncertified maintenance providers that have performed maintenance work on such aircraft. Prohibits the Administrator from certifying a foreign repair station unless it complies with certain final security regulations.

safe aviation facilities ensure aircraft integrity reliability act safe air act requires administrator federal_aviation_administration faa prescribe regulations requiring maintenance work passenger aircraft performed certain authorized individuals certify congress faa inspected foreign repair station performed work air carrier aircraft components twice preceding year tested persons perform safety sensitive functions stations use alcohol controlled substances develop plan identify maintenance providers performed maintenance work aircraft prohibits administrator certifying foreign repair station complies certain final security regulations


Summary: Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an annual production incentive fee for federal onshore and offshore lands subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring. Prescribes the fee amount for each acre of land from which oil or natural gas is produced for less than 90 days in a calendar year.Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund to serve as depository for fees received under this Act.Describes energy programs to be funded with such fees, including: (1) solar energy research and development; (2) next-generation wind turbines; (3) weatherization assistance low-income housing; (4) new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings; (5) energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; (6) advanced vehicles research, development, and demonstration; and (7) low-income home energy assistance.

secretary interior establish annual production incentive fee federal onshore offshore lands subject lease production oil natural gas production occurring prescribes fee acre land oil natural gas produced days calendar year serve depository fees received act describes energy programs funded fees including solar energy research development generation wind turbines weatherization assistance low income housing new technologies improve energy efficiency reduce greenhouse gas emissions buildings energy storage systems support electric drive vehicles stationary applications electricity transmission distribution advanced vehicles research development demonstration low income home energy assistance


Summary: Energy Needed Offshore Under Gas Hikes Act - Allows the governor of a state, during any period in which the price of regular gasoline is equal to or greater than $5, with the concurrence of the state legislature, to petition the Secretary of the Interior to make a new producing area of the state eligible for: (1) oil leasing, gas leasing, or both, as determined by the state in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Mineral Leasing Act; or (2) natural gas leasing only. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit 45% of all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, and other sums due and payable to the United States from leases for new producing areas (qualified revenues) in the outer Continental Shelf into the general fund of the Treasury. Requires 55% of qualified revenues to be deposited into a special account in the Treasury, from which the Secretary shall disburse: (1) 37.5% to eligible producing states for new producing areas; (2) 12.5% to provide assistance to states in accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965; and (3) 5% to states for historic offshore production distribution.

gas governor state period price regular gasoline equal greater concurrence state legislature petition secretary interior new producing area state eligible oil leasing gas leasing determined state accordance outer_continental_shelf_lands_act mineral_leasing_act natural gas leasing requires secretary treasury deposit rentals royalties bonus bids sums payable united_states leases new producing areas qualified revenues outer continental_shelf general fund treasury requires qualified revenues deposited special account treasury secretary shall disburse eligible producing states new producing areas provide assistance states accordance land_and_water_conservation_fund_act states historic offshore production distribution


Summary: Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing any new lease for exploration or production of oil or natural gas unless the lessee: (1) certifies for each existing lease that the lessee has diligently developed the lands in order to produce oil or natural gas, or is producing oil or natural gas from such lands; or (2) has relinquished all federal oil and gas leases that are not being diligently developed. Instructs the Secretary to promulgate diligent development regulations that: (1) include benchmarks for oil and gas development to ensure that leaseholders produce oil and gas from each lease within the original term of the lease; and (2) require each leaseholder to submit a diligent development plan showing how the lessee will meet the benchmarks. Establishes a civil penalty for noncompliance with this Act.

responsible federal oil gas lease act prohibits secretary interior authorizing new lease exploration production oil natural gas lessee certifies existing lease lessee diligently developed lands order produce oil natural gas producing oil natural gas lands relinquished federal oil gas leases diligently developed instructs secretary promulgate diligent development regulations include benchmarks oil gas development ensure leaseholders produce oil gas lease original term lease require leaseholder submit diligent development plan showing lessee meet benchmarks establishes civil penalty noncompliance act


Summary: Home Energy Assistance Today Act - Provides additional funding in FY2008 for state allotments and emergency allotments under the low-income home energy assistance program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny major integrated oil companies a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production of oil, gas, or primary products thereof.

today act provides additional funding fy2008 state allotments emergency allotments low income home energy assistance program amends internal revenue code deny major integrated oil companies tax deduction income attributable domestic production oil gas primary products thereof


Summary: Emergency Energy Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to make grants to states to pay the federal share of the cost of establishing and implementing response plans to address rising heating oil, natural gas, diesel, and other energy costs.

emergency energy response act amends energy policy act direct secretary energy grants states pay federal share cost establishing implementing response plans address rising heating oil natural gas diesel energy costs


Summary: Marginal Well Production Preservation and Enhancement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase to 27.5% the percentage depletion allowance for domestic crude oil and natural gas production from marginal properties; (2) extend through 2008 the temporary suspension of the taxable income limit with respect to marginal production of crude oil and natural gas; and (3) accelerate to three years the recovery period of qualified tertiary injectant property for depreciation purposes.Amends the Clean Air Act with respect to emissions from small oil and gas exploration and production-related equipment. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) amend the definition of "wastewater treatment facility" to include produced water from an oil production facility; and (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish cost-effective minimal requirements for the prevention of oil and hazardous substance discharges for small facilities with oil storage capacities of less than 50,000 gallons at which no single tank exceeds a nominal capacity of 21,000 gallons.

increase percentage depletion allowance domestic crude oil natural gas production marginal properties extend temporary suspension taxable income limit respect marginal production crude oil natural gas accelerate years recovery period qualified tertiary injectant property depreciation purposes amends clean air act respect emissions small oil gas exploration production related equipment amends federal_water_pollution_control_act amend definition wastewater treatment facility include produced water oil production facility require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish cost effective minimal requirements prevention oil hazardous substance discharges small facilities oil storage capacities gallons single tank exceeds nominal capacity gallons


Summary: Liquefied Natural Gas Import Terminal Authorization Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to prohibit siting, constructing, expanding, or operating a liquefied natural gas import terminal within a state unless: (1) an application to do so is submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to the agency with siting authority in the state in which the liquefied natural gas import terminal is located; and (2) FERC and the state agency issue an order approving the application. Sets forth terms and conditions for application approval. Amends federal transportation law to permit a state to adopt additional or more stringent safety standards for liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities if those standards are compatible with the minimum standards prescribed under federal pipeline safety law. Prohibits a state authority from adopting or continuing in force safety standards for interstate pipeline facilities or transportation, except in the case of liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities.

prohibit siting constructing expanding operating liquefied natural gas import terminal state application submitted federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc agency siting authority state liquefied natural gas import terminal located ferc state agency issue order approving application sets forth terms conditions application approval amends federal transportation law permit state adopt additional stringent safety standards liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities standards compatible minimum standards prescribed federal pipeline safety law prohibits state authority adopting continuing force safety standards interstate pipeline facilities transportation case liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities


Summary: Support for Iraq Oil Trust Act of 2008 - Withholds specified percentages of Economic Support Fund assistance for Iraq unless the Secretary of State certifies within specified time periods to the appropriate congressional committees that U.S. government representatives have presented an oil trust plan to Iraqi government representatives.

support iraq oil trust act specified percentages economic_support_fund assistance iraq secretary state certifies specified time periods appropriate congressional committees government representatives presented oil trust plan iraqi government representatives