Summary:
Promoting Regional Energy Partnerships for Advancing Resilient Energy Systems Act or the PREPARE Act

Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of the Interior (acting through specified Assistant Secretaries) to provide technical assistance to governmental entities, Indian tribes, and regional and nonprofit organizations to develop energy strategies that harmonize and promote national, regional, and state energy goals.

Sets forth an awards program addressing the uniqueness of the energy challenges facing states and Indian tribes.

promoting regional energy partnerships advancing resilient energy systems act prepare act directs secretary energy secretary interior acting specified assistant secretaries provide technical assistance governmental entities indian tribes regional nonprofit organizations develop energy strategies harmonize promote national regional state energy goals sets forth awards program addressing energy challenges facing states indian tribes


Summary:
Quadrennial Energy Review Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to direct the President to establish once every four years the Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force to coordinate the Quadrennial Energy Review.

Each Review must: (1) establish integrated, governmentwide national energy objectives in the context of economic, environmental, and security priorities; and (2) consider reasonable estimates of future federal budgetary resources when making recommendations.

 The President's report to Congress on the Review must address an integrated view of short-, intermediate-, and long-term objectives for federal energy policy.

The Secretary of Energy shall give each Review necessary analytical, financial, and administrative support as requested by the cochairpersons.

quadrennial energy review act bill amends department_of_energy_organization_act direct president establish years quadrennial energy review task_force coordinate quadrennial energy review review establish integrated governmentwide national energy objectives context economic environmental security priorities consider reasonable estimates future federal budgetary resources making recommendations president report congress review address integrated view short- long term objectives federal energy policy secretary energy shall review necessary analytical financial administrative support requested


Summary: This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to declare that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase electric energy from a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility if the state regulatory agency having ratemaking authority over the utility has determined that the utility has no need to acquire additional generation resources in order to meet its obligation to serve customers in the public interest.

bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act declare electric utility shall required enter new contract obligation purchase electric energy qualifying facility qualifying small power production facility state regulatory agency having ratemaking authority utility determined utility need acquire additional generation resources order meet obligation serve customers public interest


Summary:
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to review the potential of other federal agencies' pending rulemaking proceedings to cause an adverse effect on the cost, time, or difficulty of complying with DOE's current or proposed energy efficiency regulations, guidelines, or standards.

DOE must consult with federal agency heads to identify areas of conflict or overlap between any of its proposed or final regulations, guidelines, or standards and relevant agencies' proposed or final regulations, guidelines, or standards. DOE must also seek public input on any identified conflicts or overlaps.

When there is an identified conflict or overlap, DOE must work with the head of the relevant agency and the public to resolve the conflict or overlap prior to finalizing a rulemaking to ensure that the conflict or overlap does not pose an undue compliance burden on the regulated persons.

bill requires department_of_energy doe review potential federal agencies pending rulemaking proceedings cause adverse effect cost time difficulty complying doe current proposed energy efficiency regulations guidelines standards doe consult federal agency heads identify areas conflict overlap proposed final regulations guidelines standards relevant agencies proposed final regulations guidelines standards doe seek public input identified conflicts identified conflict overlap doe work head relevant agency public resolve conflict overlap prior finalizing rulemaking ensure conflict overlap pose undue compliance burden regulated persons


Summary:
American Energy Efficiency Act

This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe a federal energy efficiency resource standard for retail electricity and natural gas suppliers.

The Secretary of Energy is directed to implement a program which establishes:

 measurement and verification procedures and standards that count only measures and savings that are additional to business-as-usual customer purchase practices; certain requirements governing retail electricity suppliers and retail natural gas suppliers; other requirements governing applications for, and implementation of, delegated state administration; and rules to govern transfers of electricity or natural gas savings between suppliers and third-party efficiency providers serving the same state and between suppliers and third-party efficiency providers serving different states. Mandatory performance standards for 2017-2030 are prescribed for retail energy suppliers. No standards for any subsequent year may be lower than the standard for 2030.

Retail electricity and natural gas suppliers are subject to monetary penalties for failure to document the adequate savings required by this Act.

The Secretary may delegate to a state responsibility for administering this Act within its territory upon determining that it will meet or exceed the energy efficiency required by this Act.

The Secretary must: (1) review state implementation of this Act, every two years, in approximately one-half of the states; and (2) take certain measures where deficiencies are found.

american energy efficiency_act bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act prescribe federal energy efficiency resource standard retail electricity natural gas suppliers secretary energy directed implement program establishes measurement verification procedures standards count measures savings additional business usual customer purchase practices certain requirements governing retail electricity suppliers retail natural gas suppliers requirements governing applications implementation delegated state administration rules govern transfers electricity natural gas savings suppliers party efficiency providers serving state suppliers party efficiency providers serving different states mandatory performance standards prescribed retail energy suppliers standards subsequent year lower standard retail electricity natural gas suppliers subject monetary penalties failure document adequate savings required act secretary delegate state responsibility administering act territory determining meet exceed energy efficiency required act secretary review state implementation act years approximately half states certain measures deficiencies found


Summary:
Free Market Energy Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to identify the elements of a distributed energy resource, including fuel cells, microgrids, and combined heat and power systems.

Distributed energy resources shall have a general right of interconnection under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), and all rates and fees for interconnection shall provide for the two-way benefit for the distributed energy resource and the electricity grid.

Each state regulatory authority shall consider requiring that distributed energy resources be eligible to receive just and reasonable energy and rate treatment for time-of-use pricing and other specified features and values.

A state regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility acting under state authority must consider specified interconnections standards that include:

 setting rates that exceed the incremental cost of alternative electric energy for purchases from any distributed energy resource that is a qualifying facility for electricity generated, demand reduced, or service provided by the qualifying facility interconnected under this Act; and making any distributed energy resource project exempt from filing requirements with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). A state regulatory authority must also consider:

 designation, through a competitive process, of a regulated utility, other party, or a combination of regulated utilities and other parties to be a smart grid coordinator or distribution system operator for the state; and nontransmission alternatives when a regulated utility proposes transmission projects.

free market energy act bill amends federal power act identify elements distributed energy resource including fuel cells combined heat power systems distributed energy resources shall general right interconnection public_utility_regulatory_policies_act purpa rates fees interconnection shall provide way benefit distributed energy resource electricity grid state regulatory authority shall consider requiring distributed energy resources eligible receive reasonable energy rate treatment time use pricing specified features values state regulatory authority nonregulated electric utility acting state authority consider specified standards include setting rates exceed incremental cost alternative electric energy purchases distributed energy resource qualifying facility electricity generated demand reduced service provided qualifying facility interconnected act making distributed energy resource project exempt filing requirements federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc state regulatory authority consider designation competitive process regulated utility party combination regulated utilities parties smart grid coordinator distribution system operator state alternatives regulated utility proposes transmission projects


Summary:
Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability Act of 2015 or the NEWS Act of 2015

 This bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish either a Committee or a Subcommittee on the Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability (NEWS) under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The Secretary of Energy (DOE) and Secretary of the Interior must serve as co-chairs. The term "energy-water nexus" means the links between: (1) the water needed to produce energy; and (2) the energy needed to transport, reclaim, and treat water and wastewater.

The NEWS Committee or Subcommittee shall:

 serve as a forum for developing common federal goals and plans on energy-water nexus research, development, and demonstration activities; issue a strategic plan on the priorities and objectives of those activities; promote coordination of the related activities of federal departments and agencies; coordinate and develop capabilities and methodologies for data collection, management, and dissemination of information related to those activities from and to other federal departments and agencies; promote information exchange between federal departments and agencies; and review its activities, relevance, and effectiveness 10 years after it is established and report on the results of the review. The Office of Management and Budget must submit a report that displays for each agency that carries out or supports basic and applied research, development, and demonstration activities to advance energy-water nexus-related science and technologies: (1) the budget proposed in the President's budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, (2) expenditures and obligations for the prior fiscal year, and (3) estimated expenditures and obligations for the current fiscal year.

nexus energy water sustainability act news act bill requires office_of_science_and_technology_policy establish committee subcommittee nexus energy water sustainability news national_science_and_technology_council nstc secretary energy doe secretary interior serve chairs term energy water nexus means links water needed produce energy energy needed transport reclaim treat water wastewater news committee subcommittee shall serve forum developing common federal goals plans energy water nexus research development demonstration activities issue strategic plan priorities objectives activities promote coordination related activities federal departments agencies coordinate develop capabilities methodologies data collection management dissemination information related activities federal departments agencies promote information exchange federal departments agencies review activities relevance effectiveness years established report results review office_of_management_and_budget submit report displays agency carries supports basic applied research development demonstration activities advance energy water nexus related science technologies budget proposed president budget request upcoming fiscal year expenditures obligations prior fiscal year estimated expenditures obligations current fiscal year


Summary:
This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to define "distributed resource" as an electric power source connected directly to the distribution network or on the customer side of the meter.

State regulatory authorities shall by certain deadlines:

 establish proceedings to examine the degree to which distributed resources contribute specified ancillary services, such as reactive supply, energy imbalance, and flexibility and ramping services, among others; prescribe measures to ensure adequate ancillary services so that grid interconnection for distributed resources is safe, reliable, and efficient; examine the effects of net metering and customer-owned distributed generation on resource planning of each electric utility, and determine whether electricity rates established for net metering service are just and reasonable and not unduly preferential or discriminatory.

bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act define distributed resource electric power source connected directly distribution network customer meter state regulatory authorities shall certain deadlines establish proceedings examine degree distributed resources contribute specified ancillary services reactive supply energy imbalance flexibility services prescribe measures ensure adequate ancillary services grid interconnection distributed resources safe reliable efficient examine effects net metering customer owned distributed generation resource planning electric utility determine electricity rates established net metering service reasonable unduly preferential discriminatory


Summary:
Energy Distribution Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to collaborate with other federal agencies to improve the conceptual development of energy security, considering at a minimum:

 development of flexible, transparent, and competitive energy markets, including natural gas and oil markets; diversification of energy fuels, sources, and routes; and encouragement of indigenous sources of energy supply. DOE must: (1) lead an interagency effort to improve and coordinate data collection and analytical and modeling capabilities for energy distribution on shared energy infrastructure; and (2) coordinate the training of, and enhanced dialogue among, technical staff in federal agencies responsible for cross-border energy projects evaluation and implementation.

 The Energy Information Administration must collaborate with officials in Canada and Mexico to improve:

 the quality and transparency of North American energy data through reconciliation of data on energy trade flows among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; the extension of energy mapping capabilities in those countries; and the development of common energy data terminology among the three nations.

energy distribution act bill requires department_of_energy doe collaborate federal agencies improve conceptual development energy security considering minimum development flexible transparent competitive energy markets including natural gas oil markets diversification energy fuels sources routes encouragement indigenous sources energy supply doe lead interagency effort improve coordinate data collection analytical modeling capabilities energy distribution shared energy infrastructure coordinate training enhanced dialogue technical staff federal agencies responsible cross border energy projects evaluation implementation energy_information_administration collaborate officials canada mexico improve quality transparency north american energy data reconciliation data energy trade flows canada mexico extension energy mapping capabilities countries development common energy data terminology nations


Summary:
Energy Loan Program Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the condition of a full appropriation under which the Department of Energy (DOE) may make loan guarantees intended to serve as incentives for innovative technologies, but retains as the sole condition for the making of a guarantee that DOE has received from the borrower payment in full for the cost of the guarantee, and has deposited such payment into the Treasury.

Any reorganization, restructuring, or termination of a debt obligation, as well as the debt obligation itself (as under current law), may not be subordinate to other financing.

If DOE has not made a final decision 270 days after receipt of the loan application, the applicant may submit a loan status request, and may repeat such request every 90 days thereafter until the final decision is made. DOE must respond to such a request within 10 days after receiving it, summarizing any delaying factors and estimating the date the application review will be completed.

The temporary program for rapid deployment of renewable energy and electric power transmission projects is repealed, and the unobligated balance of amounts available to implement it are rescinded.

energy loan program improvement act bill amends energy policy act repeal condition appropriation department_of_energy doe loan guarantees intended serve incentives innovative technologies retains sole condition making guarantee doe received borrower payment cost guarantee deposited payment treasury reorganization restructuring termination debt obligation debt obligation current law subordinate financing doe final decision days receipt loan application applicant submit loan status request repeat request days final decision doe respond request days receiving summarizing delaying factors estimating date application review completed temporary program rapid deployment renewable energy electric power transmission projects repealed unobligated balance amounts available implement rescinded


Summary:
North American Energy Infrastructure Act

Prohibits any person from constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining a cross-border segment of an oil or natural gas pipeline or electric transmission facility at the national boundary of the United States for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity to or from Canada or Mexico without obtaining a certificate of crossing under this Act.

Requires the Department of State, with respect to oil pipelines, or the Department of Energy (DOE), with respect to electric transmission facilities, to issue a certificate of crossing for the cross-border segment within 120 days after final action is taken under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, unless it is not in U.S. public interest.

Directs DOE, as a condition of issuing a certificate, to require that the cross-border segment be constructed, connected, operated, or maintained consistent with specified policies and standards.

Amends the Natural Gas Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve within 30 days after receipt any application for the importation or exportation of natural gas to or from Canada or Mexico.

 Declares that no presidential permit shall be necessary for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of an oil or natural gas pipeline or electric transmission facility, including any cross-border segment.

north american energy infrastructure act prohibits person constructing connecting operating maintaining cross border segment oil natural gas pipeline electric transmission facility national boundary united_states import export oil natural gas electricity canada mexico obtaining certificate crossing act requires department_of_state respect oil pipelines department_of_energy doe respect electric transmission facilities issue certificate crossing cross border segment days final action taken national_environmental_policy_act public interest directs doe condition issuing certificate require cross border segment constructed connected operated maintained consistent specified policies standards amends natural gas act require federal_energy_regulatory_commission approve days receipt application importation exportation natural gas canada mexico declares presidential permit shall necessary construction connection operation maintenance oil natural gas pipeline electric transmission facility including cross border segment


Summary:
Hydropower Improvement Act of 2015

This bill declares that hydropower is a renewable resource for purposes of all federal programs and is an essential source of energy in the United States.

The Federal Power Act is amended to limit the conditions placed on construction licenses issued for dams, conduits and reservoirs within any federal to those that: (1) pertain to the reservation land on which project works are located; and (2) have a clear and direct nexus to the presence or operations of the project being licensed, as determined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Preliminary permits issued to maintain priority of application for a license may be extended from three years to four years.

FERC may: (1) extend the period of a preliminary permit for up to four additional years beyond the initial four years, and (2) grant the permittee an additional permit if extraordinary circumstances warrant that action.

 When determining the term of a license, FERC must consider project-related investments by the licensee over the term of the existing license that resulted in new development, construction, capacity, efficiency improvements, or environmental measures, but which did not result in FERC extension of the license term.

FERC shall also determine alternative prescriptions for a fishway license instead of the Department of the Interior.

FERC shall require a licensee to construct, maintain, and operate fishways only if the fishways are necessary to mitigate effects of a project upon fish populations, have a clear and direct nexus to the presence or operations of the project being licensed, and are submitted in accordance with a specified schedule.

FERC shall in addition: (1) investigate best practices in performing licensing studies, including methodologies and the design of studies to assess the full range of any environmental impacts of a project; (2) compile a comprehensive collection of studies and data accessible to the public that could be used to inform license proceedings; and (3) act as the lead agency coordinating all applicable federal authorizations.

FERC may, upon request, designate staff to hold informal meetings to discuss technical or procedural matters relating to any ongoing license proceeding.

The bill revises requirements regarding the entitlement of a license applicant, including any party to the proceeding, to a determination on the record, after opportunity for a trial-type hearing, concerning disputed issues of material fact with respect to an applicable covered measure.

In implementing the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013, FERC must consider a closed loop pumped storage project to include one: (1) in which the upper and lower reservoirs do not impound or directly withdraw water from a navigable stream, and (2) that is not continuously connected to a naturally flowing water feature.

hydropower improvement act bill declares hydropower renewable resource purposes federal programs essential source energy united_states federal power act amended limit conditions placed construction licenses issued dams conduits reservoirs federal pertain reservation land project works located clear direct nexus presence operations project licensed determined federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc preliminary permits issued maintain priority application license extended years years ferc extend period preliminary permit additional years initial years grant permittee additional permit extraordinary circumstances warrant action determining term license ferc consider project related investments licensee term existing license resulted new development construction capacity efficiency improvements environmental measures result ferc extension license term ferc shall determine alternative prescriptions license instead department_of_the_interior ferc shall require licensee construct maintain operate necessary mitigate effects project fish populations clear direct nexus presence operations project licensed submitted accordance specified schedule ferc shall addition investigate best practices performing licensing studies including methodologies design studies assess range environmental impacts project compile comprehensive collection studies data accessible public inform license proceedings act lead agency coordinating applicable federal authorizations ferc request designate staff hold informal meetings discuss technical procedural matters relating ongoing license proceeding bill revises requirements entitlement license applicant including party proceeding determination record opportunity trial type hearing concerning disputed issues material fact respect applicable covered measure implementing hydropower regulatory efficiency_act ferc consider closed loop pumped storage project include upper lower reservoirs impound directly withdraw water navigable stream continuously connected naturally flowing water feature


Summary:
This bill amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to allow federal agencies to contract for the acquisition of renewable energy or energy from cogeneration facilities for the federal government for up to 30 years.

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program must publish a standardized energy purchase agreement setting forth commercial terms and conditions that agencies may use to acquire that energy.

DOE must also provide technical assistance to assist agencies in implementing the bill.

bill amends national_energy_conservation_policy_act allow federal agencies contract acquisition renewable energy energy facilities federal_government years department_of_energy doe federal_energy_management_program publish standardized energy purchase agreement setting forth commercial terms conditions agencies use acquire energy doe provide technical assistance assist agencies implementing bill


Summary:
Energy Supply and Distribution Act of 2015

This bill declares that the production and distribution of energy in the United States requires access to infrastructure and markets.

The Department of Energy (DOE) must collaborate with federal agencies to improve the conceptual development of energy security, considering at a minimum: (1) development of flexible, transparent, and competitive energy markets, including natural gas and oil; and (2) diversification of energy fuels, sources, and routes, and the encouragement of indigenous sources of energy supply.

DOE must also coordinate interagency: (1) data collection for energy distribution on shared energy infrastructure, and (2) training to evaluate and implement cross-border energy projects.

 It is the sense of Congress that growth in crude oil and dry natural gas production varies significantly across oil and natural gas supply regions, thereby: (1) forcing shifts in crude oil and natural gas flows between regions of the United States, and (2) requiring investment or realignment of midstream infrastructure including pipelines.

The Energy Information Administration must collaborate with officials in Canada and Mexico to reconcile data on energy trade flows, extend energy mapping capabilities, and develop common energy data terminology.

Congress declares that processed condensate is a petroleum product.

The DOE Office of Fossil Energy Assessment may assess the suitability of condensate separately from crude oil for use in strategic reserves, while certain agencies within the Department of the Interior must assess condensate separately from crude oil.

The bill authorizes: (1) the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to estimate condensate separately from crude oil as part of the resource assessments regarding domestic geological formations, (2) the Office of Natural Resources Revenue to collect condensate data separately from crude oil, and (3) the United States Geological Survey to include estimates of condensate separately from crude oil as part of the resource assessments regarding domestic geological formations.

Domestic crude oil or condensate (except crude oil stored in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve) may be exported without a federal license to countries not subject to U.S. sanctions.

energy supply distribution act bill declares production distribution energy united_states requires access infrastructure markets department_of_energy doe collaborate federal agencies improve conceptual development energy security considering minimum development flexible transparent competitive energy markets including natural gas oil diversification energy fuels sources routes encouragement indigenous sources energy supply doe coordinate interagency data collection energy distribution shared energy infrastructure training evaluate implement cross border energy projects sense congress growth crude oil dry natural gas production varies significantly oil natural gas supply regions forcing shifts crude oil natural gas flows regions united_states requiring investment realignment infrastructure including pipelines energy_information_administration collaborate officials canada mexico reconcile data energy trade flows extend energy mapping capabilities develop common energy data terminology congress declares processed condensate petroleum product doe office_of_fossil_energy assessment assess suitability condensate separately crude oil use strategic reserves certain agencies department_of_the_interior assess condensate separately crude oil bill authorizes bureau_of_ocean_energy_management estimate condensate separately crude oil resource assessments domestic geological formations office_of_natural_resources_revenue collect condensate data separately crude oil united_states_geological_survey include estimates condensate separately crude oil resource assessments domestic geological formations domestic crude oil condensate crude oil stored strategic_petroleum_reserve exported federal license countries subject sanctions


Summary:
Small Hydropower Dependable Regulatory Order Act of 2015 or the Small HyDRO Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe the licensing procedures for a project that: (1) does not alter the existing flowrate of the body of water the project is on, and (2) either has a power production capacity not exceeding 5 megawatts or is used to power a nonpowered dam.

The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a license shall be issued following application.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) shall resolve any conflict over environmental analyses that may arise between it and any other federal or state agency.

Licenses shall be issued for a term of 10 years.

FERC must approve or disapprove a license application within 180 days of its receipt.

small hydropower dependable regulatory order act small hydro act bill amends federal power act prescribe licensing procedures project alter existing body water project power production capacity exceeding megawatts power dam bill establishes rebuttable presumption license shall issued following application federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc shall resolve conflict environmental analyses arise federal state agency licenses shall issued term years ferc approve disapprove license application days receipt


Summary:
Energy Title of America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015

This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2020 designated energy research, development, and commercial application programs conducted through the Office of Science of the Department of Energy (DOE).

The America COMPETES Act is amended to require the Director of Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to ensure that ARPA-E funding for a project is not available unless the prospective grantee demonstrates sufficient attempts to secure private financing or indicates that the project is not independently commercially viable.

Specified information collected by ARPA-E from financial assistance recipients shall be considered privileged, confidential, and exempt from certain federal information disclosure requirements.

The bill authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2020 for the Energy Transformation Acceleration Fund.

 The bill repeals funding and authorities for the following programs:

 the Nuclear Science Talent Expansion Program For Institutions of Higher Education; Hydrocarbon Systems Science Competitiveness Grants For Institutions of Higher Education; Discovery Science and Engineering Innovation Institutes; National Laboratories Centers of Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics secondary school education, certain Summer Institutes hosted by a National Laboratory; and a mentoring program under the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to recruit mentors for women and underrepresented minorities interested in careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. With respect to the University Nuclear Science and Engineering Support program, DOE shall award grants of up to five years to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs in nuclear sciences and related fields, including nuclear chemistry.

Funds are authorized for FY2016-FY2020 for the DOE early career awards for science, engineering, and mathematics researchers program, as well as for its distinguished scientist program.

The diversity requirement for awarding grants under the program for early career awards for science, engineering, and mathematics researchers is revised to substitute a required variety of types of National Laboratories in lieu of a variety of types of nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organizations.

The Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act is amended to direct the Office of Science to coordinate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education programs across all functions of DOE.

The bill amends the America COMPETES Act to: (1) change the criteria for awarding Protecting America's Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate fellowships, and (2) allow such fellowships to cover either full or partial graduate tuition.

energy title america competes reauthorization act bill amends energy policy act reauthorize fy2020 designated energy research development commercial application programs conducted office_of_science department_of_energy doe america competes act amended require director advanced_research_projects_agency-energy arpa-e ensure arpa-e funding project available prospective grantee demonstrates sufficient attempts secure private financing indicates project independently commercially viable specified information collected arpa-e financial assistance recipients shall considered privileged confidential exempt certain federal information disclosure requirements bill authorizes appropriations fy2016-fy2020 energy transformation acceleration fund bill repeals funding authorities following programs nuclear science talent expansion program institutions higher education hydrocarbon systems science competitiveness grants institutions higher education discovery science engineering innovation institutes national_laboratories centers_of_excellence science technology engineering mathematics secondary school education certain summer institutes national_laboratory mentoring program department_of_energy science education enhancement_act recruit mentors women underrepresented minorities interested careers science engineering mathematics respect university nuclear science engineering support program doe shall award grants years institutions higher education existing academic degree programs nuclear sciences related fields including nuclear chemistry funds authorized fy2016-fy2020 doe early career awards science engineering mathematics researchers program distinguished scientist program diversity requirement awarding grants program early career awards science engineering mathematics researchers revised substitute required variety types national_laboratories lieu variety types nonprofit granting research organizations department_of_energy science education enhancement_act amended direct office_of_science coordinate science technology engineering mathematics education programs functions doe bill amends america competes act change criteria awarding protecting_america competitive edge pace graduate fellowships allow fellowships cover partial graduate tuition


Summary:
Energy Markets Act of 2015

This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to direct the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the Department of Energy to develop and implement a plan to collect, in cooperation with the Commodity Futures Trade Commission, information identifying all oil inventories and other physical oil assets owned by the 50 largest traders of oil contracts (including derivative contracts).

The EIA shall also collect, and update annually, information quantifying the commercial storage capacity for oil and natural gas in the United States.

A Financial Market Analysis Office is established in the EIA to analyze the financial aspects of energy markets.

A Working Group on Energy Markets is also established to:

 investigate the effect of increased financial investment in energy commodities on energy prices and the energy security of the United States, recommend to the President and Congress laws to prevent excessive speculation in energy commodity markets in order to prevent or minimize the adverse impact of excessive speculation on energy prices, and review energy security implications of developments in international energy markets. The Working Group shall also: (1) identify the factors that affect crude oil and refined petroleum products prices; and (2) review and assess existing statutory authorities for the regulation of markets critical to U.S. energy security, as well as the need for additional authority to regulate markets critical to it.

energy markets act bill amends department_of_energy_organization_act direct energy_information_administration eia department_of_energy develop implement plan collect cooperation commodity futures trade commission information identifying oil inventories physical oil assets owned largest traders oil contracts including derivative contracts eia shall collect update annually information commercial storage capacity oil natural gas united_states financial market analysis office established eia analyze financial aspects energy markets working_group energy markets established investigate effect increased financial investment energy commodities energy prices energy security united_states recommend president congress laws prevent excessive speculation energy commodity markets order prevent minimize adverse impact excessive speculation energy prices review energy security implications developments international energy markets working_group shall identify factors affect crude oil refined petroleum products prices review assess existing statutory authorities regulation markets critical energy security need additional authority regulate markets critical


Summary:
Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships as corporations, to expand the definition of "qualifying income" for such partnerships to include income and gains from renewable and alternative fuels (in addition to fossil fuels), including energy derived from thermal resources, waste, renewable fuels and chemicals, energy efficient buildings, gasification, and carbon capture in secure geological storage.

master limited partnerships parity act amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect tax treatment publicly traded partnerships corporations expand definition qualifying income partnerships include income gains renewable alternative fuels addition fossil fuels including energy derived thermal resources waste renewable fuels chemicals energy efficient buildings gasification carbon capture secure geological storage


Summary:
Free Market Energy Act

This bill amends: (1) the Federal Power Act to define "distributed energy resource" as a resource, technology, or service interconnected to the electricity distribution system that generates, manages, or reduces energy use; and (2) the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to provide that distributed energy resources shall have a general right of interconnection under such Act.

States must ensure that electric distribution grid operators adopt requirements for interconnection rates and fees that are just and reasonable, that provide for the two-way benefit for the distributed energy resource and the electricity grid, and that are not punitive. Time frames for interconnection shall be well-defined, expeditious, and not unduly protracted. An interconnection may not be delayed or denied unless the electric utility demonstrates that the interconnection is unsafe or impracticable.

A state regulatory authority that considers modifying the treatment of net energy metering customers must consider requiring that distributed energy resources be eligible to receive just and reasonable energy and rate treatment using dynamic pricing, which may account for locational benefit, to be provided on an unbundled basis, after accounting for the two-way valuation of dynamic rates, for services provided to or by the grid. Dynamic pricing considerations shall include:

 pricing for energy sold to, and pricing for energy purchased from, an electric utility, capacity, the provision of ancillary services, the societal value of distributed energy resources, and transmission and distribution losses. A state regulatory authority or applicable Regional Transmission Organization or Independent System Operator must consider nontransmission alternatives in instances in which an entity proposes transmission projects seeking cost-of-service rate recovery. To reduce the cost to the ratepayer of a potential transmission upgrade, the cost of the nontransmission alternative shall be recovered from the ratebase or regional recovery mechanism in the same manner as the transmission upgrade otherwise would have been.

free market energy act bill amends federal power act define distributed energy resource resource technology service interconnected electricity distribution system generates manages reduces energy use public_utility_regulatory_policies_act provide distributed energy resources shall general right interconnection act states ensure electric distribution grid operators adopt requirements interconnection rates fees reasonable provide way benefit distributed energy resource electricity grid punitive time frames interconnection shall defined expeditious unduly protracted interconnection delayed denied electric utility demonstrates interconnection unsafe impracticable state regulatory authority considers modifying treatment net energy metering customers consider requiring distributed energy resources eligible receive reasonable energy rate treatment dynamic pricing account benefit provided basis accounting way valuation dynamic rates services provided grid dynamic pricing considerations shall include pricing energy sold pricing energy purchased electric utility capacity provision ancillary services societal value distributed energy resources transmission distribution losses state regulatory authority applicable regional transmission organization independent system operator consider alternatives instances entity proposes transmission projects seeking cost service rate recovery reduce cost potential transmission upgrade cost alternative shall recovered regional recovery mechanism manner transmission upgrade


Summary:
Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015

This bill amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 with respect to energy efficiency in buildings and appliances.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy (DOE) shall conduct activities with respect to manufacturing energy efficiency.

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2015

DOE shall conduct research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application programs regarding passenger as well as medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and transit vehicles.

The Federal Power Act is amended with respect to cybersecurity threats, and requirements are prescribed for enhanced electric grid security as well as bulk-power system reliability.

The EPCA is amended regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The Natural Gas Act is amended with respect to liquefied natural gas exports.

DOE shall conduct programs with respect to electric grid storage and related grid matters.

The Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 is replaced by the Exascale Computing Act of 2015, and DOE shall conduct research for development of two or more exascale computing machine architectures.

The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and specified other Acts regarding:

 hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, marine hydrokinetic renewable energy, biomass, oil and gas, helium, specified critical minerals, coal, nuclear energy, 21st century energy workforce development, and recycled carbon fiber and nonrecycled mixed plastics. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other Acts are amended to:

 revise or prescribe requirements for loan and loan guarantee incentives for innovative technologies, and establish an e-prize competition or challenge pilot program to implement community and regional energy solutions to reduce energy costs in high-cost regions. DOE and the Department of the Interior shall establish a joint NEWS Office and Interagency Coordination Committee on the Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability.

Interior may develop a current and accurate multipurpose cadastre to support federal land management activities.

The Department of Energy Organization Act is amended to:

 direct the President to establish a Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force, rename the DOE Under Secretary for Science as the Under Secretary for Science and Energy, direct the DOE Energy Information Administration (EIA) to develop a plan to identify all oil inventories and other physical oil assets owned by the 50 largest traders of oil contracts, and create within the EIA a Financial Market Analysis Office. The bill establishes a Working Group on Energy Markets.

The EPCA is amended to repeal the mandates for various specified studies, reports, plans, and programs.

The bill establishes a National Park Service Critical Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund, and revises requirements for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund.

energy policy modernization act bill amends energy_conservation_and_production_act energy_policy_and_conservation_act epca energy_independence_and_security_act respect energy efficiency buildings appliances office energy efficiency renewable energy department_of_energy doe shall conduct activities respect manufacturing energy efficiency vehicle innovation_act doe shall conduct research development engineering demonstration commercial application programs passenger medium- heavy duty commercial vehicles transit vehicles federal power act amended respect cybersecurity threats requirements prescribed enhanced electric grid security bulk power system reliability epca amended strategic_petroleum_reserve natural gas act amended respect liquefied natural gas exports doe shall conduct programs respect electric grid storage related grid matters department_of_energy high end computing revitalization act replaced exascale computing act doe shall conduct research development exascale computing machine architectures bill amends energy policy act specified acts hydroelectric power geothermal energy marine hydrokinetic renewable energy biomass oil gas helium specified critical minerals coal nuclear energy 21st century energy workforce development recycled carbon fiber mixed plastics energy policy act acts amended revise prescribe requirements loan loan guarantee incentives innovative technologies establish prize competition challenge pilot program implement community regional energy solutions reduce energy costs high cost regions doe department_of_the_interior shall establish joint news office interagency coordination committee nexus energy water sustainability interior develop current accurate multipurpose cadastre support federal land management activities department_of_energy_organization_act amended direct president establish quadrennial energy review task_force rename doe secretary science secretary science_and_energy direct doe energy_information_administration eia develop plan identify oil inventories physical oil assets owned largest traders oil contracts create eia financial market analysis office bill establishes working_group energy markets epca amended repeal mandates specified studies reports plans programs bill establishes national_park_service critical maintenance revitalization conservation fund revises requirements land_and_water_conservation_fund historic preservation fund


Summary:
American Energy Innovation Act

This bill encourages and establishes requirements concerning:

 energy efficiency in the electricity grid, the manufacturing sector, certain vehicles and trucks, buildings, homes, and the federal government; protection of the bulk-power system from cybersecurity threats; the security and resiliency of the energy network and applications, including electric, natural gas, and oil exploration, transmission, and delivery; the modernization of energy infrastructure at the federal and state level; the development or deployment of alternative energies; and water conservation measures. The bill establishes: (1) a nonbinding goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2% per year on average through 2025, and (2) a federal energy efficiency resource standard for retail electricity and natural gas suppliers.

The bill repeals royalty relief for leases in the Outer Continental Shelf with respect to the production of oil or gas from deep water production or ultra deep wells in shallow waters.

The Department of Interior must: (1) prevent venting and flaring of gases in oil and natural gas production operations on federal land, and (2) promote the capture of beneficial use or reinjection of gas in those operations. Interior must establish an annual production incentive fee with respect to public land that is subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring.

The bill reauthorizes through FY2020 the Department of Energy's: (1) Weatherization Assistance Program, (2) State Energy Program, (3) basic research, and (4) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. The bill also revises and reauthorizes the Water Desalination Act of 1996.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide tax incentives for producing clean energy and for reducing energy use in homes or commercial buildings, (2) extend through 2017 energy-related tax credits, (3) subject oil derived from tar sands to an excise tax, and (4) repeal certain oil and gas tax subsidies for major integrated oil companies.

The bill: (1) establishes the National Park Service Centennial Fund, and (2) permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund.

american energy innovation_act bill encourages establishes requirements concerning energy efficiency electricity grid manufacturing sector certain vehicles trucks buildings homes federal_government protection bulk power system cybersecurity threats security resiliency energy network applications including electric natural gas oil exploration transmission delivery modernization energy infrastructure federal state level development deployment alternative water conservation measures bill establishes nonbinding goal reduce greenhouse gas emissions year average federal energy efficiency resource standard retail electricity natural gas suppliers bill repeals royalty relief leases outer_continental_shelf respect production oil gas deep water production ultra deep wells shallow waters department_of_interior prevent venting gases oil natural gas production operations federal land promote capture beneficial use gas operations interior establish annual production incentive fee respect public land subject lease production oil natural gas production occurring bill reauthorizes fy2020 department_of_energy weatherization_assistance_program state energy program basic research advanced_research_projects_agency-energy bill revises reauthorizes water desalination act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide tax incentives producing clean energy reducing energy use homes commercial buildings extend energy related tax credits subject oil derived tar_sands excise tax repeal certain oil gas tax subsidies major integrated oil companies bill establishes national_park_service centennial fund permanently reauthorizes land_and_water_conservation_fund historic preservation fund


Summary:
Accelerating Technology Transfer to Advance Innovation for the Nation Act of 2015 or the ATTAIN Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish the Office of Technology Transitions, directed by a Technology Transfer Coordinator, to improve Department of Energy (DOE) coordination and use of technology transfer resources, including increased coordination and use of small business innovation research.

DOE shall establish a Lab-Corps, modeled after the I-Corps of the National Science Foundation, to support investments in entrepreneurs, mentors, and principal investigators.

DOE may also establish and participate in technology commercialization challenges.

The Office shall: (1) work with each Office of Research and Technology Application at the National Laboratories, and (2) partner with foundations and nonprofit entities with similar technology transfer and entrepreneurship priorities and goals.

DOE and the Small Business Administration shall jointly establish a Technology Transfer Investment Initiative following prescribed guidelines.

The Office, in coordination with Lab-Corps, shall also establish and coordinate regional geographic areas to implement the Initiative.

DOE shall establish a pilot program, administered through the Office, to award grants to post-graduate researchers for the purpose of spinning off and licensing technology.

DOE may include, in a management and operating contract for a National Laboratory, partnership agreements with institutions of higher education.

The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the results of the projects developed under this Act.

accelerating technology transfer advance innovation nation act attain act bill amends department_of_energy_organization_act establish office_of_technology transitions directed technology transfer coordinator improve department_of_energy doe coordination use technology transfer resources including increased coordination use small_business_innovation_research doe shall establish lab corps modeled corps national_science_foundation support investments entrepreneurs mentors principal investigators doe establish participate technology commercialization challenges office shall work office research technology application national_laboratories partner foundations nonprofit entities similar technology transfer entrepreneurship priorities goals doe small_business_administration shall jointly establish technology transfer investment initiative following prescribed guidelines office coordination lab corps shall establish coordinate regional geographic areas implement initiative doe shall establish pilot program administered office award grants post graduate researchers purpose spinning licensing technology doe include management operating contract national_laboratory partnership agreements institutions higher education government_accountability_office shall report congress results projects developed act


Summary:
Ratepayer Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require a state regulatory authority and a nonregulated electric utility (entities), to the extent that they allow electric utility rates to include charges that subsidize customer-side technology, to consider whether that subsidy would:

 result in benefits predominately enjoyed by only the users of the customer-side technology; shift costs of a customer-side technology to electricity consumers that do not use it, particularly in cases in which disparate economic or resource conditions exist among the electricity consumers cross-subsidizing the customer-side technology; negatively affect resource utilization, fuel diversity, grid reliability, or grid security; give any unfair competitive advantage to market the customer-side technology, including an analysis of whether a state regulatory authority has uncovered fraudulent customer-side technology marketing practices; and be necessary to fulfill an obligation to serve electric consumers. The bill sets deadlines within which the entities must set a hearing date to consider and subsequently determine the subsidization of customer-side technology.

fairness act bill amends public_utility_regulatory_policies_act purpa require state regulatory authority nonregulated electric utility entities extent allow electric utility rates include charges subsidize customer technology consider subsidy result benefits predominately users customer technology shift costs customer technology electricity consumers use particularly cases disparate economic resource conditions exist electricity consumers cross subsidizing customer technology negatively affect resource utilization fuel diversity grid reliability grid security unfair competitive advantage market customer technology including analysis state regulatory authority uncovered fraudulent customer technology marketing practices necessary fulfill obligation serve electric consumers bill sets deadlines entities set hearing date consider subsequently determine subsidization customer technology


Summary:
American Clean Energy Investment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify tax provisions relating to energy.

TITLE I--REDUCING CARBON POLLUTION AND CREATING JOBS BY TRANSITIONING TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOURCES

This title makes permanent: (1) the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources, (2) the energy tax credit, and (3) the qualifying advanced energy project credit.

The Department of the Treasury must provide grants to tax-exempt organizations for investment in specified energy property, including qualified fuel cell property, solar property, qualified small wind energy property, geothermal property, qualified microturbine property, combined heat and power system property, and geothermal heat pump property.

 The title expands the energy tax credit to allow a 30% credit for investment in offshore wind energy facilities.

TITLE II--SAVING CONSUMERS AND BUSINESSES MONEY BY PROMOTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

This title makes permanent the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and updates the energy standard applicable to such buildings. Also made permanent are the tax credits for new energy efficient homes, for nonbusiness energy property, and for residential energy efficient property.

TITLE III--HELPING AMERICANS MOVE BEYOND OIL

This title: (1) eliminates the phaseout of the applicable percentage for the tax credit for investment in new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, (2) makes permanent the credit for two and three-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles, (3) increases the dollar limitation on the battery capacity for such vehicles from $5,000 to $7,500, and (4) makes the personal tax credit allowed for investment in such vehicles refundable.

The title makes permanent: (1) the tax credit for investment in hybrid medium and heavy-duty trucks, and (2) the parity at $250 of the tax exclusion for employer-provided mass transit and parking benefits.

The title extends through 2022: (1) the second generation biofuel producer credit, and (2) the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel, (3) the special depreciation allowance for second generation biofuel plant property, and (4) the tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property expenditures. New income and excise tax credits at $1.00 per gallon are allowed for the production of biodiesel and an increased credit is allowed for small biodiesel producers.

american clean energy investment act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend modify tax provisions relating energy title reducing carbon pollution creating jobs transitioning sustainable energy sources title makes permanent tax credit producing electricity renewable resources energy tax credit qualifying advanced energy project credit department_of_the_treasury provide grants tax exempt organizations investment specified energy property including qualified fuel cell property solar property qualified small wind energy property geothermal property qualified microturbine property combined heat power system property geothermal heat pump property title expands energy tax credit allow credit investment offshore wind energy facilities title saving consumers businesses money promoting energy efficiency title makes permanent tax deduction energy efficient commercial buildings updates energy standard applicable buildings permanent tax credits new energy efficient homes nonbusiness energy property residential energy efficient property title iii helping americans oil title eliminates phaseout applicable percentage tax credit investment new qualified plug electric drive motor vehicles makes permanent credit wheeled plug electric vehicles increases dollar limitation battery capacity vehicles makes personal tax credit allowed investment vehicles refundable title makes permanent tax credit investment hybrid medium heavy duty trucks parity tax exclusion employer provided mass transit parking benefits title extends second generation biofuel producer credit income excise tax credits biodiesel renewable diesel special depreciation allowance second generation biofuel plant property tax credit alternative vehicle refueling property expenditures new income excise tax credits gallon allowed production biodiesel increased credit allowed small biodiesel producers


Summary:
Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act or the Fair RATES Act

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to permit a party to seek a rehearing and subsequent judicial review of any rate change filed by a public utility that takes effect without the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issuing an order making such change effective. (Public utilities must give FERC and the public a 60-day notice before a proposed rate change can take effect.)

fair accountability transparency efficiency standards act fair rates act bill amends federal power act permit party seek rehearing subsequent judicial review rate change filed public utility takes effect federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc issuing order making change effective public utilities ferc public day notice proposed rate change effect


Summary:
Certainty for States and Tribes Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to reestablish the Royalty Policy Committee, which should include members representing states and Indian tribes who produce minerals on federal or tribal land. In addition, Interior must establish a State and Tribal Resources Board, a subcommittee to the Royalty Policy Committee. The board and committee must advise Interior as it formulates policies and regulations regarding mineral production on federal and tribal lands. The board can delay the issuance of a final regulation by Interior if the board determines that such regulation will have a negative state or Tribal budgetary or economic impact.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must complete by January 15, 2019, its programmatic review of the federal coal leasing program as described in Secretarial Order 3338. Secretarial Order 3338 directed the BLM to prepare a discretionary review of the federal coal program. (Interior issued Secretarial Order 3338 on January 15, 2016.)

The moratorium on the issuance of new federal coal leasesby the BLMshall terminate on January 16, 2019.Additionally, the bill allows leases and modifications to be issued by the BLM for any coalleasing application currently under review. Secretarial Order 3338 prohibited approval of such leases and modifications.

The bill also directs the BLM toconduct federal coal lease sales and modifications within one year after it completes an analysis of anapplication.

certainty states tribes act bill directs department_of_the_interior reestablish royalty policy committee include members representing states indian tribes produce minerals federal tribal land addition interior establish state tribal resources board subcommittee royalty policy committee board committee advise interior policies regulations mineral production federal tribal lands board delay issuance final regulation interior board determines regulation negative state tribal budgetary economic impact bureau_of_land_management blm complete january programmatic review federal coal leasing program described secretarial order secretarial order directed blm prepare discretionary review federal coal program interior issued secretarial order january moratorium issuance new federal coal terminate january bill allows leases modifications issued blm application currently review secretarial order prohibited approval leases modifications bill directs blm federal coal lease sales modifications year completes analysis


Summary:
Public Engagement at FERC Act

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to revise and expand the Office of Public Participation in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)and rename it as the Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy.

The office may participate in FERC proceedings on rates, service, and infrastructure siting to represent the interests of the public and issue guidance for potential improvements to industry and FERC practices.

Additionally, the office must establish a Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee to review rates, services, and disputes and make recommendations to the office.

public engagement ferc act bill amends federal power act revise expand office public participation federal_energy_regulatory_commission rename office public participation consumer advocacy office participate ferc proceedings rates service infrastructure siting represent interests public issue guidance potential improvements industry ferc practices additionally office establish public consumer advocacy advisory_committee review rates services disputes recommendations office


Summary:
Securing Energy Infrastructure Act

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program within the Department of Energy's (DOE)national laboratories to identify thesecurity vulnerabilities of certain entities in the energy sector, and research and test technology that can be used to isolate the most critical systems of such entities from cyber-attacks.

In addition,DOE must establish a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the national laboratories and to develop a national cyber strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks.

DOE must also submit a report to Congress describing the results of the pilot program, assessing the feasibility of the techniques considered, and outlining the results of the working group's evaluation.

securing energy infrastructure act bill establishes year pilot program department_of_energy laboratories identify vulnerabilities certain entities energy sector research test technology isolate critical systems entities cyber attacks addition doe establish working_group evaluate technology solutions proposed national_laboratories develop national cyber strategy isolate energy grid attacks doe submit report congress describing results pilot program assessing feasibility techniques considered outlining results working_group evaluation


Summary:
American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016

The bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to increase the revenue Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) receive for energy projects by removing the $500 million cap for FY2027-FY2055.Beginning in FY2027, the bill increases the percentage of federal revenues that Alaska and the Atlantic states (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) receive from offshore energy projects.

 The bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to eliminate the deduction from state revenues for administrative costs if the costs incurred by the federal government are less than a specified amount.

The Department of the Interior must establish priority areas on federal land for the development of renewable energy generation projects. Additionally, Interior must establish a program to improve federal permit coordination for renewable energy projects.

The bill also designates funds in the Treasury for the Tribal Resilience Program in Alaska to assist tribal nations adapt to the impact of climate change and for the National Park Service to address maintenance needs.

american energy conservation act bill amends gulf_of_mexico_energy_security_act increase revenue gulf states texas louisiana mississippi alabama receive energy projects removing million cap fy2027 fy2027 bill increases percentage federal revenues alaska atlantic states virginia north_carolina south_carolina georgia receive offshore energy projects bill amends mineral_leasing_act eliminate deduction state revenues administrative costs costs incurred federal_government specified department_of_the_interior establish priority areas federal land development renewable energy generation projects additionally interior establish program improve federal permit coordination renewable energy projects bill designates funds treasury tribal resilience program alaska assist tribal nations adapt impact climate change national_park_service address maintenance needs


Summary: National Science Education Tax Incentive for Businesses Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for contributions of property or services to elementary and secondary schools and for teacher training to promote instruction in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM contributions).

national science education tax incentive businesses act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow general business tax credit contributions property services elementary secondary schools teacher training promote instruction science technology engineering mathematics stem contributions


Summary: Education for the 21st Century (E-21) Act - Establishes assistance programs for: (1) middle school computer literacy; and (2) high-quality educational software for all schools.Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states (especially those with a priority on training middle school teachers) that integrate into the state curriculum the goal of making all middle school graduates in the state technologically literate. Requires use of such grants for teacher training in technology, emphasizing programs preparing teachers in elementary, middle, and secondary schools to become technology leaders and then serve as experts and train other teachers. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants for students at secondary schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to work with IHE faculty, software developers, and experts in educational technology in developing high-quality educational software and Internet websites. Directs the Secretary to recognize outstanding software and websites developed with such assistance that focus on core curriculum areas, especially: (1) for the first year of awards, mathematics, science, and reading; and (2) for the second and third years of awards, again mathematics, science, and reading, but also social studies, the humanities, and the arts. Requires: (1) such recognized educational software to be made available to local educational agencies for free downloading from the Department of Education's website; and (2) such recognized websites to be accessible to any Web user.

education 21st century act establishes assistance programs middle school computer literacy high quality educational software schools authorizes secretary education award grants states especially priority training middle school teachers integrate state curriculum goal making middle school graduates state technologically requires use grants teacher training technology programs preparing teachers elementary middle secondary schools technology leaders serve experts train teachers authorizes secretary award competitive grants students secondary schools institutions higher education ihes work ihe faculty software developers experts educational technology developing high quality educational software internet websites directs secretary recognize outstanding software websites developed assistance focus core curriculum areas especially year awards mathematics science reading second years awards mathematics science reading social studies humanities arts requires recognized educational software available local educational agencies free downloading department_of_education website recognized websites accessible web user


Summary: Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1987 to allow the Clerk of the House of Representatives, at the request of a Member of the House, to donate computers and related peripheral tools previously used by the Member to a public elementary or secondary school designated by such Member without regard to whether the donation: (1) is a cost to the government; or (2) has a recoverable value.

amends legislative_branch_appropriations_act allow clerk house_of_representatives request member house donate computers related peripheral tools previously member public elementary secondary school designated member regard donation cost government recoverable value


Summary: United States Library Trust Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the United States Library Trust Fund (Fund); and (2) allow taxpayers to designate a portion of any tax overpayment (not less than $1) to the Fund. Authorizes public libraries or public school libraries to receive grants from the Fund.

united_states library trust_fund act amends_the_internal_revenue_code establish treasury united_states library trust_fund fund allow taxpayers designate portion tax overpayment fund authorizes public libraries public school libraries receive grants fund


Summary: National Board-Certified Teachers in Low-Performing Schools Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a pilot program of stipends for teachers in low-income, low-performing schools who: (1) are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and (2) serve as resident facilitators at their schools and as liaisons with the Board to help encourage other teachers to become Board-certified. Authorizes base stipends and potential bonuses for up to 500 teachers annually under such five-year program.

national board certified teachers low performing schools act directs secretary education establish pilot program stipends teachers low income low performing schools certified national_board_for_professional_teaching_standards serve resident facilitators schools liaisons board help encourage teachers board certified authorizes base stipends potential bonuses teachers annually year program


Summary: Standards to Provide Educational Achievement for Kids Act or the SPEAK Act - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (the Act) to require the Commissioner for Educational Statistics to add science to the mandatory biennial national and state academic achievement assessments of students in grades four, eight, and twelve in reading and mathematics. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states receiving school improvement funds to participate in such science assessments of students in grades four and eight, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. Amends the Act to task the National Assessment Governing Board with creating or adopting voluntary American education content standards in mathematics and science for kindergarten through grade 12 which reflect the knowledge students need to enter college or the workforce and compete in the global economy. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish the American Standards Incentive fund to award competitive four-year grants to states which agree to: (1) adopt such voluntary mathematics and science standards as the core of their own academic content standards in such subjects; and (2) align their teacher certification and professional development requirements to such standards. Provides additional funds to successful grantees for the enhancement of their student performance data systems. Authorizes the Secretary to extend by two to four years for such grantees the 12-year period at the end of which students must meet or exceed state academic performance standards established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

standards provide educational achievement kids act speak act_-_amends national_assessment_of_educational_progress authorization act act require commissioner educational statistics add science mandatory biennial national state academic achievement assessments students grades reading mathematics amends elementary secondary education act require states receiving school improvement funds participate science assessments students grades beginning school year amends act task national assessment governing_board creating adopting voluntary american education content standards mathematics science kindergarten grade reflect knowledge students need enter college workforce compete global economy requires secretary education establish american standards incentive fund award competitive year grants states agree adopt voluntary mathematics science standards core academic content standards subjects align teacher certification professional development requirements standards provides additional funds successful grantees enhancement student performance data systems authorizes secretary extend years grantees year period end students meet exceed state academic performance standards established elementary secondary education act


Summary: Title I: Science Scholarships - 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act - (Sec. 103) Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF), in carrying out the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program (formerly, the Robert Noyce Scholarship program), to increase the number of elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers having both exemplary subject knowledge and pedagogical skills by up to 10,000 per year. (Sec. 104) Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (the Act) to revise requirements for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, which provides scholarships, stipends, and teacher training to science, mathematics, and engineering students and professionals in exchange for service as elementary or secondary school teachers. Opens the program to all undergraduate students. (Currently, only juniors and seniors may participate.) Requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants to: (1) provide participants with the academic courses and field teaching experiences necessary for teacher certification or licensing, including summer internships for freshmen students; and (2) include mathematics, science, and engineering faculty in developing and implementing the program. Authorizes IHEs to involve teacher leaders in the development of pedagogical content and the supervision of students in their field teaching experiences. Requires the Director to broadly disseminate information about the grant application process to ensure the participation of a diversity of IHEs. Increases the maximum duration of student scholarships from two to three years, professional stipends from one year to 16 months, and the minimum yearly scholarship amount from $7,500 to $10,000. Eliminates the requirement that scholarship recipients serve in high-need areas, but reduces their service obligation by one year for doing so. Requires the Director to establish for individuals with a service obligation an information clearinghouse on teaching opportunities in high-need LEAs. Authorizes the Director of the NSF to accept private donations for the program. Requires the Director to report to Congress within four years of this Act's enactment on the program's effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations for the program for FY2008-FY2012. Requires the Secretary to establish, under the program, a Special Partnership program that provides competitive grants to IHEs that partner with one or more private nonprofit organizations, local or state governments, and businesses to provide stipends, courses, and support to mathematics, science, and engineering professionals who enroll in an educational program enabling them to obtain teacher certification or licensing within 16 months. Requires selection of stipend recipients primarily on the basis of their content knowledge of science or mathematics as demonstrated on a required test. Requires stipend recipients to complete four years of service as mathematics or science teachers in public secondary schools. Requires partnership members to identify a nonfederal source of salary supplements for stipend recipients fulfilling their service obligation. Title II: Mathematics and Science Education Improvement - (Sec. 201) Revises requirements for the Mathematics and Science Education Partnership program (Partnership program), which provides grants to IHEs or nonprofit institutions for the improvement of elementary and secondary mathematics and science instruction. Requires that IHE grantees enter into partnerships though one or more of their science, engineering, or mathematics departments. Includes IHE faculty, in addition to local educational agencies (LEAs), states, and businesses, among the entities with which IHEs and nonprofit institutions may partner. Adds to the list of grant fund uses: (1) teacher training in the provision of challenging mathematics, science, and technology college preparatory courses, including advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses; (2) laboratory training and support for teachers; (3) model induction programs for teachers in their first two years of teaching; (4) technology, in addition to mathematics and science, in the student enrichment programs which are to include after-school programs and summer camps for female, minority, and disabled students; (5) master's degree programs for in-service teachers; and (6) the development and dissemination of curriculum tools that foster inventiveness and innovation. Requires grantees providing challenging college preparatory courses to encourage companies employing scientists, mathematicians, or engineers to provide mentors to teachers and students. Sets minimum and maximum grant amounts. Requires the Director to provide to Congress: (1) within one year of this Act's enactment, a determination as to which completed partnership projects should be seen as models to be replicated on a more expansive basis; and (2) within four years of this Act's enactment, a summary of partnership evaluations that describes recommended changes to the program. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director to establish a grant program for summer or academic year teacher institutes or workshops authorized under the Partnership program, including teacher training in the provision of challenging mathematics, science, and technology college preparatory courses. Gives grant priority to applicants proposing to attract teachers from certain high-need LEAs. Allows grantees under the Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century program to operate one- to two-week summer teacher institutes. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations to: (1) the NSF for the teacher institute or workshop grants; and (2) to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the Laboratory Science Teacher Professional Development program. (Sec. 203) Requires the master's degree programs for in-service mathematics and science teachers under the Partnership program to be designed to allow teachers to enroll as part-time students and earn their degree within three years. Authorizes grantees to use funds for the development and acquisition of educational materials and equipment, and to provide stipends to students that cover their costs of attendance. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for such programs. (Sec. 204) Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed as limiting the authority of states or local school boards to determine the curricula of their students. (Sec. 205) Revises the Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Talent Expansion program to require the Director to issue grants to IHEs for the creation of centers to develop and disseminate curriculum, teaching methods, and ways to better train professors and teacher assistants to increase the number and performance of undergraduate students in such courses. Requires the Director to strive to increase the representation of students from secondary schools that serve a high concentration of low-income families, when providing grants under the Talent Expansion program to increase the number of students studying and completing bachelor's degrees, concentrations, or certificates in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Authorizes appropriations for the Talent Expansion program for FY2008-FY2012, with specified amounts set aside for the centers. (Sec. 206) Redefines a "high-need local educational agency," for purposes of the Act, as a LEA that is receiving grants under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as a result of serving a high concentration of children from low-income families and experiencing a shortage of highly qualified science, mathematics, or engineering teachers. (Sec. 207) Replaces the term "master teacher" with the term "teacher leader" each time it appears in the Act. (Sec. 208) Requires the Director to establish a Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science research pilot program awarding grants to partnerships between IHEs, high-need LEAs, and businesses or nonprofit organizations to improve laboratories and provide instrumentation as part of a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology instruction in secondary schools. Requires such partnerships to include significant teacher training, unless such training is addressed through other means. Limits the federal share of partnership costs to 50%. Requires the Director to report to Congress within five years regarding the program's effect on student performance. Authorizes appropriations for the program for FY2008-FY2011. (Sec. 209) Requires the Director to report to Congress within two years on the extent to which IHEs are donating used laboratory equipment to elementary and secondary schools.

title science scholarships teachers million science math scholarship act sec requires national_science_foundation nsf carrying robert noyce teacher scholarship program robert noyce scholarship program increase number elementary secondary mathematics science teachers having exemplary subject knowledge skills year sec amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act act revise requirements robert noyce teacher scholarship program provides scholarships stipends teacher training science mathematics engineering students professionals exchange service elementary secondary school teachers opens program undergraduate students currently seniors participate requires institutions higher education ihes receive grants provide participants academic courses field teaching experiences necessary teacher certification licensing including summer internships students include mathematics science engineering faculty developing implementing program authorizes ihes involve teacher leaders development content supervision students field teaching experiences requires director broadly disseminate information grant application process ensure participation diversity ihes increases maximum duration student scholarships years professional stipends year months minimum yearly scholarship eliminates requirement scholarship recipients serve high need areas reduces service obligation year requires director establish individuals service obligation information clearinghouse teaching opportunities high need leas authorizes director nsf accept private donations program requires director report congress years act enactment program effectiveness authorizes appropriations program fy2008 fy2012 requires secretary establish program special partnership program provides competitive grants ihes partner private nonprofit organizations local state governments businesses provide stipends courses support mathematics science engineering professionals enroll educational program enabling obtain teacher certification licensing months requires selection stipend recipients primarily basis content knowledge science mathematics demonstrated required test requires stipend recipients complete years service mathematics science teachers public secondary schools requires partnership members identify nonfederal source salary supplements stipend recipients fulfilling service obligation title mathematics science education improvement sec revises requirements mathematics science education partnership program partnership program provides grants ihes nonprofit institutions improvement elementary secondary mathematics science instruction requires ihe grantees enter partnerships science engineering mathematics departments includes ihe faculty addition local educational agencies leas states businesses entities ihes nonprofit institutions partner adds list grant fund uses teacher training provision challenging mathematics science technology college preparatory courses including advanced_placement international_baccalaureate courses laboratory training support teachers model induction programs teachers years teaching technology addition mathematics science student enrichment programs include school programs summer camps female minority disabled students master degree programs service teachers development dissemination curriculum tools foster innovation requires grantees providing challenging college preparatory courses encourage companies employing scientists engineers provide mentors teachers students sets minimum maximum grant amounts requires director provide congress year act enactment determination completed partnership projects seen models replicated basis years act enactment summary partnership evaluations describes recommended changes program sec requires director establish grant program summer academic year teacher institutes workshops authorized partnership program including teacher training provision challenging mathematics science technology college preparatory courses gives grant priority applicants proposing attract teachers certain high need leas allows grantees teacher institutes 21st century program operate one- week summer teacher institutes authorizes fy2008 fy2012 appropriations nsf teacher institute workshop grants department_of_energy doe laboratory science teacher professional development program sec requires master degree programs service mathematics science teachers partnership program designed allow teachers enroll time students earn degree years authorizes grantees use funds development acquisition educational materials equipment provide stipends students cover costs attendance authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 programs sec prohibits act construed limiting authority states local school boards determine curricula students sec revises science mathematics engineering technology talent expansion program require director issue grants ihes creation centers develop disseminate curriculum teaching methods ways better train professors teacher assistants increase number performance undergraduate students courses requires director strive increase representation students secondary schools serve high concentration low income families providing grants talent expansion program increase number students studying completing bachelor degrees concentrations certificates science mathematics engineering technology authorizes appropriations talent expansion program fy2008 fy2012 specified amounts set aside centers sec redefines high need local educational agency purposes act lea receiving grants title elementary secondary education act result serving high concentration children low income families experiencing shortage highly qualified science mathematics engineering teachers sec replaces term master teacher term teacher leader time appears act sec requires director establish partnerships access laboratory science research pilot program awarding grants partnerships ihes high need leas businesses nonprofit organizations improve laboratories provide instrumentation comprehensive effort improve quality mathematics science engineering technology instruction secondary schools requires partnerships include significant teacher training training addressed means limits federal share partnership costs requires director report congress years program effect student performance authorizes appropriations program fy2008 fy2011 sec requires director report congress years extent ihes donating laboratory equipment elementary secondary schools


Summary: Next Generation Hispanic-Serving Institutions Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise requirements for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions). Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees.

generation hispanic serving institutions act_-_amends higher education act revise requirements hispanic serving institutions title developing institutions establishes program competitive grants eligible offer postbaccalaureate certifications degrees grants limits grant award duration years prohibits secretary education awarding grant fiscal year authorizes appropriations current program grants offer baccalaureate degrees junior community colleges new program grants offer postbaccalaureate certifications degrees


Summary: Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a pilot program designated as "Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science" to award grants to partnerships to improve laboratories and to provide instrumentation as part of a comprehensive program to enhance the quality of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology instruction at the secondary school level. Requires grants awarded under this Act to be made to a partnership that: (1) includes an institution of higher education or a community college; (2) includes a high-need local educational agency; (3) includes a business or eligible nonprofit organization; and (5) may include a state educational agency, other public agency, national laboratory, or community-based organization.

requires director national_science_foundation nsf establish pilot program designated partnerships access laboratory science award grants partnerships improve laboratories provide instrumentation comprehensive program enhance quality mathematics science engineering technology instruction secondary school level requires grants awarded act partnership includes institution higher education community college includes high need local educational agency includes business eligible nonprofit organization include state educational agency public agency national_laboratory community based organization