Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would incorporate smart grid capability into the Energy Star Program, reduce peak electric demand, and reauthorize a energy efficiency public information program to include Smart Grid information.

would direct the President, using the Western Area Power Administration, to acquire renewable energy in amounts sufficient to ensure that, of the total amount of electric energy the federal government consumes during any fiscal year, certain minimum amounts shall be renewable energy.

would dedicate a portion of the rental fees from wind and solar energy projects on federal land under the jurisdiction of the BLM for the administrative costs of processing applications for new wind and solar projects.

would direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study regarding the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Naugatuck River Valley National Heritage Area in Connecticut.

would facilitate the development of offshore wind energy resources.

would promote timely exploration for geothermal resources under existing geothermal leases.

would streamline federal review to facilitate renewable energy projects.

would facilitate a land exchange involving certain National Forest System lands in the Inyo National Forest.

would amend the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to lease oil and gas in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, including at least one lease sale in the reserve each year in the period 2011 through 2021.

would prohibit the further extension or establishment of national monuments in Utah except by express authorization of Congress.