Proposed Bills on: Transportation Emissions

H.R. 6:   Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This is the omnibus Senate energy bill for 2007. It contains a variety of provisions intended to promote the development and deployment of biofuels, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, environmentally sustainable public buildings, and includes a measure to increase the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard. This summary will focus on those provisions most directly relevant to climate change.

· Among other provisions, the bill establishes a renewable fuel standard, to reach 36 billion gallons by 2022, with 21 billion of those gallons to be from advanced biofuels. The bill mandates that renewable fuels produced from facilities that commence operations after enactment shall achieve at least 20% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to gasoline. The bill also directs the Presidnet to establish criteria for a system of voluntary labeling of renewable fuels based on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

· The bill directs the President to establish a program to provide grants for research support to facilitate the development of sustainable markets and technologies to use woody biomass and other low carbon fuels, including research into methods of assessing and certifying the impacts of low-carbon fuels with respect to reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions, among other impacts.

· The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to encourage the production of advanced biofuels. It requires the Secretary to award grants to the proposals for advanced biofuels with the greatest reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to the comparable vehicle fuel lifecycle emissions in calendar year 2007, with at least a 50% such reduction needed to be eligible.

· The bill amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the EPA to work with the EPA to conduct 2 studies on the effects of increased domestic use of renewable fuels under this act, including an assessment and quantification of significant changes in GHG emissions, among others.

· Among other provisions, the bill directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an applied research program for plug-in electric drive vehicle technology, including development of control systems optimized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it also directs the Secretary to establish a competitive program to provide grants for demonstrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. As part of the criteria, applicants are required to record GHG emissions.

· The bill also amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training. It directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program for States to administer renewable energy and energy efficiency workforce development programs, and requires the Secretary to give priority to those States whose programs will be in line with meeting national and State goals for reducing GHG emissions, among other goals.

· The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national assessment of the quantity of carbon stored in and released from terrestrial ecosystems, including from human-caused and natural fires, and the annual flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the assessment, the Secretary must determine the processes that control the flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems; estimate the potential for increasing carbon sequestration in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems; develop near-term and long-term adaptation strategies or mitigation strategies that can be employed to enhance the sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, to reduce emissions of GHGs, and to adapt to climate change.

· The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a method for measuring, monitoring, quantifying, and monetizing covered GHG emissions and reductions, including methods for allocating and managing offsets or credits.

· The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations to achieve a combined standard for passenger cars and light trucks of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020. For model years 2021 through 2031, the Secretary would have to establish the "maximum feasible" standard for the fleet. In establishing the maximum feasible standard, the bill directs the Secretary to consider the emissions of GHGs over the lifecycle of the fuel and the resulting costs to human health, the economy, and the environment.

· The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a program to promote and fund carbon capture and storage research, development, and demonstration. It authorizes a total of $1.425 billion for various of activities related to carbon capture and storage, including: fundamental science and engineering research; field testing of carbon dioxide sequestration in operating and depleted oil and gas fields, and geological formations including saline formations and unmineable coal seams; not less than 7 large-volume sequestration tests involving at least 1 million tons of carbon dioxide per year in a diversity of geological formations across the United States; and an assessment of the national capacity for carbon dioxide storage. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program for the demonstration of carbon capture and storage from industrial sources.

· The bill also requires the Administrator of the EPA to establish a competitive grant demonstration program for projects to capture and store or use the carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol power plant as a result of burning coal.

· In addition, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national assessment of the quantity of carbon stored in and released from terrestrial ecosystems, including from human-caused and natural fires, and the annual flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the assessment, the Secretary must determine the processes that control the flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems; estimate the potential for increasing carbon sequestration in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems; develop near-term and long-term adaptation strategies or mitigation strategies that can be employed to enhance the sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, to reduce emissions of GHGs, and to adapt to climate change.

· The bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change, and authorizes up to $10 million between 2009 and 2014.

· Finally, the bill expresses the sense of Congress that “[d]evelopment of renewable energy through sustainable practices will help lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhance international development.

Sponsor: Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) (198 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1073:   Clean Fuels and Vehicles Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act would amend the Clean Air Act to promote the use of fuels with low lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, establish a greenhouse gas performance standard for motor vehicle fuels, and require a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. The bill directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to “establish a credit trading program to address the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from fuels available for use in motor vehicles.” The Administrator is also required to mandate that major producers, refiners, or importers of said fuels reduce the average lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to motor vehicles to 3 percent below the fuel emissions baseline (to be determined by the Administrator) for 2015, with steady reductions thereafter. Fuel providers can earn tradable credits for achieving lifecycle emissions reductions greater than those required. In addition, the bill requires the Administrator to, by 2009, determine a vehicle GHG emissions baseline, based on the aggregate quantity and variety of new automobiles sold in the U.S. in model year 2002; and further requires the Administrator to mandate reductions in GHG emissions per vehicle mile for model years starting in 2015. (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1297:   Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007. This bill amends the Clean Air Act with the intent of promoting advanced clean fuels. Among other provisions, it directs the Administrator of the EPA to: by Jan. 1, 2010, establish a methodology for use in determining the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of transportation fuel in commerce, including renewable fuels; to require each fuel provider to reduce the average life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy of the aggregate quantity of transportation fuel. It also instructs the Administrator to require renewable fuel and advanced clean fuel volume standards for transportation fuels. The bill makes reduced lifecycle (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fuels part of the definition of renewable and advanced clean fuels. (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1321:   Energy Savings Act of 2007. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the energy security of the United States by promoting biofuels, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage. Among other provisions, it directs the President to establish a renewable fuels standard, which includes a requirement that biofuels facilities built after enactment achieve at least a 20% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish competitive grant programs for electric drive vehicles and for near-term oil-saving transportation projects, and makes GHG emissions reductions and reporting a criteria for project selection. In addition, the bill includes a carbon capture and storage (CCS) research, development, and demonstration title which, among other things, requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out a demonstration of large-scale carbon dioxide capture from a gasification facility selected by the Secretary. Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1324:   National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to expand the renewable fuel standard, and to require the Administrator of the EPA to establish a low-carbon fuel standard, as well as an ultra-low carbon fuel standard, for transportation fuels. (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1419:   Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This bill contains a number of proposals intended to promote renewable fuels and energy efficiency, among other purposes. Its titles addressing biofuels, energy efficiency promotion, and carbon capture and storage are similar to those included in S. 1321. In addition, the bill gives the Secretary of Transportation the authority to raise fuel economy standards, and directs the Secretary to consider greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels as a criteria when deciding whether and by how much to raise fuel economy standards. Sponsor: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1616:  

Biodiesel Promotion and Quality Assurance Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the EPA to establish a biodiesel standard of 450 million gallons in 2008, and increasing to 1.250 billion gallons in 2012. After 2012, the volume of the standard would be determined by the Administrator. The bill would also require the Administrator to promulgate regulations to ensure that only high-quality biodiesel is introduced into commerce. In its findings section, the bill states that a strong biodiesel industry will provide greenhouse gas reduction benefits.

Sponsor: Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) (8 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1617:   Fuel Reduction using Electrons to End Dependence On the Mid-East (FREEDOM) Act of 2007. Among other provisions amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to promote the development and use of plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, this bill would establish a utility rebate for customers purchasing such vehicles. The quantity of the rebate would be inversely proportional to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the taxpayer’s electric utility. Sponsor: Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) (5 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2149:   Coal Fuels and Industrial Gasification Demonstration and Development Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish a program of incentives for projects to produce synthetic gas, coal-to-liquid fuels, and liquid fuels from biomass. Funds from loans provided by this act for projects could be used to pay for reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of those projects. The bill would also directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a methodology for use in determining the lifecycle (GHG) emissions of coal-derived liquid transportation fuels. In addition, individuals or entities carrying out projects must submit data on GHG emissions, and compare the lifecycle emissions of the fuels they produce to the conventional fuels they would replace. Sponsor: Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 2191:  

NOTE:  For a full range of Pew Center resources for Lieberman-Warner, including in depth analysis, a longer summary,  a complete timeline, and links to relevant external documents and media, please click here

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (L-W CSA). This bill would establish a cap-and-trade program within the United States requiring a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from covered sources, which represent over 80% of total U.S. emissions. The bill as amended also includes complementary policies, such as a low carbon fuel standard and provisions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Taken together, the bill’s sponsors believe these provisions will reduce overall U.S. GHG emissions roughly 63% by 2050.

The L-W CSA divides the six GHGs into two categories: Group I (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, and perfluorocarbons) and Group II (hydrofluorcarbons). For all GHGs, the bill uses the common unit of measurement CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)—the quantity of GHGs that the U.S. EPA has determined makes the same contribution to global warming as one metric ton of CO₂. The L-W CSA would create two separate caps, one covering facilities that produce HFCs and the other covering facilities that:

·  Use more that 5,000 tons of coal annually;

·  Process, produce, or import natural gas;

·  Produce or import petroleum or coal-based fuel that when combusted will emit a Group I GHG;

· Produce for sale or distribution or import more than 10,000 CO₂e of chemicals that are group I GHGs, assuming no capture or permanent sequestration

· Emit as a by-product of HCFC production more than 10,000 CO₂e of HFCs

Overall, the two caps combined are expected to cover over 80% of total U.S. GHG emissions, although some process related emissions are not covered.

The cap on facilities producing HFCs would start in 2010 at 300 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO₂e) and decline to 90 MMTCO₂e by 2037, remaining at that level through 2050. Emissions from all other covered facilities would be capped at 5775 MMTCO₂e in 2012, with this cap decreasing annually to 1732 MMTCO₂e in 2050. The two caps combined would result in roughly a 19% reduction from 2005 levels in 2020 and a 70% reduction from 2005 levels by 2050.

Beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2030, the L-W CSA would provide transition assistance in the form of free allowances to electric power generators (19%), manufacturers (10%), fuel producers or importers (2%), HFC producers and importers (2%), and rural electric cooperatives (1%). In addition, 5% of the total emission allowance account will be allocated to early actors from 2012-2017 and 4% for carbon, capture and sequestration activities from 2012-2030. Approximately 30.5% of the total allowance account will be set aside from 2012-2050 for other entities, including states, load-serving entities, farms and forests, coal mines, and others. Starting in 2012, 26.5% of allowances would be auctioned (including 5% for an early auction to be held shortly after enactment), with the proceeds going to energy technology deployment, low-and middle-income energy consumers, adaptation efforts in the U.S., and programs to support energy independence and national security. Over time, the auction will grow so that by 2031, 69.5% of the allowances would be auctioned and the revenue used for these purposes.

The L-W CSA allows covered facilities to satisfy up to 15% of their compliance obligation with specific domestic offsets. An additional 15% can be covered using international emission allowances. Unlimited banking is allowed and owners and operators of covered facilities can borrow up to 15% of their annual compliance obligation from future years. The L-W CSA also creates a Carbon Market Efficiency Board to monitor the carbon trading market and implement specific cost relief measures, including increased borrowing and use of offsets.

The L-W CSA includes a review of the commitments of other major-emitting nations to reduce their GHG emissions. Eight years after enactment the President is authorized to require importers of GHG emission-intensive products from countries that have not taken action comparable to the U.S. to submit credits equal to those required of domestic manufactures.

Sponsor: Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT) (9 Cosponsors)

11/1/07: Reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming by 4-3; 12/5/08: Reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works by 11-8.

 

 

S. 2555:   Reducing Global Warming Pollution from Vehicles Act of 2008. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to approve California’s December 21, 2005 application for a waiver of preemption for the regulation of California to control greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) (22 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2806:  

Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding Deadline and California Waiver Reconsideration Act. This bill would require the Administrator of the EPA to—not later than June 30, 2009—reconsider, and confirm or reverse, the decision of the Administrator to deny California’s request to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The bill would further direct the Administrator to, within 60 days of enactment, issue a finding in accordance with: the Clean Air Act as to whether greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles causes or contributes to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare; and the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Massachusetts v. E.P.A.

Sponsor: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2958:  

American Energy Production Act of 2008. Among various provisions intended to increase the production of fossil fuel and alternative energy sources, this bill would require the President to ensure that aviation fuel, motor vehicle fuel, home heating oil, and boiler fuel, contains a mandated volume of clean coal-derived fuels whose lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are not greater than gasoline. The bill would define clean coal-derived fuels as those which are refined or otherwise processed in a U.S. facility that captures up to 100% of the carbon dioxide emssions that would otherwise be released at the facility. The mandated volume of these fuels would be 750 million gallons in 2015, increasing to 6 billion gallons in 2022; after 2023, the annual volume would be determined by the President in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of EPA. 

Sponsor: Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) (21 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2973:  

American Energy Production Act of 2008. Among various provisions intended to increase the production of fossil fuel and alternative energy sources, this bill would require the President to ensure that aviation fuel, motor vehicle fuel, home heating oil, and boiler fuel, contains a mandated volume of clean coal-derived fuels whose lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are not greater than gasoline. The bill would define clean coal-derived fuels as those which are refined or otherwise processed in a U.S. facility that captures up to 100% of the carbon dioxide emssions that would otherwise be released at the facility. The mandated volume of these fuels would be 750 million gallons in 2015, increasing to 6 billion gallons in 2022; after 2023, the annual volume would be determined by the President in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of EPA. 

Sponsor: Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) (18 Cosponsors)

 

S. 3036:  

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008
 

NOTE:  For a full range of Pew Center resources for this bill, including in depth analysis, a longer summary,  a complete timeline, and links to relevant external documents and media, please click here


·         The Act, if enacted into law, would establish a market-based cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States, and establish other measures to reduce GHG emissions.

·         This is the first cap-and-trade legislation to proceed to the Senate floor through regular order—that is, through the committee process. A previous version of this bill, then titled S.2191, was passed 11-8 by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee in December 2007. The version that will debated on the Senate floor has been extensively revised from the version passed by the EPW committee.

·         An estimated 87% of U.S. GHG emissions would be subject to the bill’s cap-and-trade program. Those required to submit emissions allowances under the program include: coal-fired power plants and other entities that use more than 5,000 metric tons of coal, natural gas processors and importers, petroleum processors and refiners, manufacturers and importers of more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs (as measured in CO2 equivalents), and any entity that emits more than 10,000 metric tons (CO2e) of HFCs as a byproduct of the manufacture of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).  The bill establishes a separate cap-and-trade system for HFCs produced or imported (including those in products and equipment).

·         The cap-and-trade program would reduce GHG emissions from covered sectors by 4% below 2005 levels by 2012; 19% below 2005 levels by 2020; and 71% below 2005 levels by 2050.

·         The bill would allocate 75.5% of all allowances for free in 2012— including 18% to power plants, 11% to manufacturers, 2% to petroleum refiners, and 0.75% to natural gas processors (transitioning to zero in 2031); 12.75% to electricity and natural gas local distribution companies for the benefit of energy consumers, and 15% to states, etc. The proportion of allowances auctioned would increase from 24.5% in 2012 to 58.75% by 2032.

·         The bill would establish numerous measures to contain the cost of the cap-and-trade program, including allowing the use of domestic and international offsets, and the banking and borrowing of allowances; establishing a Carbon Market Efficiency Board empowered with certain cost-relief powers; and establishing a “cost-containment auction” of a fixed quantity of allowances each year that will initially be offered only to those with compliance obligations and within a certain price range. The bill also establishes a working group that will create regulations designed to protect the market from fraud and manipulation.

·         The bill would provide funds to compensate low-income energy consumers and assist in worker transition.

·         The bill would provide funding and incentives for development and deployment of geological carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology, with a goal of constructing 5-10 commercial coal-burning electricity facilities using CCS.

·         The bill would also provide funds for:  renewable energy; increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, appliances, manufacturing; research into low-carbon electricity generation and advanced energy projects; increasing the use and manufacture of hybrid and advanced vehicles; and increasing the production of cellulosic biofuels. It also includes a low-carbon fuel standard.

·         The bill would provide funds for the states for mass transit projects, and wildlife conservation and adaptation projects, among others.

·         The bill has a number of international provisions, including a measure that would require importers of certain commodities from countries that do not have GHG control programs to submit special allowances, as well as funds for assisting vulnerable communities abroad, promoting international technology development, and conserving forests and wildlife in other countries.

 

Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) ( Cosponsors) 6/2/08: Cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill invoked by the Senate by 74-14; 6/6/08: the Senate failed to invoke cloture to close debate on the bill by 48-36.

 

S. 309:   Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act. The Act, through an amendment to the Clean Air Act, requires the United states to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 80% of 1990 levels by the year 2050, in the following stages: 1/3 of 80% of 1990 levels by 2030; 2/3 of 80% of 1990 levels by 2040; and fully 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. The Act gives the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency the discretion to propose GHG reductions, and provides a menu of policy options, including market-based measures—such as emissions trading—among others, to achieve those reductions. The bill also requires the Administrator to mandate that, not later than January 1, 2010, each fleet of highway vehicles over 10,000 pounds sold by a manufacturer in the United States must, beginning in model year 2020, meet the following GHG tailpipe emissions standards: not more than 850 carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) grams per mile (gpm) for highway vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds; and not more than 1,050 CO₂e gpm for such vehicles with a GVW rating of more than 26,000 pounds. The bill gives the Administrator the discretion to increase the stringency of these administrators after model year 2020. Among other provisions, the bill also contains GHG emission standards for electric generation units and energy efficiency and promotes research into carbon capture and sequestration. Sponsor: Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT) (11 Cosponsors)

 

S. 339:   Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. Among other provisions designed to increase the use of alternative fuels and new technology, the Act directs the Secretary of Energy to include greenhouse gas reduction capability in a “research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program for electric drive transportation technology and engine dominant hybrid vehicle technology.” Sponsor: Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) (24 Cosponsors)

 

S. 859:   Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2007. The Act, which requires the Secretary of Energy to “award funds to study the feasibility of constructing dedicated ethanol pipelines to increase the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States.” Among its provisions, the bill cites as one benefit of ethanol that it provides “reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.” Sponsor: Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. RES. 30:  

Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to participate in international climate change negotiations to protect the country’s economic and national security interests, establish mitigation commitments by all countries that are major GHG emitters, establish international mechanisms to minimize the cost of efforts by participating countries and achieve a significant long-term reduction in global GHG emissions.

(25 Cosponsors)

 

H. Con. Res. 305:  

Recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation. This concurrent resolution would have the Congress recognize that increased and safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation is in the national interest, and state that Congress supports policies which increase bicycle use, among other provisions. In the preambulatory language, the resolution cites the United States Conference of Mayors’ climate protection agreement, which urges the Federal Government to enact policies and programs to meet or exceed a greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction target of a 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012. The resolution also states that the transportation sector contributes one-third of the GHG emissions in the U.S. and passenger automobiles and light trucks alone contribute 21%.

Sponsor: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) (34 Cosponsors) 5/15/08: Reported by the House Committee on Transportation Subcommittee on Highways and Transit; 5/19/08: Reported by the House Committee on Transportation by voice vote; 5/21/08: passed the House by voice vote.

 

H.R. 1186:   United States-India Energy Security Cooperation Act of 2007. The Act authorizes the President to establish programs in support of greater energy cooperation between the United States and India, including providing assistance to India for cooperation related to the research, development, and deployment of, among others: clean coal and emission reduction technologies, carbon sequestration projects, and alternative fuel sources such as ethanol, bio-mass, and coal-based fuels. The Act also requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress on energy security cooperation between the U.S. and India. Sponsor: Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) (2 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1215:   A bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make certain loan guarantees for advanced conservation and fuel efficiency motor vehicle technology projects that reduce the emissions of one or more greenhouse gases. Sponsor: Rep. Michael Rogers (R-MI) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1300:   Program for Real Energy Security (PROGRESS) Act. Among other provisions, the Act directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program to state and local governments and transportation authorities for the procuring and testing of plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the displacement of greenhouse gas emissions as a criterion for selection. The Act also authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into long-term contracts to procure biobased and unconventional fuel, including coal-to-liquid fuel from facilities that employ carbon capture and sequestration technology. Sponsor: Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) (108 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1451:   New Options Petroleum Energy Conservation Act of 2007. The purpose of the bill is to “provide incentives to reduce dependence on foreign oil,” and includes a Climate Neutral Combustion Credit among other incentives for investing in renewable and alternative fuels and sources of energy. Sponsor: Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) (1 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 182:   TEAM up for Energy Independence Act which would, among other things, impose an excise tax on automobiles sold in the United States that are not alternative fueled automobiles, in an attempt to make alternative fuels more available to the public. Starting in 2007 there would be a 5% tax that doubles every year until 2011. The proceeds of this tax would be deposited in a trust fund and used to renovate gas stations so that they can dispense alternative fuels. The bill’s Findings section states that “climate change threatens the security and stability of our planet,” and includes additional language concerning carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. Sponsor: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1915:   American Automobile Industry Promotion Act of 2007. This bill directs the Secretary of Energy to, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for electric drive transportation technology, including control systems which optimized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) (1 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1915:   American Automobile Industry Promotion Act of 2007. This bill directs the Secretary of Energy to, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for electric drive transportation technology, including control systems which optimized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) (1 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1945:   Energy for Our Future Act. This bill contains various provisions intended to improve the energy efficiency of the United States, including the repeal of preemption of state law relating to automobile fuel economy standards. Also included is the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007, which would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant pilot demonstration program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and sets the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles as as as a criteria for grant application. An applicant receiving the grant will be awarded no more than $10-million in Federal assistance for the period encompassing fiscal years 2008-2012. Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) (15 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 1945:   Energy for Our Future Act. This bill contains various provisions intended to improve the energy efficiency of the United States, including the repeal of preemption of state law relating to automobile fuel economy standards. Also included is the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007, which would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant pilot demonstration program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and sets the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles as as as a criteria for grant application. An applicant receiving the grant will be awarded no more than $10-million in Federal assistance for the period encompassing fiscal years 2008-2012. Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) (15 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2079:   Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007. This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant pilot demonstration program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and sets the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles as a criteria for grant application. An applicant receiving the grant will be awarded no more than $10 million in Federal assistance for the period encompassing fiscal years 2008-2012. Sponsor: Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) (7 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2079:   Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007. This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant pilot demonstration program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and sets the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles as a criteria for grant application. An applicant receiving the grant will be awarded no more than $10 million in Federal assistance for the period encompassing fiscal years 2008-2012. Sponsor: Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) (7 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2112:   Purchasing Low-Emission Vehicles for Use in Government (PLUG) Act. This bill would amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Federal Government to acquire not fewer than 50,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for inclusion in the federal fleet within five years after the Secretary of Energy deems such vehicles “commercially available.” The bill cites Department of Energy finding that hybrid vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gases than conventional vehicles. Sponsor: Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) (1 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2208:   Coal Liquid Fuel Act. This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish standby loans with not more than six coal-to-liquid fuels (CTL) projects Under these agreements, the Secretary will make a direct loan to the qualifying CTL project, and set a cap price and minimum price for the primary term of the agreement. Qualifying projects are those which convert coal to one or more liquid or gaseous transportation fuels; or not more than one project at a facility that converts petroleum refinery waste products, including pet-coke, into one or more liquids or gaseous transportation fuels—and which demonstrates the capture and sequestration or disposal or use of the carbon dioxide (CO₂)produced in the conversion process, and that produces fuel with life cycle CO₂ emissions at or below the average life cycle CO₂ emissions for the same type of fuel produced at traditional petroleum-based facilities with similar annual capacities. Sponsor: Rep. Richard Boucher (D-VA) (15 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2215:   To provide a reduction in the aggregate greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy consumed by vehicles and aircraft, and for other purposes. This bill amends the Clean Air Act by directing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to, no later than January 1, 2010, promulgate low carbon fuel performance standards for fuels and other sources of energy used to propel vehicles and aircraft. The low carbon fuel performance standards will also include lifecycle GHG emission calculations. Sponsor: Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) (19 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2218:   Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2007. This bill would create a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve, and authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and guarantee loans for the production, distribution, development, and storage of biofuels. It cites the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional gasoline as a benefit of the use of grain-based and biomass ethanol. Sponsor: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2426:   Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2007. This bill, among other purposes, requires the Secretary of Energy to award funds to study the feasibility of constructing dedicated ethanol pipelines, and to address technical factors that prevent transportation of ethanol in existing pipelines. Among other provisions, it cites reduced greenhouse gas emissions as a public health benefit of ethanol. Sponsor: Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) (5 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2447:   Energy and Environment Block Grant Act of 2007. This bill directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a block grant program for local governments and the states to support energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategies. (23 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2483:   Energy for America Act. Among various provisions intended to promote energy efficiency, alternative energy, and green enrgy technology, this bill directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant competitive pilot demonstration program to be awarded annually for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. As part of the criteria, applicants are required to record greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In addition, the bill requires the Secretary of Energy to, not later than 2 years after enactment, submit to Congress a study on biological sequestration on carbon dioxide for coal power systems. (7 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2556:  

Energy Savings Act of 2007. This bill contains various provisions to promote biofuels, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage. It establishes a renewable fuel standard of 8.5 billion gallons in 2008, increasing to 36 billion gallons by 2022, and directs the President to promulgate regulations to ensure that motor and heating fuels sold within the United States contain the applicable volume of renewable fuels. The bill requires that renewable fuels produced from facilities built after enactment shall achieve at least a 20% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline. In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of Energy to provide grants for the electric vehicle demonstration program. Grant recipients must submit an annual report to the Secretary on data relating to vehicle, performance, lifecycle costs, and GHG emissions. The bill also directs the Secretary to carry out fundamental science and engineering research to develop new approaches to capture and store, recycle, or reuse carbon dioxide.

Sponsor: Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2594:   Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Act of 2007. This bill would establish a Federal public relations and education campaign intended to promote responsible and fuel-efficient driving in the United States. Among other provisions, the bill finds that “the United States has an environmental interest in reducing our emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases linked to climate change.” Sponsor: Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2594:   Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the bill finds that “the United States has an environmental interest in reducing our emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases linked to climate change.” Sponsor: Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2635:   Carbon-Neutral Government Act of 2007. This title, among other provisions, directs each federal agency to annually inventory and report its GHG emissions. Not later than 18 months after enactment, the EPA must promulgate annual GHG reduction targets for the total emissions of all agencies taken as a whole, for each fiscal year from 2010 through 2050. The title also sets GHG emissions standards for federal vehicle fleets, based on the California Code of Regulations. In addition, the bill requires the Secretary of Energy to establish new efficiency standards for federal buildings, so that by 2030 they have achieved a 100% reduction in fossil-fuel generated energy consumption compared to consumption in 2003. Sponsor: Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) (14 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2641:   Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. Among other provisions, this bill, according to the accompanying committee report, appropriates $150 million to the Department of Energy for research into climate change, including modeling, monitoring radiation in the atmosphere, and long-term experiments on the impact of increased CO₂ levels on forests and other ecosystems. The bill also appropriates $1.9 billion for climate-friendly, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs including: solar energy, biofuels (including cellulosic ethanol), vehicle technology, energy efficient buildings, weatherization grants, hydropower, and geothermal energy. In addition, the bill appropriates $639.2 million for funding for a Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant at the Idaho National Laboratory. Sponsor: Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2698:  

Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007. Among other purposes, this bill would direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to establish a research initiative, in coordination with NASA and the United States Climate Science Program, to assess the impact of aviation on the climate and, if warranted to evaluate approaches to mitigate that impact.

Sponsor: Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) (2 Cosponsors) 6/14/08: Reported by the House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Science and Technology by voice vote; 6/22/07: Reported by the House Committee on Science and Technology by voice vote.

 

H.R. 2701:   Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007. This bill, among other provisions, mandates the establishment of a Center for Climate Change and Environment within the Department of Transportation, which would plan, coordinate, and implement department-wide initiatives and research to reduce transportation-related energy use, mitigate the effects of climate change, and address the impacts of climate change on transportation and infrastructure. The bill also directs the Administrator of the EPA to have the National Academy of Sciences identify the potential impacts of climate change on the nation’s water resources, watersheds, and water quality. It also directs the Secretary of the Army to ensure that water resources projects and studies carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers account for potential effects of climate change; and directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a study of the increase in demand for the Agency’s services due to natural disasters that can be reasonably attributed to climate change. The bill also contains numerous provisions intended to make public and commercial transportation, and federal buildings, more energy-efficient. Sponsor: Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) (15 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2809:   New Apollo Energy Act of 2007. This bill contains many provisions intended to promote new energy technologies, and includes a variety of measures intended to reduce American greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among other provisions, it instructs the National Institute of Building Sciences to establish standards for the construction of new commercial and residential buildings that will reduce CO₂ emissions, compared to emissions from similar buildings in 2003, by 40% by 2010 and by 70% by 2020. The bill also directs the Administrator of the EPA to promulgate low carbon fuel performance standards for fuels and aircraft, similar to those proposed by Rep. Inslee in H.R. 2215. In addition, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantees for commercial demonstration projects of low carbon renewable fuels. The bill also amends the Clean Air Act to instruct the Administrator of the EPA to promulgate regulations to require each manufacturer of automobiles for sale in the United States to reduce the average GHG emissions per vehicle mile. It also directs the Secretary of Commerce to work through NOAA to carry out a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change. Sponsor: Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) (23 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2858:   To promote the production and use of ethanol. Among other provisions, this bill amends the Petroleum Practices Act to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program for research into developing sweet sorghum as an ethanol feedstock to replace corn; and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ethanol production is a stated goal of the program. Sponsor: Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) ( Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2881:   FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program to carry out not more than 6 environmental mitigation demonstration projects at public-use airports, and makes measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions a criteria of project selection. The bill also requires the Administrator of the FAA to establish a program to develop and certify CLEEN (Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise) engine and airframe technology, and mandates as one performance objective the development, by September 30, 2015, of certifiable aircraft technology that reduces GHG emissions by increasing aircraft fuel efficiency by 25% relative to 1997 subsonic jet aircraft technology. Sponsor: Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) (33 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2927:   To increase the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles, to promote the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles, and for other purposes. Among a variety of provisions intended to increase corporate average fuel economy standards, this bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average fuel economy standards expressed in terms of average miles per gallon of fuel and in terms of average grams per mile of CO₂ emissions. The bill also gives the Secretary the authority to prescribe separate standards for different classes of passenger automobiles based on attributes related to fuel economy, including carbon efficiency. Sponsor: Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN) (162 Cosponsors)

 

H.R. 2950:   Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill requires the President to establish a renewable fuel standard for motor vehicle fuel and home heating oil sold or introduced into the United States, and mandates that renewable fuels produced from facilities that commence operations after enactment achieve at least a 20% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline. The bill also requires the President to establish criteria for a system of voluntary labeling of renewable fuels based on life-cycle GHG emissions. In addition, the bill also authorizes funds for: grants for research and development of low-carbon fuels and low-GHG-emitting advanced biofuels; studies of the effects of renewable fuel use on GHG emissions; and an assessment of carbon sequestration and methane and nitrous oxide emissions from terrestrial ecosystems. It also makes reducing GHG emissions a condition of grants for: an electric drive transportation technology demonstration program; a State energy training partnership program. It also makes GHG emission reductions a criteria in amending fuel economy standards, and cites reducing GHG emissions as a goal of energy diplomacy. Sponsor: Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) ( Cosponsors)