Library / Laws / 113th / hr / H.R. 5322 / Introduced in House
I
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5322
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 31, 2014
Mrs. Blackburn (for herself and Mr. Roe of Tennessee) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To establish the Department of Energy and the Environment, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title; table of contents
(a)
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Consolidate Heavy-handed and Outdated Programs Act of 2014.
(b)
Table of contents
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Title I—Mission and goals
Sec. 101. Mission.
Sec. 102. Goals.
Sec. 103. Relationship with States.
Title II—Establishment of Department
Sec. 201. Establishment.
Sec. 202. Principal officers.
Sec. 203. Assistant Secretaries.
Sec. 204. Other officers.
Sec. 205. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Sec. 206. Energy and Environmental Information Administration.
Sec. 207. Comptroller General functions.
Sec. 208. Office of Science.
Sec. 209. Establishment of policy for National Nuclear Security Administration.
Sec. 210. Establishment of security, counterintelligence, and intelligence policies.
Sec. 211. Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence.
Sec. 212. Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.
Title III—Transfer of functions
Sec. 301. Transfer of functions.
Sec. 302. Power Administrations.
Title IV—Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Sec. 401. Appointment and administration.
Sec. 402. Jurisdiction of Commission.
Sec. 403. Initiation of rulemaking proceedings before Commission.
Sec. 404. Referral of other rulemaking proceedings to Commission.
Sec. 405. Right of Secretary to intervene in Commission proceedings.
Sec. 406. Reorganization.
Sec. 407. Access to information.
Title V—Administrative procedures and judicial review
Sec. 501. Procedures.
Sec. 502. Judicial review.
Sec. 503. Remedial orders.
Sec. 504. Requests for adjustments.
Sec. 505. Review and effect.
Title VI—Administrative provisions
Subtitle A—Personnel provisions
Sec. 601. Officers and employees.
Sec. 602. Senior positions.
Sec. 603. Experts and consultants.
Sec. 604. Advisory committees.
Subtitle B—General administrative provisions
Sec. 611. General authority.
Sec. 612. Delegation.
Sec. 613. Reorganization.
Sec. 614. Rules.
Sec. 615. Subpoena.
Sec. 616. Contracts.
Sec. 617. Acquisition and maintenance of property.
Sec. 618. Facilities construction.
Sec. 619. Use of facilities.
Sec. 620. Field offices.
Sec. 621. Copyrights.
Sec. 622. Capital fund.
Sec. 623. Seal of Department.
Sec. 624. Regional energy advisory boards.
Sec. 625. Designation of conservation officers.
Sec. 626. Annual report.
Sec. 627. Transfer of funds.
Sec. 628. Guards for Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities.
Sec. 629. Trespass on Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities.
Sec. 630. Annual assessment and report on vulnerability of facilities to terrorist attack.
Title VII—Transitional, savings, and conforming provisions
Sec. 701. Transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel.
Sec. 702. Effect on personnel.
Sec. 703. Agency terminations.
Sec. 704. Incidental transfers.
Sec. 705. Savings provisions.
Sec. 706. Reference.
Sec. 707. Presidential authority.
Sec. 708. Transition.
Sec. 709. Administrative amendments.
Sec. 710. Director of Office of Personnel Management report.
Sec. 711. Investigations and reports on duplicative programs and activities.
Sec. 712. Environmental impact statements.
Sec. 713. Conforming amendments.
Title VIII—Energy planning
Sec. 801. National Energy Policy Plan.
Sec. 802. Congressional review.
Title IX—Effective date and interim appointments
Sec. 901. Effective date.
Sec. 902. Interim appointments.
2.
Definitions
In this Act:
(1)
Assets
The term assets includes contracts, facilities, property, records, unobligated or unexpended balances of
appropriations, and other funds or resources (other than personnel).
(2)
Commission
The term Commission means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(3)
Department
The term Department means the Department of Energy and the Environment.
(4)
Function
The term function includes any authority, power, right, privilege, immunity, program, project, activity, duty, and
responsibility.
(5)
Local government
The term local government means—
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special
district, intrastate district, council of governments (regardless of
whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit
corporation under State law), regional or interstate government entity, or
agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization or, in the State of Alaska, a Native village or
Alaska Regional Native Corporation; and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.
(6)
National Laboratory
The term National Laboratory has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(7)
Perform
The term perform, with respect to a function, includes—
(A) the undertaking, fulfillment, or execution of any duty or obligation; and
(B) the exercise of any power, authority, right, or privilege.
(8)
Personnel
The term personnel means officers and employees.
(9)
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy and the Environment.
(10)
State
The term State means—
(A) each of the several States of the United States;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(D) Guam;
(E) American Samoa;
(F) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
(G) any other territory or possession of the United States.
(11)
United States
The term United States, when used in a geographical sense, means—
(A) all of the States; and
(B) any waters within the jurisdiction of the United States.
I
Mission and goals
101.
Mission
The primary mission of the Department is to ensure the security and prosperity of the United States
by—
(1) protecting human health;
(2) safeguarding the natural environment; and
(3) addressing the energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges of the United States through
transformative science and technology solutions.
102.
Goals
The goals of the Department are—
(1) to catalyze the timely, material, and efficient transformation of the energy system of the United
States and secure the leadership of the United States in energy
technologies;
(2) to maintain a vibrant effort in science and engineering as a cornerstone of the economic prosperity
of the United States, with clear leadership in strategic areas;
(3) to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment; and
(4) to enhance nuclear security through defense, nonproliferation, and environmental efforts.
103.
Relationship with States
(a)
In general
If any proposed action by the Department conflicts with the energy or environment plan of any
State, the Department shall give due consideration to the needs of the
State, and if practicable, attempt to resolve the conflict through
consultations with appropriate State officials.
(b)
State matters
Nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any State over matters exclusively within the
jurisdiction of the State.
II
Establishment of Department
201.
Establishment
(a)
Establishment
There is established at the seat of government an executive department to be known as the
Department of Energy and the Environment.
(b)
Secretary
There shall be at the head of the Department a Secretary of Energy and the Environment, who shall
be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
(c)
Administration
The Department shall be administered, in accordance with this Act, under the supervision and
direction of the Secretary.
202.
Principal officers
(a)
Deputy Secretary
(1)
In general
There shall be in the Department a Deputy Secretary, who shall be appointed by the President, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Duties
The Deputy Secretary shall act for and exercise the functions of the Secretary during the absence
or disability of the Secretary or in the event the office of Secretary
becomes vacant.
(3)
Order of succession
The Secretary shall designate the order in which the Under Secretaries and other officials shall
act for and perform the functions of the Secretary during the absence or
disability of both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary or in the event of
vacancies in both of those offices.
(b)
Under Secretary of Environment
(1)
In general
There shall be in the Department an Under Secretary of Environment, who shall be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Duties
The Under Secretary of Environment shall perform such functions and duties as the Secretary shall
prescribe, consistent with this Act.
(c)
Under Secretary of Nuclear Security
(1)
In general
There shall be in the Department an Under Secretary of Nuclear Security, who shall be appointed by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Qualifications
The Under Secretary of Nuclear Security shall be appointed from among individuals who—
(A) have extensive backgrounds in national security, organizational management, and appropriate
technical fields; and
(B) are well qualified to manage the nuclear weapons, nonproliferation, and materials disposition
programs of the National Nuclear Security Administration in a manner that
advances and protects the national security of the United States.
(3)
Administrator of Nuclear Security
(A)
In general
The Under Secretary of Nuclear Security shall serve as the Administrator of Nuclear Security
under section 3212 of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50
U.S.C. 2402).
(B)
Functions
(i)
In general
In carrying out the functions of the Administrator, the Under Secretary shall be subject to the
authority, direction, and control of the Secretary.
(ii)
Delegation
The authority, direction, and control of the Secretary may be delegated only to the Deputy
Secretary of Energy and the Environment, without redelegation.
(d)
Under Secretary of Science
(1)
In general
There shall be in the Department an Under Secretary of Science, who shall be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Qualifications
The Under Secretary of Science shall be appointed from among individuals who—
(A) have extensive background in scientific or engineering fields; and
(B) are well qualified to manage the civilian research and development programs of the Department.
(3)
Duties
The Under Secretary of Science shall—
(A) serve as the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary;
(B) monitor the research and development programs of the Department in order to advise the Secretary
with respect to any undesirable duplication or gaps in the programs;
(C) advise the Secretary with respect to the well-being and management of the multipurpose laboratories
under the jurisdiction of the Department;
(D) advise the Secretary with respect to education and training activities required for effective
short- and long-term basic and applied research activities of the
Department;
(E) advise the Secretary with respect to grants and other forms of financial assistance required for
effective short- and long-term basic and applied research activities of
the Department;
(F) advise the Secretary with respect to long-term planning, coordination, and development of a
strategic framework for Department research and development activities;
and
(G) carry out such additional duties that the Secretary assigns to the Under Secretary relating to
basic and applied research, including supervision or support of research
activities carried out by any of the Assistant Secretaries designated by
section 203, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(e)
Under Secretary of Energy
(1)
In general
There shall be in the Department an Under Secretary of Energy, who shall be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Duties
The Under Secretary of Energy shall perform such functions and duties as the Secretary shall
prescribe, consistent with this Act.
(f)
General Counsel
(1)
In general
There shall be in the Department a General Counsel, who shall be appointed by the President, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Duties
The General Counsel shall perform such functions and duties as the Secretary shall prescribe,
consistent with this Act.
203.
Assistant Secretaries
(a)
In general
There shall be in the Department 18 Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b)
Functions
The Assistant Secretaries shall perform such functions of the Secretary as are prescribed by the
Secretary, including the following:
(1) Air and radiation functions.
(2) Enforcement and compliance assurance functions.
(3) Legacy management functions.
(4) Solid waste and emergency response functions.
(5) Environmental research and development functions.
(6) Water functions.
(7) Chemical safety and pollution prevention functions.
(8) Environmental management functions.
(9) Energy resource applications, including functions dealing with management of all forms of energy
production and utilization, including fuel supply, electric power supply,
enriched uranium production, energy technology programs, and the
management of energy resource leasing procedures on Federal land.
(10) Energy research and development functions, including the responsibility for policy and management
of research and development for all aspects of—
(A) solar energy resources;
(B) geothermal energy resources;
(C) recycling energy resources;
(D) the fuel cycle for fossil energy resources; and
(E) the fuel cycle for nuclear energy resources.
(11) Environmental responsibilities and functions, including—
(A) advising the Secretary with respect to the conformance of the activities of the Department to
environmental protection laws and principles; and
(B) conducting a comprehensive program of research and development on the environmental effects of
energy technologies and programs.
(12) International programs and international policy functions, including functions that assist in
promoting international energy.
(13) Intergovernmental policies and relations, including responsibilities for ensuring that—
(A) national energy policies are reflective of and responsible to the needs of State and local
governments; and
(B) other components of the Department coordinate activities with State and local governments, if
appropriate, and develop intergovernmental communications with State and
local governments.
(14) Competition and consumer affairs, including responsibilities for—
(A) the promotion of competition in the energy industry;
(B) the protection of the consuming public in the energy policymaking processes; and
(C) assisting the Secretary in the formulation and analysis of policies, rules, and regulations
relating to competition and consumer affairs.
(15) Nuclear waste management responsibilities, including—
(A) the establishment of control over existing Federal Government facilities for the treatment and
storage of nuclear wastes, including all containers, casks, buildings,
vehicles, equipment, and all other materials associated with the
facilities;
(B) the establishment of control over all existing nuclear waste in the possession or control of the
Federal Government and all commercial nuclear waste presently stored on
site (other than the site of a licensed nuclear power electric generating
facility), except that nothing in this paragraph shall alter or effect
title to the waste;
(C) the establishment of temporary and permanent facilities for storage, management, and ultimate
disposal of nuclear wastes;
(D) the establishment of facilities for the treatment of nuclear wastes;
(E) the establishment of programs for the treatment, management, storage, and disposal of nuclear
wastes;
(F) the establishment of fees or user charges for nuclear waste treatment or storage facilities,
including fees to be charged Federal Government agencies; and
(G) the promulgation of rules and regulations to implement the authority described in this paragraph,
except that nothing in this section grants to the Department regulatory
functions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or any additional related
functions, as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(16) Energy conservation functions, including—
(A) the development of comprehensive energy conservation strategies for the United States;
(B) the planning and implementation of major research and demonstration programs for the development of
technologies and processes to reduce total energy consumption;
(C) the administration of voluntary and mandatory energy conservation programs; and
(D) the dissemination to the public of all available information on energy conservation programs and
measures.
(17) Power marketing functions, including responsibility for marketing and transmission of Federal
power.
(18) Public and congressional relations functions, including responsibilities for providing a continuing
liaison between the Department and Congress and the Department and the
public.
(c)
Specific functions
At the time the name of any individual is submitted for confirmation to the position of Assistant
Secretary, the President shall identify with particularity the one or more
functions described in subsection (b) (or any portion of the function) for
which the individual will be responsible.
204.
Other officers
(a)
Inspector General
There is an Inspector General of the Department, who shall be appointed as provided in section 3(a)
of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).
(b)
Other officers
To assist the Secretary in the performance of the functions of the Secretary, there are the
following officers of the Department, who shall be appointed by the
Secretary:
(1) A Chief Financial Officer.
(2) A Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer.
(3) A Community and Public Affairs Officer.
(4) A Management and Human Resources Officer.
(5) A Hearings and Appeals Officer.
(6) A Chief Information Officer.
(7) An Intelligence and Counterintelligence Officer.
(c)
Performance of specific functions
Subject to this Act, each officer of the Department shall perform the functions specified by law
for the office of the official or prescribed by the Secretary.
205.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(a)
In general
There shall be within the Department, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission established in
accordance with title IV.
(b)
Qualifications
The Chair and members of the Commission shall be individuals who, by demonstrated ability,
background, training, or experience, are specially qualified to assess
fairly the needs and concerns of all interests affected by Federal energy
policy.
206.
Energy and Environmental Information Administration
(a)
In general
There shall be within the Department an Energy and Environmental Information Administration.
(b)
Administrator
(1)
In general
The Energy and Environmental Information Administration shall be headed by an Administrator who
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate.
(2)
Qualifications
The Administrator shall be a person who, by reason of professional background and experience, is
specially qualified to manage an energy and environmental information
system.
(3)
Duties
The Administrator shall be responsible for carrying out a central comprehensive, and unified energy
data and information program that will collect, evaluate, assemble,
analyze, and disseminate data and information that is relevant to—
(A) energy resource reserves, energy production, demand, and technology, environmental protection, and
related economic and statistical information; or
(B) the adequacy of energy resources to meet demands in the near and longer term future for the
economic and social needs of the United States.
(c)
Functions
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall delegate to the Administrator the functions vested in Federal law relating to
gathering, analysis, and dissemination of energy and environmental
information.
(2)
Enforcement
The Administrator may act in the name of the Secretary for the purpose of obtaining enforcement of
the delegated functions.
(3)
Additional functions
(A)
In general
There shall be vested in the Administrator, and the Administrator shall perform, the functions
assigned to the Director of the Office of Energy Information and Analysis
under part B of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C.
790 et seq.).
(B)
Administration
Sections 53(d) and 59 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 790b(d), 790h)
shall apply to the Administrator in the performance of any function under
this Act.
(d)
Approval
The Administrator shall not be required to obtain the approval of any other officer or employee of
the Department in connection with—
(1) the collection or analysis of any information; or
(2) prior to publication, the substance of any statistical or forecasting technical reports that the
Administrator has prepared in accordance with law.
(e)
Audit reviews
The Energy and Environmental Information Administration shall be subject to an annual professional
audit review of performance.
(f)
Furnishing of information to Department
On request, the Administrator shall promptly provide any information or analysis obtained under
this section to any other administration, commission, or office within the
Department.
(g)
Public availability
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), information collected by the Energy Information Administration
shall be cataloged and, on request, promptly made available to the public
in a form and manner easily adaptable for public use.
(2)
Exempted matters
This subsection shall not require disclosure of matters exempted from mandatory disclosure by
section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(3)
Administration
Section 11(d) of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 796(d)),
and section 17 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development
Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5916), shall continue to apply to any information
obtained by the Administrator under those provisions.
(h)
Major energy-Producing companies
(1)
Definitions
In this subsection:
(A)
Energy-producing company
The term energy-producing company means a person engaged in—
(i) ownership or control of mineral fuel resources or nonmineral energy resources;
(ii) exploration for, or development of, mineral fuel resources;
(iii) extraction of mineral fuel or nonmineral energy resources;
(iv) refining, milling, or otherwise processing mineral fuels or nonmineral energy resources;
(v) storage of mineral fuels or nonmineral energy resources;
(vi) the generation, transmission, or storage of electrical energy;
(vii) transportation of mineral fuels or nonmineral energy resources by any means whatever; or
(viii) wholesale or retail distribution of mineral fuels, nonmineral energy resources or electrical
energy.
(B)
Energy industry
The term energy industry means all energy-producing companies.
(C)
Person
The person has the meaning given the term in section 11(e) of the Energy Supply and Environmental
Coordination Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 796(e)).
(2)
Identification and designation
(A)
In general
In addition to the acquisition, collection, analysis, and dissemination of energy information
pursuant to this section, the Administrator shall identify and designate
major energy-producing companies that alone or with their affiliates are
involved in one or more lines of commerce in the energy industry in a
manner that the energy information collected from the major
energy-producing companies shall provide a statistically accurate profile
of each line of commerce in the energy industry in the United States.
(B)
Administration
In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall—
(i) use, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with this Act, reliable statistical sampling
techniques; and
(ii) otherwise give priority to the minimization of the reporting of energy information by small
businesses.
(3)
Financial report
(A)
In general
The Administrator shall develop and make effective for use the format for an energy-producing
company financial report.
(B)
Use
The report shall be designed to allow comparison on a uniform and standardized basis among
energy-producing companies and shall permit for the energy-related
activities of the energy-producing companies—
(i) an evaluation of company revenues, profits, cash flow, and investments in total, for the
energy-related lines of commerce in which the company is engaged and for
all significant energy-related functions within the energy-producing
companies;
(ii) an analysis of the competitive structure of sectors and functional groupings within the energy
industry;
(iii) the segregation of energy information, including financial information, describing company
operations by energy source and geographic area;
(iv) the determination of costs associated with exploration, development, production, processing,
transportation, and marketing and other significant energy-related
functions within the energy-producing companies; and
(v) such other analysis or evaluations as the Administrator finds necessary to carry out this Act.
(4)
Accounting practices
The Administrator shall—
(A) consult with the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the development
of accounting practices required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.) to be followed by persons engaged in whole or in
part in the production of crude oil and natural gas; and
(B) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the energy-producing company financial report
described in paragraph (3) is consistent with the accounting practices, if
applicable.
(5)
Frequency
The Administrator—
(A) shall require each major energy-producing company to file with the Administrator an
energy-producing company financial report on at least an annual basis; and
(B) may request energy information described in the report on a quarterly basis if the Administrator
determines that the quarterly report of information will substantially
assist in achieving the purposes of this Act.
(6)
Summary
A summary of information gathered pursuant to this section, accompanied by such analysis as the
Administrator considers appropriate, shall be included in the annual
report of the Department required by section 626.
(7)
Disclosure of confidential information
Section 1905 of title 18, United States Code, shall apply to any information obtained by the
Administration pursuant to this subsection.
(i)
Surveys of energy consumption
(1)
In general
The Administrator shall conduct and publish the results of a survey of energy consumption in the
manufacturing industries in the United States at least once every 2 years.
(2)
Confidentiality
The Administrator shall conduct the surveys in a manner designed to protect the confidentiality of
individual responses.
(3)
Information
In conducting the survey, the Administrator shall collect information, including information on—
(A) the quantity of fuels consumed;
(B) energy expenditures;
(C) fuel-switching capabilities; and
(D) the use of nonpurchased sources of energy, such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, waste
by-products, and cogeneration.
(4)
Relationship to other authority
This subsection does not affect the authority of the Administrator to collect data under section 52
of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 790a).
(j)
Collection and publication of survey results
(1)
Definition of renewable energy resources
In this subsection, the term renewable energy resources includes energy derived from solar thermal, geothermal, biomass, wind, and photovoltaic resources.
(2)
Surveys
The Administrator shall annually collect and publish the results of a survey of electricity
production from domestic renewable energy resources, including production
in kilowatt hours, total installed capacity, capacity factor, and any
other measures of production efficiency.
(3)
Energy resources
The results of the survey shall distinguish between various renewable energy resources.
(4)
Administration
In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall—
(A) use, to the maximum extent practicable, reliable statistical sampling techniques; and
(B) otherwise take into account the reporting burdens of energy information by small businesses.
(k)
Survey procedure
Pursuant to section 52(a) of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 790a(a)), the
Administrator shall—
(1) conduct surveys of residential and commercial energy use at least once every 3 years and make the
results of the surveys available to the public;
(2) when surveying electric utilities, collect information on demand-side management programs conducted
by the utilities, including information regarding—
(A) the types of demand-side management programs being operated;
(B) the quantity of measures installed;
(C) expenditures on demand-side management programs; and
(D) estimates of energy savings resulting from the programs, including whether the savings estimates
were verified; and
(3) in carrying out this subsection, take into account reporting burdens and the protection of
proprietary information as required by law.
(l)
Data collection
In order to improve the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the energy efficiency policies and
programs of the United States, the Administrator shall, in collecting data
under subsections (i) and (k), consider—
(1) expanding the survey instruments to include questions regarding participation in Federal and
utility conservation programs;
(2) expanding fuel-use surveys in order to provide greater detail on energy use by user subgroups; and
(3) expanding the scope of data collection on energy efficiency and load-management programs, including
the effects of building construction practices, such as practices designed
to obtain peak load shifting.
(m)
Renewable fuels survey
(1)
In general
To improve the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the renewable fuels mandate of the United
States, the Administrator shall conduct and publish the results of a
survey of renewable fuels demand in the motor vehicle fuels market in the
United States monthly.
(2)
Confidentiality
The Administrator shall conduct the survey in a manner designed to protect the confidentiality of
individual responses.
(3)
Information
In conducting the survey, the Administrator shall collect information both on a national and
regional basis, including each of the following:
(A) The quantity of renewable fuels produced.
(B) The quantity of renewable fuels blended.
(C) The quantity of renewable fuels imported.
(D) The quantity of renewable fuels demanded.
(E) Market price data.
(F) Such other analyses or evaluations as the Administrator finds are necessary to achieve the purposes
of this section.
(4)
Prior years
The Administrator shall collect or estimate information both on a national and regional basis,
pursuant to subparagraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (3), for the 5
years prior to implementation of this subsection.
(5)
National Energy Information System
This subsection does not affect the authority of the Administrator to collect data under section 52
of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 790a).
207.
Comptroller General functions
The functions of the Comptroller General of the United States under section 12 of the Federal
Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 771) shall apply with respect
to the monitoring and evaluation of all functions and activities of the
Department under this Act or any other Act administered by the Department.
208.
Office of Science
(a)
In general
There shall be within the Department an Office of Science to be headed by a Director, who shall be
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
(b)
Director
It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Director—
(1) to advise the Secretary with respect to the physical research programs of the Department;
(2) to monitor the energy and environmental research and development programs of the Secretary in order
to advise the Secretary with respect to any undesirable duplication or
gaps in the programs;
(3) to advise the Secretary with respect to the well-being and management of the multipurpose
laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Department, excluding
laboratories that constitute part of the nuclear weapons complex;
(4) to advise the Secretary with respect to education and training activities required for effective
short- and long-term basic and applied research activities of the
Department;
(5) to advise the Secretary with respect to grants and other forms of financial assistance required for
effective short- and long-term basic and applied research activities of
the Department; and
(6) to carry out such additional duties assigned to the Office by the Secretary.
209.
Establishment of policy for National Nuclear Security Administration
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall be responsible for establishing policy for the National Nuclear Security
Administration.
(b)
Review of programs and activities
The Secretary may direct officials of the Department who are not within the National Nuclear
Security Administration—
(1) to review the programs and activities of the Administration; and
(2) to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding administration of those programs and activities,
including consistency with other similar programs and activities of the
Department.
(c)
Staff
The Secretary shall provide adequate staff to carry out this section.
210.
Establishment of security, counterintelligence, and intelligence policies
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall be responsible for developing and promulgating the security,
counterintelligence, and intelligence policies of the Department.
(b)
Staff
The Secretary may use the immediate staff of the Secretary to assist in developing and promulgating
those policies.
(c)
Intelligence Executive Committee
(1)
In general
There is within the Department an Intelligence Executive Committee.
(2)
Composition
The Committee shall consist of—
(A) the Deputy Secretary of Energy and the Environment, who shall chair the Committee; and
(B) each Under Secretary of the Department.
(3)
Staff
The Committee shall be staffed by the Director of the Office of Intelligence and
Counterintelligence.
(4)
Use
The Secretary shall use the Committee to assist in developing and promulgating the
counterintelligence and intelligence policies, requirements, and
priorities of the Department.
(d)
Budget requests
(1)
In general
In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of each budget submitted by
the President to Congress under title 31, United States Code, the amounts
requested for the Department for intelligence functions and the amounts
requested for the Department for counterintelligence functions shall each
be specified in appropriately classified individual, dedicated program
elements.
(2)
National Nuclear Security Administration
Within the amounts requested for counterintelligence functions, the amounts requested for the
National Nuclear Security Administration shall be specified separately
from the amounts requested for other elements of the Department.
211.
Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence
(a)
In general
There is within the Department an Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence.
(b)
Director
(1)
In general
The head of the Office shall be the Director of the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence,
who shall be an employee in—
(A) the Senior Executive Service;
(B) the Senior Intelligence Service;
(C) the Senior National Intelligence Service; or
(D) any other Service that the Secretary, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence,
considers appropriate.
(2)
Reporting to Secretary
The Director of the Office shall report directly to the Secretary.
(3)
Qualifications
The Secretary shall select the Director of the Office from among individuals who have substantial
expertise in matters relating to foreign intelligence and
counterintelligence.
(4)
Details
(A)
In general
The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any
employee of the Bureau to the Department for service as Director of the
Office.
(B)
Benefits
The service of an employee of the Bureau as Director of the Office shall not result in any loss of
status, right, or privilege by the employee within the Bureau.
(c)
Duties
The Director of the Office shall—
(1) establish policy for intelligence and counterintelligence programs and activities at Department
facilities in order to reduce the threat of disclosure or loss of
classified and other sensitive information at the facilities;
(2) establish policy for the personnel assurance programs of the Department;
(3) inform the Secretary, the Director of Central Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation on a regular basis, and on specific request by any such
official, regarding the status and effectiveness of the intelligence and
counterintelligence programs and activities at Department facilities; and
(4) perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Secretary may prescribe.
(d)
Reports
(1)
In general
Not later than March 1 each year, the Director of the Office shall submit a report on the status
and effectiveness of the intelligence and counterintelligence programs and
activities at each Department facility during the preceding year.
(2)
Recipients
Each such report shall be submitted to the following:
(A) The Secretary.
(B) The Director of National Intelligence.
(C) The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(D) The Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of
Representatives.
(E) The Committee on Armed Services and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
(3)
Contents
Each such report shall include for the year covered by the report the following:
(A) A description of the status and effectiveness of the intelligence and counterintelligence programs
and activities at Department facilities.
(B) A description of any violation of law or other requirement relating to intelligence,
counterintelligence, or security at such facilities, including—
(i) the number of violations that were investigated; and
(ii) the number of violations that remain unresolved.
(C) A description of the number of foreign visitors to Department facilities, including the locations
of the visits of the visitors.
(D) The adequacy of the procedures and policies of the Department for protecting national security
information, making such recommendations to Congress as may be
appropriate.
(E) A determination of whether each National Laboratory is in full compliance with all departmental
security requirements and, in the case of any such National Laboratory
that is not in full compliance, what measures are being taken to bring the
National Laboratory into compliance.
(4)
Certification by National Laboratories
Not later than 30 days before the date that the report required by paragraph (1) is submitted, the
director of each National Laboratory shall certify in writing to the
Director of the Office whether the National Laboratory is in full
compliance with all departmental security requirements and, if not, what
measures are being taken to bring that laboratory into compliance and a
schedule for implementing those measures.
(5)
Form
Each report under this subsection as submitted to the committees referred to in subparagraphs (D)
and (E) of paragraph (2) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may
include a classified annex.
212.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
(a)
In general
There is established within the Department an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (referred
to in this section as the Office).
(b)
Director
The Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary.
(c)
Duties
The Director, in accordance with Federal policies promoting Indian self-determination and the
purposes of this Act, shall provide, direct, foster, coordinate, and
implement energy and environmental planning, education, management,
conservation, and delivery programs of the Department that—
(1) promote Indian tribal energy development, efficiency, and use;
(2) reduce or stabilize energy costs;
(3) enhance and strengthen Indian tribal energy and economic infrastructure relating to natural
resource development and electrification; and
(4) bring electrical power and service to Indian land and the homes of tribal members located on Indian
land or acquired, constructed, or improved (in whole or in part) with
Federal funds.
III
Transfer of functions
301.
Transfer of functions
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, there are transferred to, and vested in, the Secretary
all of the functions provided by law (as of the date of enactment of this
Act) to—
(1) the Secretary of Energy;
(2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and
(3) the officers and components of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
302.
Power Administrations
(a)
In general
There are transferred to, and vested in, the Secretary all functions of the Secretary of Energy
with respect to—
(1) the Southeastern Power Administration;
(2) the Southwestern Power Administration;
(3) the Bonneville Power Administration, including the authority contained in the Bonneville Project
Act of 1937 (16 U.S.C. 832 et seq.) and the Federal Columbia River
Transmission System Act (16 U.S.C. 838 et seq.);
(4) the power marketing functions of the Bureau of Reclamation, including the construction, operation,
and maintenance of transmission lines and attendant facilities; and
(5) the transmission and disposition of the electric power and energy generated at Falcon Dam and
Amistad Dam, international storage reservoir projects on the Rio Grande,
pursuant to the Act of June 18, 1954 (68 Stat. 255, chapter 310).
(b)
Administration
(1)
In general
The Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Bonneville
Power Administration, shall be preserved as separate and distinct
organizational entities within the Department.
(2)
Administrator
Each entity shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the Secretary.
(3)
Functions
The functions transferred to the Secretary in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a) shall be
exercised by the Secretary, acting by and through the Administrators.
(4)
Office
Each Administrator shall maintain the principal office of the Administrator at a place located in
the region served by the respective Federal power marketing entity.
(c)
Dams
(1)
In general
The functions transferred under subsection (a)(5) shall be exercised by the Secretary, acting by
and through a separate and distinct Administration within the Department
which shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the Secretary.
(2)
Regional offices
The Administrator shall establish and maintain such regional offices as necessary to facilitate the
performance of the functions.
(3)
Reallocation of costs
Neither the transfer of functions effected by subsection (a)(5) nor any changes in cost allocation
or project evaluation standards shall be considered to authorize the
reallocation of joint costs of multipurpose facilities allocated unless
and to the extent that the change is approved by Congress.
IV
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
401.
Appointment and administration
(a)
In general
There is established within the Department an independent regulatory commission to be known as the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(b)
Composition
(1)
In general
The Commission shall be composed of 5 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate.
(2)
Chair
Of the members of the Commission, 1 member shall be designated by the President as Chair.
(3)
Term
Subject to section 401(b)(2) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7171(b)(2))
(as that Act existed before the amendment made by section 713), a member
of the Commission—
(A) shall hold office for a term of 5 years; and
(B) may be removed by the President only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.
(4)
Political parties
Not more than 3 members of the Commission shall be members of the same political party.
(5)
Vacancies
(A)
In general
Any Commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for
which the predecessor of the Commissioner was appointed shall be appointed
only for the remainder of the term.
(B)
Expiration of term
A Commissioner may continue to serve after the expiration of the term of the Commissioner until the
successor of the Commissioner is appointed and has been confirmed and
taken the oath of Office, except that the Commissioner shall not serve
beyond the end of the session of the Congress in which the term expires.
(6)
Other business or employment
A member of the Commission shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or employment while
serving on the Commission.
(c)
Duties
(1)
In general
The Chair shall be responsible, on behalf of the Commission, for the executive and administrative
operation of the Commission, including functions of the Commission with
respect to—
(A) the appointment and employment of hearing examiners in accordance with title 5, United States Code;
(B) the selection, appointment, and fixing of the compensation of such personnel as the Chair considers
necessary, including an executive director;
(C) the supervision of personnel employed by or assigned to the Commission, except that each member of
the Commission may select and supervise personnel for the personal staff
of the member;
(D) the distribution of business among personnel and among administrative units of the Commission; and
(E) the procurement of services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5,
United States Code.
(2)
Support and facilities
The Secretary shall provide to the Commission such support and facilities as the Commission
determines necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission.
(d)
Relationship to Department
In the performance of functions of the Commission, the members, employees, or other personnel of
the Commission shall not be responsible to, or subject to the supervision
or direction of, any officer, employee, or agent of any other part of the
Department.
(e)
Administration
(1)
Acting Chair
The Chair of the Commission may designate any other member of the Commission as Acting Chair to act
in the place of the Chair during the absence of the Chair.
(2)
Meetings
(A)
In general
The Chair (or the Acting Chair in the absence of the Chair) shall preside at all sessions of the
Commission.
(B)
Quorum
A quorum for the transaction of business of the Commission shall consist of at least 3 members
present.
(C)
Single vote
Each member of the Commission, including the Chair, shall have 1 vote.
(D)
Majority vote
Actions of the Commission shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present.
(3)
Seal
The Commission shall have an official seal which shall be judicially noticed.
(f)
Procedural and administrative rules
(1)
In general
The Commission may establish such procedural and administrative rules as are necessary to the
exercise of the functions of the Commission.
(2)
Continuation
Until changed by the Commission, any procedural and administrative rules applicable to particular
functions over which the Commission has jurisdiction shall continue in
effect with respect to the particular functions.
(g)
Hearings and subpoena
(1)
In general
In carrying out any of the functions of the Commission, the Commission shall have the powers
authorized by the law under which the function is exercised—
(A) to hold hearings;
(B) to sign and issue subpoenas;
(C) to administer oaths;
(D) to examine witnesses; and
(E) to receive evidence at any place in the United States the Commission may designate.
(2)
Hearings
The Commission may, by one or more of the members of the Commission or by such agents as the
Commission may designate, conduct any hearing or other inquiry appropriate
to the functions of the Commission, except that nothing in this subsection
supersedes the provisions of section 556 of title 5, United States Code,
relating to hearing examiners.
(h)
Principal office
The principal office of the Commission shall be in or near the District of Columbia, where the
general sessions of the Commission shall be held, except that the
Commission may sit anywhere in the United States.
(i)
Agency
(1)
In general
For the purpose of section 552b of title 5, United States Code, the Commission shall be considered
an agency.
(2)
Attorney for Commission
Except as provided in section 518 of title 28, United States Code, attorneys designated by the
Chair of the Commission may appear for, and represent the Commission in,
any civil action brought in connection with any function carried out by
the Commission pursuant to this Act or as otherwise authorized by law.
(j)
Annual authorization and appropriation request
(1)
In general
In each annual authorization and appropriation request under this Act, the Secretary shall—
(A) identify the portion of the request intended for the support of the Commission; and
(B) include—
(i) a statement by the Commission of the amount requested by the Commission in the budgetary
presentation of the Commission to the Secretary and the Office of
Management and Budget; and
(ii) an assessment of the budgetary needs of the Commission.
(2)
Copy to committees
If the Commission submits to the Secretary, the President, or the Office of Management and Budget,
any legislative recommendation or testimony, or comments on legislation,
prepared for submission to Congress, the Commission shall concurrently
transmit a copy to the appropriate committees of Congress.
402.
Jurisdiction of Commission
(a)
Functions
(1)
In general
There are transferred to, and vested in, the Commission the following functions of the Federal
Power Commission or of any member of the Commission or any officer or
component of the Commission:
(A) The investigation, issuance, transfer, renewal, revocation, and enforcement of licenses and permits
for the construction, operation, and maintenance of dams, water conduits,
reservoirs, powerhouses, transmission lines, or other works for the
development and improvement of navigation and for the development and
utilization of power across, along, from, or in navigable waters under
part I of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.).
(B) The establishment, review, and enforcement of rates and charges for the transmission or sale of
electric energy, including determinations on—
(i) construction work in progress under part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.); and
(ii) the interconnection under section 202(b) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 824a(b)) of facilities for the
generation, transmission, and sale of electric energy (other than
emergency interconnection).
(C) The establishment, review, and enforcement of rates and charges for the transportation and sale of
natural gas by a producer or gatherer or by a natural gas pipeline or
natural gas company under sections 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the Natural Gas Act
(15 U.S.C. 717, 717c, 717d, 717e).
(D) The issuance of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, including abandonment of
facilities or services, and the establishment of physical connections
under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717f).
(E) The establishment, review, and enforcement of curtailments, other than the establishment and review
of priorities for the curtailments, under the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C.
717 et seq.).
(F) The regulation of mergers and securities acquisition under the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et
seq.) and the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717 et seq.).
(2)
Additional powers
The Commission may exercise any power under the following sections to the extent the Commission
determines the power to be necessary to the exercise of any function
within the jurisdiction of the Commission:
(A) Sections 4, 301, 302, 306 through 309, and 312 through 316 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 797,
825, 825a, 825e–825h, 825k–825o).
(B) Sections 8, 9, 13 through 17, 20, and 21 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717g, 717h, 717l–717p,
717s, 717t).
(b)
Agency determinations
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine
any other matter arising under any other function of the Secretary—
(A) involving any agency determination required by law to be made on the record after an opportunity
for an agency hearing; or
(B) involving any other agency determination that the Secretary determines shall be made on the record
after an opportunity for an agency hearing.
(2)
Certain lease bidding arrangements
Nothing in this subsection requires that functions under section 105 of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6213) shall be within the jurisdiction of the
Commission unless the Secretary assigns the function to the Commission.
(c)
Other matters
In addition to the other provisions of this section, the Commission shall have jurisdiction over
any other matter that the Secretary may assign to the Commission after
public notice, or that is required to be referred to the Commission
pursuant to section 404.
(d)
Limitation
No function described in this section that regulates the exports or imports of natural gas or
electricity shall be within the jurisdiction of the Commission unless the
Secretary assigns the function to the Commission.
(e)
Final agency action
The decision of the Commission involving any function within the jurisdiction of the Commission,
other than action by the Commission on a matter referred to the Commission
pursuant to section 404—
(1) shall be final agency action (within the meaning of section 704 of title 5, United States Code);
and
(2) shall not be subject to further review by the Secretary or any officer or employee of the
Department.
(f)
Regulations
The Commission may prescribe rules, regulations, and statements of policy of general applicability
with respect to any function under the jurisdiction of the Commission
pursuant to this section.
403.
Initiation of rulemaking proceedings before Commission
(a)
In general
The Secretary and the Commission may propose rules, regulations, and statements of policy of
general applicability with respect to any function within the jurisdiction
of the Commission under section 402.
(b)
Proposals of Secretary
The Commission shall—
(1) have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any proposal made under subsection (a); and
(2) consider and take final action on any proposal made by the Secretary under subsection (a) in an
expeditious manner in accordance with such reasonable time limits as may
be established by the Secretary for the completion of action by the
Commission on any such proposal.
(c)
Rates and charges
(1)
In general
Any function described in section 402 that relates to the establishment of rates and charges under
the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) or the Natural Gas Act (15
U.S.C. 717 et seq.), may be conducted by rulemaking procedures.
(2)
Procedures
Except as provided in subsection (d), the procedures in such a rulemaking proceeding shall ensure
full consideration of the issues and an opportunity for interested persons
to present views.
(d)
Submission of written questions by interested persons
(1)
In general
In the case of any rule or regulation promulgated by the Commission to establish rates and charges
for the first sale of natural gas by a producer or gatherer to a natural
gas pipeline under the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717 et seq.), the
Commission may afford an interested person a reasonable opportunity to
submit written questions with respect to disputed issues of fact to other
interested persons participating in the rulemaking proceedings.
(2)
Time
The Commission may establish a reasonable time for both the submission of questions and responses.
404.
Referral of other rulemaking proceedings to Commission
(a)
In general
Except as provided in section 403, if the Secretary proposes to prescribe rules, regulations, and
statements of policy of general applicability in the exercise of any
function that is transferred to the Secretary under section 301 or 306 of
the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7151, 7155) (as that
Act existed before the amendment made by section 713), the Secretary shall
notify the Commission of the proposed action.
(b)
Referral to Commission
If the Commission determines within such period as the Secretary may prescribe that the proposed
action may significantly affect any function within the jurisdiction of
the Commission pursuant to subsections (a)(1), (b), and (c) of section 402
and section 60502 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall
immediately refer the matter to the Commission, which shall provide an
opportunity for public comment.
(c)
Recommendations of Commission
(1)
In general
Following the opportunity for public comment, the Commission, after consultation with the
Secretary, shall—
(A) concur in adoption of the rule or statement as proposed by the Secretary;
(B) concur in adoption of the rule or statement only with such changes as the Commission may recommend;
or
(C) recommend that the rule or statement not be adopted.
(2)
Publication
The Commission shall promptly publish—
(A) the recommendations of the Commission adopted under this subsection;
(B) an explanation of the reason for the actions of the Commission; and
(C) an analysis of the major comments, criticisms, and alternatives offered during the comment period.
(d)
Options of Secretary
(1)
In general
Following publication of the recommendations of the Commission, the Secretary shall have the option
of—
(A) issuing a final rule or statement in the form initially proposed by the Secretary if the Commission
has concurred in the rule pursuant to subsection (c)(1)(A);
(B) issuing a final rule or statement in amended form so that the rule conforms in all respects with
the changes proposed by the Commission if the Commission has concurred in
the rule or statement pursuant to subsection (c)(1)(B); or
(C) ordering that the rule shall not be issued.
(2)
Final agency action
The action taken by the Secretary pursuant to this subsection shall constitute a final agency
action for purposes of section 704 of title 5, United States Code.
405.
Right of Secretary to intervene in Commission proceedings
(a)
In general
The Secretary may, as a matter of right, intervene or otherwise participate in any proceeding
before the Commission.
(b)
Procedure
The Secretary shall comply with—
(1) rules of procedure of general applicability governing the timing of intervention or participation
in the proceeding or activity; and
(2) on intervening or participating in the proceeding or activity, rules of procedure of general
applicability governing the conduct of the proceeding or activity.
(c)
Fairness
The intervention or participation of the Secretary in any proceeding or activity shall not affect
the obligation of the Commission to ensure procedural fairness to all
participants.
406.
Reorganization
For the purposes of chapter 9 of title 5, United States Code, the Commission shall be considered an
independent regulatory agency.
407.
Access to information
(a)
In general
The Secretary, each officer of the Department, and each Federal agency shall provide to the
Commission, on request, such existing information in the possession of the
Department or other Federal agency as the Commission determines necessary
to carry out the responsibilities of the Commission under this Act.
(b)
Certain information
In formulating the information to be requested in the reports or investigations under sections 304
and 311 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825c, 825j) and sections 10
and 11 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717i, 717j), the Secretary shall—
(1) include in the reports and investigations such specific information as requested by the Commission;
and
(2) furnish copies of all reports, information, results of investigations and data under those sections
to the Commission.
V
Administrative procedures and judicial review
501.
Procedures
(a)
Administrative procedures
(1)
In general
Subject to the other requirements of this title, subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United
States Code, shall apply in accordance with the terms of that subchapter
to any rule or regulation, or any order having the applicability and
effect of a rule (as that term is defined in section 551 of title 5,
United States Code), issued pursuant to authority vested by law in, or
transferred or delegated to, the Secretary, or required by this Act or any
other Act to be carried out by any other officer, employee, or component
of the Department, other than the Commission, including any such rule,
regulation, or order of a State or local government agency (or officer of
a State or local government agency) issued pursuant to authority delegated
by the Secretary in accordance with this title.
(2)
Additional requirements
If any provision of any Act, the functions of which are transferred, vested, or delegated pursuant
to this Act, provides administrative procedure requirements in addition to
the requirements provided in this title, those additional requirements
shall also apply to actions under that provision.
(b)
Substantial impact on the economy of the United States
(1)
No substantial impact
If the Secretary determines, on the initiative of the Secretary or in response to any showing made
pursuant to paragraph (2) (with respect to a proposed rule, regulation, or
order described in subsection (a)), that no substantial issue of fact or
law exists and that the rule, regulation, or order is unlikely to have a
substantial impact on the economy of the United States or large numbers of
individuals or businesses in the United States, the proposed rule,
regulation, or order may be promulgated in accordance with section 553 of
title 5, United States Code.
(2)
Substantial impact
If the Secretary determines that a substantial issue of fact or law exists or that the rule,
regulation, or order is likely to have a substantial impact on the economy
of the United States or large numbers of individuals or businesses in the
United States, an opportunity for oral presentation of views, data, and
arguments shall be provided before promulgation.
(3)
Submission of material
Any person who would be adversely affected by the implementation of any proposed rule, regulation,
or order and who desires an opportunity for oral presentation of views,
data, and arguments, may submit material supporting the existence of a
substantial issue or impact described in paragraph (2).
(4)
Transcript
A transcript shall be kept of any oral presentation described in paragraph (2) with respect to a
rule, regulation, or order described in subsection (a).
(c)
Waiver
(1)
In general
The requirements of subsection (b) may be waived in any case in which—
(A) strict compliance with that subsection is found by the Secretary to be likely to cause serious harm
or injury to the public health, safety, or welfare; and
(B) the finding of the Secretary described in subparagraph (A) is set out in detail in the rule,
regulation, or order.
(2)
Subsequent satisfaction
If the requirements of subsection (b) are waived under paragraph (1), the requirements of that
subsection shall be satisfied within a reasonable period of time
subsequent to the promulgation of the rule, regulation, or order.
(d)
Rules with local effect
(1)
Definitions
In this subsection:
(A)
Geographic area within a State
The term geographic area within a State means a special purpose district or other region that is recognized for governmental purposes
within the State but is not a unit of local government.
(B)
Rule with local effect
The term rule with local effect means a rule, regulation, or order described in subsection (a), the effects of which, except for
indirect effects of an inconsequential nature, are confined to—
(i) a single unit of local government or the residents of a single unit of local government;
(ii) a single geographic area within a State or the residents of a single geographic area within a
State; or
(iii) a single State or the residents of a single State.
(C)
Unit of local government
The term unit of local government means a county, municipality, town, township, village, or other unit of general government below
the State level.
(2)
Opportunity for hearing
With respect to any rule with local effect, the Secretary shall, if appropriate, afford an
opportunity for a hearing or the oral presentation of views, and provide
procedures for the holding of the hearing or oral presentation within the
boundaries of the applicable unit of local government, geographic area, or
State.
(3)
Relationship to other law
Nothing in this subsection requires a hearing or an oral presentation of views where none is
required by this section or other provision of law.
(e)
Procedures for State and local government agencies
(1)
In general
As authorized by any law vested, transferred, or delegated pursuant to this Act, the Secretary may,
by rule, prescribe procedures for State or local government agencies
authorized by the Secretary to carry out such functions as may be
permitted under applicable law.
(2)
Requirements
Procedures prescribed under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) apply to the State or local government agencies in lieu of this section; and
(B) require that prior to taking any action, the agencies shall—
(i) take steps reasonably calculated to provide notice to persons who may be affected by the action;
and
(ii) afford an opportunity for presentation of views (including oral presentation of views where
practicable) within a reasonable time before taking the action.
502.
Judicial review
(a)
In general
Judicial review of agency action taken under any law the functions of which are vested by law in,
or transferred or delegated to the Secretary, the Commission, or any
officer, employee, or component of the Department shall, notwithstanding
the vesting, transfer, or delegation, be made in the manner specified in
or for such law.
(b)
Original jurisdiction
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding the amount in controversy, the district
courts of the United States shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of
all other cases or controversies arising exclusively under this Act, or
under rules, regulations, or orders issued exclusively under this Act,
other than any actions taken to implement or enforce any rule, regulation,
or order by any officer of a State or local government agency under this
Act as described in paragraph (4).
(2)
Issue raised in defense
Nothing in this section affects the power of any court of competent jurisdiction to consider, hear,
and determine in any proceeding before the court any issue raised by way
of defense, other than a defense based on the unconstitutionality of this
Act or the validity of action taken by any agency under this Act as
described in paragraph (3).
(3)
Removal
If in any proceeding an issue by way of defense is raised based on the unconstitutionality of this
Act or the validity of agency action under this Act, the case shall be
subject to removal by either party to a district court of the United
States in accordance with chapter 89 of title 28, United States Code.
(4)
State or local government agency
Cases or controversies arising under any rule, regulation, or order of any officer of a State or
local government agency may be heard in—
(A) any appropriate State court; or
(B) without regard to the amount in controversy, the district courts of the United States.
(c)
Department litigation
(1)
In general
Subject to section 401(i) and notwithstanding any other law, the litigation of the Department shall
be subject to the supervision of the Attorney General pursuant to chapter
31 of title 28, United States Code.
(2)
Delegation
The Attorney General may authorize any attorney of the Department to conduct any civil litigation
of the Department in any Federal court except the Supreme Court.
503.
Remedial orders
(a)
In general
If, upon investigation, the Secretary or the authorized representative of the Secretary, believes
that a person has violated any regulation, rule, or order described in
section 501(a), the Secretary may issue a remedial order to the person.
(b)
Requirements
Each remedial order shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity the nature of the
violation, including a reference to the provision of the rule, regulation,
or order alleged to have been violated.
(c)
Failure To respond
If, not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of a remedial order issued by the Secretary,
the person fails to notify the Secretary that the person intends to
contest the remedial order, the remedial order shall become effective and
shall be considered a final order of the Secretary and not subject to
review by any court or agency.
(d)
Contesting of order
(1)
In general
If, not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of the remedial order issued by the Secretary,
the person notifies the Secretary that the person intends to contest a
remedial order issued under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
immediately advise the Commission of the notification.
(2)
Stay of effect
Upon receiving notice under paragraph (1), the Commission shall stay the effect of the remedial
order, unless the Commission finds the public interest requires immediate
compliance with the remedial order.
(3)
Opportunity for a hearing
The Commission shall, upon request, afford an opportunity for a hearing, including, at a minimum,
the submission of briefs, oral or documentary evidence, and oral
arguments.
(4)
Cross examination
To the extent that the Commission, in the discretion of the Commission, determines that cross
examination is required for a full and true disclosure of the facts, the
Commission shall afford the right of cross examination.
(5)
Order by Commission
(A)
In general
After a hearing, if any, under this subsection, the Commission shall issue an order, based on
findings of fact, affirming, modifying, or vacating the remedial order of
the Secretary, or directing other appropriate relief.
(B)
Effect of order
Subject to subparagraph (C), an order issued under subparagraph (A) shall, for the purpose of
judicial review, constitute a final agency action.
(C)
Enforcement
Enforcement and other judicial review of an action described in subparagraph (B) shall be the
responsibility of the Secretary.
(e)
Time limits
The Secretary may set reasonable time limits for the Commission to complete action on a proceeding
referred to the Commission pursuant to this section.
(f)
Procedural actions
Nothing in this section affects any procedural action taken by the Secretary prior to or incident
to initial issuance of a remedial order that is the subject of a hearing
provided in this section, but such procedures shall be reviewable in the
hearing.
(g)
Notice requirement
This section shall be applicable only with respect to proceedings initiated by a notice of probable
violation issued after the effective date of this Act.
(h)
Marketing of petroleum products
With respect to any person whose sole petroleum industry operation relates to the marketing of
petroleum products, the Secretary or any person acting on behalf of the
Secretary may not exercise discretion to maintain a civil action (other
than an action for injunctive relief) or issue a remedial order against
the person for any violation of any rule or regulation if—
(1) the civil action or order is based on—
(A) a retroactive application of the rule or regulation; or
(B) a retroactive interpretation of the rule or regulation; and
(2) the person relied in good faith on rules, regulations, or ruling in effect on the date of the
violation interpreting the rules or regulations.
504.
Requests for adjustments
(a)
In general
The Secretary or any officer designated by the Secretary shall—
(1) provide for the making of such adjustments to any rule, regulation, or order described in section
501(a) as may be necessary to prevent special hardship, inequity, or
unfair distribution of burdens;
(2) by rule, establish procedures that are available to any person for the purpose of seeking an
interpretation, modification, or rescission of, exception to, or exemption
from, such rule, regulation, or order; and
(3) ensure that each decision on any application or petition requesting an adjustment shall specify—
(A) the standards of hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burden by which any disposition was
made; and
(B) the specific application of the standards to the facts contained in the application or petition.
(b)
Review of denial
(1)
In general
If any person is aggrieved or adversely affected by a denial of a request for adjustment under
subsection (a), the person may—
(A) request a review of the denial by the Commission; and
(B) obtain judicial review in accordance with this title when the denial becomes final.
(2)
Procedures
The Commission shall, by rule, establish appropriate procedures, including a hearing when
requested, for review of a denial.
(3)
Commission Action
Action by the Commission under this section shall be considered final agency action within the
meaning of section 704 of title 5, United States Code, and shall not be
subject to further review by the Secretary or any officer or employee of
the Department.
(4)
Litigation
Litigation involving judicial review of action by the Commission under this section shall be the
responsibility of the Secretary.
505.
Review and effect
(a)
In general
Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to
Congress describing the actions taken to implement section 501.
(b)
Contents
The report under subsection (a) shall include—
(1) a description of the adequacy of section 501 from the standpoint of the Department and the public,
including a summary of any comments obtained by the Secretary from the
public about the section and implementing regulations; and
(2) such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate concerning the procedures required by
section 501.
(c)
Assessments
(1)
In general
Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
assessment conducted under subsection (a) during the preceding year.
(2)
Contents
Each report shall include the results of the assessment covered by the report, together with such
findings and recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate.
VI
Administrative provisions
A
Personnel provisions
601.
Officers and employees
(a)
Authority of Secretary To appoint and fix compensation
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary may appoint and fix the compensation of
such officers and employees, including attorneys, as the Secretary
determines necessary to carry out the functions of the Department in
accordance with chapters 33 and 53 of title 5, United States Code.
(b)
Appointment of scientific, engineering, and other personnel
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may—
(A) appoint not more than 311 scientific, engineering, professional, and administrative personnel of
the Department without regard to the provisions of chapter 33 of title 5,
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service; and
(B) fix the compensation of those personnel at an amount not to exceed the maximum rate payable for
GS–18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States
Code.
(2)
Termination of authority
The authority of the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall terminate on the later of—
(A) the date on which an individual who is appointed under paragraph (1) leaves that position; or
(B) the date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c)
Other positions above GS–15
(1)
In general
Subject to the provisions of chapter 51 of title 5, United States Code, but notwithstanding section
3324 of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary may classify not more
than 178 positions of the Department as GS–16, GS–17, or GS–18 without the
approval by the Civil Service Commission.
(2)
Approval by Civil Service Commission
Appointments under this subsection may be made without regard to section 3324 of title 5, United
States Code, if the individual placed in the position—
(A) is transferred to the Department in connection with a transfer of functions under this Act; and
(B) immediately prior to the effective date of this Act, held a position and duties comparable to those
required by the new position.
(3)
Termination of authority
The authority of the Secretary under this subsection with respect to any position shall terminate
on the date on which the first individual who is appointed under paragraph
(1) leaves that position.
(d)
Appointment of additional scientific, engineering, and other personnel
In addition to the number of positions that may be classified above GS–15 under section 5108 of
title 5, United States Code, the Secretary may—
(1) appoint not more than 200 scientific, engineering, professional, and administrative personnel
without regard to the provisions of chapter 33 of title 5, United States
Code; and
(2) fix the compensation of those personnel in an amount not to exceed the maximum rate payable for
GS–18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States
Code.
(e)
Maximum number of positions
Of the positions described in subsections (b) and (c) and classified above GS–15 under section
5108(a) of title 5, United States Code—
(1) 63 percent shall be GS–16 positions;
(2) 25 percent shall be GS–17 positions; and
(3) 12 percent shall be GS–18 positions.
(f)
Intelligence positions
All individuals appointed to positions in the Department that the Secretary determines to be
devoted to intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the Federal
Government are excepted from the competitive service provisions of chapter
33 of title 5, United States Code while employed in those positions.
602.
Senior positions
In addition to the positions created by title II, there shall be within the Department 14
additional officers in positions authorized by section 5316 of title 5,
United States Code, which shall be filled by individuals appointed by the
Secretary who shall perform such functions as the Secretary shall
prescribe from time to time.
603.
Experts and consultants
The Secretary may obtain services authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at
rates not to exceed the daily rate prescribed for grade GS–18 of the
General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for
persons employed intermittently in Government service.
604.
Advisory committees
(a)
In general
The Secretary may establish in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)
such advisory committees as the Secretary determines necessary to assist
in the performance of the duties of the Secretary.
(b)
Travel expenses
Members of an advisory committee established under subsection (a), other than full-time employees
of the Federal Government, may be allowed travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5,
United States Code, while attending meetings of the advisory committee or
otherwise serving at the request of the Secretary away from the homes or
places of business of the members.
B
General administrative provisions
611.
General authority
To the extent appropriate to perform any function transferred by this Act, the Secretary or any
officer or employee of the Department may exercise, in carrying out the
function so transferred, any authority available by law (including
appropriations Acts) to the official or agency from which the function was
transferred.
612.
Delegation
Except as otherwise expressly prohibited by law, and except as otherwise provided in this Act, the
Secretary may, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate—
(1) delegate any functions to officers or employees of the Department; and
(2) authorize successive redelegations of functions within the Department.
613.
Reorganization
(a)
In general
Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may establish, alter, consolidate, or discontinue such
organizational units or components within the Department as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
(b)
Limitations
(1)
In general
The authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) shall not extend to—
(A) the abolition of any organizational unit or component established by this Act; or
(B) the transfer of any function vested by this Act in any organizational unit or component.
(2)
National Nuclear Security Administration
The authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) shall not apply to the National Nuclear
Security Administration.
614.
Rules
The Secretary may promulgate such procedural and administrative regulations as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate to administer and manage the functions of the
Secretary under this Act.
615.
Subpoena
(a)
In general
For the purpose of carrying out this Act, the Secretary (or a designee) shall have the same powers
and authorities as the Federal Trade Commission under section 9 of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 49) with respect to all functions
vested in, or transferred or delegated to, the Secretary by this Act.
(b)
Natural gas
For purposes of carrying out the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission under the Natural
Gas Policy Act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Commission shall have
the same powers and authority as the Secretary has under this section.
616.
Contracts
(a)
In general
The Secretary may enter into and perform such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other
similar transactions with public agencies, private organizations, and
individuals, and make such payments (in lump sum or installments, and by
way of advance or reimbursement), as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate to carry out the functions under this Act.
(b)
Limitation on authority
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no authority to enter into contracts or to make
payments under this title shall be effective except to such extent or in
such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
(c)
Leasing of excess Department property
The Secretary may lease, in accordance with such terms and conditions the Secretary considers to be
appropriate to promote national security or the public interest, any
acquired real property and related personal property that—
(1) is located at a facility of the Department to be closed or reconfigured;
(2) at the time the lease is entered into, is not needed by the Department; and
(3) is under the control of the Department.
(d)
Terms of lease
(1)
In general
A lease entered into under subsection (c) shall be for a term of not more than 10 years, except
that the Secretary may enter into a lease that includes an option to renew
for a term of more than 10 years if the Secretary determines that entering
into such a lease will promote the national security or be in the public
interest.
(2)
Consideration
(A)
In general
A lease entered into under subsection (c) may provide for the payment (in cash or in-kind) by the
lessee of consideration in an amount that is less than the fair market
rental value of the leasehold interest.
(B)
Services
Services relating to the protection and maintenance of the leased property may constitute all or
part of the consideration under this paragraph.
(e)
Environmental concerns
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), before entering into a lease under subsection (c), the Secretary shall
consult with, and obtain the concurrence of, the appropriate State
official (with respect to property located on a site that is not listed on
the National Priorities List) to determine whether the environmental
conditions of the property are such that leasing the property, and the
terms and conditions of the lease agreement, are consistent with safety
and the protection of public health and the environment.
(2)
Failure to obtain concurrence
The Secretary may enter into a lease under subsection (c) without obtaining the concurrence of the
appropriate State official under paragraph (1) if, by the date that 60
days after the date on which the Secretary requests the concurrence, the
appropriate State official fails to submit to the Secretary a notice of
concurrence with, or rejection of, the determination.
(f)
Rentals
(1)
Retention
(A)
In general
To the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Secretary may retain and use money
received by the Secretary directly from a lease entered into under
subsection (c) in any amount the Secretary considers to be necessary to
cover the administrative expenses of the lease, the maintenance and repair
of the leased property, or environmental restoration activities at the
facility at which the leased property is located.
(B)
Treatment
Amounts retained under this subsection shall be retained in a separate account established in the
Treasury for that purpose.
(2)
Report
The Secretary shall submit to Congress annual reports on the amounts retained and used under this
subsection.
(g)
Additional authorities
(1)
In general
In addition to authority granted to the Secretary under any other provision of law, the Secretary
may exercise the same authority to enter into transactions (other than
contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants), subject to the same terms
and conditions, as the Secretary of Defense under section 2371 of title
10, United States Code (other than subsections (b) and (f) of that
section).
(2)
Application of terms
In applying section 2371 of title 10, United States Code, to the Secretary under paragraph (1)—
(A) the term basic shall be replaced by the term research;
(B) the term applied shall be replaced by the term development; and
(C) the terms advanced research projects and advanced research shall be replaced by the term demonstration projects.
(3)
Relationship to other provisions
The authority of the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall not be subject to—
(A) section 9 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5908);
or
(B) section 152 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2182).
(4)
Competitive, merit-based selection procedures
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall use such competitive, merit-based selection procedures in entering into
transactions under paragraph (1) as the Secretary determines in writing to
be practicable.
(B)
Limitation
A transaction under paragraph (1) shall relate to a research, development, or demonstration project
only if the Secretary determines in writing that the use of a standard
contract, grant, or cooperative agreement for the project is not feasible
or appropriate.
(5)
Disclosure
The Secretary may protect from disclosure, for up to 5 years after the date on which the
information is developed, any information developed pursuant to a
transaction under paragraph (1) that would be protected from disclosure
under section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code, if obtained from
an individual or entity other than a Federal agency.
(6)
Guidelines
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall issue guidelines for transactions under paragraph (1).
(B)
Publication
The guidelines under subparagraph (A) shall be published in the Federal Register for public comment
in accordance with rulemaking procedures of the Department.
(C)
Authority
The Secretary shall not have authority to carry out transactions under paragraph (1) until the
guidelines for transactions required under subparagraph (A) are final.
(7)
Annual report
The Secretary shall submit to Congress the annual report required under section 2371(h) of title
10, United States Code.
(8)
Delegation
The authority of the Secretary under this subsection may be delegated only to an officer of the
Department who is appointed by the President by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate.
(9)
Termination
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authority to enter into transactions under
paragraph (1) shall terminate on September 30, 2018.
617.
Acquisition and maintenance of property
The Secretary may—
(1) acquire (by purchase, lease, condemnation, or otherwise), construct, improve, repair, operate, and
maintain laboratories, research and testing sites and facilities, quarters
and related accommodations for employees and dependents of employees of
the Department, personal property (including patents), or any interest in
property, as the Secretary determines to be necessary; and
(2) provide, by contract or otherwise, for eating facilities and other necessary facilities for the
health and welfare of employees of the Department at installations
(including through the purchase and maintenance of appropriate equipment).
618.
Facilities construction
(a)
In general
As necessary and when not otherwise available, the Secretary may provide for, construct, or
maintain the following for employees and dependents stationed at remote
locations:
(1) Emergency medical services and supplies.
(2) Food and other subsistence supplies.
(3) Messing facilities.
(4) Audiovisual equipment, accessories, and supplies for recreation and training.
(5) Reimbursement for food, clothing, medicine, and other supplies furnished by those employees in
emergencies for the temporary relief of distressed individuals.
(6) Living and working quarters and facilities.
(7) Transportation of school-aged dependents of employees to the nearest appropriate educational
facilities.
(b)
Pricing
The furnishing of medical treatment under subsection (a)(1) and the furnishing of services and
supplies under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) shall be at prices
reflecting reasonable value, as determined by the Secretary.
(c)
Treatment
(1)
In general
Proceeds from reimbursements under this section—
(A) shall be deposited in the Treasury; and
(B) may be withdrawn by the Secretary—
(i) to pay directly the cost of work or services;
(ii) to repay or make advances to appropriations of funds that will initially bear all or a part of that
cost; or
(iii) to refund excess sums when necessary.
(2)
Crediting to funds
A payment by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B) may be credited to a working capital fund
otherwise established by law, including the fund established pursuant to
section 622, and used under the law governing the fund, if the fund is
available for use by the Department for performing the work or services
for which payment is received.
619.
Use of facilities
(a)
In general
On the consent of the Federal Government or the government of any foreign country, State, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or
possession of the United States, with or without reimbursement, the
Secretary and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may use the
research, equipment, and facilities of such a government (or political
subdivision) in carrying out the functions under this Act.
(b)
Use of property
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), in carrying out this Act, the Secretary may permit the use by
public and private individuals and entities of any real property,
facility, structure, or improvement under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary for purposes of the Department, under such terms and at such
rates as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, for a period of not
more than 5 years.
(2)
Reconditioning and maintenance
The Secretary may require any individual or entity to which a permit is provided under this
subsection to recondition and maintain, at the expense of the individual
or entity, the real property, facilities, structures, and improvements
involved to a satisfactory standard.
(3)
Exception
This subsection shall not apply to excess property (as defined in section 102 of title 40, United
States Code).
(c)
Proceeds
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the proceeds from reimbursements under this section—
(A) shall be deposited in the Treasury; and
(B) may be withdrawn by the Secretary or the head of another appropriate Federal department or agency—
(i) to pay directly the costs of the equipment and facilities provided;
(ii) to repay or make advances to appropriations or funds that do or will initially bear all or a part
of those costs; or
(iii) to refund excess sums as necessary.
(2)
Exception
The proceeds described in paragraph (1) may be credited to a working capital fund otherwise
established by law (including the fund established pursuant to section
622) and used in accordance the laws governing that fund, if the fund is
available for use for providing the equipment or facilities involved.
620.
Field offices
The Secretary may establish, alter, consolidate, or discontinue to maintain such State, regional,
district, local, or other field offices as the Secretary determines to be
necessary to carry out this Act.
621.
Copyrights
The Secretary may acquire any of the following described rights if the property so acquired is for
use by or for, or useful to, the Department:
(1) Copyrights, patents, and applications for patents, designs, processes, and manufacturing data.
(2) Licenses under copyrights, patents, and applications for patents.
(3) Releases, before suit is brought, for past infringement of patents or copyrights.
622.
Capital fund
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary may establish a working capital fund, to be available without fiscal year limitation,
for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of such common
administrative services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate in
the interests of economy and efficiency, including services such as—
(1) a central supply service for stationery and other supplies and equipment for which adequate stocks
may be maintained to meet in whole or in part the requirements of the
Department;
(2) central messenger, mail, telephone, and other communications services;
(3) office space and central services for document reproduction, graphics, and visual aids; and
(4) a central library service.
(b)
Transfers
The capital of the fund shall consist of—
(1) any appropriations made for the purpose of providing capital; and
(2) the fair and reasonable value of such stocks of supplies, equipment, and other assets and
inventories on order as the Secretary may transfer to the fund, less the
related liabilities and unpaid obligations.
(c)
Reimbursement
Amounts in the fund shall be reimbursed in advance from available funds of agencies and offices in
the Department, or from other sources, for supplies and services at rates
that approximate the expense of operation, including the accrual of annual
leave and the depreciation of equipment.
(d)
Credits
The fund shall be credited with receipts—
(1) from sale or exchange of property; and
(2) in payment for loss or damage to property owned by the fund.
(e)
Surplus amounts
There shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts any surplus amounts in the fund
(all assets, liabilities, and prior losses considered), in excess of the
amounts transferred or appropriated to establish and maintain the fund.
623.
Seal of Department
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall cause a seal of office to be made for the Department.
(b)
Judicial notice
Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal under this section.
624.
Regional energy advisory boards
(a)
In general
The Governors of the States in each region may establish 1 regional energy advisory board for each
region, to include such membership as the Governors determine to be
appropriate.
(b)
Observers
(1)
In general
The following officials (or a designee) may participate as observers in the deliberations of any
board established under subsection (a):
(A) The Secretary.
(B) The Secretary of Commerce.
(C) The Secretary of the Interior.
(D) The Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality.
(E) The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(2)
Other commissions
The Federal cochairperson of the Appalachian Regional Commission or any regional commission under
title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3191 et seq.) may participate as an observer in the deliberations
of any board established under subsection (a) that includes one or more
States that are members of the regional commission.
(c)
Recommendations
(1)
In general
Each board established under subsection (a) may make such recommendations as are appropriate to
programs of the Department having a direct effect on the region of the
board.
(2)
Failure to adopt
If a board makes a specific recommendation under paragraph (1) that is not adopted in the
implementation of a program described in that paragraph, the Secretary
shall notify the Board in writing of the reasons for not adopting the
recommendation.
625.
Designation of conservation officers
(a)
Designation
The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of
Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, the head of the United States
Postal Service, and the Administrator of General Services shall each
designate 1 Assistant Secretary or Assistant Administrator, as applicable,
as the principal conservation officer of the respective department or
agency.
(b)
Duties
A principal conservation officer designated under subsection (a) shall be principally responsible
for—
(1) the planning and implementation of energy conservation programs by the applicable department or
agency; and
(2) coordination with the Department with respect to energy matters.
(c)
Publication
(1)
In general
Each department and agency described in subsection (a) shall periodically inform the Secretary of
the identity of the relevant conservation officer.
(2)
List
The Secretary shall periodically publish a list identifying conservation officers under this
section, based on the information provided under paragraph (1).
626.
Annual report
(a)
In general
As soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year commencing with the first complete fiscal
year following the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
submit to the President, for inclusion in a report to Congress, a report
on the activities of the Department during the preceding fiscal year.
(b)
Inclusions
Each report under subsection (a) shall include—
(1) a statement of the goals, priorities, and plans of the Secretary for the Department, together with
an assessment of the progress made toward—
(A) the attainment of those goals;
(B) the effective and efficient management of the Department; and
(C) progress made in coordination of departmental functions with other Federal departments and
agencies;
(2) the information required by—
(A) section 15 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 774);
(B) section 365(c) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6325(c));
(C) section 304(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10224(c));
(D) section 307 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5877); and
(E) section 15 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5914);
(3) the projected energy needs of the United States to meet the requirements of the general welfare of
the residents and the commercial and industrial entities of the United
States, including a comprehensive summary of data pertaining to all fuel
and energy needs of residents of the United States residing in—
(A) areas outside standard metropolitan statistical areas; and
(B) areas within such areas that are unincorporated or rural areas, as specified by the Bureau of the
Census;
(4) an estimate of—
(A) the domestic and foreign energy supply on which the United States will be expected to rely to meet
those needs in an economic manner, with due regard for the protection of
the environment, the conservation of natural resources, and the
implementation of foreign policy objectives; and
(B) the quantities of energy expected to be provided by different sources (including petroleum, natural
and synthetic gases, coal, uranium, hydroelectric, solar, and other means)
and the expected means of obtaining those quantities;
(5) current and foreseeable trends in the price, quality, management, and use of energy resources and
the effects of those trends on the social, environmental, economic, and
other requirements of the United States;
(6) a summary of research and development efforts funded by the Federal Government to develop new
technologies, to forestall energy shortages, to reduce waste, to foster
recycling, to encourage conservation practices, and to increase
efficiency, including a description of the activities carried out by the
Department in support of environmental, social, economic, institutional,
biomedical, physical, and safety research, development, demonstration, and
monitoring activities necessary to guarantee that technological programs
funded by the Department are carried out in a manner that is capable of—
(A) maintaining or improving the quality of the environment; and
(B) mitigating any undesirable environmental and safety impacts;
(7) a review and appraisal of the adequacy and appropriateness of technologies, procedures, and
practices (including competitive and regulatory practices) employed by the
Federal Government or State and local governments and nongovernmental
entities to achieve the purposes of this Act;
(8) a summary of cooperative and voluntary efforts that have been mobilized to promote conservation and
recycling, together with plans for such efforts during the succeeding
fiscal year, and recommendations for changes in laws and regulations
needed to encourage more conservation and recycling by all segments of the
United States;
(9) a summary of substantive measures taken by the Department—
(A) to stimulate and encourage the development of new manpower resources through institutions of higher
education in the United States; and
(B) to involve those institutions in the execution of the research and development programs of the
Department; and
(10) to the maximum extent practicable, a summary of activities in the United States by individuals or
entities that are foreign-owned or -controlled and that own or control
United States energy sources and supplies, including the magnitude of
annual foreign direct investment in the energy sector in the United States
and exports of energy resources from the United States by foreign-owned or
-controlled individuals or entities, and such other related matters as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
627.
Transfer of funds
(a)
In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary, as authorized in an appropriations Act, may
transfer for any fiscal year funds from 1 appropriation to another within
the Department.
(b)
Exception
No appropriation shall be increased or decreased pursuant to this section by more than 5 percent of
the appropriation for the applicable fiscal year.
628.
Guards for Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities
In accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Secretary, in concurrence with the Attorney
General, employees of the Department and employees of contractors and
subcontractors (at any tier) of the Department, in carrying out the
official duties of protecting the Strategic Petroleum Reserve or a storage
or related facility, or of protecting individuals relating to the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve or a storage or related facility, may—
(1) carry firearms, if designated by the Secretary and qualified for the use of firearms under the
guidelines; and
(2) arrest without warrant any individual for an offense against the United States—
(A) in the case of a felony, if the employee has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual—
(i) has committed or is committing a felony; and
(ii) is in, or is fleeing from, the immediate area of the felony; and
(B) in the case of a felony or misdemeanor, if the violation is committed in the presence of the
employee.
629.
Trespass on Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities
(a)
Regulations
(1)
In general
The Secretary may promulgate regulations relating to the entry on, or carrying, transporting, or
otherwise introducing or causing to be introduced any dangerous weapon,
explosive, or other dangerous instrument or material likely to produce
substantial injury or damage to individuals or property into or onto, the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a storage or related facility, or real
property subject to the jurisdiction or administration, or in the custody,
of the Secretary under part B of title I of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6231 et seq.).
(2)
Notice
The Secretary shall post conspicuously on any property subject to the regulations under paragraph
(1) a notification that the property is subject to the regulations.
(b)
Violators
Any individual who willfully violates a regulation of the Secretary promulgated pursuant to
subsection (a) shall be—
(1) guilty of a misdemeanor; and
(2) punished on conviction by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or
both.
630.
Annual assessment and report on vulnerability of facilities to terrorist attack
(a)
In general
Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of
the vulnerability of Department facilities to a terrorist attack.
(b)
Reports
Not later than June 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on the assessment conducted under subsection (a) for the preceding
calendar year, including the results of the assessment, together with such
findings and recommendations as the Secretary considers to be appropriate.
VII
Transitional, savings, and conforming provisions
701.
Transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel
(a)
In general
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the personnel employed in connection with, and the
assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balance
of appropriations authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed,
held, used, arising from, available to, or to be made available in
connection with the functions transferred by this Act, subject to section
1531 of title 31, United States Code, are transferred to the Secretary for
appropriate allocation.
(b)
Use of unexpended funds
Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to subsection (a) shall only be used for the purposes for
which the funds were originally authorized and appropriated.
(c)
Specific positions
Positions expressly specified by statute or reorganization plan to carry out functions transferred
by this Act, personnel occupying those positions on the effective date of
this Act, and personnel authorized to receive compensation in those
positions at the rate prescribed for offices and positions at level I, II,
III, IV, or V of the Executive Schedule under subchapter II of chapter 53
of title 5, United States Code, on the effective date of this Act, shall
be subject to section 703.
702.
Effect on personnel
(a)
In general
Except as otherwise provided in this Act or by the Secretary, the transfer pursuant to this title
of full-time personnel (except special Government employees) and part-time
personnel holding permanent positions pursuant to this title shall not
cause any such employee to be separated or reduced in grade or
compensation for 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b)
Compensation
Any person who, on the effective date of this Act, holds a position compensated in accordance with
the Executive Schedule prescribed in chapter 53 of title 5, United States
Code, and who, without a break in service, is appointed in the Department
to a position having duties comparable to the duties performed immediately
preceding the appointment shall continue to be compensated in the new
position at not less than the rate provided for the previous position, for
the duration of service in the new position.
(c)
Reemployment rights
(1)
In general
An employee transferred to the Department who holds reemployment rights acquired under any
provision of law or regulation may exercise those rights only during the
latter of—
(A) the 120-day period beginning on the effective date of this Act; or
(B) the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the employee acquired the reemployment rights.
(2)
Requirement
Reemployment rights may only be exercised at the request of the employee.
703.
Agency terminations
(a)
In general
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever all of the functions vested by law in any
agency, commission, or other body, or any component of an agency,
commission, or other body, have been terminated or transferred from that
agency, commission, or other body, or component by this Act, the agency,
commission, or other body, or component, shall terminate.
(b)
Termination of positions and offices
If an agency, commission, or other body, or any component of an agency, commission, or other body,
terminates pursuant to subsection (a), each position and office within the
agency, commission, or other body, or component, that was expressly
authorized by law, or the incumbent of which was authorized to receive
compensation at the rates prescribed for an office or position at level
II, III, IV, or V of the Executive Schedule under subchapter II of chapter
53 of title 5, United States Code, shall terminate.
704.
Incidental transfers
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Secretary and the
Commission, shall make such determinations as may be necessary with regard
to the transfer of functions that relate to or are used by an agency,
commission or other body, or component of an agency, commission, or other
body, affected by this Act, to make such additional incidental
dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property,
records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations,
allocations, and other funds held, used, arising from, available to, or to
be made available in connection with the functions transferred by this
Act, as the Director considers necessary to accomplish the purposes of
this Act.
705.
Savings provisions
(a)
Orders To remain in effect
(1)
In general
All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses, and
privileges described in paragraph (2) shall continue in effect according
to their respective terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set
aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, the Secretary,
the Commission, or other authorized officials, a court of competent
jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(2)
Specification
Paragraph (1) applies to all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts,
certificates, licenses, and privileges that—
(A) have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President, any Federal
department or agency, official of a Federal department or agency, or by a
court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of functions that are
transferred under this Act to the Department or the Commission after the
date of enactment of this Act; and
(B) are in effect on the date on which this Act takes effect.
(b)
Pending proceedings
(1)
In general
This Act shall not affect any proceedings or any application for any license, permit, certificate,
or financial assistance pending before any department, agency, commission,
or component of a department, agency, or commission, functions of which
are transferred by this Act on the date on which this Act takes effect.
(2)
Continuation
(A)
In general
To the extent that proceedings and applications described in paragraph (1) relate to functions
transferred by this Act—
(i) the proceedings and applications shall be continued; and
(ii) orders shall be issued, appeals shall be taken, and payments shall be made pursuant to the orders,
as if this Act had not been enacted.
(B)
Effect
Orders issued in any proceeding continued under this paragraph shall continue in effect until
modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by—
(i) a duly authorized official;
(ii) a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(iii) operation of law.
(C)
Discontinuance or modification
Nothing in this subsection prohibits the discontinuance or modification of any proceeding described
in paragraph (1) under the same terms and conditions and to the same
extent that the proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if
this Act had not been enacted.
(3)
Regulations
The Secretary and the Commission may promulgate regulations providing for the orderly transfer of
proceedings described in paragraph (1) to the Department or the
Commission.
(c)
Pending suits
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (3)—
(A) this Act shall not affect suits commenced prior to the effective date of this Act; and
(B) in all suits described in subparagraph (A), proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments
rendered in the same manner and effect as if this Act had not been
enacted.
(2)
Suits by and against officers in official capacity and departments and agencies
(A)
Offices
No suit, action, or other proceeding commenced by or against any officer in the official capacity
of the officer as an officer of any department or agency, functions of
which are transferred by this Act, shall abate by reason of the enactment
of this Act.
(B)
Departments and agencies
No cause of action by or against any department or agency, functions of which are transferred by
this Act, or by or against any officer of a department or agency in the
official capacity of the officer, shall abate by reason of the enactment
of this Act.
(3)
Transfer
If, before the effective date of this Act, any department or agency, or officer of a department or
agency in the official capacity of the officer, is a party to a suit, and
under this Act any function of the department, agency, or officer is
transferred to the Secretary or any other official, then the suit shall be
continued with the Secretary or other official, as applicable,
substituted.
706.
Reference
With respect to any functions transferred by this Act and exercised after the effective date of
this Act, reference in any other Federal law to any department,
commission, or agency or any officer or office the functions of which are
so transferred shall be deemed to refer to the Secretary, the Commission,
or other official or component of the Department in which this Act vests
those functions.
707.
Presidential authority
Except as provided in title IV, nothing in this Act limits, curtails, abolishes, or terminates—
(1) any function of, or authority available to, the President that the President had immediately before
the effective date of this Act; or
(2) the authority of the President to delegate, redelegate, or terminate any delegation of functions.
708.
Transition
With the consent of the appropriate department or agency head concerned, the Secretary may use the
services of the officers, employees, and other personnel of the
departments and agencies from which functions have been transferred to the
Secretary for such period of time as may reasonably be needed to
facilitate the orderly transfer of functions under this Act.
709.
Administrative amendments
(a)
Executive departments
Section 101 of title 5, United States Code is amended by striking Department of Energy and inserting Department of Energy and the Environment.
(b)
Level I
Section 5312 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking Secretary of Energy and inserting Secretary of Energy and the Environment.
(c)
Level II
Section 5313 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking Deputy Secretary of Energy and inserting Deputy Secretary of Energy and the Environment; and
(2) by striking Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency..
(d)
Level III
Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking Under Secretaries of Energy (3) and inserting Under Secretaries of Energy and the Environment (4).
(e)
Level IV
Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking Assistant Secretaries of Energy (8) and inserting Assistant Secretaries of Energy and the Environment (18);
(2) by striking General Counsel of the Department of Energy and inserting General Counsel of the Department of Energy and the Environment;
(3) by striking Administrator, Economic Regulatory Administration, Department of Energy.;
(4) by striking Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy. and inserting Administrator, Energy and Environment Information Administration, Department of Energy and the
Environment.;
(5) by striking Director, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Department of Energy;
(6) by striking Director, Office of Science, Department of Energy.;
(7) by striking Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances, Environmental Protection Agency.;
(8) by striking Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste, Environmental Protection Agency.;
(9) by striking Assistant Administrators, Environmental Protection Agency (8).;
(10) by striking Chief Financial Officer, Department of Energy and inserting Chief Financial Officer, Department of Energy and the Environment;
(11) by striking Chief Financial Officer, Environmental Protection Agency.;
(12) by striking Chief Information Officer, Department of Energy and inserting Chief Information Officer, Department of Energy and the Environment; and
(13) by striking Chief Information Officer, Environmental Protection Agency..
(f)
Level V
Section 5316 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking Additional Officers, Department of Energy (14) and inserting Additional Officers, Department of Energy and the Environment (14).
710.
Director of Office of Personnel Management report
As soon as practicable but not later than 1 year after the effective date of this Act, the Director
of the Office of Personnel Management shall prepare and submit to Congress
a
report on the effects on employees of the reorganization under this Act,
which shall include—
(1) an identification of any position within the Department or elsewhere in the Executive branch that
the Director considers unnecessary due to consolidation of functions under
this Act;
(2) a statement of the number of employees entitled to pay savings by reason of the reorganization
under this Act;
(3) a statement of the number of employees who are voluntarily or involuntarily separated by reason of
the reorganization;
(4) an estimate of the personnel costs associated with the reorganization;
(5) the effects of the reorganization on labor management relations; and
(6) such legislative and administrative recommendations for improvements in personnel management within
the Department as the Director considers necessary.
711.
Investigations and reports on duplicative programs and activities
The Secretary shall—
(1) conduct routine investigations to identify programs, offices, and initiatives with duplicative
goals and activities within the Department; and
(2) report annually to Congress on the findings from the investigations (including the cost of such
duplication), including recommendations for consolidation and elimination
to reduce duplication and for specific rescissions.
712.
Environmental impact statements
The transfer of functions under titles III and IV shall not affect the validity of any draft
environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and published before the effective date of this Act.
713.
Conforming amendments
The Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) is repealed.
VIII
Energy planning
801.
National Energy Policy Plan
(a)
In general
The President shall—
(1) in accordance with subsection (b), prepare and submit to Congress a proposed National Energy Policy
Plan (referred to in this title as a proposed Plan);
(2) seek the active participation by regional, State, and local agencies and instrumentalities and the
private sector through public hearings in cities and rural communities and
other appropriate means to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that
the views and proposals of all segments of the economy are taken into
account in the formulation and review of the proposed Plan;
(3) include in the proposed Plan a comprehensive summary of data pertaining to all fuel and energy
needs of persons residing in—
(A) areas outside standard metropolitan statistical areas; and
(B) areas within standard metropolitan statistical areas that are unincorporated or are specified by
the Bureau of the Census as rural areas.
(b)
Contents of proposed Plan
Not later than April 1, 2015, and biennially thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress the
proposed Plan, which shall—
(1) consider and establish energy production, use, and conservation objectives, for periods of 5 and 10
years, necessary to satisfy projected energy needs of the United States to
meet the requirements of the general welfare of the people of the United
States and the commercial and industrial life of the United States, paying
particular attention to the needs for—
(A) full employment;
(B) price stability;
(C) energy security;
(D) economic growth;
(E) environmental protection;
(F) nuclear nonproliferation;
(G) special regional needs; and
(H) the efficient use of public and private resources;
(2) identify the strategies that should be followed and the resources that should be committed to
achieve those objectives, including—
(A) forecasting the level of production and investment necessary in each of the significant energy
supply sectors and the level of conservation and investment necessary in
each consuming sector; and
(B) outlining the appropriate policies and actions of the Federal Government that will maximize the
private production and investment necessary in each of the significant
energy supply sectors consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local
environmental laws, standards, and requirements; and
(3) contain recommendations for legislative and administrative actions necessary to achieve the
objectives of the proposed Plan, including legislative recommendations
with respect to taxes or tax incentives, Federal funding, regulatory
actions, antitrust policy, foreign policy, and international trade.
(c)
Contents of report
The President shall submit to Congress with the proposed Plan a report that shall include—
(1) any data and analysis necessary to support the objectives, resource needs, and policy
recommendations contained in the proposed Plan;
(2) an estimate of the domestic and foreign energy supplies on which the United States will be expected
to rely to meet projected energy needs in an economic manner consistent
with the need to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and
implement foreign policy objectives;
(3) an evaluation of current and foreseeable trends in the price, quality, management, and use of
energy resources and the effects of those trends on the social,
environmental, economic, and other requirements of the United States;
(4) a summary of research and development efforts funded by the Federal Government—
(A) to forestall energy shortages;
(B) to reduce waste;
(C) to foster recycling;
(D) to encourage conservation practices; and
(E) to otherwise protect environmental quality, including recommendations for developing technologies
to accomplish the purposes listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D); and
(5) a review and appraisal of the adequacy and appropriateness of technologies, procedures, and
practices (including competitive and regulatory practices) employed by
Federal, State, and local governments and nongovernmental entities to
achieve the purposes of the proposed Plan.
(d)
Consultation required
The President shall ensure that consumers, small businesses, and a wide range of other interests,
including those of individual citizens who have no financial interest in
the energy industry, are consulted in the development of the proposed
Plan.
802.
Congressional review
(a)
In general
Each proposed Plan shall be referred to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
(b)
Committee action
Each committee to which a proposed Plan is referred shall—
(1) review the proposed Plan; and
(2) if considered appropriate by the committee, report to the Senate or the House of Representatives
legislation regarding the proposed Plan, which may contain such
alternatives to, modifications of, or additions to the proposed Plan
submitted by the President as the committee considers appropriate.
IX
Effective date and interim appointments
901.
Effective date
(a)
In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act shall take effect on the earlier of—
(1) 120 days after the Secretary first takes office; or
(2) such date as the President may prescribe and publish in the Federal Register.
(b)
Appointments and regulations
At any time after the date of enactment of this Act—
(1) any of the officers provided for in titles II and IV may be nominated and appointed, as provided in
those titles; and
(2) the Secretary and the Commission may promulgate regulations pursuant to section 705.
(c)
Use of funds
Funds available to any department or agency (or any official or component of a department or
agency) functions of which are transferred to the Secretary or the
Commission by this Act, may with the approval of the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget, be used to pay the compensation and
expenses of any officer appointed pursuant to subsection (b) until such
time as funds for that purpose are otherwise available.
902.
Interim appointments
(a)
In general
If one or more officers required by this Act to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate shall not have entered upon office on the effective date of
this Act, the President may designate any officer, whose appointment was
required to be made by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and
who was such an officer immediately prior to the effective date of the
Act, to act in the office until the office is filled as provided in this
Act.
(b)
Compensation
Any person acting in an office in accordance with subsection (a) shall receive compensation at the
rates provided by this Act for the respective office in which the person
acts.