,i #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #egde ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #aj1 #bjah,mr4 ,veasey 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,mc,kinley1 and ,ms4 ,eddie ,bernice ,johnson of ,texas7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce1 and ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje to direct ,federal research in fossil energy and to promote the development and demonstration of environmentally responsible coal and natural gas technologies1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,fossil ,energy ,research and ,development ,act of #bjah4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,repeal of clean coal power initiative4 ,sec4 #d4 ,fossil energy objectives4 ,sec4 #e4 ,carbon capture technologies for power systems4 ,sec4 #f4 ,carbon storage validation and testing4 ,sec4 #g4 ,carbon utilization4 ,sec4 #h4 ,advanced energy systems4 ,sec4 #i4 ,rare earth elements4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,interagency task force on carbon dioxide pipelines4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,methane hydrates research amendments4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,carbon removal4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,methane leak detection and mitigation4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,national energy technology laboratory reforms4 #b4 ,definitions ,for purposes of this ,act3 7#a7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,energy4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,energy4 #c4 ,repeal of clean coal power initiative 7a7 ,repeal ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iv of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aehja note7 is repealed4 7b7 ,technical amendment ,the table of contents for the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aehja note7 is amended by striking the items related to subtitle ,a of title ,,iv4 #d4 ,fossil energy objectives ,section #ifa of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,improving the conversion1 use1 and storage of carbon dioxide produced from fossil fuels4 7#i7 ,lowering greenhouse gas emissions for all fossil fuel production1 generation1 delivery1 and utilization1 to the maximum extent possible4 7#aj7 ,preventing1 predicting1 monitoring1 and mitigating the unintended leaking of methane1 carbon dioxide1 or other fossil fuel-related emissions into the atmosphere4 7#aa7 ,reducing water use1 improving water reuse1 and minimizing the surface and subsurface environmental impact in the development of unconventional domestic oil and natural gas resources4 7#ab7 ,developing carbon utilization technologies1 products1 and methods1 including carbon use and reuse for commercial application4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 #hbe1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #hff1bej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 #iji1efc1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#d7 #iee1jda1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #a1jjb1gic1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 2 and 7#c7 by striking subsections 7c7 through 7e7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,limitation ,none of the funds authorized under this section may be used for ,fossil ,energy ,environmental ,restoration or ,import_/,export ,authorization4 4 #e4 ,carbon capture technologies for power systems 7a7 ,carbon capture program ,section #ifb of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbib7 is amended to read as follows3 #ifb4 ,carbon capture technologies for power systems 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of carbon capture technologies1 including to facilitate the development and use of-- 7#a7 carbon capture technologies for coal and natural gas2 7#b7 innovations to improve the efficiency of1 and decrease emissions at1 existing power plants2 and 7#c7 advanced separation technologies4 7b7 ,prioritization ,the ,secretary shall maintain robust investments in carbon capture technologies for coal applications4 7c7 ,large-,scale pilots ,in supporting technology development activities under this section1 the ,secretary is encouraged to support pilot projects that test carbon capture technologies on powers systems below the #ajj megawatt scale1 consistent with section #ihh7;b74 7d7 ,cost and performance goals ,in carrying out the development1 demonstration1 and commercial application activities under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall consider cost and performance goals to assist in the transfer of carbon capture research to commercially viable technologies4 7e7 ,carbon ,capture ,pilot ,test ,centers 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of the ,fossil ,energy ,research and ,development ,act of #bjah1 the ,secretary shall award grants to one or more eligible entities for the operation of not less than three ,carbon ,capture ,test ,centers 7in this subsection1 known as the ,centers7 to provide unique testing capabilities for innovative carbon capture technologies for power systems4 7#b7 ,purpose ,the ,centers shall-- 7,a7 advance research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of carbon capture technologies for power systems2 and 7,b7 test technologies that represent the scale of technology development beyond laboratory testing1 but not yet advanced to testing under operational conditions at commercial scale4 7#c7 ,application ,an entity seeking to operate a ,center under this subsection shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 7#d7 ,criteria ,in selecting applications to operate the ,centers under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall prioritize applicants that meet one or more of the following criteria3 7,a7 ,applicants with access to existing or planned research facilities with modular technology capabilities4 7,b7 ,institutions of higher education with established expertise in engineering and design for carbon capture technologies1 or partnerships with such institutions4 7,c7 ,applicants with access to existing research and test facilities for pre-combustion1 post-combustion1 or oxy-combustion technologies4 7,d7 ,applicants with test capabilities to address scaling challenges of integrating carbon capture technologies with utility scale power plants4 7#e7 ,considerations ,in awarding funds for the operation of the ,centers under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall ensure that-- 7,a7 the portfolio of ,centers includes a diverse representation of regional and resource characteristics2 and 7,b7 each new ,center established using such funds demonstrates unique research capabilities1 unique regional benefits1 or new technology development opportunities4 7#f7 ,schedule ,each grant to operate a ,center under this subsection shall be awarded for a term of not more than #e years1 subject to the availability of appropriations4 ,the ,secretary may renew such #e-year term without limit1 subject to a rigorous merit review4 7#g7 ,cost sharing ,the ,secretary shall require cost sharing under this subsection in accordance with section #ihh4 7#h7 ,termination ,to the extent otherwise authorized by law1 the ,secretary may eliminate a ,center during any #e-year term described in paragraph 7#f7 if such ,center is underperforming4 7f7 ,demonstrations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may fund large-scale demonstration projects for power systems that test the scale of technology necessary to gain the operational data needed to understand the technical and performance risks of the technology before the application of the technology at commercial scale1 in accordance with this subsection4 7#b7 ,engineering and design studies ,the ,secretary is authorized to fund front-end engineering and design studies in addition to1 or in advance of1 issuing an award for a demonstration project under this subsection4 7#c7 ,application ,an entity seeking an award to conduct a demonstration project under this subsection shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 7#d7 ,limitations ,the ,secretary shall only provide an award under this subsection after reviewing each applicant and application regarding-- 7,a7 financial strength2 7,b7 construction schedule2 7,c7 market risk2 and 7,d7 contractor history4 7#e7 ,requirements ,a demonstration project funded under this subsection shall-- 7,a7 utilize technologies that have completed pilot-scale testing or the equivalent1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7,b7 secure and maintain agreements for the utilization or sequestration of captured carbon dioxide2 and 7,c7 upon completion1 demonstrate carbon capture technologies on a power system producing not less than #ajj megawatts of power4 7#f7 ,cost sharing ,the ,secretary shall require cost sharing under this subsection in accordance with section #ihh4 7g7 ,definition of power system ,in this section1 the term power system means any electricity generating unit that utilizes fossil fuels to generate electricity provided to the electric grid or directly to a consumer4 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #cjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #cae1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 #ccj1gej1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#d7 #cdg1bhh1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #cfd1feb1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 4 7b7 ,,gao study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study of the ,department's successes1 failures1 practices1 and improvements in carrying out demonstration projects for carbon capture technologies for power systems4 ,in conducting the study1 the ,comptroller ,general shall consider1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 applicant and contractor qualifications2 7,b7 project management practices at the ,department2 7,c7 economic or market changes and other factors impacting project viability2 7,d7 completion of third-party agreements1 including power purchase agreements and carbon dioxide offtake agreements2 7,e7 regulatory challenges2 and 7,f7 construction challenges4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report on the results of the study required under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,consideration ,the ,secretary shall consider any relevant recommendations1 as determined by the ,secretary1 provided in the study required under paragraph 7#a71 and shall adopt such recommendations as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#d7 ,power system defined ,in this section1 the term power system means any electricity generating unit that utilizes fossil fuels to generate electricity provided to the electric grid or directly to a consumer4 #f4 ,carbon storage validation and testing ,section #ifc of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbic7 is amended to read as follows3 #ifc4 ,carbon storage validation and testing 7a7 ,carbon storage ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program of research1 development1 and demonstration for carbon storage4 ,the program shall-- 7#a7 in coordination with relevant ,federal agencies1 develop and maintain mapping tools and resources that assess the capacity of geologic storage formations in the ,united ,states2 7#b7 develop monitoring tools1 modeling of geologic formations1 and analyses to predict and verify carbon dioxide containment and account for sequestered carbon dioxide in geologic storage sites2 7#c7 research potential environmental1 safety1 and health impacts in the event of a leak to the atmosphere or to an aquifer1 and any corresponding mitigation actions or responses to limit harmful consequences2 7#d7 evaluate the interactions of carbon dioxide with formation solids and fluids1 including the propensity of injections to induce seismic activity2 7#e7 assess and ensure the safety of operations related to geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide2 7#f7 determine the fate of carbon dioxide concurrent with and following injection into geologic formations2 and 7#g7 provide information to ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 and other appropriate entities1 to support development of a regulatory framework for commercial-scale sequestration operations that ensure the protection of human health and the environment4 7b7 ,geologic settings ,in carrying out research activities under this section1 the ,secretary shall consider a variety of candidate geologic settings1 including-- 7#a7 operating oil and gas fields2 7#b7 depleted oil and gas fields2 7#c7 residual oil zones2 7#d7 unconventional reservoirs and rock types2 7#e7 unmineable coal seams2 7#f7 deep saline formations2 7#g7 deep geologic systems that may be used as engineered reservoirs to extract economical quantities of brine from geothermal resources of low permeability or porosity2 and 7#h7 deep geologic systems containing in situ carbon dioxide mineralization formations4 7c7 ,regional carbon sequestration partnerships 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out large-scale carbon sequestration demonstrations for geologic containment of carbon dioxide to collect and validate information on the cost and feasibility of commercial deployment of technologies for the geologic containment of carbon dioxide4 ,the ,secretary may fund new demonstrations or expand the work completed at one or more of the existing regional carbon sequestration partnerships4 7#b7 ,demonstration components ,each demonstration described in paragraph 7#a7 shall include longitudinal tests involving carbon dioxide injection and monitoring1 mitigation1 and verification operations4 7#c7 ,clearinghouse ,the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory shall act as a clearinghouse of shared information and resources for the regional carbon sequestration partnerships and any new demonstrations funded under this section4 7#d7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,fossil ,energy ,research and ,development ,act of #bjah1 the ,secretary shall provide to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report that-- 7,a7 assesses the progress of all regional carbon sequestration partnerships2 7,b7 identifies the remaining challenges in achieving carbon sequestration that is reliable and safe for the environment and public health2 and 7,c7 creates a roadmap to integrate geologic sequestration sites and carbon utilization with large sources of carbon dioxide in the ,united ,states economy4 7#e7 ,large-scale carbon sequestration ,for purposes of this subsection1 large-scale carbon sequestration means the injection of more than #a1jjj1jjj tons of carbon dioxide annually or a scale that demonstrates the ability to inject and sequester several million metric tons carbon dioxide for at least #aj years4 7d7 ,integrated storage projects ,the ,secretary may carry out a program for purposes of transitioning the large-scale storage demonstrations under subsection 7c7 into integrated1 commercial storage complexes4 ,the program shall focus on-- 7#a7 qualifying geologic storage sites in order to accept large volumes of carbon dioxide acceptable for commercial contracts2 7#b7 understanding the technical and commercial viability of storage sites2 7#c7 developing the qualification processes that will be necessary for a diverse range of geologic storage sites to commercially accept carbon dioxide2 and 7#d7 any other activities the ,secretary deems necessary to transition the large scale demonstration storage projects into commercial ventures4 7e7 ,cost sharing ,the ,secretary shall require cost sharing under this section in accordance with section #ihh4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #aje1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #aaj1bej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 #aae1gfc1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#d7 #aba1eea1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #abg1fbh1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 4 #g4 ,carbon utilization 7a7 ,program ,subtitle ,f of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ifi4 ,carbon utilization 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program of research1 development1 and demonstration for carbon utilization4 ,the program shall-- 7#a7 assess and monitor potential changes in life cycle carbon dioxide emissions1 and other environmental safety indicators of new technologies1 practices1 processes1 or methods1 used in enhanced hydrocarbon recovery2 7#b7 identify and evaluate novel uses for carbon1 including the conversion of carbon dioxide for commercial and industrial products1 such as-- 7,a7 chemicals2 7,b7 plastics2 7,c7 building materials2 7,d7 fuels2 7,e7 cement2 or 7,f7 products of coal utilization in power systems 7as such term is defined in section #ifb7;e771 or other applications2 and 7#c7 identify and develop alternative uses for coal1 including products derived from carbon engineering1 carbon fiber1 and coal conversion methods4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #be1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #bf1bej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 #bg1efb1ejj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#d7 #bh1idj1fbe for fiscal year #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #cj1chg1fef for fiscal year #bjbc4 4 7b7 ,study ,the ,secretary shall enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academies to conduct a study assessing the barriers and opportunities related to commercializing carbon dioxide in the ,united ,states4 ,such study shall-- 7#a7 analyze the technical feasibility and related challenges to commercializing carbon dioxide1 including-- 7,a7 creating a national system of carbon dioxide pipelines2 7,b7 mitigating environmental impacts2 and 7,c7 regional economic challenges and opportunities2 7#b7 identify potential markets1 industries1 or sectors that may benefit from greater access to commercial carbon dioxide2 7#c7 assess the current state of infrastructure and any necessary updates to allow for the integration of safe and reliable carbon dioxide transportation1 utilization1 and storage2 7#d7 estimate the economic impact of a well-integrated national carbon dioxide pipeline system2 7#e7 assess the global status and progress of carbon utilization technologies 7both chemical and biological7 in practice today that utilize waste carbon 7including carbon dioxide1 carbon monoxide1 methane1 and biogas7 from power generation1 biofuels production1 and other industrial processes2 7#f7 identify emerging technologies and approaches for carbon utilization that show promise for scale-up1 demonstration1 deployment1 and commercialization2 7#g7 analyze the factors associated with making carbon utilization technologies viable at a commercial scale1 including carbon waste stream availability1 economics1 market capacity1 energy and lifecycle requirements2 7#h7 assess the major technical challenges associated with increasing the commercial viability of carbon reuse technologies1 and identify the research and development questions that will address those challenges2 7#i7 assess current research efforts1 including basic1 applied1 engineering1 and computational1 that are addressing these challenges and identify gaps in the current research portfolio2 and 7#aj7 develop a comprehensive research agenda that addresses both long- and short-term research needs and opportunities4 #h4 ,advanced energy systems ,subtitle ,f of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia et seq47 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #ifi;,a4 ,advanced energy systems 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application to improve the efficiency and reliability of1 and to reduce emissions from1 fossil fuel power generation in the following areas3 7#a7 ,high-efficiency turbines for any advanced power system that will lead to natural gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of #fg percent or combustion turbine efficiency of #ej percent4 7#b7 ,supercritical and ultrasupercritical carbon dioxide1 with an emphasis on developing directly-fired and indirectly fired cycles in the next #aj years4 7#c7 ,advanced combustion systems1 including oxy-combustion systems and chemical looping4 7#d7 ,fuel cell technologies for low-cost1 high-efficiency1 fuel-flexible1 modular power systems1 including solid oxide fuel cell technology for commercial1 residential1 and distributed generation systems1 using improved manufacturing production and processes4 7#e7 ,gasification systems to enable carbon capture1 improve efficiency1 and reduce capital and operating costs4 7#f7 ,thermal cycling with ramping or rapid black start capabilities that do not compromise efficiency or environmental performance4 7#g7 ,small-scale and modular coal-fired technologies with reduced carbon outputs or carbon capture that can support incremental power generation capacity additions4 7b7 ,priority ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary is encouraged to prioritize transformational technologies that enable a step change in performance1 efficiency1 or cost of electricity as compared to the technology in existence on the date of enactment of this section4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #aah1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #abc1ijj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 #acj1jie1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#d7 #acf1fjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #adc1dcj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 4 #i4 ,rare earth elements ,subtitle ,f of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia et seq47 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #ifi;,b4 ,rare earth elements 7a7 ,in general ,in coordination with the relevant ,federal agencies1 the ,secretary shall conduct research to develop and assess methods to separate and recover rare earth elements and other strategic minerals and coproducts from coal and coal byproduct streams4 ,the program shall-- 7#a7 develop advanced rare earth element separation and extraction processes using coal-based resources as feedstock materials2 and 7#b7 assess the technical and economic feasibility of recovering rare earth elements from coal-based resources and validate such feasibility with prototype systems producing salable1 high-purity rare earth elements from coal-based resources4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 #ba1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 #bb1jej1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#d7 #bc1aec1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #bd1caj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 4 #aj4 ,interagency task force on carbon dioxide pipelines 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall convene an interagency task force to assess the potential for a national system of carbon dioxide pipelines4 7b7 ,membership ,the task force described in subsection 7a7 shall include representation from each of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,department of ,energy4 7#b7 ,the ,department of the ,interior4 7#c7 ,the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#d7 ,the ,department of ,transportation4 7#e7 ,the ,federal ,energy ,regulatory ,commission4 7#f7 ,other ,federal agencies identified by the ,secretary4 7#g7 ,state1 local1 or ,tribal governments4 7c7 ,duties ,the task force described in subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 conduct annual workshops with relevant ,federal agencies to discuss the potential of and progress toward an accessible and functioning national system of carbon dioxide pipelines1 open to representatives from-- 7,a7 industry2 7,b7 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments2 7,c7 academic researchers2 7,d7 environmental organizations2 and 7,e7 other stakeholders as identified by the ,secretary2 7#b7 the ,secretary shall provide public notice not less than #fj days before conducting each workshop under paragraph 7#a71 to ensure all interested parties can attend2 7#c7 provide to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an annual report summarizing the activities and progress of the task force2 and 7#d7 in place of the final such annual report1 submit to the relevant congressional committees a report laying out a roadmap for the successful establishment of a national carbon dioxide pipeline system1 including aspects related to-- 7,a7 engineering1 building1 siting1 and maintenance of the system2 7,b7 permitting and insuring pipelines2 7,c7 ,federal and ,state policy challenges2 7,d7 incentives or resources to encourage the utilization of the most advanced leak detection and mitigation technologies and monitoring capabilities2 7,e7 regulating the national system to ensure safety and minimal environmental impacts2 and 7,f7 possible integrations into the current pipeline systems4 7d7 ,sunset ,the authority for the task force under this section expires on the date that is #e years after the date on which the task force first convenes4 #aa4 ,methane hydrates research amendments 7a7 ,in general ,section #d7;b7 of the ,methane ,hydrate ,research and ,development ,act of #bjjj 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjc7;b77 is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,grants1 contracts1 cooperative agreements1 interagency funds transfer agreements1 and field work proposals 7#a7 ,assistance and coordination ,in carrying out the program of methane hydrate research and development authorized by this section1 the ,secretary may award grants1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements to-- 7,a7 conduct basic and applied research-- 7i7 to identify and assess deposits of methane hydrate2 and 7ii7 to identify the environmental1 health1 and safety impacts of methane hydrate development2 7,b7 assess and develop technologies to mitigate environmental impacts of the commercial development of methane hydrate as an energy resource and to reduce the public health and safety risks of drilling through methane hydrates2 7,c7 conduct basic and applied research to assess and mitigate the environmental impact of hydrate degassing 7including natural degassing and degassing associated with commercial development72 or 7,d7 expand education and training programs in methane hydrate resource research and resource development through fellowships or other means for graduate education and training4 7#b7 ,environmental monitoring and research ,the ,secretary shall conduct a long-term environmental monitoring and research program to study the effects of production from methane hydrate reservoirs4 7#c7 ,competitive peer review ,funds made available to carry out paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 shall be made available based on a competitive process using external scientific peer review of proposed research4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #d7;e7 of such ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjc7;e77 is amended in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 by striking subsection 7b77#a7 and inserting paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7b74 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #g of such ,act 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjf7 is amended to read as follows3 #g4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this ,act #ae1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended1 for each of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc4 4 #ab4 ,carbon removal ,subtitle ,f of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia et seq47 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #ifi;,c4 ,carbon removal 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the appropriate ,federal agencies1 shall establish a research1 development1 and demonstration program to test1 validate1 or improve technologies and strategies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on a large scale4 ,the program may include activities in-- 7#a7 direct air capture technologies2 7#b7 bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration2 7#c7 enhanced geological weathering2 7#d7 agricultural and grazing practices2 7#e7 forest management and afforestation2 and 7#f7 planned or managed carbon sinks1 including natural and artificial4 7b7 ,considerations ,the program under this section shall identify and develop carbon removal technologies and strategies that consider the following3 7#a7 ,land use changes4 7#b7 ,ocean acidification4 7#c7 ,net greenhouse gas emissions4 7#d7 ,commercial viability4 7#e7 ,potential for near-term impact4 7#f7 ,potential for carbon reductions on a gigaton scale4 7#g7 ,economic co-benefits4 7c7 ,prioritization ,in carrying out the program under this section1 the ,secretary shall prioritize technologies and strategies that have the potential to meet emissions reduction goals in the agreement of the twenty-first session of the ,conference of the ,parties to the ,united ,nations ,framework ,convention on ,climate ,change4 7d7 ,accounting ,the ,department shall collaborate with the ,environmental ,protection ,agency and other relevant agencies to develop and improve accounting frameworks and tools to accurately measure carbon removal and sequestration methods and technologies across the ,federal ,government4 7e7 ,air ,capture ,technology ,prize ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 as part of the program carried out under this section1 the ,secretary shall carry out a program to award competitive technology prizes for carbon dioxide capture from media in which the concentration of carbon dioxide is less than #a percent by volume 7in this subsection1 known as dilute media74 ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 in accordance with section #bd of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj1 develop requirements for-- 7,a7 the prize competition process2 7,b7 minimum performance standards for projects eligible to participate in the prize competition2 and 7,c7 monitoring and verification procedures for projects selected to receive a prize award2 7#b7 establish minimum levels for the capture of carbon dioxide from dilute media that are required to qualify for a prize award2 and 7#c7 offer prize awards for any of the following3 7,a7 ,a design for a promising capture technology that will-- 7i7 be operated on a demonstration scale2 and 7ii7 have the potential to achieve significant reduction in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere4 7,b7 ,a successful bench-scale demonstration of a capture technology4 7,c7 ,an operational capture technology on a commercial scale4 7f7 ,intra-,agency research ,the ,secretary shall encourage and promote crosscutting research and development in bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration within the ,department4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #de1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjah1 #ae1jjj1jjj of which are authorized to carry out subsection 7e72 7#b7 #ca1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#c7 #cc1jge1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 7#d7 #cd1gbi1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#e7 #cf1dfe1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj4 4 #ac4 ,methane leak detection and mitigation 7a7 ,program ,subtitle ,f of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia et seq47 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #ifi;,d4 ,methane leak detection and mitigation 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the appropriate ,federal agencies1 shall carry out a program of methane leak detection and mitigation research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application for technologies and methods that significantly reduce emissions4 ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 develop cooperative agreements with ,state or local governments or private entities to provide technical assistance to-- 7,a7 prevent or respond to methane leaks1 including detection1 mitigation1 and identification of leaks throughout the natural gas infrastructure 7which includes natural gas storage1 pipelines1 and natural gas production sites72 and 7,b7 protect public health in the event of a major methane leak2 7#b7 promote demonstration and adoption of effective methane emissions-reduction technologies in the private sector2 7#c7 in coordination with representatives from private industry1 ,state and local governments1 and institutions of higher education1 create a publicly accessible resource for best practices in the design1 construction1 maintenance1 performance1 monitoring1 and incident response for-- 7,a7 pipeline systems2 7,b7 wells2 7,c7 compressor stations2 7,d7 storage facilities2 and 7,e7 other vulnerable infrastructure2 7#d7 identify high-risk characteristics of pipelines1 wells1 and materials1 geologic risk factors1 or other key factors that increase the likelihood of methane leaks2 and 7#e7 in collaboration with private entities and institutions of higher education1 quantify and map significant methane leaks across the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,considerations ,in carrying out the program under this section1 the ,secretary shall consider the following3 7#a7 ,historical data of methane leaks4 7#b7 ,public health consequences4 7#c7 ,public safety4 7#d7 ,novel materials and designs for pipelines1 compressor stations1 components1 and well casings4 7#e7 ,regional geologic traits4 7#f7 ,induced and natural seismicity4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjai2 7#b7 #ba1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbj2 7#c7 #bb1jej1jjj for fiscal years #bjba2 7#d7 #bc1aec1jjj for fiscal years #bjbb2 and 7#e7 #bd1caj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbc4 4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,transportation1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report on mitigating natural gas storage leaks4 ,the report shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a quantitative study to evaluate the key uncertainties related to the costs and benefits of downhole safety valves for the natural gas storage industry in the ,united ,states1 including-- 7,a7 malfunction and failure rates of modern downhole safety valve designs2 7,b7 the frequency of well failures2 and 7,c7 alternative emergency valve designs4 7#b7 ,a systematic assessment of casing wall thickness assessment tools1 which shall-- 7,a7 consider multiple tool types and reference wells2 and 7,b7 rigorously test and compare the ability of these tools and techniques to identify1 locate1 and characterize corroded well casings4 #ad4 ,national energy technology laboratory reforms 7a7 ,special hiring authority for scientific1 engineering1 and project management personnel 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory shall have the authority to-- 7,a7 make appointments to positions in the ,laboratory to assist in meeting a specific project or research need1 without regard to civil service laws1 of individuals who-- 7i7 have an advanced scientific or engineering background2 or 7ii7 have a business background and can assist in specific technology-to-market needs2 7,b7 fix the basic pay of any employee appointed under this section at a rate not to exceed level ,,ii of the ,executive ,schedule2 and 7,c7 pay any employee appointed under this section payments in addition to basic pay1 except that the total amount of additional payments paid to an employee under this subsection for any #ab-month period shall not exceed the least of-- 7i7 #be1jjj2 7ii7 the amount equal to #be percent of the annual rate of basic pay of that employee2 and 7iii7 the amount of the limitation that is applicable for a calendar year under section #ecjg7;a77#a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,in general ,the term of any employee appointed under this section shall not exceed #c years4 7,b7 ,full-time employees ,not more than #aj full-time employees appointed under this subsection may be employed at the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory at any given time4 7b7 ,discretionary research and development 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish mechanisms under which the ,director of the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory may use an amount of funds equal to an amount that is not less than #b percent and not more than #d percent of all funds available to the ,laboratory for the following purposes3 7,a7 ,to fund innovative research that is conducted at the ,laboratory and supports the mission of the ,department4 7,b7 ,to fund technology development programs that support the transition of technologies developed by the ,laboratory into the commercial market4 7,c7 ,to fund workforce development activities to strengthen external engineering and manufacturing partnerships to ensure safe1 efficient1 productive1 and useful fossil energy technology production4 7,d7 ,to fund the revitalization1 recapitalization1 or minor construction of the ,laboratory infrastructure4 7#b7 ,prioritization ,the ,director shall prioritize innovative experiments and proposals proposed by scientists and researchers at the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory4 7#c7 ,annual report on use of authority ,not later than ,march #a of each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report on the use of the authority under this subsection during the preceding fiscal year4 7c7 ,review ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report assessing the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory's management and research4 ,the report shall include-- 7#a7 an assessment of the quality of science and research at the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory relative to similar work at other national laboratories2 7#b7 a review of the effectiveness of authorities provided in subsections 7a7 and 7b72 and 7#c7 recommendations for policy changes within the ,department and legislative changes to provide the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory the necessary tools and resources to advance its research mission4