,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cfjg ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,july #b1 #bjai,mr4 ,veasey 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,schweikert1 ,mr4 ,lamb1 ,mrs4 ,fletcher1 and ,ms4 ,johnson of ,texas7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology ,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 #bjai4 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 ,fossil energy objectives4 ,sec4 #d4 ,carbon capture technologies4 ,sec4 #e4 ,carbon storage validation and testing4 ,sec4 #f4 ,carbon utilization4 ,sec4 #g4 ,advanced energy systems4 ,sec4 #h4 ,rare earth elements4 ,sec4 #i4 ,methane hydrate research amendments4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,carbon removal4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,methane leak detection and mitigation4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,waste gas utilization4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,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 ,fossil energy objectives ,section #ifa of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbia7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,decreasing the cost of emissions control technologies for fossil energy production1 generation1 and delivery4 2 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#g7 and inserting the following3 7#g7 ,increasing the export of emissions control technologies from the ,united ,states for fossil energy-related equipment1 technology1 and services4 2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,improving the conversion1 use1 and storage of carbon oxides4 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 removal and utilization technologies1 products1 and methods that result in net reductions in greenhouse gas emissions1 including direct air capture and storage and 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 #bjbj2 7#b7 #hff1bej1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #iji1efc1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #iee1jda1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #a1jjb1gic1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd4 2 and 7#c7 by striking subsections 7c7 through 7e7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,prioritization ,in carrying out 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 ,limitation ,none of the funds authorized under this section may be used for ,fossil ,energy ,environmental ,restoration or ,import_/,export ,authorization4 4 #d4 ,carbon capture technologies 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 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of carbon capture technologies1 which shall include facilitation of the development and use of-- 7#a7 carbon capture technologies for coal and natural gas2 7#b7 innovations to significantly decrease emissions at existing power plants2 and 7#c7 advanced separation technologies4 7b7 ,investment ,as a part of the program under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall maintain robust investments in carbon capture technologies for coal and natural gas applications4 7c7 ,large-,scale pilots ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary is encouraged to support pilot projects that test carbon capture technologies on coal and natural gas power and industrial systems below the #ajj megawatt scale1 consistent with section #ihh7;b74 7d7 ,cost and performance goals ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall establish cost and performance goals to assist in the transition of carbon capture research to commercially viable technologies4 7e7 ,carbon ,capture ,pilot ,test ,centers 7#a7 ,in general ,as a part of the program under subsection 7a71 not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of the ,fossil ,energy ,research and ,development ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary shall award grants to 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 and industrial systems4 7#b7 ,purpose ,each ,center shall-- 7,a7 advance research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of carbon capture technologies for power and industrial 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 ,priority criteria ,in selecting applications to operate a ,center under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall prioritize applicants that-- 7,a7 have access to existing or planned research facilities with modular technology capabilities2 7,b7 are institutions of higher education with established expertise in engineering and design for carbon capture technologies1 or partnerships with such institutions2 7,c7 have access to existing research and test facilities for pre-combustion1 post-combustion1 or oxy-combustion technologies2 or 7,d7 have test capabilities to address scaling challenges of integrating carbon capture technologies with utility scale power plants4 7#e7 ,considerations ,in awarding grants 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 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 ,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 ,as a part of the program under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary may provide grants for large-scale demonstration projects for power and industrial 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 or industrial system capable of capturing not less than #ajj1jjj tons of carbon dioxide annually4 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 #bjbj2 7#b7 #cae1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #ccj1gej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #cdg1bhh1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #cfd1feb1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 7b7 ,,gao study 7#a7 ,in general ,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 a study of the ,department's successes1 failures1 practices1 and improvements in carrying out demonstration projects for carbon capture technologies for power and industrial systems4 ,in conducting the study1 the ,comptroller ,general shall consider-- 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 ,consideration ,the ,secretary shall consider any relevant recommendations1 as determined by the ,secretary1 provided in the report required under paragraph 7#a71 and shall adopt such recommendations as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,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 #e4 ,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 ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 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 7#g7 support cost and business model assessments to examine the economic viability of technologies and systems developed under this program2 and 7#h7 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 both onshore and offshore1 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 saline formations in both sedimentary and basaltic geologies2 7#g7 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 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 #bjai1 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 for ,department of ,energy carbon storage research and development activities through #bjcj with the goal of reducing economic and policy barriers to commercial carbon sequestration4 7#e7 ,large-scale carbon sequestration ,for purposes of this subsection1 large-scale carbon sequestration means 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 the purpose of transitioning the large-scale carbon sequestration demonstration projects 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 determines 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 #abj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#b7 #abf1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #acb1cjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #ach1iae1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #ade1hfj1gej for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 #f4 ,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 and other greenhouse gas emissions1 and other environmental safety indicators of new technologies1 practices1 processes1 or methods1 used in enhanced hydrocarbon recovery as part of the activities authorized in section #ifc of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbic72 7#b7 identify and evaluate novel uses for carbon1 including the conversion of carbon dioxide1 in a manner that1 on a full life-cycle basis1 achieves a permanent reduction in1 or avoidance of a net increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere1 for use in commercial and industrial products1 such as-- 7,a7 chemicals2 7,b7 plastics2 7,c7 building materials2 7,d7 fuels2 7,e7 cement2 7,f7 products of coal utilization in power systems 7as such term is defined in section #ifb7;e771 or other applications2 or 7,g7 other products with demonstrated market value2 7#c7 carbon capture technologies for industrial systems2 7#d7 identify and assess alternative uses for coal that result in no net emissions of carbon dioxide or other pollutants1 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 #bjbj2 7#b7 #bf1bej1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #bg1efb1ejj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #bh1idj1fbe for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #cj1chg1fef for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 7b7 ,study ,the ,secretary shall enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academies to conduct a study assessing the barriers1 and opportunities related to the commercial application of carbon dioxide in the ,united ,states4 ,such study shall-- 7#a7 analyze the technical feasibility1 related challenges1 and impacts to commercializing carbon dioxide1 including-- 7,a7 creating a national system of carbon dioxide pipelines and geologic sequestration sites2 7,b7 mitigating environmental and landowner 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 economic1 climate1 and environmental impacts of any well-integrated national carbon dioxide pipeline system1 including suggestions for policies that could improve the economic impact of the 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 engineering 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 #g4 ,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 program1 with the purpose of reducing emissions from fossil fuel power generation by not less than #ej percent1 of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application with respect to the following3 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 reduction of emissions 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 #aej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#b7 #aeg1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #afe1cge1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #agc1fdc1gej for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #ahb1cbe1ich for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 #h4 ,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 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 resources2 and 7#c7 assess and mitigate any environmental and public health impacts of recovering 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 #bc1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#b7 #bd1aej1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #be1ceg1ejj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #bf1fbe1cge for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #bg1ief1fdd for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 #i4 ,methane hydrate 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 research to identify the environmental1 health1 and safety impacts of methane hydrate development2 7,b7 assess and develop technologies to mitigate environmental impacts of the exploration and commercial development of methane hydrates as an energy resource1 including the use of seismic testing1 and to reduce the public health and safety risks of drilling through methane hydrates2 7,c7 conduct 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 #bjbj through #bjbd4 4 #aj4 ,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 remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on a large scale4 ,the program may include activities in-- 7#a7 direct air capture and storage technologies2 7#b7 enhanced carbon mineralization2 7#c7 bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration2 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 ,prioritization ,in carrying out the program established in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall prioritize-- 7#a7 the activities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7a71 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary for ,fossil ,energy2 and 7#b7 the activities described in subsection 7a77#c71 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary for ,energy ,efficiency and ,renewable ,energy and the ,assistant ,secretary for ,fossil ,energy4 7c7 ,considerations ,the program under this section shall identify and develop carbon removal technologies and strategies that consider the following3 7#a7 ,land use changes1 including impacts on natural and managed ecosystems4 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 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 ambient air or water4 ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 in accordance with section #bd of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgai71 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 ambient air or water 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 ,direct ,air ,capture ,test ,center 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,fossil ,energy ,research and ,development ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary shall award grants to one or more eligible entities for the operation of one or more test centers 7in this subsection1 known as ,centers7 to provide unique testing capabilities for innovative direct air capture and storage technologies4 7#b7 ,purpose ,each ,center shall-- 7,a7 advance research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of direct air capture and storage technologies2 7,b7 support pilot plant and full-scale demonstration projects and test technologies that represent the scale of technology development beyond laboratory testing but not yet advanced to test under operational conditions at commercial scale2 7,c7 develop front-end engineering design and economic analysis2 and 7,d7 maintain a public record of pilot and full-scale plant performance4 7#c7 ,priority criteria ,in selecting applications to operate a ,center under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall prioritize applicants that-- 7,a7 have access to existing or planned research facilities2 7,b7 are institutions of higher education with established expertise in engineering for direct air capture technologies1 or partnerships with such institutions2 or 7,c7 have access to existing research and test facilities for bulk materials design and testing1 component design and testing1 or professional engineering design4 7#d7 ,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#e7 ,termination ,to the extent otherwise authorized by law1 the ,secretary may eliminate the center during any #e-year term described in the last paragraph if it is underperforming4 7g7 ,large-,scale pilots and demonstrations ,in supporting the technology development activities under this section1 the ,secretary is encouraged to support carbon removal pilot and demonstration projects1 including-- 7#a7 pilot projects that test direct air capture systems capable of capturing #aj to #ajj tonnes of carbon oxides per year to provide data for demonstration-scale projects2 and 7#b7 direct air capture demonstration projects capable of capturing greater than #a1jjj tonnes of carbon oxides per year4 7h7 ,intra-,agency research ,in carrying out the program established in 7a71 the ,secretary shall encourage and promote collaborations among relevant offices and agencies within the ,department4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for activities under this section1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 #ge1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj1 #ae1jjj1jjj of which are authorized to carry out subsection 7e72 7#b7 #fc1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #ff1aej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #fi1deh1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #gb1icj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 #aa4 ,methane leak detection and mitigation ,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 consultation with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency and other 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 geologic methane seeps 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 wells 7including casing1 cement1 wellhead74 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 #bb1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#b7 #bc1ajj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #bd1bee1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #be1dfg1gej for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#e7 #bf1gda1ach for fiscal year #bjbd4 4 #ab4 ,waste gas utilization ,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;,e4 ,waste gas utilization ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program of research1 development1 and demonstration for waste gas utilization4 ,the program shall-- 7#a7 identify and evaluate novel uses for light hydrocarbons1 such as methane1 ethane1 propane1 butane1 pentane1 and hexane1 produced during oil and shale gas production1 including the production of chemicals or transportation fuels2 7#b7 develop advanced gas conversion technologies that are modular and compact1 and may leverage advanced manufacturing technologies2 7#c7 support demonstration activities at operating oil and gas facilities to test the performance and cost-effectiveness of new gas conversion technologies2 and 7#d7 assess and monitor potential changes in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions that may result from the use of technologies developed under this program4 4 #ac4 ,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 that is1 in total1 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 ,laboratory operations ,the ,secretary shall delegate human resources operations of the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory to the ,director of the ,national ,energy ,technology ,laboratory4 7d7 ,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