,i #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ifda ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,december #ba1 #bjbb,mr4 ,tonko introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce1 and ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 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 ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act to support the responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects1 establish the ,offshore ,power ,administration1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,offshore ,energy ,modernization ,act of #bjbb4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects4,sec4 #c4 ,offshore ,renewable ,energy ,compensation ,fund4,sec4 #d4 ,improving environmental reviews to ensure timely permitting decisions4,sec4 #e4 ,report on decommissioning of offshore renewable energy projects4,sec4 #f4 ,offshore power administration4,sec4 #g4 ,offshore transmission infrastructure studies and recommendations4,sec4 #h4 ,interoperability of offshore transmission infrastructure4,sec4 #i4 ,offshore wind shipbuilding4,sec4 #aj4 ,access to offshore renewable energy areas4,sec4 #aa4 ,definitions4 #b4 ,responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects 7a7 ,definitions ,section #b of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7u7 ,offshore renewable energy project ,the term offshore renewable energy project means a project to carry out an activity described in section #h7p77#a77;,c7 related to wind1 solar1 wave1 or tidal energy4 4 7b7 ,national ,policy for the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,section #c of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #accb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by amending paragraph 7#c7 to read as follows3 7#c7 the outer ,continental ,shelf is a vital national resource reserve held by the ,federal ,government for the public1 which should be made available for expeditious and orderly development1 subject to environmental safeguards and coexistence with other ocean users1 in a manner which-- 7,a7 supports the generation1 transmission1 and storage of zero-emission electricity2 and 7,b7 is consistent with the maintenance of competition and other national needs1 including the need to achieve ,state and ,federal zero-emission electricity or renewable energy mandates1 targets1 and goals2 2 7#b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#e7 and 7#f7 as paragraphs 7#f7 and 7#g71 respectively2 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following3 7#e7 the identification1 development1 and production of lease areas for offshore renewable energy projects should be determined by a robust and transparent stakeholder process that incorporates engagement and input from a diverse group of ocean users as well as ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments2 4 7c7 ,leases1 ,easements1 and ,rights-of-,way on the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,section #h7p7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #accg7p77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b7-- 7i7 by striking #bg and inserting #ag2 and 7ii7 by striking #ae and inserting #ajj2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,payments for conservation and mitigation activities 7i7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #i1 the ,secretary shall1 without appropriation or fiscal year limitation1 use #aj percent of the revenue received by the ,federal ,government from royalties1 fees1 rents1 bonuses1 and other payments from any lease1 easement1 or right-of-way granted under this subsection to provide grants to-- 7,i7 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 and regional partnerships thereof1 including ,regional ,ocean ,partnerships and ,regional ,wildlife ,science ,collaboratives2 and 7,,ii7 nonprofit organizations4 7ii7 ,use of grants ,grants provided under clause 7i7 shall be used for carrying out activities related to marine and coastal habitat protection and restoration1 mitigation of damage to natural resources and marine life1 relevant research and data sharing initiatives1 or increasing the organizational capacity of an entity described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7i7 to increase the effectiveness of entities that carry out such activities4 7,d7 ,offshore renewable energy compensation fund ,notwithstanding section #i1 the ,secretary shall1 without appropriation or fiscal year limitation1 deposit #aj percent of the revenue received by the ,federal ,government from royalties1 fees1 rents1 bonuses1 and other payments from any lease1 easement1 or right-of-way granted under this subsection into the ,offshore ,renewable ,energy ,compensation ,fund established under section #cd4 2 7#b7 by amending paragraph 7#c7 to read as follows3 7#c7 ,leasing 7,a7 ,competitive or noncompetitive basis ,except with respect to projects that meet the criteria established under section #chh7;d7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje1 the ,secretary shall issue a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way under paragraph 7#a7 on a competitive basis unless the ,secretary determines after public notice of a proposed lease1 easement1 or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest4 7,b7 ,schedule of offshore renewable energy lease sales ,the ,secretary shall1 after providing an opportunity for public notice and comment1 publish and periodically update a schedule of areas that may be available for leasing in the future for offshore renewable energy projects1 indicating1 to the extent possible1 the timing of site identification activities1 the timing of designation of any area to be leased1 the anticipated size of such areas1 the timing of lease sales1 and the location of leasing activities4 7,c7 ,multi-factor bidding 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may consider non-monetary factors when competitively awarding leases under paragraph 7#a71 which may include commitments made by the bidder to-- 7,i7 support or increase access to registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs that have an articulation agreement with a registered apprenticeships program for offshore renewable energy projects2 7,,ii7 support development of domestic supply chains for offshore renewable energy projects1 including development of ports and other energy infrastructure necessary to facilitate offshore renewable energy projects2 7,,iii7 establish a community benefit agreement with one or more community or stakeholder groups1 which may include covered entities2 7,,iv7 make investments to evaluate1 monitor1 improve1 and mitigate impacts to the health and biodiversity of ecosystems and wildlife within the leased area2 and 7,v7 make other investments determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7ii7 ,contractual commitments ,when considering non-monetary factors under this subparagraph1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,i7 evaluate the quality of commitments made by the bidder2 and 7,,ii7 reward finalized binding agreements above assurances for future commitments4 7iii7 ,definitions ,in this subparagraph3 7,i7 ,covered entity ,the term covered entity has the meaning given such term in section #cd7k74 7,,ii7 ,registered apprenticeship program ,the term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq474 2 7#c7 by amending paragraph 7#d7 to read as follows3 7#d7 ,requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall ensure that any activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that provides for-- 7i7 safety2 7ii7 protection of the environment1 which includes facilitation of the generation1 transmission1 and storage of zero-emission electricity2 7iii7 prevention of waste2 7iv7 conservation of the natural resources of the outer ,continental ,shelf2 7v7 coordination with relevant ,federal agencies and ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments2 7vi7 protection of national security interests of the ,united ,states2 7vii7 protection of correlative rights in the outer ,continental ,shelf2 7viii7 a fair return to the ,united ,states for any lease1 easement1 or right-of-way under this subsection2 7ix7 reasonable uses 7as determined by the ,secretary7 of the exclusive economic zone1 the high seas1 and the territorial seas2 7x7 consideration of-- 7,i7 the location of1 and any schedule relating to1 a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way for an area of the outer ,continental ,shelf2 and 7,,ii7 any other use of the sea or seabed1 including use for a fishery1 a sealane1 a potential site of a deepwater port1 or navigation2 7xi7 public notice and comment on any proposal submitted for a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way under this subsection2 7xii7 oversight1 inspection1 research1 monitoring1 and enforcement relating to a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way under this subsection2 and 7xiii7 satisfaction of any applicable ,state and ,federal renewable and clean energy mandates1 targets1 and goals4 7,b7 ,project labor agreements 7i7 ,in general ,beginning not later than ,january #a1 #bjbd1 the ,secretary shall require1 as a term or condition of each lease1 right-of-way1 and easement1 as applicable1 for an offshore renewable energy project that the holder of the lease1 right-of-way1 or easement1 7and any successor or assignee7 and its agents1 contractors1 and subcontractors engaged in the construction of any facilities for such offshore renewable energy project agree1 for purposes of such construction1 negotiate or become a party to a project labor agreement with one or more labor organizations4 ,a project labor agreement shall bind all contractors and subcontractors on the project through the inclusion of appropriate specifications in all relevant solicitation provisions and contract documents4 ,the ,secretary shall not approve a construction and operations plan with respect to any offshore renewable energy project until being assured by the lessee that such project labor agreement will be maintained for the duration of the project4 7ii7 ,definitions ,in this subparagraph3 7,i7 ,construction ,the term construction includes reconstruction1 rehabilitation1 modernization1 alteration1 conversion1 extension1 repair1 or improvement of any facility1 structure1 or other real property 7including any onshore facilities7 for an offshore renewable energy project4 7,,ii7 ,labor organization ,the term labor organization means a labor organization as defined in section #b7e7 of the ,national ,labor ,relations ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #aeb7e77-- 7aa7 of which building and construction employees are members2 and 7bb7 that directly1 or through its affiliates1 sponsors a registered apprenticeship program4 7,,iii7 ,project labor agreement ,the term project labor agreement means a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project and is an agreement described in section #h7;e7 and 7f7 of the ,national ,labor ,relations ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #aeh7;f774 7,,iv7 ,registered apprenticeship program ,the term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq474 7,c7 ,domestic content 7i7 ,in general ,beginning not later than ,december #ca1 #bjca1 the ,secretary shall require that-- 7,i7 all structural iron and steel products that are 7upon completion of construction7 components of facilities for an offshore renewable energy project shall be produced in the ,united ,states2 and 7,,ii7 not less than #hj percent of the total costs of all manufactured products that are 7upon completion of construction7 components of such facilities shall be attributable to manufactured products which are mined1 produced1 or manufactured in the ,united ,states4 7ii7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the requirements of clause 7i7 in any case or category of cases in which the ,secretary finds that-- 7,i7 applying clause 7i7 would be inconsistent with the public interest2 7,,ii7 such products are not produced in the ,united ,states in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality2 or 7,,iii7 the use of such products will increase the cost of the overall project by more than #be percent4 7iii7 ,public notification ,if the ,secretary receives a request for a waiver under this subparagraph1 the ,secretary shall make available to the public1 on an informal basis1 a copy of the request and information available to the ,secretary concerning the request1 and shall allow for informal public input on the request for at least #ae days prior to making a finding based on the request4 ,the ,secretary shall make the request and accompanying information available to the public by electronic means1 including on the official public ,internet site of the ,department of the ,interior4 7iv7 ,international agreements ,this paragraph shall be applied in a manner consistent with ,united ,states obligations under international agreements4 2 7#d7 by amending paragraph 7#aj7 to read as follows3 7#aj7 ,applicability 7,a7 ,in general ,this subsection does not apply to any area on the outer ,continental ,shelf within the exterior boundaries of any unit of the ,national ,park ,system1 ,national ,wildlife ,refuge ,system1 or ,national ,marine ,sanctuary ,system1 or any ,national ,monument4 7,b7 ,certain transmission infrastructure ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a71 if otherwise authorized pursuant to the ,national ,marine ,sanctuaries ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq471 the ,secretary may issue a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way to enable the transmission of electricity generated by an offshore renewable energy project1 including a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way for electrical substations and other infrastructure used to transmit electricity generated by an offshore renewable energy project4 2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 ,regional impact studies 7,a7 ,in general ,beginning two years after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 before holding any lease sale pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 for an area1 the ,secretary shall conduct a study of such area1 or the region that includes such area1 in order to establish information needed for assessment and management of the environmental impacts on the human1 marine1 and coastal environments of the outer ,continental ,shelf and the coastal areas which may be affected by offshore renewable energy projects in such area or region4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,a study conducted under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 may incorporate the best available existing science and data2 7ii7 may identify areas for which there is insufficient science and data2 and 7iii7 shall include consideration of the cumulative impacts 7including potential navigational impacts7 of offshore renewable energy projects on human1 marine1 and coastal environments4 7,c7 ,use of data and assessments ,the ,secretary shall use the data and assessments included in studies conducted under this paragraph1 as appropriate1 when deciding-- 7i7 which portions of an area or region are most appropriate to make available for leasing2 and 7ii7 whether to issue any permit or other authorization that is necessary to carry out an offshore renewable energy project4 7,d7 ,,nepa applicability ,the ,secretary conducting a study under subparagraph 7,a7 shall not be considered a major ,federal action under section #ajb7b77;,c7 of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccb7b77;,c774 4 7d7 ,reservations ,section #ab7;a7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acda7;a77 is amended to read as follows-- 7a7 ,withdrawal of unleased lands by the ,president 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,president of the ,united ,states may1 from time to time1 withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer ,continental ,shelf4 7#b7 ,reversal for certain offshore renewable energy projects ,with respect to a withdrawal under paragraph 7#a7 of unleased lands from disposition1 the ,president may reverse such a withdrawal only to allow for leasing under section 7#h77p77#a77;,c7 and only if the ,president determines that environmental1 national security1 or national or regional energy conditions or demands have changed such that a reversal would be in the public interest4 4 7e7 ,citizen ,suits1 ,court ,jurisdiction1 and ,judicial ,review ,section #bc7;c77#b7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acdi7;c77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,any action of the ,secretary to approve1 require modification of1 or disapprove any exploration plan or development and production plan under this ,act1 or any final lease1 easement1 or right-of-way granted pursuant to section 7#h77p77#a7 7and any related final ,federal agency actions71 shall be subject to judicial review only in a ,united ,states court of appeals for a circuit in which an affected ,state is located4 4 #c4 ,offshore ,renewable ,energy ,compensation ,fund ,the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cd4 ,offshore ,renewable ,energy ,compensation ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states the ,offshore ,renewable ,energy ,compensation ,fund1 which shall be used by the ,secretary to provide to eligible recipients-- 7#a7 payments for claims-- 7,a7 described under subsection 7f77#a72 and 7,b7 verified pursuant to subsection 7d77#a72 and 7#b7 grants to carry out mitigation activities described in subsection 7f77#b74 7b7 ,availability of fund ,the ,fund shall be available to the ,secretary without fiscal year limitations for the purpose of providing payments and grants under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,accounts ,the ,fund shall-- 7#a7 consist of the royalties1 fees1 rentals1 bonuses1 and other payments deposited under section #h7p77#b77;,d72 and 7#b7 be divided into separate area accounts from which payments and grants shall be provided based on the area in which damages occur4 7d7 ,regulations ,the ,secretary shall establish1 by regulation1 a process to-- 7#a7 file1 process1 and verify claims for purposes of providing payments under subsection 7a77#a72 and 7#b7 apply for a grant provided under subsection 7a77#b74 7e7 ,payment amount ,payments provided under subsection 7a77#a7 shall-- 7#a7 be based on the scope of the verified claim2 7#b7 be fair and provided efficiently and in a transparent manner2 and 7#c7 if the eligible recipient receiving the payment has or will receive direct compensation for the verified claim pursuant to a community benefit agreement or other agreement between such eligible recipient and a holder of a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way1 be reduced by an amount that is equal to the amount of such direct compensation4 7f7 ,eligible claims2 mitigation grants 7#a7 ,eligible claims ,a payment may be provided under subsection 7a77#a7 for a claim to-- 7,a7 replace or repair gear that was lost or damaged by the development of an offshore renewable energy project2 or 7,b7 replace income that was lost from the development of an offshore renewable energy project4 7#b7 ,mitigation grants ,if the ,secretary determines that there are sufficient amounts in an area account of the ,fund to provide payments for all verified claims at any given time1 the ,secretary may use amounts in the ,fund to provide grants to eligible recipients1 and other entities determined appropriate by the ,secretary1 to mitigate the potential effects of development of an offshore renewable energy project1 including by paying for gear changes1 navigation technology improvements1 and other measures to enhance safety4 7g7 ,advisory group 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish and regularly convene an advisory group that shall provide recommendations on the development and administration of this section4 7#b7 ,membership ,the advisory group shall-- 7,a7 be comprised of individuals-- 7i7 appointed by the ,secretary2 and 7ii7 representing the geographic diversity of areas impacted by the development of offshore renewable energy projects2 and 7,b7 include representatives from-- 7i7 recreational fishing interests2 7ii7 commercial fishing interests2 7iii7 ,tribal fishing interests2 7iv7 the ,national ,marine ,fisheries ,services2 7v7 the fisheries science community2 and 7vi7 other fields of expertise necessary to effectively develop and administer this section1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,travel expenses ,the ,secretary may provide amounts to any member of the advisory group to pay for travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under section #egjc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the advisory group4 7h7 ,insufficient funds 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,secretary determines that an area account does not contain a sufficient amount to provide payments under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,secretary may1 not more than once each calendar year1 require any holder of an offshore renewable energy lease located within the area covered by the area account to pay an amount specified by the ,secretary1 which shall be deposited into such area account4 7#b7 ,amount ,no holder of an offshore renewable energy lease shall be required to pay an amount in excess of #a per acre of the leased land described in paragraph 7#a74 7i7 ,administrative expenses ,the ,secretary may use up to #ae percent of any amount deposited into the ,fund under section #h7p77#b77;,d7 for administrative expenses to carry out this section4 7j7 ,annual report ,the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress1 and make publicly available1 an annual report on activities carried out under this section1 including a description of claims filed and the amount of payments and grants provided4 7k7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered entity ,the term covered entity means a community1 stakeholder1 or tribal interest-- 7,a7 that uses a geographic space of a lease area1 or uses resources harvested from a geographic space of a lease area2 and 7,b7 for which such use is directly and adversely impacted by the development of an offshore renewable energy project located in such leased area4 7#b7 ,eligible recipient ,the term eligible recipient means-- 7,a7 a covered entity that is located in the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 a regional association1 cooperative1 non-profit organization1 commission1 or corporation that-- 7i7 serves a covered entity2 7ii7 acts on behalf of a covered entity for purposes of this section1 including by submitting a claim for a covered entity2 and 7iii7 is located in the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,offshore ,renewable ,energy ,compensation ,fund established under subsection 7a74 7#d7 ,lease area ,the term lease area means an area covered by an offshore renewable energy lease4 7#e7 ,offshore renewable energy lease ,the term offshore renewable energy lease means a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way granted under section #h7p77#a77;,c74 4 #d4 ,improving environmental reviews to ensure timely permitting decisions 7a7 ,bureau of ocean energy management ,in addition to amounts otherwise available1 there is appropriated to the ,secretary of the ,interior for fiscal year #bjbc1 out of any money in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 #ej1jjj1jjj to remain available until expended1 to provide for the hiring and training of personnel1 the development of programmatic environmental documents1 the procurement of technical or scientific services for environmental reviews1 support of regional ocean data portals1 the development of environmental data or information systems 7including efforts to standardize1 establish a baseline for1 publish1 or otherwise improve the consistency of environmental data71 the development of pre-application components1 stakeholder and community engagement1 updates to the ,marine ,cadastre for advancements in spatial data analysis and deconfliction1 the purchase of new equipment for environmental analysis1 and coordination 7including through the public tracking of ,federal authorizations and reviews7 to facilitate timely and efficient permitting of offshore renewable energy projects4 7b7 ,national oceanic and atmospheric administration ,in addition to amounts otherwise available1 there is appropriated to the ,secretary of ,commerce for fiscal year #bjbc1 out of any money in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 #de1jjj1jjj to remain available until expended1 to provide for the hiring and training of personnel1 the development of programmatic environmental documents1 the procurement of technical or scientific services for environmental reviews1 support of regional ocean data portals1 the development of environmental data or information systems 7including efforts to standardize1 baseline1 publish1 or otherwise improve the consistency of environmental data71 stakeholder and community engagement1 updates to the ,marine ,cadastre for advancements in spatial data analysis and deconfliction1 adaptation of scientific and fisheries surveys1 and the purchase of new equipment for environmental analysis to facilitate timely and efficient environmental reviews for the permitting of offshore renewable energy projects4 #e4 ,report on decommissioning of offshore renewable energy projects ,not later than #e years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall submit to ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report evaluating decommissioning options for offshore renewable energy projects1 including an assessment of the potential for the holder of a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way to keep facilities in place or otherwise convert such facilities to artificial reefs to support marine habitats1 provided that such facilities will not adversely impact navigation1 national security1 the marine environment1 or other competing uses of the outer ,continental ,shelf4 #f4 ,offshore power administration 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall establish the ,offshore ,power ,administration4 7b7 ,authorities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,offshore ,power ,administration may1 subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7-- 7,a7 construct1 finance1 facilitate1 plan1 operate1 maintain1 acquire1 and study covered transmission infrastructure2 and 7,b7 support construction1 financing1 facilitation1 planning1 operation1 maintenance1 acquisition1 and study of covered transmission infrastructure4 7#b7 ,limitation on construction 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,offshore ,power ,administration may not construct covered transmission infrastructure in any region until the ,secretary of ,energy has made a determination 7in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior7 that the relevant ,state governments1 regional transmission organizations1 offshore renewable energy project developers1 and other stakeholders the ,secretary of ,energy determines are relevant in such region have failed to adequately coordinate and cooperate on the development and use of shared covered transmission infrastructure4 7,b7 ,initial delay ,the ,secretary of ,energy may not make a determination under this paragraph sooner than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,leases1 easements1 and rights-of-way ,in carrying out any activity under paragraph 7#a71 the ,offshore ,power ,administration shall be subject to the requirements to obtain a lease1 easement1 or right-of-way under section #h7p7 of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #accg74 7c7 ,governance 7#a7 ,organization ,the ,offshore ,power ,administration shall be preserved as a separate and distinct organizational entity within the ,department of ,energy and shall be headed by an ,administrator appointed by the ,secretary of ,energy4 7#b7 ,regional offices ,the ,administrator shall establish and maintain such regional offices as necessary to facilitate the performance of the ,administration4 7d7 ,loans 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall1 without appropriation and without fiscal year limitation1 make loans to the ,offshore ,power ,administration that1 in the judgment of the ,administrator1 are required to carry out the activities listed in subsection 7b77#a74 7#b7 ,terms and conditions 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 loans made by the ,secretary of the ,treasury under paragraph 7#a7 shall include such terms and conditions that the ,administrator and ,secretary of the ,treasury may agree to4 7,b7 ,interest ,the rate of interest to be charged in connection with any loan made under paragraph 7#a7 shall be fixed by the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 taking into consideration market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the ,united ,states of comparable maturities as of the date on which the loan is made4 7,c7 ,limitation ,loans made by the ,secretary of the ,treasury under paragraph 7#a7 may not result in1 in the aggregate 7including deferred interest71 #aj1jjj1jjj1jjj in outstanding repayable balances at any one time4 7#c7 ,refinancing ,the ,administrator may refinance loans made pursuant to this section with the ,secretary of the ,treasury in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7e7 ,agreements and partnerships ,the ,administrator may enter into agreements and partnerships with other entities to carry out any of the activities listed in subsection 7b77#a74 7f7 ,disposition of revenue 7#a7 ,in general ,with respect to covered transmission infrastructure owned and operated by the ,offshore ,power ,administration pursuant to this section1 the ,administrator shall use qualified revenue to pay the principal and interest of the loan made by ,secretary of the ,treasury with respect to such covered transmission infrastructure4 7#b7 ,qualified revenue ,in this subsection1 the term qualified revenue means-- 7,a7 all revenue received by the ,offshore ,power ,administration from the operation of the covered transmission infrastructure2 less 7,b7 the amount the ,administrator determines necessary to-- 7i7 pay the costs of operating and maintaining the covered transmission infrastructure1 including expenses described in subsection 7g77#b72 and 7ii7 pay for any ancillary services that are used by the ,offshore ,power ,administration4 7g7 ,forgiveness of balances 7#a7 ,in general ,if1 at the end of the useful life of any covered transmission infrastructure acquired1 constructed1 maintained1 or operated by the ,offshore ,power ,administration pursuant to this section there is a remaining balance owed to the ,treasury for a loan made under this section for any such purpose1 such balance shall be forgiven4 7#b7 ,studies ,a loan made under this section for purposes of studying covered transmission infrastructure that is not constructed shall be forgiven upon notification under paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,notification ,the ,administrator shall notify the ,secretary of the ,treasury of such amounts as are to be forgiven under this subsection4 7h7 ,administration 7#a7 ,accounts and audits 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall keep complete and accurate accounts of the operation of covered transmission infrastructure owned and operated by the ,offshore ,power ,administration1 including all funds expended and received in connection with transmission of electric energy by the ,offshore ,power ,administration4 7,b7 ,audits ,the ,administrator shall1 after the close of each fiscal year1 obtain an independent commercial-type audit of such accounts4 7#b7 ,expenses ,the ,administrator may make such expenditures for offices1 vehicles1 furnishings1 equipment1 supplies1 books1 travel for attendance at meetings1 and for such other facilities and services as the ,administrator determines necessary to carry out this section4 7i7 ,prevailing wage ,all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors in the performance of construction work carried out in whole or in part by the ,offshore ,power ,administration shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the ,secretary of ,labor in accordance with subchapter ,,iv of chapter #ca of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,with respect to the labor standards in this subsection1 the ,secretary of ,labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in ,reorganization ,plan ,numbered #ad of #aiej 7#fd ,stat4 #abfg2 #e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 and section #cade of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7j7 ,annual report to ,congress ,beginning ,january #a1 #bjbf1 and each year thereafter1 not later than #ahj days after the end of each year1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report for the previous year that includes-- 7#a7 a description of the activities of the ,offshore ,power ,administration2 7#b7 an accounting of the use of loans made under this section2 and 7#c7 an assessment of the coordination and cooperation by relevant ,state governments1 regional transmission organizations1 offshore renewable energy project developers1 and other stakeholders the ,secretary of ,energy determines are relevant in each region to develop and use shared covered transmission infrastructure4 7k7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,offshore ,power ,administration4 7#b7 ,covered transmission infrastructure ,the term covered transmission infrastructure-- 7,a7 means electric power transmission infrastructure1 and any related facilities thereof1 that serves at least one offshore renewable energy project2 and 7,b7 includes onshore facilities that enable the interconnection of offshore renewable energy projects4 #g4 ,offshore transmission infrastructure studies and recommendations ,the ,secretary of ,energy1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 the interagency comprehensive digital mapping initiative established under section #chh7;b7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje1 and other relevant ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local agencies1 shall periodically conduct studies and make recommendations available to the public on the potential siting of offshore transmission infrastructure in a manner that-- 7#a7 achieves transmission capacity to support offshore energy development to meet ,state or ,federal renewable or clean electricity mandates1 targets1 or goals2 7#b7 promotes safety1 national security1 and environmental protection while minimizing impacts to cultural and living marine resources2 and 7#c7 leads to efficient development of onshore points of interconnection4 #h4 ,interoperability of offshore transmission infrastructure 7a7 ,study ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall complete and publish on the website of the ,department of ,energy a study that assesses the need to1 and challenges of1 developing and standardizing interoperable equipment and systems in support of shared offshore transmission networks4 ,such study shall include recommendations for ,congress1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments1 manufacturers of electric grid components1 systems1 and technologies1 regional transmission organizations1 offshore renewable energy project developers1 and appropriate standards organizations to help ensure interoperability across seams between offshore renewable energy projects1 ,states1 and regions on the outer ,continental ,shelf4 7b7 ,interoperability standard development program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall establish and implement a program to identify1 develop1 implement1 support1 and document a standard for interoperability of electric grid components1 systems1 and technologies to accelerate the implementation and delivery of electricity generated by offshore renewable energy projects through shared transmission infrastructure4 7#b7 ,goals ,the goals of developing an interoperability standard under subparagraph 7#a7 shall be-- 7,a7 to hasten adoption of shared transmission infrastructure for offshore electricity generation by encouraging cooperation of manufacturers of electric grid components1 systems1 or technologies in order to-- 7i7 maximize interoperability among manufacturers' systems1 products1 tools1 and applications2 7ii7 reduce offshore renewable energy project delays and cost overruns2 7iii7 manage power grid complexity2 and 7iv7 enhance grid resilience1 reliability1 and cybersecurity2 and 7,b7 to establish technical baseline requirements to effectively and securely measure1 monitor1 control1 and protect electricity generation and transmission infrastructure from the point of generation to the control center4 7#c7 ,financial assistance ,the ,secretary may provide financial assistance under the program to entities to carry out activities that-- 7,a7 engage equipment manufacturers and industry stakeholders in collaborative platforms1 including workshops and forums2 7,b7 identify current challenges and propose solutions to improve interoperability2 and 7,c7 develop an industry interoperability standard that meets the goals described in paragraph 7#b7 for voluntary implementation4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,energy to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 #i4 ,offshore wind shipbuilding 7a7 ,offshore wind shipyard grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall establish a program to support the refurbishment1 retooling1 expansion1 modernization1 and establishment of shipyards and other manufacturing facilities by providing grants for the fabrication1 repair1 and conversion of vessels needed for the construction1 operation1 and maintenance of offshore wind energy projects4 7#b7 ,recipients ,under the program established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,energy may provide grants to shipyard owners and operators1 fabricators of the vessels described in paragraph 7#a71 and relevant component suppliers4 7#c7 ,prevailing wage ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall take such action as may be necessary to ensure all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors during construction1 alteration1 or repair that is supported1 in whole or in part1 by grants provided under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality1 as determined by the ,secretary of ,labor in accordance with subchapter ,,iv of chapter #ca of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,with respect to the labor standards in this subsection1 the ,secretary of ,labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in ,reorganization ,plan ,numbered #ad of #aiej 7#fd ,stat4 #abfg2 #e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 and section #cade of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,cost share ,section #ihh7;c7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afceb7;c77 shall apply to a grant provided under this section as if such grant were a demonstration or commercial application activity described in section #ihh7;a7 of such ,act4 7#e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,energy to carry out this section #ajj1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7b7 ,loan guarantees for wind turbine installation vessels ,at the end of ,section #agjc7;b7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje1 add the following3 7#ad7 ,notwithstanding subsection 7a77#a71 projects that increase the domestically produced supply of offshore wind vessels1 including wind turbine installation vessels4 4 #aj4 ,access to offshore renewable energy areas ,it is the sense of ,congress that fishing and boating access in and around offshore renewable energy projects will be maintained with narrow exceptions for construction and maintenance activities4 #aa4 ,definitions ,in this ,act1 the terms offshore renewable energy project and outer ,continental ,shelf have the meanings given such terms in section #b of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca74