,,ii #aagth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bfac ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,august #d1 #bjba ,mr4 ,menendez 7for himself and ,ms4 ,hirono7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to provide for climate change planning1 mitigation1 adaptation1 and resilience in the ,united ,states ,territories and ,freely ,associated ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,insular ,area ,climate ,change ,act4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #d4 ,findings4 ,,title ,i--,general ,provisions ,sec4 #aja4 ,insular ,area ,climate ,change ,interagency ,task ,force4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,non-,federal cost-share waiver4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,coral reefs prize competitions4 ,,title ,,ii--,department of the ,interior ,sec4 #bja4 ,office of ,insular ,affairs ,technical ,assistance ,program4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,runit ,dome report and monitoring activities4 ,,title ,,iii--,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration ,sec4 #cja4 ,climate ,change ,insular ,research ,grant ,program4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,coastal management technical assistance and report4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,national ,weather ,service technical assistance and grants4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,ocean and ,coastal ,mapping ,integration ,act4 ,,title ,,iv--,department of ,energy ,sec4 #dja4 ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,comprehensive energy plans4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,energy ,efficient ,product ,rebate ,program4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,offshore wind for the territories4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,state ,energy ,program non-,federal cost-share waiver4 ,,title ,v--,environmental ,protection ,agency ,sec4 #eja4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,insular ,area ,sustainable ,infrastructure ,grant ,program4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,insular ,area ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program4 ,sec4 #eje4 ,insular ,area ,technical ,assistance ,program4 ,,title ,,vi--,emergency ,management ,sec4 #fja4 ,community disaster loans repayment cancellation4 ,sec4 #fjb4 ,disaster relief non-,federal cost-share waiver4 ,,title ,,vii--,sense of ,congress regarding the threat of climate change ,sec4 #gja4 ,sense of ,congress regarding the threat of climate change4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,adaptation ,the term adaptation means the capacity of natural and human systems to adjust to climate change or its impacts in a matter that will reduce damage or take advantage of any beneficial aspects4 7#b7 ,freely associated states ,the term ,freely ,associated ,states means the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia1 and the ,republic of ,palau4 7#c7 ,insular areas ,the term ,insular ,areas means the territories and ,freely ,associated ,states4 7#d7 ,mitigation ,the term mitigation means measures and initiatives that would limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions4 7#e7 ,resilience ,the term resilience means the capacity of natural and human systems to resist1 assimilate1 and recover from the effects of climate change in an efficient and timely manner1 maintaining or restoring basic structures and essential functions4 7#f7 ,renewable energy ,the term renewable energy means energy that has been derived from ,earth's natural resources that are not finite or exhaustible1 including solar1 wind1 hydroelectric1 geothermal1 and ocean 7thermal and mechanics74 7#g7 ,renewable energy system ,the term renewable energy system includes off-grid or stand-alone systems1 microgrids1 nano grids1 and virtual power plants systems based on renewable energy sources1 including storage and other related ancillary equipment4 ,these may also be referred to as eligible projects4 ,waste to energy are not considered as eligible projects4 7#h7 ,territories ,the term territories means ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states4 7#i7 ,territory ,the term territory means ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 ,puerto ,rico1 or the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states4 #d4 ,findings ,congress finds as follows3 7#a7 ,the ,insular ,areas are topographically and environmentally diverse and treasured by millions of individuals who call them home4 7#b7 ,the territories in the ,caribbean 7,puerto ,rico and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states7 and the territories in the ,pacific 7,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and ,guam7 face many of the same climate change-related challenges4 ,freely ,associated ,states face similar climate change-related vulnerabilities4 7#c7 ,insular ,areas are experiencing sea level rise1 coastal erosion1 and increasing storm impacts that threaten lives1 critical infrastructure1 ecosystems1 and livelihood security4 7#d7 ,sea level rise from climate change poses an existential threat to low-lying ,insular ,areas1 including the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 the impacts of which could significantly undermine the strategic1 economic1 and defense interests of the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,temperature increases are likely to further create and intensify the length of droughts1 reduce water supply1 impact public health1 and increase demand of freshwater in ,insular ,areas4 ,in addition1 temperature increases will drive coral reefs to extinction1 eliminating a natural barrier against storm surge1 increasing destruction of infrastructure1 and threatening lives of the inhabitants of the islands4 7#f7 ,in #bjag1 two major storms1 ,hurricane ,irma and ,hurricane ,maria1 impacted ,puerto ,rico and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states4 ,hurricane ,maria caused thousands of deaths in ,puerto ,rico and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states and significant damage to their infrastructure1 including ,puerto ,rico's energy system4 ,hurricane ,maria destroyed millions of trees in ,puerto ,rico and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states1 which has significantly increased erosion and sediment transport4 ,as a result1 reservoirs have lost significant storage capacity and coral reefs are severely impacted4 7#g7 ,in #bjah1 ,typhoon ,yutu impacted the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands and ,guam1 causing catastrophic destruction in those territories4 ,i ,general ,provisions #aja4 ,insular ,area ,climate ,change ,interagency ,task ,force 7a7 ,establishment of task force ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the following shall jointly establish the ,insular ,area ,climate ,change ,interagency ,task ,force 7hereafter in this section referred to as the ,task ,force73 7#a7 ,the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary of ,energy4 7#c7 ,the ,secretary of ,state4 7#d7 ,the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 7#e7 ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#f7 ,the ,secretary of ,commerce4 7#g7 ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#h7 ,the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7b7 ,chairperson ,the ,task ,force shall be chaired by the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,task ,force shall-- 7#a7 evaluate all ,federal programs regarding ways to provide greater access to ,federal programs and equitable baseline funding in relation to ,states1 to territories for climate change planning1 mitigation1 adaptation1 and resilience2 7#b7 identify statutory barriers to providing territories greater access to ,federal programs and equitable baseline funding2 and 7#c7 provide recommendations related to climate change in ,insular ,areas in consultation with local governments and non-governmental organizations in ,insular ,areas with expertise on climate change4 7d7 ,comprehensive report ,not later than #a year after the establishment of the ,task ,force1 the ,task ,force1 in consultation with ,insular ,area governments1 shall issue a comprehensive report that-- 7#a7 identifies ,federal programs that have an impact on climate change planning1 mitigation1 adaptation1 and resilience1 but exclude territories in regard to eligibility1 funding1 and assistance1 or do not provide equitable baseline funding in relation to ,states2 and 7#b7 provides advice and recommendations related to climate change in ,insular ,areas1 such as new suggested ,federal programs or initiatives4 7e7 ,publication2 public availability ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall ensure that the report required under subsection 7d7 is-- 7#a7 submitted to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives1 and ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate2 7#b7 published in the ,federal ,register for public comment for a period of at least #fj days2 and 7#c7 made available on a public website along with any comments received during the public comment period required under paragraph 7#b74 #ajb4 ,non-,federal cost-share waiver ,section #eja of ,public ,law #ie-acd 7commonly known as the ,omnibus ,territories ,act of #aigg7 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 #adfi;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in the case of the ,insular ,areas1 any department or agency shall waive any requirement for non-,federal matching funds under #gej1jjj 7including in-kind contributions7 required by law to be provided by those jurisdictions4 4 #ajc4 ,coral reefs prize competitions 7a7 ,prize competitions ,the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy shall work with the head of each ,federal agency represented on the ,u4,s4 ,coral ,reef ,task ,force established under ,executive ,order #acjhi 7#fc ,fed4 ,reg4 #cbgja7 to establish prize competitions1 in accordance with section #bd of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgai71 that promote coral reef research and conservation in the ,insular ,areas1 the ,state of ,hawaii or ,florida1 or any other area in the ,united ,states or ,insular ,areas1 as determined by the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy1 facing a significant ecological threat due to coral reef die-offs4 7b7 ,waiver of matching requirement ,section #bjd7;b77#b7 of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdjc7;b77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking the paragraph designation and all that follows through ,the ,administrator and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,waivers 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,sustaining coral reef management and monitoring ,the ,administrator shall waive the matching requirement under paragraph 7#a7 for grants to implement ,state and territorial coral reef conservation cooperative agreements to sustain coral reef management and monitoring in the ,state of ,florida or ,hawaii1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 or the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 4 ,,ii ,department of the ,interior #bja4 ,office of ,insular ,affairs ,technical ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,interior1 acting through the ,office of ,insular ,affairs ,technical ,assistance ,program1 shall provide technical assistance for climate change planning1 mitigation1 adaptation1 and resilience to ,insular ,areas under the jurisdiction of such ,program4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of the ,interior to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 #bjb4 ,runit ,dome report and monitoring activities 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall submit to the ,committees on ,natural ,resources and ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 and to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate1 a report1 prepared by independent experts not employed by the ,u4,s4 government1 on the impacts of climate change on the ,runit ,dome nuclear waste disposal site in ,enewetak ,atoll1 ,marshall ,islands1 and on other environmental hazards in the vicinity thereof4 ,the report shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a detailed scientific analysis of any threats to the environment1 and to the health and safety of ,enewetak ,atoll residents1 posed by each of the following3 7,a7 ,the ,runit ,dome nuclear waste disposal site4 7,b7 ,crypts used to contain nuclear waste and other toxins on ,enewetak ,atoll4 7,c7 ,radionuclides and other toxins present in the lagoon of ,enewetak ,atoll1 including areas in the lagoon where nuclear waste was dumped4 7,d7 ,radionuclides and other toxins1 including beryllium1 which may be present on the islands of ,enewetak ,atoll as a result of nuclear tests and other activities of the ,u4,s4 government1 including tests of chemical and biological warfare agents1 rocket tests1 contaminated aircraft landing on ,enewetak ,island1 and nuclear cleanup activities4 7,e7 ,radionuclides and other toxins that may be present in the drinking water on ,enewetak ,island or in the water source for the desalination plant4 7,f7 ,radionuclides and other toxins that may be present in the groundwater under and in the vicinity of the nuclear waste disposal facility on ,runit ,island4 7#b7 ,a detailed scientific analysis of the extent to which rising sea levels1 severe weather events and other effects of climate change might exacerbate any of the threats identified above4 7#c7 ,a detailed plan1 including costs1 to relocate all of the nuclear waste and other toxic waste contained in-- 7,a7 the ,runit ,dome nuclear waste disposal site2 7,b7 all of the crypts on ,enewetak ,atoll containing such waste2 and 7,c7 the three dumping areas in ,enewetak's lagoon to a safe1 secure facility to be constructed in an uninhabited1 unincorporated territory of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,marshallese participation ,the ,secretary of the ,interior shall allow scientists or other experts selected by the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands to participate in all aspects of the preparation of the report required by subsection 7a71 including1 without limitation1 developing the work plan1 identifying questions1 conducting research1 and collecting and interpreting data4 7c7 ,publication ,the report required in subsection 7a7 shall be published in the ,federal ,register for public comment for a period of not fewer than #fj days4 7d7 ,public availability ,the ,secretary of the ,interior shall publish the study required under subsection 7a7 and results submitted under subsection 7b7 on a public website4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriation for report ,it is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of the ,interior1 ,office of ,insular ,affairs1 for fiscal year #bjbb such sums as may be necessary to produce the report required in subsection 7a74 7f7 ,indefinite authorization of appropriation for ,runit ,dome monitoring activities ,it is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,energy such sums as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of section #ajc7;f77#a77;,b7 of the ,compact of ,free ,association ,amendments ,act of #bjjc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiba;b7f77#a77;,b774 ,,iii ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration #cja4 ,climate ,change ,insular ,research ,grant ,program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration shall establish a ,climate ,change ,insular ,research ,grant ,program to provide grants to institutions of higher education1 as such term is defined in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a771 and nonprofit organizations in ,insular ,areas for monitoring1 collecting1 synthesizing1 analyzing1 and publishing local climate change data1 including ocean temperature1 sea level rise1 ocean acidification1 and altered ocean currents data4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this section there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 #cjb4 ,coastal management technical assistance and report 7a7 ,technical assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 acting through the ,director of the ,office for ,coastal ,management1 shall provide technical assistance to ,insular ,areas to enhance such entities' coastal management and climate change programs4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this subsection there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 7b7 ,annual report ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 acting through the ,director of the ,office for ,coastal ,management1 shall submit an annual report to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate on the status of-- 7#a7 wetland1 mangrove1 and estuary conditions in ,insular ,areas2 and 7#b7 climate change impacts1 including ecological1 economic1 and cultural impacts1 in ,insular ,areas4 #cjc4 ,national ,weather ,service technical assistance and grants 7a7 ,technical assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 acting through the ,director of the ,national ,weather ,service1 shall provide technical assistance and outreach to ,insular ,areas through the ,san ,juan1 ,tiyan1 and ,pago ,pago ,weather ,forecast ,offices of the ,national ,weather ,service4 ,for the purposes of this section1 the ,administrator may also employ other agency entities as the ,administrator deems necessary1 in order to improve weather data collection and provide science1 data1 information1 and impact-based decision support services to reduce hurricane1 typhoon1 droughts1 tsunamis1 tides1 and sea level rise impacts in the ,insular ,areas4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this subsection there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration may provide grants to academic1 nonprofit1 and local entities to conduct climate change research to improve weather data collection and provide science1 data1 information1 and impact-based decision support services to reduce hurricane1 typhoon1 droughts1 tsunamis1 tides1 and sea level rise impacts in the ,insular ,areas4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this subsection there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 #cjd4 ,ocean and ,coastal ,mapping ,integration ,act ,section #abbjd of the ,ocean and ,coastal ,mapping ,integration ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cejc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#ab71 by striking and2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#ac71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ad7 the study of ,insular ,areas and the effects of climate change 4 ,,iv ,department of ,energy #dja4 ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,ii of the ,department of ,energy ,organization ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaca et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bah4 ,office of insular area energy policy and programs 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,department an ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs 7referred to in this section as the ,office74 ,the ,office shall be headed by a ,director1 who shall be appointed by the ,secretary and compensated at a rate equal to that of level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,office shall-- 7#a7 direct1 coordinate1 implement1 and monitor energy planning1 education1 management1 conservation1 and delivery programs of the ,department to-- 7,a7 assist ,insular ,areas in developing comprehensive energy plans2 7,b7 expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in ,insular ,areas2 7,c7 reduce or stabilize energy costs in ,insular ,areas2 7,d7 enhance and strengthen energy infrastructure in ,insular ,areas to withstand natural disasters2 and 7,e7 work with ,insular ,areas to develop improved regulatory and oversight conditions2 and 7#b7 centralize and align all ongoing ,department of ,energy efforts in the ,insular ,areas4 7c7 ,annual report ,the ,director shall submit an annual report to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate on the status of all projects undertaken and grants approved by the ,office4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 7e7 ,non-,federal ,cost-,share waiver ,any funding made available to ,insular ,areas by the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs under this or any other ,federal law shall not be subject to a non-,federal share funding requirement4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of the ,department of ,energy ,organization ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bag the following3 ,sec4 #bah4 ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs4 4 7#b7 ,positions at level iv ,section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item related to the ,director1 ,office of ,science1 ,department of ,energy the following new item3 ,director1 ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs1 ,department of ,energy44 #djb4 ,comprehensive energy plans 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs in the ,department of ,energy1 in consultation with the ,office of ,insular ,affairs of the ,department of the ,interior1 shall submit to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report containing-- 7#a7 the results of a study of the execution of the comprehensive energy plans required by section #i of ,public ,law #aac-bce 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 #adib;a71 including-- 7,a7 initial1 planned1 and current sources of renewable energy2 7,b7 initial1 planned1 and current energy imports2 and 7,c7 projected and actual energy needs during calendar year #bjbj for each ,insular ,area2 7#b7 the lessons learned from the preparation of these plans2 7#c7 the date on which each plan was most recently updated2 and 7#d7 recommendations with respect to each ,insular ,area1 on the need to update such plans4 7b7 ,publication2 public availability ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall ensure that-- 7#a7 the report required by subsection 7a7 is published in the ,federal ,register for public comment for a period of not fewer than #fj days2 and 7#b7 the report required by subsection 7a7 and any comments received under subsection 7b7 are made available on a public website4 #djc4 ,energy ,efficient ,product ,rebate ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible territory ,the term eligible territory means a territory that meets the requirements of subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,energy star program ,the term ,energy ,star program means the program established by section #cbd;,a of the ,energy ,policy and ,conservation ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbid;a74 7#c7 ,residential ,energy ,star product ,the term residential ,energy ,star product means a product for a residence that is rated for energy efficiency under the ,energy ,star program4 7#d7 ,energy office ,the term energy office means the government agency within the territory responsible for developing an energy conservation plan under section #cfb of the ,energy ,policy and ,conservation ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fcbb74 7#e7 ,rebate program ,the term rebate program means an energy efficient product rebate program described in subsection 7c77#a74 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,energy ,efficient ,product ,rebate ,program1 under which the ,director of the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs shall provide allocations to eligible territories in accordance with this section4 7c7 ,eligible territories ,a territory shall be eligible to receive an allocation under subsection 7d7 if the territory-- 7#a7 establishes 7or has established7 an energy efficient product rebate program to provide rebates to residential consumers for the purchase of residential ,energy ,star products to replace used products of the same type2 7#b7 establishes clear requirements to prevent illegal dumping of old products and the overflow of landfills1 and ensure environmental justice2 7#c7 submits an application for the allocation at such time1 in such form1 and containing such information as the ,director of the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs may require2 and 7#d7 provides assurances satisfactory to the ,director of the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs that the territory will use the allocation to supplement1 but not supplant1 funds made available to carry out the rebate program4 7d7 ,amount of allocations 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 for each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf1 the ,director of the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs shall allocate to the energy office of each eligible territory to carry out subsection 7e7 an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the amount made available under subsection 7g7 for the fiscal year by the ratio that the population of the territory in the most recent calendar year for which data are available bears to the total population of all eligible territories in that calendar year4 7#b7 ,minimum allocations ,for each fiscal year1 the amounts allocated under this subsection shall be adjusted proportionately so that no eligible territory is allocated a sum that is less than an amount determined by the ,director4 7e7 ,use of allocated funds ,an allocation to an energy office under subsection 7d7 may be used to pay not more than #ge percent of the cost of establishing and carrying out a rebate program4 7f7 ,issuance of rebates ,the amount of a rebate provided under a rebate program shall be determined by the applicable energy office1 taking into consideration-- 7#a7 the amount of the allocation to the energy office under subsection 7d72 7#b7 the amount of any tax incentive available for the purchase of the residential ,energy ,star product2 and 7#c7 the difference between the cost of the residential ,energy ,star product and the cost of a product that is not a residential ,energy ,star product1 but is of the same type as1 and is the nearest capacity1 performance1 and other relevant characteristics 7as determined by the energy office7 to1 the residential ,energy ,star product4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 #djd4 ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered entity ,the term covered entity means a not-for-profit organization determined eligible by the ,secretary for purposes of this section4 7#b7 ,department of energy national laboratories ,the term ,department of ,energy national laboratories has the same meaning as the term ,national ,laboratory under section #b of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aehja74 7#c7 ,microgrid ,the term microgrid means an electric system-- 7,a7 that serves the local community with a power generation and distribution system2 and 7,b7 that has the ability-- 7i7 to disconnect from a traditional electric grid2 and 7ii7 to operate autonomously when disconnected4 7#d7 ,program ,the term ,program means the ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program established under subsection 7b74 7#e7 ,smart grid ,the term smart grid means an intelligent electric grid that uses digital communications technology1 information systems1 and automation to1 while maintaining high system reliability-- 7,a7 detect and react to local changes in usage2 7,b7 improve system operating efficiency2 and 7,c7 reduce spending costs4 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,insular ,area ,energy ,policy and ,programs 7referred to in this section as the ,director7 shall establish a ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program under which the ,director may award grants to covered entities to facilitate projects in ,insular ,areas described in subsection 7d74 7c7 ,applications 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible for a grant under the ,program1 a covered entity shall submit to the ,director an application at such time1 in such form1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,priority ,in providing grants under the ,program1 the ,director shall give priority to proposed projects that1 as determined by the ,director-- 7,a7 maximize public health benefits2 7,b7 are the most cost-effective2 and 7,c7 serve areas with environmental justice communities-- 7i7 in rural areas2 or 7ii7 that are poor air quality areas4 7d7 ,use of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,a covered entity receiving a grant under the ,program may use grant funds for a project1 in territories of the ,united ,states-- 7,a7 to develop or construct a renewable energy system2 7,b7 to carry out an activity to increase energy efficiency2 7,c7 to develop or construct an energy storage system or device for-- 7i7 a system developed or constructed under subparagraph 7,a72 or 7ii7 an activity carried out under subparagraph 7,b72 7,d7 to develop or construct-- 7i7 a smart grid2 or 7ii7 a microgrid2 or 7,e7 to train residents of territories of the ,united ,states to develop1 construct1 maintain1 or operate a renewable energy system4 7#b7 ,limitation ,a covered entity receiving a grant under the ,program may not use grant funds to develop or construct a facility that generates electricity using energy derived from-- 7,a7 fossil fuels2 or 7,b7 nuclear power4 7e7 ,technical assistance ,the ,director shall ensure that ,department of ,energy national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to each covered entity carrying out a project assisted with a grant under the ,program4 7f7 ,report ,not later than two years after the establishment of the ,program1 and on an annual basis thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report containing-- 7#a7 an estimate of the amount of funds disbursed under the ,program2 7#b7 an estimate of the energy conservation achieved as a result of the ,program2 7#c7 a description of challenges encountered in implementing projects described in subsection 7d77#a72 and 7#d7 any recommendations as to additional legislative measures to increase the use of renewable energy in territories of the ,united ,states1 as appropriate4 7g7 ,,gao study and report 7#a7 ,study and report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7,a7 conduct a study regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency in territories of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 submit to ,congress a report containing-- 7i7 the findings of the study2 and 7ii7 related recommendations4 7#b7 ,components ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall consider1 in relation to territories of the ,united ,states1 the potential-- 7,a7 to modify existing electric power systems to use renewable energy sources2 7,b7 to expand the use of microgrids2 and 7,c7 to improve energy resiliency4 #dje4 ,offshore wind for the territories 7a7 ,application of outer continental shelf lands act with respect to territories of the united states 7#a7 ,in general ,section #b of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a71 by inserting or lying within the exclusive economic zone of the ,united ,states and the ,outer ,continental ,shelf adjacent to any territory of the ,united ,states1 except that such term shall not include any area conveyed by ,congress to a territorial government for administration after control2 7,b7 in subsection 7p71 by striking and after the semicolon at the end2 7,c7 in subsection 7q71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7r7 ,the term ,state means the several ,states1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 4 7#b7 ,exclusions ,section #ah of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acdd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7i7 ,this section shall not apply to the scheduling of lease sales in the ,outer ,continental ,shelf adjacent to the ,territories of the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,wind lease sales for areas of outer continental shelf ,the ,outer ,continental ,shelf ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cc4 ,wind lease sales for areas of ,outer ,continental ,shelf 7a7 ,authorization ,the ,secretary may conduct wind lease sales on the ,outer ,continental ,shelf4 7b7 ,wind lease sale procedure ,any wind lease sale conducted under this section shall be considered a lease under section #h7p74 7c7 ,wind lease sales off coasts of territories of the ,united ,states 7#a7 ,study on feasibility of conducting wind lease sales 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct a study on the feasibility1 including the technological and long-term economic feasibility1 and the potential environmental effects of1 conducting wind lease sales on an area of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,consultation ,in conducting the study required in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall consult-- 7i7 the ,national ,laboratories1 as that term is defined in section #b of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje2 7ii7 the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 including the ,office of ,national ,marine ,sanctuaries and ,national ,marine ,fisheries ,service2 and 7iii7 the ,governor of each of ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,publication ,the study required in subparagraph 7,a7 shall be published in the ,federal ,register for public comment for a period of not fewer than #fj days4 7,d7 ,submission of results ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit the results of the study conducted under subparagraph 7,a7 to-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate2 7ii7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7iii7 each ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,house of ,representatives from ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,virgin ,islands of the ,united ,states4 7,e7 ,public availability ,the ,secretary shall publish the study required under subparagraph 7,a7 and results submitted under subparagraph 7,d7 on a public website4 7#b7 ,call for information and nominations ,the ,secretary shall issue a call for information and nominations for proposed wind lease sales for areas determined to be feasible under the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,conditional wind lease sales 7,a7 ,in general ,for each territory1 the ,secretary shall conduct not less than #a wind lease sale on an area of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of such territory that meets each of the following criteria3 7i7 ,the study required under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 concluded that a wind lease sale on the area is feasible4 7ii7 ,the ,secretary has determined that the call for information has generated sufficient interest for the area4 7iii7 ,the ,secretary has consulted with the ,secretary of ,defense and other relevant ,federal agencies regarding such a sale4 7iv7 ,the ,secretary has consulted with the ,governor of the territory regarding the suitability of the area for wind energy development4 7,b7 ,exception ,if no area of the ,outer ,continental ,shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of a territory meets each of the criteria in clauses 7i7 through 7iv7 of subparagraph 7,a71 the requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply to such territory4 4 #djf4 ,state ,energy ,program non-,federal cost-share waiver ,funding made available to a territory under the ,department of ,energy's ,state ,energy ,program 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fcba et seq47 shall not be subject to a non-,federal share funding requirement4 ,v ,environmental ,protection ,agency #eja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#b7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office4 7#c7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means each of the following3 7,a7 ,a government1 municipality1 agency1 or instrumentality of a territory4 7,b7 ,a private1 nonprofit organization or institution4 7,c7 ,an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja71 except that such term does not include private1 nonprofit institutions of higher education74 7,d7 ,any combination of entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c71 including partnerships and consortiums of local governments4 7#d7 ,office ,the term ,office means the ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office established by section #ejb4 7#e7 ,renewable energy ,the term renewable energy means energy that has been derived from ,earth's natural resources that are not finite or exhaustible1 including solar1 wind1 hydroelectric1 geothermal1 ocean 7thermal and mechanics74 #ejb4 ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,environmental ,protection ,agency an office1 to be known as the ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office4 ,the ,office shall be headed by a ,director1 who shall be appointed by the ,administrator and compensated at a rate equal to that of level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,director shall-- 7#a7 direct1 coordinate1 implement1 and monitor programs of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency to-- 7,a7 build1 enhance1 and strengthen infrastructure in ,insular ,areas to withstand natural disasters2 7,b7 expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in ,insular ,areas2 and 7,c7 provide technical assistance in ,insular ,areas2 and 7#b7 centralize and align all ongoing ,environmental ,protection ,agency efforts in the ,insular ,areas4 7c7 ,annual report ,the ,director shall submit an annual report to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate on the status of all projects undertaken and grants approved by the ,office4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,for the ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office1 there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #bj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 7e7 ,non-,federal ,cost-,share waiver ,any funding made available to ,insular ,areas by the ,office shall not be subject to a non-,federal share funding requirement4 #ejc4 ,insular ,area ,sustainable ,infrastructure ,grant ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office shall establish and carry out a program1 to be known as the ,insular ,area ,sustainable ,infrastructure ,grant ,program1 to provide grants to eligible entities in the ,insular ,areas to build1 enhance1 and strengthen infrastructure systems in ,insular ,areas to withstand natural disasters1 including drinking water systems1 septic systems1 stormwater systems1 and solid waste systems4 7b7 ,use of funds ,an eligible entity that receives a grant for infrastructure system projects under the ,insular ,area ,sustainable ,infrastructure ,grant ,program may use such funds for-- 7#a7 development-phase activities1 including planning1 feasibility analysis 7including any related analysis necessary to carry out an eligible project71 revenue forecasting1 environmental review1 permitting1 preliminary engineering and design work1 and other preconstruction activities2 7#b7 construction1 reconstruction1 rehabilitation1 and replacement activities2 and 7#c7 the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property 7including land relating to the project1 and improvements to land71 environmental mitigation1 construction contingencies1 and acquisition of equipment4 7c7 ,applications 7#a7 ,inclusions ,an application under this subsection shall include-- 7,a7 a description of the project proposed by the eligible entity2 7,b7 an evaluation 7using methodology approved by the ,director7 of the quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits of the proposed project2 7,c7 an estimate of the cost of the proposed project2 and 7,d7 a description of the age and expected lifetime of the infrastructure system funded by the project4 7#b7 ,priority ,in providing grants under this section1 the ,director shall give priority to proposed projects that1 as determined by the ,director-- 7,a7 maximize public health benefits2 7,b7 are the most cost effective2 and 7,c7 serve areas with environmental justice communities-- 7i7 in rural remote areas2 or 7ii7 that have challenged environmental conditions4 7#c7 ,application ,guidance and ,processes ,the ,director shall provide ,insular ,areas-- 7,a7 guidance for use in applying for grant funds under this section1 including information regarding-- 7i7 the process and forms for applications2 7ii7 permissible uses of funds received2 and 7iii7 an annual deadline for submission of the applications2 7,b7 a process by which the ,director shall approve or disapprove each application2 and 7,c7 a streamlined process by which an ,insular ,area may renew an application described in subparagraph 7,a7 for subsequent fiscal years4 7d7 ,limitation on use of funds 7#a7 ,office ,the ,director shall use #ajj percent of the funds made available to carry out this section to provide grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities in ,insular ,areas4 7#b7 ,grant recipient ,an eligible entity may use not more than #aj percent of a grant provided under this section for administrative expenses of an approved project4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this section there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #ej1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 #ejd4 ,insular ,area ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,insular ,area ,national ,program ,office shall establish and carry out a program1 to be known as the ,insular ,area ,renewable ,energy ,grant ,program to provide grants to eligible entities in the ,insular ,areas to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in the ,insular ,areas4 7b7 ,eligibility 7#a7 ,projects eligible for assistance ,the following projects may be carried out with amounts made available under this section3 7,a7 ,construction of a new renewable energy system4 7,b7 ,a project for energy redundancy and resilience based on renewable energy and for hurricane and storm damage reduction on renewable energy systems that the ,director determines is technically sound1 economically justified1 and environmentally acceptable4 7,c7 ,a project for enhanced energy efficiency in the operation of infrastructure that belongs to an eligible entity4 7,d7 ,a project for repair1 rehabilitation1 or replacement of a renewable energy system4 7,e7 ,a project to prevent1 reduce1 or mitigate the effects of hurricanes or storms1 including projects that enhance the resilience of renewable energy systems4 7,f7 ,acquisition of real property or an interest in real property-- 7i7 if the acquisition is integral to a project described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d72 or 7ii7 pursuant to an existing plan that1 in the judgment of the ,director1 as applicable1 would mitigate the environmental impacts of renewable energy system infrastructure projects4 7,g7 ,a combination of projects under subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f74 7#b7 ,activities eligible for assistance ,an eligible entity may use a grant provided under this section for1 with respect to an eligible project-- 7,a7 development-phase activities1 including planning1 feasibility analysis 7including any related analysis necessary to carry out an eligible project71 revenue forecasting1 environmental review1 permitting1 preliminary engineering and design work1 and other preconstruction activities2 7,b7 construction1 reconstruction1 rehabilitation1 and replacement activities2 and 7,c7 the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property 7including land relating to the project1 and improvements to land71 environmental mitigation1 construction contingencies1 and acquisition of equipment4 7c7 ,applications 7#a7 ,inclusions ,an application under this subsection shall include-- 7,a7 a description of the project proposed by the eligible entity2 7,b7 an evaluation 7using methodology approved by the ,director7 of the quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits of the proposed project2 7,c7 an estimate of the cost of the proposed project2 and 7,d7 a description of the age and expected lifetime of a renewable energy or energy efficiency system funded by the project4 7#b7 ,priority ,in providing grants under this section1 the ,director shall give priority to proposed projects that1 as determined by the ,director-- 7,a7 maximize public health benefits2 7,b7 are the most cost effective2 and 7,c7 serve areas with environmental justice communities-- 7i7 in rural remote areas2 or 7ii7 that are poor air quality areas4 7#c7 ,application ,guidance and ,processes ,the ,director shall provide ,insular ,areas-- 7,a7 guidance for use in applying for grant funds under this section1 including information regarding-- 7i7 the process and forms for applications2 7ii7 permissible uses of funds received2 and 7iii7 an annual deadline for submission of the applications2 7,b7 a process by which the ,director shall approve or disapprove each application2 and 7,c7 a streamlined process by which an ,insular ,area may renew an application described in subparagraph 7,a7 for subsequent fiscal years4 7d7 ,limitation on use of funds 7#a7 ,office ,the ,director shall use #ajj percent of the funds made available to carry out this section to provide grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities in ,insular ,areas4 7#b7 ,grant recipient ,an eligible entity may use not more than #aj percent of a grant provided under this section to fund administrative expenses of an approved project4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this section1 there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #ej1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 #eje4 ,insular ,area ,technical ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,director shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,insular ,area ,technical ,assistance ,program1 to provide technical assistance to ,insular ,areas relating to climate change planning1 mitigation1 adaptation1 and resilience4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 ,,vi ,emergency ,management #fja4 ,community disaster loans repayment cancellation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 repayment of a loan made to a local government in an ,insular ,area under section #dag of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahd71 including any interest on such loan1 shall be canceled4 #fjb4 ,disaster relief non-,federal cost-share waiver ,funding made available to an ,insular ,area for disaster relief1 long-term recovery1 restoration of infrastructure and housing1 economic revitalization1 and mitigation pursuant to the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 shall not be subject to a non-,federal share funding requirement4 ,,vii ,sense of ,congress regarding the threat of climate change #gja4 ,sense of ,congress regarding the threat of climate change ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 climate change is an existential threat to the ,freely ,associated ,states2 and 7#b7 the ,united ,states should examine additional ways to help the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia1 the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 and the ,republic of ,palau address and mitigate the impacts of climate change and rising sea level through their respective ,compacts of ,free ,association4