Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S91-92)

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A bill to provide increased rail transportation security. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Assistant Secretary to conduct a study on requiring security screening for passengers, baggage, and cargo on passenger trains. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants to Amtrak for certain system-wide Amtrak, freight,[...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - By Senator Inouye from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 110-29.

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A bill to provide improved rail and surface transportation security. 2/15/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Surface Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007 - Title I: Improved Rail Security - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and other appropriate agencies, to establish a task force to complete a risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, based on the assessment, to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Requires the development of plans for: (1) the federal government to provide adequate security support for freight and intercity passenger railroads at high threat levels of alert; (2) coordinating existing and planned rail security initiatives undertaken [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

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Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for a nationwide diversified energy portfolio, and for other purposes.

5/22/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Congress and the Executive Branch should aggressively pursue development and rapid, commercial deployment of a diverse portfolio of new and existing energy technologies; (2) Congress should pursue development of policies to promote specified efficiency initiatives; (3) Congress should pursue policies that create a sustainable market for the commercial deployment of alternative and energy efficiency technologies; and (4) Congress, the Executive Branch, and state and local governments, as well as utilities and industry leaders, should be actively engaged in consumer education initiatives surrounding available approaches to energy diversity and efficiency.

Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1577-1578)

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A bill to improve efficiency in the Federal Government through the use of green buildings, and for other purposes. 2/5/2007--Introduced. Green Buildings Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a position of, and appoint, a Director who shall: (1) establish an Office of Green Buildings (2) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (2) carry out public outreach; (3) develop and recommend a green building research plan; (4) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of green buildings; and (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities. Defines a "green building" as one that, during its life-cycle: (1) reduces energy, water, and material resource use and the generation of waste; (2) improves indoor environmental quality; (3) improves impacts of the building on human health and the environment; (4) increases the use of environmentally preferable products;[...]

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Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-241.

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A bill to improve efficiency in the Federal Government through the use of high-performance green buildings, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007 - Defines "high-performance green building" as a building that, during its life-cycle: (1) reduces energy, water, and material resource use and the generation of waste; (2) improves indoor environmental quality; (3) improves indoor and outdoor impacts of the building on human health and the environment; (4) increases the use of environmentally preferable products; (5) increases reuse and recycling opportunities; and (6) integrates systems in the building. Title I: Office of High-Performance Green Buildings -(Sec. 101) Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide for the establishment of an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings (Office) and to appoint [...]

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Latest Action: 01/29/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

Bill Text
To provide for the security and safety of rail and rail transit transportation systems, and for other purposes. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Rail Transit Security and Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security to complete a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Under Secretary to establish the position of Federal Rail Security Manager. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to award grants directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital and operational security improvements based on the prioritized rail security recommendations. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees [...]

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Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the investment tax credit with respect to solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property, and for other purposes.

1/18/2007--Introduced.

Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2016: (1) the energy tax credit for solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property; and (2) the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Allows such credits to be applied against alternative minimum tax liability.

Includes advanced energy storage systems as energy property for purposes of the tax credit. Provides for a special credit amount for solar photovoltaic energy property and residential energy efficient property based upon kilowatt capacity.

Allows accelerated depreciation (three-year recovery period) for solar energy and fuel cell property.

Latest Action: 02/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

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A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to certain agriculture-related businesses for the cost of protecting certain chemicals.

2/12/2007--Introduced.

Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a retailer of agricultural products and chemicals or a manufacturer, formulator, or distributor of certain pesticides a business tax credit for 30 percent of costs for or related to the protection of such chemicals or pesticides, including employee security training and background checks, installation of security equipment, and computer network safeguards. Sets a $2 million annual limit on such credit and a per facility limitation of $100,000 (reduced by credits received for the five prior taxable years). Terminates such credit after 2010.

Latest Action: 02/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to certain agriculture-related businesses for the cost of protecting certain chemicals.

2/12/2007--Introduced.

Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a retailer of agricultural products and chemicals or a manufacturer, formulator, or distributor of certain pesticides a business tax credit for 30 percent of costs for or related to the protection of such chemicals or pesticides, including employee security training and background checks, installation of security equipment, and computer network safeguards. Sets a $2 million annual limit on such credit and a per facility limitation of $100,000 (reduced by credits received for the five prior taxable years). Terminates such credit after 2012.

Latest Action: 02/14/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1970)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the investment tax credit with respect to solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property, and for other purposes. 2/14/2007--Introduced. Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2016: (1) the energy tax credit for solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property; and (2) the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Allows such credits to be applied against alternative minimum tax liability. Expands the definition of "energy property" for purposes of the tax credit to include certain equipment which uses solar energy to generate or store excess electricity.Provides for a special credit amount for solar photovoltaic energy property and residential energy efficient property based upon kilowatt capacity.Allows a tax credit for the full amount of qualified photovoltaic property expenditures [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to improve airport runway safety, and for other purposes. 4/30/2008--Introduced. Runway Safety Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop and submit to Congress: (1) a strategic runway safety plan; as well as (2) a plan and schedule for installation and deployment of systems to alert air traffic controllers and flight crews of potential runway incursions at commercial airports and general aviation airports that are most at risk of such incursions. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review and report annually to Congress on the installation of each advanced surface movement system funded by the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations for the purchase and installation of certain runway incursion avoidance systems. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review runway and taxiway lighting (both at daytime and nighttime) and markings at certain airports [...]

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Latest Action: 02/12/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities, and for other purposes. 2/12/2008--Introduced. Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Needs School Improvement Act or the GREEN School Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states to provide competitive grants to local educational agencies and eligible entities to make energy improvements to schools that result in a direct reduction in school energy costs, an improvement in teacher and student health, or the installation of renewable energy technologies. Requires a priority to be given to high-need local agencies and local agencies designated with a specified metrocentric locale codes.Sets forth grant application requirements, including a needs assessment for the schools involved and a description of the benefits and costs of the energy improvements to be made. Authorizes [...]

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Latest Action: 02/07/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Bill Text
To provide that no Federal or State requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings shall require a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize such energy efficient lighting if the lighting contains mercury.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to prohibit any federal or state requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings from requiring a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize energy efficient lighting that contains mercury.

Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to provide for two-layered, 14-foot reinforced fencing along the southwest border, and for other purposes.

1/23/2008--Introduced.

Reinstatement of the Secure Fence Act of 2008 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to construct at least 700 miles of two-layered, 14-foot reinforced fencing along the southwest border and provide for the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors within six months of enactment of this Act.

Prohibits the inclusion of fencing in existence on January 1, 2008, as part of the fencing requirement under this Act.

Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To require construction of fencing and security improvements in the border area from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

1/16/2008--Introduced.

Fence By Date Certain Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to revise deadline and funding provisions for certain fencing and security project requirements along the southern border.

Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that no Federal or State requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings should require a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize such energy efficient lighting if the lighting contains mercury.

11/9/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that no federal or state requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings should require a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize lighting that contains mercury.

Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Calling on the United States Postal Service to create a special exterior light display on March 4, 2008, to reignite public awareness and appreciation of the accomplishments of the New Deal and the legacy of those programs for our Nation today, and for other purposes.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

Calls on the U.S. Postal Service to create a special exterior light display on March 4, 2008, at all postal facilities that were created by or are decorated with New Deal public art or interior fixtures to reignite public awareness and appreciation of the accomplishments of the New Deal, the men and women who participated in New Deal public works programs, and the legacy of those programs.

Latest Action: 09/12/2007 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 110-195.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for national energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Introduced. Energy Efficient Lighting for a Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish new efficiency standards for incandescent lighting.Redefines the term "general service incandescent lamp." Requires general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, and candelabra base incandescent lamps to meet specified lamp efficacy, maximum wattage, and Color Rendering Index (CRI) standards. Requires a specified maximum wattage and CRI for certain frosted, clear, and soft white lamps and modified spectrum lamps.Authorizes any person to petition to the Secretary of Energy to: (1) exempt types of general service lamps from efficiency requirements; and (2) establish standards for lamp types that are excluded from [...]

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Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - For Further Action See Public Law 110-140 (H.R. 6).

Bill Text
To promote greater energy efficiency. 8/3/2007--Reported to House without amendment, Part I.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Promoting Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Appliance Efficiency - (Sec. 101) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to revise provisions that set energy standards, including standards for specified appliances, boilers, motors, and external power supplies. Provides procedures to amend or make standards. Subtitle B: Lighting Efficiency - (Sec. 121) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to issue regulations prohibiting the sale of: (1) 100 watt general service incandescent lamps after January 1, 2012, unless those lamps emit at least 60 lumens per watt; and (2) general service lamps manufactured after specified [...]

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