Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Tax Rebate Act of 2005''.

                       TITLE I--ENERGY TAX REBATE

SEC. 101. ENERGY TAX REBATE.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter B of chapter 65 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to rules of special application in the case of
abatements, credits, and refunds) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:

``SEC. 6430. ENERGY TAX REBATE.

    ``(a) General Rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this section,
each individual shall be treated as having made a payment against the
tax imposed by chapter 1 for the taxable year beginning in 2005 in an
amount equal to the lesser of--
            ``(1) the amount of the taxpayer's liability for tax for
        such taxpayer's preceding taxable year, or
            ``(2) $500.
    ``(b) Liability for Tax.--For purposes of this section, the
liability for tax for any taxable year shall be the excess (if any)
of--
            ``(1) the sum of--
                    ``(A) the taxpayer's regular tax liability (within
                the meaning of section 26(b)) for the taxable year,
                    ``(B) the tax imposed by section 55(a) with respect
                to such taxpayer for the taxable year, and
                    ``(C) the taxpayer's social security taxes (within
                the meaning of section 24(d)(2)) for the taxable year,
                over
            ``(2) the sum of the credits allowable under part IV of
        subchapter A of chapter 1 (other than the credits allowable
        under subpart C thereof, relating to refundable credits) for
        the taxable year.
    ``(c) Taxable Income Limitation.--
            ``(1) In general.--If the taxable income of the taxpayer
        for the preceding taxable year exceeds the maximum taxable
        income in the table under subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of
        section 1, whichever is applicable, to which the 25 percent
        rate applies, the dollar amount otherwise determined under
        subsection (a) for such taxpayer shall be reduced (but not
        below zero) by the amount of the excess.
            ``(2) Change in return status.--In the case of married
        individuals filing a joint return for the taxable year who did
        not file such a joint return for the preceding taxable year,
        paragraph (1) shall be applied by reference to the taxable
        income of both such individuals for the preceding taxable year.
    ``(d) Date Payment Deemed Made.--
            ``(1) In general.--The payment provided by this section
        shall be deemed made on the date of the enactment of the Energy
        Tax Rebate Act of 2005.
            ``(2) Remittance of payment.--The Secretary shall remit to
        each taxpayer the payment described in paragraph (1) not later
        than the date which is 30 days after the date specified in
        paragraph (1).
    ``(e) Certain Persons Not Eligible.--This section shall not apply
to--
            ``(1) any individual with respect to whom a deduction under
        section 151 is allowable to another taxpayer for a taxable year
        beginning in the calendar year in which such individual's
        taxable year begins,
            ``(2) any estate or trust, or
            ``(3) any nonresident alien individual.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by inserting before the period ``, or enacted
by the Energy Tax Rebate Act of 2005''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter B of
chapter 65 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:

``Sec. 6430. Energy tax rebate.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

              TITLE II--LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

SEC. 201. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING FULL FUNDING FOR THE LOW-INCOME
              HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    It is the sense of the Senate that Congress should appropriate
$5,100,000,000 for fiscal year 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year for
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, under section 2602(b) of
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.

                    TITLE III--CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

SEC. 301. UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICE IN COMMERCE RELATED TO
              PRICING OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS.

    (a) Sales to Consumers at Unconscionable Price.--
            (1) In general.--It is unlawful for any person to sell
        crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at a price that--
                    (A) is unconscionably excessive; or
                    (B) indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage
                of circumstances to increase prices unreasonably.
            (2) Factors considered.--In determining whether a violation
        of paragraph (1) has occurred, there shall be taken into
        account, among other factors, whether--
                    (A) the amount charge represents a gross disparity
                between the price fo the crude oil, gasoline, or
                petroleum distillate sold and the price at which it was
                offered for sale in the usual course of the seller's
                business immediately prior to the energy emergency; or
                    (B) the amount charged grossly exceeds the price at
                which the same or similar crude oil, gasoline, or
                petroleum distillate was readily obtainable by other
                purchasers in the area to which the declaration
                applies.
            (3) Mitigating factors.--In determining whether a violation
        of paragraph (1) has occurred, there also shall be taken into
        account, among other factors, the price that would reasonably
        equate supply and demand in a competitive and freely
        functioning market and whether the price at which the crude
        oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillate was sold reasonably
        reflects additional costs, not within the control fo the
        seller, that were paid or incurred by the seller.
    (b) Prohibition Against Geographic Price-Setting and Territorial
Restrictions.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it is
        unlawful for any person to--
                    (A) set different prices for gasoline or petroleum
                distillates for different geographic locations; or
                    (B) implement a territorial restriction with
                respect to gasoline or petroleum distillates.
            (2) Exceptions.--A person may set different prices for
        gasoline or petroleum distillates for different geographic
        locations or implement territorial restrictions with respect to
        gasoline or petroleum distillates only if the price differences
        or restrictions are sufficiently justified by--
                    (A) differences in the cost of retail space where
                the gasoline or petroleum distillate is sold;
                    (B) differences in the cost of transportation of
                gasoline or petroleum distillates from the refinery to
                the retail location;
                    (C) differences in the cost of storage of gasoline
                or petroleum distillates at the retail location; or
                    (D) differences in the formulation of the gasoline
                or petroleum distillates sold.
    (c) False Pricing Information.--It is unlawful for any person to
report information related to the wholesale price of crude oil,
gasoline, or petroleum distillates to the Federal Trade Commission if--
            (1) that person knew, or reasonably should have known, the
        information to be false or misleading;
            (2) the information was required by law to be reported; and
            (3) the person intended the false or misleading data to
        affect data compiled by that department or agency for
        statistical or analytical purpose with respect to the market
        for crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates.

SEC. 302. ENFORCEMENT UNDER FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT.

    (a) Enforcement by Commission.--This title shall be enforced by the
Federal Trade Commission. In enforcing section 301(a) of this title,
the Commission shall give priority to enforcement actions concerning
companies with total United States wholesale or retail sales of crude
oil, gasoline, and petroleum distillates in excess of $500,000,000 per
year but shall not exclude enforcement actions against companies with
total United States wholesale sales of $500,000,000 or less per year.
    (b) Violation Is Unfair or Deceptive Act or Practice.--The
violation of any provision of this title shall be treated as an unfair
or deceptive act or practice proscribed under a rule issued under
section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C.
57a(a)(1)(B)).

SEC. 303. ENFORCEMENT BY STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL.

    (a) In General.--A State, as parens patriae, may bring a civil
action on behalf of its residents in an appropriate district court of
the United States to enforce the provisions of section 301(a), or to
impose the civil penalties authorized by section 304 for violations of
section 301(a), whenever the attorney general of the State has reason
to believe that the interests of the residents of the State have been
or are being threatened by such violation.
    (b) Notice.--The State shall serve written notice to the Commission
of any civil action under subsection (a) prior to initiating such civil
action. The notice shall include a copy of the complaint to be filed to
initiate such civil action, except that if it is not feasible for the
State to provide such prior notice, the State shall provide such notice
immediately upon instituting such civil action.
    (c) Authority to Intervene.--Upon receiving the notice required by
subsection (b), the Commission may intervene in such civil action and
upon intervening--
            (1) be heard on all matters arising in such civil action;
        and
            (2) file petitions for appeal of a decision in such civil
        action.
    (d) Construction.--For purposes of bringing any civil action under
subsection (a), nothing in this section shall prevent the attorney
general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney
general by the laws of such State to conduct investigations or to
administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the attendance of
witnesses or the production of documentary and other evidence.
    (e) Venue; Service of Process.--In a civil action brought under
subsection (a)--
            (1) the venue shall be a judicial district in which--
                    (A) the defendant operates;
                    (B) the defendant was authorized to do business; or
                    (C) where the defendant in the civil action is
                found;
            (2) process may be served without regard to the territorial
        limits of the district or of the State in which the civil
        action is instituted; and
            (3) a person who participated with the defendant in an
        alleged violation that is being litigated in the civil action
        may be joined in the civil action without regard to the
        residence of the person.
    (f) Limitation on State Action While Federal Action Is Pending.--If
the Commission has instituted a civil action or an administrative
action for violation of this title, no State attorney general, or
official or agency of a State, may bring an action under this
subsection during the pendency of that action against any defendant
named in the complain of the Commission or the other agency for any
violation of this title alleged in the complaint.
    (g) Enforcement of State Law.--Nothing contained in this section
shall prohibit an authorized State official from proceeding in state
court to enforce a civil or criminal statute of such State.

SEC. 304. PENALTIES.

    (a) Civil Penalty.--
            (1) In general.--In addition to any penalty applicable
        under the Federal Trade Commission Act--
                    (A) any person who violates section 301(c) of this
                title is punishable by a civil penalty of not more than
                $1,000,000; and
                    (B) any person who violates section 301(a) or
                301(b) of this title is punishable by a civil penalty
                of not more than $3,000,000.
            (2) Method of assessment.--The penalties provided by
        paragraph (1) shall be assessed in the same manner as civil
        penalties imposed under section 5 of the Federal Trade
        Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45).
            (3) Multiple offenses; mitigating factors.--In assessing
        the penalty provided by subsection (a)--
                    (A) each day of a continuing violation shall be
                considered a separate violation; and
                    (B) the Commission shall take into consideration
                the seriousness of the violation and the efforts of the
                person committing the violation to remedy the harm
                caused by the violation in a timely manner.
    (b) Criminal Penalty.--Violation of section 301(a) of this title is
punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000,000, imprisonment for not
more than 5 years, or both.

SEC. 305. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.

    (a) Other Authority of Commission.--Nothing in this title shall be
construed to limit or affect in any way the Commission's authority to
bring enforcement actions or take any other measure under the Federal
Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) or any other provision of
law.
    (b) State Law.--Nothing in this title preempts any State law.

SEC. 306. MARKET TRANSPARENCY FOR CRUDE OIL, GASOLINE, AND PETROLEUM
              DISTILLATES.

    (a) In General.--The Federal Trade Commission shall facilitate
price transparency in markets for the sale of crude oil and essential
petroleum products at wholesale, having due regard for the public
interest, the integrity of those markets, fair competition, and the
protection of consumers.
    (b) Marketplace Transparency.--
            (1) Dissemination of information.--In carrying out this
        section, the Commission shall provide by rule for the
        dissemination, on a timely basis, of information about the
        availability and prices of wholesale crude oil, gasoline, and
        petroleum distillates to the Commission, States, wholesale
        buyers and sellers, and the public.
            (2) Protection of public from anticompetitive activity.--In
        determining the information to be made available under this
        section and time to make the information available, the
        Commission shall seek to ensure that consumers and competitive
        markets are protected from the adverse effects of potential
        collusion or other anticompetitive behaviors that can be
        facilitated by untimely public disclosure of transaction-
        specific information.
            (3) Protection of market mechanisms.--The Commission shall
        withhold from public disclosure under this section any
        information the Commission determines would, if disclosed, be
        detrimental to the operation of an effective market or
        jeopardize security.
    (c) Information Sources.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (b), the
        Commission may--
                    (A) obtain information from any market participant;
                and
                    (B) rely on entities other than the Commission to
                receive and make public the information, subject to the
                disclosure rules in subsection (b)(3).
            (2) Published data.--In carrying out this section, the
        Commission shall--
                    (A) consider the degree of price transparency
                provided by existing price publishers and providers of
                trade processing services; and
                    (B) rely on such publishers and services to the
                maximum extent practicable.
            (3) Electronic information systems.--
                    (A) In general.--The Commission may establish an
                electronic information system if the Commission
                determines that existing price publications are not
                adequately providing price discovery or market
                transparency.
                    (B) Electronic information filing requirements.--
                Nothing in this section affects any electronic
                information filing requirements in effect under this
                title as of the date of enactment of this Act.
            (4) De minimus exception.--The Commission may not require
        entities who have a de minimus market presence to comply with
        the reporting requirements of this section.
    (d) Cooperation With Other Federal Agencies.--
            (1) Memorandum of understanding.--Not later 180 days after
        the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
        conclude a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity
        Futures Trading Commission and other appropriate agencies (if
        applicable) relating to information sharing, which shall
        include provisions--
                    (A) ensuring that information requests to markets
                within the respective jurisdiction of each agency are
                properly coordinated to minimize duplicative
                information requests; and
                    (B) regarding the treatment of proprietary trading
                information.
            (2) CFTC jurisdiction.--Nothing in this section limits or
        affects the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures
        Trading Commission under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1
        et seq.).
    (e) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking
proceeding to establish such rules as the Commission determines to be
necessary and appropriate to carry out this section.

Output:
Energy Tax Rebate Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a formula for an energy tax rebate to eligible individuals for the taxable year beginning in 2005.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should appropriate $5.1 billion for FY2006 and each subsequent fiscal year for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.

Declares it is unlawful for any person to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at a price that: (1) is unconscionably excessive; or (2) indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of circumstances to increase prices unreasonably.

 Prohibits geographic price-setting and territorial restrictions.

Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State Attorneys General to enforce this Act.

Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.

Directs the FTC to: (1) facilitate price transparency in markets for the sale of crude oil and essential petroleum products at wholesale; (2) seek to ensure that consumers and competitive markets are protected from the adverse effects of potential collusion or other anticompetitive behaviors that can be facilitated by untimely public disclosure of transaction-specific information; and (3) conclude a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and other appropriate agencies relating to information sharing.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Drive America on Natural Gas Act of
2008''.

SEC. 2. RENEWABLE FUEL PROGRAM.

    (a) Definition of Renewable Fuel.--Effective January 1, 2009,
section 211(o)(1) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(1)) is
amended by striking subparagraph (J) and inserting the following:
                    ``(J) Renewable fuel.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term `renewable
                        fuel' means fuel that--
                                    ``(I) is produced from renewable
                                biomass; and
                                    ``(II) is used to replace or reduce
                                the quantity of fossil fuel present in
                                a transportation fuel.
                            ``(ii) Renewable fuel standard.--For
                        purposes of the renewable fuel standard under
                        paragraph (2), the term `renewable fuel'
                        includes renewable and nonrenewable natural
                        gas, including compressed natural and liquefied
                        natural gas when used as transportation
                        fuel.''.
    (b) Credit Program.--Effective January 1, 2009, section
211(o)(5)(A) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(5)(A)) is
amended--
            (1) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(iv) for the generation of an appropriate
                        quantity of credits for renewable and
                        nonrenewable natural gas, including compressed
                        natural and liquefied natural gas when used as
                        a transportation fuel.''.

SEC. 3. NEW QUALIFIED ALTERNATIVE FUEL MOTOR VEHICLE CREDIT ALLOWED FOR
              DUAL FUELED AUTOMOBILES.

    (a) In General.--Clause (i) of section 30B(e)(4)(A) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to definition of new qualified
alternative fuel motor vehicle) is amended to read as follows:
                            ``(i) which--
                                    ``(I) is only capable of operating
                                on an alternative fuel, or
                                    ``(II) is capable of operating on
                                an alternative fuel and gasoline or
                                diesel fuel,''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 30B(e) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking paragraph (5).
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of
this Act.

SEC. 4. NATURAL GAS VEHICLE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION
              PROJECTS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
        Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
            (2) Natural gas.--The term ``natural gas'' means compressed
        natural gas, liquefied natural gas, biomethane, and mixtures of
        hydrogen and methane or natural gas.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Energy.
    (b) Program.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
Administrator, shall conduct a program of natural gas vehicle research,
development, and demonstration.
    (c) Purpose.--The program under this section shall focus on--
            (1) the continued improvement and development of new,
        cleaner, more efficient light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty
        natural gas vehicle engines;
            (2) the integration of those engines into light-duty,
        medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles for onroad and
        offroad applications;
            (3) expanding product availability by assisting
        manufacturers with the certification of the engines or vehicles
        described in paragraph (1) or (2) to Federal or California
        certification requirements and in-use emission standards;
            (4) the demonstration and proper operation and use of the
        vehicles described in paragraph (2) under all operating
        conditions;
            (5) the development and improvement of nationally
        recognized codes and standards for the continued safe operation
        of natural gas vehicles and components;
            (6) improvement in the reliability and efficiency of
        natural gas fueling station infrastructure;
            (7) the certification of natural gas fueling station
        infrastructure to nationally recognized and industry safety
        standards;
            (8) the improvement in the reliability and efficiency of
        onboard natural gas fuel storage systems;
            (9) the development of new natural gas fuel storage
        materials;
            (10) the certification of onboard natural gas fuel storage
        systems to nationally recognized and industry safety standards;
        and
            (11) the use of natural gas engines in hybrid vehicles.
    (d) Certification of Conversion Systems.--The Secretary shall
coordinate with the Administrator on issues related to streamlining the
certification of natural gas conversion systems to the appropriate
Federal certification requirements and in-use emission standards.
    (e) Cooperation and Coordination With Industry.--In developing and
carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall
coordinate with the natural gas vehicle industry to ensure cooperation
between the public and the private sector.
    (f) Conduct of Program.--The program under this section shall be
conducted in accordance with sections 3001 and 3002 of the Energy
Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13541, 13542).
    (g) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
implementation of this section.
    (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out
this section.

SEC. 5. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-EMISSION NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTATION-FUELED
              VEHICLES.

    Part C of title II of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7581 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 251. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-EMISSION NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTATION-
              FUELED VEHICLES.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Alternative fuel.--The term `alternative fuel' means
        compressed or liquid natural gas.
            ``(2) Alternative-fueled vehicle.--The term `alternative-
        fueled vehicle' means a vehicle that is manufactured or
        converted to operate using alternative fuel.
            ``(3) Bi-fueled vehicle.--The term `bi-fueled vehicle'
        means a vehicle that is capable of operating on gasoline or an
        alternative fuel, but not both at the same time.
            ``(4) Convert.--The term `convert', with respect to a
        vehicle, means to modify the engine and other applicable
        components of the vehicle to enable the vehicle to operate
        using an alternative fuel (including compressed natural gas).
            ``(5) OBD system.--The term `OBD system' means an on-board,
        computer-based diagnostic system built into certain vehicles to
        monitor the performance of certain primary engine components of
        the vehicle (including components responsible for controlling
        emissions).
            ``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the alternative-
        fueled vehicle development demonstration program established
        under subsection (b).
            ``(7) Small volume manufacturer.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `small volume
                manufacturer' means a manufacturer of vehicles
                described in section 86.001-1(e) of title 40, Code of
                Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) that is
                approved and certified in accordance with part 86 of
                subchapter C of chapter I of title 40, Code of Federal
                Regulations (or successor regulations).
                    ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `small volume
                manufacturer' includes a manufacturer of kits or
                equipment used to convert vehicles.
    ``(b) Program.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--For the period of fiscal years 2009
        through 2013, the Administrator shall establish and carry out a
        demonstration program to assist States in facilitating the
        development of alternative-fueled vehicles.
            ``(2) Application.--A State may participate in the program
        by submitting to the Administrator an application at such time,
        in such form, and containing such information as the
        Administrator shall specify.
            ``(3) Benefits available to participating small volume
        manufacturers.--Under the program, with respect to small volume
        manufacturers located in States participating in the program,
        the Administrator shall, by regulation--
                    ``(A) waive all fees applicable to small volume
                manufacturers for the certification and conversion of
                alternative-fueled vehicles;
                    ``(B) waive requirements for recertification of
                kits for the conversion of vehicles in any case in
                which, as determined by the Administrator--
                            ``(i) the kit has been previously certified
                        for the model of vehicle to be converted; and
                            ``(ii) neither the kit nor the design and
                        specifications of the model of vehicle to be
                        converted have substantially changed;
                    ``(C) modify such regulatory requirements relating
                to OBD systems as the Administrator determines to be
                appropriate to provide flexibility to small volume
                manufacturers in reprogramming OBD systems to be
                compatible with the use of alternative fuel;
                    ``(D) permit small volume manufacturers to include
                more vehicles and engines in a single engine category
                to improve the cost-efficiency of emission testing of
                converted vehicles;
                    ``(E) waive the liability of small volume
                manufacturers, in the case of a bi-fueled vehicle
                capable of operating on gasoline or compressed natural
                gas, for the compliance of the gasoline system of the
                bi-fueled vehicle with applicable emission
                requirements;
                    ``(F) provide additional guidance to small volume
                manufacturers with respect to the conversion of older
                models of vehicles; and
                    ``(G) revise and streamline certification
                requirements applicable to small volume manufacturers.
            ``(4) State responsibility.--As a condition of
        participating in the program, during the period of fiscal years
        2009 through 2013, a State shall--
                    ``(A) develop regulations for (as compared to
                Federal requirements in effect as of the date of
                enactment of this section) an equally effective but
                less burdensome system of certifying and verifying
                emissions of alternative-fueled vehicles and equipment
                used for conversions; and
                    ``(B) not later than December 31, 2012, submit the
                proposed regulations of the State to the Administrator
                for review.
    ``(c) State Programs.--Upon receipt of proposed regulations of a
State under subsection (b)(4), the Administrator shall--
            ``(1) review the regulations; and
            ``(2) if the Administrator determines that the
        implementation of the regulations would result in (as compared
        to Federal requirements in effect as of the date of enactment
        of this section) an equally effective but less burdensome
        system of certifying and verifying emissions of alternative-
        fueled vehicles and equipment used for conversions, authorize
        the State to implement the regulations with respect to small
        volume manufacturers in the State for the period of fiscal
        years 2014 through 2018, subject to--
                    ``(A) the submission of annual reports to the
                Administrator; and
                    ``(B) such periodic inspection and other oversight
                requirements as the Administrator determines to be
                appropriate.
    ``(d) Duration of Program.--The program and all authority under the
program (other than the authority of the Administrator described in
subsection (c)) shall terminate on December 31, 2013, unless the
Administrator--
            ``(1) in consultation with the States, elects to continue
        the program; and
            ``(2) promulgates such regulations as are necessary to
        continue the program.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.''.

SEC. 6. NATURAL GAS CONVERSION EMISSION CERTIFICATIONS.

    Part C of title II of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7581 et seq.)
(as amended by section 5) is amended by adding at the end the
following:

``SEC. 252. NATURAL GAS CONVERSION EMISSION CERTIFICATIONS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall waive requirements for
recertification of kits for the conversion of vehicles into vehicles
that are powered by natural gas in any case in which, as determined by
the Administrator--
            ``(1) the kit has been previously certified for the model
        of vehicle to be converted; and
            ``(2) neither the kit nor the design and specifications of
        the model of vehicle to be converted have substantially
        changed.
    ``(b) Older Vehicles.--The Administrator shall waive emission
certification system requirements for a vehicle that is over 10 years
old or has over 120,000 miles that is powered by natural gas.''.

Output:
Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008 - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) redefine renewable fuel to include renewable and nonrenewable natural gas (NG), including compressed natural (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG); and (2) require fuel credit program regulations to provide for generation of credits for renewable and nonrenewable natural gas.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit for dual fueled automobiles.

Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to conduct a program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration, with a particular emphasis on streamlining the certification of NG conversion systems.

Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) establish a demonstration program to assist states in facilitating the development of alternative-fueled vehicles; and (2) waive requirements for recertification of certain kits for the conversion of vehicles to NG.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Ensuring the Taxpayer a Fair Return
for Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Resources Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. ADJUSTMENT OF MINIMUM BIDS AND ANNUAL RENTALS FOR OIL AND GAS
              AND TAR SANDS LEASES TO REFLECT INFLATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 17 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C.
226) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by striking ``$2 per acre''
        and inserting ``$4 per acre'';
            (2) in subsection (b)(2)(C), by striking ``$2 per acre''
        and inserting ``$5 per acre'';
            (3) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) by striking ``$1.50 per acre'' and inserting
                ``$3 per acre''; and
                    (B) by striking ``$2 per acre'' and inserting ``$4
                per acre''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(q) Inflation Adjustment.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) by regulation, at least once every 4 years,
                adjust each of the dollar amounts that applies under
                subsections (b)(1)(B), (b)(2)(C), and (d) by the cost-
                of-living adjustment; and
                    ``(B) publish each such regulation in the Federal
                Register.
            ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) Cost-of-living adjustment.--The term `cost-
                of-living adjustment' means the percentage (if any) for
                a dollar amount by which--
                            ``(i) the Consumer Price Index for the
                        month of June of the calendar year preceding
                        the adjustment, exceeds
                            ``(ii) the Consumer Price Index for the
                        month of June of the calendar year in which the
                        dollar amount was last set or adjusted pursuant
                        to law.
                    ``(B) Consumer price index.--The term `Consumer
                Price Index' means the Consumer Price Index for all
                urban consumers published by the Department of
                Labor.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 17(b)(1)(B) of the Mineral
Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 226(b)(1)(B)) is amended beginning in the first
sentence by striking ``for a period'' and all that follows through
``Thereafter, the'' and inserting ``. The''.

SEC. 3. AMENDMENT OF ROYALTY RATES.

    (a) Royalty Rates.--Section 17 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30
U.S.C. 226) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``12.5'' each place such term appears and
        inserting ``18.75''; and
            (2) by striking ``12\1/2\'' each place such term appears
        and inserting ``18.75''.
    (b) Application.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply
only to new leases issued on or after the date of enactment of this
Act.

SEC. 4. ON-SHORE FEDERAL OIL AND GAS ROYALTY SHARING.

    (a) In General.--Section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C.
191) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Sec. 35. (a)'' and all that follows
        through ``50 per centum thereof'' and inserting the following:

``SEC. 35. ON-SHORE OIL AND GAS ROYALTY SHARING.

    ``(a) Royalty Sharing.--
            ``(1) In general.--Of the amounts received by the United
        States from sales, bonuses, and royalties, including interest
        charges collected under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty
        Management Act of 1982, and from rentals of the public lands in
        Alaska under the provisions of this Act and the Geothermal
        Steam Act of 1970--
                    ``(A) 33.33 percent shall be used as described in
                paragraph (2); and
                    ``(B) the remainder shall be used as described in
                paragraph (3).
            ``(2) Distribution of 33.33 percent.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Of the amount referred to in
                paragraph (1)(A)--
                            ``(i) 30 percent, but not to exceed
                        $50,000,000 per fiscal year, shall be
                        transferred by the Secretary of the Treasury to
                        the Bureau of Land Management for use for oil
                        and gas inspection and enforcement;
                            ``(ii) 15 percent, but not to exceed
                        $25,000,000 per fiscal year, shall be available
                        to the Secretary of the Interior to remediate,
                        reclaim, and properly plug and abandon orphan
                        oil and gas wells on Federal lands;
                            ``(iii) 45 percent shall be paid by the
                        Secretary of the Treasury to the State within
                        the boundaries of which the leased land is
                        located or the deposits were derived, for use
                        by such State in accordance with paragraph (3);
                        and
                            ``(iv) the remainder shall be deposited
                        into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
                    ``(B) Administration.--Amounts to be paid or
                available under clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of
                subparagraph (A) shall--
                            ``(i) be available without further
                        appropriation; and
                            ``(ii) remain available until expended.
            ``(3) Distribution of remainder.--Of the amount referred to
        in paragraph (1)(B), and subject to subsection (b), 50 per
        centum thereof''; and
            (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``All moneys received''
        and inserting the following:
            ``(4) General provisions.--All moneys received''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 35(c)(1) of the Mineral Leasing
Act (30 U.S.C. 191(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``the first sentence
of''.
    (c) Limitations on Application.--The amendments made by subsection
(a)--
            (1) shall apply only to amounts received by the United
        States under new leases issued on or after the date of
        enactment of this Act; and
            (2) shall not affect the application of section 35(a) of
        the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 191(a)) to amounts received
        by the United States before the first fiscal year beginning
        after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Output: Ensuring the Taxpayer a Fair Return for Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Resources Act of 2015 This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to increase the minimum acceptable bids and rentals for leases of oil, natural gas, and tar sand on federal land. Minimum acceptable bids and rentals shall receive inflation adjustments once every four years. One-third of any amounts received by the United States from sales, bonuses, and royalties, including interest charges collected under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, and from rentals of the public lands in Alaska under the Mineral Leasing Act and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, shall be made available in specified percentages:  for use for oil and gas inspection and enforcement; to remediate, reclaim, and properly plug and abandon orphan oil and gas wells on federal lands; and  to the state within whose boundaries the leased land is located, or the deposits were derived, for state use in accordance with specified requirements.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Kake Tribal Corporation Land
Exchange Act''.

SEC. 2. AMENDMENT OF SETTLEMENT ACT.

    The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Pub. L. 92-203, December
18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), as amended, is further
amended by adding a new section to read:

``SEC. 40. KAKE TRIBAL CORPORATION LAND EXCHANGE.

    ``(a) To provide Kake Tribal Corporation with land suitable for
development, to acknowledge the corporation's return to public
ownership land needed as a municipal watershed area, and to promote the
public interest, the Secretary shall convey to the corporation
approximately 2,427 acres of Federal land as described in subsection
(c). The land to be conveyed includes--
            ``(1) up to 388 acres in the Slate Lakes area, as described
        in (c)(2) of this section, if, within five years after the
        effective date of this section, the corporation has entered
        into an agreement to lease or otherwise convey some or all of
        the land to the operator of the Jualin Mine; or
            ``(2) at the corporation's option, the 388 acres mentioned
        in (1) of this subsection and the remaining 2,039 acres may be
        conveyed from the acres described in (c)(3) of this section.
    ``(b) Title to Surface and Subsurface.--Subject to valid existing
rights and easements, the Secretary shall, no later than the deadlines
specified in (c) (2) and (3) of this section, convey to Kake Tribal
Corporation title to the surface estate in this land and convey to
Sealaska Corporation title to the subsurface estate in that land.
    ``(c) Description and Deadlines.--The land covered by this section
is in the Copper River Meridian and is further described as follows:
            ``(1) The land to be conveyed by Kake Tribal Corporation to
        the United States, no later than 90 days after the effective
        date of this section, as shown on the map dated ______ and
        labeled Attachment A, is the municipal watershed area and is
        described as follows:

                          ``Municipal watershed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Approximate
                          Section                               acres
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               T56S, R72E
13.........................................................           82
23.........................................................          118
24.........................................................          635
25.........................................................          640
26.........................................................          346
34.........................................................            9
35.........................................................          349
36.........................................................          248
                                                            ------------
  Approximate Total........................................      2,427''
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            ``(2) Kake Tribal Corporation shall have the option to
        select up to 388 acres in the Slate Lakes area, as shown on the
        map dated ______ and labeled Attachment B. This option shall
        remain in effect for five years after the date of enactment of
        this section. The land to be conveyed is identified on the
        following maps as:

                            Slate lakes area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Approximate
              Section                      Description          acres
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               T35S, R62E
22.................................  E\1/2\................           27
23.................................  W\1/2\................          152
26.................................  W\1/2\................          119
27.................................  E\1/2\................           23

                               T36S, R62E
1..................................  W\1/2\, NW\1/4\.......           38

   Two utility corridors: One beginning in the northwest
quarter of section 1, T36S, R62E, heading northwest through
 the northeast quarter of section 2, then heading northwest
    through section 26, T35S, R62E; another beginning in
  section 23, T35S, R62E, heading northeast, then heading
  northwest through section 23, then northwest through the
  southwest quarter of section 15, then northwest through
section 16, then turning northeast in the northeast quarter
        of section 16 to the Jualin patented group.
      Approximate Total....................................        388''
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            ``(3) The remaining 2,039 acres of land to be conveyed to
        Kake Tribal Corporation, or the entire 2,427 acres if the
        option on the 388 acres mentioned in (2) of this subsection is
        not exercised, shall be land in the Hamilton Bay and Saginaw
        Bay areas and shall be conveyed within 90 days after the
        effective date of this section; this land is shown on the maps
        dated ______ and labeled Attachments C and D.
    ``(d) Timber Manufacturing.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, timber harvested from lands conveyed to Kake Tribal Council
pursuant to this Act shall not be available for export as unprocessed
logs from Alaska, nor may Kake Tribal Corporation sell, trade,
exchange, substitute, or otherwise convey such logs to any other person
for the purpose of exporting such logs from the State of Alaska.
    ``(e) Relation to Other Requirements.--The land conveyed to Kake
Tribal Corporation and Sealaska Corporation under this section is, for
all purposes, considered land conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act.
    ``(f) Maps.--The maps referred to in this section shall be
maintained on file in the Office of the Chief, United States Forest
Service, and in the Office of the Secretary of the Interior,
Washington, DC. The acreage cited in this section is approximate, and
if a discrepancy arises between cited acreage and the land depicted on
the specified maps the maps shall control. The maps do not constitute
an attempt by the United States to convey State or private land.''.

Output:
Kake Tribal Corporation Land Exchange Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, subject to valid existing rights and easements, to enter into a land exchange under which there is conveyed to the:  (1) Kake Tribal Corporation title to certain land suitable for development; (2) Sealaska Corporation title to subsurface estate in such land needed as a municipal watershed area; and (3) United States, by the Kake Corporation, specified lands.
Directs that timber harvested from lands conveyed to the Kake Tribal Council shall not be made available for export as unprocessed logs from Alaska, nor may Kake Tribal Corporation sell, trade, exchange, substitute, or otherwise convey such logs to any other person for the purpose of exporting such logs from the State of Alaska.


Input:
SECTION 1. INCREASED CREDIT FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH.

    (a) In General.--Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to credit for increasing research activities) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(i) Increased Credit for Medical Research.--
            ``(1) General rule.--Subsection (a) of this section shall
        be applied by substituting--
                    ``(A) `40 percent' for `20 percent' in paragraph
                (1) thereof with respect to qualified medical research
                expenses, and
                    ``(B) `medical research base amount' for `base
                amount'.
            ``(2) Qualified medical research expenses.--For purposes of
        this subsection--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified medical
                research expenses' means qualified research expenses--
                            ``(i) incurred for research in, or
                        reasonably expected to lead to, the development
                        of any medical product for the prevention,
                        cure, or alleviation of human disease,
                        sickness, or injury, and
                            ``(ii) incurred before the earliest of--
                                    ``(I) the date on which an
                                application with respect to such
                                product is approved under section
                                505(b) or 505A of the Federal Food,
                                Drug, and Cosmetic Act,
                                    ``(II) the date on which a license
                                for such product is approved under
                                section 351 of the Public Health
                                Service Act, or
                                    ``(III) the later of the date
                                classification of such product as
                                intended for human use is made under
                                section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug,
                                and Cosmetic Act or the date of
                                approval of such product as intended
                                for human use is granted under section
                                515 of such Act.
                    ``(B) Exclusion of research after commercial
                production not to apply.--For purposes of this
                paragraph, the term `qualified research expenses' shall
                be determined without regard to subsection (d)(4)(A).
                    ``(C) Special rule for certain testing.--The term
                `qualified medical research expenses' includes
                qualified research expenses for preclinical and
                clinical testing occurring after the earliest date
                under subparagraph (A)(ii) if the purpose of such
                testing is to develop new functional uses (including
                pediatric studies as described in section 355A(g) of
                the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act),
                characteristics, indications, combinations, dosages, or
                delivery forms to an existing product.
                    ``(D) Product.--For purposes of this paragraph, the
                term `product' means any drug, biologic, medical, or
                diagnostic test, or medical device.
            ``(3) Medical research base amount.--For purposes of this
        subsection--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
                subparagraph (C), the term `medical research base
                amount' means, with respect to any taxable year, the
                average of the taxpayer's qualified medical research
                expenses for those taxable years in the base period
                during which the taxpayer paid or incurred qualified
                medical research expenses. The Secretary may prescribe
                regulations providing that de minimis amounts of
                qualified medical research expenses shall be
                disregarded under the preceding sentence.
                    ``(B) Base period.--For purposes of subparagraph
                (A), the base period is the period consisting of--
                            ``(i) the most recent taxable year ending
                        at least 6 months before the taxable year for
which the medical research base amount is being determined, and
                            ``(ii) the 4 taxable years preceding such
                        most recent taxable year.
                    ``(C) Medical base period amount for first 2
                taxable years.--For each of the first 2 taxable years
                during which the taxpayer pays or incurs qualified
                medical research expenses, the term `medical research
                base amount' means 60 percent of the taxpayer's
                qualified medical research expenses for the taxable
                year for which such base period amount is determined.
            ``(4) Research conducted by academic and medical
        institutions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subsection (b)(3)(A) shall be
                applied--
                            ``(i) by substituting `100 percent' for `65
                        percent' with respect to amounts paid to a
                        qualified academic institution for qualified
                        research described in paragraph (2), and
                            ``(ii) by substituting `85 percent' for `65
                        percent' with respect to amounts paid to a
                        qualified nonprofit medical institution for
                        qualified research described in paragraph (2).
                    ``(B) Qualified academic institution.--For purposes
                of this paragraph, the term `qualified academic
                institution' means any of the following institutions:
                            ``(i) Educational institutions.--Any
                        institution described in section
                        170(b)(1)(A)(ii) or (iii) which is owned or
                        affiliated with an institution of higher
                        education as described in section 3304(f).
                            ``(ii) Cancer research institutions.--Any
                        cancer research institution which is designated
                        as a cancer center by the National Cancer
                        Institute, is, or is owned by, an organization
                        described in section 501(c)(3), is exempt from
                        taxation under section 501(a), and is not a
                        private foundation.
                            ``(iii) Nonprofit independent research
                        institutions.--Any not-for-profit, independent
                        research institute which is described in
                        section 501(c)(3), is exempt from taxation
                        under section 501(a), and is organized and
                        operated exclusively for scientific or
                        educational purposes.
                    ``(C) Qualified nonprofit medical institution.--For
                purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified
                nonprofit medical institution' means any not-for-profit
                organization that is described in section 501(c)(3), is
                exempt from taxation under section 501(a) by reason of
                its operation of a hospital or medical or health
                activity, is not a private foundation, and is not a
                qualified academic institution.
            ``(5) Election of alternative incremental medical research
        credit.--
                    ``(A) In general.--At the election of the taxpayer,
                the credit determined under this subsection shall be
                the sum of--
                            ``(i) 1.65 percent of so much of the
                        taxpayer's qualified medical research expenses
                        for the taxable year as exceeds 1 percent of
                        the gross receipts of the taxpayer for the year
                        but does not exceed 1.5 percent of such gross
                        receipts,
                            ``(ii) 2.2 percent of so much of such
                        expenses as exceeds 1.5 percent of such gross
                        receipts but does not exceed 2 percent of such
                        gross receipts, and
                            ``(iii) 2.75 percent of so much of such
                        expenses as exceeds 2 percent of such receipts.
                    ``(B) Election.--An election under this subsection
                shall apply only to the taxable year for which made.
            ``(6) Coordination.--In determining the amount of the
        credit allowed by subsection (a) for expenses which are not
        allowed the increased credit under this subsection--
                    ``(A) the amount of qualified research expenses
                shall be computed by excluding qualified medical
                research expenses for which the increased credit
                determined under this subsection is allowed;
                    ``(B) the base amount determined under paragraph
                (1) of subsection (c) shall be computed by excluding
                qualified medical research expenses for which the
                increased credit determined under this subsection is
                allowed from qualified research expenses for purposes
                of that computation; and
                    ``(C) the alternative incremental credit determined
                under subsection (c)(4) shall be computed by excluding
                qualified medical research expenses for which the
                increased credit determined under this subsection is
                allowed from qualified research expenses for purposes
                of that computation.''
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Output: Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning the credit for increasing research activities provisions to provide for an increased credit for qualified medical research expenses.


Input:
SECTION 1. NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL AND ERADICATION.
    The Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subtitle:

           ``Subtitle E--Noxious Weed Control and Eradication

``SEC. 451. SHORT TITLE.

    ``This subtitle may be cited as the `Noxious Weed Control and
Eradication Act of 2004'.

``SEC. 452. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this subtitle:
        ``(1) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the meaning
    given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
        ``(2) Weed management entity.--The term `weed management
    entity' means an entity that--
            ``(A) is recognized by the State in which it is
        established;
            ``(B) is established for the purpose of or has demonstrable
        expertise and significant experience in controlling or
        eradicating noxious weeds and increasing public knowledge and
        education concerning the need to control or eradicate noxious
        weeds;
            ``(C) may be multijurisdictional and multidisciplinary in
        nature;
            ``(D) may include representatives from Federal, State,
        local, or, where applicable, Indian Tribe governments, private
        organizations, individuals, and State-recognized conservation
        districts or State-recognized weed management districts; and
            ``(E) has existing authority to perform land management
        activities on Federal land if the proposed project or activity
        is on Federal lands.
        ``(3) Federal lands.--The term `Federal lands' means those
    lands owned and managed by the United States Forest Service or the
    Bureau of Land Management.

``SEC. 453. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to
provide financial and technical assistance to control or eradicate
noxious weeds.
    ``(b) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations under
section 457(a), the Secretary shall make grants under section 454 to
weed management entities for the control or eradication of noxious
weeds.
    ``(c) Agreements.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
under section 457(b), the Secretary shall enter into agreements under
section 455 with weed management entities to provide financial and
technical assistance for the control or eradication of noxious weeds.

``SEC. 454. GRANTS TO WEED MANAGEMENT ENTITIES.

    ``(a) Consultation and Consent.--In carrying out a grant under this
subtitle, the weed management entity and the Secretary shall--
        ``(1) if the activities funded under the grant will take place
    on Federal land, consult with the heads of the Federal agencies
    having jurisdiction over the land; or
        ``(2) obtain the written consent of the non-Federal landowner.
    ``(b) Grant Considerations.--In determining the amount of a grant
to a weed management entity, the Secretary shall consider--
        ``(1) the severity or potential severity of the noxious weed
    problem;
        ``(2) the extent to which the Federal funds will be used to
    leverage non-Federal funds to address the noxious weed problem;
        ``(3) the extent to which the weed management entity has made
    progress in addressing the noxious weeds problem; and
        ``(4) other factors that the Secretary determines to be
    relevant.
    ``(c) Use of Grant Funds; Cost Shares.--
        ``(1) Use of grants.--A weed management entity that receives a
    grant under subsection (a) shall use the grant funds to carry out a
    project authorized by subsection (d) for the control or eradication
    of a noxious weed.
        ``(2) Cost shares.--
            ``(A) Federal cost share.--The Federal share of the cost of
        carrying out an authorized project under this section
        exclusively on non-Federal land shall not exceed 50 percent.
            ``(B) Form of non-federal cost share.--The non-Federal
        share of the cost of carrying out an authorized project under
        this section may be provided in cash or in kind.
    ``(d) Authorized Projects.--Projects funded by grants under this
section include the following:
        ``(1) Education, inventories and mapping, management,
    monitoring, methods development, and other capacity building
    activities, including the payment of the cost of personnel and
    equipment that promote control or eradication of noxious weeds.
        ``(2) Other activities to control or eradicate noxious weeds or
    promote control or eradication of noxious weeds.
    ``(e) Application.--To be eligible to receive assistance under this
section, a weed management entity shall prepare and submit to the
Secretary an application containing such information as the Secretary
shall by regulation require.
    ``(f) Selection of Projects.--Projects funded under this section
shall be selected by the Secretary on a competitive basis, taking into
consideration the following:
        ``(1) The severity of the noxious weed problem or potential
    problem addressed by the project.
        ``(2) The likelihood that the project will prevent or resolve
    the problem, or increase knowledge about resolving similar
    problems.
        ``(3) The extent to which the Federal funds will leverage non-
    Federal funds to address the noxious weed problem addressed by the
    project.
        ``(4) The extent to which the program will improve the overall
    capacity of the United States to address noxious weed control and
    management.
        ``(5) The extent to which the weed management entity has made
    progress in addressing noxious weed problems.
        ``(6) The extent to which the project will provide a
    comprehensive approach to the control or eradication of noxious
    weeds.
        ``(7) The extent to which the project will reduce the total
    population of noxious weeds.
        ``(8) The extent to which the project promotes cooperation and
    participation between States that have common interests in
    controlling and eradicating noxious weeds.
        ``(9) Other factors that the Secretary determines to be
    relevant.
    ``(g) Regional, State, and Local Involvement.--In determining which
projects receive funding under this section, the Secretary shall, to
the maximum extent practicable--
        ``(1) rely on technical and merit reviews provided by regional,
    State, or local weed management experts; and
        ``(2) give priority to projects that maximize the involvement
    of State, local and, where applicable, Indian Tribe governments.
    ``(h) Special Consideration.--The Secretary shall give special
consideration to States with approved weed management entities
established by Indian Tribes and may provide an additional allocation
to a State to meet the particular needs and projects that the weed
management entity plans to address.

``SEC. 455. AGREEMENTS.

    ``(a) Consultation and Consent.--In carrying out an agreement under
this section, the Secretary shall--
        ``(1) if the activities funded under the agreement will take
    place on Federal land, consult with the heads of the Federal
    agencies having jurisdiction over the land; or
        ``(2) obtain the written consent of the non-Federal landowner.
    ``(b) Application of Other Laws.--The Secretary may enter into
agreements under this section with weed management entities
notwithstanding sections 6301 through 6309 of title 31, United States
Code, and other laws relating to the procurement of goods and services
for the Federal Government.
    ``(c) Eligible Activities.--Activities carried out under an
agreement under this section may include the following:
        ``(1) Education, inventories and mapping, management,
    monitoring, methods development, and other capacity building
    activities, including the payment of the cost of personnel and
    equipment that promote control or eradication of noxious weeds.
        ``(2) Other activities to control or eradicate noxious weeds.
    ``(d) Selection of Activities.--Activities funded under this
section shall be selected by the Secretary taking into consideration
the following:
        ``(1) The severity of the noxious weeds problem or potential
    problem addressed by the activities.
        ``(2) The likelihood that the activity will prevent or resolve
    the problem, or increase knowledge about resolving similar
    problems.
        ``(3) The extent to which the activity will provide a
    comprehensive approach to the control or eradication of noxious
    weeds.
        ``(4) The extent to which the program will improve the overall
    capacity of the United States to address noxious weed control and
    management.
        ``(5) The extent to which the project promotes cooperation and
    participation between States that have common interests in
    controlling and eradicating noxious weeds.
        ``(6) Other factors that the Secretary determines to be
    relevant.
    ``(e) Regional, State, and Local Involvement.--In determining which
activities receive funding under this section, the Secretary shall, to
the maximum extent practicable--
        ``(1) rely on technical and merit reviews provided by regional,
    State, or local weed management experts; and
        ``(2) give priority to activities that maximize the involvement
    of State, local, and, where applicable, representatives of Indian
    Tribe governments.
    ``(f) Rapid Response Program.--At the request of the Governor of a
State, the Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with a weed
management entity in that State to enable rapid response to outbreaks
of noxious weeds at a stage which rapid eradication and control is
possible and to ensure eradication or immediate control of the noxious
weeds if--
        ``(1) there is a demonstrated need for the assistance;
        ``(2) the noxious weed is considered to be a significant threat
    to native fish, wildlife, or their habitats, as determined by the
    Secretary;
        ``(3) the economic impact of delaying action is considered by
    the Secretary to be substantial; and
        ``(4) the proposed response to such threat--
            ``(A) is technically feasible;
            ``(B) economically responsible; and
            ``(C) minimizes adverse impacts to the structure and
        function of an ecosystem and adverse effects on nontarget
        species and ecosystems.

``SEC. 456. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROGRAMS.

    ``Funds under this Act (other than those made available for section
455(f)) are intended to supplement, not replace, assistance available
to weed management entities, areas, and districts for control or
eradication of noxious weeds on Federal lands and non-Federal lands.
The provision of funds to a weed management entity under this Act
(other than those made available for section 455(f)) shall have no
effect on the amount of any payment received by a county from the
Federal Government under chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code.

``SEC. 457. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``(a) Grants.--To carry out section 454, there are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2005
through 2009, of which not more than 5 percent of the funds made
available for a fiscal year may be used by the Secretary for
administrative costs.
    ``(b) Agreements.--To carry out section 455 of this subtitle, there
are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $7,500,000 for each
of fiscal years 2005 through 2009, of which not more than 5 percent of
the funds made available for a fiscal year may be used by the Secretary
for administrative costs of Federal agencies.''.

SEC. 2. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.

    The table of sections in section 1(b) of the Agricultural Risk
Protection Act of 2000 is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 442 the following:

           ``Subtitle E--Noxious Weed Control and Eradication

``Sec. 451. Short title.
``Sec. 452. Definitions.
``Sec. 453. Establishment of program.
``Sec. 454. Grants to weed management entities.
``Sec. 455. Agreements.
``Sec. 456. Relationship to other programs.
``Sec. 457. Authorization of Appropriations.''.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and
                                               President of the Senate.

Output:
Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act of 2004 - Amends the Plant Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grant program to provide financial and technical assistance to weed management entities to control or eradicate noxious weeds. Sets forth criteria for making grants to weed management entities and for the selection for funding of weed eradication projects. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to States with approved weed management entities established by Indian tribes.

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with weed management entities for funding of weed eradication activities that take into consideration various factors, including: (1) the severity of the noxious weeds problem or potential problem; (2) the likelihood that the activities will prevent or resolve the weed problem or increase knowledge about resolving similar problems; (3) the extent to which the activities will provide a comprehensive approach to the control or eradication of noxious weeds; (4) the extent to which the activities will improve the overall capacity of the United States to address noxious weed problems; and (5) the extent to which the activities promote cooperation and participation between States that have a common interest in controlling and eradicating noxious weeds.

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with weed management entities to enable rapid response to outbreaks of noxious weeds.

States that the assistance authorized under this Act is meant to supplement, and not replace, other assistance available for control or eradication of harmful, invasive weeds on public and private lands.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009. Limits funding for administrative costs to five percent of available funds.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States Fire Administration
Authorization Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATOR.

    Notwithstanding section 1513 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(6 U.S.C. 553), the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration shall continue to be appointed and compensated as
provided under section 5(b) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control
Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2204(b)).

SEC. 3. NATIONAL RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLER STRATEGY.

    Section 30 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974
(15 U.S.C. 2226) is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``The
        Director, acting''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(b) National Residential Fire Sprinkler Strategy.--The
Administrator shall develop and implement a strategy for promoting the
installation and use of residential fire sprinklers. The strategy shall
include--
            ``(1) advocacy and informational support to relevant
        stakeholders, including builders, insurers, and State and local
        decisionmakers;
            ``(2) promotion of residential sprinklers in residences
        supported by the Federal Government;
            ``(3) a particular focus on residences--
                    ``(A) at high risk to fire hazards; and
                    ``(B) with occupants at high risk to fire hazards,
                such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities;
                and
            ``(4) a particular focus on localized fire suppression in
        high-risk areas of residences.''.

SEC. 4. SUPPORT FOR TRAINING TO FIGHT MARITIME FIRES.

    Subsection (b)(3)(B) of the first section 33 of the Federal Fire
Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229(b)(3)(B)) is amended
by inserting ``maritime firefighting,'' after ``arson prevention and
detection,''.

SEC. 5. FIREFIGHTER ASSISTANCE GRANTS PROGRAM.

    The first section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act
of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Director'' each place it appears and
        inserting ``Administrator'';
            (2) by amending subsection (b)(2) to read as follows:
            ``(2) Administrative assistance.--The Administrator shall
        establish specific criteria for the selection of recipients of
        assistance under this section and shall provide grant-writing
        assistance to applicants.''; and
            (3) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``operate the office
        established under subsection (b)(2) and''.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 17(g)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2216(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``to carry out the
purposes'' and all that follows through the end of subparagraph (K) and
inserting ``to the Administrator to carry out the purposes of this Act,
other than the firefighter assistance program under section 33--
            ``(A) $58,928,000 for fiscal year 2004;
            ``(B) $60,700,000 for fiscal year 2005; and
            ``(C) $62,520,000 for fiscal year 2006.''.

SEC. 7. COURSES AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE.

    Section 7(l) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974
(15 U.S.C. 2206(l)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``The Superintendent shall offer, at the Academy and at other sites,
courses and training assistance as necessary to accommodate all
geographic regions and needs of career and volunteer firefighters.''.

SEC. 8. NEW FIREFIGHTING TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) In General.--Section 8 of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2207) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
    ``(e) Development of New Technology.--
            ``(1) In general.--In addition to, or as part of, the
        program conducted under subsection (a), the Administrator, in
        consultation with the National Institute of Standards and
        Technology, the Inter-Agency Board for Equipment
        Standardization and Inter-Operability, national voluntary
        consensus standards development organizations, interested
        Federal, State, and local agencies, and other interested
        parties, shall--
                    ``(A) develop new, and utilize existing,
                measurement techniques and testing methodologies for
                evaluating new firefighting technologies, including--
                            ``(i) personal protection equipment;
                            ``(ii) devices for advance warning of
                        extreme hazard;
                            ``(iii) equipment for enhanced vision;
                            ``(iv) devices to locate victims,
                        firefighters, and other rescue personnel in
                        above-ground and below-ground structures;
                            ``(v) equipment and methods to provide
                        information for incident command, including the
                        monitoring and reporting of individual
                        personnel welfare;
                            ``(vi) equipment and methods for training,
                        especially for virtual reality training; and
                            ``(vii) robotics and other remote-
                        controlled devices;
                    ``(B) evaluate the compatibility of new equipment
                and technology with existing firefighting technology;
                and
                    ``(C) support the development of new voluntary
                consensus standards through national voluntary
                consensus standards organizations for new firefighting
                technologies based on techniques and methodologies
                described in subparagraph (A).
            ``(2) Standards for new equipment.--(A) The Administrator
        shall, by regulation, require that new equipment or systems
        purchased through the assistance program established by section
        33 meet or exceed applicable voluntary consensus standards for
        such equipment or systems for which applicable voluntary
        consensus standards have been established. The Administrator
        may waive the requirement under this subparagraph with respect
        to specific standards.
            ``(B) If an applicant for a grant under section 33 proposes
        to purchase, with assistance provided under the grant, new
        equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed applicable
        voluntary consensus standards, the applicant shall include in
        the application an explanation of why such equipment or systems
        will serve the needs of the applicant better than equipment or
        systems that do meet or exceed such standards.
            ``(C) In making a determination whether or not to waive the
        requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect to a specific
        standard, the Administrator shall, to the greatest extent
        practicable--
                    ``(i) consult with grant applicants and other
                members of the fire services regarding the impact on
                fire departments of the requirement to meet or exceed
                the specific standard;
                    ``(ii) take into consideration the explanation
                provided by the applicant under subparagraph (B); and
                    ``(iii) seek to minimize the impact of the
                requirement to meet or exceed the specific standard on
                the applicant, particularly if meeting the standard
                would impose additional costs.
            ``(D) Applicants that apply for a grant under the terms of
        subparagraph (B) may include a second grant request in the
        application to be considered by the Administrator in the event
        that the Administrator does not approve the primary grant
        request on the grounds of the equipment not meeting applicable
        voluntary consensus standards.''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 17 of the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2216) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Development of New Technology.--In addition to sums otherwise
authorized under this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated to
the Administrator to carry out section 8(e)--
            ``(1) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2004;
            ``(2) $2,250,000 for fiscal year 2005; and
            ``(3) $2,300,000 for fiscal year 2006.''.

SEC. 9. COORDINATION OF RESPONSE TO NATIONAL EMERGENCY.

    (a) In General.--Section 10 of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2209) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
    ``(b) Mutual Aid Systems.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, after consultation
        with the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
        shall provide technical assistance and training to State and
        local fire service officials to establish nationwide and State
        mutual aid systems for dealing with national emergencies that--
                    ``(A) include threat assessment and equipment
                deployment strategies;
                    ``(B) include means of collecting asset and
                resource information to provide accurate and timely
                data for regional deployment; and
                    ``(C) are consistent with the Federal Emergency
                Management Agency's Federal Response Plan.
            ``(2) Model mutual aid plans.--The Administrator, in
        consultation with the Director of the Federal Emergency
        Management Agency, shall develop and make available to State
        and local fire service officials model mutual aid plans for
        both intrastate and interstate assistance.''.
    (b) Report on Strategic Needs.--Within 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration shall report to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee
on Science on the need for a strategy concerning deployment of
volunteers and emergency response personnel (as defined in section 6 of
the Firefighters' Safety Study Act (15 U.S.C. 2223e), including a
national credentialing system, in the event of a national emergency.
    (c) Update of Federal Response Plan.--Within 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall--
            (1) revise that Agency's Federal Response Plan to
        incorporate plans for responding to terrorist attacks,
        particularly in urban areas, including fire detection and
        suppression and related emergency services; and
            (2) transmit a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
        Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives
        Committee on Science describing the action taken to comply with
        paragraph (1).

SEC. 10. TRAINING.

    (a) In General.--Section 7(d)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2206(d)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in subparagraph
        (E);
            (2) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (N);
        and
            (3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
                    ``(F) strategies for building collapse rescue;
                    ``(G) the use of technology in response to fires,
                including terrorist incidents and other national
                emergencies;
                    ``(H) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing
                with terrorist-caused national catastrophes;
                    ``(I) use of and familiarity with the Federal
                Emergency Management Agency's Federal Response Plan;
                    ``(J) leadership and strategic skills, including
                integrated management systems operations and integrated
                response;
                    ``(K) applying new technology and developing
                strategies and tactics for fighting forest fires;
                    ``(L) integrating terrorism response agencies into
                the national terrorism incident response system;
                    ``(M) response tactics and strategies for fighting
                fires at United States ports, including fires on the
                water and aboard vessels; and''.
    (b) Consultation on Fire Academy Classes.--The Superintendent of
the National Fire Academy may consult with other Federal, State, and
local agency officials in developing curricula for classes offered by
the Academy.
    (c) Coordination With Other Programs To Avoid Duplication.--The
Administrator of the United States Fire Administration shall, where
appropriate, coordinate training provided under section 7(d)(1) of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2206(d)(1))
with the heads of other Federal agencies--
            (1) to ensure that such training does not duplicate
        existing courses available to fire service personnel; and
            (2) to establish a mechanism for eliminating duplicative
        training programs.

Output:
United States Fire Administration Authorization Act of 2003 - (Sec. 2) Re-establishes the position of United States Fire Administrator.

(Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to require the Administrator to develop and implement a national residential fire sprinkler strategy that meets specified requirements.

(Sec. 4) Allows the use of fire prevention program grant assistance for training of firefighting personnel in maritime firefighting.

(Sec. 5) Transfers the duties of the Director of the United States Fire Administration to the Administrator with respect to the firefighter assistance grants program. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish specific criteria for the selection of assistance recipients; and (2) provide grant-writing assistance to applicants.

(Sec. 6) Authorizes FY 2004 through 2006 appropriations for the Administrator to carry out this Act other than the firefighter assistance grants program.

(Sec. 7) Requires the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control to offer, at the Academy and other sites, courses and training assistance as necessary to accommodate all geographic regions and needs of career and volunteer firefighters.

 (Sec. 8) Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop new, and utilize existing, measurement techniques and testing methodologies for evaluating firefighting technologies; (2) evaluate the compatibility of new and existing equipment and technology; and (3) support the development of new standards through national voluntary consensus standards organizations for new firefighting technologies. Requires the Administrator, by regulation, to require that new equipment or systems purchased through the assistance program established by the Act meet or exceed established applicable voluntary consensus standards. Allows the Administrator to waive this requirement. Requires a grant applicant, who proposes to purchase with assistance provided under the grant new equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed applicable voluntary consensus standards, to include in the application an explanation of why such equipment or systems will serve the needs of the applicant better than equipment or systems that do meet or exceed such standards. Allows a grant applicant to include a second grant request in the application to be considered by the Administrator in the event the primary grant request is not approved on the grounds of the equipment not meeting such standards.

Authorizes FY 2004 through 2006 appropriations for the Administrator to develop new firefighting technology.

(Sec. 9) Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide technical assistance and training to State and local fire service officials to establish nationwide and State mutual aid systems for dealing with national emergencies; and (2) develop and make model mutual aid plans for both intrastate and interstate assistance available to State and local fire service officials.

Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on the need for a strategy concerning deployment of volunteers and emergency response personnel, including a national credentialing system, in the event of a national emergency.

Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) revise the FEMA Federal Response Plan to incorporate plans for responding to terrorist attacks, particularly in urban areas, including fire detection and suppression and related emergency services; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on the action taken to comply with such revisions.

(Sec. 10) Authorizes the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control to train fire service personnel in: (1) strategies for building collapse rescue; (2) the use of technology in response to fires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with terrorist-caused national catastrophes; (4) use of and familiarity with the FEMA's Federal Response Plan; (5) leadership and strategic skills, including integrated management systems operations and integrated response; (6) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting forest fires; (7) integrating terrorism response agencies into the national terrorism incident response system; and (8) response tactics and strategies for fighting fires at U.S. ports, including fires on the water and aboard vessels.

Authorizes the Superintendent to consult with other Federal, State, and local agency officials in developing curricula for classes offered by the Academy.

Requires the Administrator, where appropriate, to coordinate training provided under the Act with the heads of other Federal agencies to: (1) ensure that such training does not duplicate existing courses available to fire service personnel; and (2) establish a mechanism for eliminating duplicative programs.