[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5705 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5705
To establish a commission to study methods for improving and promoting
bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and
India, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 3, 2008
Mr. McDermott (for himself and Mr. Markey) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a commission to study methods for improving and promoting
bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and
India, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Energy Partnership with India
Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. RENEWABLE ENERGY DEFINED.
For purposes of this Act, the term ``renewable energy'' means an
energy supply or end-use technology (including solar technology, wind
technology, geothermal technology, hydroelectric technology, and carbon
capture technology), that over its life cycle and compared to a similar
technology already in commercial use--
(1) is reliable, affordable, economically viable, socially
acceptable, and compatible with the needs and norms of--
(A) each country that has a generating plant that
generates energy that is used in India or the United
States; and
(B) each country that uses energy or end-use
technology that is generated or produced in India or
the United States;
(2) results in--
(A) reduced emissions of greenhouse gases; or
(B) increased geological sequestration of
greenhouse gases; and
(3) may result in--
(A) substantially reduced emissions of air
pollutants; or
(B) the generation of substantially smaller or less
hazardous quantities of solid or liquid waste.
TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON RENEWABLE POWER TECHNOLOGY
COMMERCE
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established in the legislative branch a commission to be
known as the Congressional Commission on Renewable Power Technology
Commerce with India (in this title referred to as the ``Commission'').
The Commission shall study the methods of improving and promoting
bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and
India.
SEC. 102. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
The Commission shall make recommendations to Congress and the
President on methods and strategies to develop joint energy policy
between the United States and India to provide reliable energy
throughout India through the utilization of renewable, environmentally-
friendly means of production. The Commission shall submit to Congress
and the President a report containing--
(1) a description of--
(A) general market conditions for energy in India
and the potential for renewable technology solutions in
particular;
(B) key policy constraints that exist in the United
States and India for the production and distribution of
renewable energy in India;
(C) best practices for public, private, and public-
private partnerships that can spur investment in Indian
energy production and distribution through renewable
means in India; and
(D) key constraints preventing renewable technology
companies organized under the laws of the United States
or any State from investing in India; and
(2) its recommendations--
(A) to address the constraints described by the
Commission under paragraph (1)(D);
(B) regarding policy measures that the governments
of India and the United States could take to help
realize the full potential of its collaboration with
the United States on energy policy;
(C) for developing an optimal framework for joint
research and development opportunities related to
renewable energy between the United States and India in
the private, educational, and public sectors; and
(D) regarding the ideal role for energy-related
end-user devices (such as energy-efficient devices used
in residential and commercial buildings) in a policy
emphasizing energy efficiency.
SEC. 103. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 15
members appointed as follows:
(A) Five members appointed by the President,
including at least two representatives of
nongovernmental organizations.
(B) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives and two members appointed by
the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(C) Three members appointed by the majority leader
of the Senate and two members appointed by the minority
leader of the Senate.
(2) Chairperson.--At the time of appointment, the President
shall designate one of the members appointed in paragraph
(1)(A) as the Chairperson of the Commission.
(b) Qualifications.--To be eligible for appointment as a member of
the Commission, an individual shall be of recognized standing and
distinction in one or more of the following:
(1) Renewable energy production.
(2) The transmission and distribution of energy.
(3) Energy efficiency.
(4) Business.
(5) Entrepreneurship.
(6) Academia and public policy.
(c) Deadline for Appointment.--The members of the Commission shall
be appointed before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date
of the enactment of this title.
(d) Terms.--
(1) In general.--Each member shall be appointed for the
life of the Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties
of the Commission. Any such vacancy shall be filled in the same
manner in which the original appointment was made.
(e) Compensation.--
(1) Rates of pay.--Each member may be compensated at a rate
not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic
pay in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for
each day during which each such member is engaged in the actual
performance of the duties of the Commission.
(2) Travel expenses.--Each member shall receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with applicable provisions of subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the
home or regular place of business of the member in performance
of the duties of the Commission.
(3) Prohibition of compensation of federal employees.--
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2), any
member of the Commission who is a full-time officer or employee
of the United States or a Member of Congress may not receive
additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason their of
service on the Commission.
(f) Meetings.--
(1) Frequency.--
(A) Quarterly meetings.--The Commission shall meet
at least quarterly.
(B) Additional meetings.--In addition to quarterly
meetings, the Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or a majority of its members.
(2) Quorum.--Five members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(3) Meeting by telephone or other appropriate technology.--
Members of the Commission may meet using telephones or other
suitable telecommunications technologies if all members of the
Commission are able to communicate with all other members
simultaneously.
SEC. 104. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.
(a) Director.--
(1) Appointment.--The Commission shall have a director who
shall be appointed by the chairperson of the Commission with
the approval of a majority of the members of the Commission.
(2) Qualifications.--To be eligible for appointment as the
director, an individual shall be of recognized standing and
distinction in one or more of the following:
(A) International, national, or local public
service.
(B) Service-learning, as defined in section 101(23)
of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12511(23)).
(3) Salary.--The director shall be paid at a rate
determined by the chairperson with the approval of the
Commission, except that the rate of pay may not exceed the
maximum rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(b) Staff.--With the approval of the chairperson, the director may
appoint and fix the pay of additional qualified personnel as the
director considers appropriate, except that the rate of pay may not
exceed the maximum rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(c) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the Commission,
the director may procure temporary and intermittent services in the
same manner as an agency under section 3109(b) of title 5, United
States Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily
equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the
General Schedule.
(d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the
head of any department or agency of the United States may detail, on a
reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency
to the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties
under this title.
SEC. 105. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions.--For the purpose of carrying out this
title, the Commission may hold public hearings, sit and act at times
and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission
considers appropriate.
(b) Powers of Members and Agents.--If authorized by the Commission,
any member or agent of the Commission may take any action that the
Commission is authorized to take by this title.
(c) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure directly
from any department or agency of the United States information
necessary to enable it to carry out its duties under this title. Upon
request of the chairperson, the head of the department or agency shall
furnish that information to the Commission.
(d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and
agencies of the United States.
(e) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--The Architect of the
Capitol shall provide, on a nonreimbursable basis, suitable facilities
and equipment for the operation of the Commission.
(f) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Architect of the Capitol and the Administrator of
General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a nonreimbursable
basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission
to carry out its duties under this title.
(g) Contract Authority.--To the extent provided in advance in
appropriations Acts, the Commission may contract with and compensate
Government and private agencies or persons for services necessary for
the Commission to carry out its duties under this title.
SEC. 106. REPORTS.
(a) Interim Report.--Not later than the last day of the 12-month
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this title, the
Commission shall submit to Congress an interim report on its
activities.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than the last day of the 120-day
period beginning on the date of submission of the interim report
required under subsection (a), the Commission shall submit to Congress
a final report containing a detailed statement of the findings of the
Commission, together with its recommendations for proposed legislation.
SEC. 107. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 days after
submitting its final report under section 106(b).
TITLE II--DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING REPORT
SEC. 201. DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING REPORT.
Not later than the last day of the one-year period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of
Commerce, shall submit to Congress a report that--
(1) details the extent to which energy is reliably
available in India and what portion of such energy is produced
through renewable means;
(2) estimates the investment, export, and job creation
potential if United States industry plays a central role in the
production and distribution of renewable energy in India;
(3) estimates the economic benefits and poverty reduction
that would result if India's energy needs were substantially
met through the use of renewable energy;
(4) estimates the level of greenhouse gasses that India
would produce in the coming years if India did not pursue
renewable means of energy production;
(5) contains recommendations for the Federal Government and
the private sector regarding the provision of technical
assistance to assist in the investment, production, and
distribution of renewable energy in India.
TITLE III--RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNCIL
SEC. 301. RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the President shall seek to establish a
permanent joint renewable energy council between the United States and
India.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the council referred to in subsection
(a) shall be to provide advice to the President of the United States
and the Prime Minister of India concerning the promotion of
environmentally sustainable economic growth in India and the United
States through public policy related to the pursuit and facilitation of
investment, production, and distribution of renewable energy in India.
(c) Membership.--The membership of the council shall consist of--
(1) representatives from the legislative and executive
branches of--
(A) the Government of the United States; and
(B) the Government of India; and
(2) representatives from the private sector in--
(A) the United States; and
(B) India.
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