HR 292 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To improve energy and water efficiencies and conservation throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

January 8, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. BUYER (for himself, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. WALZ, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. HARE, Mr. BUCHANAN, and Mr. MILLER of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To improve energy and water efficiencies and conservation throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the ‘Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Department of Veteran Affairs Sustainability Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 3. Database on energy and water usage and expenditures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 4. Annual energy usage audit requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 5. Office of Energy Management.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 6. Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 7. Compliance with Executive Order 13423 and Department of Veterans Affairs Directive 0055.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 8. Report on installation of fueling stations for alternative fuels.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 9. Installation of energy efficient and renewable energy systems in Department buildings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 10. Use of electrical sub-metering of buildings of the Department of Veterans Affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 11. Energy Star acquisition requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 12. Grants for adaptive housing to encourage use of high efficiency systems and products and other energy reduction items.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 13. Grants for adaptive vehicles to encourage purchase of alternative fuel vehicles.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 14. Study on water and energy consumption by National Cemetery Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 15. Use by Department of Veterans Affairs of expertise of the national laboratories regarding energy and water efficient technologies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 16. Pilot program for the sale of air pollution emission reduction incentives and retention of proceeds from sales.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 17. Submission of reports to Congress by Secretary of Veterans Affairs in electronic form.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM.

(a) Sustainability Program- Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement a comprehensive program (to be known as the ‘Energy Sustainability Program’) throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of using resources in a manner so that the resources are used in a manner that minimizes consumption and encourages the use of alternative sources of energy while still meeting the responsibilities of the Department.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Goals of Program- The goals of the Sustainability Program are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to reduce overall energy consumption by the Department of Veterans Affairs, per unit of measure determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to reduce overall water usage by each of the Veterans Health Administration, National Cemetery Administration, and Veterans Benefits Administration, per unit of measure determined by the Secretary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to reduce the non-bio hazard and non-toxic waste stream generated by activities of the Department;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) to increase, whenever appropriate, the use of products that promote and support an integrated approach to sustainability; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) to cooperate to the maximum extent possible with State and local jurisdictions in matters of sustainability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Outreach- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take immediate action to inform all personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs about the need for the Sustainability Program and its goals and to encourage feedback from Department personnel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Management Organization- Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a management organization, to be led by the Assistant Secretary for Management, to develop the Sustainability Program. To assist the management organization, the Secretary shall appoint an advisory committee, to be comprised of Government employees, private persons, and industry officials with experience and expertise in developing sustainability programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Strategic Plan-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) PLAN REQUIRED- As part of the Energy Sustainability Program, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop a strategic plan for energy sustainability for the Department of Veterans Affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the progress made by the Secretary in developing the plan required by subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. DATABASE ON ENERGY AND WATER USAGE AND EXPENDITURES.

(a) Database Required- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish and maintain a database to track and report on energy and water expenditures by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The database will provide a baseline to compare changes in Department energy and water expenditures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Database Categories- At a minimum in maintaining the database, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall maintain summary statistics by facility type, major census region, size and age of facility, and energy and water source. In the case of health care facilities, the Secretary shall use subcategories of inpatient, outpatient, nursing home, and domiciliary care. Data on energy sources shall include the percentage of energy supplied by petroleum, natural gas, coal, and alternative energy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. ANNUAL ENERGY USAGE AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Baseline-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- Not later than September 30, 2010, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete an audit of energy usage by the Department of Veterans Affairs during fiscal year 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) SUBMISSION- Not later than March 30, 2011, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, in electronic form, a report containing the results of the energy audit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) USE- The energy audit shall serve as a baseline for the Sustainability Program required by section 2 and identify the potential impact of the Sustainability Program on the budget of the Department of Veterans Affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Annual Energy Audit Update and Report- As part of the annual report required to be submitted under section 546(e)(b) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 5, the Secretary shall include a report comparing energy usage by the Department of Veterans Affairs during the last fiscal year that ended before the submission of the report to the fiscal year 2010 baseline.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. OFFICE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT.

(a) Establishment of Office- Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 323. Office of Energy Management

‘(a) Establishment- There is in the Department an Office of Energy Management.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Head- There is at the head of the Office a Director, who shall be a Deputy Assistant Secretary. The Director reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Management.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Responsibilities- The Director is responsible for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) the formulation of policy and planning related to, and the implementation of, energy management programs of the Department; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) the monitoring of Department compliance with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) Executive Orders, Department Directives, and statutory requirements relating to energy management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Department energy audits; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) reporting requirements to Congress relating to the Department energy policies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) serving as the chair of the Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability under section 546 of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Staff and Support- The Office shall employ a sufficient number of personnel as are necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Office. The Secretary shall ensure that the Office is furnished sufficient resources in addition to personnel to enable the Office to carry out its responsibilities in a timely manner.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Increase in Maximum Number of Deputy Assistant Secretaries- Section 308(d)(1) of such title is amended by striking ‘not exceeding 19’ and inserting ‘not exceeding 20’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘323. Office of Energy Management.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY.

(a) Establishment- Chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 547. Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability

‘(a) Establishment- There is in the Department the Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ‘Committee’). The chair of the Committee is the Director of the Office of Energy Management under section 321 of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Membership- (1) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to energy management and sustainability; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) representatives of industries relating to energy management and sustainability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members, the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) The Under Secretary for Health, or the Under Secretary’s designee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) The Under Secretary for Benefits, or the Under Secretary’s designee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) The Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, or the Under Secretary’s designeeCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) The Assistant Secretary for Management, or the Assistant Secretary’s designee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) The Chief Information Officer, or the Chief Information Officer’s designee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) Such other officers of the Department as the Secretary considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) The Secretary shall ensure that the members of the Committee have expertise in the areas covered by the memorandum of understanding entitled ‘Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings’ entered into on March 6, 2006, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section, namely--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) employment of integrated design principles;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) optimization of energy performance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) protection and conservation of water;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) enhancement of indoor environmental quality; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) reduction of the environmental impact of materials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any such member for additional terms of service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Responsibilities- (1) The Committee shall provide advice, coordination, and recommendations related to the implementation of the sustainability construction projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Consultation- (1) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the implementation of energy and sustainability programs at the Department.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) In providing advice to the Secretary under this subsection, the Committee shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) assemble and review information relating to the needs of the Department as part of a whole sustainability and energy savings program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the policies, organizational structures, and services of the Department’s sustainability program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) provide on-going advice on the most appropriate means of responding to additional energy and sustainability requirements as may be imposed upon the Department through additional Acts of Congress, or through Presidential Executive Orders for each of the Department’s business lines.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Annual Reports- (1) Not later than December 31 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary an electronic report on the programs and activities of the Department relating to sustainability programs and energy efficiency programs developed by the Department. Each such report shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) an assessment of the needs of each of the Department’s business lines to enhance sustainability programs within each administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) Not later than 90 days after receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall transmit electronically to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of the report, together with any comments and recommendations concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary submitted pursuant to that section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the activities of the Committee under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) Section 14 of such Act shall not apply to the Committee.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Staff Awareness Campaigns To Encourage Support and Adoption of Energy Savings Practices- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a campaign to encourage personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs to support and adopt energy savings practices.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘547. Advisory Committee on Energy Management and Sustainability.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 13423 AND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DIRECTIVE 0055.

(a) Executive Order 13423- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs complies with Executive Order 13423. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify Congress of the current status of the Department’s compliance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Department of Veterans Affairs Directive 0055- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall notify Congress--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) of the anticipated completion dates for meeting the energy objectives contained in Department of Veterans Affairs Directive 0055 using the management tools specified in that Directive; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) of the actual completion date for meeting each objective.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. REPORT ON INSTALLATION OF FUELING STATIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE FUELS.

(a) Report Required- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the use of funds appropriated for ‘Construction, minor projects’ for the installation of alternative fueling stations at 35 medical facility campuses under title II of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 (division E of Public Law 110-329; 122 Stat. 3708). Such report shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) a list of the 35 medical facility campuses at which the Secretary plans to install alternative fueling stations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the types of alternative fuels to be made available at each station; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the cost of installing each station.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Requirement for Alternative Fuels- The alternative fuel made available through the alternative fueling stations on Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility campuses referred to in subsection (a) shall include domestically produced and refined E-85.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. INSTALLATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS IN DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS.

(a) Plan To Increase Use of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies in Department Facilities- Not later than March 30, 2010, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress, in electronic form, a detailed plan for increasing the use of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies in Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and operations, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) qualified solar technologies such as distributed amorphous, crystalline and nano-photovoltaic technologies systems, solar heating systems, solar cooling systems, solar hot water systems, solar lighting systems, and hybrid technologies that incorporate one or more of such systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) qualified energy efficient roof and building envelope systems such as systems with high solar reflectance or thermal emittance, including high albedo systems, systems with high thermal resistance, including use of enhanced roof insulation, systems with high thermal inertia, including use of ballasted or vegetated roof systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) qualified wind technologies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) qualified biomass materials such as wood-based renewable fuels to be used for fueling boilers and heaters.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 to carry out subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. USE OF ELECTRICAL SUB-METERING OF BUILDINGS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) Installation Required- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide for the installation of individual electrical sub-metering equipment for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) each boiler plant, chiller building, energy center, and laundry of the Department of Veterans Affairs, whether in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act or constructed after the date of the enactment of this Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) all other buildings of the Department of Veterans Affairs constructed after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purpose- The sub-metering required by this section is intended to record building electrical energy consumption for economic analysis and energy conservation measures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Installation Location-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- In the case of boiler plants, chiller buildings, energy centers, and laundry buildings, the sub-metering equipment shall be installed at the building’s low-voltage switchboard. If high-voltage chillers are used, additional sub-metering equipment for the chillers shall be installed. The meters for boiler plants shall be located separately from the energy center, where feasible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) NEW SEPARATE BUILDINGS- In the case of buildings described in subsection (a)(2), the sub-metering equipment shall be installed with the building’s utilization voltage equipment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) METER FUNCTIONS- At a minimum, the meter shall monitor voltage, current, kW, kW demand, kW hours, kVA, kVAR, and power factor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 11. ENERGY STAR ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that energy efficient products meeting the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs are purchased whenever the Department purchases items that consume electricity. In determining the energy efficiency of products, the Secretary shall consider products that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) meet or exceed Energy Star specifications; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) are listed on the Federal Energy Management Program Product Energy Efficiency Recommendations product list of the Department of Energy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 12. GRANTS FOR ADAPTIVE HOUSING TO ENCOURAGE USE OF HIGH EFFICIENCY SYSTEMS AND PRODUCTS AND OTHER ENERGY REDUCTION ITEMS.

Section 2102 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) The dollar limitations in effect under subsections (b) and (d) may be increased by the lesser of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) an amount equal to the actual cost of any high efficiency systems or products or other energy-use reduction items incorporated into the housing unit; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) $10,000.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 13. GRANTS FOR ADAPTIVE VEHICLES TO ENCOURAGE PURCHASE OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES.

Section 3902(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ‘The amount otherwise available to an eligible individual under this subsection may be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the cost of an alternative fuel vehicle and the cost of a comparable gas or diesel model of the vehicle if the eligible person elects to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 14. STUDY ON WATER AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Water Consumption Study- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on water consumption by activities of the National Cemetery Administration and ways to reduce water consumption. The study shall also examine the extent to which the use of grasses and other vegetation that is not native to the location of a national cemetery affects water consumption and evaluate the feasibility of composting grass clippings and other vegetation collected during cleanup of national cemeteries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Fuel Consumption Study- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on fuel consumption by equipment of the National Cemetery Administration used in maintaining national cemeteries and ways to improve fuel efficiency at cemeteries and other facilities under the control of the National Cemetery Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Deadline for Completion of Studies- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete the studies required under subsections (a) and (b) by not later than September 30, 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Report- Not later than March 31, 2011, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the studies conducted under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 15. USE BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF EXPERTISE OF THE NATIONAL LABORATORIES REGARDING ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES.

(a) Memorandum of Understanding- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Energy shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of improving and facilitating the use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the expertise of the national laboratories to evaluate energy and water efficient technologies for use by the Department to implement this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Assistance- The memorandum of understanding shall provide that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request assistance from the national laboratories with respect to energy and water efficient technologies as the Secretary of Veteran Affairs and the Secretary of Energy determine can be provided through the technical skills and experience of the national laboratories, using such financial arrangements as the Secretaries determine are appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Activities- The memorandum of understanding shall provide that the national laboratories shall carry out those activities necessary to respond to requests for assistance from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs referred to in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) National Laboratories- In this section, the term ‘national laboratory’ has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 16. PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE SALE OF AIR POLLUTION EMISSION REDUCTION INCENTIVES AND RETENTION OF PROCEEDS FROM SALES.

(a) Authority- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, may carry out a pilot program to sell economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants attributable to a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Incentives Available for Sale- Under the program, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may sell economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants attributable to a facility of the Department only if such incentives are not otherwise required for the activities or operations of the Department.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Use of Proceeds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) CREDIT TO DEPARTMENT FACILITIES- The proceeds of sale of economic incentives attributable to a facility of the Department shall be credited to the funds available to the facility for the costs of identifying, quantifying, or valuing economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants. The amount credited shall be equal to the cost incurred in identifying, quantifying, or valuing the economic incentives sold.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ALLOCATION TO DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES- If after crediting under paragraph (1) a balance remains, the amount of such balance shall be available to the Department for allocation by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, projects, and activities of the Department necessary for compliance with Federal environmental laws, including the purchase of economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants. To the extent practicable, amounts allocated under this paragraph shall be made available to the facilities that generated the economic incentives providing the basis for the amounts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) TREATMENT OF PROCEEDS- Funds credited under paragraph (1) or allocated under paragraph (2) shall be merged with the funds to which credited or allocated, as the case may be, and shall be available for the same purposes and for the same period as the funds with which merged.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Definition- In this section, the term ‘economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants’ means any transferable economic incentives (including marketable permits and emission rights) necessary or appropriate to meet air quality requirements under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Termination- The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2011.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 17. SUBMISSION OF REPORTS TO CONGRESS BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN ELECTRONIC FORM.

(a) Submission of Reports- Chapter 1 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 117. Reports to Congress: submission in electronic form

‘(a) Requirement- Whenever the Secretary or any other official of the Department is required by law to submit to Congress (or any committee of either House of Congress) a report, the Secretary or other official shall submit to Congress (or such committee) a copy of the report in an electronic format.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Treatment- The submission of a copy of a report in accordance with this section shall be treated as meeting any requirement of law to submit such report to Congress (or any committee of either House of Congress).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Definition- For the purposes of this section, the term ‘report’ includes any certification, notification, or other communication in writing.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘117. Reports to Congress: submission in electronic form.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Effective Date- Section 117 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to a report submitted after the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink