H.R. 1069
The Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2023 would amend the bipartisan Infrastructure Bipartisan Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to include more rigorous reporting requirements to Congress for federally funded demonstration programs.
SUMMARY
The bipartisan Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2023 amends the IIJA to expand reporting requirements at the Department of Energy for all demonstration projects managed by their new Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). These projects include nuclear, carbon capture and sequestration, and hydrogen demonstration projects.
HISTORY
Enacted in 2021, the bipartisan IIJA provides over $60 billion in funding for the Department of Energy to support over 20 major demonstration programs authorized by the Energy Act of 2020. These programs will catalyze the next generation of clean energy technologies spanning from advanced nuclear to geothermal to industrial decarbonization. This level of funding is unprecedented at the Department. Congressional oversight is a vital part of ensuring these programs yield successful demonstration projects.
SPECIFICS
In order to provide additional Congressional oversight, this legislation:
- Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to the relevant House and Senate Committees for each covered project or other demonstration projects administered or supported by the program within 6 months of enactment and at least semi-annually thereafter.
- Requests pertinent information on any initial contracts or financial assistance agreements executed between the Department and an award recipient; a list of any material, technical, or financial milestones that have or have not been met; and any material modifications to the scope, schedule, funding profile (including cost-share requirements), project partners or participating entities, or budget of the project.
ORIGINAL SPONSORS
Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH)
COSPONSORS
Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), Rep. Bryon Donalds (R-FL)