Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 105-388.
Official Summary
Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for: (1) State energy conservation programs; and (2) the energy conservation program for schools and hospitals. (Sec. 3) Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 to implement the weatherization program. (Sec. 4) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to extend until October 1, 2003, Federal agency authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts. (Sec. 6) Repeals termination of the President's authority to require either allocation or priority contract performance of materials supplies and equipment in order to maximize domestic energy supplies under certain energy contingencies (thereby making such authority permanent). (Sec. 7) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to set forth a statutory mechanism for the allocation of credit for specified biodiesel fuel use by a fleet or covered person. Requires the Secretary to allocate one credit to a fleet or covered person for each qualifying volume of the biodiesel component of fuel containing at least 20 percent biodiesel by volume (B-20) purchased for use by the fleet or covered person in vehicles owned or operated by the fleet or covered person that weigh more than 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. Permits the Secretary to lower the B-20 requirement for reasons related to cold start, safety, or vehicle function considerations. Prohibits the allocation of credits for a purchase of biodiesel: (1) for use in alternative fueled vehicles; or (2) that is required by Federal or State law. Requires the Secretary, upon the request of a fleet or covered person receiving a credit allocation, to treat that purchase as the acquisition of one alternative fueled vehicle which the fleet or covered person is required to acquire by such Act. (Sec. 8) Requires the head of each Federal agency to report annually to the Congress on compliance with the alternative fuel purchasing requirements for Federal fleets, including a plan with specific dates for achieving compliance. Requires public dissemination of such reports in the Federal Register and on the Internet. (Sec. 9) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to each offering of a quantity of petroleum product during an Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) drawdown to prescribe guidelines under which the State of Hawaii may: (1) submit binding offers and purchase categories of such product (receiving, at the Governor's request, first preference in scheduling for lifting); and (2) enter into agreements with eligible entities (local refineries) which may act on the State's behalf. Instructs the Secretary of Energy, at the request of the governor of an insular area, or President of a Freely Associated State, to assist such area or State in its efforts to maintain adequate petroleum products supplies for a maximum 180-day period. (Sec. 10) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to extend from 1997 to the year 2003 authorization for demonstration programs promoting energy resource development and energy vertical integration on Indian reservations. (Sec. 11) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to authorize increased appropriations for remedial action at active processing sites, including off-site disposal at thorium processing sites. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to increase the requisite deposit level in the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund from $480 million to $488.333 million.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 amends several existing energy laws to authorize funding and extend programs focused on energy conservation and efficiency from fiscal years 1999 through 2003. It supports state energy conservation initiatives, weatherization programs, and energy-saving contracts for federal agencies. The Act also makes permanent the President's authority to prioritize materials and equipment supply during energy contingencies, establishes a credit system for biodiesel fuel use in certain fleets, and requires federal agencies to report on alternative fuel purchasing compliance. Additionally, it provides special provisions for petroleum product purchases by Hawaii and insular areas, extends energy development programs on Indian reservations, and increases funding for remediation at uranium processing sites.
This law extends and funds multiple federal energy conservation and efficiency programs through 2003, while enhancing federal authority and reporting requirements related to energy supply and alternative fuels.
- Authorizes appropriations for state energy conservation programs, weatherization, and energy conservation in schools and hospitals for FY 1999-2003.
- Makes permanent the President's authority to allocate or prioritize materials and equipment during energy contingencies.
- Establishes a biodiesel fuel credit system for fleets using B-20 or higher blends, with specific conditions and reporting requirements for federal agencies.
- Provides special purchasing preferences for Hawaii and insular areas during Strategic Petroleum Reserve drawdowns.
- Extends energy resource development programs on Indian reservations and increases funding for uranium site remediation.
['State governments implementing energy conservation programs', 'Schools and hospitals participating in energy conservation initiatives', 'Federal agencies managing energy savings performance contracts and alternative fuel fleets', 'Fleets and covered persons using biodiesel fuel blends', 'The State of Hawaii and insular areas relying on petroleum product supplies', 'Indian reservations involved in energy resource development', 'Entities involved in uranium enrichment decontamination and remediation']
['Implementation complexity related to biodiesel credit allocation and federal fleet compliance reporting', 'Costs associated with authorized appropriations and expanded remediation funding', 'Oversight challenges in ensuring compliance with alternative fuel purchasing and energy savings contracts', 'Potential administrative burden on federal agencies and states for reporting and program management', 'Authority expansion for the President regarding materials allocation may require careful monitoring']
The bill was enacted as Public Law No: 105-388 during the 105th Congress, reflecting ongoing federal efforts in the late 1990s to promote energy conservation, alternative fuels, and energy security. It builds upon and amends prior energy legislation such as the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, Energy Conservation and Production Act, and Energy Policy Act of 1992, aligning with federal priorities to support state programs, federal agency energy management, and energy resource development on Indian reservations.
High concern review — 3 hidden impact flags detected
GovScope reviewed 3 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Enhanced state and federal energy conservation programs may lead to reduced energy consumption and environmental benefits over time.', 'Permanent presidential authority for materials allocation could affect supply chain dynamics in energy-related industries during contingencies.', 'Biodiesel credit mechanisms might encourage greater use of alternative fuels in heavy vehicle fleets, influencing fuel markets.', 'Increased transparency from federal agency reporting could improve public oversight of alternative fuel compliance.', 'Extended energy development programs on Indian reservations may contribute to economic development and energy resource diversification.']
The bill includes several provisions that expand executive authority and impose new reporting requirements on federal agencies, which warrant ongoing oversight to ensure proper implementation and accountability. The authorization of increased appropriations for remediation and energy programs should be monitored for fiscal responsibility. Public dissemination of compliance reports enhances transparency, but the administrative burden on agencies should be evaluated. The permanent nature of certain authorities and credit allocation mechanisms requires clear guidelines to prevent unintended consequences.
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