2012.07 Title XVII (USC version as of 07.2012) - 16511-16514 submitted 7...

-CITE-

42 USC Sec. 16511
(112-90)

01/03/2012

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 149 - NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS

SUBCHAPTER XV - INCENTIVES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
-HEAD-

Sec. 16511. Definitions
-STATUTE-

In this subchapter:

(1) Commercial technology

(A) In general

The term "commercial technology" means a technology in

general use in the commercial marketplace.

(B) Inclusions

The term "commercial technology" does not include a

technology solely by use of the technology in a demonstration

project funded by the Department.

(2) Cost

The term "cost" has the meaning given the term "cost of a loan

guarantee" within the meaning of section 661a(5)(C) of title 2.

(3) Eligible project

The term "eligible project" means a project described in

section 16513 of this title.

(4) Guarantee

(A) In general

The term "guarantee" has the meaning given the term "loan

guarantee" in section 661a of title 2.

(B) Inclusion

The term "guarantee" includes a loan guarantee commitment (as

defined in section 661a of title 2).

(5) Obligation

The term "obligation" means the loan or other debt obligation

that is guaranteed under this section.
-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 109-58, title XVII, Sec. 1701, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat.

1117.)

-CITE-

42 USC Sec. 16512
(112-90)

01/03/2012

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 149 - NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS

SUBCHAPTER XV - INCENTIVES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
-HEAD-

Sec. 16512. Terms and conditions
-STATUTE-

(a) In general

Except for division C of Public Law 108-324 [15 U.S.C. 720 et

seq.], the Secretary shall make guarantees under this or any other

Act for projects on such terms and conditions as the Secretary

determines, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury,

only in accordance with this section.

(b) Specific appropriation or contribution

(1) (!1) In general
No guarantee shall be made unless -

(A) an appropriation for the cost of the guarantee has been

made;

(B) the Secretary has received from the borrower a payment in

full for the cost of the guarantee and deposited the payment

into the Treasury; or

(C) a combination of one or more appropriations under

subparagraph (A) and one or more payments from the borrower

under subparagraph (B) has been made that is sufficient to

cover the cost of the guarantee.

(c) Amount

Unless otherwise provided by law, a guarantee by the Secretary

shall not exceed an amount equal to 80 percent of the project cost

of the facility that is the subject of the guarantee, as estimated

at the time at which the guarantee is issued.

(d) Repayment

(1) In general

No guarantee shall be made unless the Secretary determines that

there is reasonable prospect of repayment of the principal and

interest on the obligation by the borrower.

(2) Amount

No guarantee shall be made unless the Secretary determines that

the amount of the obligation (when combined with amounts

available to the borrower from other sources) will be sufficient

to carry out the project.

(3) Subordination

The obligation shall be subject to the condition that the

obligation is not subordinate to other financing.

(e) Interest rate

An obligation shall bear interest at a rate that does not exceed

a level that the Secretary determines appropriate, taking into

account the prevailing rate of interest in the private sector for

similar loans and risks.

(f) Term

The term of an obligation shall require full repayment over a

period not to exceed the lesser of -

(1) 30 years; or

(2) 90 percent of the projected useful life of the physical

asset to be financed by the obligation (as determined by the

Secretary).

(g) Defaults

(1) Payment by Secretary

(A) In general

If a borrower defaults on the obligation (as defined in

regulations promulgated by the Secretary and specified in the

guarantee contract), the holder of the guarantee shall have the

right to demand payment of the unpaid amount from the

Secretary.

(B) Payment required

Within such period as may be specified in the guarantee or

related agreements, the Secretary shall pay to the holder of

the guarantee the unpaid interest on, and unpaid principal of

the obligation as to which the borrower has defaulted, unless

the Secretary finds that there was no default by the borrower

in the payment of interest or principal or that the default has

been remedied.

(C) Forbearance

Nothing in this subsection precludes any forbearance by the

holder of the obligation for the benefit of the borrower which

may be agreed upon by the parties to the obligation and

approved by the Secretary.

(2) Subrogation

(A) In general

If the Secretary makes a payment under paragraph (1), the

Secretary shall be subrogated to the rights of the recipient of

the payment as specified in the guarantee or related agreements

including, where appropriate, the authority (notwithstanding

any other provision of law) to -

(i) complete, maintain, operate, lease, or otherwise

dispose of any property acquired pursuant to such guarantee

or related agreements; or

(ii) permit the borrower, pursuant to an agreement with the

Secretary, to continue to pursue the purposes of the project

if the Secretary determines this to be in the public

interest.

(B) Superiority of rights

The rights of the Secretary, with respect to any property

acquired pursuant to a guarantee or related agreements, shall

be superior to the rights of any other person with respect to

the property.

(C) Terms and conditions

A guarantee agreement shall include such detailed terms and

conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate to -

(i) protect the interests of the United States in the case

of default; and

(ii) have available all the patents and technology

necessary for any person selected, including the Secretary,

to complete and operate the project.

(3) Payment of principal and interest by Secretary

With respect to any obligation guaranteed under this section,

the Secretary may enter into a contract to pay, and pay, holders

of the obligation, for and on behalf of the borrower, from funds

appropriated for that purpose, the principal and interest

payments which become due and payable on the unpaid balance of

the obligation if the Secretary finds that -

(A)(i) the borrower is unable to meet the payments and is not

in default;

(ii) it is in the public interest to permit the borrower to

continue to pursue the purposes of the project; and

(iii) the probable net benefit to the Federal Government in

paying the principal and interest will be greater than that

which would result in the event of a default;

(B) the amount of the payment that the Secretary is

authorized to pay shall be no greater than the amount of

principal and interest that the borrower is obligated to pay

under the agreement being guaranteed; and

(C) the borrower agrees to reimburse the Secretary for the

payment (including interest) on terms and conditions that are

satisfactory to the Secretary.

(4) Action by Attorney General

(A) Notification

If the borrower defaults on an obligation, the Secretary

shall notify the Attorney General of the default.

(B) Recovery

On notification, the Attorney General shall take such action

as is appropriate to recover the unpaid principal and interest

due from -

(i) such assets of the defaulting borrower as are

associated with the obligation; or

(ii) any other security pledged to secure the obligation.

(h) Fees

(1) In general

The Secretary shall charge and collect fees for guarantees in

amounts the Secretary determines are sufficient to cover

applicable administrative expenses.

(2) Availability

Fees collected under this subsection shall -

(A) be deposited by the Secretary into the Treasury; and

(B) remain available until expended, subject to such other

conditions as are contained in annual appropriations Acts.

(i) Records; audits

(1) In general

A recipient of a guarantee shall keep such records and other

pertinent documents as the Secretary shall prescribe by

regulation, including such records as the Secretary may require

to facilitate an effective audit.

(2) Access

The Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States,

or their duly authorized representatives, shall have access, for

the purpose of audit, to the records and other pertinent

documents.

(j) Full faith and credit

The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the

payment of all guarantees issued under this section with respect to

principal and interest.

(k) Wage rate requirements

All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and

subcontractors in the performance of construction work financed in

whole or in part by a loan guaranteed under this subchapter shall

be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects

of a character similar in the locality as determined by the

Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31

of title 40. With respect to the labor standards in this

subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and

functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64

Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40.
-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 109-58, title XVII, Sec. 1702, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat.

1117; Pub. L. 111-85, title III, Sec. 310, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat.

2873; Pub. L. 112-74, div. B, title III, Sec. 305(1), Dec. 23,

2011, 125 Stat. 877.)
-REFTEXT-

REFERENCES IN TEXT

Division C of Public Law 108-324, referred to in subsec. (a), is

division C of Pub. L. 108-324, Oct. 13, 2004, 118 Stat. 1255, known

as the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act, which is classified

principally to chapter 15D (Sec. 720 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce

and Trade. For complete classification of division C to the Code,

see Short Title note set out under section 720 of Title 15 and

Tables.

Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950, referred to in subsec.

(k), is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization

and Employees.

-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

2011 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112-74 added subsec. (b) and struck

out former subsec. (b). Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"No guarantee shall be made unless -

"(1) an appropriation for the cost has been made; or

"(2) the Secretary has received from the borrower a payment in

full for the cost of the obligation and deposited the payment

into the Treasury."

2009 - Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 111-85 added subsec. (k).
-FOOTNOTE-

(!1) So in original. No par. (2) has been enacted.

-CITE-

42 USC Sec. 16513
(112-90)

01/03/2012

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 149 - NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS

SUBCHAPTER XV - INCENTIVES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
-HEAD-

Sec. 16513. Eligible projects
-STATUTE-

(a) In general

The Secretary may make guarantees under this section only for

projects that -

(1) avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic

emissions of greenhouse gases; and

(2) employ new or significantly improved technologies as

compared to commercial technologies in service in the United

States at the time the guarantee is issued.

(b) Categories

Projects from the following categories shall be eligible for a

guarantee under this section:

(1) Renewable energy systems.

(2) Advanced fossil energy technology (including coal

gasification meeting the criteria in subsection (d)).

(3) Hydrogen fuel cell technology for residential, industrial,

or transportation applications.

(4) Advanced nuclear energy facilities.

(5) Carbon capture and sequestration practices and

technologies, including agricultural and forestry practices that

store and sequester carbon.

(6) Efficient electrical generation, transmission, and

distribution technologies.

(7) Efficient end-use energy technologies.

(8) Production facilities for the manufacture of fuel efficient

vehicles or parts of those vehicles, including electric drive

vehicles and advanced diesel vehicles.

(9) Pollution control equipment.

(10) Refineries, meaning facilities at which crude oil is

refined into gasoline.

(c) Gasification projects

The Secretary may make guarantees for the following gasification

projects:

(1) Integrated gasification combined cycle projects

Integrated gasification combined cycle plants meeting the

emission levels under subsection (d), including -

(A) projects for the generation of electricity -

(i) for which, during the term of the guarantee -

(I) coal, biomass, petroleum coke, or a combination of

coal, biomass, and petroleum coke will account for at least

65 percent of annual heat input; and

(II) electricity will account for at least 65 percent of

net useful annual energy output;
(ii) that have a design that is determined by the Secretary

to be capable of accommodating the equipment likely to be

necessary to capture the carbon dioxide that would otherwise

be emitted in flue gas from the plant;

(iii) that have an assured revenue stream that covers

project capital and operating costs (including servicing all

debt obligations covered by the guarantee) that is approved

by the Secretary and the relevant State public utility

commission; and

(iv) on which construction commences not later than the

date that is 3 years after the date of the issuance of the

guarantee;
(B) a project to produce energy from coal (of not more than

13,000 Btu/lb and mined in the western United States) using

appropriate advanced integrated gasification combined cycle

technology that minimizes and offers the potential to sequester

carbon dioxide emissions and that -

(i) may include repowering of existing facilities;

(ii) may be built in stages;

(iii) shall have a combined output of at least 100

megawatts;

(iv) shall be located in a western State at an altitude

greater than 4,000 feet; and

(v) shall demonstrate the ability to use coal with an

energy content of not more than 9,000 Btu/lb;
(C) a project located in a taconite-producing region of the

United States that is entitled under the law of the State in

which the plant is located to enter into a long-term contract

approved by a State public utility commission to sell at least

450 megawatts of output to a utility;

(D) facilities that -

(i) generate one or more hydrogen-rich and carbon monoxide-

rich product streams from the gasification of coal or coal

waste; and

(ii) use those streams to facilitate the production of

ultra clean premium fuels through the Fischer-Tropsch

process; and
(E) a project to produce energy and clean fuels, using

appropriate coal liquefaction technology, from Western

bituminous or subbituminous coal, that -

(i) is owned by a State government; and

(ii) may include tribal and private coal resources.

(2) Industrial gasification projects

Facilities that gasify coal, biomass, or petroleum coke in any

combination to produce synthesis gas for use as a fuel or

feedstock and for which electricity accounts for less than 65

percent of the useful energy output of the facility.

(3) Petroleum coke gasification projects

The Secretary is encouraged to make loan guarantees under this

subchapter available for petroleum coke gasification projects.

(4) Liquefaction project

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds awarded under

the Department of Energy's Clean Coal Power Initiative for

Fischer-Tropsch coal-to-oil liquefaction projects may be used to

finance the cost of loan guarantees for projects awarded such

funds.

(d) Emission levels

In addition to any other applicable Federal or State emission

limitation requirements, a project shall attain at least -

(1) total sulfur dioxide emissions in flue gas from the project

that do not exceed 0.05 lb/MMBtu;

(2) a 90-percent removal rate (including any fuel pretreatment)

of mercury from the coal-derived gas, and any other fuel,

combusted by the project;

(3) total nitrogen oxide emissions in the flue gas from the

project that do not exceed 0.08 lb/MMBtu; and

(4) total particulate emissions in the flue gas from the

project that do not exceed 0.01 lb/MMBtu.

(e) Qualification of facilities receiving tax credits

A project that receives tax credits for clean coal technology

shall not be disqualified from receiving a guarantee under this

subchapter.
-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 109-58, title XVII, Sec. 1703, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat.

1120; Pub. L. 109-168, Sec. 1(b)(1), Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3580;

Pub. L. 110-140, title I, Sec. 134(b), Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat.

1513.)
-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

2007 - Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 110-140 added par. (8) and struck

out former par. (8) which read as follows: "Production facilities

for fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrid and advanced diesel

vehicles."

2006 - Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 109-168 substituted "Department of

Energy's Clean Coal Power Initiative for Fischer-Tropsch" for

"clean coal power initiative under part A of subchapter IV for".
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2007 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 110-140 effective on the date that is 1 day

after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110-140, set out

as an Effective Date note under section 1824 of Title 2, The

Congress.

-CITE-

42 USC Sec. 16514
(112-90)

01/03/2012

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 149 - NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS

SUBCHAPTER XV - INCENTIVES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
-HEAD-

Sec. 16514. Authorization of appropriations
-STATUTE-

(a) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are

necessary to provide the cost of guarantees under this subchapter.

(b) Use of other appropriated funds

The Department may use amounts awarded under the Clean Coal Power

Initiative to carry out the project described in section

16513(c)(1)(C) of this title, on the request of the recipient of

such award, for a loan guarantee, to the extent that the amounts

have not yet been disbursed to, or have been repaid by, the

recipient.
-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 109-58, title XVII, Sec. 1704, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat.

1122; Pub. L. 109-168, Sec. 1(b)(2), Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat.

3580.)
-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

2006 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109-168 substituted "Clean Coal Power

Initiative" for "clean coal power initiative under part A of

subchapter IV".