42 USC CHAPTER 149, SUBCHAPTER IX, Part G: Science

From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 149—NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMSSUBCHAPTER IX—RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Part G—Science

§16311. Science

(a) In general

The Secretary shall conduct, through the Office of Science, programs of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application in high energy physics, nuclear physics, biological and environmental research, basic energy sciences, advanced scientific computing research, and fusion energy sciences, including activities described in this part. The programs shall include support for facilities and infrastructure, education, outreach, information, analysis, and coordination activities.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities of the Office of Science, including activities authorized under this part (including the amounts authorized under the amendment made by section 976(b) ¹ and including basic energy sciences, advanced scientific and computing research, biological and environmental research, fusion energy sciences, high energy physics, nuclear physics, research analysis, and infrastructure support)—

(1) $4,153,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(2) $4,586,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(3) $5,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(4) $5,814,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;

(5) $5,247,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;

(6) $5,614,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

(7) $6,007,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

(c) Allocations

From amounts authorized under subsection (b), the following sums are authorized:

(1) For activities under the Fusion Energy Sciences program (including activities under section 16312 of this title)—

(A) $355,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(B) $369,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(D) in addition to the amounts authorized under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), such sums as may be necessary for ITER construction, consistent with the limitations of section 16312(c)(5) of this title.

(2) For activities under the catalysis research program under section 16313 of this title—

(A) $36,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(B) $38,200,000 for fiscal year 2008; and

(3) For activities under the Systems Biology Program under section 16317 of this title such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.

(4) For activities under the Energy and Water Supplies program under section 16319 of this title, $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.

(5) For the energy research fellowships programs under section 16324 of this title, $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.

(6) For the advanced scientific computing activities under section 976— ¹

(A) $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(B) $350,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and

(7) For the science and engineering education pilot program under section 16323 of this title—

(A) $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008; and

(B) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.

(d) Integrated bioenergy research and development

In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for integrated bioenergy research and development programs, projects, and activities, $49,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2005 through 2009. Activities funded under this subsection shall be coordinated with ongoing related programs of other Federal agencies, including the Plant Genome Program of the National Science Foundation. Of the funds authorized under this subsection, at least $5,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be for training and education targeted to minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §971, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 898; Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5007, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 617; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §903, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4045.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This part, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle G (§§971–984A) of title IX of Pub. L. 109–58, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 898, which enacted this part and amended section 5523 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of subtitle G to the Code, see Tables.

Section 976, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c)(6), is section 976 of Pub. L. 109–58. Subsection (a) of section 976 is classified to section 16316 of this title and subsection (b) of section 976 amended section 5523 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 111–358 added pars. (5) to (7).

2007—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–69 added par. (4).

¹ See References in Text note below.

§16312. Fusion energy sciences program

(a) Declaration of policy

It shall be the policy of the United States to conduct research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications to provide for the scientific, engineering, and commercial infrastructure necessary to ensure that the United States is competitive with other countries in providing fusion energy for its own needs and the needs of other countries, including by demonstrating electric power or hydrogen production for the United States energy grid using fusion energy at the earliest date.

(b) Planning

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a plan (with proposed cost estimates, budgets, and lists of potential international partners) for the implementation of the policy described in subsection (a) in a manner that ensures that—

(A) existing fusion research facilities are more fully used;

(B) fusion science, technology, theory, advanced computation, modeling, and simulation are strengthened;

(C) new magnetic and inertial fusion research and development facilities are selected based on scientific innovation and cost effectiveness, and the potential of the facilities to advance the goal of practical fusion energy at the earliest date practicable;

(D) facilities that are selected are funded at a cost-effective rate;

(E) communication of scientific results and methods between the fusion energy science community and the broader scientific and technology communities is improved;

(F) inertial confinement fusion facilities are used to the extent practicable for the purpose of inertial fusion energy research and development;

(G) attractive alternative inertial and magnetic fusion energy approaches are more fully explored; and

(H) to the extent practicable, the recommendations of the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee in the report on workforce planning, dated March 2004, are carried out, including periodic reassessment of program needs.

(2) Costs and schedules

The plan shall also address the status of and, to the extent practicable, costs and schedules for—

(A) the design and implementation of international or national facilities for the testing of fusion materials; and

(B) the design and implementation of international or national facilities for the testing and development of key fusion technologies.

(c) United States participation in ITER

(1) In general

There is authorized United States participation in the construction and operations of the ITER project, as agreed to under the April 25, 2007 "Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project". The Director shall coordinate and carry out the responsibilities of the United States with respect to this Agreement.

(2) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report providing an assessment of the most recent schedule for ITER that has been approved by the ITER Council.

(3) Authorization of appropriations

Out of funds authorized to be appropriated under section 18645(o) of this title, there shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out the construction of ITER—

(A) $374,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;

(B) $379,700,000 for fiscal year 2023;

(D) $415,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

(E) $370,500,000 for fiscal year 2026; and

(F) $411,078,000 for fiscal year 2027.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §972, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 899; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, §2008(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2478; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10105(b), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1445.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 116–260, which enacted subsec. (c) of this section and was approved Dec. 27, 2020.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c)(3)(B) to (F). Pub. L. 117–167 added subpars. (B) to (F) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "$281,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025."

2020—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–260 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) related to United States participation in ITER.

§16313. Solar Fuels Research Initiative

(a) Initiative

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out a research initiative, to be known as the "Solar Fuels Research Initiative" (referred to in this section as the "Initiative") to expand theoretical and fundamental knowledge of photochemistry, electrochemistry, biochemistry, and materials science useful for the practical development of experimental systems to convert solar energy to chemical energy.

(2) Leveraging

In carrying out programs and activities under the Initiative, the Secretary shall leverage expertise and resources from—

(A) the Basic Energy Sciences Program and the Biological and Environmental Research Program of the Office of Science; and

(B) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

(3) Teams

(A) In general

In carrying out the Initiative, the Secretary shall organize activities among multidisciplinary teams to leverage, to the maximum extent practicable, expertise from the National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, and the private sector.

(B) Goals

The multidisciplinary teams described in subparagraph (A) shall pursue aggressive, milestone-driven, basic research goals.

(C) Resources

The Secretary shall provide sufficient resources to the multidisciplinary teams described in subparagraph (A) to achieve the goals described in subparagraph (B) over a period of time to be determined by the Secretary.

(4) Additional activities

The Secretary may organize additional activities under this subsection through Energy Frontier Research Centers, Energy Innovation Hubs, or other organizational structures.

(b) Artificial photosynthesis

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out under the Initiative a program to support research needed to bridge scientific barriers to, and discover knowledge relevant to, artificial photosynthetic systems.

(2) Activities

As part of the program described in paragraph (1)—

(A) the Director of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences shall support basic research to pursue distinct lines of scientific inquiry, including—

(i) photoinduced production of hydrogen and oxygen from water; and

(ii) the sustainable photoinduced reduction of carbon dioxide to fuel products including hydrocarbons, alcohols, carbon monoxide, and natural gas; and

(B) the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shall support translational research, development, and validation of physical concepts developed under the program.

(3) Standard of review

The Secretary shall review activities carried out under the program described in paragraph (1) to determine the achievement of technical milestones.

(4) Funds

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for basic energy sciences in a fiscal year, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out activities under this subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(c) Biochemistry, replication of natural photosynthesis, and related processes

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out under the Initiative a program to support research needed to replicate natural photosynthetic processes by use of artificial photosynthetic components and materials.

(2) Activities

As part of the program described in paragraph (1)—

(A) the Director of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences shall support basic research to expand fundamental knowledge to replicate natural synthesis processes, including—

(i) the photoinduced reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia;

(ii) the absorption of carbon dioxide from ambient air;

(iii) molecular-based charge separation and storage;

(iv) photoinitiated electron transfer; and

(v) catalysis in biological or biomimetic systems;

(B) the Associate Director of Biological and Environmental Research shall support systems biology and genomics approaches to understand genetic and physiological pathways connected to photosynthetic mechanisms; and

(C) the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shall support translational research, development, and validation of physical concepts developed under the program.

(3) Standard of review

The Secretary shall review activities carried out under the program described in paragraph (1) to determine the achievement of technical milestones.

(4) Funds

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §973, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 115–246, title III, §303(f)(1), formerly §303(d)(1), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3141, renumbered §303(f)(1), Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10102(a)(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1409; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10102(b), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1414.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(b)(1), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No funds allocated to the program described in paragraph (1) may be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology."

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(b)(2), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No funds allocated to the program described in paragraph (1) may be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology."

2018—Pub. L. 115–246 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to catalysis research program.

§16314. Hydrogen

(a) In general

The Secretary shall conduct a program of fundamental research and development in support of programs authorized under subchapter VIII.

(b) Methods

The program shall include support for methods of generating hydrogen without the use of natural gas.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §974, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 903.)

§16315. Electricity Storage Research Initiative

(a) Initiative

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out a research initiative, to be known as the "Electricity Storage Research Initiative" (referred to in this section as the "Initiative")—

(A) to expand theoretical and fundamental knowledge to control, store, and convert—

(i) electrical energy to chemical energy; and

(ii) chemical energy to electrical energy;

(B) to support scientific inquiry into the practical understanding of chemical and physical processes that occur within systems involving crystalline and amorphous solids, polymers, and organic and aqueous liquids; and

(C) to ensure the competitiveness of the United States in energy storage by fostering an ecosystem linking fundamental research and development to deployment of storage solutions while minimizing the environmental impacts of energy storage technologies.

(2) Leveraging

In carrying out programs and activities under the Initiative, the Secretary shall leverage expertise and resources from—

(A) the Basic Energy Sciences Program, the Advanced Scientific Computing Research Program, and the Biological and Environmental Research Program of the Office of Science;

(B) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and

(3) Teams

(A) In general

(B) Goals

The multidisciplinary teams described in subparagraph (A) shall pursue aggressive, milestone-driven, basic research goals.

(C) Resources

(4) Additional activities

The Secretary may organize additional activities under this subsection through Energy Frontier Research Centers, Energy Innovation Hubs, or other organizational structures.

(b) Multivalent systems

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out under the Initiative a program to support research needed to bridge scientific barriers to, and discover knowledge relevant to, multivalent ion materials in electric energy storage systems.

(2) Activities

As part of the program described in paragraph (1)—

(A) the Director of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences shall investigate electrochemical properties and the dynamics of materials, including charge transfer phenomena and mass transport in materials; and

(B) the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shall support translational research, development, and validation of physical concepts developed under the program.

(3) Standard of review

The Secretary shall review activities carried out under the program described in paragraph (1) to determine the achievement of technical milestones.

(4) Funding

(c) Electrochemistry modeling and simulation

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out under the Initiative a program to support research to model and simulate organic electrolytes, including the static and dynamic electrochemical behavior and phenomena of organic electrolytes at the molecular and atomic level in monovalent and multivalent systems.

(2) Activities

As part of the program described in paragraph (1)—

(A) the Director of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, in coordination with the Associate Director of Advanced Scientific Computing Research, shall support the development of high performance computational tools through a joint development process to maximize the effectiveness of current and projected high performance computing systems; and

(B) the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shall support translational research, development, and validation of physical concepts developed under the program.

(3) Standard of review

The Secretary shall review activities carried out under the program described in paragraph (1) to determine the achievement of technical milestones.

(4) Funding

(d) Mesoscale electrochemistry

(1) In general

The Secretary shall carry out under the Initiative a program to support research needed to reveal electrochemistry in confined mesoscale spaces, including scientific discoveries relevant to—

(A) bio-electrochemistry and electrochemical energy conversion and storage in confined spaces; and

(B) the dynamics of the phenomena described in subparagraph (A).

(2) Activities

As part of the program described in paragraph (1)—

(A) the Director of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences and the Associate Director of Biological and Environmental Research shall investigate phenomena of mesoscale electrochemical confinement for the purpose of replicating and controlling new electrochemical behavior; and

(B) the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shall support translational research, development, and validation of physical concepts developed under the program.

(3) Standard of review

The Secretary shall review activities carried out under the program described in paragraph (1) to determine the achievement of technical milestones.

(4) Funding

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for basic energy sciences in a fiscal year, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out activities under this subsection $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §975, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 903; Pub. L. 115–246, title III, §303(g)(1), formerly §303(e)(1), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3143, renumbered §303(g)(1), Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10102(a)(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1409; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10102(c), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1415.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(c)(1)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(c)(1)(B), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(c)(2), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No funds allocated to the program described in paragraph (1) may be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology."

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(c)(3), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No funds allocated to the program described in paragraph (1) may be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology."

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 117–167, §10102(c)(4), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No funds allocated to the program described in paragraph (1) may be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology."

2018—Pub. L. 115–246 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary shall conduct a program of fundamental research on solid state lighting in support of the Next Generation Lighting Initiative carried out under section 16192 of this title."

§16316. Advanced scientific computing research and development program

(1) In general

The Secretary shall conduct an advanced scientific computing research and development program that includes activities related to applied mathematics and activities authorized by the American Super Computing Leadership Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 5541 et seq.).

(2) Goal

The Secretary shall carry out the program with the goal of supporting departmental missions, and providing the high-performance computational, networking, advanced visualization technologies, and workforce resources, that are required for world leadership in science.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §976(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 903; Pub. L. 115–246, title III, §304(b)(1)(B), formerly §304(a)(1)(B), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3145, renumbered §304(b)(1)(B), Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10104(a)(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1433.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The American Super Computing Leadership Act of 2017, referred to in par. (1), is Pub. L. 108–423, Nov. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2400, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§5541 et seq.) of chapter 81 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5501 of Title 15 and Tables.

Amendments

2018—Par. (1). Pub. L. 115–246 substituted "American Super Computing Leadership Act of 2017" for "Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004".

§16317. Systems biology program

(a) Program

(1) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a research, development, and demonstration program in microbial and plant systems biology, protein science, computational biology, and environmental science to support the energy, national security, and environmental missions of the Department.

(2) Grants

The program shall support individual researchers and multidisciplinary teams of researchers through competitive, merit-reviewed grants.

(3) Consultation

In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall consult with other Federal agencies that conduct genetic and protein research.

(b) Goals

The program shall have the goal of developing technologies and methods based on the biological functions of genomes, microbes, and plants that—

(1) can facilitate the production of fuels, including hydrogen in sustainable production systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) convert carbon dioxide to organic carbon;

(3) detoxify soils and water, including at facilities of the Department, contaminated with heavy metals and radiological materials;

(4) develop cellulosic and other feedstocks that are less resource and land intensive and that promote sustainable use of resources, including soil, water, energy, forests, and land, and ensure protection of air, water, and soil quality; and

(5) address other Department missions as identified by the Secretary.

(c) Plan

(1) Development of plan

Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall prepare and transmit to Congress a research plan describing how the program authorized pursuant to this section will be undertaken to accomplish the program goals established in subsection (b).

(2) Review of plan

The Secretary shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review the research plan developed under this subsection. The Secretary shall transmit the review to Congress not later than 18 months after transmittal of the research plan under paragraph (1), along with the Secretary's response to the recommendations contained in the review.

(d) User facilities and ancillary equipment

Within the funds authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this part, amounts shall be available for projects to develop, plan, construct, acquire, or operate special equipment, instrumentation, or facilities, including user facilities at National Laboratories, for researchers conducting research, development, demonstration, and commercial application in systems biology and proteomics and associated biological disciplines.

(e) Prohibition on biomedical and human cell and human subject research

(1) No biomedical research

In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall not conduct biomedical research.

(2) Limitations

Nothing in this section shall authorize the Secretary to conduct any research or demonstrations—

(A) on human cells or human subjects; or

(B) designed to have direct application with respect to human cells or human subjects.

(f) Bioenergy research centers

(1) In general

In carrying out the program under section 18644(a) of this title, the Director shall support up to 6 bioenergy research centers to conduct fundamental research in plant and microbial systems biology, biological imaging and analysis, and genomics, and to accelerate advanced research and development of advanced biofuels, bioenergy or biobased materials, chemicals, and products that are produced from a variety of regionally diverse feedstocks, and to facilitate the translation of research results to industry. The activities of the centers authorized under this subsection may include—

(A) accelerating the domestication of bioenergy-relevant plants, microbes, and associated microbial communities to enable high-impact, value-added coproduct development at multiple points in the bioenergy supply chain;

(B) developing the science and technological advances to ensure process sustainability is considered in the creation of advanced biofuels and bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomass; and

(C) using the latest tools in genomics, molecular biology, catalysis science, chemical engineering, systems biology, and computational and robotics technologies to sustainably produce and transform biomass into advanced biofuels and bioproducts.

(2) Selection and duration

(A) In general

A center established under paragraph (1) shall be selected on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations, beginning on the date of establishment of that center.

(B) Applications

The Director shall consider applications from National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, and other appropriate entities.

(C) Existing centers

A center already in existence on August 9, 2022, may continue to receive support for a period of not more than 5 years beginning on the date of establishment of that center.

(D) New centers

The Director shall select any new center pursuant to paragraph (1) on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, with special consideration for applications from an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that is located in an eligible jurisdiction (as defined in section 13503(b)(3)(A) of this title).

(3) Renewal

After the end of the applicable period described in paragraph (2), the Director may renew support for a center for a period of not more than 5 years on a merit-reviewed basis. For a center in operation for 10 years after its previous selection on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, the Director may renew support for the center on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis for a period of not more than 5 years, and may subsequently provide an additional renewal on a merit-reviewed basis for a period of not more than 5 years.

(4) Activities

Centers shall undertake research activities to accelerate the production of advanced biofuels and bioproducts from biomass resources by identifying the most suitable species of plants for use as energy crops; and improving methods of breeding, propagation, planting, producing, harvesting, storage and processing. Activities may include the following:

(A) Research activities to increase sustainability, including—

(i) advancing knowledge of how bioenergy crop interactions with biotic and abiotic environmental factors influence crop growth, yield, and quality;

(ii) identifying the most impactful research areas that address the economics of advanced biofuels and bioproducts production; and

(iii) utilizing multiscale modeling to advance predictive understanding of advanced biofuel cropping ecosystems.

(B) Research activities to further feedstock development, including lignocellulosic, algal, gaseous wastes including carbon oxides and methane, and direct air capture of single carbon gases via plants and microbes, including—

(i) developing genetic and genomic tools, high-throughput analytical tools, and biosystems design approaches to enhance bioenergy feedstocks and their associated microbiomes;

(ii) conducting field testing of new potential bioenergy feedstock crops under environmentally benign and geographically diverse conditions to assess viability and robustness; and

(iii) developing quantitative models informed by experimentation to predict how bioenergy feedstocks perform under diverse conditions.

(i) developing feedstock-agnostic deconstruction processes capable of efficiently fractionating biomass into targeted output streams;

(ii) gaining a detailed understanding of plant cell wall biosynthesis, composition, structure, and properties during deconstruction; and

(iii) improving enzymes and approaches for biomass breakdown and cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin processing.

(D) Research activities to improve the feedstock conversion process for advanced biofuels and bioproducts, including—

(i) developing high-throughput methods to screen or select high-performance microbial strains and communities to improve product formation rates, yields, and selectivity;

(ii) establishing a broad set of platform microorganisms and microbial communities suitable for metabolic engineering to produce advanced biofuels and bioproducts and high-throughput methods for experimental validation of gene function;

(iii) developing techniques to enhance microbial robustness for tolerating toxins to improve advanced biofuel and bioproduct yields and to gain a better understanding of the cellular and molecular bases of tolerance for major chemical classes of inhibitors found in these processes;

(iv) advancing technologies for the use of batch, continuous, and consolidated bioprocessing;

(v) identifying, creating, and optimizing microbial and chemical pathways to produce promising, atom-economical intermediates and final bioproducts from biomass with considerations given to environmentally benign processes;

(vi) developing high-throughput, real-time, in situ analytical techniques to understand and characterize the pre- and post-bioproduct separation streams in detail;

(vii) creating methodologies for efficiently identifying viable target molecules, identifying high-value bioproducts in existing biomass streams, and utilizing current byproduct streams;

(viii) identifying and improving plant feedstocks with enhanced extractable levels of desired bioproducts or bioproduct precursors, including lignin streams; and

(ix) developing integrated biological and chemical catalytic approaches to valorize and produce a diverse portfolio of advanced biofuels and bioproducts.

(5) Industry partnerships

Centers shall establish industry partnerships to translate research results to commercial applications.

(6) Coordination

In coordination with the Bioenergy Technologies Office of the Department, the Secretary shall support interdisciplinary research activities to improve the capacity, efficiency, resilience, security, reliability, and affordability, of the production and use of advanced biofuels and bioproducts, as well as activities to enable positive impacts and avoid the potential negative impacts that the production and use of advanced biofuels and bioproducts may have on ecosystems, people, and historically marginalized communities.

(7) Funding

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (k) of section 18644 of this title for a fiscal year, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $30,000,000 per center established under paragraph (1) for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(8) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Advanced biofuel

The term "advanced biofuel" has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of title 7.

(B) Bioenergy

The term "bioenergy" means energy derived from biofuels.

(C) Biomass

The term "biomass" has the meaning given the term in section 15852(b) of this title.

(D) Bioproduct

The term "bioproduct" has the meaning given the term "biobased product" in section 8101 of title 7.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §977, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 903; Pub. L. 110–140, title II, §§232(a), 233, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1537; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10103(e), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1430.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This part, referred to in subsec. (d), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle G (§§971–984A) of title IX of Pub. L. 109–58, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 898, which enacted this part and amended section 5523 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of subtitle G to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–167 added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to establishment of at least 7 bioenergy research centers to carry out the program under subsec. (a) of this section.

2007—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–140, §232(a)(1), substituted "computational biology, and environmental science" for "and computational biology".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–140, §232(a)(2)(A), inserted "in sustainable production systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions" after "hydrogen".

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 110–140, §232(a)(2)(B)–(D), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–140, §233, added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

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.

§16318. Fission and fusion energy materials research program

(a) In general

Along with the budget request of the President submitted to Congress for fiscal year 2007, the Secretary shall establish a research and development program on material science issues presented by advanced fission reactors and the fusion energy program of the Department.

(b) Administration

In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall develop—

(1) a catalog of material properties required for applications described in subsection (a);

(2) theoretical models for materials possessing the required properties;

(3) benchmark models against existing data; and

(4) a roadmap to guide further research and development in the area covered by the program.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §978, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 904.)

§16319. Energy and water supplies

(a) In general

The Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to—

(1) address energy-related issues associated with provision of adequate water supplies, optimal management, and efficient use of water;

(2) address water-related issues associated with the provision of adequate supplies, optimal management, and efficient use of energy; and

(3) assess the effectiveness of existing programs within the Department and other Federal agencies to address these energy and water related issues.

(b) Program elements

The program under this section shall include—

(1) arsenic treatment;

(2) desalination; and

(3) planning, analysis, and modeling of energy and water supply and demand.

(c) Collaboration

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Interior, the Chief Engineer of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Defense, and other Federal agencies as appropriate.

(d) Facilities

The Secretary may utilize all existing facilities within the Department and may design and construct additional facilities as needed to carry out the purposes of this program.

(e) Advisory committee

The Secretary shall establish or utilize an advisory committee to provide independent advice and review of the program.

(f) Reports

Not later than 2 years after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the assessment described in subsection (b) and recommendations for future actions.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §979, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 905.)

§16320. Spallation Neutron Source

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) SING

The term "SING" means the Spallation Neutron Source Instruments Next Generation major item of equipment.

(2) SNS power upgrade

The term "SNS power upgrade" means the Spallation Neutron Source power upgrade described in the 20-year facilities plan of the Office of Science of the Department.

(3) SNS second target station

The term "SNS second target station" means the Spallation Neutron Source second target station described in the 20-year facilities plan of the Office of Science of the Department.

(4) Spallation Neutron Source Facility

The terms "Spallation Neutron Source Facility" and "Facility" mean the completed Spallation Neutron Source scientific user facility located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

(5) Spallation Neutron Source Project

The terms "Spallation Neutron Source Project" and "Project" means Department Project 99–E–334, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

(b) Spallation Neutron Source Project

(1) In general

The Secretary shall submit to Congress, as part of the annual budget request of the President submitted to Congress, a report on progress on the Spallation Neutron Source Project.

(2) Contents

The report shall include for the Project—

(A) a description of the achievement of milestones;

(B) a comparison of actual costs to estimated costs; and

(c) Spallation Neutron Source Facility plan

(1) In general

The Secretary shall develop an operational plan for the Spallation Neutron Source Facility that ensures that the Facility is employed to the full capability of the Facility in support of the study of advanced materials, nanoscience, and other missions of the Office of Science of the Department.

(2) Plan

The operational plan shall—

(A) include a plan for the operation of an effective scientific user program that—

(i) is based on peer review of proposals submitted for use of the Facility;

(ii) includes scientific and technical support to ensure that external users, including researchers based at institutions of higher education, are able to make full use of a variety of high quality scientific instruments; and

(iii) phases in systems upgrades to ensure that the Facility remains at the forefront of international scientific endeavors in the field of the Facility throughout the operating life of the Facility;

(B) include an ongoing program to develop new instruments that builds on the high performance neutron source and that allows neutron scattering techniques to be applied to a growing range of scientific problems and disciplines; and

(i) full user mode operations of the Facility;

(ii) instrumentation built at the Facility during the operating phase through full use of the experimental hall, including the SING;

(iii) the SNS power upgrade; and

(iv) the SNS second target station.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

(1) Spallation Neutron Source Project

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Spallation Neutron Source Project for the lifetime of the Project $1,411,700,000 for total project costs, of which—

(A) $1,192,700,000 shall be used for the costs of construction; and

(B) $219,000,000 shall be used for other Project costs.

(2) Spallation Neutron Source Facility

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), there is authorized to be appropriated for the Spallation Neutron Source Facility for—

(i) the SING, $75,000,000 for each of fiscal year 2007 through 2009; and

(ii) the SNS power upgrade, $160,000,000, to remain available until expended.

(B) Insufficient stockpiles of heavy water

If stockpiles of heavy water of the Department are insufficient to meet the needs of the Facility, there is authorized to be appropriated for the Facility $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §980, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 905.)

§16321. Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall construct and operate a Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. The Secretary shall commence construction no later than September 30, 2008.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. The Secretary shall not spend more than $1,100,000,000 in Federal funds for all activities associated with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, prior to operation of the Accelerator.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §981, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 115–246, title III, §308(b), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3150.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–246 substituted "Facility for Rare Isotope Beams" for "Rare Isotope Accelerator" in section catchline and in subsecs. (a) and (b).

§16322. Office of Scientific and Technical Information

The Secretary, through the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, shall maintain within the Department publicly available collections of scientific and technical information resulting from research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications activities supported by the Department.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §982, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 907.)

§16323. Science and engineering education pilot program

(a) Establishment of pilot program

The Secretary shall award a grant to a Southeastern United States consortium of major research universities that currently advances science and education by partnering with National Laboratories, to establish a regional pilot program of its SEEK–16 program for enhancing scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical literacy, creativity, and decision-making. The consortium shall include leading research universities, one or more universities that train substantial numbers of elementary and secondary school teachers, and (where appropriate) National Laboratories.

(b) Program elements

The regional pilot program shall include—

(1) expanding strategic, formal partnerships among universities with strength in research, universities that train substantial numbers of elementary and secondary school teachers, and the private sector;

(2) combining Department expertise with one or more National Aeronautics and Space Administration Educator Resource Centers;

(3) developing programs to permit current and future teachers to participate in ongoing research projects at National Laboratories and research universities and to adapt lessons learned to the classroom;

(4) designing and implementing course work;

(5) designing and implementing a strategy for measuring and assessing progress under the program; and

(6) developing models for transferring knowledge gained under the pilot program to other institutions and areas of the United States.

(c) Categorization

A grant under this section shall be considered an authorized activity under section 7381b of this title.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §983, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 113–188, title VI, §601(a), Nov. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 2019.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–188 struck out subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "No later than 2 years after the award of the grant, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report outlining lessons learned and, if determined appropriate by the Secretary, containing a plan for expanding the program throughout the United States."

§16324. Energy research fellowships

(a) Postdoctoral fellowship program

The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary provides fellowships to encourage outstanding young scientists and engineers to pursue postdoctoral research appointments in energy research and development at institutions of higher education of their choice.

(b) Senior research fellowships

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary provides fellowships to allow outstanding senior researchers and their research groups in energy research and development to explore research and development topics of their choosing for a period of not less than 3 years, to be determined by the Secretary.

(2) Consideration

In providing a fellowship under the program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider—

(A) the past scientific or technical accomplishment of a senior researcher; and

(B) the potential for continued accomplishment by the researcher during the period of the fellowship.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §984, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 908.)

§16325. Science and Technology Scholarship Program

(a) In general

The Secretary is authorized to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to individuals that is designed to recruit and prepare students for careers in the Department and National Laboratories.

(b) Service requirement

The Secretary may require that an individual receiving a scholarship under this section serve as a full-time employee of the Department or a National Laboratory for a fixed period in return for receiving the scholarship.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, §984A, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 908.)