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Energy and Water Appropriations
Congress annually considers twelve appropriations measures, which provide funding for numerous activities, for example, national defense, education, homeland security, and crime. These measures also fund general government operations such as the administration of federal agencies. Congress has developed certain rules and practices for the consideration of appropriations measures, referred to as the congressional appropriations process. Appropriations measures are under the jurisdiction of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. These committees control only about 40% of total federal spending provided for a fiscal year. The House and Senate legislative committees control the rest. There are three types of appropriations measures. Regular appropriations bills provide most of the funding that is provided in all appropriations measures for a fiscal year, and must be enacted by October 1 of each year. If regular bills are not enacted by the deadline, Congress adopts continuing resolutions to continue funding until regular bills are enacted. Supplemental bills are considered later and provide additional appropriations. The Department of Energy (DOE) administers a clean coal research program which researches and develops high risk, bench scale coal technologies. The goal of the program is to develop advanced coal technologies that will allow our country to continue to use our lowest cost, and abundant, domestic natural resource, coal. The technologies developed in the program have dramatically reduced pollutant emissions from coal-fueled electricity generation plants, and are technologies are being developed to help reduce carbon emissions to achieve near-zero atmospheric emissions power production. The coal programs administered by the Department of Energy are funded through the Energy & Water Appropriations bills that are enacted by Congress. CURC advocates for the coal programs on an annual basis before Congress and the Administration. Please see below for information on the FY 2014 - 2009 Energy & Water Appropriations bills. Information from "The Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction" updated September 8, 2006 by Sandy Streeter, Analyst in American National Government, Government and Finance Division, and from the Department of Energy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY 2014 Energy & Water Appropriations:
The Fossil Energy & Coal RD&D Programs Summary of FY '14 Coal R&D Budget April 12, 2013
The President released his FY 2014 Budget Request to Congress on Wednesday, which includes a detailed budget plan for programs funded at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). At $28.4 billion, the FY 2014 request represents an 8% increase over the FY 2012 enacted funding levels for DOE. With respect to coal research and development, the President is requesting $276.6 million, which is $91.8 million below the FY 2012 level of $368.4 million. And again in FY 2014, the President is proposing to eliminate $4 billion in fossil fuel subsidies that, as described, impede investment in clean energy sources and undermine efforts to address the threat of climate change. This memorandum summarizes the President’s request and describes how the budget cuts (and certain programmatic increases) would impact those programs important to CURC. CURC FY 2014 Coal R&D Budget Chart FY 2013 Energy & Water Appropriations:
The Fossil Energy & Coal RD&D Programs April 1, 2013 The House and Senate passed a fiscal year (FY) 2013 Continuing Resolution (CR) last week to fund the federal government through September 30, 2013. The CR includes funding for the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which funds the Department of Energy and the Fossil Energy (FE) and Coal R&D programs of interest to CURC. This provided report and budget chart summarizes the impact of the CR, as well as the budget sequester, on the DOE coal R&D programs. House Passes Short-Term FY 2013 Spending Bill The CR funds the government for fiscal year 2013 at a level of $1.047 trillion, a cap established by the Budget Control Act (BCA). The $1.047 trillion spending cap in the CR is slightly higher than FY 2012 discretionary spending levels of $1.039 trillion and because of this small boost in FY 2013 funding, discretionary spending accounts will see a 0.6 percent across-the-board increase in funding. Late last week the Senate Appropriations Committee reported the FY 2013 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, providing recommendations for funding DOE’s Fossil Energy research activities. This memorandum summarizes the Senate's recommendations for the FE and Coal R&D programs of interest to CURC members.
*Report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary
House FY 2013 Recommendations for Coal R&D Funding April 25, 2012 The House Appropriations Committee yesterday reported the FY 2013 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which provides recommendations for funding DOE’s Fossil Energy research activities. This memorandum summarizes the Committee's recommendations and provides a budget chart on coal R&D funding (Report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary).
The Senate is expected to take action on their FY 2013 Energy & Water appropriations bill later this week. We will keep CURC members informed as the Senate takes action and reports their FY 2013 recommendations for coal R&D funding.
House FY13 Recommendations for DOE Fossil Energy Program
April 18, 2012 The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development approved by voice vote their fiscal year (FY) 2013 Energy & Water Appropriations spending bill, which includes a set of recommendations for funding programs at the Department of Energy, including the Fossil Energy programs of interest to CURC members.
Provided is a summary of the House recommendations for the Fossil Energy program (report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Below you will find statements regarding the bill and the House recommendations from Chairman of the Full Committee, Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), and Subcommittee, Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ).
Supporting documents: Statement from Chairman of the Full Committee, Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) Statement from Chairman of the Subcommittee, Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) CURC Testimony to Senate Subcommittee on Energy & Water Appropriations April 2, 2012 Here you will find testimony submitted to the Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water Appropriations on behalf of the membership of CURC. As you will see, the testimony provides recommendations for the FY 2013 Department of Energy coal RD&D program budget.
CURC Testimony to House Subcommittee on Energy & Water Appropriations March 30, 2012 Here you will find testimony submitted to the House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Appropriations on behalf of the membership of CURC. As you will see, the testimony provides recommendations for the FY 2013 Department of Energy coal RD&D program budget.
House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee Hearing on Fossil Energy FY13 Budget
March 28, 2012 The House Appropriations Energy & Water Development Subcommittee held a hearing to receive testimony on fiscal year 2013 appropriations for several Department of Energy offices, including the Office of Fossil Energy (FE). Testifying before the Subcommittee was Charles McConnell, Acting Assistant Secretary of FE.
Please find attached a summary of the hearing, as well as Mr. McConnell's testimony on the Office of Fossil Energy's FY13 activities.
Provided is a summary of the hearing as well as the written testimony of Mr. McConnell. Report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary. House Energy & Power Subcommittee Hearing on FY 2013 DOE Budget March 12, 2012 Provided is a summary of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power's hearing late last week to receive testimony on the Department of Energy (DOE)’s fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget. Energy Secretary Steven Chu testified before the committee as the sole witness. Report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary. Supporting documents: Secretary Chu's testimonyOpening Statement: Chairman of the full Committee Fred Upton (R-MI) Opening Statement: Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee Hearing on DOE FY13 Budget
March 1, 2012 The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development held a hearing Tuesday on the Department of Energy’s FY 2013 budget. Testifying before the subcommittee was DOE Secretary Steven Chu. Here you will find a summary of the hearing, as well as testimony from Secretary Chu and opening statements from the Chairmen of the Full Committee, Hall Rogers (R-KY), and Subcommittee, Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ). Report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary. Supporting documents: Testimony from DOE Secretary Steven Chu Opening Statement from Full Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) Opening Statement from Subcommittee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) President's FY 2013 Budget Request for Coal RD&D Programs February 13, 2012 The President released his FY 2013 Budget Request to Congress, which includes a detailed budget plan for programs funded at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The President requested $275.8 million for the coal RD&D program (called the “CCS and Power Systems” program by DOE), which is $92.5 million below the FY 2012 enacted level of $368.6 million for these same programs. The overall Fossil Energy Research and Development (FE R&D) Budget Request for FY 2013 is $428.5 million, which is $105 million below the level enacted for those same programs in FY 2012. In addition to the coal programs it should be noted that other programs are funded through the FE R&D program budget, including natural gas technologies and FE program direction (management funds and salaries). A detailed memorandum summarizing the President’s request and describing how the budget cuts would impact those programs important to CURC is available on the members-only side of the CURC website. FY 2012 Energy & Water Appropriations: The Fossil Energy & Coal RD&D Programs Coal RD&D Funding in FY 2012 Omnibus Appropriations December 21, 2011 Attached you will find a report and budget chart summarizing the FY 2012 Omnibus Appropriations spending bill, which provides $534 million for the Department of Energy's Fossil Energy program. Note that FE is the only DOE program – with the exception of the nuclear program – that was appropriated funding over the President’s request. The FY 2012 FE R&D appropriation is $81 million above the President's request, $88.5 million above the Senate's mark, and $57 million above the House mark. ( full report accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary).
Supporting document: FY 2012 Fossil Energy & Coal RD&D Budget Chart Status of FY 2012 Fossil Energy R&D Funding November 28, 2011 Before the Thanksgiving holiday, the Senate failed to reach an agreement on rules that would bring FY 2012 spending legislation for the Department of Energy (along with Financial Services, General Government, State-Foreign Operations programs) to the floor for a vote. As a result, the Senate was not able to finish work on the Energy and Water Appropriations bill and instead passed a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) that keeps the government funded through December 16th at current levels. Before the new stopgap spending deadline of December 16th, Congress must decide if they will continue to fund the Department of Energy’s programs through another longer-term CR or through an ‘omnibus’ spending package that will roll nine other federal spending bills into one larger package.
This memo describes the implications to Fossil Energy R&D funding in FY 2012 should Congress enact a CR or omnibus spending package (memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary).
House Passes Stopgap Spending Bill September 30, 2011 The House of Representatives approved a temporary spending bill yesterday to prevent a government shutdown and keep federal agencies open through next Tuesday. By then, the full House will return from recess to take up a longer-term plan that would keep the government running until Nov. 18. That plan, which represents a 1.5% across-the-board cut from 2011 spending rates, was approved Monday by the Senate and buys Congress an extra seven weeks to work out the line-by-line details of the entire 2012 budget, including DOE Fossil Energy programs of interest to CURC members. The text of both temporary spending bills is below.
As Congress negotiates these spending bills, CURC will continue to work with the House to retain the $187 million in the CCPI program that was rescinded in the Senate's FY 2012 recommendation. Supporting documents: CR through October 4, 2011 CR through November 18, 2011 Senate Passes FY 2012 Energy Appropriations Bill September 8, 2011 The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill yesterday that would provide $445.5 million in funding for the Fossil Energy Program at DOE. Within this amount, the Senate recommends $291.4 million for the Coal RD&D program, which is the same as the President’s request, and represents a $108.6 million reduction from FY 2011 enacted levels ($400.2 million). Further details are provided in the hyperlinked in the above memorandum. Below you will also find a budget chart comparing the House and Senate marks against the President’s FY 2012 budget request. (memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Supporting document: FY 2012 Coal R&D Budget Chart House Passage of FY 2012 Energy Appropriations Bill
July 20, 2011
On Friday the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2354, the FY 2012 Energy & Water Appropriations bill that funds the Department of Energy’s fossil energy programs. This memorandum reports on funding levels provided to the coal R&D program in H.R. 2354. Below please find bill language and a budget chart reflecting these funding levels compared to the President's FY 2012 request and CURC's recommendations. (memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary).
Supporting documents: Coal R&D Budget Chart
June 22, 2011
This chart illustrates the actions taken by the House with respect to the overall Fossil Energy Budget, and in a separate chart, more specifically identifying the actions taken by the House with respect to the Coal/CCS and Power Systems program budget at DOE, which is funded through the larger Fossil Energy budget. Because of the recissions that were made in the FY 2011 Continuing Resolution, we wanted to illustrate the impact of those actions on the larger Fossil Energy budget and how it is reflected in the FY 2012 Coal/CCS and Power Systems program budget.
House Appropriations Committee Reports FY 2012 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill
June 19, 2011
Below is a memorandum summarizing the House Appropriations Committee approval of the FY 2012 Energy & Water Appropriations bill. In addition to reducing funds for fossil energy and coal RD&D, note that the Committee has taken specific action with respect to the way DOE forward funds ongoing projects from year to year. The memorandum discusses these issues in more detail (memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary)
Chairman Hal Rogers is committed to considering this bill, along with several other appropriations bills, on the House Floor before the August recess. As always, we will continue to monitor the bill and these issues in order to determine how they affect the membership and what action we will take.
Supporting documents: House Appropriations Committee Action on FY 2012 E&W bill 06/01/2011
The House Appropriations Committee released the FY 2012 Energy & Water Appropriations bill on June 1, 2011, which will be marked up by the Subcommittee on June 2.
Fossil Energy R&D. Funding for Fossil Energy R&D is recommended by the House at approximately $477 million. This is ~ $107 million below the $584 million provided for Fossil Energy in the FY 2011 Continuing Resolution, and reflects a significant cut to the program. Funding levels for the subprograms are usually reflected in the Committee report language that accompanies the bill when it is reported out of Committee. It is unclear whether or not the House will recommend funding at the subprogram level or leave it to the discretion of the agencies. As soon as the Committee report is available, we will communicate our understanding to CURC members at that time.
As you will see from the Funding Summary Table issued by the Committee (see below), Fossil Energy was one of the only programs that did not get cut from the President's request. While this might have the appearance of being "good news", funding levels from the enacted FY 2011 measure are down dramatically and the program will sustain some very significant cuts.
Loan Guarantee Program - $160 million is recommended for DOE to cover the credit subsidy cost for renewable energy projects that have already applied for a DOE loan guarantee. No new loan guarantee authority was provided for any technology area.
Advocacy. In previous years, funding for Fossil Energy was usually boosted by the Senate. Given we have no clear champion on the Senate Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee, we will need to effectively communicate the funding needs in the Senate. Please contact your Senators and Members of the Energy & Water Subcommittee to have them weigh in with Senator Feinstein (D-CA), the Energy & Water Subcommittee chair, and Senator Alexander (R-TN), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee.
CURC members have asked Senators Rockefeller (D-WV) and Enzi (R-WY) to lead signatures on a letter to Senators Feinstein and Alexander highlighting the need for investments in the Fossil Energy program, and hope to have such a letter signed by as many Members of the U.S. Senate as possible.
Supporting documents: Press Release on House FY 2012 E&W bill
Summary of Senate Appropriations Hearing on FY 2012 DOE Budget Request May 18, 2011 The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held a hearing to discuss the Department of Energy’s fiscal year (FY) 2012 budget request. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Stephen Chu, testified before the Subcommittee. Attached is brief report on the hearing as well as Secretary Chu's written testimony. (memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Supporting document: Testimony of Dr. Stephen Chu Senate Energy & Natural Resources Hearing on DOE FY 2012 Budget Proposal
February 16, 2011 The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to receive testimony on the Department of Energy Budget for FY 2012. The lone witness for the hearing was Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. This memorandum summarizes the Senate ENR hearing and Secretary Chu's testimony (complete memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Supporting Document: Testimony of Steven Chu, DOE Secretary President's FY 2012 Budget Request and House FY 2011 Continuing Resolution
February 15, 2011 This memorandum and the supporting documents below summarize the President's FY 2012 Budget Request submitted to Congress and on the House-proposed FY 2011 Continuing Resolution (complete memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Supporting Documents: New Budget Structure for Clean Coal Program Fossil Energy Program Budget FE Budget Table w Sub-Program Breakdown CURC FY 2012 Coal R&D Budget Chart DOE FY 2012 Detailed Budget Justification
FY 2011 Energy & Water Appropriations:
FY 2011 Continuing Resolution
December 22, 2010 This memorandum provides an update on the details of the new continuing resolution through March 4, 2011 as well as the tax extenders bill that was enacted on Friday, December 17, 2010 (complete memorandum accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Supporting Document: 2011 Budget Chart Senate Energy & Water Appropriations July 22, 2010
The Senate Appropriations Committee reported today the FY 2011 Senate Energy & Water Appropriations bill, which includes a set of recommendations for funding DOE Fossil Energy research activities. The Committee recommendation for the coal R&D programs of interest to CURC is $452 million, which is $48 million above the President’s Request. Below is a budget chart indicating the subprogram funding levels for the programs of interest to CURC.
The Senate is also recommending $7 billion in loan volume for DOE to initiate a new fossil energy loan guarantee solicitation. With the way in which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scores the loan guarantee program, the loan volume requires appropriators to set aside 1% of the total loan guarantee volume cap for these projects, or a total of $70 million. Although not accounted for in the level of funding provided for coal in the budget, providing such authority required the Subcommittee to set aside an additional $70 million to in the fossil energy budget for this program.
Senate Subcommittee Approves Fossil Energy Related Spending Bill
July 21, 2010
The Senate Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee yesterday approved their FY 2011 spending bill that provides funding to the Department of Energy’s Fossil Energy programs. A detailed breakdown of the Subcommittee's funding recommendations has not yet been provided, however attached is an earmark list (see pg. 23 for Fossil Energy earmarks) and a calendar of the Senate appropriations mark up schedule.
As you will see, the full Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to mark up the Energy & Water bill tomorrow, July 22, at 2:00 PM. After the markup, we will provide CURC members with an updated FY 2011 Fossil Energy budget chart and breakdown of the full Senate Appropriation Committee's funding recommendations for the DOE's coal program. In the meantime, please let us know if you have any questions.
House Subcommittee Approves Fossil Energy Related Spending Bill
July 16, 2010
The House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee yesterday approved their FY 2011 spending bill that provides $587 million dollars to the Department of Energy’s Fossil Energy Programs. This funding supports a variety of research and development efforts to advance lower-emission coal power, including carbon capture and storage and increasing the efficiency of the existing fleet of coal-fired energy plants.
Attached is a funding table, earmark list (see pg. 83 for Fossil Energy earmarks), and Chairman Pastor's summary of the Subcommittee’s bill.
A date has not yet been scheduled for the full Appropriations Committee mark up of the bill. An updated FY2011 Fossil Energy budget chart will be sent after the full committee mark up when the subprogram levels are provided. In the meantime, please let us know if you have any questions.
Supporting documents: Chairman Pastor statement
Testimony Submitted to the Senate Appropriations Energy & Water Development Subcommittee March 25, 2010 Attached is written testimony submitted on March 19, 2010 on behalf of the Coal Utilization Research Council (CURC) to the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding the fiscal year 2011 budget request for the DOE/Fossil Energy Program. Testimony Submitted to the House Appropriations Energy & Water Development Subcommittee March 19, 2010 Attached is written testimony submitted on March 19, 2010 on behalf of the Coal Utilization Research Council (CURC) to the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding the fiscal year 2011 budget request for the DOE/Fossil Energy Program. House Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on DOE FY 2011 Budget March 17, 2010 On Wednesday, March 17th, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development held a hearing to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget request for the Department of Energy (DOE). For a summary of this hearing, please see the hyperlinked memorandum (accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Supporting Documents: Written Testimony of Kristina Johnson, Under Secretary of Energy Written Testimony of James Markowsky, Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on DOE FY 2011 Budget March 4, 2010 On Thursday, March 4th, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development held a hearing to receive testimony from Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 DOE budget request. For a summary of this hearing, please see the attached memorandum (accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). Senate Hearing on DOE FY 2011 Budget Request February 4, 2010 Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, appeared today before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget request for the Department of Energy (DOE). For a summary of today’s hearing, please see the attached memorandum (accessible to CURC members only - please log into the members only side to view this summary). President's FY 2011 Budget Request February 1, 2010 Today the President submitted his FY 2011 budget request to Congress. The attached memorandum provides a detailed summary of the budget request for the coal programs of interest to CURC, as well as an update on the DOE Loan Guarantee program. Supporting Documents: FY 2011Fossil Energy Budget Request
Conference Agreement on the FY 2010 Energy & Water Development Appropriations bill
10/28/2009 On October 28, 2009, the FY 2010 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3183) was enacted into public law making funding available for federally administered programs and agencies (Public Law 111-85). H.R. 3183 provides $404 million for the coal R&D programs of interest to CURC, an equivalent amount to the President’s request. Funding for several programs, including the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) and FutureGen, did not receive FY 2010 appropriation funding because substantial funding was provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Funding was allocated for the following programs: o $154 million for the Carbon Sequestration Program
o $52 million for the Innovations for Existing Plants program (focused on CO2 retrofits to existing plants)
o $63 million for IGCC
o $32 million for advanced turbines
o $50 million for fuel cells
o $28 million for advanced research
o $25 million for coal fuels and liquids
o Additionally, $36.85 million was directed (earmarked) to specifically identified projects
Click here to view a chart that compares the President’s Request with the House and Senate recommendations and the enacted 2010 levels.
The attached memorandum (accessible to CURC Members only)and budget chart summarizes the conference committee agreed-upon funding levels for the coal R&D programs of interest to CURC.
CURC Letters in Support of FY 2010 Energy & Water Appropriations
9/02/2009 Below are two letters sent on behalf of the Coal Utilization Research Council regarding the FY 2010 Energy & Water Appropriations measure.
The letters outline funding recommendations for the DOE coal research, development and demonstration programs and were submitted on September 2, 2009 to the relevant Chairmen and Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittees.
Supporting Documents: FY 2010 House Appropriations Letter FY 2010 Senate Appropriations Letter July 2009
The Senate recommendation for the FY 2010 coal R&D programs of interest to CURC included $428.2 million, which was roughly $24 million above the President’s request and the conference agreement. The Senate recommended substantial increases in funding for IGCC/Gasification, Existing Plants, and Coal fuels and liquids, yet reduced funding for Carbon sequestration R&D below the President’s request (because the Senate did not fund the DOE proposed “CCS Innovation Hub”).
Supporting Documents: FY 2010 Budget Chart with House Action
House Appropriations Committee Action on FY 2010 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Bill July 2009
The House recommendation for the FY 2010 coal R&D programs of interest to CURC included $394.4 million, which was approximately $9.5 million below the President’s request and the conference agreement. Coal fuels and liquids would have received a significant boost under the House recommendations, while carbon sequestration R&D funding would have been significantly lower than the President’s request.
Supporting Documents: FY 2010 Budget Chart with House Action
Re: The FY 2010 Fossil Energy Research And Development Budget
Submitted: June 15, 2009
This above statement was submitted to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development on behalf of the membership of the Coal Utilization Research Council (CURC). In short, CURC believes that a focused and adequately funded RD&D program is a crucial element of a multi-part program to accelerate commercial deployment of CCS technology. Other elements include substantial federal support for a significant amount of commercial-scale CCS applications and legislative solutions to non-technological barriers, such as long-term liability issues.
5/7/2009
The President submitted his FY 2010 budget justification to Congress on May 7, 2009. The detailed budget justification indicates the President strongly supports coal as an important part of our energy portfolio. The following provides a brief summary of the budget request for the coal programs of interest to CURC, as well as an update on the DOE Loan Guarantee program.
Clean Coal Power Initiative and FutureGen
Because the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) provided $3.4 billion for carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities, including large-scale demonstration of injection and storage of CO2 in geologic formations through the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships and large-scale demonstration of carbon capture technologies through the Clean Coal Power Initiative and Industrial CCS activity, the Administration is not providing any funding for those demonstration programs in FY 2010.
- FutureGen
The justification indicates that the funds currently available, through previous appropriations measures, will enable the FutureGen program to continue activities related to NEPA, pending a program review.
- Clean Coal Power Initiative
There is approximately $1.5 billion in funding made available through the ARRA, the FY 2009 Continuing Resolution, and previous appropriations bills, for the 3rd solicitation of the Clean Coal Power Initiative which is focused on CCS. The ARRA directed DOE to expand and extend the Round 3 solicitation using $800 million in Recovery Act funding.
Coal Research and Development Programs
The 2010 Budget maintains the FY 2009 funding level for coal R&D. Funding for individual programs increased in some areas and decreased in others, and the Advanced Research program was cut. Please see the CURC summary below for further information about the coal R&D programs.
DOE Loan Guarantee Program
The DOE Loan Guarantee Program Office (LGPO) will consider and coordinate Departmental action on all loan guarantee applications submitted to the Department of Energy in compliance with Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct05). Section 406 of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) amended the LGPO’s authorizing legislation, by establishing Section 1705 which is a temporary program for the rapid deployment of renewable energy and electric power transmission projects. No additional loan guarantee authority or funding for clean coal projects was included in the ARRA or requested by the Department in its FY 2011 Budget Request.
The Department requested $43.0 million in funding in FY 2010 for administrative expenses to operate the office and support personnel and associated costs, including administering the Section 1705 Temporary Loan Guarantee Program. The request is expected to be offset by collections authorized under the EPAct05.
Supporting CURC Documents: Summary of Presidnt's FY 2010 Budget Request
Re: The FY 2010 Fossil Energy Research And Development Budget
Submitted: April 3, 2009
The above statement was submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development on behalf of the membership of the Coal Utilization Research Council (CURC). Because specific funding levels for the fossil energy program had yet to be released, CURC was not able to make specific comments about the level of funding requested for any given fossil energy program.
2/26/2009
Highlights of the President's FY 2010 Budget Request were released earlier this week. The President's detailed FY 2010 Budget Request will not be released to the Congress until April, however, these highlights did include specifications to 'develop low-carbon emission technologies'. This budget request will allow the Energy Department to scale up its demonstration projects for geologic storage for carbon dioxide with combined funding from H.R.1, 'The American Reinvestment and Recover Act', and FY 2010 Energy & Water Development Appropriations.
1/14/09
In the next two weeks, Congress will be considering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009. This package contains $2.4 billion (5-6 demonstration projects) for carbon capture and sequestration (CSS) demonstration projects. Please see the attached summary for further information.
FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
3/11/09
On March 11, 2009 H.R. 1005, the FY 2009 Fiscal Omnibus package, was enacted into public law making funding available for federally administered programs and agencies (Public Law 111-8). The coal R&D programs of interest to CURC were included in Division C of the bill (FY 2009 Energy and Water Development Appropriations). The FY 2009 total coal program budget is $692.4 million, up by almost $200 million over FY 2008 omnibus enacted levels.
Of this amount:
o $288.2 million is for the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI), and
o $404.2 million is for the core R&D program
o The bill provides no new funds for FutureGen but leaves $73 million of unobligated balances in the FutureGen account for the Administration to determine how to expend
Within the core R&D budget, funding was allocated for the following programs:
o $150 million for the Carbon Sequestration Program
o $50 million for the Innovations for Existing Plants Program (focused on CO2 retrofits to existing plants);
o $65.2 million for IGCC
o $28 million for Advanced Turbines
o $58 million for Fuel Cells
o $28 million for Advanced Research
o $25 million for Coal Fuels and Liquids
Click here to view a chart that compares the President’s Budget Request with the House and Senate recommendations, and the final enacted bill.
Supporting Documents: FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations summary
Industry Letter in Support of FY 2009 Appropriations
11/30/08
Below are two letters signed by the Coal Utilization Research Council, the Edison Electric Institute, the National Mining Association, and the United Mineworkers of America, regarding the FY 2009 Energy & Water Appropriations measure.
The letters outline funding recommendations for the DOE coal research, development and demonstration programs that are not addressed by the FY 2009 Continuing Resolution and were submitted on November 30, 2008 to the relevant Chairmen and Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittees.
Supporting Documents: FY 2009 Senate Appropriations Letter
9/30/08
President Bush signed into law the "Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009." This Continuing Resolution (CR) makes funding available in FY 2009 for the coal RD&D programs at the FY 2008 enacted level through March 6, 2009, or at 43% of the FY 2008 enacted levels. Under the CR, funding allocated to specific DOE programs must be funded at the lower of the House or Senate FY 2009 recommendation. In addition, the CR does not allow any new projects to be initiated with the funding being made available. However, ongoing projects will continue to be funded and cannot be terminated. With the FY 2009 CR, the CCPI program would have approximately $300 million available for a 3rd solicitation.
7/8/2008
The Senate recommendation for the FY 2009 coal R&D programs of interest to CURC included $412.1 million, which was roughly $19.5 million above the President’s request and $8 million above the omnibus measure that was passed. The Senate recommended substantial increases in funding over the President’s request for Existing Plants and Coal Fuels & Liquids, yet reduced funding for IGCC/Gasification below the President’s request. In particular:
o $412 million for the core R&D programs
o $232.3 million for the CCPI, and
o No new funds were provided for FutureGen. However, the previously appropriated funds (totaling approximately for $134 million) have been reserved for future use by the project.
6/18/2008
The House recommendation for the FY 2009 coal R&D programs of interest to CURC included $440.6 million, which was approximately $57.9 million above the President’s request and $36.4 million above the omnibus measure that was passed. The House recommended a $71 million increase in the Carbon Sequestration program funding above the President’s request, with modest decreases in funding for the Advanced Turbines and IGCC/Gasification programs. In particular:
o $440.0 million for the core R&D programs
o $241.0 million for the CCPI and FutureGen (the funding was not separated by program)
Supporting Document: FY2009 Budget Chart
3/20/08
Attached is CURC's testimony submitted to the House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee making specific programmatic and funding recommendations for the FY 2009 coal program budget.
3/11/2008
Attached is a summary of the Tuesday, March 11, 2008 House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on the FY 2009 Fossil Energy Budget.
2/4/2008
The President released his FY 2009 Budget Request to the Congress today. This memorandum will review the coal program budget issues of importance to CURC. Background
The FY 2009 total coal program budget request is $647.5 million, up by approximately $146 million over FY 2008 enacted levels. Of this amount, $156 million is being requested for the Secretary’s proposed alternative FutureGen program; $85 million is requested for the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI), and $406.5 million is being requested for the core R&D program (up approximately $32 million from FY 2008). For more information, please click here for a detailed summary.
DOE Loan Guarantee Program
The President is proposing to extend the Congressional authorization period through which it can provide commitments guarantee loans under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The FY 2008 omnibus Energy and Water Appropriations Act authorized the Department to issue loan guarantees until September 30, 2009. The President’s budget extends that authorization through fiscal years 2010 and 2011 and specifies amounts and uses of loan guarantee authority for those periods consistent with Congressional guidance accompanying the FY 2008 appropriations act. Of the total provided, $20.0 billion will be available through fiscal year 2010 to support projects such as uranium enrichment, coal based power, advanced coal gasification, renewables and electricity delivery. The remaining $18.5 billion will be available through fiscal year 2011 to support nuclear power facilities. The $38.5 billion provided in FY 2008 through 2011 will be in addition to the $4.0 billion in authority provided in FY 2007 under P.L. 110-05 Section 20320(a) for a total loan volume limitation of $42.5 billion.
Supporting Documents: FY 2009 Budget Chart
RFI on DOE's Plan to Restructure FutureGen Coal Budget Fact Sheet FutureGen Fact Sheet |
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COAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH COUNCIL Chairman Chris Hobson Vice Chairmen Jim Orchard Mark McCullough Treasurer Ray Harry Secretary Michael Stroben Executive Director Ben Yamagata 1050 Thomas Jefferson St., NW (202) 298-1850 |
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