[Senate Report 109-249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 411
109th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 109-249
======================================================================
PROTECTING AMERICA'S COMPETITIVE EDGE THROUGH ENERGY ACT OF 2006
_______
April 24, 2006.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Domenici, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 2197]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 2197) to improve the global
competitiveness of the United States in science and energy
technology, to strengthen basic research programs at the
Department of Energy, and to provide support for mathematics
and science education at all levels through the resources
available through the Department of Energy, including at the
National Laboratories, having considered the same, reports
favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the
bill, as amended, do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting America's Competitive Edge
Through Energy Act of 2006'' or the ``PACE-Energy Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department
of Energy.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution
of higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section
2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(3) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Energy, acting through the Under Secretary for Science
appointed under section 202(b) of the Department of Energy
Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7132(b)).
SEC. 3. MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION AT THE
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.
(a) Science Education Programs.--Section 3164 of the Department of
Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as
subsections (c) through (e), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Organization of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education
Programs.--
``(1) Director of mathematics, science and engineering
education.--The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary
for Science (referred to in this subsection as the `Under
Secretary'), shall appoint a Director of Mathematics, Science,
and Engineering Education (referred to in this subsection as
the `Director') with the principal responsibility for
administering mathematics, science, and engineering education
programs of the Department.
``(2) Qualifications.--The Director shall be an individual,
who by reason of professional background and experience, is
specially qualified to advise the Under Secretary on all
matters pertaining to mathematics, science, and engineering
education at the Department.
``(3) Duties.--The Director shall--
``(A) oversee all mathematics, science, and
engineering education programs of the Department;
``(B) represent the Department as the principal
interagency liaison for all mathematics, science, and
engineering education programs, unless otherwise
represented by the Secretary or the Under Secretary;
``(C) prepare the annual budget and advise the Under
Secretary on all budgetary issues for mathematics,
science, and engineering education programs of the
Department;
``(D) increase, to the maximum extent practicable,
the participation and advancement of women and
underrepresented minorities at every level of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education; and
``(E) perform other such matters related to
mathematics, science, and engineering education as are
required by the Secretary or the Under Secretary.
``(4) Staff and other resources.--The Secretary shall assign
to the Director such personnel and other resources as the
Secretary considers necessary to permit the Director to carry
out the duties of the Director.
``(5) Assessment.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into a
contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which the
National Academy, not later than 5 years after, and not later
than 10 years after, the date of enactment of this paragraph,
shall assess the performance of the mathematics, science, and
engineering education programs of the Department.
``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this
subsection.''; and
(3) by striking subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph
(1)) and inserting the following:
``(d) Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund.--The
Secretary shall establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
Education Fund, using not less than 0.3 percent of the amount made
available to the Department for research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application for each fiscal year, to carry out sections
3165, 3166, and 3167.''.
(b) Definition.--Section 3168 of the Department of Energy Science
Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381d) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(5) National laboratory.--The term `National Laboratory'
has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).''.
(c) Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Programs.--The
Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381
et seq.) is amended--
(1) by inserting after section 3162 the following:
``Subpart A--Science Education Enhancement'';
(2) in section 3169, by striking ``part'' and inserting
``subpart''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``Subpart B--Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Programs
``SEC. 3170. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subpart:
``(1) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education.
``(2) National laboratory.--The term `National Laboratory'
has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
``CHAPTER 1--ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FOR MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE
``SEC. 3171. ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FOR MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE.
``(a) In General.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, the
Director shall make available necessary funds for a program using
scientific and engineering staff of the National Laboratories, in which
the staff--
``(1) assists teaching courses at statewide specialty
secondary schools that provide comprehensive mathematics and
science (including engineering) education; and
``(2) uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in the
teaching of the courses.
``(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy
Act of 2006, the Director shall submit a report to the appropriate
committees of Congress detailing the impact of the activities assisted
with funds made available under this section.
``CHAPTER 2--EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
``SEC. 3175. EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.
``(a) Internships Authorized.--From the amounts authorized under
subsection (e), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall
establish a summer internship program for middle school and secondary
school students that shall--
``(1) provide the students with internships at the National
Laboratories; and
``(2) promote experiential, hands-on learning in mathematics
or science.
``(b) Eligibility Criteria.--The Director shall establish criteria to
determine the sufficient level of academic preparedness necessary for a
student to be eligible for an internship under this section.
``(c) Priority.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall give priority for an
internship under this section to a student who meets the
eligibility criteria described in subsection (b) and who
attends a school--
``(A)(i) in which not less than 30 percent of the
children enrolled in the school are from low-income
families; or
``(ii) that is designated with a school locale code
of 7 or 8 or otherwise designated as a rural school, as
determined by the Secretary of Education; and
``(B) for which there is--
``(i) a high percentage of teachers who are
not teaching in the academic subject areas or
grade levels in which the teachers were trained
to teach;
``(ii) a high teacher turnover rate; or
``(iii) a high percentage of teachers with
emergency, provisional, or temporary
certification or licenses.
``(2) Coordination.--The Director shall consult with the
Secretary of Education in order to determine whether a student
meets the priority requirements of this subsection.
``(d) Outreach and Experiential-Based Programs for Minority
Students.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director, in cooperation with Hispanic-serving institutions,
historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges,
and other minority-serving institutions and nonprofit entities
with substantial experience relating to outreach and
experiential-based learning projects, shall establish outreach
and experiential-based learning programs that will encourage
underrepresented minority students in kindergarten through
grade 12 to pursue careers in math, science, and engineering.
``(2) Community involvement.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the programs established under paragraph (1) involve, to the
maximum extent practicable--
``(A) participation by parents and educators; and
``(B) the establishment of partnerships with business
organizations and appropriate Federal, State, and local
agencies.
``(3) Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
programs established under paragraph (1) are located in various
geographic regions of the United States, to the maximum extent
practicable.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2007 through 2013.
``CHAPTER 3--NATIONAL LABORATORIES CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
``SEC. 3181. NATIONAL LABORATORIES CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE EDUCATION.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish at each of the
National Laboratories a program to support a Center of Excellence in
Mathematics and Science at 1 public secondary school located in the
region of the National Laboratory to provide assistance in accordance
with subsection (c).
``(b) Goals.--The Secretary shall establish goals and performance
assessments for each Center of Excellence authorized under subsection
(a).
``(c) Assistance.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, the
Director shall make available necessary funds for a program using
scientific and engineering staff of the National Laboratories, during
which the staff--
``(1) assists teaching courses at the Centers of Excellence
in Mathematics and Science; and
``(2) uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in the
teaching of the courses.
``(d) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall consider the results of the
performance assessments required under subsection (b) in any
performance review of a National Laboratories management and operations
contractor.
``CHAPTER 4--SUMMER INSTITUTES
``SEC. 3185. SUMMER INSTITUTES.
``(a) Definition of Summer Institute.--In this section, the term
`summer institute' means an institute at a National Laboratory,
conducted during the summer, that--
``(1) is conducted for a period of not less than 2 weeks;
``(2) includes, as a component, a program that provides
direct interaction between students and faculty; and
``(3) provides for follow-up training during the academic
year.
``(b) Summer Institute Programs Authorized.--The Secretary, acting
through the Director, shall establish or expand program of summer
institutes at each of the National Laboratories to provide additional
training to strengthen the mathematics and science teaching skills of
teachers employed at public schools in kindergarten through grade 12
education, with a particular focus on teachers of kindergarten through
grade 8.
``CHAPTER 5--DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST PROGRAM
``SEC. 3191. DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST PROGRAM.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote scientific
and academic excellence at National Laboratories.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the Director and
in consultation with the Director of the Office of Science, shall
establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished
scientists by National Laboratories.
``(c) Qualifications.--Successful candidates under this section shall
be persons who, by reason of professional background and experience,
are able to bring international recognition to the appointing National
Laboratory in their field of scientific endeavor.
``(d) Selection.--A distinguished scientist appointed under this
section shall be selected through an open peer review process.
``(e) Appointment.--An appointment by a National Laboratory under
this section shall be at the rank of the highest grade of distinguished
scientist or technical staff of the National Laboratory.
``(f) Duration.--An appointment under this section shall be for 6
years, consisting of 2 3-year funding allotments.
``(g) Use of Funds.--Funds made available under this section may be
used for--
``(1) the salary of the distinguished scientist and support
staff;
``(2) undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral
appointments;
``(3) research-related equipment;
``(4) professional travel; and
``(5) such other requirements as the Director determines are
necessary to carry out the purpose of the program.
``(h) Review.--
``(1) In general.--The appointment of a distinguished
scientist under this section shall be reviewed at the end of
the first 3-year allotment for the distinguished scientist
through an open peer review process to determine if the
appointment is meeting the purpose of this section under
subsection (a).
``(2) Funding.--Funding of the appointment of the
distinguished scientist for the second 3-year allotment shall
be determined based on the review conducted under paragraph
(1).
``CHAPTER 6--NUCLEAR SCIENCE EDUCATION
``SEC. 3195. NUCLEAR SCIENCE TALENT EXPANSION PROGRAM FOR INSTITUTIONS
OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to address the decline in the number of and resources
available to nuclear science programs of institutions of higher
education; and
``(2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in
nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the
economic competitiveness and energy security of the United
States.
``(b) Definition of Nuclear Science.--In this section, the term
`nuclear science' includes--
``(1) nuclear science;
``(2) nuclear engineering;
``(3) nuclear chemistry;
``(4) radiochemistry; and
``(5) health physics.
``(c) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the Director,
shall establish in accordance with this section a program to expand and
enhance institution of higher education nuclear science educational
capabilities.
``(d) Nuclear Science Program Expansion Grants for Institutions of
Higher Education.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director, shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each
fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish
new academic degree programs in nuclear science.
``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under this
subsection, an applicant shall partner with a National
Laboratory or other eligible nuclear entity, as determined by
the Secretary.
``(3) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under this
subsection shall be based on--
``(A) the potential to attract new students to the
program;
``(B) academic rigor; and
``(C) the ability to offer hands-on learning
opportunities.
``(4) Duration and amount.--
``(A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection shall
be 5 years in duration.
``(B) Amount.--An institution of higher education
that receives a grant under this subsection shall be
eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant
period.
``(5) Use of funds.--An institution of higher education that
receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to--
``(A) recruit and retain new faculty;
``(B) develop core and specialized course content;
``(C) encourage collaboration between faculty and
researchers in the nuclear science field; or
``(D) support outreach efforts to recruit students.
``(e) Nuclear Science Competitiveness Grants for Institutions of
Higher Education.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Director
shall award up to 10 competitive grants for each fiscal year to
institutions of higher education with existing academic degree
programs that produce graduates in nuclear science.
``(2) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under this
subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the
number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear
sciences that enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.
``(3) Duration and amount.--
``(A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection shall
be 5 years in duration.
``(B) Amount.--An institution of higher education
that receives a grant under this subsection shall be
eligible for up to $250,000 for each year of the grant
period.
``(4) Use of funds.--An institution of higher education that
receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to--
``(A) increase the number of graduates in nuclear
science that enter into careers in the nuclear science
field;
``(B) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear
technologies;
``(C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities
with industry and National Laboratories; and
``(D) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and
research facilities of the institution of higher
education, such as research and training reactors or
laboratories.
``(f) Nuclear Science Talent Expansion Scholarships.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director, shall award up to 150 competitive scholarships for
each fiscal year to be used to provide for educational expenses
for students at eligible institutions of higher education who
enter into academic degree programs in nuclear science.
``(2) Criteria.--Scholarships under this subsection shall be
awarded competitively based on academic merit.
``(3) Duration and amount.--
``(A) Duration.--Scholarship assistance under this
subsection may be awarded for up to 4 years.
``(B) Amount.--A student who receives a grant under
this subsection shall be eligible for up to $40,000 for
each year of the scholarship period to be used for
educational expenses (including tuition, books, fees,
equipment, room, and board).
``(4) Termination.--A student who receives a scholarship
under this subsection but fails to maintain appropriate
academic achievement for a year, as determined by the Director,
shall not be eligible for a scholarship under this subsection
for subsequent years.
``(5) Internship.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
student who receives a scholarship under this subsection has
the opportunity to participate in an internship at a National
Laboratory during the course of study of the student.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) Nuclear science program expansion grants for
institutions of higher education.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out subsection (d)--
``(A) $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
``(B) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
``(C) $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(D) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
``(E) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
``(2) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions
of higher education.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out subsection (e)--
``(A) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
``(B) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
``(C) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(D) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
``(E) $12,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
``(3) Nuclear science talent expansion scholarships.--There
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (f)--
``(A) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
``(B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
``(C) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(D) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
``(E) $30, 000,000 for fiscal year 2011.''.
SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EARLY-CAREER RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to authorize research
grants in the Department for early-career scientists and engineers for
purposes of pursuing independent research.
(b) Definition of Eligible Early-Career Researcher.--In this section,
the term ``eligible early-career researcher'' means an individual who--
(1) completed a doctorate or other terminal degree not more
than 10 years before the date of application for a grant
authorized under this section; and
(2) has demonstrated promise in the field of science,
technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or
computational science.
(c) Grant Program Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award not less than 65
grants per year to outstanding eligible early-career
researchers to support the work of such researchers in the
Department, particularly the National Laboratories, or other
federally-funded research and development centers.
(2) Application.--An eligible early-career researcher who
desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit to
the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
(3) Special consideration.--In awarding grants under this
section, the Secretary shall give special consideration to
eligible early-career researchers who have followed alternative
career paths such as working part-time or in non-academic
settings, or who have taken a significant career break or other
leave of absence.
(4) Duration and amount.--A grant under this section shall be
5 years in duration. An eligible early career-researcher who
receives a grant under this section shall receive $100,000 for
each year of the grant period.
(5) Use of funds.--An eligible early career-researcher who
receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds
for basic research in natural sciences, engineering,
mathematics, or computer sciences at the Department,
particularly the National Laboratories, or other federally-
funded research and development center.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this section--
(A) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(B) $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(C) $19,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(D) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
(E) $32,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
SEC. 5. ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AUTHORITY-ENERGY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Advisory board.--The term ``Advisory Board'' means the
Advisory Board established under subsection (d).
(2) Applied energy technology.--The term ``applied
technology'' means technology used for--
(A) fossil energy;
(B) carbon sequestration;
(C) nuclear energy;
(D) renewable energy;
(E) energy distribution; or
(F) energy efficiency technology.
(3) Authority.--The term ``Authority'' means the Advanced
Research Projects Authority--Energy established under
subsection (b).
(4) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Authority appointed under subsection (c)(1).
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an Advanced
Research Projects Authority-Energy to overcome the long-term and high-
risk technological barriers in the development of applied energy
technologies (including carbon neutral technologies) that hinder the
successful implementation of the technologies in commercial markets.
(c) Director.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint a Director of
the Authority.
(2) Qualifications.--The Director shall be an individual who,
by reason of professional background and experience, is
especially qualified to advise the Secretary on matters
pertaining to long-term, high-risk programs to overcome long-
term and high-risk technological barriers to the development of
applied energy technologies in commercial markets.
(3) Duties.--The Director shall--
(A) employ such qualified technical staff as are
necessary to carry out the duties of the Authority,
including providing staff for the Advisory Committee;
(B) serve as the selection official for proposals
relating to applied energy technologies that are
solicited within the Department;
(C) terminate programs carried out under this section
that are not achieving the goals of the programs; and
(D) perform such duties related to long-term and
high-risk technological barriers in the development of
applied energy technologies as are determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(d) Advisory Board.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall, consistent with the
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), establish, and
appoint members to, an Advisory Board to make recommendations
to the Secretary and the Director on actions necessary to carry
out this section.
(2) Qualifications.--The Advisory Board shall consist of
individuals who--
(A) by reason of professional background and
experience, are especially qualified to advise the
Secretary and the Director on matters pertaining to
long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the
development of applied energy technologies in
commercial markets; and
(B) are not employees or former employees of the
Federal Government.
(3) Term.--A member of the Advisory Board shall be appointed
for a term of 5 years.
(4) Information.--Each fiscal year, individuals who carry out
applied energy technology programs of the Department and staff
of the Authority shall provide to the Advisory Board written
proposals and oral briefings on long-term and high-risk
technological barriers that are critical to overcome for the
successful development of applied energy technologies in
commercial markets.
(5) Duties.--Each fiscal year, the Advisory Board shall--
(A) recommend to the Secretary and the Director--
(i) in order of priority, proposals of
applied energy programs of the Department that
are critical to overcoming long-term and high-
risk technological barriers to enable the
successful development of applied energy
technologies in commercial markets; and
(ii) additional programs not covered in the
proposals that are critical to overcoming the
barriers described in clause (i); and
(B) make recommendations to the Secretary and the
Directory concerning whether programs funded under this
section are achieving the goals of the programs.
(e) Review.--Not later than 3 and 6 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall--
(1) conduct a review to determine whether the activities
carried out under this section are overcoming long-term and
high risk technological barriers to the successful
implementation of applied energy technologies in commercial
markets; and
(2) submit to Congress, the Secretary, and the Director a
report describing the results of the review.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $250,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2007 through 2011.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
FOR BASIC RESEARCH.
Section 971(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16311(b))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) $5,320,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(5) $5,851,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(6) $6,436,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(7) $7,080,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
SEC. 7. DISCOVERY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INNOVATION INSTITUTES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish distributed,
multidisciplinary institutes (referred to in this section as
``Institutes'') centered at National Laboratories to apply fundamental
science and engineering discoveries to technological innovations for
the creation of products, processes, and services related to the
missions of the Department and the global competitiveness of the United
States.
(b) Topical Areas.--The Institutes shall support scientific and
engineering research and education activities on critical emerging
technologies determined by the Secretary to be essential to global
competitiveness, including activities related to--
(1) sustainable energy technologies;
(2) multi-scale materials and processes;
(3) micro- and nano-engineering;
(4) computational and information engineering; and
(5) genomics and proteomics.
(c) Partnerships.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall
establish partnerships between the Institutes and--
(1) institutions of higher education to--
(A) train undergraduate and graduate engineering and
science students;
(B) develop innovative educational curricula; and
(C) conduct research within the topical areas
described in subsection (b);
(2) private industry to develop innovative technologies
within the topical areas described in subsection (b);
(3) State and local governments to promote regionally-based
commercialization and entrepreneurship; and
(4) financing entities to guide successful technology
commercialization.
(d) Merit-Based Selection.--The selection of Institutes under this
section shall be based on merit.
(e) Review.--Not later than 3 and 6 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall--
(1) conduct a review of the performance of the Institutes
under this section; and
(2) submit to Congress and the Secretary a report describing
the results of the review.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the activities of each Institute selected
under this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through
2013.
SEC. 8. PROTECTING AMERICA'S COMPETITIVE EDGE (PACE) GRADUATE
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Definition of Eligible Student.--In this section, the term
``eligible student'' means a student who attends an institution of
higher education that offers a doctoral degree in a field relevant to a
mission area of the Department.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a graduate
fellowship program for eligible students pursuing a doctoral degree in
a mission area of the Department.
(c) Selection.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award fellowships to
eligible students under this section through a competitive
merit review process (involving written and oral interviews)
that will result in a wide distribution of awards throughout
the United States.
(2) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish selection
criteria for awarding fellowships under this section that
require an eligible student to--
(A) pursue a field of science or engineering of
importance to the mission area of the Department;
(B) rank in the upper 10 percent of the class of the
eligible student;
(C) demonstrate to the Secretary--
(i) the capacity to understand technical
topics related to the fellowship that can be
derived from the first principles of the
technical topics;
(ii) imagination and creativity;
(iii) leadership skills in organizations or
intellectual endeavors, demonstrated through
awards and past experience; and
(iv) excellent verbal and communication
skills to explain, defend, and demonstrate an
understanding of technical subjects related to
the fellowship; and
(D) be a citizen or permanent resident alien of the
United States.
(d) Awards.--
(1) Amount.--A fellowship awarded under this section shall--
(A) provide an annual living stipend; and
(B) cover--
(i) graduate tuition at an institution of
higher education; and
(ii) incidental expenses associated with
curricula and research at the institution of
higher education (including books, computers
and software).
(2) Duration.--A fellowship awarded under this section shall
be for a period of not longer than 5 years.
(3) Portability.--A fellowship awarded under this section
shall be portable with the fellow.
(e) Administration.--The Secretary (acting through the Director of
Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education)--
(1) shall administer the program established under this
section; and,
(2) may enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity to
administer the program, including the selection and award of
fellowships.
(f) Revocation.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this section prevents the
Secretary from refusing or revoking a fellowship award, in
whole or on part, in the case of any applicant or recipient, if
the Secretary determines that such an award is not in the best
interests of the United States.
(2) Non-delegable.--The Secretary may not delegate a
determination made under paragraph (1).
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Fellowships.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
award fellowships under this section--
(A) $4,500,000 for 100 fellowships for fiscal year
2007;
(B) $9,300,000 for 200 fellowships for fiscal year
2008 (including non-expiring fellowships for the prior
fiscal year);
(C) $14,500,000 for 300 fellowships for fiscal year
2009 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior
fiscal years);
(D) $25,000,000 for 500 fellowships for fiscal year
2010 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior
fiscal years);
(E) $35,500,000 for 700 fellowships for fiscal year
2011 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior
fiscal years);
(F) $52,500,000 for 1,000 fellowships for fiscal year
2012 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior
fiscal years); and
(G) $54,000,000 for 1,000 fellowships for fiscal year
2013 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior
fiscal years).
(2) Administration.--There are authorized to be appropriated
for administrative expenses incurred in carrying out this
section--
(A) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 and
2008;
(B) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(C) $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(D) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(E) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(F) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(G) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2013.
SEC. 9. TITLE IX COMPLIANCE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes
actions taken by the Department of Energy to implement the
recommendations in the report of the Government Accountability Office
numbered 04-639.
(b) Compliance.--To comply with title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), the Secretary of Energy shall
annually conduct compliance reviews of at least 2 recipients of
Department of Energy grants.
Purpose of the Measure
The purpose of S. 2197 is to improve the global
competitiveness of the United States in science and energy
technology, to strengthen basic research programs at the
Department of Energy, and to provide support for mathematics
and science education at all levels through the resources
available through the Department of Energy, including at the
National Laboratories.
Summary of Major Provisions
S. 2197 broadens the Department of Energy's existing
responsibilities in mathematics and science education. The Act
establishes a Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
Education at the Department. Other provisions authorize staff
of the National Laboratories to assist in teaching at statewide
specialty schools in mathematics and science, and to use
National Laboratory equipment in support of these efforts. The
Act establishes internship programs at the National
Laboratories, and requires each National Laboratory to
establish a Center of Excellence at one public secondary school
in each region for the purpose of strengthening mathematics and
science education. Another provision establishes summer
institutes, hosted by National Laboratories, to provide
training for mathematics and science teachers on best
practices.
The Act establishes the Advanced Research Projects
Authority-Energy, to overcome the long-term and high-risk
technological barriers to the development of applied energy
technologies (including carbon neutral technologies), which
hinder the successful implementation of the technologies in
commercial markets.
Background and Need
The National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy
of Engineering Councils, at their joint meeting in February
2005, examined the position of the United States in the context
of the global knowledge and discovery enterprise. Participants
expressed concern that a weakening of science and technology in
the United States would inevitably degrade its social and
economic conditions and in particular erode the ability of its
citizens to compete for high-quality jobs. Based on the urgency
expressed by the council, the National Academies' Committee on
Science, Engineering, and Public Policy was charged with
organizing a planning meeting, which took place on May 11,
2005. Speaking at that meeting, Senator Lamar Alexander
indicated that the Energy Subcommittee of the Senate Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources, which he chairs, had been
given authority by the full committee's chair, Senator Pete V.
Domenici, to hold a series of hearings to identify specific
steps that the federal government should take to ensure the
pre-eminence of America's science and technology enterprise.
In a letter dated May 27, 2005, Senator Alexander and
Senator Jeff Bingaman requested that the National Academy of
Sciences undertake a formal study on the issue and identify the
ten most important policy measures that could best ensure
future U.S. competitiveness. The Academy subsequently formed a
committee of twenty individuals including leaders in industry,
presidents of American universities, and retired Federal
officials. The resulting report, Rising Above the Gathering
Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic
Future, was released in September 2005.
The Gathering Storm provided twenty specific
recommendations for policy action. These recommendations
pertained to kindergarten through twelfth grade education,
higher education, research, workforce issues, immigration, and
tax policy. The report emphasized that efforts to strengthen
America's standing in science and technology were most likely
to succeed if targeted toward a central goal. The Academy
committee recommended that this goal should be two-fold: to
create high technology jobs in the United States, and to ensure
that the United States maintains a lasting supply of clean,
affordable, and reliable energy.
Senator Domenici, Senator Bingaman and Senator Alexander
developed legislation to address the twenty recommendations
included in The Gathering Storm. The result was a legislative
package of three bills (S. 2197, S. 2198, and S. 2199)
introduced on January 26, 2006. Those recommendations requiring
action by the Department of Energy were included in S. 2197.
Legislative History
S. 2197 was introduced by Senator Domenici for himself, Mr.
Bingaman, Mr. Alexander, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Dodd, Mr.
Hatch, Mr. Obama, Mr. Warner, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Bond, Mrs.
Murray, Mr. Burns, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Craig, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs.
Hutchison, Mr. Menendez, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Thomas, Mr.
Kerry, Mr. Smith, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Voinovich, Mr.
Leahy, Mr. Allen, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Talent, Mrs. Clinton, Mr.
Chambliss, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Dayton, Mr. Coleman,
Mr. Salazar, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Biden,
Mr. Cochran, Mr. Hagel, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Pryor, Ms. Collins,
Mr. Vitter, and Ms. Landrieu on January 26, 2006. The Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on S. 2197 on
February 15, 2006. At the business meeting on March 8, 2006,
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources ordered S. 2197,
as amended, favorably reported.
Committee Recommendation
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in open
business session on March 8, 2006, by a unanimous voice vote of
a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 2197, if
amended as described herein.
Committee Amendments
During the consideration of S. 2197, the Committee adopted
an amendment in the nature of a substitute. The amendment makes
technical corrections; authorizes the nuclear science talent
expansion program for institutions of higher education, the
Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy, Discovery Science
and Engineering Innovation Institutes, and the Protecting
America'sCompetitive Edge (PACE) Graduate Fellowship Program;
and ensures Department of Energy compliance with Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972. The Committee first adopted a second-
degree amendment to the substitute to require the Department of Energy
to increase, to the maximum extent practicable, the participation and
advancement of women and under-represented minorities in every level of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1 provides the short title for the Act.
Section 2 provides definitions of key terms used in the
Act.
Section 3 amends the Department of Energy Science Education
Enhancement Act.
Subsection 3(a) adds a new section 3164(b), which directs
the Secretary to appoint a Director of Mathematics, Science,
and Mathematics Education with the principle responsibility for
administering the mathematics, science, and engineering
education programs of the Department. The new subsection
3164(b) also describes the qualifications and duties of the
Director, authorizes staff and resources to be provided to the
Director, and requires the Secretary to enter into an
arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the
Department's mathematics, science, and engineering programs not
later than five years and not later than ten years after
enactment.
Subsection 3(b) adds a new definition of the term
``National Laboratory'' to section 3168 of the Department of
Energy Science Education Enhancement Act.
Subsection 3(c) adds a new Subpart B, containing 6 new
chapters, to the Department of Energy Science Education
Enhancement Act. Chapter 1, section 3171, authorizes the
Director to create a program using scientific and engineering
staff of the National Laboratories to assist in teaching
courses in statewide specialty schools that provide
comprehensive mathematics and science (including engineering)
education, and using National Laboratory scientific equipment
in the teaching of courses. Chapter 2, section 3172, directs
the Secretary to establish a summer internship program for
middle school and secondary school students at the National
Laboratories, and to establish outreach and experiential-based
learning projects for minority students. The Secretary is
encouraged to carry out such programs in States with
significant representation (fifteen percent or more) of both
Hispanic and African American students in their public schools.
Chapter 3, Section 3181, directs the Secretary to establish a
program to support a Center of Excellence in Mathematics and
Science at one public secondary school located in the region of
the National Laboratory. Chapter 4, Sec. 3185, directs the
Secretary to establish or expand a program of summer institutes
at each of the National Laboratories to provide additional
training to strengthen the mathematics, science, and hands-on
learning teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools
in kindergarten through grade 12 education, with a particular
focus on teachers of kindergarten through grade 8. Chapter 5,
Section 3191, directs the Secretary to establish a program to
support the appointment of up to one hundred distinguished
scientists at the National Laboratories. Chapter 6, Section
3195, directs the Secretary to establish a program to expand or
enhance the nuclear science capabilities of institutions of
higher education.
Section 4 authorizes research grants for early-career
scientists and engineers for purposes of pursuing independent
research. Early-career scientists and engineers are defined as
individuals who have completed a doctorate or other terminal
degree not more than 10 years before the date of application
for a grant authorized under this section, and have
demonstrated promise in the field of science, technology,
engineering, mathematics, computer science, or computational
science. Grants awarded under this section are for 5 years at a
level of $100,000 per year during the grant period.
Section 5 establishes the Advanced Research Programs
Authority--Energy (ARPA-E).
Subsection 5(a) provides definitions for the terms
``advisory board'', ``applied energy technologies'', and
``director''.
Subsection 5(b) directs the Secretary to establish the
Advanced Research Programs Authority--Energy (ARPA-E) to
overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in
the development of applied energy technologies (including
carbon neutral technologies) that hinder the successful
implementation of the technologies in commercial markets.
Subsection 5(c) requires the Secretary to appoint a
director, who by reason of professional background or
experience, is especially qualified to advise the Secretary on
matters pertaining to long-term, high-risk technological
barriers to the development of applied energy technologies in
commercial markets.
Subsection 5(d) requires that, consistent with the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Secretary shall
establish, and appoint members to, an Advisory Board to make
recommendations to the Secretary and the Director on actions
necessary to carry out this section. Subsection 5(d) further
requires the Advisory Board to recommend to the Secretary and
to the Director, each fiscal year and in order of priority,
proposals of applied energy programs of the Department that are
critical to overcoming long-term and high-risk technological
barriers to enable the successful development of applied energy
technologies in commercial markets. The Advisory Board may
include additional programs not covered in the Department's
submitted proposals that the Board determines to be critical to
overcoming long-term and high-risk technological barriers.
Section 6 provides authorizations of appropriations for the
Department of Energy Office of Science for fiscal years 2010
through 2013.
Section 7 requires the Secretary to establish distributed,
multi-disciplinary institutes centered at National Laboratories
to apply fundamental science and engineering discoveries to
technological innovations for the creation of products,
processes, and services related to the missions of the
Department and the global competitiveness of the United States.
The Institutes are required to support scientific and
engineering research and education activities on critical
emerging technologies determined by the Secretary to be
essential to global competitiveness.
Section 8 requires the Secretary to establish a graduate
fellowship program for students pursuing doctoral degrees in
mission areas of the Department. The section requires that
students be selected for the fellowship program through a
competitive merit review process (involving writtenand oral
interviews) that will result in a wide distribution of awards
throughout the United States. A fellowship awarded under this section
shall provide an annual living stipend, graduate tuition at an
institution of higher education; and incidental expenses associated
with curricula and research at the institution of higher education
(including books, computers and software). The Committee notes that in
similar fellowship programs, such tuition rates are generally
negotiated between Federal agency providing the fellowship and the
Institution of Higher Education. The Fellowships awarded under this
section shall be for a period of not longer than 5 years. Fellowships
awarded under this section shall be portable with the fellow.
Section 9 requires that not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall
submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a report that describes actions taken
by the Department of Energy to implement the recommendations in
the report of the Government Accountability Office numbered 04-
639. The section further requires that to comply with title IX
of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.),
the Secretary shall annually conduct compliance reviews of at
least 2 recipients of Department of Energy grants.
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The Congressional Budget Office estimate of the costs of
this measure has been requested but was not received at the
time the report was filed. When the report is available, the
Chairman will request it to be printed in the Congressional
Record for the advice of the Senate.
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 2197. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government-established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses.
The Secretary may need to collect some personal information
from applicants for the internships, grants, scholarships, and
fellowships authorized by S. 2197. The Committee expects the
Secretary to limit the collection of personal information to
the minimum amount needed to adequately administer the
programs, and therefore anticipates little impact on personal
privacy.
Enactment of S. 2197 will result in the production of
various applications, reports, and performance assessments
necessary to the administration of the various programs
authorized by the bill. Again, the Committee expects the
Secretary to limit paperwork requirements to the minimum amount
needed to adequately administer the program.
Executive Communications
At a hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources on February 15, 2006, the Department of Energy
provided the following testimony with respect to S. 2197:
Statement of Raymond L. Orbach, Director of the Office of Science,
Department of Energy
Good morning, Chairman Domenici, Ranking Member Bingaman,
and members of the Committee. I am pleased to appear before you
to discuss S. 2197, the Protecting America's Competitive Edge
through Energy Act of 2006--also known as the PACE-Energy Act--
which you introduced on January 26th.
The President's American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI),
unveiled in his State of the Union message, demonstrates the
President's strong commitment to continued U.S. competitiveness
through a renewed national effort in basic scientific research
and math education. To repeat the President's own words: ``We
must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity.
Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our
educated, hardworking, ambitious people--and we're going to
keep that edge. Tonight I announce an American Competitiveness
Initiative, to encourage innovation throughout our economy, and
to give our nation's children a firm grounding in math and
science.''
The State of the Union message, and the subsequent release
of the President's FY 2007 budget that contains substantial
increases for basic research in the physical sciences, are all
part of the strategy. America's competitiveness is truly a
result of the ingenuity of the American people. this native
ingenuity can be nurtured and brought to fruition through the
precise application of the President's ACT.
The FY 2007 budget includes a $505 million increase in
DOE's Science programs, which is part of a commitment to double
funding for certain high-leverage science agencies over the
next ten years. The ACI recognizes that scientific discovery
and understanding help drive economic strength and security.
Developing revolutionary, science-driven technology is at the
heart of the Department of Energy's mission. The increase
proposed for the Department's Science programs reflects the
significant contribution DOE and its world-class research
facilities make to the Nation.
The President's ACI will encourage American innovation and
bolster our ability to compete in the global economy through
increased federal investment in critical areas of research,
especially in the physical sciences and engineering, in large
part through DOE's Office of Science. This initiative will
generate scientific and technological advances for decades to
come and will help ensure that future generations have an even
brighter future. The Office of Science is educating and
training our next generation of scientists and engineers.
Roughly half of the researchers at Office of Science-run
facilities are university faculty or graduate or postdoctoral
students (who work side by side with scientists and researchers
employed directly by the labs), and about a third of Office of
Science research funds go to institutions of higher learning.
Finally, the Administration welcomes the opportunity to
discuss with Congress methods to accelerate progress in
promising energy technologies, some of which may well require
breakthroughs in basic science research. These important
concerns were articulated very clearly in the Augustine Report.
The specific proposal for the creation of an ARPA-E is not in
the President's budget, and we have concerns about the creation
of this additional mechanism, the resources that would be
required to fund it, and whether there might be alternative and
better ways to accomplish its goals. However, we are ready to
work with you to explore these questions.
The DOE's Office of Science is the steward of government
funding for the physical sciences in this country. We operate
10 national laboratories, and a number of scientific
facilities, that provide superb facilities for the Nation's
scientists, allowing them to perform multi-disciplinary
scientific research at the frontiers of discovery. Yet, it
falls to us to inspire our young people with the possibilities
of science, mathematics, and engineering at DOE facilities, if
we are to maintain our edge.
I thank the Chair and the committee for this opportunity to
testify and look forward to answering any questions you may
have.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by
the bill S. 2197, as ordered reported, are shown as follows
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCIENCE EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT ACT
PART E OF TITLE XXXI OF PUBLIC LAW 101-510, AS AMENDED (42 U.S.C. 7381-
7381E)
SEC. 3161. SHORT TITLE.
This part may be cited as the ``Department of Energy
Science Education Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 3162. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
* * * * * * *
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this part are--
(1) to encourage the development and implementation
of science, mathematics, and engineering education
programs at the Department of Energy and at its
research and development facilities as part of a
national effort to improve science, mathematics, and
engineering education; and
(2) to provide more efficient coordination among
science, mathematics, and engineering education
programs.
Subpart A--Science Education Enhancement
* * * * * * *
SEC. 3164. SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Programs.--The Secretary is authorized to establish
programs to enhance the quality of mathematics, science, and
engineering education. Any such programs shall be operated at
or through the support of Department research and development
facilities, shall use the scientific resources of the
Department, and shall be consistent with the overall Federal
plan for education and human resources in science and
technology developed by the Federal Coordinating Council for
Science, Engineering, and Technology.
(b) Organization of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
Education Programs.--
(1) Director of mathematics, science and engineering
education.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary for Science (referred to in this subsection
as the ``Under Secretary''), shall appoint a Director
of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Director'')
with the principal responsibility for administering
mathematics, science, and engineering education
programs of the Department.
(2) Qualifications.--The Director shall be an
individual, who by reason of professional background
and experience, is specially qualified to advise the
Under Secretary on all matters pertaining to
mathematics, science, and engineering education at the
Department.
(3) Duties.--The Director shall--
(A) oversee all mathematics, science, and
engineering education programs of the
Department;
(B) represent the Department as the principal
interagency liaison for all mathematics,
science, and engineering education programs,
unless otherwise represented by the Secretary
or the Under Secretary;
(C) prepare the annual budget and advise the
Under Secretary on all budgetary issues for
mathematics, science, and engineering education
programs of the Department;
(D) increase, to the maximum extent
practicable, the participation and advancement
of women and underrepresented minorities at
every level of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics education; and
(E) perform other such matters related to
mathematics, science, and engineering education
as are required by the Secretary or the Under
Secretary.
(4) Staff and other resources.--The Secretary shall
assign to the Director such personnel and other
resources as the Secretary considers necessary to
permit the Director to carry out the duties of the
Director.
(5) Assessment.--The Secretary shall offer to enter
into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences
under which the National Academy, not later than 5
years after, and not later than 10 years after, the
date of enactment of this paragraph, shall assess the
performance of the mathematics, science, and
engineering education programs of the Department.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as are
necessary to carry out this subsection.
[(b)] (c) Relationship to Other Department Activities.--The
programs described in subsection (a) shall supplement and be
coordinated with current activities of the Department, but
shall not supplant them.
[(c) Science Education Enhancement Fund.--The Secretary
shall use not less than 0.3 percent of the amount made
available to the Department for research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application for fiscal year 2006
and for each fiscal year thereafter to carry out activities
authorized by this part.]
(d) Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund.--
The Secretary shall establish a Mathematics, Science, and
Engineering Education Fund, using not less than 0.3 percent of
the amount made available to the Department for research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application for each
fiscal year, to carry out sections 3165, 3166, and 3167.
[(d)] (e) Programs for Students From Under-Represented
Groups.--In carrying out a program under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall give priority to activities that are designed
to encourage students from under-represented groups to pursue
scientific and technical careers.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 3168. DEFINITIONS.
* * * * * * *
(4) The Term ``local education agency'' has the
meaning given that term by section 1471(12) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 2891(12)).
(5) National Laboratory.--The term ``National
Laboratory'' has the meaning given the term in section
2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
SEC. 3169. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
for carrying out university research support and other science,
mathematics, and engineering education programs authorized by
this [part] subpart and administered by the Office of Science
of the Department of Energy, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1991;
and $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.
Subpart B--Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Programs
SEC. 3170. DEFINITIONS.
In this subpart:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
Education.
(2) National Laboratory.--The term ``National
Laboratory'' has the meaning given the term in section
2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
CHAPTER 1--ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE
SEC. 3171. ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FOR MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE.
(a) In General.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166,
the Director shall make available necessary funds for a program
using scientific and engineering staff of the National
Laboratories, in which the staff--
(1) assists teaching courses at statewide specialty
secondary schools that provide comprehensive
mathematics and science (including engineering)
education; and
(2) uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in
the teaching of the courses.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Protecting America's Competitive Edge
Through Energy Act of 2006, the Director shall submit a report
to the appropriate committees of Congress detailing the impact
of the activities assisted with funds made available under this
section.
CHAPTER 2--EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
SEC. 3175. EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) Internships Authorized.--From the amounts authorized
under subsection (e), the Secretary, acting through the
Director, shall establish a summer internship program for
middle school and secondary school students that shall--
(1) provide the students with internships at the
National Laboratories; and
(2) promote experiential, hands-on learning in
mathematics or science.
(b) Eligibility Criteria.--The Director shall establish
criteria to determine thesufficient level of academic
preparedness necessary for a student to be eligible for an internship
under this section.
(c) Priority.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall give priority for
an internship under this section to a student who meets
the eligibility criteria described in subsection (b)
and who attends a school--
(A)(i) in which not less than 30 percent of
the children enrolled in the school are from
low-income families; or
(ii) that is designated with a school locale
code of 7 or 8 or otherwise designated as a
rural school, as determined by the Secretary of
Education; and
(B) for which there is--
(i) a high percentage of teachers who
are not teaching in the academic
subject areas or grade levels in which
the teachers were trained to teach;
(ii) a high teacher turnover rate; or
(iii) a high percentage of teachers
with emergency, provisional, or
temporary certification or licenses.
(2) Coordination.--The Director shall consult with
the Secretary of Education in order to determine
whether a student meets the priority requirements of
this subsection.
(d) Outreach and Experiential-Based Programs for Minority
Students.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director, in cooperation with Hispanic-serving
institutions, historically black colleges and
universities, tribal colleges, and other minority-
serving institutions and nonprofit entities with
substantial experience relating to outreach and
experiential-based learning projects, shall establish
outreach and experiential-based learning programs that
will encourage underrepresented minority students in
kindergarten through grade 12 to pursue careers in
math, science, and engineering.
(2) Community involvement.--The Secretary shall
ensure that the programs established under paragraph
(1) involve, to the maximum extent practicable--
(A) participation by parents and educators;
and
(B) the establishment of partnerships with
business organizations and appropriate Federal
State, and local agencies.
(3) Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the programs established under paragraph (1) are
located in various geographic regions of the United
States, to the maximum extent practicable.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2013.
CHAPTER 3--NATIONAL LABORATORIES CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
SEC. 3181. NATIONAL LABORATORIES CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish at each of
the National Laboratories a program to support a Center of
Excellence in Mathematics and Science at 1 public secondary
school located in the region of the National Laboratory to
provide assistance in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Goals.--The Secretary shall establish goals and
performance assessments for each Center of Excellence
authorized under subsection (a).
(c) Assistance.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166,
the Director shall make available necessary funds for a program
using scientific and engineering staff of the National
Laboratories, during which the staff--
(1) assists teaching courses at the Centers of
Excellence in Mathematics and Science; and
(2) uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in
the teaching of the courses.
(d) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall consider the results
of the performance assessments required under subsection (b) in
any performance review of a National Laboratories management
and operations contractor.
CHAPTER 4--SUMMER INSTITUTES
SEC. 3185. SUMMER INSTITUTES.
(a) Definition of Summer Institute.--In this section, the
term ``summer institute'' means an institute at a National
Laboratory, conducted during the summer, that--
(1) is conducted for a period of not less than 2
weeks;
(2) includes, as a component, a program that provides
direct interaction between students and faculty; and
(3) provides for follow-up training during the
academic year.
(b) Summer Institute Programs Authorized.--The Secretary,
acting through the Director, shall establish or expand program
of summer institutes at each of the National Laboratories to
provide additional training to strengthen the mathematics and
science teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools
in kindergarten through grade 12 education, with a particular
focus on teachers of kindergarten through grade 8.
CHAPTER 5--DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST PROGRAM
SEC. 3191. DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST PROGRAM.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote
scientific and academic excellence at National Laboratories.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director and in consultation with the Director of the Office of
Science, shall establish a program to support the appointment
of distinguished scientists by National Laboratories.
(c) Qualifications.--Successful candidates under this
section shall be persons who, by reason of professional
background and experience, are able to bring international
recognition to the appointing National Laboratory in their
field of scientific endeavor.
(d) Selection.--A distinguished scientist appointed under
this section shall be selected through an open peer review
process.
(e) Appointment.--An appointment by a National Laboratory
under this section shall be at the rank of the highest grade of
distinguished scientist or technical staff of the National
Laboratory.
(f) Duration.--An appointment under this section shall be
for 6 years, consisting of 2 3-year funding allotments.
(g) Use of Funds.--Funds made available under this section
may be used for--
(1) the salary of the distinguished scientist and
support staff;
(2) undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral
appointments;
(3) research-related equipment;
(4) professional travel; and
(5) such other requirements as the Director
determines are necessary to carry out the purpose of
the program.
(h) Review.--
(1) In general.--The appointment of a distinguished
scientist under this section shall be reviewed at the
end of the first 3-year allotment for the distinguished
scientist through an open peer review process to
determine if the appointment is meeting the purpose of
this section under subsection (a).
(2) Funding.--Funding of the appointment of the
distinguished scientist for the second 3-year allotment
shall be determined based on the review conducted under
paragraph (1).
CHAPTER 6--NUCLEAR SCIENCE EDUCATION
SEC. 3195. NUCLEAR SCIENCE TALENT EXPANSION PROGRAM FOR INSTITUTIONS OF
HIGHER EDUCATION.
(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to address the decline in the number of and
resources available to nuclear science programs of
institutions of higher education; and
(2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees
in nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to
the economic competitiveness and energy security of the
United States.
(b) Definition of Nuclear Science.--In this section, the
term ``nuclear science'' includes--
(1) nuclear science;
(2) nuclear engineering;
(3) nuclear chemistry;
(4) radiochemistry; and
(5) health physics.
(c) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director shall establish in accordance with this section a
program to expand and enhance Institution of Higher Education
nuclear science educational capabilities.
(d) Nuclear Science Program Expansion Grants for
Institutions of Higher Education.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director, shall award up to 3 competitive grants for
each fiscal year to institutions of higher education
that establish new academic degree programs in nuclear
science.
(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under
this subsection, an applicant shall partner with a
National Laboratory or other eligible nuclear entity,
as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under
this subsection shall be based on--
(A) the potential to attract new students to
the program;
(B) academic rigor; and
(C) the ability to offer hands-on learning
opportunities.
(4) Duration and amount.--
(A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection
shall be 5 years in duration.
(B) Amount.--An Institution of Higher
Education that receives a grant under this
subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000
for each year of the grant period.
(5) Use of funds.--An Institution of Higher Education
that receives a grant under this subsection may use the
grant to--
(A) recruit and retain new faculty;
(B) develop core and specialized course
content;
(C) encourage collaboration between faculty
and researchers in the nuclear science field;
or
(D) support outreach efforts to recruit
students.
(e) Nuclear Science Competitiveness Grants for Institutions
of Higher Education.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director shall award up to 10 competitive grants for
each fiscal year to institutions of higher education
with existing academic degree programs that produce
graduates in nuclear science.
(2) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under
this subsection shall be based on the potential for
increasing the number and academic quality of graduates
in the nuclear sciences that enter into careers in
nuclear-related fields.
(3) Duration and amount.--
(A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection
shall be 5 years in duration.
(B) Amount.--An Institution of Higher
Education that receives a grant under this
subsection shall be eligible for up to $250,000
for each year of the grant period.
(4) Use of funds.--An Institution of Higher Education
that receives a grant under this subsection may use the
grant to--
(A) increase the number of graduates in
nuclear science that enter into careers in the
nuclear science field;
(B) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear
technologies
(C) aggressively pursue collaboration
opportunities with industry and National
Laboratories; and
(D) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure
and research facilities of the Institution of
Higher Education, such as research and training
reactors or laboratories.
(f) Nuclear Science Talent Expansion Scholarships.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director, shall award up to 150 competitive
scholarships for each fiscal year to be used to provide
for educational expenses for students at eligible
institutions of higher education who enter into
academic degree programs in nuclear science.
(2) Criteria.--Scholarships under this subsection
shall be awarded competitively based on academic merit.
(3) Duration and amount.--
(A) Duration.--Scholarship assistance under
this subsection may be awarded for up to 4
years.
(B) Amount.--A student who receives a grant
under this subsection shall be eligible for up
to $40,000 for each year of the scholarship
period to be used for educational expenses
(including tuition, books, fees, equipment,
room, and board).
(4) Termination.--A student who receives a
scholarship under this subsection but fails to maintain
appropriate academic achievement for a year, as
determined by the Director, shall not be eligible for a
scholarship under this subsection for subsequent years.
(5) Internship.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
student who receives a scholarship under this
subsection, has the opportunity to participate in an
internship at a National Laboratory during the course
of study of the student.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Nuclear science program expansion grants for
institutions of higher education.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)--
(A) $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(B) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(C) $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(D) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
(E) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
(2) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for
institutions of higher education.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e)--
(A) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(B) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(C) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(D) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
(E) $12,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
(3) Nuclear science talent expansion scholarships.--
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
subsection (f)--
(A) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(C) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(D) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
(E) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
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ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 (P. L. 109-58)
* * * * * * *
SEC. 971. SCIENCE.
* * * * * * *
(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 subtitle (including the amounts
authorized under the amendment made by section 976(b) 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; [and]
(3) $5,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2009[.];
(4) $5,320,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(5) $5,851,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(6) $6,436,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(7) $7,080,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.