House Appropriators Draft FY 2011 DOE Funding Bill

“The bill provides $4.9 billion for the Office of Science, approximately the same as 2010, to ensure the United States’ continued global leadership of basic science research and to develop the fundamental knowledge necessary for the next generation of energy innovations. Through investments in areas like high energy physics, we push the edges of scientific knowledge and foster our nation’s world-leading scientists. Through programs that research basic energy sciences, fusion energy, advanced scientific computing, nuclear physics, and biological and environmental research, we build the foundation of knowledge that will enable us to transform our energy sector to be more secure and sustainable.”

“In the fiscal year 2011 bill, the Committee builds on the Recovery Act’s energy initiatives with investments to reduce our dependence on petroleum and create a more diverse, secure, clean and affordable American energy sector. To this end, the bill continues three energy innovation hubs started in fiscal year 2010, recognizing that this model for energy research and development promises to bring innovative technologies from basic research to market commercialization faster than other research models.”

“Our nation’s economic, environmental, and security challenges require new approaches to creating innovative technologies that can transform our energy sector. The bill provides $220 million to the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy, which funds projects that are too risky to rely solely upon private-sector investment but may revolutionize the way we produce and use energy. By investing in pioneering universities, companies, and laboratories that are developing technologies, ranging from carbon capture techniques to processes that make transportation fuels from electricity, we will help America compete in the global race for energy innovation while addressing our pressing energy challenges.”

“While the impacts of past energy policies are clear to every American - high gas prices, pollution and a dependence on foreign oil that puts our national security at risk - the impacts of national defense requirements are less tangible, but of critical importance. This year we face significant needs at the Department of Energy that affect our national security.

“This Committee has, since 2007, pushed for an enduring 21st century strategy for nuclear weapons and a nuclear weapons complex that supports the national deterrence strategy. The Administration has made great strides in meeting the requirement for a comprehensive policy for nuclear weapons, grounded in contemporary realities, with the Nuclear Posture Review and other supporting documents. As a direct result of the Administration’s efforts to address these concerns, the Committee recommends significant increases to ensure our national deterrent is safe, secure, and effective. The bill also provides significant increases in support of the President’s goal of securing vulnerable nuclear material worldwide. In a difficult budget environment, the bill also makes investments in critical infrastructure and continues support for important energy programs that are also critical to our long-term national security.”

“The bill provides $7.0 billion for new activities, approximately the same as the request and $606 million above 2010, in support of our nation’s nuclear weapons complex and related activities. This funding will help to ensure the nation’s nuclear deterrent is safe, secure and effective, contributing to the nation’s and our allies’ security. The bill recommends substantial increases to life extension programs and infrastructure investments and directs the use of $80 million in previously appropriated funds no longer required for their intended purpose.”

“For Nuclear Energy, the bill provides $824 million as requested, and $37 million above 2010. The increase is a result of the transfer of responsibilities to Nuclear Energy in the aftermath of the Administration’s decision to terminate the Yucca Mountain project, including carrying forward the research agenda in nuclear waste repositories and the Department’s responsibilities under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. A Center of Excellence for Nuclear Waste Management is created to retain and advance the scientific expertise in repository systems to serve nuclear waste disposal efforts in the future. Other research initiatives relating to nuclear reactor designs, such as Small Modular Reactors, and nuclear energy enabling technologies are also supported.”