Energy – Water Clean Technology Grant Program Draft Language

SEC. __.ENERGY-WATER CLEAN TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy is authorized to implement a competitive grant program for eligible units of local governments, Indian tribes (as those terms are defined in 42 U.S.C. 17151), and water and wastewater agencies, to demonstrate the deployment of technologies that reduce the consumption of, or conserve, existing energy supplies through energy savings and water conservation activities in commercial, residential, and mixed use development projects.

(b) Purpose.—In carrying out the program authorized in subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide assistance to projects that may be replicated elsewhere, are of sufficient size to demonstrate deployment at scale, and which are likely to accelerate and expand investment in cost-effective technologies that demonstrate sustained reductions in non-renewable energy consumption or conservation of existing energy supplies, including the deployment of renewable energy and water reuse technologies.

(c) Prioritization.—The Secretary shall prioritize projects that will result in sustained non-renewable energy reductions greater than 50% for the overall development unit when compared to similar developments lacking the technologies being demonstrated.

(d) Cost Sharing.—Demonstration activities carried out under this section shall be subject to the cost-sharing requirements in section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352).

(e) Public-Private Partnerships. – The Secretary of Energy shall limit the grants made under this section to entities using a public-private partnership to design and carry-out the project.

(f) Limitation.--Funds provided through an individual grant described in subsection (a) shall not be used for operation and maintenance costs by any successful grant recipient.

(g) Reporting Requirement.—Within one-year of completing any project funded under this section, the Secretary of Energy shall require a grant recipient to report back estimated reductions in water use; non-renewable energy consumption; and greenhouse gas emissions achieved as a result of the technologies demonstrated, and how those reductions compare with initial estimates.

(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014, to remain available until expended.