Department of Energy Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act of 2015
Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to rename the Under Secretary for Science as the Under Secretary for Science and Energy.
Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to annually report on DOE's ability to improve the technology transfer and commercialization of energy technologies.
Requires the Secretary to report on DOE's capabilities to authorize, host, and oversee privately funded fusion and non-light water reactor prototypes and related demonstration facilities at DOE-owned sites.
Directs the Secretary to carry out the Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program in accordance with this Act, including by giving the contractors of the DOE nonmilitary national laboratories increased authority to negotiate contract terms and making every such national laboratory eligible for the program. Extends the pilot program until October 31, 2017.
Requires the Secretary to delegate to the directors of the national laboratories signature authority with respect to specified agreements of less than $1 million.
Permits the directors of national laboratories to use funds authorized to support technology transfer within DOE to carry out early-stage and pre-commercial technology demonstration activities to: (1) remove technology barriers that limit private sector interest, and (2) demonstrate potential commercial applications of any research and technologies arising from national laboratory activities.
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to exempt institutions of higher education and nonprofit institutions from the cost-sharing requirements for research or development for six years.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enable the participation of DOE researchers in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program.
Requires a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
| Action Date | Type | Text | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-05-20 | IntroReferral | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. | Senate |
| 2015-05-19 | Floor | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2015-05-19 | Floor | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3373-3374) | House floor actions |
| 2015-05-19 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1158. | House floor actions |
| 2015-05-19 | Floor | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3373-3377) | House floor actions |
| 2015-05-19 | Floor | Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. | House floor actions |
| 2015-05-19 | Calendars | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 89. | House floor actions |
| 2015-05-19 | Committee | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 114-124. | House floor actions |
| 2015-03-04 | Committee | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. | House committee actions |
| 2015-03-04 | Committee | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. | House committee actions |
| 2015-02-27 | IntroReferral | Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. | House floor actions |
| 2015-02-27 | IntroReferral | Introduced in House | Library of Congress |