PUBLIC LAW 109–58—AUG. 8, 2005
119 STAT. 897
‘‘(B) provide scientific oversight for the methane hydrates program, including assessing progress toward program goals, evaluating program balance, and providing recommendations to enhance the quality of the program over time; and ‘‘(C) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2005, and at such later dates as the panel considers advisable, submit to Congress— ‘‘(i) an assessment of the methane hydrate research program; and ‘‘(ii) an assessment of the 5-year research plan of the Department of Energy. ‘‘(2) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.—In appointing each member of the advisory panel established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the appointment of the member does not pose a conflict of interest with respect to the duties of the member under this Act. ‘‘(3) MEETINGS.—The advisory panel shall— ‘‘(A) hold the initial meeting of the advisory panel not later than 180 days after the date of establishment of the advisory panel; and ‘‘(B) meet biennially thereafter. ‘‘(4) COORDINATION.—The advisory panel shall coordinate activities of the advisory panel with program managers of the Department of Energy at appropriate National Laboratories. ‘‘(d) CONSTRUCTION COSTS.—None of the funds made available to carry out this section may be used for the construction of a new building or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building (including site grading and improvement and architect fees). ‘‘(e) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY.—In carrying out subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall— ‘‘(1) facilitate and develop partnerships among government, industrial enterprises, and institutions of higher education to research, identify, assess, and explore methane hydrate resources; ‘‘(2) undertake programs to develop basic information necessary for promoting long-term interest in methane hydrate resources as an energy source; ‘‘(3) ensure that the data and information developed through the program are accessible and widely disseminated as needed and appropriate; ‘‘(4) promote cooperation among agencies that are developing technologies that may hold promise for methane hydrate resource development; ‘‘(5) report annually to Congress on the results of actions taken to carry out this Act; and ‘‘(6) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, greater participation by the Department of Energy in international cooperative efforts.
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