New bipartisan legislation to renew and strengthen the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has been introduced in the United States Congress. Home heating oil associations around the country are praising the development, calling it "an expression of the Oilheat industry's commitment to bring to consumers the most environmentally responsible, efficient and domestically-produced home heating fuel possible."
Since the federal law authorizing the NORA program expired on February 6, 2010, the industry has been working tirelessly to introduce legislation to renew it. The new legislation enjoys broad support from the industry and lawmakers from the region, as well as several prominent environmental advocacy groups such as Environment Northeast (ENE).
Bill sponsors
The bipartisan legislation was introduced as H.R.1756 in the House of Representatives by Representatives Charlie Bass (R-NH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ). It was introduced in the United States Senate as S.949 by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Richard Burr (R-NC).
If passed, this legislation will:
- Renew funding for programs to educate consumers on: the benefits of Oilheat, important service and safety practices, useful tips to increase energy efficiency and conserve fuel, the latest in Oilheat technology and renewable alternatives, and countering common Oilheat myths;
- Redirect more funds for research, development and deployment of new ultra-efficient Oilheating technologies, such as ultra-efficient equipment, biofuel-blended product and the integration of solar equipment as a complement to existing heating equipment;
- Strengthen the national Oilheat certification program for technicians and home energy conservation professionals; and
- Renew NORA through most of the decade.
We urge you to get involved in the effort! Click here to contact your members of Congress and urge them to support this legislation by co-sponsoring H.R.1756 and S.949.
Summary of the House Bill
NORA Reauthorization Legislation - House Version
Introduced on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bill Number: H.R.1756
Summary:
Section 1 - Title
"National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Reauthorization Act of 2011"
Section 2
- Findings - Renames "Oilheat" to "Oilheat fuel".
- Definitions - Expands definition of "Oilheat fuel" to include blended biofuels.
- Referenda - Clarifies rules for admittance of states into Alliance, existing statute contains circular references.
- Membership - Clarifies membership applies to owners and employees who are full time engaged in the business, and that each state that participates in the Alliance should have a Board member.
- Functions - Prioritizes research and training, and indicates that at least 40 percent of budget should be spent on those functions. Requires NORA to contract with an accounting firm to ensure procedures for compliance occur.
- Assessments - Allows the Board of NORA to amend the assessment rate based on a supermajority.
- Market Survey - Removes the requirement for the Department of Commerce to conduct a price survey on Oilheat. Additionally, allows NORA to provide consumer education during high prices.
- Lobbying Prohibition - Clarifies prohibited lobbying activities.
- Violations - Clarifies types of prohibited consumer education, including directly referencing a competing product.
- Extension - Extends NORA for seven years after date of enactment.
Section 3
- Renewable Fuel - NORA to conduct research on renewable fuels.
- Report - NORA to prepare a report on renewable fuels, economic and environmental benefits, and submit report to Governors and state leaders.
- Consumer Education Materials - The Alliance shall develop consumer education materials focused on advanced biofuels.
Summary of the Senate Bill
NORA Reauthorization Legislation - Senate Version
Introduced on May 11, 2011
Bill Number: S.949
Summary:
Section 1 - Title
"National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Act of 2011"
Section 2
Renames the NORA Act the "National Oilheat Research, Consumer Education and Efficiency Act of 2011".
Section 3 - Definition of Oilheat Fuel
- Defines "cost-effective" for the purposes of any program of activity conducted as part of the Oilheat efficiency and upgrade program.
- Redefines "Oilheat Fuel" to include bio-blended fuels.
Section 4 - Membership
- Allows Energy Secretary 60 days to review selection of NORA members, will automatically become members if no action is taken.
- Defines NORA members, 1 from each state, 10 retail heating oil markers, 21 wholesale distributors, 6 public members (e.g., end-users, state energy officials, researchers, consumer or low-income advocacy groups).
Section 5 - Biennial Budgets required by August 1, 2011 and every two years thereafter, in consultation with Energy Secretary. Gives Secretary 60 days to review or terminate proposed budget.
Section 6 - Requires the establishment, to the greatest extent practicable, of a NORA/DOE data collection system to track Oilheat-related equipment, service, and related safety issues".
Section 7 - Requires a descriptive report to the DOE on Aug. 30, 2013 and every two years thereafter on the progress and outcomes of NORA related programs and efforts, including consumer savings and jobs created.
Section 8 - Prohibits pass-through of NORA assessment to consumers.
Section 9 - Requires states associations to maintain separate accounts for NORA funds.
Section 10 - Mandates assessment allocations: 40% for RD&D; 20% to be used by states or the alliance for consumer efficiency and system upgrade program(s); 35% for consumer education, safety and training; and 5 percent for administrative costs. Requires each state/NORA to conduct a biennial public report.
Section 11 - Eliminates market survey by Department of Commerce under Sec. 708 of original Act.
Section 12 - Clarifies prohibition on use of NORA assessments to conduct lobbying activities.
Section 13 - Allows Secretary of Energy to take action in the event of noncompliance with the Act.
Section 14 - Extends the NORA sunset through February, 2019.
