§16192 Next Generation Lighting Initiative

Summary

The Secretary must run a Next Generation Lighting Initiative to fund and support research, development, demonstrations, and commercial use of white LED–based solid-state lighting. Key terms: advanced solid-state lighting — a semiconductor device and system that makes white light using electric voltage; Industry Alliance — the group the Secretary will choose to represent private, for-profit participants; Initiative — the program itself; research — study of the technologies, materials, and manufacturing for white LEDs; white light emitting diode — a semiconductor package (organic or inorganic) that makes white light with applied voltage. The Initiative’s goal is to make LED lighting that lasts longer, uses less energy, costs less, and hurts the environment less than incandescent and fluorescent lights. Not later than 90 days after August 8, 2005, the Secretary must pick an Industry Alliance of large and small firms that together represent U.S. LED expertise. Research grants must be awarded competitively to researchers (including Alliance members), small businesses, National Laboratories, and colleges. Each year the Secretary will ask the Alliance for technology needs, progress reports, and roadmap updates, and those materials must be public. Development and commercialization awards will be competitive and may favor Alliance members. Cost sharing is required as set by section 16352. For new inventions from the research, the Secretary may require that active Alliance members get the first option to negotiate nonexclusive licenses in the lighting field, and that for 1 year after a U.S. patent issues the patent holder not deal with non-Alliance parties and must negotiate in good faith with interested Alliance members. The Secretary must arrange periodic reviews by the National Academy of Sciences.