§16192 Next Generation Lighting Initiative

Summary

The Secretary must run a Next Generation Lighting Initiative to support research, development, testing, and commercial use of advanced solid-state lighting that uses white light emitting diodes. It defines key terms: advanced solid-state lighting (devices that make white light using electricity), white light emitting diode (a semiconductor device using organic or inorganic materials that makes white light with electricity), Industry Alliance (a group chosen by the Secretary), Initiative (the program), and research (work on the technologies, materials, and manufacturing for white LEDs). The Initiative’s goal is to make LED lighting that lasts longer, saves more energy, costs competitive with incandescent and fluorescent lights, and harms the environment less. Not later than 90 days after August 8, 2005, the Secretary must pick an Industry Alliance by competition. Research funds must be awarded by competition to researchers, small businesses, National Laboratories, and colleges. The Industry Alliance must give annual input, progress assessments, and help update public roadmaps. Development and commercial demonstration awards are also competitive, with possible preference for Alliance members. Cost sharing is required under section 16352. The Secretary may set rules for inventions, including giving Alliance participants the first option to negotiate nonexclusive licenses and requiring patent holders, for 1 year after a U.S. patent issues, to negotiate only with and in good faith with Alliance participants. The National Academy of Sciences will do periodic reviews.