§16493 National Priority Project Designation

Summary

Creates a National Priority Project Designation and a medal that says "National Priority Project." Each year the President, using recommendations from the Secretary, names organizations that advance renewable energy and are certified by the Secretary. The President decides the medal’s look and may hold ceremonies. There are four award categories: wind and biomass; photovoltaic and fuel cell; energy-efficient building and renewable projects; and First-In-Class projects. Size and performance rules apply: wind, biomass, or building projects must plan at least 30 megawatts of renewable capacity; solar photovoltaic or fuel cell projects must plan at least 3 megawatts. Building projects must meet third-party high-performance building standards, use whole-building energy integration and advanced controls, get at least 50 percent of their energy from renewables, meet Energy Star rules, and include at least 5,000,000 square feet. New building projects can qualify if they are First-In-Class or create a new model of integrated renewable use. No later than 120 days after August 8, 2005, and every year after, the Secretary must publish application instructions in the Federal Register. Applications must explain the project and how it will meet the rules. Within 60 days after the application period each year, the Secretary must certify projects expected to meet the criteria, assign staff to help, point to Department programs (including National Laboratories and Technology Centers), and help share federal technology and know-how (including the EPA) to speed commercialization. Certified organizations may advertise the designation. Funding is authorized in amounts needed for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.