Discretionary

Biomass Research and Development

The Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) is a joint program between the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture that provides grants to companies, universities and government research centers to research, develop and demonstrate new ways to refine various feedstocks into biofuels or biobased chemicals and products. The program, originally created in the Biomass Research […]

Reactor Concepts Research and Development

The Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) program uses taxpayer funding to develop and demonstrate new commercial reactor designs. The program includes research and development of small modular reactors, light water reactor improvement and advanced reactor designs. Renamed in fiscal year 2011, the Reactor Concepts RD&D program was formerly the […]

Rural Energy for America Program

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)—most recently reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill—provides loan guarantees and grants for rural small business and agricultural producers to purchase renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, energy audits and feasibility studies. Renewable energy systems include wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, hydrogen and ocean power. Even though REAP was […]

Stand-by Support for Nuclear Plant Delays

This program allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to cover up to $2 billion in costs caused by delays imposed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s process or litigation. The Secretary of Energy is authorized to provide contracted standby support for up to six nuclear power plants, providing full coverage (up to $500 million) to the […]

Eliminate the Inland Waterways Users Board

The Inland Waterways Users Board is a congressionally mandated advisory committee tasked with making recommendations on the priorities and spending from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. The 11-member board consists of industry representatives from all regions of the fuel‐taxed system. The board represents commercial interests, and the only non-industry representative is the U.S. Army Corps […]

Department of Energy Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program

The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) uses taxpayer money to develop and demonstrate advanced reactors through cost-share agreements with the nuclear industry. There are three pathways through which industry partners can apply: (1) advanced reactor demonstrations, which will support the development of advanced nuclear reactors that are expected to be fully functional within seven years […]

Fossil Energy Research and Development Program

In the Department of Energy (DOE), the Office of Fossil Energy manages the Fossil Energy Research and Development Program (FER&D), which includes the R&D Programs in Advanced Coal Energy Systems & Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS), Natural Gas Technologies and Unconventional Fossil Energy Technologies; as well as funding for the operations, infrastructure and R&D […]