US Codex
Pub. L.
Notes

Title XII — Miscellaneous

113th Congress · Approved Feb 7, 2014 · 128 Stat. 649 · Lineage

TITLE XII Miscellaneous

Subtitle A Livestock

SEC. 12101. Trichinae Certification Program.

(a)
Alternative Certification Process.— The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8304(a)) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae.
(b)
Final Regulations.— Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection.
(c)
Reauthorization.— Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1)) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking “ 2012” each place it appears and inserting “ 2018”.

SEC. 12102. Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program.

(a)
In General.— Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“SEC. 209. SHEEP PRODUCTION AND MARKETING GRANT PROGRAM.

“(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, shall establish a competitive grant program for the purposes of strengthening and enhancing the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States, including through—

“(1) the improvement of—

“(A) infrastructure;

“(B) business; and

“(C) resource development; and

“(2) the development of innovative approaches to solve long-term needs.

“(b) Eligibility.—The Secretary shall make grants under this section to at least one national entity, the mission of which is consistent with the purpose of the grant program.

“(c) Funding.—Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended.”

(b)
Conforming Amendment.— Section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008j) (as in existence on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act) is—
(1)
amended in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (3)(D), by striking “ 3 percent” and inserting “ 10 percent”; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (6);
(2)
redesignated as section 210 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; and
(3)
moved so as to appear at the end of subtitle A of that Act (as amended by subsection (a)).

SEC. 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.

Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8322(d)) is amended by striking “ 2012” and inserting “ 2018”.

SEC. 12104. Country of Origin Labeling.

(a)
Economic Analysis.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the final rule entitled “Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts” published by the Department of Agriculture on May 24, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 31367) that makes certain amendments to parts 60 and 65 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2)
Contents.— The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of—
(A)
the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq.); and
(B)
the final rule referred to in subsection (a).
(b)
Applying Country of Origin Labeling Requirements to Venison.—
(1)
Definition of covered commodity.— Section 281(2)(A) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638(2)(A)) is amended—
(A)
in clause (i), by striking “ and pork” and inserting “ pork, and venison”; and
(B)
in clause (ii), by striking “ and ground pork” and inserting “ ground pork, and ground venison”.
(2)
Notice of country of origin.— Section 282(a)(2) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638a(a)(2)) is amended—
(A)
in the heading, by striking “ and goat” and inserting “ goat, and venison”;
(B)
by striking “ or goat” and inserting “ goat, or venison” each place it appears in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D); and
(C)
in subparagraph (E)—
(i)
in the heading, by striking “ and goat” and inserting “ goat, and venison”; and
(ii)
by striking “ or ground goat” each place it appears and inserting “ ground goat, or ground venison”.

SEC. 12105. National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by inserting after section 10409 (7 U.S.C. 8308) the following new section:

“SEC. 10409A. NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK.

“(a) Definition of Eligible Laboratory.—In this section, the term ‘eligible laboratory’ means a diagnostic laboratory that meets specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials, State veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories at institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)).

“(b) In General.—The Secretary, in consultation with State veterinarians, shall offer to enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes:

“(1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing bioterrorist threats to animal health.

“(2) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized—

“(A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment;

“(B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels;

“(C) quality management system requirements;

“(D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and

“(E) evaluation for emergency preparedness.

“(3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach.

“(c) Priority.—To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal facilities, State facilities, and facilities at institutions of higher education.

“(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.”

SEC. 12106. Food Safety Inspection.

(a)
Inspections.—
(1)
In general.— Section 1(w) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(w)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

“(2) all fish of the order Siluriformes; and”

(2)
Conditions.— Section 6 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 606) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

“(b) Certain Fish.—In the case of an examination and inspection under subsection (a) of a meat food product derived from any fish described in section 1(w)(2), the Secretary shall take into account the conditions under which the fish is raised and transported to a processing establishment.”

(3)
Inapplicability.— Section 25 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 625) is amended by striking “ not apply” and all that follows and inserting “ not apply to any fish described in section 1(w)(2).”.
(4)
Conforming amendment.— Section 203(n) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1622(n)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

“(1) all fish of the order Siluriformes; and”

(b)
Implementation.—
(1)
In general.— The Secretary shall—
(A)
not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, issue final regulations to carry out the amendments made by section 11016(b)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130), as further clarified by the amendments made by this section; and
(B)
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, implement the amendments described in subparagraph (A).
(2)
Notification.— Beginning 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 30 days thereafter until the date of full implementation of the amendments described in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall submit a report describing the status of implementation to—
(A)
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;
(B)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry of the Senate;
(C)
the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(D)
the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(3)
Procedure.— Section 1601(c)(2) applies to the promulgation of the regulations and administration of this section and the amendments made by this section.
(4)
Conforming amendment.— Section 11016(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

“(2) Implementation.—

“(A) Regulations.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall issue final regulations to carry out the amendments made by paragraph (1) and section 12106 of that Act in a manner that ensures that there is no duplication in inspection activities.

“(B) Interagency coordination.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Secretary shall execute a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for the following purposes:

“(i) To improve interagency cooperation on food safety and fraud prevention, building upon any other prior agreements, including provisions, performance metrics, and timelines as appropriate.

“(ii) To maximize the effectiveness of limited personnel and resources by ensuring that—

“(I) inspections conducted by the Department satisfy requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.);

“(II) inspections of shipments and processing facilities for fish of the order Siluriformes by the Department and the Food and Drug Administration are not duplicative; and

“(III) any information resulting from examination, testing, and inspections conducted is considered in making risk-based determinations, including the establishment of inspection priorities.”

(c)
Effective Date.— This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect as if enacted as part of section 11016(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130).

SEC. 12107. National Poultry Improvement Plan.

The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act), with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain—
(1)
the operations of the General Conference Committee—
(A)
in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B)
with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and
(2)
the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan.

SEC. 12108. Sense of Congress Regarding Feral Swine Eradication.

It is the sense of the Congress that—
(1)
the Secretary of Agriculture should recognize the threat feral swine pose to the domestic swine population and the entire agriculture industry; and
(2)
feral swine eradication is a high priority that the Secretary should carry out under the authorities of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.).

Subtitle B Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource Producers

SEC. 12201. Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.

(a)
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.— Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting “ and veteran farmers and ranchers” after “ ranchers”;
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting “ and veteran farmers or ranchers” after “ ranchers”;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting “ and veteran farmers or ranchers” after “ ranchers”; and
(C)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in the subparagraph heading, by striking “ 2012” and inserting “ 2018”;
(II)
in clause (i), by striking “ and” at the end;
(III)
in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; and”; and
(IV)
by adding at the end the following new clause:

“(iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.”

; and

(ii)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(E) Authorization of appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.”

(3)
in subsection (b)(2), by inserting “ or veteran farmers and ranchers” after “ socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers”;
(4)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting “ veteran farmers or ranchers and” before “ members”; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting “ veteran farmers or ranchers and” before “ members”; and
(5)
in subsection (e)(5)(A)—
(A)
in clause (i), by inserting “ and veteran farmers or ranchers” after “ ranchers”; and
(B)
in clause (ii), by inserting “ and veteran farmers or ranchers” after “ ranchers”.
(b)
Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.— Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(7) Veteran farmer or rancher.—The term ‘veteran farmer or rancher’ means a farmer or rancher who has served in the Armed Forces (as defined in section 101(10) of title 38 United States Code) and who—

“(A) has not operated a farm or ranch; or

“(B) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years.”

SEC. 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach.

Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)) is amended to read as follows:

“(3) Authorization of appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—

“(A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and

“(B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.”

SEC. 12203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center.

Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279), as amended by section 12201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(i) Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center.—The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the ‘Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center’ for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.”

SEC. 12204. Receipt for Service or Denial of Service from Certain Department of Agriculture Agencies.

Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e)) is amended by striking “ and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt”.

Subtitle C Other Miscellaneous Provisions

SEC. 12301. Grants to Improve Supply, Stability, Safety, and Training of Agricultural Labor Force.

Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2008q–1) is amended to read as follows:

“(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—

“(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and

“(2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.”

SEC. 12302. Program Benefit Eligibility Status for Participants in High Plains Water Study.

Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking “ this Act or an amendment made by this Act” and inserting “ this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Agricultural Act of 2014, or an amendment made by the Agricultural Act of 2014”.

SEC. 12303. Office of Tribal Relations.

Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354) the following new section:

“SEC. 309. OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.

“The Secretary shall maintain in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations, which shall advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes and carry out such other functions as the Secretary considers appropriate.”

SEC. 12304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.

Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7 U.S.C. 6918) the following new section:

“SEC. 219. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.

“(a) Authorization.—The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.

“(b) Duties.—The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall—

“(1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career;

“(2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;

“(3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and

“(4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department.

“(c) Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.—For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), or nonprofit organizations for—

“(1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability of small farms;

“(2) the development of educational materials;

“(3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified vocational training;

“(4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or

“(5) the provision of internship opportunities.”

SEC. 12305. Noninsured Crop Assistance Program.

(a)
In General.— Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

“(1) In general.—

“(A) Coverages.—In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to—

“(i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)); or

“(ii) except in the case of crops and grasses used for grazing, additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does not exceed 65 percent, as described in subsection (l).

“(B) Administration.—The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the ‘Agency’).”

; and

(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in clause (i), by striking “ and” after the semicolon at the end;
(II)
by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
(III)
by inserting after clause (i) the following:

“(ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is not available; and”

; and

(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking “ and industrial crops” and inserting “ sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, and industrial crops (including those grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products)”;
(2)
in subsection (i)(2), by striking “ $100,000” and inserting “ $125,000”;
(3)
in subsection (k)(2), by striking “ limited resource farmer” and inserting “ limited resource, beginning, or socially disadvantaged farmer”; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following:

“(l) Payment Equivalent to Additional Coverage.—

“(1) In general.—The Secretary shall make available noninsured assistance under this subsection (other than for crops and grasses used for grazing) at a payment amount that is equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) and equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

“(A) the amount that—

“(i) the additional coverage yield, which shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

“(I) an amount not less than 50 percent nor more than 65 percent, as elected by the producer and specified in 5-percent increments; and

“(II) the approved yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; exceeds

“(ii) the actual yield;

“(B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and

“(C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects—

“(i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable—

“(I) harvested;

“(II) planted but not harvested; or

“(III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or

“(ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary.

“(2) Service fee and premium.—To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay—

“(A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and

“(B) the lesser of—

“(i) the sum of the premiums for each eligible crop, with the premium for each eligible crop obtained by multiplying—

“(I) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop;

“(II) the yield, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e);

“(III) the coverage level elected by the producer;

“(IV) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and

“(V) a 5.25-percent premium fee; or

“(ii) the product obtained by multiplying—

“(I) a 5.25-percent premium fee; and

“(II) the applicable payment limit.

“(3) Additional availability.—

“(A) In general.—As soon as practicable after October 1, 2013, the Secretary shall make assistance available to producers of an otherwise eligible crop described in subsection (a)(2) that suffered losses—

“(i) to a 2012 annual fruit crop grown on a bush or tree; and

“(ii) in a county covered by a declaration by the Secretary of a natural disaster for production losses due to a freeze or frost.

“(B) Assistance.—The Secretary shall make assistance available under subparagraph (A) in an amount equivalent to assistance available under paragraph (1), less any fees not previously paid under paragraph (2).

“(4) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers.—The coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined under paragraph (2).

“(5) Effective date.—Except as provided in paragraph (3)(A), additional coverage under this subsection shall be available for each of the 2015 through 2018 crop years.”

(b)
Prohibition on Catastrophic Risk Protection.— Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

“(1) Coverage availability.—

“(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Corporation shall offer a catastrophic risk protection plan to indemnify producers for crop loss due to loss of yield or prevented planting, if provided by the Corporation, when the producer is unable, because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster (as determined by the Secretary), to plant other crops for harvest on the acreage for the crop year.

“(B) Exception.—Coverage described in subparagraph (A) shall not be available for crops and grasses used for grazing.”

SEC. 12306. Acer Access and Development Program.

(a)
Grants Authorized.— The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities:
(1)
Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production.
(2)
Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.
(3)
Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products.
(4)
Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer—
(A)
to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or
(B)
to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities.
(b)
Application.— In submitting an application for a competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal government, or research institution shall include—
(1)
a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds;
(2)
a description of the benefits that the State, tribal government, or research institution intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and
(3)
an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal government, or research institution anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities.
(c)
Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or tribal government liability law.
(d)
Definition of Maple-Sugaring.— In this section, the term “maple-sugaring” means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food.
(e)
Regulations.— The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
(f)
Authorization of Appropriations.— There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

SEC. 12307. Science Advisory Board.

Section 8 of the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 4365) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:

“(e) Committees.—

“(1) Member committees.—

“(A) In general.—The Board is authorized to establish such member committees and investigative panels as the Administrator and the Board determine to be necessary to carry out this section.

“(B) Chairmanship.—Each member committee or investigative panel established under this subsection shall be chaired by a member of the Board.

“(2) Agriculture-related committees.—

“(A) In general.—The Administrator and the Board—

“(i) shall establish a standing agriculture-related committee; and

“(ii) may establish such additional agriculture-related committees and investigative panels as the Administrator and the Board determines to be necessary to carry out the duties under subparagraph (C).

“(B) Membership.—The standing committee and each agriculture-related committee or investigative panel established under subparagraph (A) shall be—

“(i) composed of—

“(I) such quantity of members as the Administrator and the Board determines to be necessary; and

“(II) individuals who are not members of the Board on the date of appointment to the committee or investigative panel; and

“(ii) appointed by the Administrator and the Board, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture.

“(C) Duties.—The agriculture-related standing committee and each additional committee and investigative panel established under subparagraph (A) shall provide scientific and technical advice to the Board relating to matters referred to the Board that the Administrator and the Board determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to have a significant direct impact on enterprises that are engaged in the business of the production of food and fiber, ranching and raising livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming- and agriculture-related industries.”

; and

(2)
by adding at the end the following:

“(h) Public Participation and Transparency.—The Board shall make every effort, consistent with applicable law, including section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Freedom of Information Act’) and section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Privacy Act’), to maximize public participation and transparency, including making the scientific and technical advice of the Board and any committees or investigative panels of the Board publically available in electronic form on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“(i) Report to Congress.—The Administrator shall annually report to the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Agriculture of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture of the House of Representatives regarding the membership and activities of the standing agriculture-related committee established pursuant to subsection (e)(2)(A)(i).”

SEC. 12308. Amendments to Animal Welfare Act.

(a)
Licensing of Dealers and Exhibitors.—
(1)
Definition.— Section 2 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2132) is amended—
(A)
in the matter preceding subsection (a), by striking “ When used in this Act—” and inserting “ In this Act:”;
(B)
in subsection (f), by striking “ (2) any dog for hunting, security, or breeding purposes” and all that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting “ (2) any dog for hunting, security, or breeding purposes. Such term does not include a retail pet store (other than a retail pet store which sells any animals to a research facility, an exhibitor, or another dealer).”;
(C)
in each of subsections (a), (b), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (m), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and
(D)
in subsection (n), by striking “ ; and” at the end and inserting a period.
(2)
Licensing.— Section 3 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2133) is amended by striking “ : Provided, however, That any retail pet store” and all that follows through “ under this Act.” and inserting the following “ : Provided, however, That a dealer or exhibitor shall not be required to obtain a license as a dealer or exhibitor under this Act if the size of the business is determined by the Secretary to be de minimis.”.
(b)
Prohibition on Attending an Animal Fight or Causing an Individual Who Has Not Attained the Age of 16 to Attend an Animal Fight; Enforcement of Animal Fighting Provisions.—
(1)
Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend an animal fight.— Section 26(a) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156(a)) is amended—
(A)
in the heading, by striking “ Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in” and inserting “ Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in, Attending, or Causing an Individual Who Has Not Attained the Age of 16 To Attend,”; and
(B)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the heading, by striking “ In General” and inserting “ Sponsoring or Exhibiting”; and
(ii)
by striking “ paragraph (2)” and inserting “ paragraph (3)”;
(iii)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(iv)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:

“(2) Attending or causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend.—It shall be unlawful for any person to—

“(A) knowingly attend an animal fighting venture; or

“(B) knowingly cause an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend an animal fighting venture.”

(2)
Enforcement of animal fighting prohibitions.— Section 49 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
by striking “ Whoever” and inserting “ (a) In General.—Whoever”;
(B)
in subsection (a), as designated by subparagraph (A), by striking “ subsection (a),” and inserting “ subsection (a)(1),”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:

“(b) Attending an Animal Fighting Venture.—Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)(A) of section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both, for each violation.

“(c) Causing an Individual Who Has Not Attained the Age of 16 To Attend an Animal Fighting Venture.—Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)(B) of section 26 (7 U.S.C. 2156) of the Animal Welfare Act shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both, for each violation.”

SEC. 12309. Produce Represented as Grown in the United States When It Is Not in Fact Grown in the United States.

(a)
Technical Assistance to CBP.— The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States.
(b)
Report to Congress.— The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States.

SEC. 12310. Report on Water Sharing.

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944).

SEC. 12311. Scientific and Economic Analysis of the Fda Food Safety Modernization Act.

(a)
In General.— When publishing a final rule with respect to “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” published by the Department of Health and Human Services on January 16, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 3504), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”) shall ensure that the final rule (referred to in this section as the “final rule”) includes the following information:
(1)
An analysis of the scientific information used to promulgate the final rule, taking into consideration any information about farming and ranching operations of a variety of sizes, with regional differences, and that have a diversity of production practices and methods.
(2)
An analysis of the economic impact of the final rule.
(3)
A plan to systematically—
(A)
evaluate the impact of the final rule on farming and ranching operations; and
(B)
develop an ongoing process to evaluate and respond to business concerns.
(b)
Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary promulgates the final rule referred to in subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Health, Education, and Labor of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the effectiveness of the ongoing evaluation and response process referred to in subsection (a)(3)(B). Not later than one year after the date on which such report is submitted, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to such committees an updated report on such process.

SEC. 12313. Silvicultural Activities.

Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342(l)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(3) Silvicultural activities.—

“(A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities.—The Administrator shall not require a permit under this section nor directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge from runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities conducted in accordance with standard industry practice: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, or road construction and maintenance.

“(B) Other requirements.—Nothing in this paragraph exempts a discharge from silvicultural activity from any permitting requirement under section 404, existing permitting requirements under section 402, or from any other federal law.

“(C) The authorization provided in Section 505(a) does not apply to any non-permitting program established under 402(p)(6) for the silviculture activities listed in 402(l)(3)(A), or to any other limitations that might be deemed to apply to the silviculture activities listed in 402(l)(3)(A).”

SEC. 12314. Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund.

(a)
Establishment of Trust Fund.— There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund” (in this section referred to as the “Trust Fund”), consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Trust Fund pursuant to subsection (h), and to be used for the purpose of reducing the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting from tariffs on cotton fabric that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of cotton fabric.
(b)
Distribution of Funds.— From amounts in the Trust Fund, the Secretary shall make payments annually beginning in calendar year 2014 for calendar years 2014 through 2018 as follows:
(1)
Twenty-five percent of the amounts in the Trust Fund shall be paid to one or more nationally recognized associations established for the promotion of pima cotton for use in textile and apparel goods.
(2)
Twenty-five percent of the amounts in the Trust Fund shall be paid to yarn spinners of pima cotton that produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, to be allocated to each spinner in an amount that bears the same ratio as—
(A)
the spinner’s production of ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number) from pima cotton in single and plied form during calendar year 2013 (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the spinner that meets the requirements of subsection (c)), bears to—
(B)
the production of the yarns described in subparagraph (A) during calendar year 2013 for all spinners who qualify under this paragraph.
(3)
Fifty percent of the amounts in the Trust Fund shall be paid to manufacturers who cut and sew cotton shirts in the United States who certify that they used imported cotton fabric during calendar year 2013, to be allocated to each such manufacturer in an amount that bears the same ratio as—
(A)
the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related costs) of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer during calendar year 2013 (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the manufacturer that meets the requirements of subsection (d)) used in the manufacturing of men’s and boys’ cotton shirts, bears to—
(B)
the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related costs) of the fabric described in subparagraph (A) purchased during calendar year 2013 by all manufacturers who qualify under this paragraph.
(c)
Affidavit of Yarn Spinners.— The affidavit required by subsection (b)(2)(A) is a notarized affidavit provided annually by an officer of a producer of ring spun yarns that affirms—
(1)
that the producer used pima cotton during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during calendar year 2013 to produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form;
(2)
the quantity, measured in pounds, of ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during calendar year 2013; and
(3)
that the producer maintains supporting documentation showing the quantity of such yarns produced, and evidencing the yarns as ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during calendar year 2013.
(d)
Affidavit of Shirting Manufacturers.—
(1)
In general.— The affidavit required by subsection (b)(3)(A) is a notarized affidavit provided annually by an officer of a manufacturer of men’s and boys’ shirts that affirms—
(A)
that the manufacturer used imported cotton fabric during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during calendar year 2013, to cut and sew men’s and boys’ woven cotton shirts in the United States;
(B)
the dollar value of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer during calendar year 2013;
(C)
that the manufacturer maintains invoices along with other supporting documentation (such as price lists and other technical descriptions of the fabric qualities) showing the dollar value of such fabric purchased, the date of purchase, and evidencing the fabric as woven cotton fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp; and
(D)
that the fabric was suitable for use in the manufacturing of men’s and boys’ cotton shirts.
(2)
Date of purchase.— For purposes of the affidavit under paragraph (1), the date of purchase shall be the invoice date, and the dollar value shall be determined excluding duty, shipping, and related costs.
(e)
Filing Deadline for Affidavits.— Any person required to provide an affidavit under this section shall file the affidavit with the Secretary or as directed by the Secretary—
(1)
in the case of an affidavit required for calendar year 2014, not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2)
in the case of an affidavit required for any of calendar years 2015 through 2018, not later than March 15 of that calendar year.
(f)
Timing of Distributions.— The Secretary shall make a payment under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (b)—
(1)
for calendar year 2014—
(A)
not later than the date that is 30 days after the filing of the affidavit required with respect to that payment; or
(B)
if the Secretary is unable to make the payment by the date described in subparagraph (A), as soon as practicable thereafter; and
(2)
for calendar years 2015 through 2018, not later than the date that is 30 days after the filing of the affidavit required with respect to that payment.
(g)
Memorandum of Understanding.— The Secretary and the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, negotiate a memorandum of understanding to establish procedures pursuant to which the Commissioner will assist the Secretary in carrying out the provisions of this section.
(h)
Funding.— Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Trust Fund $16,000,000 for each of calendar years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended.

SEC. 12315. Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund.

(a)
Establishment of Trust Fund.— There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund” (in this section referred to as the “Trust Fund”), consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Trust Fund pursuant to subsection (f), and to be used for the purpose of reducing the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting from tariffs on wool fabric that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of wool fabric.
(b)
Distribution of Funds.—
(1)
In general.— From amounts in the Trust Fund, the Secretary may make payments annually beginning in calendar year 2014 for calendar years 2010 through 2019 as follows:
(A)
To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (3) of section 4002(c) of the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–429; 118 Stat. 2600), as amended by section 1633(c) of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–280; 120 Stat. 1166) and section 325(b) of the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (division C of Public Law 110–343; 122 Stat. 3875), and any successor-in-interest to such a manufacturer as provided for under paragraph (4) of such section 4002(c), that submits an affidavit in accordance with paragraph (2) for the year of the payment—
(i)
for calendar years 2010 through 2015, payments that, when added to any other payments made to the manufacturer or successor-in-interest under paragraph (3) of such section 4002(c) in such calendar years, equal the total amount of payments authorized to be provided to the manufacturer or successor-in-interest under that paragraph, or the provisions of this section, in such calendar years; and
(ii)
for calendar years 2016 through 2019, payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph.
(B)
To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (6) of such section 4002(c)—
(i)
for calendar years 2010 through 2014, payments that, when added to any other payments made to eligible manufacturers under that paragraph in such calendar years, equal the total amount of payments authorized to be provided to the manufacturer under that paragraph, or the provisions of this section, in such calendar years; and
(ii)
for calendar years 2015 through 2019, payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph.
(2)
Submission of affidavits.— An affidavit required by paragraph (1)(A) shall be submitted—
(A)
in each of calendar years 2010 through 2015, to the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection not later than April 15; and
(B)
in each of calendar years 2016 through 2019, to the Secretary, or as directed by the Secretary, and not later than March 1.
(c)
Payment of Amounts.— The Secretary shall make payments to eligible manufacturers and successors-in-interest described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b)—
(1)
for calendar years 2010 through 2014, not later than 30 days after the transfer of amounts from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Trust Fund under subsection (f); and
(2)
for calendar years 2015 through 2019, not later than April 15 of the year of the payment.
(d)
Memoranda of Understanding.— The Secretary shall, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, negotiate memoranda of understanding with the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Secretary of Commerce to establish procedures pursuant to which the Commissioner and the Secretary of Commerce will assist in carrying out the provisions of this section.
(e)
Increase in Payments in the Event of Expiration of Duty Suspensions.—
(1)
In general.— In any calendar year in which the suspension of duty on wool fabrics provided for under headings 9902.51.11, 9902.51.13, 9902.51.14, 9902.51.15, and 9902.51.16 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States are not in effect, the amount of any payment described in subsection (b)(1) to a manufacturer or successor-in-interest shall be increased by an amount the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, determines is equal to the amount the manufacturer or successor-in-interest would have saved during the calendar year of the payment if the suspension of duty on wool fabrics were in effect.
(2)
No appeal of determinations.— A determination of the Secretary under this subsection shall be final and not subject to appeal or protest.
(f)
Funding.—
(1)
In general.— Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Trust Fund for each of calendar years 2014 through 2019 an amount equal to the lesser of—
(A)
the amount the Secretary determines to be necessary to make payments required by this section in that calendar year; or
(B)
$30,000,000.
(2)
Availability.— Amounts transferred to the Trust Fund under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.

SEC. 12316. Wool Research and Promotion.

(a)
In General.— Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to provide grants described in section 506(d) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7101 note) $2,250,000 for each of calendar years 2015 through 2019, to remain available until expended.
(b)
Authorization to Distribute Unexpended Balance.— In addition to funds made available under subsection (a) and notwithstanding subsection (f) of section 506 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7101 note), the Secretary may use any unexpended balances remaining in the Wool Research, Development, and Promotion Trust Fund established under that section as of December 31, 2014, to provide grants described in subsection (d) of that section.

Subtitle D Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training

SEC. 12401. Short Title.

This subtitle may be cited as the “Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training Act of 2014”.

SEC. 12402. Findings and Purposes.

Section 702 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (4), by striking “ and” after the semicolon at the end;
(2)
by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:

“(6) consumers of oilheat fuel are provided service by thousands of small businesses that are unable to individually develop training programs to facilitate the entry of new and qualified workers into the oilheat fuel industry;

“(7) small businesses and trained employees are in an ideal position—

“(A) to provide information to consumers about the benefits of improved efficiency; and

“(B) to encourage consumers to value efficiency in energy choices and assist individuals in conserving energy;

“(8) additional research is necessary—

“(A) to improve oilheat fuel equipment; and

“(B) to develop domestic renewable resources that can be used to safely and affordably heat homes;

“(9) since there are no Federal resources available to assist the oilheat fuel industry, it is necessary and appropriate to develop a self-funded program dedicated—

“(A) to improving efficiency in customer homes;

“(B) to assist individuals to gain employment in the oilheat fuel industry; and

“(C) to develop domestic renewable resources;

“(10) both consumers of oilheat fuel and retailers would benefit from the self-funded program; and

“(11) the oilheat fuel industry is committed to providing appropriate funding necessary to carry out the purposes of this title without passing additional costs on to residential consumers.”

SEC. 12403. Definitions.

(a)
In General.— Section 703 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (15) as paragraphs (4) through (16), respectively;
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:

“(3) Cost-effective.—The term ‘cost-effective’, with respect to a program or activity carried out under section 707(f)(4), means that the program or activity meets a total resource cost test under which—

“(A) the net present value of economic benefits over the life of the program or activity, including avoided supply and delivery costs and deferred or avoided investments; is greater than

“(B) the net present value of the economic costs over the life of the program or activity, including program costs and incremental costs borne by the energy consumer.”

; and

(3)
by striking paragraph (8) (as redesignated in paragraph (1)) and inserting the following:

“(8) Oilheat fuel.—The term ‘oilheat fuel’ means fuel that—

“(A) is—

“(i) No. 1 distillate;

“(ii) No. 2 dyed distillate;

“(iii) a liquid blended with No. 1 distillate or No. 2 dyed distillate; or

“(iv) a biobased liquid; and

“(B) is used as a fuel for nonindustrial commercial or residential space or hot water heating.”

(b)
Conforming Amendments.—
(1)
The National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by striking “ oilheat” each place it appears and inserting “ oilheat fuel”.
(2)
Section 704(d) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended in the subsection heading by striking “ Oilheat” and inserting “ Oilheat Fuel”.
(3)
Section 706(c)(2) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended in the paragraph heading by striking “ oilheat” and inserting “ oilheat fuel”.
(4)
Section 707(c) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended in the subsection heading by striking “ Oilheat” and inserting “ Oilheat Fuel”.

SEC. 12404. Membership.

(a)
Selection.— Section 705 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

“(a) Selection.—

“(1) List.—

“(A) In general.—The Alliance shall provide to the Secretary a list of qualified nominees for membership in the Alliance.

“(B) Requirement.—Except as provided in subsection (c)(1)(C), members of the Alliance shall be representatives of the oilheat fuel industry in a State, selected from a list of nominees submitted by the qualified State association in the State.

“(2) Vacancies.—A vacancy in the Alliance shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection.

“(3) Secretarial action.—

“(A) In general.—The Secretary shall have 60 days to review nominees provided under paragraph (1).

“(B) Failure to act.—If the Secretary takes no action during the 60-day period described in subparagraph (A), the nominees shall be considered to be members of the Alliance.”

(b)
Representation.— Section 705(b) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking “ qualified industry organization” and inserting “ Alliance”.
(c)
Number of Members.— Section 705(c) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

“(1) In general.—The Alliance shall be composed of the following members:

“(A) 1 member representing each State participating in the Alliance.

“(B) 5 representatives of retail marketers, of whom 1 shall be selected by each of the qualified State associations of the 5 States with the highest volume of annual oilheat fuel sales.

“(C) 5 additional representatives of retail marketers.

“(D) 21 representatives of wholesale distributors.

“(E) 6 public members, who shall be representatives of significant users of oilheat fuel, the oilheat fuel research community, State energy officials, or other groups with expertise in oilheat fuel, including consumer and low-income advocacy groups.”

; and

(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking “ the qualified industry organization or”.

SEC. 12405. Functions.

(a)
Renewable Fuel Research.— Section 706(a)(3)(B)(i)(I) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: “ , including research to develop renewable fuels and to examine the compatibility of different renewable fuels with oilheat fuel utilization equipment, with priority given to research on the development and use of advanced biofuels”.
(b)
Biennial Budgets.— Section 706(e) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

“(1) Publication of proposed budget.—Not later than August 1, 2014, and every 2 years thereafter, the Alliance shall, in consultation with the Secretary, develop and publish for public review and comment a proposed biennial budget for the next 2 calendar years, including the probable operating and planning costs of all programs, projects, and contracts and other agreements.”

; and

(2)
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

“(4) Implementation.—

“(A) In general.—The Alliance shall not implement a proposed budget until the expiration of 60 days after submitting the proposed budget to the Secretary.

“(B) Recommendations for changes by secretary.—

“(i) In general.—The Secretary may recommend to the Alliance changes to the budget programs and activities of the Alliance that the Secretary considers appropriate.

“(ii) Response by alliance.—Not later than 30 days after the receipt of any recommendations made under clause (i), the Alliance shall submit to the Secretary a final budget for the next 2 calendar years that incorporates or includes a description of the response of the Alliance to any changes recommended under clause (i).”

SEC. 12406. Assessments.

(a)
In General.— Section 707 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

“(a) Rate.—The assessment rate shall be equal to 2⁄10 of 1 cent per gallon of oilheat fuel.”

; and

(2)
in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:

“(8) Prohibition on pass through.—None of the assessments collected under this title may be passed through or otherwise required to be paid by residential consumers of oilheat fuel.”

(b)
Funds Made Available to Qualified State Associations.— Section 707(e)(2) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(B) Separate accounts.—As a condition of receipt of funds made available to a qualified State association under this title, the qualified State association shall deposit the funds in an account that is separate from other funds of the qualified State association.”

(c)
Administration.— Section 707 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(f) Use of Assessments.—

“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary and the Alliance shall ensure that assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are allocated and used in accordance with this subsection.

“(2) Research, development, and demonstration.—

“(A) In general.—The Alliance shall ensure that not less than 30 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used by qualified State associations or the Alliance to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities relating to oilheat fuel, including the development of energy-efficient heating and the transition and facilitation of the entry of energy efficient heating systems into the marketplace.

“(B) Coordination.—The Alliance shall coordinate with the Secretary to develop priorities for the use of assessments under this paragraph.

“(C) Plan.—The Alliance shall develop a coordinated research plan to carry out research programs and activities under this section.

“(D) Report.—

“(i) In general.—No later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Alliance shall prepare a report on the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment.

“(ii) Contents.—The report required under clause (i) shall—

“(I) provide information on the environmental benefits, economic benefits, and any technical limitations on the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment; and

“(II) describe market acceptance of the fuel, and information on State and local governments that are encouraging the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment.

“(iii) Copies.—The Alliance shall submit a copy of the report required under clause (i) to—

“(I) Congress;

“(II) the Governor of each State, and other appropriate State leaders, in which the Alliance is operating; and

“(III) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“(E) Consumer education materials.—The Alliance, in conjunction with an institution or organization engaged in biofuels research, shall develop consumer education materials describing the benefits of using biofuels as or in oilheat fuel based on the technical information developed in the report required under subparagraph (D) and other information generally available.

“(3) Cost sharing.—

“(A) In general.—In carrying out a research, development, demonstration, or commercial application program or activity that is commenced after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Alliance shall require cost-sharing in accordance with this section.

“(B) Research and development.—

“(i) In general.—Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), the Alliance shall require that not less than 20 percent of the cost of a research or development program or activity described in subparagraph (A) to be provided by a source other than the Alliance.

“(ii) Exclusion.—Clause (i) shall not apply to a research or development program or activity described in subparagraph (A) that is of a basic or fundamental nature, as determined by the Alliance.

“(iii) Reduction.—The Alliance may reduce or eliminate the requirement of clause (i) for a research and development program or activity of an applied nature if the Alliance determines that the reduction is necessary and appropriate.

“(C) Demonstration and commercial application.—The Alliance shall require that not less than 50 percent of the cost of a demonstration or commercial application program or activity described in subparagraph (A) to be provided by a source other than the Alliance.

“(4) Heating oil efficiency and upgrade program.—

“(A) In general.—The Alliance shall ensure that not less than 15 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used by qualified State associations or the Alliance to carry out programs to assist consumers—

“(i) to make cost-effective upgrades to more fuel efficient heating oil systems or otherwise make cost-effective modifications to an existing heating system to improve the efficiency of the system;

“(ii) to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption through cost-effective energy efficiency programs for consumers; or

“(iii) to improve the safe operation of a heating system.

“(B) Plan.—The Alliance shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate, develop, and implement the programs and activities of the Alliance in conjunction with existing State energy efficiency program administrators.

“(C) Administration.—

“(i) In general.—In carrying out this paragraph, the Alliance shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that heating system conversion assistance is coordinated with, and developed after consultation with, persons or organizations responsible for administering—

“(I) the low-income home energy assistance program established under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.);

“(II) the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.); or

“(III) other energy efficiency programs administered by the State or other parties in the State.

“(ii) Distribution of funds.—The Alliance shall ensure that funds distributed to carry out this paragraph are—

“(I) distributed equitably to States based on the proportional contributions of the States through collected assessments;

“(II) used to supplement (and not supplant) State or alternative sources of funding for energy efficiency programs; and

“(III) used only to carry out this paragraph.

“(5) Consumer education, safety, and training.—The Alliance shall ensure that not more than 30 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used—

“(A) to conduct consumer education activities relating to oilheat fuel, including providing information to consumers on—

“(i) energy conservation strategies;

“(ii) safety;

“(iii) new technologies that reduce consumption or improve safety and comfort;

“(iv) the use of biofuels blends; and

“(v) Federal, State, and local programs designed to assist oilheat fuel consumers;

“(B) to conduct worker safety and training activities relating to oilheat fuel, including energy efficiency training (including classes to obtain Building Performance Institute or Residential Energy Services Network certification);

“(C) to carry out other activities recommended by the Secretary; or

“(D) to the maximum extent practicable, a data collection process established, in collaboration with the Secretary or other appropriate Federal agencies, to track equipment, service, and related safety issues and to develop measures to improve safety.

“(6) Administrative costs.—

“(A) In general.—The Alliance shall ensure that not more than 5 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used for—

“(i) administrative costs; or

“(ii) indirect costs incurred in carrying out paragraphs (1) through (5).

“(B) Administration.—Activities under this section shall be documented pursuant to a transparent process and procedures developed in coordination with the Secretary.

“(7) Reports.—

“(A) Annual reports.—

“(i) In general.—Each qualified State association or the Alliance shall prepare an annual report describing he development and administration of this section, and yearly expenditures under this section.

“(ii) Contents.—Each report required under clause (i) shall include a description of the use of proceeds under this section, including a description of—

“(I) advancements made in energy-efficient heating systems and biofuel heating oil blends; and

“(II) heating system upgrades and modifications and energy efficiency programs funded under this section.

“(iii) Verification.—

“(I) In general.—The Alliance shall ensure that an independent third-party reviews each report described in clause (i) and verifies the accuracy of the report.

“(II) Councils.—If a State has a stakeholder efficiency oversight council, the council shall be the entity that reviews and verifies the report of the State association or Alliance for the State under clause (i).

“(B) Reports on heating oil efficiency and upgrade program.—At least once every 3 years, the Alliance shall prepare a detailed report describing the consumer savings, cost-effectiveness of, and the lifetime and annual energy savings achieved by heating system upgrades and modifications and energy efficiency programs funded under paragraph (4).

“(C) Availability.—Each report, and any subsequent changes to the report, described in this paragraph shall be made publically available, with notice of availability provided to the Secretary, and posted on the website of the Alliance.”

SEC. 12407. Market Survey and Consumer Protection.

Section 708 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is repealed.

SEC. 12408. Lobbying Restrictions.

Section 710 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended—
(1)
by striking “ No funds” and inserting the following:

“(a) In General.—No funds”

(2)
by inserting “ or to lobby” after “ elections”; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:

“(b) Assessments.—

“(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), no funds derived from assessments collected by the Alliance under section 707 shall be used, directly or indirectly, to influence Federal, State, or local legislation or elections, or the manner of administering of a law.

“(2) Information.—The Alliance may use funds described in paragraph (1) to provide information requested by a Member of Congress, or an official of any Federal, State, or local agency, in the course of the official business of the Member or official.”

SEC. 12409. Noncompliance.

Section 712 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(g) Noncompliance.—If the Alliance, a qualified State association, or any other entity or person violates this title, the Secretary shall—

“(1) notify Congress of the noncompliance; and

“(2) provide notice of the noncompliance on the Alliance website.”

SEC. 12410. Sunset.

Section 713 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469) is amended by striking “ 9 years” and inserting “ 18 years”.