Detailed Summary

Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to conduct: (1) energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities with respect to new industrial and commercial processes, technologies, and methods to achieve improvements in energy efficiency and enhance the economic competitiveness of the U.S. industrial sector; and (2) environmental research and development with respect to new industrial and commercial processes, technologies, and methods to achieve environmental performance improvements such as waste reduction, emissions reductions, and more efficient water use.

Authorizes such activities to include: (1) activities to support the development and use of technologies and processes that improve the quality and quantity of feedstocks recovered or recycled from process and waste streams; (2) research to meet manufacturing feedstock requirements with alternative resources; (3) research to develop and demonstrate technologies and processes that utilize alternative energy sources to supply heat, power, and new feedstocks for energy-intensive industries; (4) research to achieve energy efficiency in steam, power, control system, and process heat technologies and in other manufacturing processes; and (5) a program to fund research, development, and demonstration relating to inventors' and small companies' technology proposals, based on energy savings potential, commercial viability, and technical merit. Requires all awards given under such program to made on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.

Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such activities.

(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to provide funding to university-based industrial research and assessment centers to: (1) identify opportunities for optimizing energy efficiency and environmental performance; (2) promote application of emerging concepts and technologies in small and medium-sized manufacturers; (3) promote the research and development for use of alternative energy sources for energy intensive industries; (4) coordinate with state research offices and provide a clearinghouse for industrial process and energy efficiency technical assistance resources; and (5) coordinate with state-accredited technical training centers and community colleges, while ensuring appropriate services to all regions of the United States.

Authorizes appropriations.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/23/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Points in Favor

(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)

Points Against

(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)