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Methanol Energy Policy Act of 1984

Introduced: February 9, 1984 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 12 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 15, 1984
Favorable Executive Comment Received From Synfuels Corp.
May 15, 1984
Favorable Executive Comment Received From Synthetic Fuels Corp.
Apr 25, 1984
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Apr 4, 1984
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Feb 24, 1984
Referred to Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.
Feb 24, 1984
Executive Comment Requested from DOE, Interior, Treasury, DOT, EPA, Synfuels Corp, OMB.
Feb 23, 1984
Referred to Subcommittee on Fossil and Synthetic Fuels.
Feb 23, 1984
Referred to Subcommittee on Energy Conservation and Power.
Feb 9, 1984
Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.
Feb 9, 1984
Referred to House Committee on Public Works and Transportation.
Feb 9, 1984
Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 9, 1984
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Methanol Energy Policy Act of 1984 - Title I: Methanol Demonstration Program for Federal Vehicles - Requires the Secretary of Energy to acquire at least 1,000 methanol-powered passenger automobiles during FY 1985 and conduct studies with respect to the performance and maintenance of such vehicles.

Requires that methanol be offered for sale to the public for use in other vehicles through September 30, 1989.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal agencies with such methanol-powered vehicles at their request. Requires the agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in studies related to such vehicles.

Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary.

Title II: Demonstration Program for Methanol- Powered Buses - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to permit State and local entities which are eligible for grants under any other provision of such Act to apply to the Secretary of Transportation for grants for the acquisition of methanol-powered buses. Requires grant recipients to participate in a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall conduct studies and tests with respect to the performance and maintenance of such buses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for supplemental grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the demonstration program. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary.

Title III: Interagency Commission on Methanol - Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate implementation of a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission to: (1) perform various studies with respect to the production, use, and promotion of methanol as a fuel; (2) develop a plan for the commercialization of methanol; (3) develop a public-awareness program on methanol as a transportation fuel; (4) coordinate Federal efforts with respect to methanol research and commercialization; and (5) ensure communication between Federal agencies involved in methanol demonstration projects and establish an information clearinghouse for parties working with or interested in methanol and related projects. Requires the Chairman of the Commission to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon the submission of its last report. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out this title.

Title IV: Pipeline Study - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the transportation of methanol through the interstate liquid pipeline system in the United States.

Title V: Allocation of Highway Revenues - Provides that for purposes of the minimum allocation of highway revenues to States, the amount of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in any State shall be increased by the estimated amount of tax such users would have paid if there were no special tax rate or tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code for any liquid which is at least 85 percent methanol, ethanol, or other alcohol.

Title VI: Tax Incentives for the Use of Methanol As A Fuel - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each passenger automobile purchased by the taxpayer the primary fuel for which is methanol, which is domestically manufactured, and the original use of which commences with the taxpayer.

Imposes a tax of four and a half cents a gallon in the case of methanol or ethanol fuel: (1) sold by a person to an operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat as fuel; or (2) used by any person as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat unless there was already a taxable sale of such liquid.

Permits a tax exemption for methanol produced from natural gas if such methanol is used for an off-highway business use.

What's happening now May 15, 1984

Favorable Executive Comment Received From Synfuels Corp.

 Committees of jurisdiction 6