Legislation being considered by the House would amend
energy efficiency and conservation standards for federal
property, and addresses personnel issues and telecommuting
policies.
The Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 2005 –
H.R. 1533 – was introduced April 20 in the Government
Reform Committee and its provisions will be combined into
a larger energy bill the House is crafting.
The legislation authorizes the establishment of a seventh
assistant secretary position to improve management of
nuclear energy issues.
It extends whistleblower protections to contractors and
subcontractors and allows whistleblowers additional legal
remedies if the Secretary of Energy does not issue a
decision within 540 days.
Also, the Secretary would be authorized to enter into
special “other transactions” contracts to further
“research, development, or demonstration functions.”
FEMIA 2005 also requires the Secretary to consult with
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Office of
Personnel Management, the General Services
Administration, and the Administrator of NTIA, to
conduct a study of the effect widespread adoption of
telecommuting could have on energy conservation.