Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 121.djvu/1792

 PUBLIC LAW 110–140—DEC. 19, 2007

121 STAT. 1771

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business community of the benefits and the ease of telecommuting; (ii) conduct outreach— (I) to small business concerns that are considering offering telecommuting options; and (II) as provided in subparagraph (B); and (iii) acquire telecommuting technologies and equipment to be used for demonstration purposes. (D) SELECTION OF REGIONS.—In determining which regions will participate in the Telecommuting Pilot Program, the Administrator shall give priority consideration to regions in which Federal agencies and private-sector employers have demonstrated a strong regional commitment to telecommuting. (2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 2 years after the date on which funds are first appropriated to carry out this subsection, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report containing the results of an evaluation of the Telecommuting Pilot Program and any recommendations regarding whether the pilot program, with or without modification, should be extended to include the participation of all regions of the Administration. (3) TERMINATION.—The Telecommuting Pilot Program shall terminate 4 years after the date on which funds are first appropriated to carry out this subsection. (4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administration $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection. (e) ENCOURAGING INNOVATION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY.—Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638) is amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(z) ENCOURAGING INNOVATION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY.— ‘‘(1) FEDERAL AGENCY ENERGY-RELATED PRIORITY.—In carrying out its duties under this section relating to SBIR and STTR solicitations by Federal departments and agencies, the Administrator shall— ‘‘(A) ensure that such departments and agencies give high priority to small business concerns that participate in or conduct energy efficiency or renewable energy system research and development projects; and ‘‘(B) include in the annual report to Congress under subsection (b)(7) a determination of whether the priority described in subparagraph (A) is being carried out. ‘‘(2) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.—The Administrator shall consult with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies in determining whether priority has been given to small business concerns that participate in or conduct energy efficiency or renewable energy system research and development projects, as required by this subsection. ‘‘(3) GUIDELINES.—The Administrator shall, as soon as is practicable after the date of enactment of this subsection, issue guidelines and directives to assist Federal agencies in meeting the requirements of this subsection. ‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection— ‘‘(A) the term ‘biomass’—

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