PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jul 11, 2016
Solar Fuels Innovation Act
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by requiring the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out the Solar Fuels Basic Research Initiative to expand scientific knowledge about converting solar energy into chemical energy. Specifically, DOE must support research about: (1) replicating natural photosynthetic processes in artificial photosynthesis processes, and (2) generating a variety of fuels produced from sunlight through artificial photosynthesis. (A photosynthetic process is one used by plants to convert light from the sun into chemical energy. Artificial, human-made photosynthesis mimics the natural process.)
Appropriations authorized under the bill may not be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology.
The bill repeals a requirement for DOE to support a research and development program in catalysis science (the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst).
People & committees
Rep. Knight, Stephen [R-CA-25] · R–CA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4649-4650)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H4649-4650)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5638.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4649-4651)
Mr. Knight moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 528.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 114-680.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 114-680.
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5638 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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