PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Energy and Natural Resources received executive comment from Department of Energy. Favorable.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 28, 1999
Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to commence a methane hydrate research and development program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award program grants or contracts to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, institutions of higher education and industrial enterprises; and (2) establish a panel to provide advice on applications of methane hydrate and priorities for the program. Limits to five percent the amount of program funding that can be used for administrative expense and prohibits funding for building construction. Requires the Secretary, in awarding such grants or contracts or entering into such cooperative agreements, to: (1) facilitate and develop partnerships among government, industry, and institutions of higher education; (2) undertake programs to develop basic information necessary for promoting long-term interest in methane hydrate resources as an energy source; (3) ensure that the data and information developed through the program are accessible and widely disseminated; (4) promote cooperation among agencies that are developing technologies that may hold promise for methane hydrate resource development; and (5) report annually to the Congress on accomplishments. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 to: (1) define "methane hydrate"; and (2) redefine "marine mineral resource" to include methane hydrate. Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] · D–HI
Legislative record
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Committee on Energy and Natural Resources received executive comment from Department of Energy. Favorable.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3867)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3867)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 71.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 106-33.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 106-33.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources requested executive comment from Department of Energy, OMB.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Referred to Subcommittee on Energy Research and Development.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1100)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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