SA 3650. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3500 proposed by Mr. Harkin (for himself, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Baucus, and Mr. Grassley) to the bill H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:


On page 1192, strike line 13 and insert the following:
``SEC. 9023. RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall provide competitive grants to consortia of institutions of higher education to assist the consortia with the conduct of--
``(1) studies on, and the development of engineering designs for, the production of advanced biofuel, biobutanol, and biodiesel from regional bioresources;
``(2) studies to develop systems for the commercial production of biofuel feedstocks from rice, other crops, and other agriculture residue;
``(3) pilot plant demonstration projects for advanced biofuel production and biodiesel production;
``(4) research on biofuel distribution systems; and
``(5) educational activities relating to renewable energy science and technology.
``(b) Provision of Grants.--
``(1) APPLICATIONS.--The Secretary shall solicit from individual institutions of higher education and consortia of institutions of higher education applications for projects eligible for grants under this section.
``(2) PRIORITY.--In providing grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to individual institutions of higher education and consortia of institutions of higher education that have--
``(A) resources for, and expertise in, renewable energy research and production;
``(B) significant experience in working with agricultural producers;
``(C) access to land and biofeedstocks;
``(D) the ability to study methods for reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions;
``(E) demonstrated a willingness to contribute significant in-kind resources; and
``(F) engineering and research knowledge and experience relating to biofuels or the production of inputs for biofuel production.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, to remain available until expended.
``SEC. 9024. FUTURE FARMSTEADS PROGRAM.


(As printed in the Congressional Record for the Senate on Nov 13, 2007.)