Congress: 113 · Status: active · Israel/Palestine classification: pro-Israel
Data (JSON) — machine-readable record of this bill (identifiers, sponsor, classification, actions, and the member-by-member vote breakdown).
Official record on Congress.gov — full text, actions, and cosponsor history for HR 3683.
Sponsor: UPTON, FRED (R-MI)
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements supporting dialogue and planning involving international partnerships between the Department of Energy (DOE), including DOE National Laboratories, and the government of Israel and its ministries, offices, and institutions; and (2) establish a joint United States-Israel Center based in an area of the United States with offshore energy development expertise to develop academic cooperation in energy innovation technology and engineering, water science, technology transfer, and analysis of geopolitical implications of new natural resource development. Extends the grant program to support U.S.-Israel research, development, and commercialization of renewable energy or energy efficiency (as well as the related advisory committee). Expands the scope of covered energy under such program. Expresses the sense of Congress that open dialogue and continued mechanisms for regular engagement encourages further U.S.-Israel public, academic, and private cooperation on energy security issues. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State to seek to establish an Energy Cooperation Working Group within the semi-annual United States-Israel Strategic Dialogue. States that the Group's purpose shall be to strengthen U.S.-Israel dialogue on: (1) advancing research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency; (2) identifying policy priorities associated with Israel's natural resources development; (3) identifying best practices for energy infrastructure cybersecurity; (4) leveraging natural gas resources to impact regional stability positively; (5) developing technical and environmental management of deep-water exploration and production; and (6) implementing coastal protection and restoration.
Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish formal partnerships with Israel's government and national laboratories on energy research and innovation. Creates a joint U.S.-Israel energy center focused on renewable energy, water technology, and offshore energy development. Extends and expands an existing grants program for U.S.-Israel renewable energy research. Directs the State Department and Energy Department to establish a formal Energy Cooperation Working Group within the U.S.-Israel Strategic Dialogue to coordinate on renewable energy development, natural gas strategy, cybersecurity, and coastal protection.
This institutionalizes energy cooperation between the U.S. and Israel at the cabinet and laboratory level, elevating and expanding existing research partnerships. The bill's focus on natural gas and regional stability language aligns energy policy with broader Middle East strategy, but carries no direct restrictions or conditions tied to Palestinian rights or Israeli settlement policy.