To extend the authority to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“SEC.____. PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE AND OTHER ENERGY PROGRAMS.

(a) Amendment to Title I of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.--Title I of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6211 et seq.) is amended--

(1) by striking section 166 (42 U.S.C. 6246) and inserting--

“authorization of appropriations

“Sec. 166. There are authorized to be appropriated to the secretary such sums was may be necessary to carry out this part and part D, to remain available until expended.”;

(2) by striking section 186 (42 U.S.C. 6250e); and

(3) by striking part E (42 U.S.C. 6251; relating to the expiration of title I of the Act).

(b) Amendment to Title II of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.--Title II of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6271 et seq.) is amended--

(1) by striking section 256(h) (42 U.S.C. 6276(h)) and inserting--

“(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this part, to remain available until expended.”;

(2) by inserting before section 273 (42 U.S.C. 6283) the following:

“ Part C--Summer Fill and Fuel Budgeting Programs”

(3) by striking section 273(e) (42 U.S.C. 6283(e); relating to the expiration of summer fill and fuel budgeting programs); and

(4) by striking part D (42 U.S.C. 6285; relating to the expiration of title II of the Act).

(c) Technical Amendments.--The table of contents for the Energy Policy and Conservation Act is amended--

(1) by amending the items relating to part D of title I to read as follows:

“Part D--Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve

“Sec. 181. Establishment.

“Sec. 182. Authority.

“Sec. 183. Conditions for releas; plan.

“Sec. 184. Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve Account.

“Sec. 185. Exemptions.”;

(2) by amending the items relating to part C of title II to read as follows:

“Part C--Summer Fill and Fuel Budgeting Programs

“Sec. 273. Summer fill and fuel budgeting programs.”; and

(3) by striking the items relating to part D of title II.

(d) Section 183(b)(1) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6250b(b)(1)) is amended by inserting “(considered as a heating season average)” after “mid-October through March”.

(e) Full Capacity.--The President shall--

(1) fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve established pursuant to part B of title I of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6231 et seq.) to full capacity as soon as practicable;

(2) acquire petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by the most practicable and cost-effective means, including the acquisition of crude oil the Untied States is entitled to receive in kind as royalties from production on Federal lands; and

(3) ensure that the fill rate minimizes impact on petroleum markets.

(f) Recommendations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Congress a plan to--

(1) eliminate any infrastructure impediments that may limit maximum drawdown capability; and

(2) determine whether the capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve on the date of enactment of this section is adequate in light of the increasing consumption of petroleum and the reliance on imported petroleum.