
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 42USC5557]

 
                 TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
 
                        CHAPTER 71--SOLAR ENERGY
 
         SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION
 
Sec. 5557. Solar Energy Information Data Bank


(a) Establishment; utilization of other Federal agencies; information 
        and data to be compiled; retrieval and dissemination services; 
        utilization of existing scientific and technical information

    (1) In carrying out his functions under this subchapter the 
Chairman, utilizing the capabilities of the National Science Foundation, 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of 
Commerce, the Atomic Energy Commission, and other appropriate Federal 
agencies to the maximum extent possible, shall establish and operate a 
Solar Energy Information Data Bank (hereinafter in this subsection 
referred to as the ``bank'') for the purpose of collecting, reviewing, 
processing, and disseminating information and data in all of the solar 
energy technologies referred to in section 5556(c) of this title in a 
timely and accurate manner in support of the objectives of this 
subchapter.
    (2) Information and data compiled in the bank shall include--
        (A) technical information (including reports, journal articles, 
    dissertations, monographs, and project descriptions) on solar energy 
    research, development, and applications;
        (B) similar technical information on the design, construction, 
    and maintenance of equipment utilizing solar energy;
        (C) general information on solar energy applications to be 
    disseminated for popular consumption;
        (D) physical and chemical properties of materials required for 
    solar energy activities and equipment; and
        (E) engineering performance data on equipment and devices 
    utilizing solar energy.

    (3) In accordance with regulations prescribed under section 5561 of 
this title, the Chairman shall provide retrieval and dissemination 
services with respect to the information described under paragraph (2) 
for--
        (A) Federal, State, and local government organizations that are 
    active in the area of energy resources (and their contractors);
        (B) universities and colleges in their related research and 
    consulting activities; and
        (C) the private sector upon request in appropriate cases.

    (4) In carrying out his functions under this subsection, the 
Chairman shall utilize, when feasible, the existing data base of 
scientific and technical information in Federal agencies, adding to such 
data base any information described in paragraph (2) which does not 
already reside in such base. He shall coordinate or merge this data bank 
with other Federal energy information data banks as necessary to assure 
efficient and effective operation.

(b) Studies and research to promote consumer acceptance and utilization 
        of solar energy technologies

    In carrying out his functions under this subchapter the Chairman 
shall perform or cause to be performed studies and research on 
incentives to promote broader utilization and consumer acceptance of 
solar energy technologies.

(c) Coordination of solar energy technology utilization programs

    The Chairman shall enter into such arrangements and take such other 
steps as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the effective 
coordination of solar energy technology utilization with all other 
technology utilization programs within the Federal Government.

(Pub. L. 93-473, Sec. 8, Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1435.)

                          Transfer of Functions

    Atomic Energy Commission abolished and functions transferred by 
sections 5814 and 5841 of this title. See also Transfer of Functions 
notes set out under those sections.
    Functions of National Science Foundation relating to or utilized in 
connection with solar heating and cooling development transferred to 
Administrator of Energy Research and Development Administration by 
section 5814(f) of this title. Energy Research and Development 
Administration terminated and functions vested by law in Administrator 
thereof transferred to Secretary of Energy (unless otherwise 
specifically provided) by sections 7151(a) and 7293 of this title.
