(a) Grant program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall make grants to industry associations to support programs to improve energy efficiency in industry. In order to be eligible for a grant under this subsection, an industry association shall establish a voluntary energy efficiency improvement target program.
(2) Awarding of grants The Secretary shall request project proposals and provide annual grants on a competitive basis. In evaluating grant proposals under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider
(A) potential energy savings;
(B) potential environmental benefits;
(C) the degree of cost sharing;
(D) the degree to which new and innovative technologies will be encouraged;
(E) the level of industry involvement;
(F) estimated project cost-effectiveness; and
(G) the degree to which progress toward the energy improvement targets can be monitored.
(3) Eligible projects Projects eligible for grants under this subsection may include the following:
(A) Workshops.
(B) Training seminars.
(C) Handbooks.
(D) Newsletters.
(E) Data bases.
(F) Other activities approved by the Secretary.
(4) Limitation on cost sharing
Grants provided under this subsection shall not exceed $250,000 and each grant shall not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the project for which the grant is made.
(5) Authorization
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
