COOPERATION AND COORDINATION IN BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

SEC. 304. COOPERATION AND COORDINATION IN BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. (a) In general.—The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Energy shall cooperate with respect to, and coordinate, policies and procedures that promote research and development leading to the production of biobased industrial products. (b) Purposes.—The purposes of the cooperation and coordination shall be— (1) to understand the key mechanisms underlying the recalcitrance of biomass for conversion into biobased industrial products; (2) to develop new and cost-effective technologies that would result in large-scale commercial production of low cost and sustainable biobased industrial products; (3) to ensure that biobased industrial products are developed in a manner that enhances their economic, energy security, and environmental benefits; and (4) to promote the development and use of agricultural and energy crops for conversion into biobased industrial products. (c) Areas.—In carrying out this title, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with heads of appropriate departments and agencies, shall promote research and development— (1) to advance the availability and widespread use of energy efficient, economically competitive, and environmentally sound biobased industrial products in a manner that is consistent with the goals of the United States relating to sustainable and secure supplies of food, chemicals, and fuel; (2) to ensure full consideration of Federal land and land management programs as potential feedstock resources for biobased industrial products; and (3) to assess the environmental, economic, and social impact of production of biobased industrial products from biomass on a large scale. (d) Points of Contact.— 114 STAT. 431 (1) In general.—To coordinate research and development programs and activities relating to biobased industrial products that are carried out by their respective Departments— (A) the Secretary of Agriculture shall designate, as the point of contact for the Department of Agriculture, an officer of the Department of Agriculture appointed by the President to a position in the Department before the date of the designation, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (B) the Secretary of Energy shall designate, as the point of contact for the Department of Energy, an officer of the Department of Energy appointed by the President to a position in the Department before the date of the designation, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (2) Duties.—The points of contact shall jointly— (A) assist in arranging interlaboratory and site-specific supplemental agreements for research and development projects relating to biobased industrial products; (B) serve as co-chairpersons of the Board; (C) administer the Initiative; and (D) respond in writing to each recommendation of the Advisory Committee made under section 306(c).