NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL STUDY.

SEC. 5. [30 U.S.C. 2004] NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL STUDY. (a) Agreement for Study.—The Secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement with the National Research Council under which the National Research Council shall— (1) conduct a study of the progress made under the methane hydrate research and development program implemented under this Act; and (2) make recommendations for future methane hydrate research and development needs. (b) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2009, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the findings and recommendations of the National Research Council under this section.