42 U.S.C. § 13479 — Spark M. Matsunaga Renewable Energy and Ocean Technology Center

(a) Findings. Congress found that: (1) the late Spark M. Matsunaga, a U.S. Senator from Hawaii, had long championed research on renewable energy, especially wind and ocean energy, photovoltaics, and hydrogen fuels; (2) Senator Matsunaga believed renewable energy could be a lasting source of non-polluting power, and that these alternative sources might eventually be used to make liquid hydrogen as a transportation fuel, energy-storage medium, and export; (3) he also believed research into other aspects of renewable energy and ocean resources, like advanced materials, was key to fully developing energy storage and conversion systems; and (4) Keahole Point, Hawaii, is especially well-suited for renewable energy and marine research. (b) Purpose. This section's purpose is to establish the facilities and equipment at Keahole Point, Hawaii, as a cooperative research and development facility called the Spark M. Matsunaga Renewable Energy and Ocean Technology Center. (c) Establishment. The facilities and equipment at Keahole Point, Hawaii, are established as the Spark M. Matsunaga Renewable Energy and Ocean Technology Center ("the Center"). (d) Administration. Within 180 days after October 24, 1992, the Secretary may (optional) authorize a cooperative agreement with a qualified research institution to run the Center. A "qualified research institution" is one located in Hawaii that has shown it's competent in renewable energy and ocean technology and will lead the state's work in that area. (e) Activities. The Center may carry out research, development, education, and technology transfer activities on: (1) renewable energy; (2) energy storage, including making hydrogen from renewable energy; (3) materials used in energy and marine environments; (4) other environmental and ocean research, including sea ranching and global climate change; and (5) other matters the Secretary directs. (f) Matching funds. To get federal money under this section, the Center must match every dollar the Secretary provides with cash or in-kind funding from non-federal sources. (g) Authorization of appropriations. Congress authorized whatever sums are needed for this section, to come from the funds authorized under section 13471(c).