§ 8104. Repowering assistance
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program to encourage biorefineries in existence on the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to replace fossil fuels used to produce heat or power to operate the biorefineries by making payments for—
(1)
the installation of new systems that use renewable biomass; or
(2)
the new production of energy from renewable biomass.
(b)
Payments
(1)
In general
The Secretary may make payments under this section to any biorefinery that meets the requirements of this section for a period determined by the Secretary.
(2)
Amount
The Secretary shall determine the amount of payments to be made under this section to a biorefinery after considering—
(A)
the quantity of fossil fuels a renewable biomass system is replacing;
(B)
the percentage reduction in fossil fuel used by the biorefinery that will result from the installation of the renewable biomass system; and
(C)
the cost and cost effectiveness of the renewable biomass system.
(c)
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive a payment under this section, a biorefinery shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the renewable biomass system of the biorefinery is feasible based on an independent feasibility study that takes into account the economic, technical and environmental aspects of the system.
(d)
Funding
(1)
Mandatory funding
Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to make payments under this section $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, to remain available until expended.
(2)
Discretionary funding
In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.