Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Programs 1981 Authorization Act

(Reported to House from the Committee on Science and Technology with amendment, H. Rept. 96-1179)

Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Programs 1981 Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the Department of Energy operating expenses for the following programs: (1) fossil energy coal, oil, and gas; (2) conservation; (3) solar technology; (4) solar application; (5) biomass energy systems; and (6) nuclear fission energy.

Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant project in New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for high-level radioactive waste disposal. Prohibits funding any person advocating a position on any authorized activity. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning low-level radioactive waste disposal techniques.

Authorizes fiscal year 1981 appropriations for the following programs: (1) nuclear fusion; (2) geothermal energy; (3) small-scale hydropower; (4) electric energy systems; (5) energy storage systems; (6) basic energy sciences; (7) supporting research; (8) high energy physics; (9) nuclear physics; (10) uranium enrichment process development; and (11) environmental research and development.

Directs the Secretary to carry out a magnetic fusion energy research, development, and demonstration program in accordance with specified policy objectives and program directives.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the above mentioned programs for capital expenses not related to construction and for supply research and development plant and capital equipment.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning: (1) the Department's policy on cost-sharing and contracts for large coal conversion demonstration and pilot plant projects; and (2) the comprehensive, multiyear program plan for energy conservation research, development, and demonstration.

Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to: (1) store any irradiated nuclear fuel assembly in any subsurface geologic repository; or (2) construct spent fuel containers for permanent emplacement in any repository. Requires the Federal share of plant and capital equipment construction project to be funded separately from the operating expenses accounts. Directs that each such project be assigned to one of the following categories: (1) major construction projects; (2) minor construction projects; (3) general plant projects; or (4) planning and design.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Research and Development Construction and Facilities Office; (2) assign a qualified panel of engineers and architects to review and report on the design of all planned laboratory/office facilities under the control of the Secretary; and (3) report to Congress describing such facilities.

Makes research, development, and demonstration appropriations contained in the Act appropriating fiscal year 1980 funds for the Department of the Interior and related agencies subject to the Energy Reorganization Act provision concerning the authorized uses of operating expenses.

States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize commercial or remedial action activities.