Drake Well Sesquicentennial Commemoration Act - Establishes the Drake Well Sesquicentennial Commission to: (1) represent the United States and take a leadership role with other nations in recognizing the importance of petroleum industry history and the Drake Well discovery; and (2) perform specified related activities.
Establishes a Drake Well Sesquicentennial Federal Advisory Board.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5883 Introduced in House (IH)]
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5883
To establish a commission to assist in commemoration of the
sesquicentennial of the discovery of oil at Drake Well near Titusville,
Pennsylvania, on August 27, 1859, and the resulting development of the
American petroleum industry.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 25, 2006
Mr. Peterson of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania,
Mr. Fattah, Mr. English of Pennsylvania, Ms. Hart, Mr. Gerlach, Mr.
Weldon of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Mr. Shuster,
Mr. Sherwood, Mr. Kanjorski, Mr. Murtha, Ms. Schwartz of Pennsylvania,
Mr. Doyle, Mr. Dent, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Holden, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Platts)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a commission to assist in commemoration of the
sesquicentennial of the discovery of oil at Drake Well near Titusville,
Pennsylvania, on August 27, 1859, and the resulting development of the
American petroleum industry.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Drake Well Sesquicentennial
Commemoration Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) August 27, 2009, is the 150th anniversary of the first
successful commercially drilled oil well leading directly to
the development of the petroleum industry;
(2) the Drake Well near Titusville, Pennsylvania,
represents the start of the life-changing events that would not
be possible without petroleum; from plastics to medicines, from
kerosene to jet-fuel, from mascara to Vaseline, from the oils
that lubricate our machines to the asphalt we drive on, most
aspects of our lives are impacted by the petroleum industry;
(3) the refining of kerosene from petroleum dramatically
changed the course of everyday life by providing an economical,
safe, and widely available fuel to light up the night
throughout the world;
(4) the refining of gasoline from petroleum has
dramatically changed the course of transportation, commerce,
and warfare throughout the world;
(5) the search for oil lead to concurrent development and
use of natural gas for engines, illumination, and heat;
(6) the achievement by the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company,
the Seneca Oil Company, and ``Colonel'' Edwin L. Drake at Drake
Well ignited a triumph of American ingenuity, inventiveness,
and diligence in developing new technologies, new business
models, and new industries which remains an inspiration for all
Americans;
(7) the early petroleum industry's ability to overcome
failures and turn them into successes dramatically impacted our
Nation and are deserving of being remembered and celebrated as
great American achievements;
(8) it is appropriate to remember and renew the legacy of
the Drake Well at a time when the values of creativity,
ingenuity, and the quest for the American dream demonstrated by
the petroleum industry pioneers are critical to the foundation
for the future of the Nation; and
(9) as the Nation approaches the 150th anniversary of the
Drake Well and the petroleum industry, it is appropriate to
celebrate and commemorate the sesquicentennial period through
local, national, and international observances and activities.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the Drake Well
Sesquicentennial Commission.
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 9
members, as follows:
(1) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution or the
designee of that Secretary.
(2) The Secretary of Energy or the designee of that
Secretary.
(3) The Secretary of the Interior or the designee of that
Secretary.
(4) The Secretary of Education or the designee of that
Secretary.
(5) The chair of the Oil 150 Steering Committee of
Pennsylvania or the designee of that chair.
(6) The Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism
Vice President of Heritage Development for the Oil Region
National Heritage Area, or the designee of that Vice President.
(7) The Executive Director of Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission or designee of that Executive Director.
(8) As chosen by the other members of the Commission, the
president or head of a United States petroleum society,
foundation, or organization of national stature or prominence
who is from a petroleum producing State other than
Pennsylvania.
(9) As chosen by the other members of the Commission, the
president or head of a United States petroleum society,
foundation, or organization of national stature or prominence
who is from the State of Pennsylvania.
(b) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in
the same manner in which the original designation was made.
(c) Compensation.--
(1) Prohibition of pay.--Except as provided in paragraph
(2), members of the Commission shall serve without pay or
compensation.
(2) Travel expenses.--The Commission may adopt a policy,
only by unanimous vote, for members of the Commission and
related advisory panels to receive travel expenses, including
per diem in lieu of subsistence. The policy may not exceed the
levels established under sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5,
United States Code. Members who are Federal employees shall not
receive travel expenses if otherwise reimbursed by the Federal
Government.
(d) Quorum.--Five members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum.
(e) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson of the
Commission by a vote of a majority of the members designated under
subsection (a). The Chairperson may be removed by a vote of a majority
of the Commission's members.
(f) Vice Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Vice-
Chairperson of the Commission by a vote of a majority of the members
designated under subsection (a). The Vice-Chairperson may be removed by
a vote of a majority of the Commission's members.
(g) Organization.--(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall meet and select a
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Commission shall meet and select an Executive Director as described
in section 7(a).
SEC. 5. DUTIES.
(a) In General.--The Commission shall--
(1) represent the United States and take a leadership role
with other nations in recognizing the importance of petroleum
industry history in general and the Drake Well discovery in
particular, and promote participation by the United States in
such activities;
(2) encourage and promote national and international
participation and sponsorships in commemoration of the Drake
Well sesquicentennial by persons and entities such as--
(A) petrochemical manufacturing companies;
(B) automotive manufacturing companies;
(C) farm and construction equipment manufacturing
companies with products fueled by petroleum;
(D) petroleum dependent military organizations
operating aerospace-related vehicles and diesel powered
naval ship fleets and ground transport vehicles;
(E) workers employed in petrochemical related
industries;
(F) workers employed in automotive manufacturing
companies;
(G) commercial aviation and trucking companies;
(H) gas-powered vehicle owners;
(I) petroleum researchers, instructors, and
enthusiasts;
(J) elementary, secondary, and higher educational
institutions;
(K) civil, patriotic, educational, sporting, arts,
cultural, and historical organizations and technical
societies;
(L) automotive-related museums, societies, and
enthusiasts;
(M) petroleum-related museums;
(N) State and local governments; and
(O) publications and journals related to history,
petroleum, automotive, transportation, and plastics and
other petrochemicals;
(3) plan and develop, in coordination with the Oil Region
Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, the Oil 150 Steering
Committee, and the Drake Well Museum, programs and activities
that are appropriate to commemorate the 150th anniversary of
the Drake Well;
(4) maintain, publish, and distribute a calendar or
register of national and international programs and projects
concerning, and provide a central clearinghouse for,
information and coordination regarding, dates, events, and
places of historical and commemorative significance regarding
petroleum history in general and the sesquicentennial of Drake
Well in particular;
(5) provide national coordination for celebration dates to
take place throughout the United States during the
sesquicentennial period;
(6) assist in conducting educational, civic, and
commemorative activities relating to the Drake Well
sesquicentennial throughout the United States, especially
activities that occur in the State of Pennsylvania and that
highlight the activities of the early petroleum industry
history, development, and industry pioneers in the State; and
(7) encourage the publication of popular and scholarly
works related to the history of petroleum or the Drake Well
sesquicentennial.
(b) Nonduplication of Activities.--The Commission shall attempt to
plan and conduct its activities in such a manner that activities
conducted pursuant to this Act enhance, but do not duplicate,
traditional and established activities of Pennsylvania's Oil Region
Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, the Oil 150 Steering
Committee, the Drake Well Museum, the Pennsylvania History and Museum
Commission, or any other organization of national stature or
prominence.
SEC. 6. POWERS.
(a) Advisory Committees and Task Forces.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may appoint any advisory
committee or task force from among the membership of the
Advisory Board as established in section 12.
(2) Federal cooperation.--To ensure the overall success of
the Commission's efforts, the Commission may call upon various
Federal departments and agencies to assist in and give support
to the programs of the Commission. The head of the Federal
department or agency, where appropriate, shall furnish the
information or assistance requested by the Commission, unless
prohibited by law.
(3) Prohibition of pay other than travel expenses.--Members
of an advisory committee or task force authorized under
paragraph (1) shall not receive pay, but may receive travel
expenses pursuant to the policy adopted by the Commission under
section 4(c)(2).
(b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the
Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that
the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.
(c) Authority to Procure and to Make Legal Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision in
this Act, only the Commission may procure supplies, services,
and property, and make or enter into leases and other legal
agreements, in order to carry out this Act.
(2) Restriction.--
(A) In general.--A contract, lease, or other legal
agreement made or entered into by the Commission may
not extend beyond the date of the termination of the
Commission.
(B) Federal support.--The Commission shall obtain
property, equipment, and office space from the General
Services Administration or the Smithsonian Institution,
unless other office space, property, or equipment is
less costly.
(3) Supplies and property possessed by commission at
termination.--Any supplies and property, except historically
significant items and excess publications and merchandise, that
are acquired by the Commission under this Act and remain in the
possession of the Commission on the date of the termination of
the Commission shall become the property of the General
Services Administration upon the date of termination. Excess
publications and merchandise shall become the property of the
Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism upon such
date.
(d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as any other Federal agency.
SEC. 7. STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
(a) Executive Director.--There shall be an Executive Director
appointed by a majority vote of the Commission and chosen from among
detailees from the agencies and organizations represented on the
Commission. The Executive Director may be paid at a rate not to exceed
the maximum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service.
(b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of any
additional personnel that it considers appropriate, except that an
individual appointed under this subsection may not receive pay in
excess of the maximum rate of basic pay payable for GS-14 of the
General Schedule.
(c) Inapplicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The Executive
Director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to
the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments
in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such
title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates,
except as provided under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(d) Merit System Principles.--The appointment of the Executive
Director or any personnel of the Commission under subsection (a) or (b)
shall be made consistent with the merit system principles under section
2301 of title 5, United States Code.
(e) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request by the Chairperson of
the Commission, the head of any Federal department or agency may
detail, on either a nonreimbursable or reimbursable basis, any of the
personnel of the department or agency to the Commission to assist the
Commission to carry out its duties under this Act.
(f) Administrative Support Services.--
(1) Reimbursable services.--The Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution may provide to the Commission on a
reimbursable basis any administrative support services that are
necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act.
(2) Nonreimbursable services.--The Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution may provide administrative support
services to the Commission on a nonreimbursable basis when, in
the opinion of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution,
the value of such services is insignificant or not practical to
determine.
(g) Cooperative Agreements.--The Commission may enter into
cooperative agreements with other Federal agencies, State and local
governments, and private interests and organizations that will
contribute to public awareness of and interest in the Drake Well
sesquicentennial and toward furthering the goals and purposes of this
Act.
(h) Program Support.--The Commission may receive program support
from the nonprofit sector.
SEC. 8. CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a) Donations.--The Commission may accept donations of personal
services and historic materials relating to the implementation of its
responsibilities under the provisions of this Act.
(b) Volunteer Services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31,
United States Code, the Commission may accept and use voluntary and
uncompensated services as the Commission determines necessary.
(c) Remaining Funds.--Any funds (including funds received from
licensing royalties) remaining with the Commission on the date of the
termination of the Commission may be used to ensure proper disposition,
as specified in the final report required under section 10(b), of
historically significant property which was donated to or acquired by
the Commission. Any funds remaining after such disposition shall be
transferred to the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism
for deposit into the general fund of the Oil Region National Heritage
Area to be used for continuation and development of projects
emphasizing petroleum history or furthering capital enhancements to the
Oil Region National Heritage Area historical venues.
SEC. 9. EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO NAME, LOGOS, EMBLEMS, SEALS, AND MARKS.
(a) In General.--The Commission may devise any logo, emblem, seal,
or descriptive or designating mark that is required to carry out its
duties or that it determines is appropriate for use in connection with
the commemoration of the Drake Well sesquicentennial.
(b) Licensing.--The Commission shall have the sole and exclusive
right to use, or to allow or refuse the use of, the name ``Drake Well
Sesquicentennial Commission'' on any logo, emblem, seal, or descriptive
or designating mark that the Commission lawfully adopts.
(c) Effect on Other Rights.--No provision of this section may be
construed to conflict or interfere with established or vested rights.
(d) Use of Funds.--Funds from licensing royalties received pursuant
to this section shall be used by the Commission to carry out the duties
of the Commission specified by this Act.
(e) Licensing Rights.--All exclusive licensing rights, unless
otherwise specified, shall be conveyed to the Oil Region Alliance of
Business, Industry & Tourism upon termination of the Commission.
SEC. 10. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Report.--In each fiscal year in which the Commission is
in existence, the Commission shall prepare and submit to Congress a
report describing the activities of the Commission during the fiscal
year. Each annual report shall also include--
(1) recommendations regarding appropriate activities to
commemorate the Drake Well sesquicentennial, including--
(A) the production, publication, and distribution
of books, pamphlets, films, and other educational
materials;
(B) bibliographical and documentary projects and
publications;
(C) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars,
and other similar programs;
(D) the development of exhibits for libraries,
museums, and other appropriate institutions;
(E) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating
specific events that relate to the history of
petroleum;
(F) programs focusing on the history of petroleum
and its benefits to the United States and humankind;
and
(G) competitions, commissions, and awards regarding
historical, scholarly, artistic, literary, musical, and
other works, programs, and projects related to the
Drake Well sesquicentennial;
(2) recommendations to appropriate agencies or advisory
bodies regarding the issuance of commemorative coins, medals,
and stamps by the United States relating to Drake Well,
petroleum, or the Drake Well sesquicentennial;
(3) recommendations for any legislation or administrative
action that the Commission determines to be appropriate
regarding the commemoration of the Drake Well sesquicentennial;
(4) an accounting of funds received and expended by the
Commission in the fiscal year that the report concerns,
including a detailed description of the source and amount of
any funds donated to the Commission in the fiscal year; and
(5) an accounting of any cooperative agreements and
contract agreements entered into by the Commission.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than September 30, 2010, the
Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a final report.
The final report shall contain--
(1) a summary of the activities of the Commission;
(2) a final accounting of funds received and expended by
the Commission;
(3) any findings and conclusions of the Commission; and
(4) specific recommendations concerning the final
disposition of any historically significant items acquired by
the Commission, including items donated to the Commission under
section 8(a).
SEC. 11. AUDIT OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Audit.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall audit on an annual basis the financial transactions of
the Commission, including financial transactions involving
donated funds, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.
(2) Access.--In conducting an audit under this section, the
Comptroller General--
(A) shall have access to all books, accounts,
financial records, reports, files, and other papers,
items, or property in use by the Commission, as
necessary to facilitate the audit; and
(B) shall be afforded full facilities for verifying
the financial transactions of the Commission, including
access to any financial records or securities held for
the Commission by depositories, fiscal agents, or
custodians.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than December 30, 2010, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the President
and to Congress a report detailing the results of any audit of the
financial transactions of the Commission conducted by the Comptroller
General.
SEC. 12. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a Drake Well
Sesquicentennial Federal Advisory Board.
(b) Number and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Advisory Board shall be composed of 20
members as follows:
(A) The Secretary of the Interior or the designee
of that Secretary.
(B) The Secretary of Energy or the designee of that
Secretary.
(C) The Librarian of Congress or the designee of
that Librarian.
(D) The Secretary of the Air Force or the designee
of that Secretary.
(E) The Secretary of the Navy or the designee of
that Secretary.
(F) The Secretary of Transportation or the designee
of that Secretary.
(G) The Secretary of Education or the designee of
that Secretary.
(H) Five citizens of the United States, appointed
by the President, who--
(i) are not officers or employees of any
government (except membership on the Board
shall not be construed to apply to the
limitation under this clause); and
(ii) shall be selected based on their
experience in the fields of petroleum history,
science, or education, or their ability to
represent the entities enumerated under section
5(a)(2).
(I) Four citizens of the United States, appointed
by the majority leader of the Senate in consultation
with the minority leader of the Senate.
(J) Four citizens of the United States, appointed
by the Speaker of the House of Representatives in
consultation with the minority leader of the House of
Representatives. Of the individuals appointed under
this subparagraph--
(i) one shall be selected from among
individuals recommended by the representative
whose district encompasses the Drake Well
Museum; and
(ii) another one shall be selected from
among individuals recommended by the
representatives whose districts encompass any
part of the Oil Region National Heritage Area.
(c) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Advisory Board shall be filled
in the same manner in which the original designation was made.
(d) Meetings.--Nine members of the Advisory Board shall constitute
a quorum for a meeting. All meetings shall be open to the public.
(e) Chairperson.--The President shall designate one member
appointed under subsection (b)(1) as chairperson of the Advisory Board.
(f) Mails.--The Advisory Board may use the United States mails in
the same manner and under the same conditions as a Federal agency.
(g) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall advise the Commission on
matters related to this Act.
(h) Prohibition of Compensation Other Than Travel Expenses.--
Members of the Advisory Board shall not receive pay, but may receive
travel expenses pursuant to the policy adopted by the Commission under
section 4(c)(2).
(i) Termination.--The Advisory Board shall terminate upon the
termination of the Commission.
SEC. 13. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``Advisory Board'' means the Drake Well
Sesquicentennial Federal Advisory Board established by section
12.
(2) The term ``Drake Well sesquicentennial'' means the
anniversary period, from August 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009,
commemorating the 150-year history of the petroleum industry
beginning with the Drake Well discovery of petroleum and
highlighting the achievements of the petroleum pioneers in
developing the technologies which have led to the development
of the petroleum and natural gas industries as they are known
today.
(3) The term ``Commission'' means the Drake Well
Sesquicentennial Commission established by this Act.
(4) The term ``designee'' means a person from the
respective entity of each entity represented on the Commission
or Advisory Board.
(5) The term ``Drake Well'' means the first successful oil
well drilled on Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company property by the
Seneca Oil Company under the auspices of Col. Edwin L. Drake,
that began production on August 27, 1859, in Venango County,
Pennsylvania.
SEC. 14. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate not later than 60 days after the
submission of the final report required by section 10(b) and shall
transfer all report documents and supporting material to the National
Archives or other appropriate Federal entity.
SEC. 15. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act $900,000 for fiscal year 2007; $1,000,000 for fiscal year
2008; $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and $700,000 for fiscal year
2010.
(b) 50 Percent Match.--Financial assistance provided under this Act
may not be used to pay more than 50 percent of the total cost of
activity carried out with that assistance.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line