The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program, in a geographically diverse manner, for projects submitted for consideration by institutions of higher education to conduct research and development of renewable energy technologies. Each grant made shall not exceed $2,000,000.

Priority shall be given to institutions of higher education with—

(1) established programs of research in renewable energy;

(2) locations that are low income or outside of an urbanized area;

(3) a joint venture with an Indian tribe; and

(4) proximity to trees dying of disease or insect infestation as a source of woody biomass.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $25,000,000 for carrying out this section.

In this section:

(1) Indian tribe The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning as defined in section 15823(c) of this title.

(2) Renewable energy The term “renewable energy” has the meaning as defined in section 16181 of this title.

(3) Urbanized area The term “urbanized area” has the meaning as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

(Pub. L. 110–140, title II, § 234, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1538.)