PUBLIC LAW 106-193—MAY 2, 2000 114 STAT. 237 (C) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following: "(G) for purposes of this section and sections 202 through 205 only, methane hydrate; and"; (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following: "(7) The term 'methane hydrate' means— "(A) a methane clathrate that is in the form of a methane-water ice-like crystalline material and is stable and occurs naturally in deep-ocean and permafrost areas; and "(B) other natural gas hydrates found in association with deep-ocean and permafrost deposits of methane hydrate.". SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out this Act— (1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2001; (2) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2002; (3) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; (4) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and (5) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2005. Amounts authorized under this section shall remain available until expended. SEC. 6. SUNSET. Section 3 of this Act shall cease to be effective after the end of fiscal year 2005. SEC. 7. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL STUDY. The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the National Research Council for such council to conduct a study of the progress made under the methane hydrate research and development program implemented pursuant to this Act, and to make recommendations for future methane hydrate research and development needs. The Secretary shall transmit to the Congress, not later than Sep- Deadline, tember 30, 2004, a report containing the findings and recommenda- Reports, tions of the National Research Council under this section. SEC. 8. REPORTS AND STUDIES. The Secretary of Energy shall provide to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives copies of any report or
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