The term “hydrocarbon systems science” means a science involving natural gas or other petroleum exploration, development, or production.
The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education hydrocarbon systems science educational capabilities.
The Secretary shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in hydrocarbon systems science.
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.
The Secretary shall award up to 5 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in hydrocarbon systems science.
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in hydrocarbon systems sciences who enter into careers in natural gas and other petroleum exploration, development, and production related fields.
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.