Methane Hydrate Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2005

This bill extends a federal research program through 2010 focused on methane hydrates, which are ice-like structures found deep underwater and in permafrost that contain large amounts of natural gas. The legislation directs the Department of Energy to fund studies using advanced technology and seismic data to better locate and understand these resources. Additionally, it creates an advisory panel of experts from universities, industry, and environmental groups to oversee the program’s progress and provide recommendations on the potential for methane hydrates to serve as a future energy source.