((a)) ** Agreement for Study** The Secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement with the National Research Council under which the National Research Council shall—

((1)) conduct a study of the progress made under the methane hydrate research and development program implemented under this chapter; and

((2)) make recommendations for future methane hydrate research and development needs.

((b)) ** Report** Not later than , the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the findings and recommendations of the National Research Council under this section.September 30, 20092009-09-30