((a)) ** Establishment** 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.

((b)) ** Eligibility** 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.

((c)) ** Authorization of appropriations** There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $25,000,000 for carrying out this section.

((d)) ** Definitions** 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.