the needs of local communities and the enhancement of community self-reliance through the use of available resources;

the use of renewable resources and the conservation of nonrenewable resources;

the use of existing technologies applied to novel situations and uses;

applications which are energy-conserving, environmentally sound, small scale, durable and low cost; and

applications which demonstrate simplicity of installation, operation and maintenance.

Grants, agreements or contracts under this section may be made to individuals, local nonprofit organizations and institutions, State and local agencies, Indian tribes and small businesses. The Secretary shall develop simplified procedures with respect to application for support under this section.

Each grant, agreement or contract under this section shall be governed by the provisions of section 9 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 [42 U.S.C. 5908] and shall contain effective provisions under which the Secretary shall receive a full written report of activities supported in whole or in part by funds made available by the Secretary; and

prepare and submit no later than October 1, 1977, a detailed report on plans for implementation, including the timing of implementation, of the provisions of this section to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and shall keep such committees fully and currently informed concerning the development of such plans; and

include as a part of the annual report required by section 15(a)(1) 1 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 beginning in 1977, a full and complete report on the program under this section.