; (C) compressor stations; (D) storage facilities; and (E) other vulnerable infrastructure; (4) identify high-risk characteristics of pipelines, wells, and materials, geologic risk factors, or other key factors that increase the likelihood of methane leaks; and (5) in collaboration with private entities and institutions of higher education, quantify and map significant geologic methane seeps across the United States. (b) Considerations In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall consider the following: (1) Historical data of methane leaks. (2) Public health consequences. (3) Public safety. (4) Novel materials and designs for pipelines, compressor stations, components, and wells (including casing, cement, wellhead). (5) Regional geologic traits. (6) Induced and natural seismicity. (c) Authorization of appropriations For activities under this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary— (1) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; (2) $23,100,000 for fiscal year 2021; (3) $24,255,000 for fiscal year 2022; (4) $25,467,750 for fiscal year 2023; and (5) $26,741,138 for fiscal year 2024. . 12. Waste gas utilization Subtitle F of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 16291 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following: 969E. Waste gas utilization The Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration for waste gas utilization. The program shall— (1) identify and evaluate novel uses for light hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and hexane, produced during oil and shale gas production, including the production of chemicals or transportation fuels; (2) develop advanced gas conversion technologies that are modular and compact, and may leverage advanced manufacturing technologies; (3) support demonstration activities at operating oil and gas facilities to test the performance and cost-effectiveness of new gas conversion technologies