United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to exceed $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Amends such Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) conduct research, training, and demonstrations for the purpose of determining means of minimizing or ending ocean dumping and developing disposal methods as alternatives to such dumping; and (2) provide for the coordination of such research among appropriate Federal, State, local, or interstate public authorities, agencies, and institutions and provide financial and other assistance to such entities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for research programs authorized under such Act. Renders the designation of a marine sanctuary, or any terms included therein, by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to such Act ineffective upon: (1) certification to the Secretary by the Governor of any State in which such designation is made that such designation or any of its terms are unacceptable to such State; or (2) adoption of a concurrent resolution by both Houses of Congress disapproving such designation or any of its terms. Sets forth terms to be included in such designations and authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to implement such terms and control the activities permitted under such designation. Directs the Secretary to conduct research to carry out the purposes of such Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct enforcement activities to carry out the purposes of such Act. Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a marine sanctuary designation at the time of its publication. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for making such designations, and for research and enforcement. Adds "industrial waste" to the provision of such Act requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to end the dumping of sewage sludge into ocean waters, but provides that after December 31, 1981, the Administrator may issue permits for the ocean dumping of industrial waste upon determination that such proposed dumping: (1) is necessary for research purposes; (2) will have minimal adverse impact upon human health and welfare and the marine environment; or (3) will provide potential benefits outweighing any such adverse impact. States that such permits shall be effective for no more than six months. Authorizes the Administrator to impose such conditions and restrictions on permits as are necessary to minimize possible adverse impacts of such dumping. Defines "industrial waste" as any solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated by a manufacturer or processing plant which, if dumped in the ocean, may degrade or endanger human health or welfare or the marine environment. Makes the provisions of such Act concerning foreign-state ocean-dumping permits applicable to transportation of material by an agency or instrumentality of the United States, with a proviso that the Administrator must concur in the filing of an application for such permit. States that the waters of Long Island Sound shall be considered "ocean waters" for the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
Maritime Appropriations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1981 and 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 for use by the Department of Commerce for: (1) the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of vessels, the construction-differential subsidy, and the cost of national defense features incident to the construction, reconstruction or reconditioning of ships; (2) the payment of obligations incurred for the operating-differential subsidy; (3) research and development activities including a specified amount for the sole purpose of conducting a sealift readiness exercise; (4) maritime education and training expenses; and (5) operating expenses including reserve fleet expenses. Authorizes additional appropriations for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits authorized by law, and for increased costs for public utilities, food service, and other expenses of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1980
Declares February 26, 1980, as a national day of prayer, meditation, and unity if the hostages being held in Iran are not released by February 25, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Panama Canal Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 from the Panama Canal Commission Fund for the expenses of the Panama Canal Commission incurred under the Panama Canal Act of 1979. Reserves a specified portion of such authorization for improvements, facilities, and equipment required by such Commission. Establishes ceilings on the appropriations for specified categories of projects. Permits the amount that may be expended for any one project to be increased above the amount specified for such project upon approval by the Board of the Commission and notification of the appropriate congressional committees. Permits the crediting to such appropriation of funds received from Commission employees or insurers for services provided to Commission employees by other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for deposit into the Panama Canal Emergency Fund for emergency expenses. Permits continuing contracts for programs as long as any such contract does not exceed in the aggregate the total amount for each specified program. Requires any spending authority to be provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Panama Canal Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 from the Panama Canal Commission Fund for the expenses of the Panama Canal Commission incurred under the Panama Canal Act of 1979 and the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. Reserves a specified portion of such authorizations for improvements, facilities, and equipment required by such Commission. Establishes ceilings on the appropriations for specified categories of projects. Permits the amount that may be expended for any one project to be increased above the amount specified for such project upon approval by the Board of the Commission and notification of the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes additional appropriations for increases in employee benefits, payments to Panama, and increased fuel expenses. Permits the crediting to such appropriation of funds received from Commission employees or insurers for services provided to Commission employees by other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for deposit into the Panama Canal Emergency Fund for emergency expenses. Permits continuing contracts for programs as long as any such contract does not exceed in the aggregate the total amount for each specified program. Requires any spending authority to be provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1980
Authorizes the expenditure of funds, not to exceed $157,000, for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Select Committee on the Outer Continental Shelf. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. Terminates the authorization granted by this resolution on June 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Urges the President to transmit the advance notice required to terminate the Governing International Fishery Agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan by February 20, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Vietnam Era Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for certain diseases arising in Vietnam-era veterans (and for birth defects in their children) exposed to agent orange.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Urges the President to: (1) notify the Soviet Union that the United States will terminate the Agreement on Maritime Matters, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan; and (2) refuse the Soviets permission to enter U.S. ports, until such troops are withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Authorizes the expenditure of funds, not to exceed $1,869,171, for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Specifies that $25,000 of such funds are for the reimbursement of computer and computer-related services requested by such committee. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. Terminates the authorization granted by this resolution on January 3, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Amends the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983 to carry out the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fisheries Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Fishery Development Program - Establishes a fishery development program to be designed and implemented by the Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to take specified actions to: (1) further the development of the United States fishing industry with emphasis on new and nontraditional fisheries; (2) foster stability and efficiency in the industry; (3) encourage and help satisfy consumer demand for safe and nutritious seafood; (4) coordinate Government and federally-funded activities for the promotion of fishery exports; and (5) foster export development. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out such actions: (1) to consult and cooperate with Federal agencies, State and local government bodies, fishing industry representatives, and consumers; and (2) to establish regional committees consisting of members of Federal agencies involved with the industry to facilitate such cooperation. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, enter into contracts or cooperative agreements, and provide other forms of financial assistance to any person, organization, or Federal or State agency for fishery development programs or projects to further the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary, when necessary, to consult with the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council or State agency concerning the relationship of a proposed program to Council or agency programs for fishery conservation and management. Requires that any proposal for obtaining financial assistance specify the time period, not to exceed five years, for which funding is sought. Sets forth the criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of funding such proposals. Directs the Secretary: (1) to specify the cost-sharing requirements for obtaining financial assistance; and (2) to require the recipients of such assistance to submit periodic status reports. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Declares that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any other law concerning fishery research and development, fishery conservation and management, food and safety, or consumer protection. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress, with the annual report on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, a report on the fisheries development program including an evaluation of all programs and projects receiving financial assistance under this Act. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to transfer any funds remaining in the Fisheries Loan Fund as of September 30, 1980, to the fishing vessel portion of the Federal Ship Financing Fund. Directs the Secretary to provide for the guarantee of obligations relating to fishing vessels engaged in developing fisheries which might not meet the economic soundness criteria for projects eligible for loan guarantees under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. Allows such a guarantee of obligations to be extended only if financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms from non-Federal sources. Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to declare that the amount of money transferred by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of Commerce each fiscal year for promoting domestic fishery products shall be an amount as specified in annual appropriation acts which shall not exceed 30 percent of the duties collected on fishery products.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Establishes, for five years, a Towing Safety Advisory Committee to advise, consult with and make recommendations to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating on matters relating to shallow-draft inland waterway navigation and towing safety. Sets forth the composition of such Committee to be appointed by the Secretary, including representatives from the towing industry, port authorities, maritime labor, shippers, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
States that this Act authorizes the establishment of a cooperative program involving the United States, the State of Washington, the Treaty Tribes, and other appropriate parties to: (1) encourage stability in commercial and charter fishing industries; and (2) improve the quality of and opportunity for salmon and steelhead recreational fishing. Title I: Coordination - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to provide grants for the preparation of programs under this Act and to promote research and coordinated management of salmon and steelhead resources. Makes such grants available to the State, the Treaty Tribes, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, or any joint entity undertaking such research program. Title II: Resource Enhancement and Habitat Maintenance - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to provide grants for projects for the enhancement of the salmon and steelhead resources in the conservation area. Provides that such plan must be a comprehensive plan developed and agreed to by the State and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and approved by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce. Declares that such plan shall describe all enhancement projects anticipated by the State and the Commission for a period of at least five years. Sets forth standards to be included in such plan and conditions for approval by the Secretary. Provides for review, modification, amendments, or revisions of any such plan, with the approval of the Secretary. Sets forth requirements to be included in project proposals submitted to the Secretary by the State and the Commission after approval of a comprehensive plan. Authorizes the Secretary to approve any project consistent with such plan and to provide funding for such project as directed by provisions in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to monitor and evaluate approved enhancement projects. Title III: Commercial Fishing Fleet Adjustment- - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to distribute Federal funds to the States for the purchase of commercial fishing and charter vessels, gear, and licenses. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for the fleet adjustment program relative to reducing the fishing effort on the salmon resources in the conservation area. Sets forth conditions under which the Secretary may approve the State program and directs the Secretary to continually review such program's operations. Title IV: Tribal Fishery Development Program - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to provide loans to Treaty Tribes or Treaty Tribe fishing corporations for projects to modernize and develop such tribe's salmon and steelhead fishing operations. Declares such loans to be for projects which are in accordance with the comprehensive plan approved by the Secretary. Provides that such loans shall be for projects for the: (1) purchase, replacement, or modernization of salmon and steelhead fishing vessels; or (2) construction, rental, purchase, or improvement of fishing facilities other than processing facilities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a continuing review of any such tribal program. Creates a revolving fund within the Treasury for Treaty Tribal fishery development and sets forth the operating procedure of such fund. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to promulgate necessary regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the State and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to report annually to such Secretary on the status of any authorized program under such Act. Declares that nothing in this Act should be construed to diminish appropriate jurisdiction in the field of resource enhancement and management or supersede or modify applicable existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives and under the direction of the Committee on House Administration a Congressional Child Care Center to provide child care services for children of Senators, Representatives, and congressional employees. Requires all operating expenses of the Center to be recovered through the fees charged for child care services provided by the Center. Directs the chairman of the Committee on House Administration to appoint a nonpartisan advisory board to make recommendations to the Committee with respect to matters relating to the Center and to conduct semiannual reviews of the operations of the Center and submit a written report of each such review. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury a revolving fund within the contingent fund of the House of Representatives to be known as the Congressional Child Care Center Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Committee on House Administration to acquire such facilities as may be necessary for the operation of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1979
Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that seamen employed on vessels of the United States registered, enrolled, "or" licensed (currently "and") under the maritime laws are entitled to medical treatment at Public Health Service hospitals and stations. Extends such coverage to any person retiring as a seaman: (1) after age 60; or (2) by reason of being rated by the Service as unfit for active sea duty by reason of permanent disability, but stipulates that such person shall reimburse the Service to the extent that the cost of treatment is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other public assistance or private health insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1979 - Title I: Risk Retention Groups - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate standards for the approval of risk retention groups. Defines such groups as corporations, or other limited liability associations taxable as corporations, whose principal activity consists of assuming and spreading all or any portion of the product liability or completed operations liability risk exposure of its group participants and which are organized, under the laws of a State, for the primary purpose of conducting such activity. Sets forth factors to be included in a group's application for approval. Enumerates Standards which the Secretary must consider in approving any such group, including the amount and liquidity of its assets, soundness of its reserves, adequacy of the expertise and experience of those responsible for its management, adequacy of its loss prevention programs and those of its group participants, and failure to disclose material facts of circumstances bearing on its qualifications. Sets forth limitations on the risk coverage afforded to any one person in the group. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such limitations upon determination that the group is likely to be financially sound and capable of shifting and distributing the risks of its group participants. Directs the Secretary to issue certificates of approval to applicant groups upon determination that such groups have sound plans of operation in accordance with standards promulgated by the Secretary. Requires any refusal of approval to specify the factual conclusions and legal authority upon which it is based. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct audits of the applicant and its group participants. Authorizes the Secretary to require a group to set a maximum amount of risk which it will accept. Requires such a group's participants to obtain insurance for losses in excess of such maximum limitations. Establishes requirements for the terms of such insurance coverage. Requires all or a portion of an individual's product liability or completed operations risk exposure be assumed by the group. Prohibits a group from assuming liability for any person other than its members or its members' affiliates. Permits a group to assume liability which arises from an agreement of hold harmless or indemnity between a member and its supplier, purchaser, or consignee. Prohibits a group from making non-pro-rata assessments or retroactive adjustments based on the loss experience of a member. Sets forth requirements concerning the return of a withdrawing member's capital contribution. Prohibits such groups from acquiring reinsurance from its members or affiliates. Directs the Secretary to requires each group to maintain reserves: (1) to meet incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses; and (2) for unearned premiums paid or to be paid to the group by its group participants. Requires that such reserves be invested prudently. Requires each group to submit information on plan changes and annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to ensure that other required reports do not constitute as undue burden upon groups. Declares that this Act shall preempt any State law relating to the formation operation, or provision of insurance-services to risk retention groups. Stipulates that this Act shall not effect the authority of a State to tax risk retention groups. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations relating to claims settlement practices of such groups and to consumer protection taking into consideration State laws on such matters. Applies Federal antitrust laws to such groups. Exempts the ownership interests of such groups from the securities laws. Limits the use of information obtained pursuant to this Act. Permits the Secretary to require data concerning the product liability claims experience of such groups. Authorizes the Secretary to audit each group and to require each group to engage an independent accountant to examine its books, records, and financial statements. Requires each group to pay an application fee and annual fees to cover supervisory expenses of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke the certificate of approval of a risk retention group. Enumerates circumstances in which such authority may be exercised. Requires that all hearings to revoke a group's certificate of approval be held in the District of Columbia. Empowers the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to hear appeals from orders of the Secretary issued pursuant to this Act. Title II: Group Purchase of Product Liability Insurance and Completed Operations Insurance - Exempts any group seeking to purchase liability insurance, its members, or any person who provides such insurance from any State law which restricts groups insurance or would prohibit or discriminate against the application of this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Declares that this Act shall not be deemed to affect State tort law. Directs the Secretary to issue rules and regulations and to take all other actions necessary or appropriate to implement this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 - Title I: Regulation of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Facilities and Plantships - Prohibits any person from owning, constructing, or operating an ocean thermal energy conversion facility and prohibits United States citizens from owning, constructing, or operating an ocean thermal energy conversion plantship without a license issued pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue, transfer, amend, or renew licenses for the ownership, construction, and operation of such facilities or plantships upon application and in accordance with this Act. Sets forth criteria for determining whether to issue such licenses, and directs the Administrator to prescribe any conditions deemed necessary to carry out this Act or which are required by any Federal department or agency. Directs the Administrator to establish bonding requirements or other assurances necessary to assure that upon revocation or other termination of a license, the licensee will remove all components of any such facility or plantship from the ocean and the seabed. Sets the term of such licenses at a maximum of 25 years, with a right of renewals for an additional ten years for each renewal. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies having jurisdiction over or expertise concerning any aspect of the construction or operation of such facilities or plantships to submit to the Administrator written comments as to their expertise or statutory responsibilities with respect to this or any other Federal law. Sets forth application procedures and requirements for licenses authorized for issuance by this Act, including provisions for public notice hearings, and Federal agency review. Requires that applicants for licenses remit a fee at the time of filing such application, to be determined by the Administrator, and to be deposited in the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Establishes priorities for the issuance of licenses where more than one application is submitted for the same designated application area. Establishes criminal penalties for the breaking of or injury to any submarine electric transmission cable or equipment being constructed or operated under a license issued under this Act. Requires a licensee to indemnify the owner of any vessel which sacrifices any anchor, fishing net, or other fishing gear to avoid injuring any such cable or equipment. Requires any licensee who causes any break in or injury to any submarine cable or pipeline to bear the cost of the repairs thereto. Directs the Administrator to submit applications for issuance, transfer, or renewal of any license to the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission for antitrust review. Directs the Administrator to designate as an "adjacent coastal State" any coastal State either directly to be connected by electric transmission cable or pipeline to an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship or located within 15 miles of any such proposed facility or plantship. Authorizes the Administrator to make such designation for any other State, upon request, upon a determination that there is a risk of damage to the coastal environment or if it is likely that the thermal plume of any proposed facility or plantship would impinge on possible locations for other ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships which would be connected to such State. Requires that the Administrator transmit to the Governor of any designated adjacent coastal State a complete copy of a license application and prohibits the issuance of any license for an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship without the approval of the Governor of such State where such State has an approved coastal zone management program in effect pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Stipulates that failure by a State Governor to transmit his approval or disapproval within the alloted time period will result in the approval being conclusively presumed. Prohibits the Administrator from issuing such licenses for any facility or plantship unless the adjacent coastal State to which such facilities or plantship is to be directly connected has an approved coastal zone management plan in effect. Authorizes States to enter into agreements or compacts to apply for such licenses and to establish agencies for implementing such agreements or compacts. Requires the Administrator to issue regulations requiring licensees to pursue diligently such facility or plantship construction and operation and authorizes the termination of any license for failure to comply with such regulations. Directs the Administrator to initiate a program to assess the environmental effects of such facilities or plantships so as to determine whether their cumulative impact requires that a limit be placed on the number or total capacity of such facilities or plantships to be licensed under this Act. States that the issuance of such licenses is deemed to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the environment for purposes of the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the preparation of a consolidated environmental impact statement by the Administrator and other involved Federal agencies and departments. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations and enforce procedures concerning any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship, including rules on vessel movement, transfer of materials between facilities and plantships and transport vessels, designation of anchorage areas, maintenance, law enforcement, and the equipment, training, and maintenance required to prevent pollution of and other adverse impacts on the marine environment and to clean up any pollutants which may be discharged. Directs the Secretary to designate a zone of appropriate size around and including any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship for the purpose of navigational safety, and to establish safety zones during the period of construction of such facilities or plantships. States that for the purposes of the vessel inspection laws, such facilities and plantships shall be deemed to be vessels. Requires that licenses include such conditions as necessary to ensure that construction and operation of such facilities and plantships do not interfere with navigation, fishing, energy production, scientific research, or other uses of the high seas, including the operation of other ocean thermal energy conversion plantships and facilities. Authorizes the inspection and monitoring of licensees' activities, and sets forth procedures thereon. Sets forth provisions for the suspension, revocation, and termination of licenses for failure to comply with provisions of this Act or applicable rules or conditions issued or imposed by the Administrator under the authority of this Act. Includes provisions for the immediate suspension of facility or plantship construction or operation upon a determination by the Administrator that such action is necessary to protect public health and safety or to eliminate dangers to the environment, or upon a determination by the President that such suspension is necessary to avoid a conflict with any international obligation of the United States established by treaty or convention. Sets forth provisions concerning recordkeeping, reports, and public access to information. Authorizes licensees to relinquish to the Administrator any right to conduct construction or operation of such a facility or plantship, but stipulates that such relinquishment shall not relieve the licensee of any obligation or liability established by this Act. Authorizes civil actions by any person having a valid legal interest which is or may be adversely affected by actions of licensees or by the failure of the Administrator to comply with the requirements of this Act. Authorizes judicial review of any decision of the Administrator concerning a license. Title II: Maritime Financing for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion - States that for the purposes of the Merchant Marine Act: (1) any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship licensed under this Act, and any vessel providing shipping service to or from such facilities or plantships, shall be deemed to be a vessel operated in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States; and (2) any vessel documented under the laws of the United States and providing such service shall be deemed to be used in, and used in an essential service in, the foreign commerce or foreign trade of the United States. Amends the Federal Ship Mortgage Insurance provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to include such facilities and plantships in the definition of "vessel" and to add a definition of "ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship." Amends such provisions to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee, or make a commitment to guarantee, payment of the principal of and interest on an obligation which aids in financing a vessel designed for use as an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship. Increases the aggregate principal amount which may be guaranteed with respect to such facilities or plantships constructed without the aid of construction-differential subsidy. Increases the aggregate unpaid principal amount of obligations guaranteed under such Act to $12,000,000,000, and requires that $2,000,000,000 of such amount be limited to obligations pertaining to demonstration ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships guaranteed under such Act. Establishes the OTEC Fund as a special sub-account of the Federal Ship Financing Fund, to be used for obligation guarantees authorized by such Act which do not otherwise qualify under other sections thereof. Limits to five the number of ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships which may obtain obligation guarantees. Title III Enforcement - Provides for the enforcement of provisions of this Act and rules or orders issued thereunder and lists prohibited acts. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders to any person for violation of specified provisions of this Act and to request the Attorney General to commence civil action for relief or civil penalties for any violation for which the Administrator is authorized to issue such compliance orders. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for such violations as specified. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator to issue amendments to any regulations issued under this Act to conform such regulations to any treaty ratified by the United States as a result of any United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. Exempts from the provisions of this Act any ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship designated by the Secretary of Energy as a demonstration project. Sets forth provisions concerning the relationship of other laws to the facilities and plantships authorized for construction and operation under this Act, including a provision that the law of the nearest adjacent coastal State to which such a licensed facility is connected by electric transmission cable or pipeline is declared to be the law of the United States. Directs the Administrator to establish standards and regulations for the safe construction and operation of submarine electric transmission cables and equipment over which the United States has jurisdiction. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979
Telecommunication Act of 1979 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that it is the purpose of such Act to: (1) assure that all the people of the Nation have available, at reasonable and affordable rates, domestic telecommunications services and facilities; and (2) assure that the people, economy, and general welfare of the Nation will benefit from continuing improvements in telecommunications technology. Declares that the Federal Communications Commission shall exercise regulatory authority to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows the Commission to take any action as may be necessary to assure that the costs of the competitive activities of carriers are not borne by the users of noncompetitive services or facilities of such carriers. Defines, for the purposes of this Act, the term "interexchange telecommunications service" as the provision of telecommunications service between local exchange areas, including the local distribution of interexchange telecommunications by means other than intraexchange telecommunications facilities. Defines the term "intraexchange telecommunications service" as the provision of telecommuncations service between points within a single local exchange area. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) carry out the provisions of this title with respect to any carrier which furnishes telecommunications services or makes available telecommunications facilities, or both, between local exchange area; (2) establish and administer rules and regulations applicable to the interconnection of the facilities of interexchange telecommunications services through interconnnection with the facilities of intraexchange carriers; (4) review, approve, disapprove, or modify request for the pooling of revenues by interexchange carriers and intraexchange carriers; and (5) administer the National Telecommunications Pool, upon the termination of the transitional joint board established by this Act. Requires the State communications commission of each State, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, to establish boundaries for local exchange areas in such State. Declares that, subject to the authority of the Federal Communications Commission, the State shall exercise exclusive regulatory authority with respect to any telecommunications service to the extent such service originates and terminates in any such local exchange area. Declares that no interexchange carrier, other than any carrier classified as a dominant carrier by the Commission, shall be subject to any regulatory authority of the Commission, except that the Commission shall: (1) have authority to require the payment of an intraexchange access fee by any interexchange carrier for interconnection with the facilities of any intraexchange carrier; (2) have authority to establish standards to promote the national defense and security and the emergency preparedness of the Nation; and (3) require, and provide for the regulation of basic telecommunications service so that such service is available at reasonable and affordable rates. Requires the Commission, in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act, to classify interexchange carriers according to whether each such carrier is a dominant carrier. Declares that a dominant carrier shall not be subject to any regulatory authority of the Commission in connection with the offering of any telecommunications service (other than basic telecommunications service) in a particular market or submarket if such dominant carrier: (1) establishes a fully separated subsidiary, in accordance with the Act, to offer such service in such market or submarket; and (2) utilizes a cost accounting system designated to ensure that the costs of such fully separated subsidiary are not subsidized by revenues of such dominant carrier from telecommunications services or facilities which are subject to the regulatory authority of the Commission or the State communications commmission. Sets forth the requirements applicable to the furnishing of telecommunications services or facilities by dominant carriers and by intraexchange carriers. Declares that any dominant carrier which is subject to any consent judgement or decree entered into before the date of enactment of this Act, and any company or other business organization affiliated with such carrier, may provide any service, facility, or product which is not subject to the regulatory authority of the Commission or to the regulatory authority of any State Commission and which is: (1) a telecommunications service, facility, or product; or (2) a service, facility, or product which is incidental to telecommunications. Grants the Commission, in disputed cases, the authority to determine whether any service, facility, or product is incidental to telecommunications. Establishes a transitional joint board for the purpose of: (1) providing for an orderly transition to the system of intraexchange access fees established by this Act; (2) ensuring equitable economic treatment of subscribers to basic telecommunications service, and of competing interexchange carriers; and (3) ensuring equitable treatment of terminal equipment and related facilities in use on the date of enactment of this Act, and ensuring the continued availability of such equipment and related facilities to customers. Declares that the authority of the transitional joint board with respect to the functions established by this Act shall supersede the authority of any joint board in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. Declares that the transitional joint board shall have the authority to perform such acts, to establish such rules and regulations, and to issue such orders as are consistent with the provisions of this Act and as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Requires such board to submit annual reports to each House of Congress with respect to its activities. Terminates the transitional joint board at the end of the 45-month period following the date of enactment of this Act. Transfers the functions and duties of such board, upon its terminaton, to the Commission. Establishes a system of intraexchange access fees for the use of intraexchange telecommunications services by interexchange carriers and other customers in order to achieve specified functions. Requires each intraexchange carrier, with specified exceptions, to submit to the Commission a schedule of fees for the use of its telecommunications services or facilities by all interexchange carriers and other customers which use the facilities of such intraexchange carrier through interconnection with such facilities. Directs the Commission to approve, disapprove, or modify any such schedule of fees to ensure that such fees are consistent with the provisions of this Act. Establishes a Natonal Telecommunications Pool which shall be administered by the transitional joint board, until the termination of such board, at which time the Pool shall be administered by the Commission. Requires intraexchange access fees, in such amounts as may be allocated by the transitional joint board, to be deposited into the National Telecommunications Pool to be disbursed by such board in order to ensure the alleviation of the effects of any substantial or undue increases in charges for intraexchange or interexchange telecommunications services or facilities. Requires each dominant carrier or other interexchange carrier to maintain a system of accounting methods, procedures, and techniques which shall be established by the Commission to ensure a proper allocation of costs to, and among, various telecommunications services, facilities, and products which are offered by such carrier or any affiliate of such carrier and are subject to the regulatory authority of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit an interim report to each House of Congress, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, including a summary of action taken by the Commission to establish such accounting system. Requires the Commission to submit a final report to Congress as soon as practicable after the establishment of such accounting system. Allows any carrier, with specified stipulations, to engage in any meeting with any other carrier for purposes of planning or agreeing to: (1) the design, plan, construction, and maintenance of any network of telecommunications services or facilities; (2) the development of technical standards applicable to such services and facilities; and (3) any tariff for the provision of joint and through services. Requires a transcript of such meeting to be filed immediately with the Commission and to be available at the offices of the Commission for public inspection not later than 30 days after the meeting involved is conducted. Authorizes the President to require any carrier subject to the provisions of this Act to furnish telecommunications services or facilities to any Federal agency if the President determines that: (1) the provision of such services or facilities is necessary to promote the national defense and security or the emergency preparedness of the Nation; and (2) all other means of obtaining such services and facilities have been exhausted. Declares that the provisions of the Act relating to payment for such services shall apply if such a determination is made by the President. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect in any manner the applicability of the Federal antitrust laws, or to express in any manner the sense of the Congress with respect to any litigation which is pending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Title I: Fish Restoration Program - Amends the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act to: (1) define the term "coastal State" for the purposes of such Act; and (2) authorize appropriations in the amount equal to the revenue accruing from taxes relating to sport fishing equipment and certain recreational boats and boating equipment for fiscal year 1980 and each fiscal year thereafter. Title II: Fish Restoration Program - Increases the percentage of the annual appropriation deducted for administrative expenses. Sets forth the apportionment ratio for the Secretary of the Interior to use in distributing funds among the States under the fish restoration program. Authorizes the Secretary to expend unobligated funds to carry out the purposes of this Act. Eliminates the notification by a State of intent to accept such apportionment funds requirement. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to finance up to 75 percent of the costs of the acquisition of lands or interests therein and the construction of structures or facilities. Permits each State to utilize up to ten percent of its apportionment for an aquatic resource education program. Title III: Tax on Sale of Sport Fishing Equipment and certain Recreational Boats and Boating Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any article of sport fishing equipment, recreational boats, and boating equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides for a program of career development, training, and related services for Vietnam-era veterans. Establishes the Office of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment in place of the existing office of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for certain diseases arising in Vietnam-era veterans (and for birth defects in their children) exposed to agent orange. Authorizes specified mental health care for eligible Vietnam-era veterans at community health centers. Directs the Comptroller General to assign ombudsmen (from the General Accounting Office) at each Veterans' Administration hospital to investigate patient complaints. Title III: GI Bill Assistance - Extends the educational assistance delimiting period for certain Vietnam-era veterans. Eliminates the requirement of matching State funds for accelerated educational loan payments. Increases such maximum payment amounts. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay the initial administrative expenses for a qualifying State veterans' home loan program. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to perform a comprehensive study of the structure and administration of the laws relating to veterans' benefits. States that such Commission shall report its findings within 18 months to the President and the Congress, and cease to exist 30 days after such submission.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Title I: Limitation on Future Growth of Federal Spending and Tax Expenditures - Federal Spending and Tax Expenditure Control Act of 1979 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit the adoption of any concurrent resolution on the budget which sets forth a level of total budget outlays and total tax expenditures in excess of 28.5 percent of the gross national product in fiscal year 1981, 28 percent of the gross national product in fiscal year 1982, or 27.5 percent of the gross national product in any fiscal year thereafter. Establishes procedures to enable the President and the Congress to suspend such limitations on budget outlays and tax expenditures. Title II: Federal Credit Program Control - Federal Credit Program Control Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide a basis for controlling loans and loan guarantees under Federal credit programs through the congressional budget process. Requires the first concurrent resolution on the budget for each fiscal year to set forth the appropriate level of total gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans and the appropriate level of total commitments to guarantee loans and to allocate such totals among the major functional categories of the budget. Directs each standing committee of the House and Senate to submit its estimates of direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments provided for in legislation under its jurisdiction by March 15 of each year for consideration of the Budget Committees in formulating the budget resolution. Directs the House and Senate Banking Committees to submit recommendations to the Budget Committees for the aggregate levels of direct loans and loan guarantees in each fiscal year. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying a conference report on the concurrent resolution on the budget to include an estimated allocation of the total levels of direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments among the committees of the House and Senate. Directs the Committees on Appropriations to provide such an allocation among their subcommittees as soon as practicable after a budget resolution has been agreed to. Requires the House Committee on Appropriations, before reporting any regular appropriations bills, to submit a summary report to the House comparing the credit authority contained in such bills to the levels agreed to in the budget resolution. Requires any report accompanying legislation conferring new budget authority or increasing tax expenditures to include information on direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments. Establishes a deadline for the completion of action on legislation providing credit authority. Requires the second concurrent resolution on the budget in any fiscal year and the reconciliation process to take into account Federal obligations and commitments on loans and loan guarantees. Declares out of order any measure brought up for consideration in either House which would increase the level of loan obligations and guarantee commitments agreed to in the budget process. Requires any authority to guarantee the payment of any indebtedness to be contingent on provisions in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should inform Iran that the United States will initiate military operations against Iran unless the hostages held in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran are released by a certain day. Declares that the President should order U.S. Armed Forces into areas adjacent to Iran for appropriate action.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1979
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to extend the construction-differential subsidy for the construction of new vessels to be used in the foreign commerce of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate all military training of Iranian personnel pursuant to sales under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Hazardous Waste Response Fund Act of 1979 - States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to oil or other pollution of navigable waters. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a hazardous waste response program for dealing with emergencies involving the release or threat of release of hazardous waste into the environment from sites now regulated under Federal law. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take such emergency response actions as determined to be immediately necessary to prevent or minimize any harm to public health or the environment when any hazardous waste is released or is threatened to be released into the environment. Stipulates that where the Administrator determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of such waste, any other person responsible for such release or threatened release, or the State or local government concerned, will take such emergency actions, the Administrator shall not exercise such emergency response authority. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such emergency actions where it is determined that such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of emergency actions which are authorized. Authorizes the Administrator to remove, contain, and clean up hazardous waste at or associated with any hazardous waste site which may present a danger to public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator not to exercise such authority if he determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of waste treated, stored or disposed of at such site, any other person responsible for such site, or the State or local government concerned, will take the action referred to in this paragraph. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such actions where it is determined that such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of containment and removal actions which are authorized. Authorizes the Administrator to provide special rapid emergency assistance to State and local governments and to take such action, or assist other Federal agencies in taking actions as are deemed necessary to protect health and the environment from hazardous substances released into the environment in a manner which may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or the environment. Stipulates that such assistance may be rendered and actions taken even where the Administrator is unable to immediately determine the applicability of any Federal law other than this Act or the existence of any authority to take remedial action with respect to such hazardous substance release. Requires the Administrator or such other Federal agency or instrumentality to reimburse the Fund established under this Act for amounts expended for emergency assistance or actions where it is determined that such action taken or assistance provided is authorized under any authority of law other that this Act. Directs the Administrator to issue a National Hazardous Waste Response Plan after appropriate public review and public hearings are completed. Sets forth the components of such plan, and requires that hazardous waste removal and containment and emergency assistance for releases of such wastes shall be in accordance with such plan. Requires that such plan set forth recommended methods, procedures, criteria, and equipment for handling released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to provide equipment and other items necessary for damage assessment and response capability of Federal, State, and local strike forces or other emergency response teams. Limits the Federal share of the cost of actions taken by the Administrator under this Act. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Waste Response Fund to finance emergency response, removal, containment, cleanup, and other actions authorized by this Act, including administrative and personnel costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for such fund. Includes in such fund: (1) fees collected under this Act; (2) damage payments received for liability for hazardous waste releases; (3) reimbursements for emergency assistance or for the costs of actions taken for removal, containment, or cleanup of hazardous waste releases; (4) penalties assessed under this Act; and (5) amounts authorized to be appropriated. Imposes fees to be set by the Administrator on: (1) suppliers of petrochemical feedstocks; (2) suppliers of inorganic elements and compounds; and (3) refiners and exporters of crude oil. Specifies the aggregate amounts of fees imposed under this Act which are to be collected from such parties. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such fees upon his determination that any such feedstock, element, or compound is derived from the waste stream of a production process or from recycled materials. Imposes civil penalties for the failure or refusal to pay such fees. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations prohibiting the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Requires owners or operators of hazardous waste sites and persons responsible for hazardous waste releases or threatened releases violating the regulations issued under this Act to notify the Administrator thereafter. Prohibits any person from knowingly destroying or concealing records relating to hazardous wastes or hazardous waste sites. Authorizes the Administrator to require, by order, any owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or generator of hazardous waste to take such action as may be required for removal, containment, or cleanup of released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action against any person to impose a civil penalty for violation of regulations issued under this Act, up to $50,000 for single violations, and $250,000 for willful and knowing violations. Authorizes the Administrator to issue abatement orders or to seek equitable relief in the event of hazardous waste releases endangering or threatening to endanger public health or safety. States that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant such relief. Authorizes criminal penalties and imprisonment upon the owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or upon any other party responsible for a hazardous waste release for failure to comply with the notification requirements of this Act. Authorizes anyone taking actions under this Act as authorized by the Administrator to exercise the entry, inspection, and other authority contained in the applicable inspection provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Imposes strict liability upon any person causing or contributing to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste into the environment. Specifies the damages and costs for which such person shall be liable and states that such liability shall be to the governmental entity which incurred costs relating to removal, containment, emergency assistance or other actions, and to persons who sustained damages for personal injury, injury to property, and economic loss resulting from such release or threatened release. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of any person under any other law except that the amount recovered under such other laws shall reduce the amount recoverable under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Disapproves the deferral of budget authority for fiscal year 1980 for promoting and developing fishery products (Deferral Numbered D 80-7) as transmitted by the President to the Congress on October 5, 1979, pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Lacey Act Amendments of 1979 - Prohibits any person from: (1) transporting, selling, or acquiring in any jurisdiction any fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law governing such jurisdiction; (2) making any false document concerning any fish or wildlife transported in interstate or foreign commerce; (3) assaulting or impeding any person enforcing this Act; or (4) attempting or causing any such offense: Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act and the administrative procedure regarding the assessment of civil penalties. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to suspend, modify, or cancel any Federal license or permit for hunting, fishing, importing, or exporting fish or wildlife, or operating a quarantine station for imported wildlife issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of this Act. Declares that all fish or wildlife transported, sold, or acquired in violation of this Act and all vehicles and equipment used in such offense shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to: (1) carry firearms; (2) make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds; (3) execute and serve warrants; (4) detain and inspect any vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States or U.S. waters; (5) inspect and demand documents relating to such a package; and (6) hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States for actions arising pursuant to enforcement of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, and Commerce to pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to criminal conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property for a violation of this Act. Subjects all fish or wildlife transported into a State for use in such State to laws governing fish or wildlife produced in such States. Permits States to make and enforce laws which are consistent with this Act. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law concerning commerce in fish and wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
National Water Resources Policy and Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Directs States to review periodically their water resources needs. Authorizes the States to request the Water Resources Council for detailed studies of specific water resources needs. Directs States to submit to the Council a list of authorized studies which have not been completed and which are necessary to meet identified water resources needs. Authorizes the appropriate Federal water resources agency to make detailed evaluations of specific water resources needs upon referral by the Council. Stipulates that the State or other non-Federal body must agree to pay ten percent of the costs of the study before any study may be initiated. Provides for State employees to work in coordination with the appropriate agency. Requires such agencies to assure that studies are equitably undertaken on a regional basis. Directs States to develop and submit to the Council annually a priority list of water resource needs and projects. Stipulates that such lists will be deemed approved after 60 days unless the Council finds that such list was developed without adequate public participation. Requires reports to be filed by the appropriate agency with the Council and appropriate States upon completion of studies of water resource projects. Provides for the authorization of construction of such projects upon: (1) certification by the Governor to the Council that a project is needed and entitled to priority consideration; and (2) recommendation of construction by the appropriate agency. Stipulates that if a Governor of a State affected by such project objects to the Council within 90 days, then such project must be authorized by Congress. Requires the States or other non-Federal bodies to agree to pay specified percentages of the costs of construction and operation of such projects. Permits the use of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund to pay the non-Federal contribution for commercial inland navigation projects. Requires any revenues from such projects to be shared between the non-Federal interests and the participating Federal agencies based on their percentage contribution to the project. Sets forth the formula for allocating authorized funds by the Council among the States. Terminates projects authorized prior to this Act if: (1) construction has not begun within five years of enactment of this Act; and (2) the project is not on a State's priority list. Authorizes the Council to study and propose legislation authorizing construction of regional water resources projects which have national significance and priority. Directs the Council to select up to 25 of such projects from among projects authorized prior to enactment of this Act which shall be eligible for direct funding by Congress without regard to specific limitations in this Act. Stipulates that such projects, if authorized specifically by Congress, shall be constructed at full Federal cost. Permits States to apply to the Council for loans to finance the construction of projects authorized prior to this Act. Requires the Council to report to Congress concerning: (1) national priorities for water resources development; (2) the needs for cost-effective development of the projects; and (3) the best ways to achieve the maximum efficient use of water supplies from existing Federal projects. Prohibits the construction of water resource projects designed to bring land into production for crops receiving Federal price supports until such studies are submitted. Title II: Amends the Water Resources Planning Act to provide for an independent Water Resources Council. Revises the composition of such Council to include experts in the engineering or economics of water resources development.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Ixtoc I Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to compensate U.S. claimants for economic losses resulting from oil pollution from the blowout of Ixtoc I in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. Sets forth the procedure for making such claims or settling such claims. Permits a claimant, whose claim is denied or not settled within 60 days of presentation, to commence a district court action against the Secretary in lieu of resubmitting such claim to the Secretary for a decision. Prohibits claimants receiving compensation from recovering under any other Federal or State law for the same injury. Permits States to impose additional requirements or liability. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the construction and operation of a saltwater fish hatchery. Stipulates that the amount of compensation payable to Texas shall be reduced by the amount of such grant.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Fisheries Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 - Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to require any preliminary or final fishery management plan prepared by the Secretary of Commerce or a Regional Fishery Management Council, respectively, to designate any underutilized fishery as a harvester underutilized fishery, a processor underutilized fishery, or both. Defines such an underutilized fishery as a fishery in which the capacity of United States vessels or food processors to harvest or process fish is below the normal range of fluctuation of the optimum yield of such fishery. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Council concerned: (1) to prepare and establish by regulation development plans for the underutilized fisheries which the Secretary determines have the most potential for commercial development; and (2) to designate such fisheries as "priority development fisheries." Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with qualified persons to carry out an activity under such a plan. Prescribes terms, conditions, and limitations of such grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out this title. Title II: Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - Extends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 which govern a capital construction fund for vessels built in the United States to govern such a fund for fishing vessels built in, and fishing facilities located in, a Commonwealth, territory, possession, or State of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) to guarantee the payment of obligations for financing or refinancing the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of fishery facilities capable of being used for priority development fisheries; and (2) to apply an economic soundness test with respect to guarantees of obligations for fishing vessels or facilities designed for use in such priority fisheries which is less stringent than the test applicable to other obligation guarantees under such Act. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Federal Ship Financing Fund three subfunds to contain moneys for obligation guarantees for: (1) fishing vessels and facilities meeting the more stringent test; (2) high risk fishing vessels and facilities meeting the less stringent test; and (3) vessels other than fishing vessels. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to abolish the loan program for commercial fishing vessels and year. Transfers the funds of such program to the high risk subfund in the Federal Ship Financing Fund. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to require the Secretary to use a portion of the duties collected on fishery products and transferred to the Secretary under such Act for carrying out the development plans for priority development fisheries.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001098_200.jpg)