United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent. Limits the credit to 100 percent of the first $200 for any individual, 75 percent of the next $300, and 25 percent of the next $1,000. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans' benefits. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the credit allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Plutonium Licensing Control Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the issuance of commercial licenses for (1) operation of nuclear power reactors utilizing recovered plutonium as a fuel source or (2) nuclear reactor fuel processing designed to recover plutonium. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to activities necessary for United States military defense.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for hearing aids and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a $5,000 tax exclusion for persons aged 65 or over for amounts received as an annuity, pension, or other retirement benefit, and for all persons receiving retirement benefits under a public retirement system.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay a special housing allowance to each eligible individual whose housing expenses exceed 25 percent of income or $1,200 a year, whichever is less.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Gives Congressional endorsement to the efforts of the United States Delegation to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea to achieve a multilateral treaty which articulates the principle that deep seabed resources are the common heritage of all people and should be utilized with a view to distributing revenues to all countries. Endorses particularly the establishment of an International Seabed Authority to regulate such a system.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water to meet present and projected future need. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of specified chemicals and compounds on the safety of drinking water, and means of removing, treating, or otherwise controlling contamination from such substances. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to States or publicly owned water systems to assist in alleviating emergency situations respecting drinking water which may be anticipated to endanger public health.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Federal Energy Administration Authorization Act - Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1977 and fiscal year 1978 for specified organizational entities within the Administration. Imposes restrictions and limitations on the use of funds authorized by this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to increase the appropriations authorizations for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for energy conservation and efficiency improvement programs under such Act. Authorizes additional appropriations to assist in petroleum reserves shortage programs. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for energy conservation and renewable-resource obligation guarantees. Extends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 until September 30, 1978. Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to extend the coal conversion and allocation authority of the Federal Energy Administrator until December 31, 1978. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 to establish procedures governing the use of commercial standards by the Federal Energy Administrator in proposed rules, regulations, or other activities. Directs the Administrator to establish regulations to eliminate, avoid, or mitigate conflicts-of-interest in Agency contracting procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall at the earliest opportunity inter an Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and make permanent display of representative medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam War in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies thereunder on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights to include as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Cogeneration and Waste Heat Utilization Act - Title I: Waste Energy Recovery Policy Analysis - Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to study the feasibility of implementing waste heat energy recovery technology on a nationwide scale. Details subjects to be covered in periodic progress reports to the Congress and the President. Title II: Interim Incentives for Industrial Cogeneration - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow a special tax credit for equipment which generates electrical energy in excess of the users needs in marketable quantities. Stipulates that electric power distributors who unreasonably refuse to purchase and transmit excess electrical energy (in accordance with standards prescribed by the Federal Power Commission) shall be denied investment tax credits. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory authorities on an interim basis to assist such authorities in encouraging recovery and use of waste heat energy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Drought Assistance Amendment - Title I: Amendments to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 - Declares the finding of Congress that droughts and other similar non-cataclysmic disasters require Federal assistance. Requires the President to appoint a Federal coordinator to operate in an area declared a drought emergency. Permits Federal agencies to provide assistance to drought emergency areas by performing any emergency service essential to save lives and property, including (1) conservation practices; (2) water supply investigations; (3) education training in conservation techniques for farmers and other affected persons; (4) provisions for water needs and the movement of supplies or persons; (5) the establishment of comprehensive employment and/or manpower training programs; and (6) contributions to State or local governments to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs that where Federal funds for assistance activities may go by contract to private organizations or firms, preference be given to organizations or firms in the drought emergency area. Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the purpose of State grants to individuals or families adversely affected by a drought emergency to meet necessary expenses; and to make temporary mortgage or rental payments on behalf of individuals or families who have received written notice of foreclosure on land or equipment as a result o financial hardship caused by drought. Provides for loans to local governments losing revenues as a result of a drought emergency. Title II: Amendments to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 - Extends to drought emergency areas assistance for economic recovery following the period of emergency aid and replacement of essential facilities and services. Extends coverage of federally-guaranteed loans to the purchase of land and facilities for farming usage. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes areas suffering an emergency of any sort eligible for Federal assistance for current school expenditures. Extends eligibility for small business loans under the Small Business Act to businesses in drought emergency areas and limits the interest rate on the Small Business Administrator's share of the loan to one percent annually.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Provides that the recipient of a veterans' pension or dependency and indemnity compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of cost-of-living increases in social security benefits, railroad retirement annuities, or other retirement benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Electric Utility Act Title I: Improving Efficiency of, and Preserving Competition in, Generation and Transmission of Electricity - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to take additional action to increase the transmission capacity of electric generating facilities. Requires the use of central dispatch generating systems in all areas where technologically and economically feasible. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages of electric energy and to accommodate such shortages in a manner designed to insure continuity of service to retail and wholesale customers. Establishes preliminary proceedings on proposed new utility rate schedules to allow the Commission to authorize such schedules on an interim basis. Prohibits utilities from proposing rate increases while the Commission has pending before it a schedule filed by the same utility, except under extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in rate schedules without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Requires review of legitimate automatic adjustment clauses by the Commission at least every two years. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Authorizes the Commission to review plans for operation of bulk power facilities and to require that such facilities be constructed in a manner consistent with antitrust laws. Directs the Commission to prescribe standards of electric utility reliability. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules encouraging the cogeneration of electric energy with other forms of energy. Revises the prohibition against interlocking directorates contained in such Act to include additional occupations which may not be held by officers or directors of public utilities without approval by the Commission. Title II: Coordination of Planning of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Title III: Improving Efficiency of Use of Electricity - Limits the applicability of the provisions of this title to sales of electric energy by electric utilities for purposes other than resale. Establishes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utility rates. Stipulates that such rates shall reflect actual costs of providing electric service to each consumer class. Authorizes lower rates for electric energy for essential needs of residential electric consumers, as defined by the State regulatory authority. Stipulates that promotional, political, or institutional advertising costs incurred by public utilities, with specified exceptions, shall not be chargeable to electric consumers. Authorizes electric utilities to recover reasonable costs incurred for pollution control facilities from electric consumers. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in State-regulated electric utility rates without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Stipulates that automatic adjustment clauses shall be subject to review by the State regulatory authority at least every two years. Requires State regulated electric utilities to promptly implement alternative load management techniques which have been determined to be practicable and cost-effective. Requires such utilities to inform electric consumers of existing rate schedules on and annual basis. Requires notification within 30 days of any proposed changes in rate schedules. Requires such utilities to furnish data on amount of actual electric energy consumption upon request by a specific consumer. Imposes minimum procedures upon such utilities to be followed prior to termination of electric service. Stipulates that nonregulated utilities shall be subject to the same requirements imposed by this title upon State-regulated utilities. Prohibits any rate increases by electric utilities except in accordance with such requirements. Establishes procedures for administration and enforcement of the provisions of this title. Authorizes State regulatory agencies or electric consumers to intervene in any proceeding under this title. Title IV: Consumer Representation and Assistance to State Agencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions to: (1) improve staffing; (2) encourage the development of innovative rate structures; and (3) to provide for programs to meet requirements with respect to participation in proceedings. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 per fiscal year for improved staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per fiscal year for each of the remaining purposes of this title. Establishes procedures for equitable allotment of sums appropriated under this title among the States in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an independent Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission to represent consumer interests in proceeding before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Office: $500,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $2,400,000 for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes compensation of other parties in Commission proceedings whose views might not otherwise be adequately represented without such assistance. Stipulates that the total amount of such assistance shall not exceed $2,000,000 to all persons in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from approving any grant or loan under such Act unless the applicant gives satisfactory assurances that prior to the establishment or change in any fare or service which may substantially effect any community or segment thereof, the applicant will conduct public hearings with adequate prior notice and consider the impact on the community of such establishment or change in fare or service. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that a fare or service has been established or changed without such public hearing, to suspend any further grant or loan payments and to disapprove any further grant or loan applications until the applicant has complied with the procedural requirements specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Wildlife on Federal Lands Trapping Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue such regulations, relating to trapping, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any type of trap unless such trap utilizes the most humane capture method available for the species concerned, and minimizes the probability of capturing species for which such trap was not intended. Directs the Secretary to undertake a research program to develop such types of traps. Establishes an advisory commission to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to traps designed or intended for use. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting trapping on Federal lands where such trapping may reduce any species below specified levels. Sets forth a procedure for the application and issuance of trapping permits. Requires the attachment of a shipping certificate to any package containing the fur, hide, skin, horn, or feathers of any mammal or bird captured by any trap within any State or the District of Columbia if such package is transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) engaging in trapping without a permit issued pursuant to this Act; (2) violating any condition of such permit; (3) violating any regulation of the Secretary relating to trapping; (4) selling or transporting in interstate commerce an unapproved trap; or (5) falsifying the shipping certificate. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States with respect to the imposition of trapping regulations consistent with those prescribed under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Unvouchered Expenditure Control Act - Prohibits the expenditure of Federal moneys, not otherwise provided for by law, which are not made pursuant to procedures providing for a voucher describing the payee and items or services for which payment is being made. Requires all appropriations, not made under a law which provides otherwise, to provide for voucher requirements for expending such moneys appropriated. Requires the Comptroller General to audit all programs subject to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Constitutional Amendment- Allows an item veto by the President of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing the bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Provides that such bills shall be subjected to the same proceeding as other bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to assist States and localities in the construction, purchase, and installation of solar energy systems in new and existing public buildings and facilities. Stipulates that such grants shall be in an amount of up to 50 percent of the incremental cost of such systems. Establishes procedures and criteria for submission and approval of projects under this Act. Requires preparation of an energy use analysis for each proposal. Authorizes technical and related services to States and localities with respect to project proposals. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, within five years of the date of enactment of this Act, to establish standards for solar energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, under the United States Housing Act of 1937, to make annual contributions to public housing agencies for the provision of services designed to provide for the safety, security, and well-being of the residents of low-income housing projects, including the installation of safety systems, the services of security staff, and the establishment of special security Committees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity and the customer has authorized disclosure; (2) the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or (3) disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Makes any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting official until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observation or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include tobacco products within the definition of food as contained in such Act thereby subjecting such products to the same regulation as food under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that any individual who would have been fully insured at age 62, may qualify for disability insurance benefits if such individual has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned. Stipulates that such coverage requirement is an alternative to the requirement that an individual have 20 quarters of coverage during the 40-quarter period immediately preceding his disability.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize the President to make contributions to States or local governments to help repair or replace a public facility damaged or destroyed in an emergency. Limits the amount of any such contribution to 75 percent of the cost of repair or replacement of such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Prohibits persons who are employees, officials, stockholders, or otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of the Environmental Protection Agency or as public members of the National Commission on Air Quality. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources -Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air quality and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Authorizes issuance of similar orders for primary nonferrous smelters. Stipulates that such orders may waive the requirement that continuous emission control systems be utilized in cases of economic hardship. Requires that primary nonferrous smelter orders not result in a postponement of applicable emission requirements beyond January 1, 1988. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each days' violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emissions of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in clean air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 per fiscal year for the three fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy- related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 thorough 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that air craft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements shall not contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light- duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that requirements imposed in such testing and inspection program shall be no less stringent than those in effect in New Jersey on the date of enactment of this provision. Revises requirements imposed upon motor vehicle manufactures with respect to warranties applicable to vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the impact on competition of various warranties imposed by this Act with respect to such emission control systems. Imposes civil penalties for violations of antitampering provisions of the Act. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technology and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigations of such specific instances upon written requests to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guidelines for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violations of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementational plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator. Requires that such regulations provide for (1) disclosure of known financial interests and (2) prohibitions against employees, officials, stockholders, or persons otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of State or local air pollution control regulatory authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has equally stringent standards in effect. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States enforcement of standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and the coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories which shall: (1) establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years for such offenses. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs with persons who provide clinical laboratory services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Congressional Campaign Financing Act - Entitles to campaign payments congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the excise tax on sales of special fuels, automotive parts, petroleum products, and communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Sludge Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the environmental, health, and economic effects of subsurface landfilling sludge on soils and ground water, and alternate methods of sludge disposal. Directs the Administrator to develop guidelines for sludge disposal and land-spreading in order to protect the public health and welfare. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States and localities of up to 40 percent of the cost of removal of sludge from navigable waters of the United States or any adjacent shoreline. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Protection Agency Task Force on sludge removal. Authorizes the establishment of programs of training, demonstration, and surveys relating to the restoration of water quality where degraded by sludge. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit grants for treatment works, after September 30, 1976, unless the applicant demonstrates that adequate confined disposal methods will be provided.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Part-Time Career Opportunity Act - Sets forth a time schedule for the required introduction of part-time jobs in each grade in each Federal agency, at a rate of two percent each year for five years. Authorizes the Civil Service Commission to waive or reduce any such percentage minimum for a period not to exceed one year under specified circumstances. Deems such decision a final agency action for judicial review purposes. Declares the provisions of this Act to be nonapplicable to situations where a collective bargaining agreement is in effect which establishes the number of hours of employment in a week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. List the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) register, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation for this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act - Directs the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary for Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe standards for polling and registration facilities which will assure ready access by the handicapped and the aged. Permits designation of facilities for Federal elections which do not comply with such standards only where conforming facilities are unavailable. Requires States to provide alternative registration and voting methods for aged and handicapped persons assigned to inaccessible registration facilities or polling places. Requires that a paper ballot be made available or a voting assistant be permitted to a person unable to operate a voting machine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to extend through fiscal year 1979, for Federal aid to State public water system supervision programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend appropriations for the rural water survey through fiscal year 1979. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water. Directs the Administrator to provide training for personnel of State and local agencies which have primary enforcement responsibility of public water systems. Allows the Administrator, under specified conditions, to make a grant to a State that has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems within the State. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Directs the Administrator to prepare and make reasonably available to the public, an economic assessment statement before publication of notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the safety of public water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Prohibits charging against the allowance, appropriation, or other fund from which a congressional employee is paid the amount such employee's salary is decreased by reason of the fact that such employee is receiving a Federal pension.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Directs that any alien who is a national of Chile and is not in the United States be issued a nonimmigrant visa and be admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant if the consular officer involved determines that such alien: (1) is being persecuted or is in danger of persecution in Chile on account of his political opinions; (2) is not otherwise excludable from the United States; and (3) has applied for such admission during the one year period following the enactment of this Act. States that admission under this Act shall be for a period of two years during which the aliens shall be allowed to accept employment. Directs the Attorney General to examine the case of the alien before the expiration of the two-year period and to grant permanent resident status to such eligible alien. Directs that any alien who: (1) is a national of Chile; (2) is in the United States on the date of enactment of this Act; and (3) would be persecuted or be in danger of persecution in Chile on account of his political opinions, be placed in the custody of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Requires that such alien be inspected and examined for admission into the United States according to the applicable provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Regards such resident aliens, as lawfully if found to be admissible after such examination, admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of the date of their arrival. Allows the spouse, child, or parents of a national of Chile who has been admitted to the United States pursuant to this Act, to be issued a nonimmigrant visa, admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant, and treated as other aliens issued nonimmigrant visas under this Act. Declares that aliens who acquire permanent residence status under this Act shall not be charged against the quota of immigrants allotted to Chile under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Directs the Attorney General to inform any alien who is a national of Chile or the spouse, child, or parent of a national of Chile of the treatment which may be applied for under this Act before such alien is excluded from admission into or deported from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Repeals all the price support and marketing provisions relating to tobacco of the Agricultural Act of 1949, the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, and related laws. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation, under its Charter Act, from exercising any of its specified powers with respect to tobacco.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act - Allows an income tax credit for 30 percent of the expenditures not exceeding $750 which the taxpayer paid or incurred during the taxable year for installation of insulation or energy-conserving components which improve heating plant efficiency in his principal residence. Limits the application of this credit to expenditures paid or incurred for installations made between 1976 and 1982 in pre-existing dwellings. Reduces the allowable credit, on a graduated scale, for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $10,000. Allows an income tax credit for 40 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 25 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the installation of qualified solar, wind and geothermal energy equipment in his principal residence. Allows an income tax credit for 20 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 12.5 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred for the installation of wood stove, heat pump, or burner equipment in connection with new solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment which will be the principal source of space heat in the taxpayer's principal residence. Reduces these limitations in subsequent tax years by subtracting the amounts taken into account for these credits in previous tax years. Limits these credits to equipment installed between 1976 and 1982. Prorates each of the above credits for residential improvements among joint owners and cooperative shareholders according to their proportionate interests in the residential property. Provides for the carryover of any allowable credit which exceeds the taxpayer's current income tax liability. Reduces the allowable credits, on a graduated scale for and Conservation Act. persons with adjusted gross incomes greater than $15,000. Allows an investment tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified investment cost of depreciable geothermal, solar or wind energy equipment placed in service. Allows such a credit for 12 percent of the qualified costs of ventilation, heating, water and other components primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of a structure, and origin ally used by the taxpayer. Prohibits these credits for property originally funded with Federal grants, or located in States which take these energy conserving measures into account for property assessment, or which don't enforce the thermal design requirements of the Energy Policy
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish methods of determining the life cycle cost effectiveness for buildings, considering the life cycle fuel and energy requirements for such buildings. Requires that all Federal buildings be life cycle cost effective and that such determination serve as a basis for the awarding of contracts in the procurement and leasing of new Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to promote the use of life cycle cost effective methods in all buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings which are compatible with new building performance standards developed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires all Federal agencies to conduct an energy audit of existing buildings within their jurisdiction. Requires that a specified percentage of the gross square footage of building space be selected by each agency for retrofitting with appropriate energy conservation measures. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to the Administrator to perform the functions as authorized or required under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of additional sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for research, development, and demonstration of industrial energy conserving technologies. Specifies criteria that the Administrator is required to apply in reaching decisions regarding the directions, priorities, activities, and operations of the industrial energy conservation program. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation, or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Directs the Administrator to give special priority to loan recipients in depressed industrial areas. Establishes limits on the amount of outstanding indebtedness to be guaranteed under this Act. Stipulates that no guarantee or commitment to guarantee shall be undertaken after September 30, 1977. Details procedures in the event of a default on guaranteed obligations. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for research and development programs authorized by this Act: (1) $55,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976; (2) $20,000,000 for the transitional quarter ending September 30, 1976; and (3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for the purpose of making loans under this Act: (1) $22,500,000 for fiscal year 1975; (2) $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976; (3) $22,500,000 for the transitional quarter; and (4) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $500,000,000 to be paid in the event of a default on obligations guaranteed under this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000134_200.jpg)