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United States · Official source
516 records where Rep. Roncalio, Teno [D-WY-At Large] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to make eligible for registration, as being of United States nationality, aircraft owned by a citizen of a foreign country who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Civil Aeronautics Board to issue regulations allowing the operation of aircraft during the period when the emergency locator transmitter has been removed from the aircraft for inspection, repair, modification or replacement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act - Title I: National Park System - Designates specified public lands in the state of Alaska to be included as units of the National Park System. Title II: National Wildlife Refuge System - Establishes specified areas in Alaska as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Title III: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Lists rivers in Alaska which shall be wild rivers for purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Title IV: National Forest System - Authorizes the President to add specified lands to the Tongass and Chugach National Forest in Alaska. Title V: National Petroleum Reserve In Alaska - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska in such a manner as to preserve subsistence lands for natives and to promote specified conservation objectives. Title VI: Designation of Wilderness Areas - Designates specified Alaskan lands to be included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Title VII: General Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate subsistence management zones and to establish regulatory subsistence boards to further the preservation of subsistence lands for natives. Makes additional administrative provisions. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of a nationwide program to prevent adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research for advice on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners of water rights under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to act. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimization of disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the mine site and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000 per fiscal year; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for the next four years. Stipulates that no new budget authority for fiscal year 1977 is authorized by the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require air carriers engaged in the carriage of property to give a 60-day notice to the Civil Aeronautics Board of any proposed rate change. Requires air carriers to give a 45-day notice to the Board for any proposed passenger fare change. (Previously a 30-day notice was required for both passenger and property rate changes.) Requires the Board, when suspending a proposed rate change, to notify the air carrier affected at least 15 days before such tariff changes would otherwise go into effect.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger. Authorizes air carriers operating within the State of California pursuant to authority granted by the State public utilities commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensation. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the fourth Sunday in September of each year as "National Good Neighbor Day."
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to declare it the policy of Congress that the importation of prepared or preserved beef or veal (other than cured or pickled beef and veal and beef in airtight containers) be limited to 11,433,000 pounds after 1976. Authorizes revision of such limitation by the percentage of estimated average domestic commercial production of such articles for any calendar year and the two preceding calendar years compared to the average annual domestic commercial production during 1966 through 1975 inclusive. Sets forth procedures whereby the Secretary of Agriculture shall implement such limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to declare it the policy of Congress that the importation of prepared or preserved beef or veal (other than cured or pickled beef and veal and beef in airtight containers) be limited to 11,433,000 pounds after 1976. Authorizes revision of such limitation by the percentage of estimated average domestic commercial production of such articles for any calendar year and the two preceding calendar years compared to the average annual domestic commercial production during 1966 through 1975 inclusive. Sets forth procedures whereby the Secretary of Agriculture shall implement such limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1976
Sugar Supply Assurance Act - Declares it the policy of Congress to assure a stable and adequate sugar supply. Establishes a base domestic price for sugar and sets forth the formula for adjustment of such price by the Secretary of Agriculture. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to predicate the customs duties on sugar, cocoa, and confectionery upon whether this Act or similar legislation is in effect. Establishes variable customs duty rates for crystalline sugar, liquid sugar, and other sugars dependent upon polariscope rating. Exempts such sugars from the general preference sytem of the Trade Act of 1974. Revises the rates of duty for such sugars. Repeals the differing duty rates for such sugars imported from Cuba. Prohibits the export of sugar from sugar cane or beets grown in the United States except when the Secretary of Agriculture determines that domestic sugar production in any year wil exceed domestic requirements. Prohibits the importation of more than ten short tons of direct-consumption sugar by any person annually unless the Secretary determines that a shortage of sugar exists or is about to occur in the United States that cannot be alleviated by domestic sources. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations to carry out this Act. Imposes a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000 for knowing violation or attempted violation of this Act or regulations issued thereunder. Vests jurisdiction in the district courts of the United States to restrain violations of this Act or review regulations issued thereunder. Requires the district attorneys of the United States to enforce this Act upon the request of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make such expenditures as the Secretary deems are necessary to carry out this Act. Permits the President to modify the customs duty on sugar after a finding that such modification will not interfere with the objectives of this Act, unless such modification is disapproved by Congress. Requires all persons engaged in the sugar industry to furnish information requested by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Terminates this Act at the end of five years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Title I: Flathead, Montana - Designates a specified segment of the Flathead River, Montana, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title II: Missouri, Montana - Designates a specified segment of the Missouri River in Montana as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Limits the lands which may be included within, and acquired for, such park, and details guidelines relating to park administration. Title III: Obed, Tennessee - Designates a specified segment of the Obed River, Tennessee, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title IV: Housatonic, Connecticut - Designates a specified segment of the Housatonic River in Connecticut as a potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title V: Section IV Amendment - Repeals the provision in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act prohibiting the addition of a river or portion of a river to the National Wild and Scenic River System until the close of the full session of the appropriate State legislature that begins following the submission of any recommendation to the President with respect to such addition. Title VI: Feather, California - Redefines the boundaries of the portion of the Feather River, California, which is a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Civil Aeronautics Board to grant exemptions from the requirements of such Act for all-cargo operations in interstate air transportation pending consideration of an application for initial certification under such Act if such exemption is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Provides for the personal relief of Theodore H. Gies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Includes within the meaning of the term "hospital" in Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, rural health facilities of 50 beds or less.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Title I: Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Administrator of General Services, when acquiring or managing space necessary for Federal agencies, to: (1) utilize space in buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance where feasible; (2) encourage the location of commercial, cultural, educational, or recreational activities within or near public buildings; and (3) encourage the public use of public buildings outside of regular Federal working hours. Requires the Administrator to place on the access level of Federal buildings those activities requiring regular public contact. Title II: Requires the Administrator to report annually to Congress with respect to his activities and those of other departments with regard to standards issued, revised, repealed, or waived under the Act to insure that certain buildings financed with Federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessable to the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Terminates the authorization for the study of water resources development opportunities in the Beargrass Creek Basin in Kentucky.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to designate a specified segment of the New River, North Carolina, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System upon application of the Governor of North Carolina. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from issuing any license for any undertaking which would adversely affect such segment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow air carriers to offer reduced-rate transportation on a space-available basis to persons who are 65 years of age or older or 21 years of age or younger, to handicapped persons, and to an attendant of such a handicapped person.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Title I: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title II: Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland - Renames Monocacy National Military Park, Maryland, as Monocacy National Battlefield. Revises the boundaries of such park. Amends specified provisions relating to park administration. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for land acquisition and facility development. Title III: George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title IV: Olympic National Park, Washington - Revises the boundaries of Olympic National Park, Washington. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title V: Pecos National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept the donation of lands for addition to Pecos National Monument, New Mexico. Title VI: Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands for addition to Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to purchase such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to perform a survey of the boundary between privately owned lands and national forest lands located within a specified section of Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Permits any record owner of lands located within a specified area adjacent to Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, who prior to 1976 either (1) constructed a valuable improvement on contiguous national forest land believed to be such owner's own or (2) purchased such land in good faith but subsequently discovered that valuable improvements on such land were located on national forest land, to purchase the national forest land occupied by such improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Civil Aeronautics Board to grant exemptions from the requirements of such Act for all-cargo operations in interstate air transportation pending consideration of an application for initial certification under such Act if such exemption is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Reclamation Authorizations Act - Title I: Kanopolis Unit, Kansas - Reauthorizes the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kanopolis Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program, to be prosecuted by the Secretary of the Interior in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into land management agreements with the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission upon the expiration of existing leases for agricultural use of publicly owned lands. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,900,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Kanopolis Unit. Title II: Oroville-Tonasket Unit, Washington - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Oroville-Tonasket Unit of the Chief Joseph Dam project in Washington. Authorizes the Secretary to renegotiate contract arrangements between the United States and the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District with respect to assignment of irrigation costs. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,370,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Oroville-Tonasket Unit. Title III: Uintah Unit, Utah - Authorizes the appropriation of $90,247,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Uintah Unit of the Central Utah Project. Title IV: American Canal Extension El Paso, Texas - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain a 13-mile extension of the American Canal in El Paso, Texas. Requires that the Secretary enter into a repayment contract with local irrigation district authorities prior to project construction. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,714,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the American Canal extension. Title V: Allen Camp Unit, California - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Allen Camp Unit of the Central Valley project in California. Authorizes the Secretary to replace roads and bridges rendered unusable by construction and operation of the Unit. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $64,220,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Allen Camp Unit. Title VI: Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, Colorado - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate the Leadville Mine drainage tunnel in Colorado. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,750,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for rehabilitation of the tunnel. Title VII: M'Gee Creek Project, Oklahoma - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the M'Gee Creek project in Oklahoma, in accordance with Federal Reclamation laws. Establishes procedures for reimbursement of project costs. Authorizes the appropriation of $83,239,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the M'Gee Creek project.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1976
Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize the appropriation of funds for the repair and reconstruction of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Directs the trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center to appoint a comptroller as disbursing officer for all funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies the powers and duties of such officer.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States reaffirms a sympathetic interest in Italian democracy and democratic institutions. States that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to Act. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the minesite and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regarded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requries the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspection by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 immediately and $10,000,000 for the next two fiscal years; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000,000; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Air Transportation Act - Title I: General Provisions - Defines terms, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, for purposes of such Act to expand charter air transportation. Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board in the exercise of its duties to consider regulation of the airline industry in a manner that encourages reliance on price and service competition as being in the public interest. States that the provisions of this title shall become effective upon the enactment of this Act. Title II: Revision of Present Regulation and Limitations to Foreign Air Transportation - Redesignates title IV (Air Carrier Economic Regulations) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 as title IV-A (Economic Regulation: Foreign Air Transportation). Makes such newly designated title applicable only to the regulation of foreign air transportation. Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board to act on applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity within 240 days of the filing date of such application. Permits air carriers to hold both scheduled and supplemental certificates. Prohibits the Board from imposing closed-door, single-plane, mandatory stop, or long haul restrictions on new certificates or as an amendment to existing certificates. Prohibits the Board from imposing specified restrictions on charter service. Eliminates the authority of the Postmaster General to compel air carriers to perform additional air service to carry mail. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this title. Title III: Economic Regulation of Domestic Aviation: Subtitles IV-B-(Permanent) and IV-C-(Transitional) - Adds subtitles IV-B (Permanent Provisions Relating to Interstate and Overseas Air Transportation) and IV-C (Transitional Provisions Relating to Interstate and Overseas Air Transportation) to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Limits the provisions of IV-B to the regulation of interstate and overseas air transportation. Provides for the issuance of new "certificates of fitness" to replace the "certificate of public convenience and necessity." Prohibits air carriers from engaging in interstate or overseas air transportation without such certificate. Requires the Board to dispose of an application for such certificate within 180 days of its filing. States that such certificates shall authorize the holder to engage in scheduled and supplemental interstate and overseas air transportation between any points and shall not restrict the type, nature, or frequency of such service. Authorizes the Board to suspend or revoke such certificates after a hearing if the holder has failed to meet its obligation to maintain its fitness, willingness, or ability to perform the air transportation for which it has applied. Allows the Board to immediately suspend such certificate for up to 30 days without a hearing or notice if such suspension is required in the public interest. Prohibits the transfer of any certificate. Requires air carriers to comply with Board regulations relating to the filing and approval of insurance plans for injuries to persons or property resulting from the operation or maintenance of aircraft. Authorizes the Board to require carriers to file performance bonds to provide compensation in case a carrier fails to meet its contractual or common carrier obligations. Requires air carriers to disclose the names of persons holding more than five percent of the carrier's stock or capital. Requires each officer and director of an air carrier to disclose the stock held by him or her in any air carrier. Directs the Board to prescribe the form of any and all accounts to be kept by air carriers and empowers the Board to inspect the accounts and property of any air carrier. Empowers the Board to inquire into the management of any business or person who controls an air carrier. Prohibits, except with the Board's approval, interlocking relationships between air carriers and other carriers or firms engaged in other phases of aeronautics. Makes it unlawful for any officer or director of an air carrier to receive for his or her own benefit compensation for the negotiation, hypothecation, or sale of any securities of the carrier. Requires every carrier to file with the Board a copy of every contract or agreement affecting air transportation between such carrier and any other carrier. Requires each air carrier to file with the Board and keep open to the public a list of all rates and fares and a description of all other services performed in connection with air transportation and limitations upon liability arising out of such transportation. Requires air carriers to adhere to the tariffs filed with the Board. Requires changes in such tariffs to be filed with the Board. Permits air carriers to file tariffs which include a formula providing for the flexible pricing of air transportation. Authorizes the Board to set maximum rates and fares whenever, after notice and hearing, the Board determines that a fare or rate is unjust or unreasonable and that actual or potential competition from other airlines is insufficient to maintain a just and reasonable rate. Prescribes policy considerations which the Board must take into account in determining such maximum rates. Authorizes the Board to suspend proposed rate changes for a maximum of 180 days after the time the new tariff would have gone into effect. States that such proposed rate change shall go into effect if the Board does not complete a hearing and issue an order within such time period. Authorizes the Board to establish just and reasonable divisions of rates or fares when, after notice and hearing, it determines that existing divisions are unjust or unreasonable. Authorizes the Board to establish through service and maximum joint rates whenever it determines that such are required by the public interest. Requires carriers engaged in scheduled air transportation to file such schedules with the Board. Declares it the duty of air carriers to provide interstate and overseas air transportation upon reasonable request therefor. Prohibits air carriers from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices in the provision or sale of air transportation and directs the Board to issue regulations defining unfair or deceptive practices. Sets forth specified practices which are defined as unfair or deceptive. Allows air carriers to alter or eliminate service to any point. Authorizes the Postmaster General to make appropriate rules and regulations for the carriage of mail and to designate any flight for the carriage of mail. Authorizes the Postmaster General to regulate the carriage of air mail from foreign countries to the United States in accordance with international agreements. Empowers the Board to fix and determine fair and reasonable rates of compensation for the transportation of mail by aircraft. Specifies elements which the Board shall take into consideration in setting such rates. Prohibits the Board from taking into account specified revenues in determining the carrier's need for mail subsidies. Allows the Postmaster General to weigh the mail transported by aircraft. Provides that unexpended funds under specified air mail Acts may be used by the Postmaster General to pay for air mail carriage. Authorizes the Board to establish just and reasonable classifications of air carriers for purposes of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Authorizes the Board to exempt any air carrier from any provision of such Act if such an exemption is in the public interest. Exempts air carriers operating aircraft having a capacity of less than 56 seats or less than 16,000 pounds from being required to obtain a certificate from the Board if the carrier conforms to reasonable financial responsibility and reporting requirements. Provides that certificates of public convenience and necessity will remain in effect until the fourth anniversary of this Act. States that at such time the certificates of fitness provided for in this Act shall become effective. Continues the Board's authority to issue special operating authorizations under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 until the fourth anniversary of the enactment of this Act. Allows specified passenger air carriers to expand their service subject to enumerated limitations during the transitional period commencing 180 days after the enactment of this Act and ending four years after such enactment. Provides limited discretionary authority for expansion for all cargo carriers during such period. Permits air carriers to combine such discretionary authority with any existing authority. Sets forth the permissable rates and notice requirements to the Board for any proposed rate changes or reductions in service for such discretionary service. Allows the Board to temporarily suspend such proposed rate changes or service reductions for 180 days. Provides that any air carrier which has performed 12 months of continuous nonstop scheduled air transportation between any two points pursuant to the discretionary authority conferred under this Act may acquire certification for such routes from the Board. States that any carriers holding such a certificate at the end of the transitional period under this Act shall be issued a certificate of fitness for such route. Allows any person to apply for a certificate to offer nonstop service along any route not currently receiving nonstop service. Provides that any carrier holding such a certificate at the end of the transitional period shall be issued a certificate of fitness for such route. Prohibits air carriers from reducing the level of air service during the transitional period to a level below what the Board determines is "essential air service" unless the Board approves such reduction based on specified criteria. Authorizes the Board to require any air carrier reducing its service below such level to establish cooperative working relationships with any carrier providing replacement services or to require air carriers to continue providing essential minimum service upon a guarantee of sufficient support to cover the carrier's fully allocated costs for such service. Sets forth specified carrier obligations during the period from the fourth anniversary until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Prohibits carriers from implementing any schedule change which would reduce service below the essential minimum service standards set by the Board except upon 30 days notice during such six-year period. Authorizes the Board to order a carrier to continue to provide essential air service for 90 days or until essential air service is provided by another carrier. Directs the Board to reimburse the carrier for any losses incurred by such an order. Imposes specified notice requirements for filing tariff changes to be effective four years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to ensure that each point that received air service from a local service or trunk carrier in March, 1976 shall continue to receive "essential air service" in the six-year period between the fourth and tenth anniversary of this Act. Sets forth a general definition of "essential air service." Sets forth specific criteria for determining whether such service is being provided to a particular point. Requires the Board to contract for additional air service to a point if essential air service is found lacking. Sets forth the procedures for awarding such contracts and terms which must be included in such contracts. Prohibits the Board from inhibiting the provisions of unsubsidized service and from awarding a subsidy contract if essential air service is otherwise available. Terminates such contract authority on the tenth anniversary of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the current local service carrier subsidy program, to evaluate alternative subsidy plans, and to report to Congress within 18 months after enactment of this Act. Sets forth regulations regarding the consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control of domestic air carriers which shall be effective upon the enactment of this Act and end ten years later. Prohibits specified forms of joint control of and merger by two air carriers or by an air carrier and any other common carrier unless such action is approved by the Board. Requires the Board to approve mergers or joint control agreements found not to be inconsistent with the public interest or other specified criteria. Requires the Board to dispose of all such applications within 240 days. Exempts from such regulations interests in ground facilities. Grants jurisdiction to the Board over non-air carriers who acquire control of an air carrier relating to specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Board to investigate any person who may be engaging in prohibited activities under this Act. Establishes a presumption that any person owning ten percent of the stock or capital of an air carrier controls that carrier. Sets forth regulations regarding pooling and other agreements which shall be effective until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Requires the Board to notify the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation of any intercarrier agreement. Requires the Board to conduct a hearing on such agreement upon the request of either of such two officials. Requires the Board to approve such agreements except under specified circumstances. Confers immunity upon individuals affected by orders issued under specified provisions of this Act from antitrust laws until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Requires the Board to attach appropriate labor protective conditions to orders relating to the merger, consolidation, or acquisition of domestic air carriers or relating to pooling or other agreements. Sets forth the Board's ratemaking authority during the transitional period commencing upon the enactment of this Act and ending on the fourth anniversary of this Act. Authorizes the Postmaster General to contract with any carrier for carriage of air mail if he finds that the present carriage is inadequate. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Recognizes the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of American commercial aviation. Requests that all concerned governmental agencies join in participating in appropriate national and local ceremonies celebrating such anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Directs the House Committee on Agriculture to investigate allegations made by sugar beet growers in Wyoming that the sugar company with which they have contracted in prior years is forcing them to accept unfair contract terms because such company is the only reasonable source available to them for the sale of their commodity. Directs the Committee to examine the extent to which such company is or has been engaging in monopolistic or other unfair trade practices in dealing with the growers; and the extent to which the company is involved with competitve sources of sugar.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to revise the allocation formula for assistance for Community Development programs by increasing the percentage allocated for local governments outside metropolitan areas and decreasing the percentage allocated for metropolitan cities. Increases by $425,000,000 the amount of funds authorized to be appropriated for grants to States and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the acreage of individually owned land which may eligibly receive project water as nonexcess acreage under Federal reclamation laws at 160 acres of class I land or the equivalent acreage of lands of lesser productive value as would be appropriate for an economic family size farm. Requires the Secretary in establishing land classes to take into account factors including soil characteristics, crop adaptability, cost of crop production and soil characteristics.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
United States Air Traffic Services Corporation Act - States the finding of Congress that the Office of the Secretary of Transportation has exercised arbitrary and capricious control over the entire range of Federal Aviation Administration activities and that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires action by an independent Federal aviation corporation. Establishes the United States Air Traffic Services Corporation as a body corporate with its principal office in the District of Columbia to be managed by a ten member Board of Directors. Sets forth the membership, pay, terms of office, and categories of expertise from which the members of such Board shall be chosen. Authorizes the Board to appoint such corporate officers as necessary to carry out the functions of the Corporation and to contract for the temporary or intermittent services of experts and consultants. Sets forth the powers of the Board of Directors and the Corporation. Allows the Corporation to change the rates of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code relating to taxes on special fuels, taxes on the transportation of persons and property by air and taxes on the use of civil aircraft. Transfers to the Corporation all the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation, including those which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under specified laws and provisions of law relating to civil aviation. Tranfers the personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, unexpended appropriations, and funds of the Department of Transportation relating to civil aviation to the Corporation. Makes technical amendments in specified laws to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses and privileges currently in effect shall continue in effect until modified or terminated by the Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in an amount equal to 50 percent of the total funding requirement of the Corporation for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Specifies, under the Robinson-Patman Act, that price discrimination shall be deemed to include the failure to impose price differentials between purchasers in different functional classes. States that the character of the selling of the purchasers, not the buying, shall determine the classification.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Provides that if the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, conveys to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs by quitclaim deed the tract of land previously conveyed to it by the Act of November 8, 1965, the Administrator shall issue to the city, a new quitclaim deed with respect to such tract of land, conveying all rights, title, and interest of the United States in and to such tract subject to such terms, conditions, reservations, and restrictions as the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs determines to be necessary: (1) not to interfere with the care and treatment of patients in the Veterans' Administration center, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and (2) to protect the interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar- for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to Act. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the minesite and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operation on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the approriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 immediately and $10,000,000 for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.