United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands and interests in lands in specified areas of Nebraska and to establish the Trails West National Historical Park in Nebraska and Wyoming once sufficient lands have been acquired. Creates a Trails West National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
National Climate Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a Federal climate program for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data concerning climatic States and the influence of man's activities on climatic dynamics. Empowers the Secretary to establish advisory committees to be composed of experts in climatology and related fields and of representatives of interested Federal departments to more effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the activities of the climate program with related Federal programs and with climate research programs of international organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds and make grants to governmental bodies and educational and nonprofit institutions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit each year to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan and request for appropriations for the climate program. Directs the Bureau of the Budget to provide Congress, in connection with its annual budget presentation, a horizontal budget showing; (1) the totality of the activities under the climate program, (2) the specific aspects of such program and funding assigned to each agency, and (3) the estimated goals and financial requirement of the program. Directs the Secretary to annually prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act for the transitional quarter and fiscal years 1977-79.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 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 · 19 February 1976
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing, Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to allow Mrs. Joyce Shaw to erect on the grounds of the United States Capitol, a monument in hand-sculptured ice letters reading "We the People. Provides that the Committee shall authorize Mrs. Shaw to sculpt the ice letters beginning November 1, 1976, on a site determined by the Architect of the Capitol. Requires that the monument be removed by Mrs. Shaw from the Capitol grounds not later than January 1, 1977. Directs that no Federal funds shall be expended for any expenses incurred by Mrs. Shaw in connection with the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Provides that buildings leased by the Government for subsidized housing programs shall be subject to standards established by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings to insure that physically handicapped persons will have ready access to and use of such buildings. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of Defense to prescribe standards to insure whenever possible that the handicapped will have ready access to buildings subject to their authority (presently the Secretaries are authorized to prescribe such standards as may be necessary to insure such access).
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Approves the compact of permanent union between Puerto Rico and the United States. Accords to Puerto Rico the right of self-government and jurisdiction over the population, territorial seas, and Island of Puerto Rico, as well as jurisdiction over the adjacent population, territorial seas, and islands. Gives the U.S. responsibility for and authority with respect to international relations and defense affecting Puerto Rico. Permits Puerto Rico to enter into specified categories of agreements with other countries consistent with the functions of the U.S. as determined by the President and the Governor of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico on a case-by-case basis. States that all persons born in Puerto Rico are citizens of the U.S. Makes U.S. currency the exclusive currency of Puerto Rico. Declares that economic, trade, and commercial relations between the two parties shall be conducted within the framework of the common market previously and henceforth established. Lists related rights and responsibilities. Provides that U.S. immigration laws, rules, regulations, and procedures shall be applied to Puerto Rico except as the President and Governor agree to limit or increase the quota of aliens who may be admitted. Directs that Puerto Rico be represented by one elected representative in each House of Congress. Provides that U.S. laws, present and past, be given full effect. Allows, prior to passage of any legislation affecting Puerto Rico, the Governor to submit to Congress objections to its applicability. Exempts Puerto Rico from the provisions of such legislation if the respective Congressional committee or committees by vote express agreement with the objections. Prohibits this procedure if proposed laws directly affect the rights and duties of citizens, security and common defense, foreign affairs, or currency. Allows the U.S. to transfer to Puerto Rico, with its consent, the total or partial performance of Federal functions. Creates a six-member Joint Commission, three members and their successors to be appointed by the President, and three by the Governor. Subjects the Commission to review by the President and the Governor after an initial period of five years, such review to encompass the Commission's membership and continuation. Assigns the Commission to help in the perfection of relations between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, directing it to study: (1) the desirability of retaining, modifying, or eliminating the application of specific Federal laws to Puerto Rico, giving priority to laws pertaining to communications, coastal shipping, and administration of Selective Service; (2) the possible transfer of Federal functions to Puerto Rican agencies; and (3) the desirability of recommending a system of contributory payments from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Treasury, based upon disbursements by the Puerto Rican legislature from the general fund or any other sources subject to its legislative action. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to U.S. and Puerto Rican courts with respect to justifiable questions arising under this Act. Establishes a U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico. Declares that the public policy of the U.S. and Puerto Rico is to make the minimum wage in Puerto Rico equal to that of the U.S. as soon as economic conditions permit. Grants Puerto Rico exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to minimum wage and working hours, labor-management relations, and occupational health and safety regulation, except as those areas apply to the shipping and aviation industries, where the appropriate Federal law governs. Requires that this compact, to become effective: (1) be approved by the U.S. Congress; (2) be approved by the Puerto Rican electorate in a special referendum; and (3) be proclaimed approved by the electorate, such proclamation to include the effective date as agreed upon by the President and the Governor. (It must become effective within one year of approval). Directs that the provisions of this Act shall not interrupt or impair pending matters before courts or quasi-judicial agencies, and shall not affect franchises, permits, and other grants previously issued. Requires mutual agreement between the two governments for modification of this Act, and with respect to specified provisions concerning fundamental relations, the approval of the Puerto Rican electorate is also required.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Designates the James Madison Memorial Building presently under construction as an additional office building for the use of the House of Representatives. Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to select and acquire a site for an additional building for the Library of Congress. Permits the Librarian to acquire an additional existing building and to lease additional space to the extent he deems such building and leased space are necessary to carry out efficiently the functions of the Library of Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $250,000 average annual rental for such lease and not more than $250,000 for the purchase of such additional existing building unless such lease or acquisition is approved by the Committee on Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Public Works of the House of Representatives. Provides for the transfer of a specified building within the District of Columbia to the Library of Congress upon request of the Librarian of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Stipulates that if a miner was employed for 30 years or more in an underground coal mine, or for 25 years or more in an anthracite coal mine, such miner shall be entitled to the payment of black lung benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Permits a miner to file a claim for workmen's compensation benefits whether or not such miner is employed by an operator of a coal mine at the time the miner files the claim. Directs the Secretary of Labor to notify a miner as soon as practicable after receiving a claim for benefits on whether or not such miner is eligible for benefits. Permits the utilization of affidavits in cases of deceased miners where there is no relevant medical evidence sufficient to establish that the miner was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that his death was due to such disease. Sets forth new regulations and provisions regarding the administration of the workmen's compensation program, and claims thereunder. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for prompt and equitable hearing of appeals by claimants aggreivated by adverse workmen's compensation decisions. Establishes the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the obligations of the fund, including the expenses of providing medical benefits. Requires operators of coal mines in States not providing workmen's compensation benefits to pay premiums into the fund in order to assure coverage. Provides that the initial premium rate of each operator shall be established by the Secretary as a rate per ton of coal mined by such operator. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund of sums necessary to provide the fund with amounts equal to 50 percent of the amount which the Secretary estimates is necessary for payment of benefits over the initial 12-month period. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Labor to disseminate to interested persons and groups the changes in the Black Lung Benefits Act made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
National Coal Production, Leasing, and Mine Reclamation Act - Title I: Amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 - Revises the procedures followed by the Secretary of the Interior in leasing public lands for coal mining operations pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act. Prohibits the holding of any lease sale unless the land containing the coal deposits has been included in a comprehensive land-use plan prepared by the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, or a State, and it has been determined that such sale is compatible with such plan. Sets forth requirements governing the preparation of land use plans pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and compare the effects of recovering coal by deep mining, by surface mining, or any other method, to determine what method achieves the maximum economic recovery of the coal within a proposed leasing tract. Establishes provisions for the issuance of coal exploration licenses to commercial interests by the Secretary. States that a licensee may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface, and shall furnish to the Secretary copies of all data obtained during such exploration. Establishes a fine of up to $1,000 for each day of exploration conducted without a license. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the consolidation of coal leases into a mining unit. Defines a mining unit as an area of land in which the coal resources can be developed in an efficient, economical, and orderly manner. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the known recoverable coal resources within the coal lands subject to this Act. Decreases from 52 1/2 percent to 40 percent the portion of funds from the sale and rental of public lands which shall be reserved as part of the reclamation fund. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease coal or lignite under aquired lands set apart for military or naval purposes, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Defense. Limits such leases to governmental entities which produce electrical energy for sale to the public. Title II: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States 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 III: 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 in independent Federal regulatory body. Title IV: State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes - 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 minineral resources reasearch 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 appropriation 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 V: 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 10 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. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its aapproximate original contour. Requires the Secretary, in determining the price paid for land under such authority, to take into account the unrestored condition of the land. Provides for the acquisition of lands by condemnation proceedings conducted by the Attorney General: (1) when the owner of such land refuses to negotiate with the Secretary; or (2) when such owner cannot be determined. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands, and to transfer such lands to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title VI: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act of regulations, covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months of the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year of the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Requires such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permit. 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. States 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. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrence of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mining coal mine waste piles. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirements of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands 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 VII: Designations 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 suburan in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VIII: 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 appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Reclamation Authorization Act - Title I: Polecate Bench, Wyoming - Reauthorizes as a part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program the Polecat Bench area of the Shoshone River. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement such inclusion into the program. Reuires that the development under this Act of the Polecat Bench area shall be in accordance with the Federal Water Project Recreation Act. Provides for limiting of water applications from the area for a period of ten years to exclude use by newly irrigated lands. Title II: Dickinson Dam, North Dakota - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to modify the Dickinson Dam spillway on the Heart River in the State of North Dakota. Authorizes the construction of a new spillway. Authorizes an amendatory repayment contract with the city of Dickinson, North Dakota for repayment of specified authorized work costs. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000 for works construction under this title. Title III: McKay Dam and Reservoir, Oregon - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reallocate costs of the Umatilla project in the State of Oregon for the purposes of irrigation, flood control and recreation at McKay Dam and Reservoir in such State. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,300,000 for the modification of McKay Dam for purposes of this title. Title IV: Pollock-Herreid Unit, South Dakota - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct and operate the Pollock-Herreid unit, in the State of South Dakotta, of the Pick-Sloan Missouri program. Sets forth the principal works of such project. Authorizes the appropriation of $26,000,000 for the works authorized under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Lowers the interest rate for recipients of guaranteed loans under the Emergency Livestock Credit Act to 4 percent. Provides that such recipients shall not have to repay any of the principal of such a loan for a period of three years upon a showing of severe financial hardship if there is reasonable cause to believe the loan will be repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Directs the Administrator of General Services to acquire specified property in the District of Columbia known as the Scott-Grant house on R Street for use for Federal purposes. Authorizes the reconstruction, refurbishing, and repairing of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1975
Form Reform Act - Requires that all forms used by each executive agency shall be discontinued progressively over a five year period. States that no form may be placed in use by any executive agency after the effective date of this Act unless it has been approved by the Comptroller General. States that if the Comptroller General determines that the use of an existing form is necessary and that such form is as short, simple, and understandable as it can be, he shall approve the continued use of such form. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Requires, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for the discharge of dredged or fill material into channels of navigable waters at sewage disposal sites.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
National Coal Production, Leasing, and Mine Reclamation Act - Title I: Amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 - Revises the procedures followed by the Secretary of the Interior in leasing public lands for coal operations pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Prohibits the holding of any lease sale unless the land containing the coal deposits has been included in a comprehensive land-use plan prepared by the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, or a State, and it has been determined that such sale is compatible with such plan. Sets forth requirements governing the preparation of land use plans pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and compare the effects of recovering coal by deep mining, by surface mining, or any other method, to determine what method achieves the maximum economic recovery of the coal within a proposed leasing tract. Establishes provisions for the issuance of coal exploration licenses to commercial interests by the Secretary. States that a licensee may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface and shall furnish to the Secretary copies of all data obtained during such exploration. Establishes a fine of up to $1,000 for each day of exploration conducted without a license. Sets the term of a coal lease at 20 years and for so long thereafter as coal is produced annually in commercial quantities from that lease. Requires the termination of leases which are not producing in commercial quantities at the end of ten years. States that, prior to taking any action on a leasehold which might cause a significant disturbance of the environment, the lessee shall submit for the Secretary's approval an operation and reclamation plan. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data and information to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the known recoverable coal resources within the coal lands subject to such Act. States that nothing in this requirement shall limit any private interest from conducting a survey to determine the existence or extent of coal deposits in such coal lands. Requires the Secretary to maintain published records of the results of all explorations conducted pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress within six months after the end of each fiscal year a report on the leasing and production of coal lands subject to such Act, a summary of management and enforcement activities, and recommendations to Congress for improvements in management, environmental safeguards, and amount of production in leasing and mining operations on lands subject to such Act. Authorizes and directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a comprehensive study of coal leases entered into by the United States. Prohibits the ownership or control of coal leases on more than 46,080 acres in any one State or of 100,000 in the United States by any single person or entity. Provides for the review by the Attorney General of any proposed issuance, renewal, or readjustment of any lease under such Act. Title II: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States 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 III: 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 IV: State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes - 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 qualfied 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 appropriation 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 project 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 V: 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 10 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. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its appropriate original contour. Requires the Secretary, in determining the price paid for land under such authority, to take into account the unrestored condition of the land. Provides for the acquisition of lands by condemnation proceedings conducted by the Attorney General: (1) when the owner of such land refuses to negotiate with the Secretary; or (2) when such owner cannont be determined. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands, and to transfer such land to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title VI: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act of regulations, covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months of the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year of the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State law providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Requires such State programs to meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of the Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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. States 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 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. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrency of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bitumious coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VII: Designations of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal land 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 VIII: 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 maintaing 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 in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned minieral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Prohibits the exploration for and the mining of and the purchase of all valuable mineral deposits within any area of the National Park System. Repeals laws or provisions of laws which permit mining in: (1) Glacier Bay National Monument; (2) Death Valley National Monument; (3) Coronado International Memorial, Arizona; (4) Mount McKinley National Park; and (5) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to govern existing valid mineral rights in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
National Coal Production, Leasing, and Mine Reclamation Act - Title I: Amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 - Revises the procedures followed by the Secretary of the Interior in leasing public lands for coal operations pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Prohibits the holding of any lease sale unless the land containing the coal deposits has been included in a comprehensive land-use plan prepared by the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, or a State, and it has been determined that such sale is compatible with such plan. Sets forth requirements governing the preparation of land use plans pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and compare the effects of recovering coal by deep mining, by surface mining, or any other method, to determine what method achieves the maximum economic recovery of the coal within a proposed leasing tract. Establishes provisions for the issuance of coal exploration licenses to commercial interests by the Secretary. States that a licensee may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface and shall furnish to the Secretary copies of all data obtained during such exploration. Establishes a fine of up to $1,000 for each day of exploration conducted without a license. Sets the term of a coal lease at 20 years and for so long thereafter as coal is produced annually in commercial quantities from that lease. Requires the termination of leases which are not producing in commercial quantities at the end of ten years. States that, prior to taking any action on a leasehold which might cause a significant disturbance of the environment, the lessee shall submit for the Secretary's approval an operation and reclamation plan. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data and information to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the known recoverable coal resources within the coal lands subject to such Act. States that nothing in this requirement shall limit any private interest from conducting a survey to determine the existence or extent of coal deposits in such coal lands. Requires the Secretary to maintain published records of the results of all explorations conducted pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress within six months after the end of each fiscal year a report on the leasing and production of coal lands subject to such Act, a summary of management and enforcement activities, and recommendations to Congress for improvements in management, environmental safeguards, and amount of production in leasing and mining operations on lands subject to such Act. Authorizes and directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a comprehensive study of coal leases entered into by the United States. Prohibits the ownership or control of coal leases on more than 46,080 acres in any one State or of 100,000 in the United States by any single person or entity. Provides for the review by the Attorney General of any proposed issuance, renewal, or readjustment of any lease under such Act. Prohibits the issuance, renewal, or readjustment of any mineral lease by the Secretary which would result in the direct or indirect control by any person of more than ten percent of the estimated recoverable reserves of the mineral covered by such a lease. Authorizes an exception to such a prohibition should the Attorney General find that such issuance, renewal, or readjustment would not be inconsistent with the policies of the antitrust laws. Title II: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States 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 III: 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 IV: State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes - 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 qualfied 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 appropriation 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 project 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 V: 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 10 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. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its appropriate original contour. Requires the Secretary, in determining the price paid for land under such authority, to take into account the unrestored condition of the land. Provides for the acquisition of lands by condemnation proceedings conducted by the Attorney General: (1) when the owner of such land refuses to negotiate with the Secretary; or (2) when such owner cannont be determined. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands, and to transfer such land to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title VI: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act of regulations, covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months of the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year of the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State law providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Requires such State programs to meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval by the Secretary of the Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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. States 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 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. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrency of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bitumious coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VII: Designations 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 VIII: 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 maintaing 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 in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned minieral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Marine Fisheries Conservation Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress: (1) that stocks of fish which United States fishermen depend on have been the target of concentrated foreign fishing which has increased dramatically during the past decade; (2) that certain species are depleted to the point where survival of the fisheries is threatened; (3) that foreign fishing fleets in United States waters have interfered extensively with the efforts of United States fishermen; and (4) that international agreements have not been effective in halting the depletion of valuable coastal and anadromous species caused by overfishing. States that it is the purpose of this Act to conserve and manage the fisheries resources off the United States coasts and the anadromous fisheries resources of the United States in the high seas by establishing an exclusive fisheries conservation and management zone in the area extending 200 nautical miles seaward of the United States within which the United States will assume management responsibility and authority, and by declaring such responsibility and authority on the high seas beyond such zone with respect to anadromous species. Defines terms used in this Act. Applies the term "anadromous species" to those species of fish which spawn in fresh or estuarine waters of the United States and which migrate to ocean waters. Title I: Establishment of United States Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone Extending to the 200-Mile Limit - Establishes a fisheries conservation and management zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States having as a seaward boundary a line drawn so that each point on the line is 200 miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. States that the United States will exercise the same exclusive rights in respect to fisheries in the zone as it has in its territorial sea. Title II: International Fisheries Agreements - Prohibits foreign fishing vessels from fishing within the fishery zone, or from fishing seaward of the zone for anadromous species covered by a management plan developed pursuant to this Act, unless each such vessel has a permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce. Sets forth the procedures by which foreign vessels may apply for permits. States the conditions under which the Secretary will grant tentative approval of such an application and sets forth considerations which may require a statement of conditions and restrictions on such a tentative permit. States that the Secretary shall approve an application for fishing by foreign vessels for a species with respect to which a fishery management plan is being developed pursuant to this Act only if the Secretary determines that such species is not depleted. Provides for Congressional review of applications for permits. Declares that if neither house of Congress objects to such application, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the nation concerned a statement of the conditions and restrictions determined by the Secretary of Commerce to apply. Provides for the suspension or revocation of permits and for the issuance of warnings to permit-holders quilty of minor infractions of regulations. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to extend to foreign vessels the right or privilege to engage in fishing for any Continental Shelf Species. Declares that no international fisheries agreement pertaining to fishing in waters defined in this Act or pertaining to species of fish under the management or conservation authority of the United States pursuant to this Act shall be extended or renewed except pursuant to this Act. Requires that, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall commence negotiations with each foreign nation, off of whose coast United States vessels are engaged in fishing for specific stocks of fish, for the purpose of entering into an international fishery agreement under which such foreign nation will grant to United States vessels equitable access, consistent with reasonable management and conservation practices, to such fish stocks within 200 nautical miles off the coast of such nation. Directs the Secretary of State, upon determining that: (1) any foreign nation is refusing to commence negotiations, or fails to negotiate in good faith, with the United States in order to preserve United States foreign fishing rights; or (2) although an international fishery agreement is in force and effect, a foreign nation is not complying with its obligations under the agreement, to certify that determination to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in such case, to take action to prohibit the importation into the customs territory of the United States of any seafood product of the foreign nation. Directs that the same action be taken against foreign nations which seize any United States fishing vessel. Directs the Secretary of State, upon the request of, and in cooperation with, the Secretary of Commerce, to initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation participating in a fishery for any highly migratory species for the purpose of entering into international fisheries agreements that would establish an appropriate international fisheries organization having authority to manage and conserve such highly migratory species. Requires the approval of both houses of Congress of all proposed international fishery agreements, other than agreements which are treaties, before such agreements may enter into force and effect. Sets forth the procedures for disapproving such proposed agreements. Title III: Management of the Fisheries - States that the fisheries management responsibility and authority of the United States extends to: (1) any coastal species within the fisheries zone; (2) any anadromous species wherever found throughtout the range of such species in the high seas; and (3) any Continental Shelf species. Declares that no one country exercises management responsibility and authority to any highly migratory species, and that such species shall be managed pursuant to international fishery agreements. Sets forth standards for the management of fisheries pursuant to this Act. States that management and conservation measures shall be designed to achieve the optimum sustainable yield of a stock of fish on a continuing basis. Declares that such measures shall not discriminate between residents of different States. Establishes seven regional marine fisheries councils to be known as the New England Marine Fisheries Council, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Southern Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Gulf Marine Fisheries Council, the Pacific Marine Fisheries Council, the Alaska Marine Fisheries Council, and the Western Pacific Marine Fisheries Council. Sets forth the composition of each Council. Describes the term of membership of each member, and provides for the reimbursement of members for travel expenses and in return for their services. States that the functions of the Councils are: (1) to solicit, by means of public hearings to the extent practicable, and evaluate on a continuing basis comments and recommendations from all interested persons in the geographical area concerned with respect to the administration and implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) to develop fishery management plans for adoption by the Secretary, and take such other actions with respect to fishery management plans as may be required; and (3) to submit to the Secretary, within 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter, a report setting forth the results of the Council's activities under this Act during such quarter. Sets forth the procedure for the development by the Councils' of fishery management plans for coastal, anadromous, and Continental Shelf species. States that such plans shall contain the necessary conservation measures for the species or fishery concerned, and shall specify and conditions or limitations on fishing which the Council believes should be implemented. Permits each such plan: (1) to designate zones where and periods when fishing shall be limited; (2) to recognize present and historical use of the fishery in establishing limitations on the access to the fishery; (3) to establish limitations on the catch; (4) to prohibit, limit, or specify types of fishing gear which may be used; (5) to specify licensing requirements; and (6) to report pertinent statistics to the Secretary with respect to type of fishing gear used, size of catch, and other factors. Directs the Secretary to review each such plan submitted to him and to recommend such changes as he believes to be necessary. Provides for the review of proposed fishery management plans by the public. Requires that public hearings be held on objections to any plan before final revision of a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate emergency fishery management plans within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. States that such plans may be issued with respect to species which are depleted, in imminent danger of becoming depleted, or under intensive and unregulated use. Stipulates that such plans may remain in effect for 180 days. Provides for the assertion of Federal jurisdiction over species of fish which move in waters under State jurisdiction when such action is necessary to insure the effectiveness of a management plan. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day for specified violations of provisions of this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) refusing to permit the inspection of a fishing vessel by authorized Federal representatives; or (2) forcibly interfering with any authorized representative in the inspection of a vessel. Provides for a fine of up to $50,000 except that such fine may be doubled and a prison term of up to ten years may be imposed for the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon in refusing or interfering with an inspection. Provides for the forfeiture of the catch, vessel, or fishing gear of any vessel which violates specified provisions of this Act. States that this Act shall be enforced by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is Operating. Title IV: Amendments to Other Laws Relating to the Fisheries and Miscellaneous Provisions - Revises the Fishermen's Protective Act to direct the Secretary of State to assist any United States vessels seized by a foreign country while engaged in fishing on the high seas for a specific stock of fish, when United States vessels have previously fished for such stock in the same area, and when the United States recognizes the rights or claims to fisheries conservation and management jurisdiction in such area by the seizing country. Revises specified other acts pertaining to fisheries as necessary to accomodate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Black Lung Benefits Act - Changes from advisory to supervisory the function of the Committee on Coal Mine Health Research established by the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Requires that the chairman of the committee and a majority of the persons appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall be miners, retired miners, disabled miners, widows or widows of miners, spouses of miners, and officers or employees of labor organizations which represent miners. Prohibits the Scretary from conducting any research on the occupational health of coal miners which has not been recommended by such committee. Expands the definition of "miner" as used in that Act to include individuals who worked around an underground coal mine in the extraction, processing, or transportation of coal. Redefines the term "total disability" as used in that Act to provide that a miner shall be considered totally disabled when pneumoconiosis prevents him from engaging in gainful employment requiring the skills and abilities comparable to those of any employment in a mine or mines in which he previously engaged with some regularity and over a substantial period of time. Provides that, in specified situations, if a miner was employed for 15 years or more in or by one or more coal mines, there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. States that where there is no relevant medical evidence in the case of a deceased miner affidavits may be sufficient to establish that the miner was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis. Establishes in the United States Treasury the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund. States that such fund shall consist of such sums as may be appropriated to it and such sums as coal mine operators may pay into it. Requires coal mine operators to pay sufficient annual premiums into the fund to provide for the payment of benefits. Provides that the premium rate shall be based on the number of tons of coal mined and shall be uniform for all mines and mine operators. Provides that such fund shall furnish miners entitled to benefits on account of total disability with medical services, nursing, hospital and home health services, medicine, therapy, and equipment necessary for treatment of conditions caused by pneumoconiosis. Allows payment of claims which were previously denied but would be payable under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) water treatment works pilot training programs; (2) the development of a system of forecasting the supply of and demand for water pollution control specialists; (3) grants for State pollution control programs; (4) scholarships, training grants and contracts in the field of water pollution control; (5) grants to designated agencies to assist in the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes; (6) grants to the States for lake water improvement programs; and (7) the purposes of this Act other than those specified in (1) through (6) above. Authorizes the use of ad valorem taxes to satisfy the user charge system requirement for applicants for treatment works grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Extends the provisions for Federal reimbursement of construction costs of publicly owned water treatment works to include reimbursement for works on which construction was started not later than July 1, 1973. Increases the amount of the appropriation authorized to cover such reimbursement to $2,950,000,000. Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend from July 1, 1977, until July 1, 1982, the deadline for the achievement of effluent limitations of public treatment works required by the Federal Water Pollution Act. Directs the Administrator, when considering such extension, to consider the cost involved in achieving secondary and alternative treatment and the effects such secondary and alternative treatment will have on public health and water quality. Extends until April 1, 1975, the deadline for submission of State water quality inventory reports. Requires such reports to be revised and kept current biennially. Directs the Administrator to submit such reports to Congress on or before October 1, 1975; October 1, 1976, and biennially thereafter. Eliminates the requirement that public hearings on proposed effluent standards be held within thirty days following publication of the standard. Permits the Administrator to defer the effective date of proposed effluent standards for up to three years following promulgation of such standards if he determines that compliance within one year is technologically unfeasible for a particular category of sources. Establishes a civil penalty of not to exceed $50,000 for the owner or operator of any vessel, onshore or offshore facility from which any hazardous substance is discharged. Provides for the designation by the Administrator, as a hazardous substance, any element or compound which presents an imminent and substantical danger to public health or welfare, including fish, shellfish, wildlife, shorelines, and beaches. Provides for a civil penalty of unspecified limit when the United States can show that the discharge of a hazardous substance was the result of willful negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the responsible owner or operator.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
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. States 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 or 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 appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 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 10 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 publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation and setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months from the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year from the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within six months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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. States 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. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrence of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. 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 record keeping 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. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified 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 appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and 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; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Lowers the age at which eligible railroad employees and spouses become entitled to railroad retirement benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Establishes voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Authorizes appropriations, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, for purposes of educational research and training for fiscal years 1977 and 1978, of such sums as are necessary to increase the allotments to States to the level of funding those States received for fiscal year 1974 for the programs consolidated under title IV (Educational Research and Training) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a forty-five month period maximum for educational assistance in programs administered by the Veterans' Administration for veterans who have served on active duty for eighteen months or more since January 31, 1955.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not regulate the potency or combinations of vitamins or minerals in food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act except under specified provisions of such Act or in the case of children or pregnant or lactating women. Requires prominent disclosure of ingredients which are not vitamins or minerals in foods for special dietary use. Provides that a libel for condemnation of misbranded foods may be instituted against the retailer of such food if he is generally responsible for its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the lands, waters and interests to forty-eight-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Provides that such area be set aside to establish the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to allow owners of land, within the recreation area, used for noncommercial residential or agricultural purposes to retain such land for a definite term not to exceed twenty-five years. Directs the Secretary of administer, protest, and develop the recreation area in accordance with the Atlanta Regional Commission Chattahoochee Corridor Study. Allows the Secretary to enter into written agreements with agencies of the State of Georgia for their participation in the administration and development of the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Public Works and Economic Development Act, to provide funds to the Federal cochairmen of each economic development region for the purpose of meeting social, economic, or environmental impacts resulting from natural resource development, significant changes in Federal Government policies, programs, or regulations, or significant shifts in employment opportunities, and to achieve regional development objectives identified in comprehensive long-range plans developed under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act - Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of expediting the construction, reconstruction, or improvement, inclusive of necessary bridges and tunnels, of the Interstate System, including extensions thereof through urban areas, the additional sums of $1,000,000,000 for the three-month period ending September 30, 1976, and $4,000,000,000 per year through fiscal year 1988. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for Federal-aid highway systems in the United States, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. Includes appropriations for the Federal-aid primary and secondary systems in urban and rural areas, for the control of outdoor advertising, and for the control of junkyards. Extends the time for completion of the Interstate System for nine years, until 1988. Permits buses up to 102 inches wide to operate on Interstate highways, existing vehicle width limitations notwithstanding. Extends Federal participation in the construction of ferry boats which are part of a Federal-aid highway system to boats constructed for use in Puerto Rico. Sets forth regulations governing outdoor advertising along Interstate highways, including specific distances from the rights-of-way at which signs may be located and the number of signs per mile which are permitted. States that the Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate standards concerning the lighting, size, number and spacing of such signs. Authorizes certain exceptions to the requirement that signs be erected a certain distance from the highway. Sets forth regulations governing the placement of signs providing directional information about facilities providing goods and services in the interest of the public. Provides for the allocation from funds appropriated for Federal-aid primary and secondary systems through fiscal year 1978 of specified amounts to be used by the States for highway construction training programs. Provides for the acquisition of land for rest and recreation areas, and for the preservation and restoration of scenic beauty adjacent to the Federal-aid highways. Increases by $5,000,000 to a total of $32,761,000 the appropriation authorized for the costs of constructing roadways on Federal dams. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for the reconstruction or replacement of bridge structures on the Overseas Highway to Key West, Florida. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1978: (1) for highway safety programs; (2) for highway safety research and development; (3) for bridge reconstruction and replacement; (4) for projects for high-hazard locations; (5) for the elimination of roadside obstacles; (6) for programs relating to incentives for the enactment of seat belt laws; (7) for programs relating to incentives for the reduction of traffic facilities; and (8) for school bus driver training. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for projects for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Limits to 25 percent of the funds authorized for a State highway safety program the amount which may be used for incentive programs to encourage the enforcement of seat belt laws or to reduce traffic fatalities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency, under the Federal Aviation Act, to permit the operation of an aircraft without an emergency locator transmitter during an inspection, repair, or modification of such transmitter when such inspection, repair, or modification is required by rule and the Administrator determines that the aircraft will be operated in an acceptably safe manner when the transmitter is not on board.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Airport and Airway Development Act Extension - Continues in effect for an additional 90 days the current authorization for programs under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides for the designation of specified lands in the Point Reyes National Seashore, California, which constitute approximately 38,700 acres, as wilderness. Provides that the wilderness designated by this Act shall be known as the Reyes Miwok Point Wilderness, Reyes Esteros Wilderness, and Point Reyes Clem Miller Wilderness. Designates Point Reyes National Seashore as a natural area of the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Permits the Federal Communications Commission to extend three-year broadcast licenses for an additional two years upon a finding of public interest. Requires in making such determination, considerations of whether different term lengths for radio and television stations and for different categories of licensees are in the public interest. Limits other class licenses to a five-year maximum, prescribing the renewal procedures for such licenses and the criteria to be considered in renewal, including responsiveness and lack of serious deficiencies. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
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