United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should commemorate the contributions of the pilots of the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, who have lost their lives in the course of duty. Expresses congressional support for the continuation of the Thunderbird program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should halt any deportation proceedings of Polish citizens until he determines that the political situation in Poland is stable and such Poles will encounter no undue risk by returning.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to extend by five months (until September 30, 1982) the period within which an individual must have become a full-time student at a postsecondary educational institution in order to receive, after July 1982, child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Extends by one year (through August 1986) the period during which such benefits may be paid to an individual so qualified.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the February meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to tell the Commission that the Soviet Union should stop harassing Soviet Jews and should allow its citizens to practice their religion and to emigrate. Urges the Soviet Union to comply with its human rights obligations. Urges the President to: (1) express, to the Soviet Union, U.S. opposition to harassment of Soviet citizens and to restrictions on emigration; and (2) reiterate that the United States will consider the extent to which other nations honor their commitments under international law when evaluating its relations with such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1981
Title I: Federal Royalties Collection - Federal Royalties and Rents Collection Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: establish a comprehensive system for accounts applicable to: (1) all mineral interests under the Secretary's jurisdiction; and (2) all revenues collected in connection with the sale or lease of such mineral interests. Requires the Secretary, upon promulgation of such system, to submit to Congress: (1) a report concerning such system; and (2) a report concerning the outstanding accounts due the United States from the sale or lease of U.S. mineral interests. Provides for an annual independent audit of Department of Interior accounts relating to the sale or lease of minerals. Makes individuals handling money in connection with a mineral sale or lease liable for negligent losses and requires such individuals to be bonded. Title II: State Collection of Federal Royalties - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to direct the Secretary to collect all money due in connection with public land sales, rentals, interest, and penalties unless there is a State management program for the management of Federal leases. Requires 50 percent of all money collected to be paid to the State within which the leased lands or deposits are or were located, except that the rate shall be 90 percent for Alaska. Requires the Secretary, upon a State's request, to relinquish the administration of all contracts and leases issued by the Secretary within that State to the State, subject to stated requirements. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 - Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations applicable to lessees of oil or gas leases requiring certain: (1) recordkeeping practices; (2) accountability to the Secretary; and (3) reports to the Secretary. Sets forth provisions relating to enforcement of this Act. Title IV: Indian Access to Certain Records - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: promulgate regulations to make certain records available for mining purposes to lessees of Indian lands.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Declares that the United States holds certain lands in Nevada, which are presently administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in trust for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Declares such lands to be part of the Washoe Indian Reservation. Specifies that this Act does not deprive any person or entity of any legal right or legal interest in such lands. Requires that such lands be used primarily for agricultural purposes. Directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs to transfer the administration of certain other lands in Nevada to the U.S. Forest Service within 180 days after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Public Lands Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Improvement Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those benefitting public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands benefit associated public or Indian lands or provide significant public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires such appropriations to be credited from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except as provided in specified provisions of law. Makes the Secretary responsible for the pay of enrollees and coordination of the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions for the award of academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as may be necessary. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress by March 1 of each year on the activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of October 12, 1992, to honor Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas. Authorizes the President to establish a special advisory commission to plan and implement a five hundredth anniversary celebration during the week of October 12, 1992, in honor of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the Americas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Congressional Pay Act of 1981 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to make the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress the rate payable immediately before the date of enactment of this Act (presently such rate is determined by the Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries). Sets forth a formula for the reduction of annual rates in any pay period in which the Consumer Price Index reported a percentage increase during the preceding pay period. Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to repeal the authority of the Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries to review the rates of pay of Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate on the favorable recommendation of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, should select individuals for appointment to vacancies on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act so that agricultural and commercial interests, including small businesses, will no longer be underrepresented on the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the withholding tax requirements with respect to gambling winnings. Requires information returns for gambling winnings for payment of $10,000 or more. Provides a three year carryover and carryback for net gambling losses.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the retired senior volunteer program (RSVP), administered by the ACTION agency, should be commended upon its tenth anniversary for successfully providing meaningful opportunities for retired persons to render volunteer service in their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Repeals titles XV (National Health Planning and Development) and XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Services Act, effective September 30, 1982. Establishes a 20-year right of recovery for the United States against a facility built or modernized with title XVI funds.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the schedule of cost of living benefit increases as currently in effect under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act should be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Reform Act - Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (the "Safe Drinking Water Act") to revise regulatory procedures relating to safe drinking water requirements. Provides for administrative procedures and judicial review of such procedures relating to the promulgation or amendment, under such title, of: (1) any national interim primary drinking water regulation; (2) any revised national primary drinking water regulation; and (3) any regulation for State underground injection control programs. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rulemaking docket for such rulemaking actions. Requires the establishment of an identical docket in the appropriate regional office of the Agency whenever a rule applies only within a particular State. Requires that notice in the Federal Register of such proposed rulemaking be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) the docket number, location, and times for public inspection; and (3) notice of the period available for public comment. Sets forth procedures for written and oral public comment and inclusion of such comment in the docket. Requires that a promulgated rule be accompanied by statements of: (1) its basis and purpose; (2) the reasons for any major changes from the proposed rule; (3) factual data and reasons supporting a determination that the benefits of applying the rule justify the compliance costs; (4) the reasons why any public comment alternatives to the proposed rule were rejected; and (5) response to significant public comment, criticism, and new data submissions. Prohibits basing the promulgated rule on any information not in the docket. Limits the record for judicial review to docket materials and required accompaniments to the promulgated rule. Directs the Administrator to convene a proceeding for reconsideration of a rule upon a demonstration that an objection of central relevance to the rule could not be raised during the public comment period. Provides for judicial review of refusals of such reconsideration. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate U.S. court of appeals to stay the effectiveness of the rule for up to three months during reconsideration. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of procedural determinations of the Administrator. Permits statutory deadlines for promulgation of rules to be extended to not more than six months after the proposal date, if necessary, to afford the public and the Agency adequate opportunity to carry out this Act. Permits petitions for judicial review of administrative actions under such Act to be filed only in the U.S. court of appeals for a judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the associated impact or injury will occur. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises standards for primary drinking water regulations. Replaces regulation of contaminants having "any adverse effect" on human health with regulation of contaminants "posing an unreasonable risk to human health". Removes a requirement that such regulations provide for proper operation and maintenance of public water systems, minimum quality of water taken into the systems, and new facilities siting. Eliminates specified references to the Administrator's judgments or determinations and to allowance for "an adequate margin of safety" in promulgating such regulations. Requires the maximum contaminant level specified in revised national primary drinking water regulations for a contaminant to be as close to the recommended maximum contaminant level as is "reasonable" (currently, "feasible"). Removes specified provisions relating to requirements for the use of treatment techniques. Continues State primary enforcement responsibility whenever the Administrator revises or amends any national primary drinking water regulation. Requires a State with primary enforcement responsibility to show the Administrator that the State public water system supervision program meets the revised or added requirement, within a specified period. Requires the Administrator's approval of continuation of the State's primary enforcement responsibility. Authorizes the Administrator to waive a prohibition against making grants to State public water system supervision programs that have not assumed and maintained primary enforcement responsibility. Permits such waiver during any time within 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national regulations if the State has assumed such responsibility and is making a diligent effort to comply with the new amendment or revision. Authorizes the Administrator to grant a State an additional six months to come into compliance, on a showing of good cause.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the provision which treats investments by individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans in collectibles as distributions equal to the cost of the collectible. Defines "collectibles" as items such as artworks, antiques, gems and coins.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize appropriations in necessary amounts for fiscal year 1983 and for each of the succeeding fiscal years for: (1) regional education programs; (2) grants or contracts to improve recruiting of educational personnel and dissemination of information concerning educational opportunities for the handicapped; and (3) research in the education of the handicapped. Authorizes appropriations in necessary amounts for fiscal year 1982 and for each of the succeeding fiscal years for: (1) instructional media for the handicapped; and (2) research, training, and model centers for special programs for children with specific learning disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the U.S. opposition to the Soviet's imprisonment of Benedict Scott (Vytautas Skuodis); and (2) take every appropriate action to secure his release from prison and the emigration of him and his family.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Critical Materials Act of 1981 - Establishes a Council on Critical Materials in the Executive Office of the President to: (1) advise the President on national policy concerning critical materials; (2) coordinate Federal policies and activities concerning such materials; (3) evaluate Government activities according to the policy and directions provided under the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980; and (4) oversee and coordinate materials research and development programs of Federal entities. Sets forth duties of the Council's executive director, which include: (1) cataloging materials research and development activities of public and private institutions; (2) evaluating the critical materials needs of basic industry and the Government; (3) initiating studies to resolve national critical materials problems; (4) issuing a biennial report providing a domestic inventory of critical resources with projections on the needs for such resources; and (5) recommending necessary changes in policies, regulations, and legislation to Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to honor all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination, and shall be sold for such a time, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House shall not consider any bill, resolution, or conference report thereon reducing social security benefits prior to the opening of the second session of the 97th Congress. Instructs the House conferees on H.R. 3982 to recede and concur in an amendment deleting from the conference report on H.R. 3982 the section which repeals minimum social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1981
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for the use of publicly or privately owned facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada, to provide hospital care to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the three day prior hospitalization requirement for coverage of extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Mineral Lands Leasing Amendment of 1981 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prohibit, for a specified period, any foreign person from acquiring more than five percent of the voting securities in a United States mineral resources corporation. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress concerning indirect foreign investment in mineral resources on U.S. lands.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
Airline Deregulation Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to modify the definition of "ticket agent" as used in such Act. Directs air carriers to file with the Civil Aeronautics Board until December 31, 1982, individual and joint fares and charges, classifications, rules, and services for or in connection with interstate and overseas passenger air transportation. Requires that such filings shall be made with the Secretary of Transportation between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. Prohibits air carriers and ticket agents from charging or collecting greater or less or different compensation than that specified in such filings. Transfers the authority of the Board relating to foreign air transportation to the Department of Transportation. Accelerates to January 1, 1983, the transfer of specified authority of the Board. Allows the Board to approve any contract or agreement that reduces or eliminates competition if it finds that the contract or agreement is necessary to secure important public benefits, including the marketing and sale of transportation through ticket agents. Sets forth the expiration dates for specified authority of the Secretary relating to contract approvals. Revises the expiration date and contents of the Secretary's (currently the Board's) report to Congress concerning the implementation of such Act. Prohibits the Board from issuing any final order or rule in regard to agreements among air carriers and agreements among foreign air carriers insofar as those agreements provide for the accreditation and supervision of travel agents. Directs the Board to forward the recommendations and analyses concerning such proceedings to the Secretary for final disposition. Prohibits the Board and the Department from attaching an expiration date on any certificate of public convenience and necessity. Deletes provisions concerning the issuance of such certificates for temporary authority to provide air transportation. Requires that each air carrier or foreign air carrier shall keep on file with the Board after January 1, 1983, the established divisions of all joint rates, fares, and charges for air transportation in which such carrier participates.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Campaign Finance Reform Amendments of 1981 -- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the limitations on contributions to campaigns for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raises the ceiling from $1,000 to $2,500 for an individual's total contribution to any candidate for the House of Representatives and his or her authorized political committees. Imposes a limit on the total amount such a candidate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees of $75,000 for a general or special election (with an extra $25,000 in the case of a run-off). Imposes a ceiling on the total amount a candidate for the Senate and his or her committees may accept from multicandidate political committees. Sets such ceiling at: (1) the greater of $25,000, or the product of $12,500 times the number of State Representatives, in the case of a run-off election; or (2) the greater of $75,000, or the product of $37,500 times the number of State Representatives (not to exceed $500,000), for a general or special election (including conventions and primaries). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for political contributions from $50 to $100 ($100 to $200 for joint returns). Allows two separate tax credits, up to such amounts, for contributions: (1) to individual candidates and political committees; and (2) to national, State, and local committees of a national political party.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to lease lands containing oil shale deposits. Permits such leases to exceed 5,120 acres of land if necessary to permit long-term commercial operations. Increases the number of leases which may be held to two in any State and four nationwide. Permits the acquisition of one additional lease in a State by a lessee who has achieved commercial production in both existing leases and is within ten years of exhausting the reserves on one of the leases. Authorizes the unlimited issuance of leases to avoid bypassing small acreages of oil shale resources which otherwise could not be mined economically. Authorizes the Secretary to lease additional lands required in support of operations necessary for the recovery of oil shale. Includes within such operations the disposal of oil shale waste and the building of facilities; but excludes the removal of any mineral deposits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for additional lands after considering the need for such lands, the environmental impact, and determining that the public interest will be served. States that a lease shall include lands the Secretary determines are necessary to achieve the purposes for which the lease is issued and shall contain provisions needed to protect environmental and other resource values. Sets forth guidelines for other lease provisions, including rent and duration.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Geothermal Steam Act of 1981 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in lands administered by another Federal agency or department, including public, withdrawn, or acquired lands. Revises the definition of "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the Secretary determines the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures. Requires that lands within a known geothermal resource area which are offered for lease and which receive no bids be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if that land is designated a known geothermal resource area within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant or lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than ten percent of such value produced for nonelectrical use. Provides, in certain cases, that the term "commercial quantities" shall include, either: (1) a drilled well and a bona fide sale for delivery; or (2) proof of a commitment to construct utilization facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to consider an additional extension, of up to ten years, of an extended primary lease term if construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities and if there has been substantial investment in development of the lease. Requires the lessee to make bona fide efforts to resolve such problems. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such limitation up to 115,200 acres at any time after 15 years from the effective date of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (currently such limitation may be increased to 51,200 acres). Excepts from the counting of such limitation leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning 20 years after the date production is commenced (currently such readjustment is permitted at ten year intervals beginning ten years after geothermal steam is produced). Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Requires the Secretary to establish a buffer zone around Yellowstone National Park and along the southern border of Lassen Volcanic National Park in which no leases shall be issued on Federal lands. Permits geothermal leases within a specified area within the Island Park caldera of Yellowstone National Park. Requires lessees in the Island Park caldera to implement monitoring programs to detect any significant adverse effects on the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases within such Parks outside the buffer zones. Requires such lessees to implement monitoring programs. Allows modification of buffer zones if necessary. Prohibits exploration, development, or production activities on a lease which are adversely affecting the thermal features of such Parks. Sets forth procedures for judicial review of a decision by the Secretary. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial application of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction, provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial. Authorizes the issuance of leases and exploration and testing activities on lands subject to wilderness study and on national forest lands identified by the President for further use planning. Requires that such leases include stipulations to ensure that such activities will not permanently impair the wilderness values of such lands.
![Official portrait of Rep. Santini, James D. [D-NV-98]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000058_200.jpg)