United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1990
Energy and Environmental Security Act of 1990 - Title I: Extension and Modification of Tax Incentives for Ethanol - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend excise tax reductions for specified alcohol fuel mixtures for nine years. Directs the U.S. Comptroller General to study the options for reimbursing the Highway Trust Fund for the reduction in its receipts due to such reductions. Extends a tax credit for alcohol fuels to December 31, 2002. Prohibits carryovers of such credits after 2004. Extends such credits to alcohol used to produce ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE). Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend: (1) the tariff treatment for ethanol to ETBE; and (2) the effective period of the temporary duty on ethanol to December 31, 2002. Title II: Oxygenated Fuels and Aromatic Compounds - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit, during October to March of each year, the introduction into commerce in any carbon monoxide nonattainment area of gasoline with an oxygen content of less than 3.1 percent. Provides for the exchange of oxygen credits between sellers of fuels with an oxygen content higher than required and other sellers of fuels to offset the use of fuels with a lower content than required. Prohibits such exchanges between sellers in different nonattainment areas. Requires retailers of oxygenated fuels to label fuel dispensing systems with a notice that the fuel is oxygenated and will reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop environmental profiles for each of the aromatic compounds in gasoline and to take action to limit the use of such compounds in accordance with the profiles. Title III: Development and Use of Ethanol - Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) give funding priority to ethanol development projects that have high potential for immediate benefits; and (2) establish a program to promote the development and use of ethanol in motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1990
Medicare Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Payment Amendments of 1990 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish uniform national fee schedule payment rates for certified registered nurse anesthetist services.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1990
Rose Kushner Medicare Screening Mammography Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover screening mammographies for women over age 34 at a frequency which varies on the basis of a woman's age and risk of developing breast cancer. Finances such coverage by increasing the Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premium.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should be prohibited from donating any equipment or supplies to Vietnam and that the Administration should be held accountable for the circumstances that allowed any such donation to occur.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Amends Federal law to authorize and request the President to designate May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month annually, beginning in 1990. (Current law designates a seven-day period beginning on May 4, 1979).
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to repeal an exemption from specified communicable disease control requirements of the Public Health Service Act for waste disposal from railroads operating in intercity rail passenger service. Prohibits the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) from discharging waste from its trains except at servicing areas approved by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Requires Amtrak to impose a service charge on its passengers to cover costs incurred by it in complying with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1989
Waste Materials Management Act of 1989 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 to carry out the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Title I: Provisions Relating Primarily to Subtitles A and B of the Solid Waste Disposal Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions concerning congressional findings and objectives. Declares it to be U.S. national policy that: (1) the creation of surplus and remnant material from production processes shall be reduced and residuals from post-consumer products shall be managed as material resources; (2) materials are to be managed at Federal, State, and local levels using specified waste reduction and management strategies; and (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the States shall not differentiate in the enforcement of this Act on the basis of whether an owner or person engaged in waste disposal activities is a public or private person, whether a facility is located on or off the premises where waste is generated, or whether an activity is carried out on or off the premises where the waste is generated. Requires the Inspector General of the EPA to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of, and compliance with, the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Adds specified annual reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator, for five years following the date of enactment of this Act, to identify five of the most toxic and common constituents of municipal waste. Requires the Administrator to consider, with respect to each of the constituents, imposing the following: (1) a ban on the use of such a constituent in production; (2) a ban on disposal in landfills or treatment in incinerators of any product containing such a constituent; (3) a requirement for special management standards for such products after discard; and (4) a requirement for the use of a substitute constituent. Permits the Administrator to impose such bans or requirements only by promulgating regulations. Requires the Administrator to publish annually in the Federal Register any information on such actions. Prohibits the disposal of used lead-acid batteries other than by recycling in accordance with this Act. Requires persons to dispose of such batteries only by delivery to: (1) battery retailers or wholesalers; or (2) secondary lead smelters or collection or recycling facilities permitted by a State or the Administrator. Sets forth battery disposal requirements for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Makes violators of such requirements subject to fines under the Federal criminal code. Requires battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to accept from customers used batteries of the same type as the batteries sold. Directs retailers to post a notice for customers containing information about the illegality of improperly disposed batteries, the requirements for accepting and disposing of batteries, and the merits of conservation. Permits the Administrator to inspect any establishment pursuant to this Act and to issue warnings and citations for noncompliance. Subjects persons who fail to post notices after receiving a warning to penalties of up to $1,000 per day. Requires battery wholesalers who sell batteries to retailers to provide for removal of batteries from the retailers' place of business. Prohibits the charging of fees for accepting batteries from customers. Considers violations of battery collection requirements to be misdemeanors. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the disposal and potential recyclability of household dry-cell batteries and the need for legislation, regulation, or further study on the disposal and recyclability of such batteries. Title II: Provisions Relating Primarily to Subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act - Identifies as a hazardous waste a waste containing more than .1 percent of any constituent listed in appendix VIII to part 261 of title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, unless the Administrator establishes another level for such constituent. Provides that: (1) the mixing of a hazardous waste with any other matter constitutes treatment requiring a permit; and (2) dilution of a hazardous waste through such mixing, such that the resulting mixture does not exceed the established concentration levels, does not alter the character of the material as a hazardous waste. Authorizes the granting of petitions to remove from the list a hazardous waste for periods of up to five years. Permits subsequent renewals of such petitions. Requires the Administrator to charge fees for the submission of such petitions. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations on the following characteristics of hazardous waste: (1) acute and aquatic toxicity; (2) persistence and bioaccumulation potential; (3) radioactivity; (4) carcinogenicity; (5) mutagenicity; and (6) phytotoxicity. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring: (1) owners or operators of facilities which use materials containing hazardous constituents listed in the Code of Federal Regulations in a manufacturing process to test the waste generated for the presence of such constituents; and (2) owners or operators of facilities generating hazardous waste subject to land disposal prohibitions to test the waste to determine if it meets applicable treatment standards. Provides for routine testing at least every two years and additional testing when a significant change in generation or waste management processes occurs. Requires the Administrator to carry out hazardous waste programs directly in States unless a State is authorized to administer such requirements. Requires the Administrator, if a State's program is equivalent, to grant interim authorization to such State to administer such program in lieu of direct administration by the Administrator. Directs States with hazardous waste programs to report annually to the Administrator on such programs. Prohibits the Administrator from identifying used oil as a hazardous waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Provides that any fuel derived from used oil that does not meet used oil specifications established by the Administrator and would otherwise be identified as a hazardous waste shall be deemed to be a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, recycle, or dispose of used oil. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of such regulations on the used oil recycling industry. Provides that regulations for used oil generators shall: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground storage tank unless such tank meets requirements under this Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) require generators to transfer such oil to specified permitted used oil recycling or disposal facilities or transporters; and (4) require generators to keep specified records on such oil. Requires used oil transporter regulations to provide that such transporters: (1) acquire identification numbers from EPA; (2) meet applicable financial responsibility requirements; and (3) keep specified records. Provides that used oil recycler regulations shall require recyclers to: (1) keep specified records; (2) test fuel produced from the recycling process before departure from the facility; and (3) obtain certain permits. Requires used oil disposal regulations to prohibit mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless the resulting mixture does not exhibit hazardous waste characteristics or the mixture is burned to recover useful energy in a device designed such that protection of human health and the environment is assured. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of new and existing recycling facilities to have class permits. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities to assure permit compliance. Sets forth requirements for interim class permits. Exempts from permit requirements: (1) facilities which refine at least 10,000 barrels daily of crude oil into petroleum products, are classified as S.I.C. number 2911 (pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Standard Classification Manual) facilities, and whose volume of refined used oil is less than one percent of the total crude oil refined into lubricant base stock annually; and (2) facilities which compound or blend lubricating base oil into finished lubricant products as their principal activity, are classified as S.I.C. number 2899 or 2992 facilities, and whose volume of used oil compounded or blended into such products is no more than ten percent of the lubricating base oil compounded or blended annually. Exempts from used oil regulation requirements on-site activities at facilities classified as S.I.C. number 4911 facilities. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such facilities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing specification standards for fuel derived from used oil to be burned in furnaces and boilers. Sets forth requirements to be effective if the Administrator fails to promulgate used oil regulations by the applicable deadline. Requires the Administrator to implement education programs to inform the public and small businesses about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) owners or operators of used oil collection centers to keep receipts issued by transporters who take delivery of such oil and copies of agreements under which the transporter agrees to take such oil to a recycling facility; (2) such owners or operators to certify that oil taken by transporters is not mixed with hazardous wastes; (3) owners or operators of recycling facilities to be the only persons to create a recycling credit for the recycling credit system; (4) recyclers to certify that the substance being recycled is used oil that has not been mixed with hazardous wastes; (5) oil proposed to be recycled to have come from a used oil collection place or a transporter with an identification number; (6) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (7) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of existing and new hazardous waste facilities to have class permits. Requires such permits to include provisions for: (1) public notice and comment; (2) environmental monitoring; (3) closure and post closure requirements; (4) financial responsibility; (5) annual on-site inspections; and (6) penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Administrator to impose additional requirements, as necessary. Requires the following facilities, unless excluded from regulation, to have such permits: (1) recycling facilities; (2) facilities engaged in precious metal recovery; (3) facilities engaged in spent lead-acid battery reclamation; and (4) hazardous waste storage facilities. Title III: Provisions Relating Primarily to Subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Solid Waste Management Plans - Revises requirements for State solid waste management plans. Requires such plans to include: (1) an estimate of the capacity of the State to manage such waste; (2) permit programs; (3) solid waste recycling, reduction, incineration, and land disposal elements; (4) an overall waste materials strategy to cover one of two specified planning periods; (5) waste inventories; (6) personnel training and public education; (7) requirements for the management of household hazardous waste, tires, yard waste, and large household appliances; and (8) annual reporting requirements. Sets forth submission, approval, and implementation procedures for State plans. Authorizes a State with an approved plan and certification of compliance to: (1) prohibit the transportation of solid waste generated from another State into such State for disposal, storage, or incineration purposes; (2) prohibit the incineration, disposal, or storage of such waste; and (3) levy fees on solid waste or solid waste transporters that differentiate rates or other aspects of payment on the basis of waste origin. Requires such State, prior to exercising such authority, to certify to the Administrator that it has: (1) completed construction on facilities that will provide at least 70 percent of the capacity for solid waste management needed to implement the State plan; and (2) completed siting approval on facilities that will provide 100 percent of such capacity. Prohibits the interstate transport of solid waste in any State: (1) that does not have an approved plan within a specified time period; (2) that cannot certify continuing compliance; or (3) for which that the Administrator has withdrawn approval of the State plan. Permits the Administrator to develop a plan for, and charge, any State that has not submitted a plan. Requires States to establish permit programs and issue permits to solid waste management facilities in compliance with this Act. Prohibits the incineration, storage, or disposal of such waste at, or the transportation of such waste to, facilities without permits. Sets forth transitional permit requirements and deadlines. Limits permit terms to ten years and provides for permit modifications, as appropriate. Authorizes States to grant variances from permit requirements if demonstrated that no adverse effects to human health or the environment will result from such variances. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Federal Requirements - Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards, guidelines, and regulations for: (1) municipal solid waste landfills; (2) municipal solid waste incinerators; (3) industrial waste; (4) above-ground storage tanks; and (5) other waste categories, as appropriate. Permits State Governors to petition the Administrator for the promulgation of additional standards, guidelines, and regulations. Sets forth requirements for municipal solid waste landfills, to include: (1) specified detection and monitoring controls; (2) daily cover; (3) closure and postclosure requirements; (4) financial responsibility and corrective action requirements; (5) groundwater monitoring; (6) liners and leachate collection and removal systems, as appropriate; (7) construction quality assurance plans; and (8) prohibitions on landfills being located within the 100-year flood plain, within specified distances of faults, or within seismic impact zones or other unstable areas, unless certain conditions have been met. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines for identifying materials which should be removed from solid waste before its incineration in a municipal solid waste incinerator. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations applicable to the operation and management of municipal solid waste incinerators and to the disposal or recycling and reuse of municipal solid waste incinerator ash. Prohibits the disposal of ash in units that are created as a result of vertical expansion of an existing waste disposal facility unless it is demonstrated that there will be no settling of waste that would impair the integrity of the liners. Requires that landfills into which such ashes are disposed provide for groundwater monitoring and: (1) place such ashes in a monofill having a leachate collection system and a single liner designed and operated to prevent the migration of any constituent into such liner; or (2) have two or more liners and a leachate collection system above and between such liners. Provides that landfill design requirements shall not apply to alternatively-designed units if demonstrated that such designs prevent such migration. Directs the Administrator to prescribe criteria and testing procedures for identifying the hazardous properties of municipal incinerator ash so that ash which does not exhibit such properties may be placed in sanitary landfills meeting current criteria under specified conditions. Requires ash which is hazardous to human health or the environment to be treated prior to recycling or reuse. Prohibits, four years after this Act's enactment, the operation of incinerators and the receipt of ash for treatment, storage, disposal, reuse, or recycling without a permit or prior approval under a State program. Requires civil penalties imposed against local governments for violations of this Act to be deposited into a trust fund for programs that serve to enhance the protection of human health and the environment. Sets forth transitional provisions. Requires the Administrator to identify, classify, and report to the Congress and States on specified types of industrial waste. Directs generators or transporters of such waste and owners or operators of facilities handling such waste to file notifications with the State concerning facility locations and descriptions of activities and wastes handled. Sets forth requirements for industrial waste management, to include: (1) authorizations to operate; (2) monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements; (3) performance standards; (4) financial responsibility assurances; (5) design, operating, closure, and postclosure criteria; and (6) corrective action requirements. Applies such requirements to the following facilities: (1) industrial waste facilities that produce such waste and are not implementing closure or postclosure plans; and (2) inactive or abandoned facilities that are reactivated. Requires the Administrator to study the adverse effects on human health and the environment of the disposal of other nonhazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate solid waste storage regulations. Excludes from such regulations storage at transportation-related facilities. Requires State plans and permits to include requirements for municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators and for industrial wastes. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Directs the Administrator to compile and periodically update a non-hazardous solid waste inventory to determine, by State or region: (1) an estimate of the amount of such waste to be generated annually and likely to be generated in each of the next 20 years; and (2) the capacity of existing and proposed waste management facilities. Sets forth Federal enforcement provisions. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of solid waste management requirements. Title IV: Provisions Relating Primarily to Subtitle H of the Solid Waste Disposal Act - Requires the Administrator to: (1) develop model recycling programs for States and localities; and (2) carry out a continuing program to evaluate demonstrated waste management technologies that could be used by municipalities and report periodically on such program. Prohibits the Administrator from funding the development or demonstration of such technologies. Title V: Provisions Relating Primarily to Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act - Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations applicable to above-ground storage tanks. Applies such requirements to all tanks except those subject to the requirements of subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Exempts from this Act's requirements releases of small quantities of regulated substances which will not endanger human health and the environment and particular tanks, as appropriate. Requires such regulations to include requirements for field-erected tanks. Directs owners and operators of such tanks to implement release prevention plans which provide for release prevention systems capable of: (1) catching and holding 110 percent of the full capacity of the tank and preventing releases beyond tank boundaries; and (2) restraining drainage and preventing contamination of soil and water. Requires the plan and system to be inspected by a registered engineer who is not employed by the owner or operator. Directs the engineer, if the system does not reflect good engineering practices or the tank does not comply with the regulations, to notify the Administrator or the State. Provides for amendments of release prevention plans whenever there is a major modification in the tank which affects the tank's potential to release substances. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements for field-operated tanks. Prohibits the operation of such tanks after a release unless the Administrator determines that such prohibition is not necessary. Requires the regulations to include requirements for shop-fabricated tanks. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish an inspection program for such tanks in the factory when construction is complete and before the tanks enter interstate commerce; and (2) require such tanks to bear labels with specified manufacturing, capacity, and use information. Provides for requirements relating to the installation of such tanks. Directs the Administrator, as necessary, to promulgate financial responsibility requirements for taking corrective action and compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases from above-ground storage tanks. Permits the establishment of financial responsibility for a spill by any means the Administrator deems appropriate. Authorizes the assertion of claims against guarantors providing evidence of financial responsibility for claims against insolvent owners or operators of tanks. Limits guarantor liability to the aggregate amount which the guarantor has provided as evidence of financial responsibility to the owner or operator. Authorizes the Administrator to establish coverage requirements which may vary among particular classes or categories of above-ground storage tanks. Permits the Administrator to make grants to States for carrying out enforcement requirements. Authorizes a State to submit for the Administrator's review and approval a program under which such State would assume primary responsibility for the enforcement of regulations pertaining to above-ground storage tanks. Requires that State regulation and enforcement procedures be at least as stringent as those used by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to: (1) monitor State programs for compliance with this Act's requirements; and (2) provide technical assistance to assist States, local governments, and owners and operators in complying with this title. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders or commence civil actions against violators of this Act's requirements, but requires that prior notification be given to States operating their own programs. Imposes criminal and civil monetary penalties for violations of this Act's requirements. Makes tank owners and operators liable for the Administrator's corrective action costs and damages. Authorizes the Administrator to require a tank owner or operator to undertake corrective action in response to any release of a regulated substance from the tank when such action will be done properly and promptly. Permits the Administrator, upon notification of a release, to prohibit operations in a facility until such action has been taken. Authorizes the Administrator to take corrective action where the owner or operator fails to take prompt and effective action and human health and the environment are endangered. Prohibits indemnification agreements from transferring liability under this title. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from enforcing requirements for shop-fabricated tanks that are more stringent than those imposed under this title. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the Administrator from enforcing financial responsibility regulations with respect to an owner or operator of an underground storage tank if such owner or operator has applied for insurance. Revises provisions concerning financial responsibility for such tanks. Requires the Administrator to evaluate and report to the Congress on the effects of financial responsibility regulations on the cost and availability of insurance used to demonstrate financial responsibility. Title VI: Waste Materials Reduction - Authorizes any person to petition a Federal agency to undertake a waste reduction action if such action would bring about at least a ten percent increase in recycling of the petitioned item, reduce by at least ten percent the total volume or toxic constituents of a waste described in the petition, or would bring about a net savings in true cost to the Federal Government or be neutral in effect or cost. Requires each Federal agency to designate a waste reduction officer to oversee compliance with Federal agency waste reduction requirements, prepare agency waste reduction plans, and report annually to the Administrator on the implementation of such plans. Directs the Administrator to establish a clearinghouse within EPA to collect and disseminate information on waste reduction and recycling. Makes such information available to the public. Requires the Administrator to establish a commission to study and report to the President and the Congress on waste reduction with respect to consumer products and packaging. Provides for the submission of periodic reports by the commission on the status of waste reduction efforts by the Federal Government and industry. Terminates the commission five years after the date of its establishment. Title VII: Procurement and Marketing of Recycled Materials - Applies Federal procurement requirements concerning recycled goods to States or other entities if such entities use funds appropriated to a Federal agency to which such procurement requirements apply. Directs the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to report to the Congress on the effect of a certain price preference concerning the procurement of recycled paper products. Requires affirmative procurement programs to include: (1) programs for monitoring compliance by States, political subdivisions, and contractors with recovered materials procurement requirements; and (2) a requirement that paper procured for uses which have enduring value be permanent paper. Requires such agencies to report annually to the Administrator on such programs and on the amount and value of recovered materials procured. Makes such report available to the public. Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) report biennially to the Congress on the progress made by Federal agencies in implementing recovered materials procurement programs; and (2) review and revise, if necessary, guidelines concerning such programs which were prepared before this Act's enactment. Prohibits Federal agencies from entering into procurement contracts with any persons convicted of specified offenses of the Solid Waste Disposal Act if such a contract is to be performed at the facility at which the violation occurred. Authorizes the President to make exemptions to such prohibition. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of such prohibition. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a biennial survey that: (1) identifies the major domestic uses for, and users of, recovered and recycled materials; (2) documents or estimates the amounts of such materials used, exported, and imported annually; and (3) identifies the markets for such materials and the products made from such materials. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to establish an interagency working group to: (1) promote markets in recovered and recycled materials and link sources of such materials with potential markets; (2) work cooperatively with generators, collectors, transporters, users, and regulators of such materials and with manufacturers of products containing such materials; (3) link businesses dealing in such materials with potential sources of capital; (4) educate government and business officials about potential commerce in such materials; (5) coordinate efforts to promote lawful commerce in such materials; (6) encourage reuse and recycling of solid waste; and (7) identify the institutional, economic, and technical barriers to the use of such materials. Directs the Secretary to take such actions as may be necessary to stimulate the development of new domestic markets for such materials. Requires the Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative to: (1) identify foreign markets for recovered materials and products containing a high content of recycled materials; and (2) assist exporters in selling such materials and products in foreign markets. Title VIII: Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to States with approved solid waste management plans to develop programs to encourage and facilitate recycling. Permits the Administrator to: (1) provide financial assistance to States and local authorities for solid waste management planning; (2) make bonus grants to municipalities or other agencies that demonstrate achievement of a recycling rate greater than 25 percent; (3) make loans to States for waste reduction activities and programs in rural areas to collect household hazardous waste and waste from small quantity generators. Title IX: Other Provisions - Permits Government agencies to retain any amounts received from sales of materials or energy recovered from solid waste. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the use and composition of compost made from yard waste. Revises oil labeling requirements to direct the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring packages of lubricating oil (of less than five gallons) sold in commerce to bear a label stating that used oil should be taken to collection centers. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring rigid and semi-rigid plastic packaging and products sold in commerce to bear a label identifying the plastic resin used in such packaging and products. Authorizes the Administrator, subject to certain conditions, to: (1) treat Indian tribes as States under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) delegate to such tribes primary enforcement responsibility for programs under such Act; and (3) provide such tribes grant and contract assistance to carry out such functions. Permits States and Indian tribes, subject to the Administrator's approval, to enter into cooperative agreements to administer such Act. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on measures for addressing hazardous and solid wastes and underground storage tanks in Indian country. Directs the Administrator to undertake a continuing program to establish an inventory of hazardous waste sites and solid waste open dumps in Indian country. Requires the Administrator to assist Indian tribes that operate such dumps in upgrading such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the use of virgin materials in the manufacture or production of taxable products. Establishes the Recycling Assistance and Solid Waste Management Planning Trust Fund to support certain programs under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Provides for financing the trust fund with the excise tax on the use of virgin materials.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1989
Waste Export Control Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to incorporate requirements for the export of solid waste. Exempts from this Act's requirements waste paper, glass cullet, metal, or plastic that: (1) has been separated from solid waste before export; (2) is exported for incorporation into new products with recycled content; and (3) is not a hazardous waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Authorizes persons to apply to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for the exemption of other recovered materials. Requires persons exporting exempted materials to notify the Administrator prior to such exporting. Prohibits the export of solid waste from the United States unless there is an agreement between the United States and the receiving country which provides for: (1) the exchange of information regarding such export and its management; (2) cooperation on compliance with, and enforcement of, such agreement; (3) biennial review and revision or suspension of such agreement under certain circumstances; and (4) a prohibition on further transport of such waste from the country of destination without the written consent of parties to the agreement. Deems any agreement concerning shipments of hazardous waste entered into by the United States and in force on this Act's enactment date to meet this Act's requirements for two years following such enactment date. Prohibits the export of solid waste from the United States unless the exporter has obtained a permit from the Administrator. Outlines information to be included in the permit application. Requires the Director of the National Enforcement Investigations Center to submit an investigative report on each applicant to the Administrator. Provides that permittees shall have the continuing duty to provide assistance or information requested by the Administrator or the Center and to cooperate in any inquiry conducted by the Center. Directs the Administrator, before issuing a permit under this Act, to determine that the solid waste will be managed in a manner protective of human health and the environment and which is no less strict than that which would be required if the waste were managed in the United States. Provides that such determination shall assure that certain facility operation and transportation requirements are met. Limits permit terms to a period of five years. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on all solid waste exports. Prohibits the issuance of any permit unless the Administrator determines that: (1) the waste generator has used reasonable efforts to eliminate or minimize waste generation prior to export; (2) the receiving facility is capable of treating, storing, and disposing of such waste in a manner protective of human health and the environment and no less strict than that which would be required if the waste were managed in the United States; and (3) the application meets the requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make inspections of any permittee and of any facility handling waste subject to a permit, as necessary. Authorizes the Administrator to revoke a permit under specified circumstances. Directs the Administrator to establish a user fee to defray the cost of administering this Act. Requires such fee system to consist of a one-time permit application fee and a waste export permit fee to be paid over the life of the permit. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1989
National Environmental Education Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an Office of Environmental Education within the Office of External Affairs to carry out this Act. Establishes an Environmental Education and Training Program to train educational professionals in the development and delivery of environmental education and training programs and studies. Directs the Administrator to make an annual grant to an institution of higher education or nonprofit research institution to establish and operate such program. Sets forth application and eligibility requirements and criteria to be considered in awarding such grants. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements or provide grants to support projects to design, demonstrate, and disseminate practices related to environmental education and training. Outlines activities eligible for grant support and priorities in awarding such grants. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual solicitation for environmental education grants. Authorizes local education agencies, colleges or universities, State education or environmental agencies, or nonprofit agencies to apply for such grants. Limits Federal funds for demonstration projects to 75 percent of the total cost, except in specified instances. Limits such grants to $100,000 and requires 25 percent of all funds obligated under this section to be for grants of no more than $5,000. Requires the Administrator to provide for internships by postsecondary students with Federal agencies involved in environmental issues. Directs the Administrator, to the extent practicable, to support at least 150 internships annually. Makes eligible for participation in such program students enrolled at accredited colleges or universities who have successfully completed at least four courses or the equivalent in environmental sciences. Requires the Administrator to provide for a series of national awards recognizing outstanding contributions to environmental education to include: (1) the Theodore Roosevelt Award for environmental teaching or administration; (2) the Henry David Thoreau Award for literature on the environment and pollution problems; and (3) the Rachel Carson Award for film or print media for public education and information on environmental issues or problems. Provides that recipients of such awards shall be nominated by the Environmental Education Advisory Council. Requires the regional administrator of each EPA office to present an "Outstanding Environmental Educator Award" annually to a teacher or faculty member from a local education agency, college or university, or nonprofit organization in recognition of an outstanding contribution to environmental education. Establishes a National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Requires the Council to report biennially to the Congress on: (1) the extent and quality of environmental education in the Nation's schools; (2) activities conducted pursuant to this Act; (3) obstacles to improving environmental education; and (4) training and skills needed to respond to environmental problems. Establishes the Environmental Education Trust Fund to carry out this Act. Allocates funding for this Act's activities and authorizes 50 percent of penalties received under specified environmental Acts to be appropriated to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1989
Drug Free Truck Stop Act of 1989 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose mandatory minimum criminal penalties for the unlawful distribution or possession of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a truck stop or safety rest area. Prohibits the suspension of a sentence, granting of probation, or eligibility for parole until the individual has served the minimum required sentence under the Federal criminal code for any person who violates this Act after a prior conviction under this Act has become final. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate specified sentencing guidelines for violations of this Act. Bars multiple enhancements.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1989
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Laurance Spelman Rockefeller in recognition of his leadership on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic preservation. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1989
Rural Economic Development Act of 1989 - Title I: Reorganization of the Department of Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Rural Development Administration. Title II: Local Prioritization of Project Funding - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to set out the framework for certain rural development programs, which shall include: (1) an area plan for long range rural development; and (2) State rural economic development review panels. Authorizes grants for State revolving funds for loans to very small businesses. Title III: Enhancement of Existing Rural Development Programs - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Rural Electrification Administration a technical assistance unit. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize banks for cooperatives to make loans for water or waste disposal systems. Title VII: Rural Electrification Provisions - Rural Telecommunications Improvements Act of 1989 - Subtitle A: Amendments Relating to Title I of the 1936 Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (the Act) to include the balance of all rescinded loans and obligations among the unexpended or unobligated funds which may be carried over for loans by the Administrator (the Administrator) of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). Prohibits the Administrator and the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank (the Governor) from: (1) denying or reducing any loan based on a borrower's fund level; or (2) making any loan, guarantee, or grant, unless the borrower has obtained the consent of the State regulatory authority and the loan or grant will not duplicate existing facilities or systems. Subtitle B: Amendments Relating to Title II of the 1936 Act - Prohibits the Administrator and the Governor from making or guaranteeing a telephone grant or a loan which would result in facilities or service duplication. Prohibits the Administrator and the Governor from requiring a telephone loan applicant to increase: (1) rates charged to customers or subscribers; or (2) the ratio of net income or margins before interest to the interest requirements on all the applicant's outstanding and proposed loans. Prohibits the Administrator from treating certain rural development investments as dividends or capital distributions. Requires the Administrator and the Governor to: (1) publish telephone policy standards; (2) use only specified depreciation rates in loan evaluations; and (3) make loans for all authorized purposes. Prohibits the Administrator and the Governor from: (1) rescinding certain telephone loans without the borrower's consent; (2) regulating the order or sequence of advances of funds to any borrower under any combination of approved telephone loans from specified entities; or (3) denying a loan or taking adverse action against a borrower for any reason not based on a published policy standard. Subtitle C: Amendments Relating to Title III of the 1936 Act - Directs the Administrator to maintain separate electric and telephone accounts within the Rural Electric and Telephone Revolving Fund. Sets forth a tier requirement for the interest rates of insured telephone loans. Provides for full use of REA insured loan authority. Prohibits the Administrator from providing guarantee assistance unless the borrower specifically applies for it. Subtitle D: Amendments Relating to Title IV of the 1936 Act - Revises provisions for the Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) Board of Directors. Revises (RTB) provisions relating to: (1) capitalization; (2) pro rata stock purchases by RTB borrowers; (3) authority to set loan levels; and (4) the overcharge on RTB loans made before FY 1988. Provides for full use of RTB loan authority. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish local income-based loan rates for health care and related facilities. Increases assistance for communities dependent on natural resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a loan restructuring and servicing program for distressed community facility program borrowers. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to provide water and waste facility loans and grants to alleviate health risks.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1989
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the sale of Benjamin Franklin commemorative coins at a surcharge of which 25 percent shall be paid to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the remainder be distributed in specified percentages to the National Fire Center and Museum Account, the National Hero Scholarship Account, the Firefighter's Tuition Assistance Account, the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account, the In Search of Excellence Research and Education Account, and the Burn Research Grant Account of the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund (Fund). Prohibits the issuance of such coins from resulting in any net cost to the Federal government. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to establish a fire service bill of rights. Establishes the National Fire Center and Museum in the District of Columbia to provide information about the fire service and safety to the public and fire services. Funds such museum exclusively through the Fund. Establishes a National Hero Scholarship to fund the higher education of the children or spouse of a deceased firefighter. Establishes a scholarship providing tuition assistance to firefighters for higher education in fire safety or protection. Authorizes the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to use amounts in the In Search of Excellence Research and Education Account of the Fund to fund other specified programs under the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Establishes the Firefighters Assistance Trust Fund. Places the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control within the United States Fire Administration. Directs the Administrator to use funds from the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account of the fund to procure computer equipment for fire services that want such equipment. Directs the Administrator to make a grant from the Burn Research Grant Account of the Fund to one national firefighter's burn foundation dedicated to reducing burn injuries. Requires the Administrator to prepare and make available to State fire marshals, upon request, a manual describing Federal procedures for disposing of surplus property and highlighting how fire services could obtain such property. Directs the Administrator to distribute to such marshals information on the infectious diseases to which firefighters are particularly vulnerable.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1989
Recommends that the President: (1) invite President-elect Guillermo Endara and Vice-Presidents-elect Ricardo Arias Calderon and Guillermo Ford of Panama to seek full diplomatic recognition from the United States; (2) upon receipt of such a request, accord such recognition; (3) encourage other nations, particularly members of the Organization of American States, to confer such recognition; and (4) accord such Government all appropriate diplomatic, political, economic, and moral support in its efforts to achieve full governing authority over Panama.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1989
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 Amendments Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to give to the Federal Emergency Management Agency the responsibility to lead the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Revises: (1) the duties of the Director of the Agency; (2) Program objectives; (3) research elements required in the Program, including specifying that research includes basic and applied research; and (4) mitigation elements required in the Program. Sets forth the public education and planning and response elements of the Program. Requires the establishment within the U.S. Geological Survey of a Center for the International Exchange of Earthquake Information. Establishes within the U.S. Geological Survey an Earthquake Investigations Program to learn lessons which can be applied to reduce the loss of lives and property in future earthquakes. Increases the authorization of appropriations to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for responsibilities under the Act. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Geological Survey for earthquake investigations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1989
Puerto Rico Status Referendum Act - Title I - Requires an island-wide referendum to be held in Puerto Rico in which voters will be presented a choice of three status options for Puerto Rico as follows: (1) statehood; (2) independence; or (3) commonwealth. Specifies a time period during which such referendum must occur. Provides for a runoff referendum between the two status options which received the largest number of votes if there is not a majority in favor of one of the options. Requires such referendum to include "None of the Above" as an option. Requires the Governor of Puerto Rico to certify to the President and the Congress the decision of the people which receives a majority of the votes cast, if a majority is obtained. Requires the Attorney General to provide for adequate monitoring of the referendum by U.S. marshals. Authorizes any aggrieved person to institute an action to challenge the choice certified by the Governor. Gives a three-judge court exclusive jurisdiction over all such claims. Provides that an appeal from a final judgment of such court will be to the U.S. Supreme Court by way of certiorari. Requires the certified option to go into effect on October 1, 1991, in accordance with the appropriate title (II, III, or IV) of this Act. Directs the President to appoint a Referendum Information Officer to be responsible for the translation and distribution of information and educational materials on the referendum. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Statehood - Declares Puerto Rico to be a State of the United States admitted in the Union on an equal footing with the other States. Accepts the current Constitution as the constitution of the State of Puerto Rico. Provides that any lands and other properties that are set aside pursuant to law for the use of the United States shall remain the property of the United States. Requires each Federal agency having control over such lands or property retained by the United States to report to the President and the Congress on the continued need for such land or property. Provides for the election of U.S. Senators and Representatives. States that the office of Resident Commissioner shall cease to exist upon the swearing in of the first Member of the House. Increases the permanent membership of the House of Representatives to account for the additional Representatives from Puerto Rico. Continues in force all of the local laws in force at the the time of Puerto Rico's admission into the Union. States that all of the laws of the United States shall have the same force and effect within Puerto Rico as on the date immediately prior to the date of admission, with enumerated exceptions. Directs the President to appoint a Commission on Federal Laws to survey U.S. laws and to make recommendations to the Congress as to which laws should apply to Puerto Rico. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress on such recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the continuation of civil causes of action and criminal offenses. Preserves the right of judicial review of final decisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico or the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. Reserves authority in the United States for the exercise by the Congress of the power of exclusive legislation over lands held by the United States for defense or Coast Guard purposes. States that Puerto Rico shall always have the right to serve civil or criminal process within such lands for acts committed within the State but outside such lands. Provides that no provision of this title will operate to confer, terminate, or restore U.S. nationality. Title III: Independence - Requires the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico to provide for the election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention to serve until the proclamation of independence and to draft a Constitution for the Republic of Puerto Rico. Requires such Convention to draft a Constitution establishing a republican form of government which is required to guarantee the protection of fundamental human rights. Provides for the adjustment of U.S. property rights and for ratification of the Constitution. Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation calling for the election of such officers of the Republic of Puerto Rico as may be required by the Constitution. Provides for a Joint Transition Commission which shall be responsible for expediting the orderly transfer of all functions currently exercised by the United States in Puerto Rico. Requires that the costs of the Transition Commission be evenly divided between the United States and Puerto Rico. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. share of such costs. Directs U.S. agencies to provide technical assistance to the Commission on a reimbursable basis. Directs that any action arising from title filed in U.S. Court be stayed and referred to the Joint Transition Commission for resolution. Directs the President, within one month of the certification of the elected officers and approval of specified agreements, to: (1) withdraw and surrender all rights of possession, supervision, jurisdiction, control, or sovereignty then existing and exercised by the United States over Puerto Rico; and (2) recognize on behalf of the United States the independence of Puerto Rico. Vests all property, rights, and interests which the United States may have acquired over Puerto Rico, with an exception, in the Republic of Puerto Rico. Withdraws the application of all U.S. laws applicable to Puerto Rico immediately prior to independence. Requires Puerto Rico to recognize all orders and judgements rendered by U.S. or Commonwealth courts prior to independence. Declares that upon the proclamation of independence, the judicial power of the United States shall no longer extend to Puerto Rico. Provides for pending proceedings . Deems the Government of the Republic of Puerto Rico the successor to the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto. Directs the President to notify the governments with which the United States is in diplomatic correspondence, the United Nations, and the Organization of American State that: (1) the United States has recognized the independence of Puerto Rico; and (2) all obligations and responsibilities of the U.S. Government which arise from any valid international instruments affecting Puerto Rico shall cease. Provides that all matters pertaining to Puerto Rican citizenship shall be regulated pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the Republic. States that upon the certification of the referendum under this Act, Puerto Rico shall no longer be deemed to be a part of the United States for the purposes of acquiring U.S. citizenship by place of birth. States that no person born outside of the United States after the Proclamation of Independence shall be a U.S. citizen at birth if the parents of such person acquired U.S. citizenship solely by virtue of being born in Puerto Rico prior to the Proclamation. Authorizes certain non-U.S. citizens to enter into, lawfully engage in occupations, and establish residence as immigrants in the United States. Requires that specific arrangements for the use of military areas by the United States in Puerto Rico be negotiated by a task force established by the Joint Transition Commission. Requires such arrangements to come into effect simultaneously with the proclamation of independence. Continues all Federal programs in Puerto Rico until the end of the fiscal year in which independence is proclaimed. Requires that specific arrangements for the continuation or phaseout of Federal programs be negotiated by a Task Force on Economic Assistance established by the Joint Transition Commission. Requires such arrangements to come into effect simultaneously with the proclamation of independence. Directs the Joint Transition Commission to: (1) establish a Task Force on Social Security to protect the rights of workers who have permanently insured status under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) programs under title II of the Social Security Act, as of five years subsequent to the certification of the referendum; and (2) negotiate agreements necessary for the coordination of the U.S. social security system with a similar system to be established in the new Republic Requires the Joint Transition Commission to establish a Task Force on Medicare to negotiate agreements for the coordination of the U.S. Medicare system with a similar system to be established in the Republic. Directs the Commission to establish a Task Force on Currency and Finance to negotiate an agreement to: (1) assist Puerto Rico in the design and establishment of a deposit insurance system; (2) determine the extent of financial support to be provided for the system by U.S. insurance organizations in which Puerto Rico's financial institutions currently participate; and (3) make the necessary arrangements with respect to the use of U.S. currency by Puerto Rico if requested by Puerto Rico. Maintains until maturity the guarantees provided by the U.S. Government to investors in the secondary market for existing loans which originated in Puerto Rico. Requires the Republic of Puerto Rico to assume the outstanding debts, liabilities, and obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its municipalities and instrumentalities. Title IV: Commonwealth - Makes this title effective October 1, 1991, should Commonwealth be certified as having obtained a majority of the votes cast in the referendum. States that Puerto Rico is a self-governing body politic joined in political relationship with the United States and is under U.S. sovereignty. Makes this relationship permanent unless revoked by mutual consent. Allows the Governor of Puerto Rico to certify that the Puerto Rico legislature has adopted a resolution that states that a Federal law should no longer apply to Puerto Rico because there is no overriding national interest in having such law apply to Puerto Rico. Provides that a Federal law so certified shall no longer apply to Puerto Rico if a joint resolution approving the recommendation of the Puerto Rican Government is enacted. Sets out procedures for consideration of such joint resolution. Authorizes the Governor of Puerto Rico to enter into international agreements to promote the international interests of Puerto Rico as authorized by the President. Details procedures for agencies to follow with respect to rulemaking and in carrying out their duties. Provides for judicial review of such rulemaking decisions. Directs the officials of the Departments of State and Transportation to seek the advice of appropriate officials of Puerto Rico when negotiating any air transportation agreements which would affect air traffic to or from Puerto Rico. Adds Puerto Rico to the congressional declaration of policy respecting "Insular Areas." Requires the heads of Federal agencies to consult with the Governor of Puerto Rico as to whether there are special circumstances or qualifications which should be considered in making appointments to specified positions. Requires the President, prior to nominating any person to serve in Puerto Rico whose appointment requires the advice and consent of the Senate, to consult with the Governor as to whether such circumstances or qualifications should be considered in deciding on a nomination. Makes consultation requirements inapplicable with respect to the U.S. armed forces, Coast Guard, and law enforcement agency positions. Establishes the Office of Senate Liaison for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. States that the purpose of such Office shall be to facilitate the exchange of information between the Senate and the Puerto Rican Government. Authorizes appropriations for such Office. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Passport Office for the Caribbean in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to consult with Puerto Rico's Governor to determine what administrative actions can be taken to expedite the processing of visas. Requires the Secretary and Attorney General to report to the Congress on such consultations by March 15, 1990. Sets forth provisions with respect to antitrust laws and the development of voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence, sexually explicit material, and illegal drug use in telecast material and to promote local programming in Puerto Rico. Directs the President to report to the Congress on eight specified Federal properties. Requires such report to include an assessment of: (1) the Federal need for each property; (2) the costs and/or benefits of disposal of each property; and (3) the comments of the Puerto Rican Government regarding each property. States that unless the President finds that there is a national interest which requires continued Federal ownership, he should transfer such properties to Puerto Rico. Establishes the San Juan National Historic Site Advisory Commission. Requires the Commission to regularly advise the Secretary of the Interior on the operation, management, and administration of the San Juan National Historic Site. Waives the renewal provision of the Federal Advisory Committee Act with respect to the Commission. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Secretary and specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Small Business Access Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small businesses for the expense of providing public accommodations access to the disabled. Reduces the tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Declares it is in the interests of the United States to support efforts to protect South Pacific marine resources (including albacore tuna, porpoises, whales, seals and other marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and fish) from the slaughter of driftnet fishing. Supports the Tarawa Declaration and the South Pacific Commission resolution calling for an immediate ban on driftnet fishing in the South Pacific. Urges the Secretary of State to work toward an international convention banning driftnet fishing in the South Pacific. Urges Japan and Taiwan to immediately cease the use of driftnets in international South Pacific waters.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Centralized Certification of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged and Women Owned Business Enterprises Act of 1989 - Mandates that any entity seeking certification as a socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise or as a women owned business enterprise in order to participate in any federally funded program must submit a request for such certification to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Provides that such certification shall be the only one required under any such program. Directs the Administrator to promulgate certification standards. Declares that the community property laws of a jurisdiction shall not apply with respect to such certification.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to repeal an exemption from specified communicable disease control requirements of the Public Health Service Act for waste disposal from railroads operating in intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to aid businesses unable to secure credit and create jobs in rural areas. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase annual water and waste facility assistance limits. Authorizes the Secretary to provide water and waste facilities loans to specified rural entities. Authorizes the Farm Credit System to provide loans and other financial assistance to rural sewer and water projects. Establishes in the Farmers Home Administration a national rural waste water circuit rider grant program. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish: (1) a technical assistance unit; and (2) an Assistant Administrator for Economic Development. Amends the Consolidated and Rural Development Act to authorize a rural business development grant program. Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Agricultural Library a National Rural Assistance Information Clearinghouse. Treats a rural county experiencing specified population reduction as a labor surplus area.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1989
Designates November 11, 1989, as Washington Centennial Day in recognition of the economic, social, and historic contributions of the State of Washington to the United States over the past century.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1989
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) the NASA/jet propulsion laboratory team is to be commended for its achievement in the Voyager program; and (2) the United States should remain preeminent in planetary exploration and will continue to support science missions to maintain that leadership.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1989
Prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from enforcing, during the 12-month period following the enactment of this Act, its underground petroleum storage tank financial responsibility regulations promulgated pursuant to the Solid Waste Disposal Act with respect to certain underground tank owners. Permits enforcement after such period if the Administrator of the EPA determines that such enforcement would not impose an unjust economic burden on the owners. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study for the purpose of identifying the principal economic difficulties associated with compliance by underground tank owners with EPA technical standards for such tanks. Directs the Administrator to report the results of such study to specified congressional committees. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) delete the requirement that regulations under such Act include provisions for compensation of third parties for injury and property damage caused by accidental releases from underground storage tanks; and (2) reduce financial responsibility requirements for specified underground petroleum storage tanks.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1989
Intergovernmental Mandate Relief Act of 1989 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish procedures to assure that the Federal Government pays the total amount of additional direct costs incurred by State and local governments in complying with any intergovernmental regulation which takes effect on or after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits a Federal agency or court from requiring compliance in any fiscal year by State or local governments with any intergovernmental regulation unless provisions of law have been enacted which compensate such governments for additional direct costs incurred by such compliance. Declares that the compensation requirement may be waived by the enactment of a joint resolution of the Congress. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to estimate such additional direct costs and include such estimates in annual reports to the President and the Congress. Requires congressional committees to propose amendments to significant laws for which regulations will be promulgated containing provisions to compensate State and local governments for additional direct costs of compliance. Establishes procedures for Federal agencies to reimburse State governments for additional direct costs and for State governments to reimburse local governments for such costs. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office to prepare cost estimates for bills or resolutions which are likely to cost State and local governments $100,000,000 (currently, $200,000,000) or more annually.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make it unlawful to disrupt or damage a farm animal facility, its animals, or property. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate such offenses. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction in such cases. Provides for a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare coverage denial notices provided to nonparticipating physicians and their patients include an explanation of such denial.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Authorizes to be appropriated for FY 1990, in addition to sums already authorized, a certain amount to the National Cancer Institute for breast cancer research other than research which involves treatment or clinical trials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Designates October 27, 1989, as National Hostage Awareness Day in recognition of the 42d birthday of Terry Anderson and his fifth year in captivity. States that efforts should be made to have such date declared International Hostage Day by the United Nations. States that all Federal and international agencies should increase efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Lebanon. Calls for prayer on such date for the release of all U.S. and foreign hostages in Lebanon.
![Official portrait of Rep. Skelton, Ike [D-MO-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000465_200.jpg)