United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1980
Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Title I: Disposal of Transuranic Waste, High-Level Radioactive Wastes and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the United States Geological Survey, to issue guidelines for the recommendation of sites for repositories (any facility for the permanent disposal of transuranic waste, high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or any combination of such wastes or fuel, whether or not such facility is designated to permit the subsequent recovery of materials placed in the repository). Exempts such guidelines from requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires the Secretary, by January 1, 1982, to identify and recommend to the President at least two sites suitable for site characterization (activities to determine the potential of a site as a repository). Requires the Secretary, by February 1, 1985, to identify and recommend to the President at least two additional sites. Requires each recommendation to include a statement of the basis for the recommendation. Directs the Secretary to notify the State Review Board of the State in which the site is located, or any Indian Tribe on whose reservation the site is located, of the recommendation. Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings in the vicinity of any site to be recommended to the President. Requires the President to: (1) review each site recommended; (2) either approve or disapprove the recommendation within 60 days; and (3) transmit his or her decision to the Secretary and the appropriate State Review Board. Provides that Presidential failure to approve or disapprove a site within the 60 day period (or failure to invoke authority as granted to delay the determination) shall be considered as an approval. Directs the Secretary, before sinking shafts at any site, to submit to the Commission and to the appropriate State Review Board, or Indian tribe, for their review and comment: (1) an environmental assessment; (2) a site characterization plan; and (3) proposals describing the possible form or packaging for the waste material and spent fuel which would be emplaced in the repository. Directs the Secretary to conduct tests at sites at which site characterization activities are being conducted in order to provide the necessary data for an application for a construction authorization for a repository at the site and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits the use of any radioactive materials during site characterization tests, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings if a selected site is determined to meet applicable requirements. Requires the Secretary to submit a recommendation and a report to the President if the Secretary affirms the determination. Requires the President to submit to Congress not later than March 30, 1987, a recommendation of a site qualified for application for a license as a repository. Requires the President, if the recommended site is disapproved by Congress, to recommend another site within a year. Requires the Secretary, if a site designation isnot disapproved by Congress, to submit to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) a license application for the construction ofa repository at the site. Requires the NRC to approve or disapprove the application by: (1) January 1, 1990; or (2) no later than four years after the submission of the application, whichever occurs later. Provides that a site designation shall be effective 30 days after the President recommends the site to Congress unless a State Review Board or an affected Indian tribe petitions Congress in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that unless Congress passes a resolution approving such petition the designation shall be effective. Defines "State Review Board" and authorizes such Board to: (1) review activities under this Act with respect to the effect any site within a State would have upon the State; (2) represent the State in any proceeding before the Commission respecting a site; and (3) submit petitions of disapproval to Congress respecting sites. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State Review Boards. Requires the Secretary to seek to enter into a written agreement with a State Review Board and with any affected Indian tribe as soon as possible after deciding to study an area as a possible repository site. Requires this agreement to specify procedures: (1) for the State or Indian tribe to study, determine, comment on, and make recommendations regarding the repository; (2) which permit the Secretary to consider and respond to comments and recommendations made by the State Review Board and the Indian tribe; (3) by which the Secretary and either the State Review Board or the Indian tribe may periodically review or modify the agreement; and (4) for public notification of the above three subparagraphs. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to any affected Indian tribe to assist the tribe in conducting activities pursuant to this Act. Makes provisions for the judicial review of agency actions relating to site characterization, repository site designation, and construction or operation of a facility. Requires any Federal officer or agency issuing or granting a certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization related to the characterization, construction, or initial operation of any recommended site to issue or grant any such authorization at the earliest practicable date. Requires any repository for the disposal of high-level waste and spent fuel to be designed and constructed so that the spent fuel may be retrieved. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress proposing fees to be collected to offset all construction, operation, administrative, and other costs incurred in providing for the management, interim storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes and spent fuel. Title II: Low-Level Radioactive Waste - Declares it to be the policy of the Federal Government that: (1) each State is responsible for the disposal of non-Federal low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders; and (2) non-Federal low-level radioactive waste can be most safely and efficiently managed on a regional basis. Permits the States to enter compacts as necessary to provide for the establishment and operation of facilities for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste can be most safely and effectively managed on a regional basis. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report on assisting States in carrying out this policy. Directs the Secretary to investigate whether it is appropriate to fund 90 percent of the cost of cleanup of the uranium mill tailing site at Edgemont, South Dakota (which is under the control of the Tennessee Valley Authority) under the provisions of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. Requires that a report on the appropriate legislative recommendations and the views and recommendations of the Tennessee Valley Authority be submitted to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to extend, for one year, cost-of-living increases for railroad employee annuitants and to place related financial interchange between the Railroad Retirement Account and the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund on a current basis (relating to the source or payment of benefits to railroad employee annuitants). Directs the Railroad Retirement Board, by February 15, 1981, to submit to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources and the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce a report containing: (1) proposals affecting the income received by and the expenditures made from the Railroad Retirement Account; and (2) statements as to the cost impact of each such proposal.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Energy Conservation Assistance Amendments of 1980 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal references to State school facilities agencies and the State hospital facilities agencies. Authorizes (currently requires) the Secretary of Energy to terminate and recover the remaining financial assistance for State, school, and hospital energy conservation projects which are not in compliance with the State plan. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate less than the current mandatory percentage of State technical assistance funds to schools or hospitals. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation project grants to schools and hospitals for fiscal years 1982- 1984. Revises the method by which such appropriations are allocated among the States. Amends the Energy Conservation and Policy Act to replace the technical assistance program with the energy conservation project designed to assist energy conservation in buildings owned by units of local government and public care institutions. Directs the Secretary to prescribe criteria for determining hardship classification project grants to pay up to 90 percent of the costs of a hardship energy conservation project. Authorizes the use of energy conservation project grants to pay up to 90 percent of the costs of a hardship energy conservation project. Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for energy audits and energy conservation projects for fiscal years 1982-1984. Revises the method of allocating such grants among the States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any alien, foreign government, or any foreign-owned or partially foreign-owned corporation from owning a cable television system in the United States without reciprocity.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1980
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Establishes the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council composed of representatives from the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Directs the Council to establish a voluntary scientific and statistical advisory committee to assist in the development, collection, and evaluation of specified information relevant to the Council's development and amendment of a regional conservation and electric power plan. Authorizes the Council to establish such other voluntary advisory committees as necessary or appropriate to assist it. Directs the Council to prepare a regional conservation and electric power plan, giving priority in decreasing order of importance, to conservation, renewable resources, energy resources derived from utilizing waste heat or having high fuel conversion efficiency, and other resources. Sets forth the components of such plan, including: (1) an energy conservation program; (2) recommendations for research and development; (3) a methodology for determining environmental and social costs and benefits of conservation measures taken under this Act; (4) a 20-year demand forecast of power resources required to meet the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration's obligations and the portion of such obligations which can be met by resources in each of the above priority categories; (5) an analysis of reserve and reliability requirements and cost-effective methods of providing reserves; and (6) a methodology for determining surcharges, if surcharges are recommended by the Council. Directs the Council to study energy conservation measures and analyze the result of the implementation of such measures. Directs the Council and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to inform the Pacific Northwest public of major regional power issues to insure widespread public involvement in the formulation of regional power policies. Directs the Council to: (1) solicit recommendations from the region's State and Federal fish and wildlife agencies and appropriate Indian tribes for measures to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife resources affected by the development and operation of any hydroelectric project of the Columbia River and its tributaries and for fish and wildlife research and development; and (2) develop a program based on the recommendations consisting of measures to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife affected by any hydroelectric project while assuring the Pacific Northwest a reliable and efficient power supply. Directs the Administrator to utilize the Bonnevile Power Administration fund and the authorities available under this Act and other applicable laws to finance such fish and wildlife protection and enhancement activities. Directs the Council to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the actions taken and to be taken by the Council regarding such fish and wildlife protection and enhancement activities. Directs the Council, by a specified date, to complete a thorough analysis of the costs and the equity of the conservation measures and conservation resources implemented pursuant to this Act to consumers in the Pacific Northwest region. Directs the Administrator to offer to sell electric power to each requesting public body and cooperative entitled to preference under the Bonneville Project Act of 1937 and to each requesting investor-owned utility to meet that entity's firm power load which exceeds its resource capability for meeting the previous year's firm loan requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to sell electric power to Federal agencies in the region. Directs the Administrator, subject to certain stipulations, to purchase electric power from a Pacific Northwest utility if offered at the "average system cost" of resources then available to that utility, and to offer, in exchange, to sell an equivalent amount of electric power to such utility for resale to that utility's residential users within the region. Directs the Administrator to determine the "average system cost" on the basis of a methodology developed by the Council and subject to the review and approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Authorizes the Administrator to sell electric power to existing direct service industrial customers which presently have contracts for the purchase of electric power from the Administrator, so long as such sale provides a portion of the reserves for firm power loads within the region. Prohibits the Administrator from selling electric power, including reserves, directly to new direct service industrial customers or to existing direct service industrial customers in excess of the amount permitted above unless the Administrator determines that such proposed sale is consistent with the plan, is approved by the Council, and meets certain additional requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to sell, or otherwise dispose of, electric power, including acquired power, that is surplus to obligations incurred in accordance with this Act and other applicable statutes. Sets forth provisions regarding negotiations for, and offers to enter into, initial long term contracts for the sale and/or exchange of electric power. Directs the Administrator to acquire electric power resources through conservation, to implement all conservation measures, and to acquire such renewable resources, which are installed, by a residential or small commercial consumer to reduce load, as the Administrator determines are consistent with the criteria for developing the regional conservation and electric power plan, and in the case of major resources, as provided in this Act. Provides that such measures and resources may include: (1) loans and grants to consumers for insulation, weatherization, increased system efficiency, and waste energy recovery; (2) technical and financial assistance to, and other cooperation with, the Administrator's customers and governmental authorities to encourage conservation; (3) aiding such customers and authorities in implementing model conservation standards adopted pursuant to this Act; and (4) conducting demonstration projects to determine the cost-effectiveness of conservation measures and direct application of renewable energy resources. Directs the Administrator, when proposing to acquire any major resource, when implementing a conservation measure which will conserve electric power in an amount equal to that of a major resource, when paying or reimbursing investigation and preconstruction expenses of the sponsors of a major resource, or when granting billing credit involving a major resource to: (1) conduct public hearings; (2) give notice of the proposed action to the Council, the Governor of each affected State, and the Administrator's customers; and (3) publish such notice in the Federal Register. Directs the Administrator to submit a written decision on such action to the Council and to the public for the Council's approval. Prohibits the Administrator from implementing any such proposed action without submitting to the appropriate congressional committees the administrative record of the decision. Establishes procedures to be followed when the Administrator wishes to acquire a resource, which does not meet the criteria of this Act, for experimental, developmental, or demonstration purposes, but which has a potential for providing cost-effective service to the region. Establishes procedures to be followed for entering into agreements for resources the Administrator determines to be consistent with the plan. Authorizes the Administrator to grant billing credits and provide services to a customer, subject to certain limitations, for such customer's independent conservation activities, and for resources acquired by the customer which reduce the obligation of the Administrator to acquire resources under this Act. Directs the Administrator to investigate opportunities for adding to the region's resources or reducing the region's power costs through the accelerated or cooperative development of resources located outside the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, if such resources are renewable resources and are planned or considered for development by nonregional agencies which would own, sponsor, or otherwise develop them. Directs the Administrator to establish rates for: (1) the sale and disposition of electric power and the transmission of non-Federal power; and (2) electric power sold to meet the general requirements of public body, cooperative, and Federal agency customers within the Pacific Northwest, and electric utility customers. Sets forth guidelines to be followed in establishing such rates. Authorizes the Administrator to make annual impact aid payments from the Fund to local governments within the region with respect to major transmission facilities which: (1) are within the jurisdictions of such governments; (2) have a substantial impact on such governments; and (3) are completed after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Administrator to determine the amounts of such payments by a regionwide, uniform formula established by rule under the rate-setting procedures set forth in this Act. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to authorize the Administrator: (1) to make expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration fund for making such payments as are required under this Act; (2) to issue and sell bonds on behalf of the Bonneville Power Administration in order to implement authority under this Act to provide financial assistance for conservation measures, renewable resources, and fish and wildlife; and (3) purchase electric power on a short term basis to meet obligations which may arise because of actions taken under this Act to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife. Increases the aggregate principal amount of any bonds outstanding at one time after October 1, 1981, by $1,250,000,000, and provides that such amount shall be reserved for the purposes of providing funds for conservation and renewable resources loans and grants in a special revolving account created in the Bonneville Power Administration fund. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the interest rate on such bonds issued by the Administrator if, beginning in fiscal year 1982, the Administrator fails to repay by the end of any fiscal year all the amounts projected to be repaid to the Treasury under the repayment criteria of the Secretary of Energy because of reasons other than a decrease in power sale revenues due to fluctuating streamflows or reasons beyond the Administrator's control. Amends the Act limiting the transfer of electric energy generated at Federal hydroelectric plants in the Pacific Northwest for use outside the Pacific Northwest to redefine the term "Pacific Northwest." Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts in accordance with the Bonneville Project Act of 1937. Directs the Administrator to discharge office functions in accordance with the Bonneville Project Act of 1937, the Department of Energy Organization Act, and this Act. Sets forth various administrative and savings provisions. Establishes within the Bonneville Power Administration an executive for conservation and renewable resources who shall be responsible for conservation and direct application renewable resource programs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1980
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend the date by which public water systems which have been granted an exemption from contaminant level and treatment technique requirements must meet such requirements. Provides an alternative procedure by which a State with an underground injection control program relating to oil or natural gas production or recovery may receive approval for obtaining primary enforcement responsibility for protecting its underground water sources. Authorizes a State to demonstrate that its underground injection control program meets the minimum requirements of State program regulations and will prevent underground injection which endangers drinking water sources, rather than file an application which meets the regulations established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes a State which has made such a demonstration to make a similar demonstration with respect to any amended requirement of underground injection rather than file a notice that the State program meets the new requirement. Prohibits the application of requirements to determine whether a State retains primary enforcement responsibility if the State initially acquired the responsibility because of such a demonstration. Authorizes the Administrator to determine, after an opportunity for public hearing, that such a demonstration is no longer valid and to remove primary enforcement responsibility from the State. Permits a State which has primary enforcement responsibility to exempt a public water system from a contaminant level or treatment technique requirement if the system was not in operation at the time the requirement took effect and no reasonable alternative source of drinking water is available. Prohibits underground water source protection grants to any State which has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1980
Community and State Energy Planning Assistance Act of 1980 - Title I: Community Energy Planning Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make a grant to any unit of local government (or a combination of such units) for up to 80 percent of the costs of preparing a local energy plan. Requires such a plan to: (1) provide for energy conservation; (2) encourage the use of renewable resources; (3) result in a combination of such conservation or renewable resource usage; (4) include recommendations for conservation of energy used in local governmental buildings; and (5) provide for coordination with Federal and State energy use and conservation programs, activities, and objectives. Sets forth provisions pertaining to applying for such a grant, and in addition, provisions pertaining to public comment, the contents of the application, and application approval. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any unit of local government (or a combination of such units) of up to 50 percent of the reasonable cost of implementing a local energy plan, whether or not the plan was prepared pursuant to a grant as described in this Act, if such plan is approved by the Secretary and the grant application contains the following information: (1) a copy of the plan; (2) a commitment to continue the plan after termination of the grant; (3) the source of non- grant funds; (4) evidence of the practicability of the plan; (5) public comments on the plan; and (6) other information as required. Directs the Secretary to give priority to those grant applications for implementing plans which: (1) produce the greatest energy conservation; (2) require the least amount of public subsidy after the grant; and (3) can be replicated. Authorizes appropriations for this title for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Directs the Secretary to allocate amounts under this title as follows: (1) 80 percent based on considerations of State population and climate; (2) ten percent based on the availability and cost of fuel or other energy consumed; and (3) ten percent to hardship cases. Prohibits a community from concurrently receiving a planning and an implementation grant. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize funds for research or development. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress concerning actions taken under this title. Title II: Improvements In Administration of Existing State Energy Planning Programs - Authorizes a State to submit an annual consolidated application requesting financial assistance under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Title III: State Long-Range Energy Plans - Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any State for up to 50 percent of the costs of preparing, modifying, or administering a State long-range energy plan. States that such a plan is one approved by the Governor which contains: (1) an estimate of the State's energy supply and demand; (2) a description of the types of energy use affected by the plan; (3) a description of the programs the State proposes to achieve its energy objective; and (4) a description of the ways in which the State will monitor and assess progress in meeting such objectives. Requires a State in developing a long-range energy plan to consider: (1) programs by natural gas utilities and by electric utilities regulated by the State to promote energy conservation and the use of renewable resources; (3) measures designed to conserve energy used for transportation; and (4) other programs to promote energy conservation and the use of renewable resources. Sets forth provisions pertaining to applying for such a grant, and in addition, provisions pertaining to public comment and application approval. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this title for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Provides for the allocation of grant funds among the States. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize funds for research or development.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 1980
Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act to increase from $100,000 to $500,000 the maximum amount which the Securities Investor Protection Corporation may distribute to a customer in the liquidation of a broker-dealer. Permits up to $100,000 of such amount (presently, $40,000) to be used to satisfy a claim for cash. Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to apply its provisions to the Securities and Exchange Commission, except as provided in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the Commission to obtain copies of information contained in financial records of a customer from a financial institution without prior notice to the customer upon an ex parte showing to an appropriate district court that the Commission: (1) seeks such records pursuant to a subpoena issued in conformity with the requirements of the Federal securities laws; and (2) has reason to believe that specified acts or results will occur. Requires, upon expiration of any authorized period of delay of notification, that the customer be served with a copy of the subpoena along with a specified notice which describes the nature of the investigation. Directs the Commission to compile an annual tabulation of the occasions on which the Commission obtains access to financial records of a customer as authorized under this Act and include such tabulation in its annual report to Congress. Permits a customer, following the expiration of the period of delay of notification, to reopen the proceeding in the district court. Authorizes such court to grant civil penalties against the Commission or issue injunctive relief if the Commission has obtained records in violation of this Act. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to initiate a proceeding to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against an employee of the Commission who acted in a willful and intentional manner and without good faith with respect to the violation. Authorizes the Commission to transfer financial records to any government authority in accordance with the Right to Financial Privacy Act, but permits customer notice to be delayed upon an appropriate showing under this Act. Authorizes the Commission to obtain financial records from a financial institution or transfer such records in accordance with the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1980 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require lubricating oil to be labeled with a statement concerning the recycling of used oil. Requires re-refined oil used as lubricating oil to bear a label stating that such oil is a recycled product. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States with solid waste plans to encourage the use of recycled oil, prohibit hazardous uses of used oil, and establish a program for the collection and disposal of oil in a safe manner. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to States in removing impediments to the recycling of used oil. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations protecting the public health and environment from the hazards of burning used oil. Requires the Administrator to determine and report to Congress on whether used oil ought to be treated as a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to study the collection and demand in the used oil industry, and energy savings associated with re-refining used oil.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Securities Law Investigation Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to apply its provisions to the Securities and Exchange Commission, except as provided in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the Commission to obtain copies of information contained in financial records of a customer from a financial institution without prior notice to the customer upon an ex parte showing to an appropriate district court that the Commission: (1) seeks such records pursuant to a subpoena issued in conformity with the requirements of the Federal securities laws; and (2) has reason to believe that specified acts or results will occur. Requires, upon expiration of any authorized period of delay of notification, that the customer be served with a copy of the subpoena along with a specified notice which describes the nature of the investigation. Directs the Commission to compile an annual tabulation of the occasions on which the Commission obtains access to financial records of a customer as authorized under this Act and include such tabulation in its annual report to Congress. Permits a customer, following the expiration of the period of delay of notification, to reopen the proceeding in the district court. Authorizes such court to grant civil penalties against the Commission or issue injunctive relief if the Commission has obtained records in violation of this Act. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to initiate a proceeding to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against an employee of the Commission who acted in a willful and intentional manner and without good faith with respect to the violation. Authorizes the Commission to transfer financial records to any government authority in accordance with the Right to Financial Privacy Act, but permits customer notice to be delayed upon an appropriate showing under this Act. Authorizes the Commission to obtain financial records from a financial institution or transfer such records in accordance with the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1980
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to extend specified cost-of-living increases for railroad employee annuitants. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Tax on Employers) to increase the excise tax paid by employers on employees' compensation so as to generate funds to finance such increases. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board, not later than 30 days before the beginning of a calendar year, to determine the account balance-benefit ratio for such calendar year. Directs the Board to publish a notice in the Federal Register of such ratio and of the tax rate applicable under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to revise provisions exempting specified securities from such Acts to: (1) include within the exemption interest in a trust fund or securities arising out of an insurance contract in connection with a governmental employee benefit plan; but (2) exclude plans which are funded by an annuity contract. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to include within the exemption from such Act governmental employee benefit plans and single trust funds maintained by a bank.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to repeal provisions providing for an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Travel Service for fiscal year 1981 and the succeeding fiscal years. Terminates the limitation on the number of employees in the District of Columbia office on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that neither the Secretary of Transportation nor the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall take any actions which would reduce public air service into Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Directs the additional printing of copies of the report accompanying H.R. 7235 (H. Rept. 96-1035, economic regulation of railroads) for even distribution to the House of Representatives document room and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Amends the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 to make the small offerings exemption from registration of securities not issued under an indenture consistent with the same exemption under the Securities Act of 1933. Increases the small offerings exemption from registration of securities issued under an indenture from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 (or a lesser amount as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish).
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
Makes corrections in the enrollment of S. 2253 (provides for an extension of directed service on the Rock Island Railroad, and for assistance to its employees and shareholders).
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Energy Impact Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to authorize State Governors or Indian tribal governing bodies to designate energy impact areas in accordance with specified conditions concerning increases in employment, population, use of public services and facilities, and lack of financial resources to meet needs for such increased use of services and facilities resulting from the existence of a major energy development in such areas. Requires State Governors and Indian tribal governing bodies to designate local planning units to prepare mitigation plans for each such energy impact area. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to eligible States and Indian tribes to carry out planning and management activities designed to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts of major energy developments, and directs the Governors of such States and Indian tribal governing bodies to make subgrants to such local planning units. Sets forth criteria for developing mitigation plans. Requires that States and Indian tribes having energy impacted areas submit to the Secretary a comprehensive investment strategy describing the intended use of energy impact assistance as a condition for receiving such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make mitigation plan implementation grants to eligible applicants prohibited by State law from incurring debt such as in the form of Federal loans. Authorizes the Secretary to make implementation loans where permitted by State law, and authorizes loan guarantees for the same purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, loans, loan guarantees, and payments of interest on loans to States and other eligible applicants to address the need for public facilities or services in a designated energy impact area on an expedited basis in the event energy development poses a serious threat to the public health and safety and such needs cannot be met in a sufficiently timely manner by other Federal programs. Sets forth requirements for the non-Federal share of the cost of implementing a proposal for which assistance is made. Limits the assistance made under this Act to a total period of five years following the receipt of the first funds for facilities and services. Prohibits the appropriation of funds in support of any program for which Federal financial assistance is available to eligible applicants under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 or the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Establishes in the United States Treasury an Inland Energy Impact Fund to provide funds for the loans and loan guarantees made under this Act. Authorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission to apply for and receive energy impact assistance funds for energy impact areas located within the Appalachian Region. Authorizes regional commissions established under the Public Works and Economic Development Act to apply for and receive energy impact assistance funds for energy impact areas located within such regions. Directs the President to establish an interagency council to coordinate all Federal programs providing assistance to meet needs resulting from major energy developments. Sets forth reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1985 to carry out the programs established under this Act. Sets forth criteria for the allocation of such funds as are appropriated. Prohibits specified actions or failures to act from being used as a legal basis for delaying or prohibiting the issuance of any licenses or other authority necessary for the development, construction, or operation of a major energy development. Requires the General Accounting Office to report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1980
Helium-Energy Act of 1980 - Title I: Helium-Energy Provisions - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Helium Reserve for the storage of helium to assure that in the public interest and for national security purposes adequate supplies of helium are available for future energy efficiency and conservation purposes. Provides that the Reserve shall consist of: (1) helium owned by the United States prior to enactment; (2) helium purchased by the Secretary with consideration of not more than one dollar per thousand cubic feet and a right to repurchase from the Reserve the quantity of helium sold; (3) helium extracted in plants owned or operated by the Secretary; and (4) helium acquired by the Secretary pursuant to the Secretary's authority under this Act to acquire helium in the event that storage goals for the reserve are not met. Directs the Secretary, in relation to any helium extraction plant from which the extraction of helium is economically feasible, to enter into an agreement with the owner of the plant to: (1) operate the plant and sell the helium to the Secretary; or (2) permit the Secretary, provided the owner is reasonably and justly compensated, to operate the plant. Directs the Secretary to determine if the goals of the Reserve are being met. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) if the goals are not being met, acquire a sufficient amount of helium in deposits from which helium-bearing natural gas or helium-gas mixtures are not being produced as of the date of the determination and conserve such helium in place or provide for the extraction of the helium; and (2) if such actions are not sufficient to meet the targets, construct plants to extract helium from helium-bearing gas or helium-gas mixtures which are or will be produced but from which helium would not otherwise be extracted. Authorizes the Secretary additionally, if provided in advance in appropriation Acts, to acquire helium at fair market value. Provides that rights of repurchase shall be exercised on a first-in, first-out basis and that the price at which the helium may be sold shall be determined on the basis of the amount necessary to recover the amount paid to the seller, the direct costs of storage, and any processing or transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to sell helium in the Reserve which is owned by the United States and which is not subject to right of repurchase only if: (1) the helium is not otherwise available at a certain price in the private sector; (2) the helium sold will not have a significant impact on the development or maintenance of a commercially viable market for helium extracted from the atmosphere; (3) the helium has not been reserved for future needs; and (4) the sale will be in the public interest. Provides the administrative authority necessary to establish, operate, and maintain the Reserve. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and to Congress concerning the implementation of this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies regarding: (1) additional sites for helium storage facilities for the Reserve and to report the results to Congress; and (2) the future needs and supplies of helium and the effectiveness of this Act in achieving its purpose. Provides that provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall not be applicable to the sale, extraction, processing, transportation, or storage of helium. Authorizes the Secretary to make the storage facilities operated to maintain the Reserve available, at cost, to persons wishing to store helium, if such storage does not restrict or impair the operation of the Reserve. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal year 1981, to remain available without fiscal year limitation. Provides that funds for the acquisition and construction of storage facilities and related facilities shall be available only as may be appropriated pursuant to authorization of appropriations. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include helium within the export restriction exemptions which the President is authorized to make when such exemption is consistent with the national interest and the purposes of such Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish the Helium Energy Office, to be headed by a presidentially-appointed Director who shall assist and advise the Secretary on helium-related activities as set forth in this Act. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Reserves for the purposes of this Act public lands containing helium-bearing natural gas or any helium-gas mixture which are unleased under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, and reserves rights of ownership of helium, including the right to extract such helium from gas produced from lands permitted, leased or otherwise granted for development under such Act. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations providing for the extraction of helium from public lands. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for or otherwise sponsor research in improving methods of helium extraction, transportation, storage and use. Repeals the Helium Act and cancels the outstanding balance of all unpaid notes insured under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1980
National Tourism Policy Act - Title I: National Tourism Policy - Declares that the purpose of this title is to establish a cooperative effort between the Federal Government, States, regions, and local governments and other concerned public and private organizations to implement a national tourism policy. Title II: National Tourism Policy Council - Establishes the National Tourism Policy Council as an independent entity within the executive branch to be the principal coordinating body for policies, programs, and issues relating to tourism, recreation, or national heritage conservation involving Federal departments, agencies, or other entities. Requires the Council to establish such policy committees as it considers necessary and appropriate which shall be designed to: (1) monitor a specific area of Federal government activity; and (2) review and evaluate the relation of the policies and activities of the Federal government in that specific area to tourism, recreation, and national heritage conservation in the United States. Directs each policy committee to review and comment on Federal agency program and planning documents that will have substantial effect on tourism, recreation, and national heritage conservation and that are appropriate to such committee's functional responsibilities and agency representation. Directs the National Tourism Policy Council to submit annual reports to the President for transmittal to the Congress regarding: (1) the activities of the Council and its policy committees; (2) the results of Council efforts to coordinate the policies and programs of member agencies that have a significant effect on tourism, recreation, and national heritage conservation, and to resolve interagency conflicts; (3) an analysis of problems referred to the Council along with a detailed statement of actions taken or anticipated to be taken to resolve such problems; and (4) such recommendations as the Council deems appropriate. Title III - United States Tourism Planning and Implementing Board - Establishes, as an independent entity in the executive branch, a United States Tourism Planning and Implementing Board to develop a comprehensive and detailed marketing and implementation plan to stimulate and promote tourism to the United States by residents of foreign countries. Requires the Board, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit such plan to Congress and specified Congressional committees. Title IV: Amendments to the International Travel Act - Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to direct the United States Travel Service, headed by an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Tourism, to report directly to the Under Secretary for International Trade as well as the Secretary of Commerce. Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to a region of not less than two States or portions of two States to assist in the implementation of a regional tourism promotional and marketing program. Declares that any such program shall serve as a demonstration project for future program development for regional tourism promotion. Extends until September 30, 1981, the time limit for the reduction in the number of employees of the United States Travel Service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1980 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Grants to an appropriate district court jurisdiction to restrain violations of or to enforce rules or orders on railroad safety established under any statute transferred to the Secretary of Transportation by the Department of Transportation Act. Makes conforming amendments to specified acts to extend venue in such cases to include the judicial district in which the defendant has its principal executive office. Amends the Hours of Service Act of 1907 to extend: (1) venue in specified cases to include the judicial district in which the defendant has its principal executive office; and (2) the statute of limitations if administrative notice is given pursuant to the Federal Claims Collection Act within two years from the date of the violation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue orders directing compliance with the statutes and regulations regarding railroad safety transferred to the Secretary's responsibility under the Department of Transportation Act. Grants jurisdiction, upon petition by the Attorney General, to the district courts to enforce any order issued by the Secretary pursuant to such Act or to this Act. Prescribes criminal penalties for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to impose such restrictions or prohibitions as may be necessary to abate an emergency situation involving a hazard of death or injury. Directs that such an order cease to be effective after 30 days unless extended in writing by the Secretary. Grants, to the appropriate District Court, jurisdiction to restrain or enjoin the operation of such an order only if: (1) the Secretary has exceeded his or her authority; or (2) there is no reasonable basis to support the determination of the Secretary that an emergency situation exists. Eliminates the requirement that each rail carrier file a locomotive safety inspection report and a repair report with the inspector in charge.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Designates certain lands in the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, as the Cranberry Wilderness Area. Establishes the Cranberry Glades National Botanical Area within such wilderness to be administered and developed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Establishes the Cranberry Back Country within such wilderness to be administered, managed, and developed by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with a management plan which the Secretary shall complete within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Allows the Secretary to acquire the privately owned mineral estate in such lands if the Secretary determines that the utilization and development of the estate would significantly impair public use and enjoyment of the Back Country.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station. Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with a private entity for the use of a supplemental reporting system and data center to provide specified individuals with information concerning the transportation of hazardous materials.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the purposes of such Act for the fiscal years of 1981 and 1982. Directs that such sums shall remain available until expended. Directs that certain investigations conducted by the Board shall have priority over all other investigations conducted by Federal regulatory agencies. Includes aviation incidents under requirements binding on persons reporting such incidents subject to the National Transportation Safety Board's investigatory jurisdiction. Specifies that any properly credentialed employee of the Board, in investigating a transportation accident, may take custody of any materials determined to be required for the purpose of the investigation,
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Powerplant Fuel Conservation Act of 1980 - Title I: Accelerated Fuel Conversions of Certain Powerplants - Prohibits the use of petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source after the 90th day following the enactment of this Act by any powerplant capable of converting to coal or other alternate fuel, without express exemption approved by the Secretary of Energy. Provides a procedure for procuring a stay of such prohibition pending consideration of such exemption. Limits the duration of any exemption to: (1) five years after its approval; or (2) December 31, 1985, whichever is later. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any owner or operator of any alternate fuel capable powerplant for up to 50 percent of any amounts paid or incurred after November 9, 1978, for the conversion of such powerplant from the use of petroleum to coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source. Disqualifies from eligibility for such a grant any powerplant for which an exemption is sought. Specifies grant application requirements. Excludes from the reasonable costs coverable by a grant any costs for real estate acquisition, or for facilities, equipment, or improvements which are not at the same site as the designated powerplant. Requires: (1) publication in the Federal Register of every such grant application upon receipt, with opportunity afforded for public comment; and (2) consultation by the Secretary with the Governor (or designee) of the State where the powerplant is located, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Conditions award of a grant upon assurances that the conversion of the powerplant involved will occur not later than December 31, 1985, or three years after grant approval. Prohibits payment of any grant funds to any State regulated utility unless the State regulatory authority has certified to the Secretary, and the Secretary is satisfied, that the base used for ratemaking purposes by such utility will be reduced by the amount of the grant. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any electric utility which owns or operates any existing electric powerplant using coal as a primary energy source, for any reasonable amounts paid or incurred after enactment for the design and installation of equipment and facilities for reducing the sulfur atmospheric pollutants emitted by such powerplant. Requires the Secretary to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of any application for such a grant and authorizes approval if approval has been recommended by the Administrator. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of sulfur removal systems for which grants are made. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any person for up to 20 percent of the reasonable costs paid or incurred for the design and installation of equipment and facilities for reducing the sulfur content of coal committed for use in any powerplant. Prohibits recovery after December 31, 1985, of any costs incurred by an electric utility for petroleum or natural gas used for certain powerplants by use of an automatic adjustment clause in its rate schedule, without express exemption by the Secretary. Title II: Additional Incentives for Reduction of Powerplant Use of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any electric utility for reasonable costs incurred after enactment in carrying out an approved fuel displacement plan. Limits the amount of a utility's grant to its pro rata share of the total appropriation for such grants, determined according to the ratio of: (1) the utility's base period fuel usage to (2) the estimated base period fuel usage of all electric utilities. Keys the obligation of approved grant amounts to any utility to the fuel reduction target established in its fuel displacement plan, depending on the percentage by which such target meets or falls short of such utility's pro rata share of a national fuel reduction goal of 600,000 barrels per day of petroleum and natural gas. Makes available additional grant amounts for any excess of such pro rata share. Sets a maximum grant ceiling of $4.00 per barrel of petroleum or natural gas conserved under the utility's fuel displacement plan. Specifies application and reporting requirements. Sets a minimum grant funds pay-out schedule of five years. Provides for recapture by the United States of funds paid out to any utility failing to meet the fuel displacement target established in its fuel displacement plan. Sets the period beginning January 1, 1974, and ending December 31, 1978, as the base period for purposes of determining base period fuel usage. Specifies factors for appropriate adjustments to the base period fuel usage. Specifies general contents of any fuel displacement plan. Requires prior approval of any such plan by the appropriate State regulatory authority in the case of a State regulated electric utility before the Secretary may approve. States that such prior approval shall be deemed to satisfy any State or local requirement that construction or operation of a new powerplant is permissible only if such facility is demonstrated to be needed because of an increase in demand for power. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires every electric utility which consumed 250,000 barrels or more of petroleum or natural gas per year between January 1, 1974, and December 31, 1978, to prepare a study of its fuel usage containing a 15-year forecast of: (1) the estimated costs of continuing to use petroleum or natural gas as a primary energy source; and (2) the total estimated cost of converting existing powerplants to coal or other alternate fuel use, constructing new plants using coal or other alternate fuel as a primary energy source, and implementing energy conservation programs to eliminate or reduce the use of petroleum and natural gas. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to any State agency which meets specified requirements of an Office of Consumer Services for the purpose of assisting consumers in making presentations directly related to the development and review of fuel displacement plans. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Specifies circumstances under which funds appropriated for the Economic Regulatory Administration of the Department of Energy may be used for program administration relating to this Act. Limits the making of grants under this Act to capital costs. Requires final action on grant applications within six months after filing. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as permitting any powerplant to delay or avoid compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Health Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Appropriation Authorizations - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for specified cancer, cardiovascular, lung, blood, and diabetes activities. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Diabetes Advisory Board through fiscal year 1981. Extends the expiration date of such Board to September 30, 1981. Authorizes appropriations for arthritis demonstration projects and data system for fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Extends the authorization of appropriations for multipurpose arthritis centers through fiscal year 1983. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Arthritis Advisory Board through fiscal year 1981. Extends the expiration date of such Board to September 30, 1981. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for rape prevention and control through fiscal year 1983. Title II: Revisions to Various Health Authorities - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the formula for the calculation of National Health Service Corps cost sharing. Raises the number of members composing the National Diabetes Advisory Board from 23 to 24. Adds the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or his or her designee as an ex officio member of such Board. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to eliminate specified rape prevention control reports and assistance. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to repeal the exemption from regulation as cosmetics of coal-tar hair dyes. Amends the Federal Security Agency Appropriation Act, 1946, to provide for advances to a specified service and supply fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Coal Pipeline Act of 1980 - Title I: Rights-of-Way - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, after consultation with the head of any Federal agency administering any Federal lands, to grant or renew rights-of-way across such Federal lands for the construction, operation, or extension of coal pipelines. Directs the Secretary to enter into interagency agreements with the heads of other Federal agencies administering Federal lands for the purpose of consolidating and expediting procedures for the granting of rights-of-way related to such Federal lands. Requires that a right-of-way granted or renewed by the Secretary follow the provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and abide by any other terms and conditions as the Secretary deems necessary both to carry out this Act and to protect the public interest in the lands traversed by and adjacent to such right-of-way. Provides that existing rights-of-way and pending proceedings relating thereto shall not be affected by the provisions of this Act except as specified. Prohibits the granting of any right-of-way across any Federal land which is part of a public park, recreation area, wilderness, wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or historic site unless no feasible alternatives exist and any potential harm to such site is to be minimized. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize any pipeline carrier providing coal transportation under a certificate issued under this Act to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission for approval of the acquisition by such carrier of a right-of-way for the construction and operation of a pipeline across any property or facility owned by a rail carrier providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Sets forth requirements concerning the approval of such applications. Prohibits the acquisition of any such right-of-way across any land (1) owned by the United States or by any State or any political subdivision thereof; (2) held in trust by the United States for an Indian or Indian tribe; or (3) owned by a regional or village corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act if such land was transferred to such corporation pursuant to such Act. States that nothing in these provisions is to be construed as permitting any person to acquire any water rights through the acquisition of a right-of-way as provided above. Prohibits the acquisition of any right-of-way across any land which is part of a historic site of national, State, or local significance, unless no feasible alternatives exist and any potential harm to such site is to be minimized. Title II: Certification and Regulation - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to add a new subchapter on coal pipeline carriers to the licensing provisions of such Act which authorizes the construction and operation of coal pipelines upon receipt of a certificate to transport coal issued by the Commission. Sets forth requirements for obtaining, and criteria for approving, applications submitted for such certificates. States that neither the issuance of such a certificate nor the designation of a person as a pipeline carrier of coal is to be construed as entitling such carrier to exercise the power of eminent domain under State law. Sets forth requirements relating to public notice and hearings which are to be necessary prerequisites to the issuance of such certificates. Sets forth terms and conditions to be contained in such certificates. Prohibits the Commission from issuing any certificate unless it has notified the Attorney General of the application for such certificate and has received his advice that such action would not be inconsistent with the antitrust laws. States that issuance of such certificate shall not be admissible as a defense in any antitrust action, nor shall it affect any private right of action under the antitrust laws. Prohibits a pipeline carrier which is issued a certificate under this title from controlling, being controlled by, or being under common control with any person who uses or will use coal transported by such carrier or supplies coal to such pipeline. Sets forth other limitations regarding the issuance of such certificates and provides exemptions thereto as specified. Provides for the protection of ground water and surface water resources where a certificate is issued for the transportation of coal by pipeline. Requires a carrier to file a bond, insurance policy, or other type of a security approved by the Commission as a prerequisite to the issuance of a certificate. Requires that an environmental impact statement meeting the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 be prepared prior to the issuance of a certificate. Sets forth provisions regarding abandonment and discontinuance of coal pipelines, transfer, merger, and acquisition transactions, employee protective arrangements in pipeline carrier abandonments and mergers, and pipeline carrier use of American materials. Amends the administrative provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act to direct the Commission, or a designated division thereof, to expedite hearings and proceedings on matters involving the application for a certificate and authorizes the Commission or such division to dispense with the initial decision requirement under such provisions in specified circumstances. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that when any State-regulated electric utility and a coal producer enter into any contract for the sale of coal, and such coal is to be transported by a pipeline carrier under a certificate issued under this Act, such electric utility shall file a copy of such contract with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the Commission's review of the reasonableness of the price charged for such coal, if it is determined that the coal producer is owned or controlled by such State regulated utility. Title III: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits the United States, its agents, permittees, or licensees from appropriating or using water within any State for use in a coal pipeline for which a certificate is issued or for which a right-of-way is granted under this Act unless the appropriate State laws or regulations are followed or as expressly provided by the Congress, except as specified. Sets forth other requirements relating to State water laws. Requires that, to the maximum extent practicable, all coal pipelines for which a certificate is issued shall be located underground, consistent with environmental protection, safety, and good engineering and technological practices. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations or orders establishing Federal minimum standards for the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of coal pipelines. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary, to bring a civil action to compel compliance with such regulations or orders. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of such regulations or orders. Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act and provides for congressional approval of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1980
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable John M. Slack, a Representative from the State of West Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act to increase from $100,000 to $500,000 the maximum amount which the Securities Investor Protection Corporation may distribute to a customer in the liquidation of a broker-dealer. Permits up to $100,000 of such amount (presently, $40,000) to be used to satisfy a claim for cash.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1980
Title I: Northeast Corridor - Northeast Corridor Redirection Act of 1980 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (the Act) to extend the time period within which: (1) regularly scheduled and dependable intercity rail passenger service is to be established between Boston and New York, and New York and Washington, D.C.; and (2) the Secretary of Transportation must submit to Congress an updated, comprehensive report on the financial and operating results of such service. Adds as a new goal of the Act, the elimination of congestion in rail traffic at the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel in Baltimore, Maryland. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Boston-Washington, D.C. passenger service required by the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire necessary real estate interests to effectuate the goals of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with cost-sharing State, local, or regional transportation authorities, providing for the Secretary to carry out such improvements and requiring reimbursement by the cost-sharing parties. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation excess real or personal property from the Northeast Corridor improvement project. Requires that such property be subject to the mortgage entered into pursuant to the Act. Declares that it shall be a goal of the Corporation to manage its operating costs, pricing policies, and other factors so that annual revenues derived from the operation of intercity rail passenger service over the Northeast Corridor route between Washington, D. C., and Boston, Massachusetts, shall equal or exceed the annual operating costs of providing such service. Establishes a goal of self-sufficiency for such intercity passenger service within five years of the completion of such project. Requires the Corporation to submit to the President for transmission to the Congress a report on the success of the Corporation in attaining such goal. Title II: National Rail Passenger Corridor Projects - National Rail Passenger Corridors Act of 1980 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to declare that it is the purpose of this title to provide for the development of high-speed intercity rail passenger service in corridors throughout the United States. Directs the Secretary, under such Act, to establish improvement projects in 13 specified rail passenger corridors. Sets forth a deadline for meeting specified service goals for such projects. Directs the Corporation to develop design and engineering plans for each corridor improvement project. Directs the Corporation to consult with the States and rail carriers to be affected by the provision of such rail passenger service. Authorizes the Corporation to undertake specified improvements in tracks and facilities. Directs the Corporation to acquire specified new equipment. Requires the Corporation to submit: (1) by January 1, 1981, a report to Congress concerning preliminary cost estimates of such improvement; and (2) by July 1, 1981, a report to Congress setting forth final estimates in regard to such costs in each corridor. Directs the Corporation to enter into contracts and agreements with other rail carriers for the improvement of such tracks and facilities. Authorizes the Corporation to apply to the Secretary for an order directing such rail carrier to make the requested improvements. Permits the Secretary to order such improvements under certain conditions and including specified terms. Directs the Secretary to use certain criteria in establishing compensation for such required improvements. Directs the Corporation, under certain conditions, to undertake improvements in service between corridors in order to maximize ridership. Directs the Corporation to report to the Secretary any deterioration suffered by a track improved under this title. Directs the Secretary to investigate such track and, if necessary, order the rail carrier which owns such track to make the appropriate repairs by a specified date. Sets forth a civil penalty and an affirmative defense for a failure to comply with such order of the Secretary. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct annual audits, using the records of the Corporation, and to report on each audit to Congress. Directs the Corporation to identify restrictions imposed by a State or local government on the speed of Amtrak trains and to consult with such governments for purposes of evaluating alternatives to such restrictions. Directs the Corporation to include in its annual report to Congress certain information with respect to each corridor improvement project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this title. Directs the Secretary, under specified conditions, to order a rail carrier to permit Amtrak trains over its lines for compensation agreed upon by the Corporation and such carrier or ordered by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Health Professions Education Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, Health, Education, and Welfare) to make capitation grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, public health, veterinary medicine, optometry pharmacy, podiatry, or nursing; (2) the Secretary's authority to make grants and loan guarantees for construction projects at such schools; (3) the Secretary's authority to make grants for start-up assistance to such schools; (4) the Secretary's authority to make training grants for United States students returning from foreign medical schools; (5) the requirement of annual or periodic reports to Congress on the National Health Service Corps Program, the N.H.S. Corps Scholarship Program, and on the administration and impact of nurse training grants on nurse manpower in the United States; and (6) the Secretary's authority to collect health professions data from other Federal, State, and local agencies. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization for: (1) financial distress grants to such schools; (2) grants for primary care support programs; (3) grants for nurse practitioner and physician assistant training programs; (4) grants for dental team practice programs; (5) the National Health Service Corps and the National Health Service Corps Scholarship program; (6) grants for area health education centers; (7) the scholarship and education assistance programs for the disadvantaged; (8) grants for special projects; and (9) loan insurance under the health education assistance and nursing student loan programs. Requires schools applying for a financial distress grant or contract to submit a plan addressing the financial and management problems leading to the need for such grant or contract, which the Secretary determines to have a reasonable likelihood of success. Allows the Secretary to make grants for general internal medicine and pediatrics programs including interns, residents, and practicing physicians. Requires schools or entities receiving a grant or contract for a nurse practitioner or physician assistant program to have appropriate mechanisms for placing graduates in positions for which they have been trained. Requires recipients of traineeship funds to commit themselves to service in a health manpower shortage area. Prescribes administrative penalties for breach of such commitments. Revises provisions for the release from service obligation of National Health Service Corps Scholarship recipients: (1) to eliminate the requirement of a sufficient financial base to sustain a private practice in a health manpower shortage area; and (2) to require at least two years of service in the Corps to make a Scholarship recipient eligible for a special grant to enter such private practice. Authorizes the President, in time of war or emergency, to declare Scholarship recipients military personnel during their period of obligated service. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States for development of plans for reducing geographical maldistribution of health professionals and for assignment of Corps personnel consistent with such plans. Requires any applicant for a special project grant to demonstrate that such project will be integrated into the core curriculum of the applicant's training program. Abolishes the National Advisory Council on Nurse Training. Raises from $7,500 to $10,000 the maximum annual total of Federally insured loans to a single individual student in a pharmacy school, and the aggregate insured unpaid principal of such loans per individual from $37,500 to $50,000. Repeals, with respect to the health education assistance and nursing student loan programs the: (1) prohibition on receipt of insured loans from other Federal, State, or local sources; and (2) 12 percent maximum annual interest rate on loans.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the United States Railway Association for the purpose of carrying out its administrative expenses under such Act for fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Rock Island Railroad Employee Assistance Act - Expresses Congressional findings regarding the provision of protection for the employees of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company. Provides for priority hiring of Rock Island employees by other railroads so long as it does not interfere with other carriers' equal employment obligations. Specifies that the rights afforded to Rock Island Railroad employees by this Act shall be coequal to Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company employees under the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act. Prescribes methods by which the Rock Island Railroad and labor organizations representing the employees of such railroad may enter into an agreement on labor protection for employees adversely affected as a result of a reduction in service by such railroad. Directs the parties, if unable to enter into an employee protection agreement within a specified period, to immediately submit the matter to the Interstate Commerce Commission. Requires that within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission impose upon the parties an arrangement with respect to employee protection, unless the Rock Island Railroad and the authorized representatives of its employees have entered into a labor protection agreement. Provides that any order of the Commission entered pursuant to such an agreement may not be stayed by any court and is appealable directly to an appropriate United States circuit court of appeals. Requires that such appeal shall be filed within five days after entry of the Commission's order, and that the court shall finally determine any such appeal within 60 days after it is filed. Prohibits any other court from reviewing such a determination by the court of appeals. Directs the court having jurisdiction over the reorganization of the Rock Island Railroad to direct the Railroad's trustee and the labor organizations representing the employees of the Railroad, to implement any employee protection arrangement imposed by the Commission. Requires that employee benefit or allowance claims under such agreements be filed with the Railroad Retirement Board. Directs the Board to determine the amount for which an employee is eligible and to certify such amount to the Rock Island Railroad for payment. Directs that such payments be made from the assets of the Rock Island Railroad and treated as administrative expenses of the estate of the Rock Island Railroad. Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) to make specified records available to the Board. Requires the Board to prepare lists of employees separated from employment to be made available on request to other rail carriers, and to maintain such lists through December 31, 1984. Allows an employee who elects to receive a separation allowance from the Rock Island Railroad under an employee protection agreement to receive from the Board reasonable expenses for training for new career opportunities. Sets forth eligibility requirements for such assistance. Prohibits any such assistance after April 1, 1984. Provides, generally, that an employee who receives assistance under an employee protection agreement or an arrangement entered into pursuant to this Act shall be deemed to waive any employee protection benefits otherwise available to such employee under the Bankruptcy Act or any other applicable contract or agreement. Authorizes appropriations for new career training assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Board to cover administrative expenses. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee obligations, not to exceed $75,000,000, of the Rock Island Railroad for purposes of providing employee protection. Orders such obligations to be treated as administrative expenses of the estate of the Rock Island Railroad. Limits to $75,000,000 the aggregate unpaid principal amount of obligations which may be guaranteed by the Secretary. Limits to $75,000,000 the total liability of the Rock Island Railroad in connection with benefits and allowances provided under employee protection agreements or arrangements entered into under this Act. Exempts transactions under this Act from the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs the Board to publish, within 45 days of this Act, and make available for distribution by the Rock Island Railroad to all eligible employees, a document which describes in detail the rights of such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Railroad Employee Protection Modification Act of 1980 - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, for labor protection for certain railroad employees, and to assist the Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail) in managing such employees in its work force. Amends such act to grant, to protected employees, a monthly displacement allowance for any calendar month within the period identified in this Act in which the employee is deprived of employment or is adversely affected as regards his/her compensation. Sets forth provisions for payment of such allowance. Specifies the duration of the monthly displacement allowance. Sets forth provisions for training and transfer of employees. Permits ConRail to offer a vacant position to not more than four protected non-contract employees. Directs ConRail to give such position to the protected employee accepting transfer whom ConRail considers to be best qualified for the particular position involved. Directs ConRail, the United States Railway Association, replacement operators, and acquiring railroads, as the case may be, to pay the allowances, expenses, and costs provided protected employees under this Act. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to reimburse ConRail, the Association, replacement operators, and acquiring railroads for such allowances, expenses, and costs up to an aggregate sum of $485,000,000. Limits the aggregate amount of such reimbursements to $180,000,000. Authorizes annual appropriations. Directs ConRail, the Association, replacement operators, and acquiring railroads to pay benefits otherwise reimbursable upon the exhaustion of such authorization. Authorizes appropriations for administrative expenses incurred by the Railroad Retirement Board and the Association. Directs the Association to audit the payment of benefits under this Act. Orders the Association to report to the Congress and the President within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. Sets forth technical amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Department of Energy Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1981 and 1982 - Civilian Applications - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for operating expenses and capital investment for fossil fuel programs related to coal, petroleum and enhanced gas recovery. Authorizes appropriations for specified fossil energy construction projects related to coal. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for energy supply research and development programs and specified projects related to solar energy, geothermal energy, nuclear fission, magnetic fusion, electric energy systems, energy storage systems, hydroelectric power, environment programs, and supporting research. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for specified conservation research and development programs. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for specified general science and research programs and projects. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for the uranium enrichment process development program. Authorizes appropriations for expenses of the geothermal resources development fund. Title II: Commercialization and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for expenses for specified renewable resources and conservation commercialization programs and related activities. Title III: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for expenses to the Economic Regulatory Administration, the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and for the energy information program and the strategic petroleum reserve program. Title IV: Power Marketing and Federal Leasing - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes appropriations for specified Federal leasing and fuel data gathering and analysis expenses. Title V: Nuclear Assessment, Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage and Commercial Waste Remedial Action - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for uranium resource assessment operating expenses and capital investment. Authorizes appropriations for spent nuclear fuel storage and remedial action programs. Title VI: Other Fossil Energy, Solar Energy, and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for expenses for other fossil energy, solar energy, and conservation activities programs. Title VII: Other Departmental Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for operating expenses and capital investment for specified uranium enrichment activities programs and projects. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for specified Department of Energy administrative activities programs and projects. Title VIII: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the Department of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Authorizes the expenditure of funds, not to exceed $3,843,250, for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Specifies that $93,250 of such funds are for the reimbursement of computer and computer-related services requested by such committee. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. Terminates the authorization granted by this resolution on January 3, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1980
Small Business Issuers' Simplification Act of 1980 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to allow small issuers to make offerings of their securities to accredited investors without filing a registration statement, provided there is no advertising or public solicitation in connection with the transaction. Permits an accredited investor who acquires securities in such a transaction to resell such securities to other accredited investors without filing a registration statement under the exemption for transactions not involving an underwriter. Defines the term "accredited investor" to include specified institutional investors and any person purchasing at least $100,000 of securities in such an offering by a small issuer. Requires a small issuer to meet two of the three following criteria in order to qualify for the exemption provided by this Act: (1) assets at the end of its fiscal year of less than $15,000,000; (2) gross revenues in each of its last two fiscal years of less than $30,000,000; and (3) no more than 500 shareholders of any class of its securities. Empowers the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise the definitions and criteria established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Rock Island Railroad Transition Act - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to continue directed service over any line of the Rock Island Railroad over which directed service was provided on February 6, 1980 for a period of 60 days. Permits the Commission to extend such service for an additional 30-day period over any line that is the subject of a bona fide offer of purchase. Permits the Commission to extend service for yet an additional 30-day period over any line to which there is a binding contract for purchase that has not been approved by the Commission and the bankruptcy court. Directs the Commission to expedite proceedings involving the Rock Island Railroad. Prohibits the stay of any order or decision of the Commission regarding such railroad. Permits the appeal of such decision to the bankruptcy court or to any other court. Requires final decision from such appeal within 60 days. Grants employees of the Rock Island Railroad the first right of hire by any other rail carrier for all but specified vacancies. Entitles employees who must move to secure such employment to moving expenses, closing costs, and reimbursement for losses incurred in canceling a lease. Entitles specified employees of the Rock Island Railroad to supplementary unemployment insurance for a specified period. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to prepare and maintain a list of separated employees to be made available to other rail carriers upon request. Entitles specified separated employees to receive from the Board expenses for training in qualified institutions for new career opportunities. States that any employee of the Rock Island Railroad who receives assistance under this Act shall not be eligible for the employee protection benefits otherwise available under the Bankruptcy Act or any applicable contract or agreement. Requires entitled employees to elect which benefits to receive by April 1, 1981. Requires the Board to establish procedures for applying for benefits, to publish a document for distribution by the Rock Island Railroad to all its employees detailing the rights of such employees pursuant to this Act, and to make semiannual reports to Congress describing its activities. Permits any State to purchase, lease, or operate a line of railroad, and to grant or loan funds to a rail career. Exempts the provisions of this Act from the provisions of the National Environmental Policy and the Energy Policy and Conservation Acts. Authorizes appropriations to effectuate the provisions of this Act. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to purchase specified redeemable preference shares or trustee certificates as necessary to facilitate the purchase of properties of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company by other railroads to be used for common carrier rail service up to a specified amount. Directs the Secretary to guarantee the payment of specified obligations of a public entity applicant if the proceeds of such obligations will be used to acquire or to rehabilitate and improve any line of the Rock Island Railroad up to a specified amount. Increases the obligations ceiling for guaranteeing such obligations. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to authorize appropriations to provide financial assistance for approved State rail freight assistance projects involving the provision of rail freight service by a State or its instrumentality over any line of railroad owned by such State or instrumentality. Terminates the period during which the provisions of the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act governing directed service on the Milwaukee Railroad shall supersede like provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1978.
![Official portrait of Rep. Staggers, Harley O. [D-WV-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000778_200.jpg)