United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Nuclear Antiproliferation Act - Declares it United States policy: (1) to pursue the establishment of international controls of nuclear equipment, material, and technology, (2) to enhance the reliability of the United States as a supplier of nuclear fuels, (3) to encourage ratification of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, (4) to aid other nations in identification and adaptation of appropriate energy production technology, and (5) to enhance international safeguards. Title I: United States Initiatives for International Nuclear Cooperation - Declares that the United States shall seek stronger and more comprehensive commitments to anti-proliferation principles. Directs the President to seek commitments by all nations to certain non-proliferation objectives: (1) to prevent the use of nuclear material, equipment, or technology by any non-nuclear weapon state for any nuclear explosive device, (2) to achieve universal application of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, (3) to establish adequate security measures, (4) to restrict nuclear transfers, (5) to restrain the spread of nuclear fuel reprocessing or uranium enrichment facilities, (6) to prevent the spread of nuclear explosive devices to non-nuclear weapon states, and (7) to protect the environment from radioactive, chemical, or thermal contamination from nuclear activities. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to establish a safeguards and physical security training program for people from nations receiving nuclear material, equipment, or technology. Directs the President to establish an international fuel cycle evaluation program, emphasizing alternatives to an economy based on separation of pure plutonium or the presence of high enriched uranium and problems related to spent fuel storage. Title II: United States Initiatives to Strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency - Declares the United States to be committed to (1) strengthening the IAEA, and (2) a comprehensive nuclear safeguards system administered by that agency by (1) furnishing technical resources, support, and funding, (2) contributions for safeguard implementation, (3) assuring resources to carry out the statute of the IAEA, (4) improving the safeguard system, (5) assuring that the IAEA has the data to administer the safeguards program and that the IAEA gives notice to the world community of safeguards violations and (6) devising environmentally sound methods of nuclear facilities management. Directs the Department of Commerce, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in consultation with the Department of State and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, to develop methods and standards for the nuclear materials safeguard system of IAEA and other nations receiving assistance under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Title III: United States Initiatives for Assuring Adequate Nuclear Fuel Supply - Declares that the United States shall furnish a reliable supply of nuclear fuel to nations adhering to policies of nonproliferation of nuclear explosive devices. Directs the President to determine uranium enrichment needs for international needs. Title IV: Agreements for Cooperation - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to criteria for nuclear cooperation with other nations. Requires agreements for cooperation to include safeguard guarantees for the transfer of nuclear material and equipment. Imposes IAEA safeguards for nuclear materials as a condition for continued United States nuclear supply. Prohibits any material or technology transferred under such agreement or special nuclear material produced in a facility transferred pursuant to a cooperation agreement from being used for any nuclear explosive device. Stipulates that United States cooperation under such agreement will cease if the cooperating party detonates a nuclear explosive device (except for cooperation for military use of atomic energy or for cooperation with a nuclear-weapon state). Prohibits the transfer of nuclear material or restricted data furnished under such agreement without the consent of the United States. Requires that such agreements guarantee adequate physical security of any material transferred or produced thereunder. Requires a guarantee that material transferred or produced under such an agreement: (1) will be stored in facilities approved by the United States, and (2) will not be reprocessed without the prior approval of the United States, except for agreements for military uses or certain agreements for cooperation through the Department of Defense. Requires civil cooperation agreements to guarantee that any nuclear material or facility produced or constructed within the territory of the cooperating party, using nuclear technology transferred thereunder, to be subject to all guarantees required under such agreements. Exempts military use agreements and agreements through the Department of Defense from the foregoing requirement. Requires the cooperating party to report to the United States the status of nuclear material inventories. Permits the President to exempt a proposed agreement from any of the foregoing requirements upon a determination that such requirement would prejudice United States non-proliferation objectives or defense and security. Sets forth procedures for the negotiation and approval of such agreements, including the requirement that a proposed agreement be submitted to the President with an unclassified Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement. Sets forth procedures for military agreements and agreements with the Department of State. Prohibits execution of such an agreement unless the President has approved it and has determined that it will promote common defense and security. Sets forth procedures for submission of nuclear cooperation agreements to Congress. Limits the foregoing requirements and procedures of this chapter to agreements entered into after the effective date of this Act. Directs the President (1) to initiate negotiations to make the foregoing requirements of this chapter applicable to agreements already in existence, and (2) to seek international agreements to establish these requirements as nuclear export guidelines. Withholds jurisdiction from any court to compel the performance or review of any Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement required under this Act. Title V: Export Licensing Responsibilities - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to restrict the authority of the Energy Research and Development Administration to distribute special nuclear material to foreign nations to no more than 500 grams per year to any recipient for laboratory supplies or for emergency situations. Amends the prohibition against the manufacture of special nuclear material outside the United States to permit such manufacture when authorized by the Energy Research and Development Administration rather than by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Requires that such authorization be made after consultation with the Department of State, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Requires protection of trade secrets or proprietary information of any applicant for such authorization. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require that issuance of an export license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission be preceded by notification by the Secretary of State that (1) such license will not be inimical to the common defense and security, and (2) the recipient has agreed to adhere to the criteria for nuclear exports. Sets forth procedures for such determination. Directs the Commission to issue regulations for nuclear export licensing, which shall be the exclusive basis for export licensing proceedings. Declares that no person has a right to an on-the-record hearing in such proceeding. Adopts criteria governing United States nuclear exports which include IAEA safeguards required by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; prohibitions against the use of such exports for any nuclear explosive device; adequate physical security measures; United States approval of any retransfer; and prohibition against reprocessing. Prohibits nuclear export licensing or distribution if the recipient (1) detonates a nuclear device, (2) terminates IAEA safeguards, or (3) is found by the President to have violated an IAEA safeguard agreement. Permits the President to authorize such export when the Commission does not issue a license because it cannot make statutory determinations required by the Atomic Energy Act when the President determines that to withhold such export would jeopardize objectives of nonproliferation, defense, and security. Permits congressional disapproval of an Executive order authorizing such export. Establishes additional licensing criteria, effective 18 months after enactment of this Act, which apply IAEA safeguards to all peaceful nuclear activities under the jurisdiction of the nation receiving such nuclear export. Prohibits the licensing for export of certain quantities of enriched uranium or plutonium unless Congress is given prior notice that such export is not inimical to common defense and security. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the current standards for nuclear export licensing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Directs the Commission to determine which components of nuclear facilities and other items or substances are relevant to export control because of their significance for nuclear explosive purposes. Prohibits the export of such components, items, or substances without a license issued by the Commission. Sets forth criteria and procedures for such licensing. Directs the President to publish procedures for the control by the Department of Commerce of the export items which are significant for nuclear explosive purposes, other than those controlled by the Commission. Prohibits the export of nuclear materials for enrichment unless such enrichment is permitted by the applicable agreement for cooperation. Title VI: Executive Branch Reporting - Directs the President (1) to review all governmental activities relating to the non-proliferation of nuclear explosive devices, and (2) to report annually to Congress on such activities. Directs the President to submit to Congress an analysis of each civil agreement for nuclear cooperation. Requires reports to Congress by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration to include views and recommendations on United States nuclear non-proliferation policies and activities and an analysis of the nonproliferation implications of enrichment and reprocessing techniques. Requires the Department of State, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the Department of Commerce, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to report their non-proliferation activities to Congress. Title VII: Definitions and Savings Provisions - Defines terms for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Civil Rights Amendments Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based of affectional or sexual preference in: (1) public accommodations; (2) public facilities; (3) public education; (4) federally assisted opportunities; (5) equal employment opportunities; (6) housing; and (7) educational programs receiving Federal assistance. Prohibits quotas, or determinations of discrimination based upon statistics.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Exempts courses which lead to a standard college degree from the "85-15" rule whereby the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs is required to disapprove enrollment of any eligible veteran, not already enrolled, in any course offered by an educational institution where more than 85 percent of the students enrolled have their fees paid by either the Veterans' Administration or the institution itself. Limits application of the "85-15" rule to proprietary (that is, private) profit or proprietary nonprofit educational institutions. Grants the Administrator discretion to permit a veteran or an eligible person to continue a course of training, without mitigating circumstances, for a reasonable length of time beyond the approved length for the course before progress will be considered unsatisfactory. Consolidates existing provisions of title 38, United States Code, relating to the certification of courses required before educational assistance allowances will be paid to otherwise eligible veterans or eligible persons. Exempts from the required two-year minimum of operation prior to approval: (1) any course which is available only to active duty military personnel, civilian employees of the military departments, and dependents of such personnel and employees; (2) any course meeting general criteria of past compliance with regulations, specified academic standards, a 50-percent placement rate (if vocational), and recommendation by the appropriate State approving agency, if the Administrator determines such course should be approved; and (3) any course offered by a branch or extension of an approved institution if the course is identical to a course offered at the main campus of the institution. Prohibits, as of December 1, 1976, the execution of a power of attorney, by an educational assistance allowance payee, giving an attorney-in-fact authority to negotiate a benefit check.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
International Safe Container Act - Requires that all containers used in international transport meet minimum safety standards and other requirements as prescribed by the International Convention for Safe Containers. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations regarding (1) procedures to revoke approval and to invalidate safety approval plates on containers which no longer meet the requirements of the Convention or this Act; (2) fees to be charged for services associated with the approval and examination of containers; (3) initial approval of containers or container designs to meet the safety standards of the Convention; (4) the authorizing and attaching of safety approval plates; and (5) periodic examinations of approved containers to assure continued compliance with Convention safety standards. Authorizes the Secretary to issue detention orders for containers not having valid safety approval plates. Establishes civil penalties for moving containers in violation of a detention order. Prohibits discrimination against employees who have reported the existence of an unsafe container or who have reported violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, to propose amendments to the Convention or to request a conference to amend the Convention. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to modify the application of this Act with respect to cargoes of military significance moving in response to an emergency situation in containers aboard transportation assets owned by, controlled by, or under contract to the United States Government. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Stocks Management and Reserve Act -- Title I: Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, maintain and dispose of a separate reserve of wheat, corn and other enumerated feed grains through storage contracts with producers. Limits such reserves to no less than 25 million tons nor more than 35 million tons. Specifies how the Secretary may establish such reserves through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to set the loan level per bushel of wheat at $2.25 for the 1977 crop and $2.35 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets the loan level per bushel of corn at $1.75 for the 1977 crop and $2.00 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets a formula for the adjustment of the respective loan rates under specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to set a fair and reasonable loan level on each crop of barley, oats, and rye. Title III: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to authorize the President (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves to provide for humanitarian food relief needs, and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve, as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system, to be made available in the event of food emergencies in foreign countries. Requires for such reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement. Requires periodic rotation of such stocks to avoid spoilage and deterioration.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Amendments - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to revise interagency coordination procedures with respect to fish and wildlife conservation for approval of federally assisted projects for the impoundment, diversion, or control of waters. Extends requirements under such Act to: (1) projects on the Continental shelf; (2) projects for offshore mineral development; and (3) projects by wholly owned Government corporations. Requires the Federal department or agency carrying out the project: (1) to ascertain the probable effect of the project on fish and wildlife through consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the State agencies having administrative authority concerning the affected fish and wildlife; (2) to request a report of the views, objections, and recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the State agency on such project concerning the conservation, development, and improvement of fish and wildlife in connection with such projects; (3) to give public notice of consideration of any project under this provision; and (4) to provide an opportunity for public participation in the planning of such project. Requires that any written report made by the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, or the State agency on such project be based on the studies and findings of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the State fish and wildlife agency with respect to the effects of the project, the means to prevent or minimize fish and wildlife loss, and the need for additional preconstruction and postconstruction investigations. Prohibits any Federal agency from using monetary estimates of wildlife losses as primary justification for adopting or rejecting a recommendation in such a report. Requires the appropriate Federal agency to give full consideration to such reports. Prohibits such agency from carrying out, financing, authorizing, or seeking authorization of such a project until the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the concerned State agencies have been advised of the disposition of each recommendation and have concurred in such disposition. Declares that failure of the Secretaries and the State to respond within 90 days of the receipt of such notification shall be deemed concurrence. Authorizes the affected agency to proceed after receiving a negative report from either the Secretaries or the State after detailing reasons for the rejection of specific recommendations and, if requested by the State fish and wildlife agency, holding a public hearing on such rejection. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, or State agency if a lack of concurrence persists, to furnish Congress with a statement of the specific issues and recommendations which are the subject of the disagreement. Sets forth the procedure in case of any project subject to Federal permit or license where modification of project plans or operation is recommended by either of the Secretaries or the State agency. Directs that the cost of: (1) preventing, mitigating, and compensating fish and wildlife loss; (2) enhancing facilities for anadromous fish; and (3) maintaining wetland enhancement measures be funded by the Federal department or agency constructing the project. Directs the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the State fish and wildlife agency to consider the need for postconstruction evaluation and modification in recommendations made by such agencies. Requires that all reports, findings, and determinations made under such Act be made promptly available to the public. Requires the Federal department or agency carrying out projects under such Act: (1) to transfer to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service funds necessary to carry out studies and investigations; and (2) to include requests for estimated funds necessary to carry out such studies and reports in the budgetary requests for each fiscal year. Repeals exemptions from such procedures for water impoundment projects where the maximum surface area is less than ten acres or for programs primarily for land management. Directs any Federal agency which is carrying out a water project to provide the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, and, where appropriate, the State fish and wildlife agency, with an annual report with respect to: (1) means to prevent, mitigate, or compensate fish and wildlife loss; and (2) progress made in the fish and wildlife features of such project. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transmit such reports, with comments, to Congress. Directs the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, or the State fish and wildlife agency, to transmit to the Federal department or agency carrying out a water project a report of any postconstruction evaluation and recommendations. Authorizes such Federal department or agency to implement such recommendations. Requires such agency to report to Congress the response to such recommendations. Directs that revenue from the operation of such waters, lands, or interests, be made available to such State agency or the Secretary of the Interior to supplement project funds for fish and wildlife management. Specifies the information required in reports for the acquisition of waters, land, and interests therein by Federal agencies for fish and wildlife components of such Federal construction projects which the Secretary of the Interior is required to submit to Congress. Permits a citizen to bring a civil action in a district court of the United States against persons or governmental instrumentalities for violation of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act or regulations issued thereunder, or against any Federal department or agency for failure to perform its duties under such Act. Declares that the jurisdiction of the district court shall be without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship. Sets forth notice costs to any party other than a Federal agency or department. Repeals requirements for notification of the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to wildlife components of watershed flood protection projects. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits Government use of any limousine, use of any Government motor vehicle to transport any official between his place of employment and his dwelling place, and Government employment of any chauffeur. Excepts from this Act limousines for the President, Ambassadors, and specified other persons whose personal safety depends upon the use of such limousines.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Small Hydroelectric Power Projects Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to establish a program of grants and low-interest loans to assist in the development of small hydroelectric power projects by municipalities, electric cooperatives, industrial development agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other persons. Details procedures and eligibility criteria for such financial assistance programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 per fiscal year for grants under this Act and $50,000,000 per fiscal year for loans under this Act, for each of the fiscal years through fiscal year 1980. Revises licensing requirements to reduce the maximum annual charges for licenses involving Government dams issued after December 31, 1975, to $1 per kilowatt of installed capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Act - Establishes the Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Administration headed by a Director who shall be a permanent member of the National Security Council. Requires the Director to establish within the Administration the Offices of Disaster Assistance, Emergency Preparedness, and Program Evaluation, and an Emergency Information Center. Requires the Administration to implement and coordinate all Federal disaster assistance and emergency preparedness programs; develop policies with respect to industrial mobilization and economic readiness for emergencies relating to the national defense, undertake research and development to improve programs under its cognizance six; and to gather data on natural, economic, and other phenomena for predicting and planning for industrial and economic mobilization and emergencies and disasters. Directs the Director to make such collected data available to the public and to provide such data to States and localities on a regular basis. Requires the heads of Federal agencies with jurisdiction over any program relating to emergency preparedness or disaster assistance to report annually to the Director on the status of such program. Requires the Director to coordinate such programs with States and localities participating in or applying for such assistance. Transfers to the Administration the functions and authorities of specified agencies respecting programs within the Administration's jurisdiction. Requires the Administration to report annually to Congress. Extends until September 30, 1980, the termination dates of specified provisions of the Federal Civil Defense Act, including those which empower the President to declare a civil defense emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Designates the Veterans' Administration hospital located at 200 Springs Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, as the "Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital."
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Franchising Termination Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute, upon request and without cost, up to three packages of seeds per household for use in home gardening to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Authorizes an appropriation of $6,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Limits the duration of this Act to three years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any or contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer taken by him or her within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency has been terminated. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer of any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Directs the President to review United States policies and practices with respect to arms shipments to South Africa and to insure that such policies and practices are consistent with obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution to prevent shipment of arms and related items which might contribute to apartheid in South Africa. Requires the President to report on such review to Congress and to explain the licensing of "nonmilitary weapons" for shipment to South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Exempts courses which lead to a standard college degree from the "85-15" rule whereby the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs is required to disapprove enrollment of any eligible veteran, not already enrolled, in any course offered by a proprietary profit or proprietary nonprofit educational institution where more than 85 percent of the students enrolled have their fees paid by either the Veterans' Administration or the institution itself. Revises the application of rules governing the two-year period a course must be in operation before enrollment of eligible veterans or persons can be approved.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of moneys to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such person's guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or government entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1978. Sets forth the authorized end strength for active duty personnel and prescribes the average military student loads for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Stipulates that the obligated balances against appropriations for use by the Coast Guard for operation and maintenance and Reserve training purposes for the two preceeding fiscal years shall be merged with the current appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to authorize the Administrator of General Services to assign surplus Federal real property to the Secretary of Commerce for disposal of such property at not less than 25 percent of the fair market value to States and local areas threatened by unemployment as a result of the closing of Federal facilities. Requires that such property be used by the transferees for economic development purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Directs the President to review United States policies and practices with respect to arms shipments to South Africa and to insure that such policies and practices are consistent with obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution to prevent shipment of arms and related items which might contribute to apartheid in South Africa. Requires the President to report on such review to Congress and to explain the licensing of "nonmilitary weapons" for shipment to South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Electric Utility Act Title I: Improving Efficiency of, and Preserving Competition in, Generation and Transmission of Electricity - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to take additional action to increase the transmission capacity of electric generating facilities. Requires the use of central dispatch generating systems in all areas where technologically and economically feasible. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages of electric energy and to accommodate such shortages in a manner designed to insure continuity of service to retail and wholesale customers. Establishes preliminary proceedings on proposed new utility rate schedules to allow the Commission to authorize such schedules on an interim basis. Prohibits utilities from proposing rate increases while the Commission has pending before it a schedule filed by the same utility, except under extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in rate schedules without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Requires review of legitimate automatic adjustment clauses by the Commission at least every two years. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Authorizes the Commission to review plans for operation of bulk power facilities and to require that such facilities be constructed in a manner consistent with antitrust laws. Directs the Commission to prescribe standards of electric utility reliability. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules encouraging the cogeneration of electric energy with other forms of energy. Revises the prohibition against interlocking directorates contained in such Act to include additional occupations which may not be held by officers or directors of public utilities without approval by the Commission. Title II: Coordination of Planning of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Title III: Improving Efficiency of Use of Electricity - Limits the applicability of the provisions of this title to sales of electric energy by electric utilities for purposes other than resale. Establishes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utility rates. Stipulates that such rates shall reflect actual costs of providing electric service to each consumer class. Authorizes lower rates for electric energy for essential needs of residential electric consumers, as defined by the State regulatory authority. Stipulates that promotional, political, or institutional advertising costs incurred by public utilities, with specified exceptions, shall not be chargeable to electric consumers. Authorizes electric utilities to recover reasonable costs incurred for pollution control facilities from electric consumers. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in State-regulated electric utility rates without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Stipulates that automatic adjustment clauses shall be subject to review by the State regulatory authority at least every two years. Requires State regulated electric utilities to promptly implement alternative load management techniques which have been determined to be practicable and cost-effective. Requires such utilities to inform electric consumers of existing rate schedules on and annual basis. Requires notification within 30 days of any proposed changes in rate schedules. Requires such utilities to furnish data on amount of actual electric energy consumption upon request by a specific consumer. Imposes minimum procedures upon such utilities to be followed prior to termination of electric service. Stipulates that nonregulated utilities shall be subject to the same requirements imposed by this title upon State-regulated utilities. Prohibits any rate increases by electric utilities except in accordance with such requirements. Establishes procedures for administration and enforcement of the provisions of this title. Authorizes State regulatory agencies or electric consumers to intervene in any proceeding under this title. Title IV: Consumer Representation and Assistance to State Agencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions to: (1) improve staffing; (2) encourage the development of innovative rate structures; and (3) to provide for programs to meet requirements with respect to participation in proceedings. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 per fiscal year for improved staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per fiscal year for each of the remaining purposes of this title. Establishes procedures for equitable allotment of sums appropriated under this title among the States in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an independent Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission to represent consumer interests in proceeding before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Office: $500,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $2,400,000 for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes compensation of other parties in Commission proceedings whose views might not otherwise be adequately represented without such assistance. Stipulates that the total amount of such assistance shall not exceed $2,000,000 to all persons in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that should import relief actions taken by the President not provide limits on footwear imported into the United States which would maintain a viable domestic nonrubber footwear industry, then the House should disapprove the President's import relief action on nonrubber footwear of April 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Unvouchered Expenditure Control Act - Prohibits the expenditure of Federal moneys, not otherwise provided for by law, which are not made pursuant to procedures providing for a voucher describing the payee and items or services for which payment is being made. Requires all appropriations, not made under a law which provides otherwise, to provide for voucher requirements for expending such moneys appropriated. Requires the Comptroller General to audit all programs subject to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to assist States and localities in the construction, purchase, and installation of solar energy systems in new and existing public buildings and facilities. Stipulates that such grants shall be in an amount of up to 50 percent of the incremental cost of such systems. Establishes procedures and criteria for submission and approval of projects under this Act. Requires preparation of an energy use analysis for each proposal. Authorizes technical and related services to States and localities with respect to project proposals. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, within five years of the date of enactment of this Act, to establish standards for solar energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited, nonrefundable income tax credits for individuals who: (1) install qualified insulation in their residences; (2) install qualified solar heating and cooling equipment in dwelling units used by them, or leased to others as residences; (3) replace the heating system in any dwelling with a reversible, compressible refrigerant system (i.e., a heat pump system); or (4) purchase personal or family electric highway vehicles between 1976 and 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Arms Control and Disarmament Act Amendments - Authorizes the President to appoint a Special Representative for Arms Control and Disarmament Negotiations. Authorizes the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to make arrangements for studies of arms control and disarmament by foreign countries as well as the United States. Amends the security requirements with respect to restricted data, under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, to require approval by the Director for access to such data. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Establishes, in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell National Cultural Park consisting of a preservation zone and an intensive use zone. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish the boundaries of such zones. Permits the Secretary to either enter into cooperative agreements with property owners to preserve and maintain property within the park or to acquire such property within the intensive use zone by purchase or condemnation if the parties have failed to reach an agreement through negotiation. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Federal agencies or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for firefighting, law enforcement or other specified assistance. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a park management plan and to establish standards applicable to the construction and use of properties within the intensive use zone. Requires any Federal agency conducting activities affecting the park to conform to such standards. Establishes the Lowell National Cultural Park Advisory Commission to advise the Secretary on the boundaries of the park and the development and use of properties and activities within the park.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Sludge Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the environmental, health, and economic effects of subsurface landfilling sludge on soils and ground water, and alternate methods of sludge disposal. Directs the Administrator to develop guidelines for sludge disposal and land-spreading in order to protect the public health and welfare. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States and localities of up to 40 percent of the cost of removal of sludge from navigable waters of the United States or any adjacent shoreline. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Protection Agency Task Force on sludge removal. Authorizes the establishment of programs of training, demonstration, and surveys relating to the restoration of water quality where degraded by sludge. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit grants for treatment works, after September 30, 1976, unless the applicant demonstrates that adequate confined disposal methods will be provided.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans repayable in not more than three years to small business concerns which have been adversely affected by an extraordinary, local economic or weather condition. Permits the SBA to allow the deferral of repayment of such loans for a period not to exceed one year where it determines such action would be appropriate. Permits the SBA to assume or suspend, for a period not to exceed five years, any small business concern's obligation only if the small business concern would otherwise become insolvent or remain insolvent or if, with the assumption or suspension, the small business concern would become or remain a viable business entity. Sets forth the acceptable terms of payment for such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Gives Congressional endorsement to the efforts of the United States Delegation to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea to achieve a multilateral treaty which articulates the principle that deep seabed resources are the common heritage of all people and should be utilized with a view to distributing revenues to all countries. Endorses particularly the establishment of an International Seabed Authority to regulate such a system.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Repeals all the price support and marketing provisions relating to tobacco of the Agricultural Act of 1949, the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, and related laws. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation, under its Charter Act, from exercising any of its specified powers with respect to tobacco.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Export Administration Amendments - Title I: Export Administration Improvements and Extension - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to extend the authority granted by such Act to September 30, 1978. Requires that appropriations to carry out the Export Administration Act of 1969 be specifically authorized by Congress for each fiscal year after October 1, 1977. Authorizes the appropriation of $14,033,000 to the Department of Commerce to carry out this Act. Revises the criteria for imposition of export controls for national security purposes. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to assign priority to such controls. Revises the authority of the President to impose export controls for national security purposes without regard to the availability of the controlled articles from sources other than the United States in order to require the President to predicate the imposition of controls on articles available from other sources upon a determination that absence of such a control would be detrimental to the national security of the United States. Revises the policy for control of exports for national security purposes under such Act to redefine "controlled country" as a country to which exports are controlled for national security purposes. Amends such Act to permit agricultural commodities purchased by or for a foreign country to remain in the United States free of quantitative limitations on exports, upon approval by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, and under regulations for such export which the Secretary of Commerce is herein authorized to issue. Permits Congressional disapproval of any action by the President under such regulations to prohibit or curtail agricultural exports. Specifies that any export license application under such Act shall be deemed approved within 90 days of its receipt unless disapproved or unless the applicant is notified that additional time is required for the decision. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to study technical data exports and their effects upon the national security or foreign policy of the United States, and to submit a report of such study to Congress. Amends such Act to exclude petroleum products refined in United States foreign-trade zones, or Guam, from foreign crude oil export controls to prevent excessive drain of scarce materials except if the Secretary of Commerce finds that such products are in short supply and issues regulations herein authorized to limit such exports. Prohibits the exportation of horses by sea for slaughter. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to account for technical assistance and technical advisory committees in semiannual reports to Congress under such Act. Requires the Secretary to review regulations under such Act in order to report to Congress on simplification of such regulations. Increases the terms of persons on such committees. Increases the fine for violations of such Act to $25,000 for the first offense and to $50,000 for a subsequent offense. Increases the fine for prohibited exports to Communist- dominated nations to $50,000. Increases the civil penalty for such violation of such Act to $10,000. Permits suspension of the payment of export licensing penalties for a probationary period. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to stipulate that such Act shall not be construed as authority for withholding information from Congress. Requires the President to make every reasonable effort to reduce aid to international terrorists before resorting to export controls for that purpose. Amends the requirements for reports to Congress and to the President under such Act by appropriate departments or agencies to specify information to be included in such reports and to require semiannual rather than quarterly reports. Requires a special report to Congress by the President on multilateral export controls, and a special report to Congress by the Secretary of Commerce with respect to modification of unilateral and multilateral export control lists. Authorizes the President, acting through the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor and the International Trade Commission, to study the domestic economic impact of industrial technology the export of which requires a license under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Title II: Foreign Boycotts - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to direct the President to promulgate regulations (1) to prohibit any United States person from supporting any boycott by a foreign country against any country friendly to the United States; and (2) to require the reporting of requests for such compliance to the Secretary of Commerce. Permits the suspension or revocation of the authority of any United States person to export as a penalty for violation of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Ocean Dumping Amendments Act -- Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the issuance of interim permits through December 31, 1981, for ocean dumping without regard to preexisting criteria. Limits such interim authorizations to persons already engaged in dumping of similar materials prior to the enactment of the Act, and where such person has no feasible alternative for disposal other than ocean dumping. Stipulates that such interim permits shall be reviewable on an annual basis. Requires that holders of interim permits expend adequate funds for research into alternate methods of material disposal, subject to conditions specified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protections Agency. Requires applicants for permits to pay a processing fee for administrative costs directly incurred in the processing of permits. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to reduce or eliminate the dumping of radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agents or high-level radioactive wastes into ocean waters. Repeals various authorities of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to evaluation of substantive programs of other agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act - Title I: Franchise Protection - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or failing to renew a franchise unless specified conditions exist. Enumerates the basis upon which a franchisor may terminate or fail to renew a franchise. Exempts trial franchises from the requirements of this Act. Requires that 90 days advance notice of termination or nonrenewal be made in writing and delivered to the franchisee. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to publish in the Federal Register a summary of this Act. Authorizes civil actions in a United States district court against any franchisor who violates any requirement of this Act. Provides for the preemption of State laws unless such law is the same as the applicable provisions of this Act. Title II: Octane Disclosure - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish testing procedures for the determination of the octane rating of automotive gasoline; (2) establish requirements applicable to refiners with respect to the testing of automotive gasoline; (3) establish a certification procedure applicable to the distribution of automotive gasoline; and (4) establish requirements applicable to retailers of gasoline with respect to display of the octane rating of automotive gasoline at the point of sale. Prohibits any person who distributes automotive gasoline from making representations respecting the octane rating of gasoline unless the gasoline has been tested in accordance with the procedures established by the Federal Trade Commission. Grants to the Commission the procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers necessary to make effective the rules required to be prescribed. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the rules prescribed by this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the rules prescribed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Accelerated Depreciation Allowance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to elect accelerated amortization (twice the allowable depreciation deduction) for manufacturing property placed in service in States having an unemployment rate which is greater than six percent between October 1, 1976 and October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Requires that Federal agencies prepare energy consumption analysis prior to construction or renovation of public buildings. Details information and evaluations to be included in each such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of a nationwide program to prevent adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research for advice on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners of water rights under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to act. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimization of disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the mine site and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000 per fiscal year; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for the next four years. Stipulates that no new budget authority for fiscal year 1977 is authorized by the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Extends until October 1, 1980, the appropriation authorizations for the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge in California. Extends until October 1, 1980, appropriation authorizations for the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina and increases appropriations to $21,100,000 for fiscal years 1978-1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Ocean Dumping Amendments Act -- Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the issuance of interim permits through December 31, 1981, for ocean dumping without regard to preexisting criteria. Limits such interim authorizations to persons already engaged in dumping of similar materials prior to the enactment of the Act, and where such person has no feasible alternative for disposal other than ocean dumping. Stipulates that such interim permits shall be reviewable on an annual basis. Requires that holders of interim permits expend adequate funds for research into alternate methods of material disposal, subject to conditions specified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protections Agency. Requires applicants for permits to pay a processing fee for administrative costs directly incurred in the processing of permits. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to reduce or eliminate the dumping of radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agents or high-level radioactive wastes into ocean waters. Repeals various authorities of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to evaluation of substantive programs of other agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act, with respect to approval for the transfer of defense articles, training, or services under that Act, to delay the effective date of such approval until the end of the first period of 30 days of continuous Congressional session after the President has certified the proposed transfer to Congress, unless Congress disapproves such transfer by concurrent resolution within that period. Permits such proposed transfer to become effective immediately if the President certifies to Congress that a state of emergency exists which requires such transfer in the national security interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Campaign Financing Act -- Title I: Public Financing of Congressional General Election Campaigns - Entitles to payments under this Act Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and who certify that (1) he and his authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations, (2) he has qualified to have his name placed on the election ballot in an election for Congressional office, and (3) he has received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal funds which a candidate may spend in connection with a Congressional campaign and remain eligible to matching grants. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional General Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Title II: Public Financing of Presidential General Election Campaigns - Raises the general election spending limit for Presidential candidates who are eligible to receive public funds under either the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Sets limits on the amount which a State party committee may spend in connection with the general election campaign of its Presidential candidate. Provides an alternative method for determining the amount of money to which candidates are entitled under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act based upon amount of contributions received after the final primary. Specifies conditions for candidates electing such method. Permits Presidential candidates eligible to receive payment under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act to receive additional small contributions from individual contributors up to a specified limit. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the maximum amount which a multicandidate committee may contribute to any candidate or his committees. Specifies the effective date of the provisions of this Act and guidelines with respect to deposit in the Congressional General Election Campaign Fund during 1977.
![Official portrait of Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001040_200.jpg)