United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of January 21 through January 27, 1979, as "Junior Achievement Week" in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to the American enterprise system and service to youth.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt conventions held in Mexico and Canada from the restrictions applicable to the income tax deduction for business expenses for attendance at a foreign convention.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Commercialization Act of 1979 - Title I - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loans from funds available from the Geothermal Resources Development Fund to any municipality, electric cooperative, industrial development agency, nonprofit organization, or person for exploration for or confirming the economic viability of a geothermal energy reservoir. Sets forth requirements for amount, term, interest, and repayment of such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to cancel the balance of any loan upon determining that such reservoir is unacceptable for commercial development. Terminates such loan program on September 30, 1986. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 to be deposited in such Fund for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for such loan program. Title II: Technical Amendments to Public Law 93-410 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974 to transfer to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council all of the functions of the Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project. Revises, in relation to such transfer, the membership of such Council. Directs such Council to carry out its responsibilities by acting through the following agencies and departments: Department of Energy; National Science Foundation; Department of the Interior; Department of Commerce; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Department of Defense; Environmental Protection Agency; Department of the Treasury; and Department of Agriculture. Amends the loan guaranty program under such Act to guarantee up to 90 percent of the costs of loans made to an electric, housing, or other cooperative, or to a municipality for projects to foster commercial development of geothermal resources. Title III - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to include submerged lands on the Outer Continental Shelf and any lands withdrawn or acquired in aid of the functions of any department or agency of the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense. Revises the competitive bidding procedures of such Act. Increases the acreage limitation for geothermal leases to 266,560 acres in any one State, except as specified for leases in the State of Alaska. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consult with the head of any Federal agency or department to determine appropriate terms or conditions prior to issuing leases for lands under the jurisdiction of such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the use of geothermal resources in lands administered by him without requiring a lease or compensation therefor, upon his determination that such permit would be in the public interest, except that no such permit may be issued for generating electricity or for commercial applications. Authorizes the head of each Federal agency to develop for the use and benefit of such agency any geothermal energy resource within lands under his jurisdiction, provided that the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy concur that such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development. Sets forth procedures for applying for exploration permits. Makes various definitional changes in the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Geothermal Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Civil Service Authorization Act of 1979 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 to the Office of Personnel Management, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Special Counsel of the MSPB, and the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Requires appropriations to such bodies to be considered authorized only to the extent expressly provided by statute.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Manassas National Battlefield Park Amendments of 1979 - Sets forth boundaries for the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from making any changes in such boundaries. Permits the Secretary to acquire any property or interests therein which are located within the boundaries of the park to effectuate the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the conditions for such acquisitions. Authorizes appropriations from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the acquisition of such properties and interests.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Title I: Purposes and Definitions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and prompt process for Federal approval of nonnuclear energy facilities which are determined to be in the national interest. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the President to establish an Energy Mobilization Board to be composed of members appointed by the President. Sets forth the general duties and powers of such Board. Stipulates that any action by the Board in designating a priority energy project shall not be considered as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to determine whether any Federal action relating to the Priority Energy Project, after it has been so designated and prior to establishing the Project Schedule, will be a "major Federal action" for purposes of compliance with NEPA. Directs the Board to designate Priority Energy Projects, based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall prohibit any agency from making a negative determination with regard to such projects if it is within the agency's authority to do so, and provides that in the event a negative decision is rendered, the Priority Energy Project designation shall be terminated. Limits to 24 the number of Priority Energy Projects to be designated in any one year. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Board to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority project created or threatened by any State or local government. Authorizes waivers of Federal, State, or local law upon the Board's determination that any Federal, State, or local time requirement for agency action is unreasonable and would impede the making of any agency decision. Specifies the procedure for obtaining such waivers. Title III: Judicial Review and Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits judicial review to cases of absolute necessity involving alleged denial of rights under the United States Constitution or violations of statutory jurisdiction, authority, limitations, or rights. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions taken pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the district court of the district in which the Priority Energy Project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket, to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the district court pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters. Terminates the Board's authority to designate priority projects seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Establishes the Citizen's Commission for the Commemoration of the Federal Government Bicentenary Era to: (1) stimulate interest in the events relating to the development of the Federal Government during the years of 1776 through 1800; and (2) provide and coordinate activities to commemorate those events. Requires the Commission to submit to the President, Congress, and the Chief Justice of the United States an annual report on the activities and accounting of funds of the Commission. Requires a final report to be submitted by June 30, 2001. Terminates the Commission on the date the final report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Gerald F. Spiess, in recognition of his distinguished feat as a transatlantic sailor. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Competition Review Act - Establishes the Competition Review Commission as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch to study Federal laws and practices which have a significant impact on competition in specified industries including the antitrust laws, the patent laws, the internal revenue laws and regulations, the National Labor Relations Act, regulatory policies, and contracting and bidding practices. Establishes the membership of such Commission which includes representatives from the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government and the private sector. Directs the Commission to appoint an Executive Director at Level V of the Executive Schedule. Empowers the Commission to subpoena witnesses and evidence and to have such process enforced in the United States district courts. Grants the Commission power to issue civil investigative demands and general or specific orders for information identical to the authority conferred upon the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General under the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Antitrust Civil Process Act. Requires all actions challenging this Act or the authority of the Commission to be filed in the United States District Court or the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Requires these Courts to give precedence to such actions over all other actions on their calendars. Directs the Commission to prepare an initial plan for its investigations, a comprehensive bibliography on antitrust policies and competition, a timetable and outline for its studies, any interim reports it deems advisable, and a final report on the state of competition in the American economy. Requires the Commission to submit such reports, at specified intervals, to the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate culminating in the submission of its final report within five years of the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the disclosure of any information obtained by the Commission except to the Commission staff while engaged in the performance of its duties. Requires all such information to be held under seal by the Administrator of General Services for at least five years following the termination of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Title I: Purposes and Definitions - States as the purposes of this Act: (1) the establishment of a coordinated process for Federal decisionmaking with respect to nonnuclear energy facilities in cases in which expedited decisionmaking is in the national interest; (2) the expediting of Federal decisionmaking with respect to such facilities without interfering with the existing authorities of Federal agencies; and (3) the integration of local, State, and Federal procedures for licensing energy facilities in cases in which expedited decisionmaking is in the national interest. Defines terms used in this Act. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the President to designate a maximum of six proposed energy facilities as priority energy projects (defined as projects determined by the President to require expedited decisionmaking). Allows any person planning or proposing an energy facility to apply to the President for an order designating such facility as a priority energy project. Sets forth the procedure and criteria for designating priority energy projects. Excludes such determinations by the President from the definition of major Federal action within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires Federal agencies with authority to approve priority energy projects to submit specified information to the President and the project not later than 30 days after public notice of an order designating a proposed energy facility as a priority energy project. Directs the President to establish a decision deadline schedule for project approvals. Provides for the extension of such deadlines. Delegates decision authority to the President if a deadline on the decision deadline schedule has elapsed without Federal agency decision or action. Provides for the Presidential extension of such deadlines. Directs the President to grant certification of completed Federal agency review upon the determination that all Federal actions and approvals necessary to the completion of a priority energy project have been granted. Specifies that such certification shall indicate Federal approval expiration dates and shall constitute a rebuttable presumption in any judicial or executive proceeding that all necessary Federal permits have been granted. Directs the President to notify the Governor of any State within which any portion of a priority energy project would be located and to request the Governor to submit specified information to the President. Directs the President to submit all such information to the priority energy project and propose a decision schedule to assist State and local authorities in coordinating their activities with actions by the Federal Government. Title III: Judicial Review and Miscellaneous Provisions - Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as specified in this title. Exempts from judicial review a decision of the President granting or denying an order designating a proposed energy facility as a priority energy project except as required by the Constitution of the United States. Sets forth judicial procedures for claims arising out of actions pursuant to this Act. Grants to the Supreme Court the exclusive authority to review an interlocutory judgment or order of the court of appeals pursuant to this title. Makes this Act effective 30 days after the date of its enactment. Provides for the expiration of the President's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1979
Department of Energy Civilian Programs 1980 Authorization Act - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the following programs: (1) fossil energy coal, oil and gas programs; (2) specified conservation programs; (3) solar technology and applications programs; (4) biomass research and development programs; (5) nuclear fission energy and fusion programs; (6) geothermal energy research and development programs; (7) low head hydroelectric development programs; (8) electric energy systems programs; (9) energy storage systems programs; (10) basic energy sciences programs; (11) supply research and development; (12) high energy physics programs; (13) nuclear physics programs; (14) uranium enrichment process development programs; (15) environmental research and development programs; and (16) energy research and development. Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a high-level liquid nuclear waste management demonstration project at the Western New York Service Center in West Valley, New York. Specifies the nature of the activities to be carried out at such project and authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal year 1980 to carry out such activities. Prohibits funds authorized and appropriated in subsequent fiscal years for such project from being used by the Secretary until the Secretary, the State of New York, and other appropriate persons enter contracts and other agreements for the transfer of title to such waste, the utilization by the Secretary of Center facilities and property, the sharing of project costs, and other matters relevant to the conduct of such project. Requires the Secretary to consult with specified Federal and State agencies and the commercial operator of the Center in carrying out such project. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees on activities conducted in connection with such project. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for supply research and development plant and capital equipment for specified projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of each plant and capital equipment construction project, with respect to Department of Energy civilian research and development programs, shall be funded exclusively from an account separate from operating expenses. Allows operating expenses to be used for: (1) any construction project having a total estimated Federal cost of $500,000 or less; (2) the conceptual design of any project; (3) the procurement and installation of individual components fabricated for research and development or testing; (4) experimental test equipment to conduct specific investigations; and (5) solar heating and cooling demonstrations. Requires that the Department notify the appropriate committees of each of the Houses 60 days in advance of commencing construction for major projects where it is in the national interest to initiate construction in advance of the next annual budget cycle. Prohibits any appropriated funds authorized by this Act from being obligated for expenditure or expended for long lead procurement, land acquisition, or construction for specified plant and capital equipment projects where the estimated total Federal cost of the project is greater than $50,000,000 unless the Congress is notified and a 60-day waiting period expires. Prohibits monies to be used to place, bury, or store in any subsurface geologic repository any irradiated nuclear fuel assembly from any nuclear reactor unless the geologic repository is designated so that all fuel assemblies can be easily and economically retrieved. Title II: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses to the Economic Regulatory Administration, the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Energy Information Administration, and for Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan functions. Title III: Commercialization and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses for specified renewable resources and conservation activities. Title IV: Power Marketing, Federal Leasing and Other Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes the Bonneville Power Administration to make expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund to provide for energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources. Authorizes appropriations for specified Federal leasing and fuel data gathering and analysis programs. Title V: Nuclear Assessments, Spent Fuel Disposition, Operations, and Decontamination and Decommissioning - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for uranium resource assessment operating expenses, capital investment, construction, fuel disposition functions, and decontamination and decommissioning functions. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Secretary of Energy to conduct studies and to select temporary sites for the interim storage of spent fuel for nuclear power reactors licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and, consistent with existing law, foreign commercial reactors. Requires that the Secretary submit a report to the Congress and the President concerning the construction of any away-from-reactor facility. Stipulates that the views and comments of the Governor of any State in which there is located a spent fuel storage facility site are to be included in such report. 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. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the removal of spent nuclear fuel of domestic origin from countries potentially ineligible for additional nuclear exports pursuant to specified provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Authorizes appropriations for such activities. Title VI: Other Renewable Resources and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for other renewable resources and conservation activities involving: (1) analysis and technology transfer functions regarding buildings and community systems; (2) energy extension services; (3) appropriate technology; (4) urban waste energy conservation; (5) fossil energy; (6) solar applications; and (7) industrial energy conservation. Title VII: Other Departmental Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for: (1) operating expenses and capital investment for specified uranium enrichment programs and projects; (2) commercial waste management operating expenses; and (3) Departmental administrative activities operating expenses, construction, and capital equipment acquisition and fabrication not related to construction. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, State utility commissions, and the public, to develop a civilian nuclear reactor operator training program. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on critical aspects of man-machine interactions in the operations of such reactors. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and specified congressional committees a report on the national program for management of commercial high level waste and spent fuel, including identification of the sites being considered for license as permanent repositories for such waste or spent fuel. Directs the Secretary to use the Department's domestic energy research, development, and demonstration activities in support of its international energy program and to coordinate such international program with programs of the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, and other agencies responsible for international energy activities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for such international program, part of which is to be allocated to the design of an international program concentrating on the problems of less developed countries and part of which is to be used to implement high priority projects identified in such international program. Requires that such international activities be performed within the framework of the Development Coordination Committee and in cooperation with the Agency for International Development. Title VIII: Provisions Regarding Use of Funds - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for any program in excess of the amount actually authorized for that program under this Act and any reprogramming that decreases certain authorizations by more than five percent, or $10,000,000, whichever is less, unless the Congress is notified and a 30-day waiting period expires. Sets forth limitations on the use of amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act regarding management support services and unexpended balances. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to allow the Department to use certain revenues received from uranium enrichment services, when permitted in an annual appropriation Act. Limits the use of such revenues to the payment of the cost incurred in providing such services. Requires that all monies, other than enrichment revenues and certain other receipts, collected by the Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in fiscal year 1980 and thereafter shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. Requires that the Secretary submit to the Congress an annual report concerning enrichment service revenues. Limits the Department's use of operating funds for research, development and demonstration projects and authorizes the Department to transfer funds to other agencies to perform work for the Department. Allows authorizations in this Act for construction line item projects to remain effective without fiscal year limitation through fiscal year 1982. Authorizes appropriations to pay for automatic pay increases. Limits the Department's travel expenses. Prohibits the Department from using funds appropriated under this Act for renovation, furnishing, or repair of facilities to provide temporary or permanent space for personnel relocated as a result of the establishment of the Department. Limits the use of funds available for direct and indirect purchases of gasoline in amounts in excess of 80 percent of the amount purchased by the Department in fiscal year 1979. Exempts from the provisions of this Act any authorization for appropriations in any other law for fiscal year 1980 for any military application of nuclear energy, for research and development in support of the armed forces, or for the common defense and security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Allows Members of the House of Representatives to dispense with coats and/or ties in the House Chamber so long as suitable, dignified, tasteful, and appropriate clothes are worn during the period of June 1 to Labor Day in 1979 and each year the current energy or conservation policies are required. Declares that at all other times traditional attire shall be appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1979
Department of Energy Civilian Programs 1980 Authorization Act - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the following programs: (1) fossil energy coal, oil and gas programs; (2) specified conservation programs; (3) solar technology and applications programs; (4) biomass research and development programs; (5) nuclear fission energy and fusion programs; (6) geothermal energy research and development programs; (7) low head hydroelectric development programs; (8) electric energy systems programs; (9) energy storage systems programs; (10) basic energy sciences programs; (11) supply research and development; (12) high energy physics programs; (13) nuclear physics programs; (14) uranium enrichment process development programs; (15) environmental research and development programs; and (16) energy research and development. Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a high-level liquid nuclear waste management demonstration project at the Western New York Service Center in West Valley, New York. Specifies the nature of the activities to be carried out at such project and authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal year 1980 to carry out such activities. Prohibits funds authorized and appropriated in subsequent fiscal years for such project from being used by the Secretary until the Secretary, the State of New York, and other appropriate persons enter contracts and other agreements for the transfer of title to such waste, the utilization by the Secretary of Center facilities and property, the sharing of project costs, and other matters relevant to the conduct of such project. Requires the Secretary to consult with specified Federal and State agencies and the commercial operator of the Center in carrying out such project. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees on activities conducted in connection with such project. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for supply research and development plant and capital equipment for specified projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of each plant and capital equipment construction project, with respect to Department of Energy civilian research and development programs, shall be funded exclusively from an account separate from operating expenses. Allows operating expenses to be used for: (1) any construction project having a total estimated Federal cost of $500,000 or less; (2) the conceptual design of any project; (3) the procurement and installation of individual components fabricated for research and development or testing; (4) experimental test equipment to conduct specific investigations; and (5) solar heating and cooling demonstrations. Requires that the Department notify the appropriate committees of each of the Houses 60 days in advance of commencing construction for major projects where it is in the national interest to initiate construction in advance of the next annual budget cycle. Prohibits any appropriated funds authorized by this Act from being obligated for expenditure or expended for long lead procurement, land acquisition, or construction for specified plant and capital equipment projects where the estimated total Federal cost of the project is greater than $50,000,000 unless the Congress is notified and a 60-day waiting period expires. Prohibits monies to be used to place, bury, or store in any subsurface geologic repository any irradiated nuclear fuel assembly from any nuclear reactor unless the geologic repository is designated so that all fuel assemblies can be easily and economically retrieved. Title II: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses to the Economic Regulatory Administration, the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Energy Information Administration, and for Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan functions. Title III: Commercialization and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses for specified renewable resources and conservation activities. Title IV: Power Marketing, Federal Leasing and Other Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes the Bonneville Power Administration to make expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund to provide for energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources. Authorizes appropriations for specified Federal leasing and fuel data gathering and analysis programs. Title V: Nuclear Assessments, Spent Fuel Disposition, Operations, and Decontamination and Decommissioning - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for uranium resource assessment operating expenses, capital investment, construction, fuel disposition functions, and decontamination and decommissioning functions. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Secretary of Energy to conduct studies and to select temporary sites for the interim storage of spent fuel for nuclear power reactors licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and, consistent with existing law, foreign commercial reactors. Requires that the Secretary submit a report to the Congress and the President concerning the construction of any away-from-reactor facility. Stipulates that the views and comments of the Governor of any State in which there is located a spent fuel storage facility site are to be included in such report. 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. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the removal of spent nuclear fuel of domestic origin from countries potentially ineligible for additional nuclear exports pursuant to specified provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Authorizes appropriations for such activities. Title VI: Other Renewable Resources and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for other renewable resources and conservation activities involving: (1) analysis and technology transfer functions regarding buildings and community systems; (2) energy extension services; (3) appropriate technology; (4) urban waste energy conservation; (5) fossil energy; (6) solar applications; and (7) industrial energy conservation. Title VII: Other Departmental Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for: (1) operating expenses and capital investment for specified uranium enrichment programs and projects; (2) commercial waste management operating expenses; and (3) Departmental administrative activities operating expenses, construction, and capital equipment acquisition and fabrication not related to construction. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, State utility commissions, and the public, to develop a civilian nuclear reactor operator training program. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on critical aspects of man-machine interactions in the operations of such reactors. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and specified congressional committees a report on the national program for management of commercial high level waste and spent fuel, including identification of the sites being considered for license as permanent repositories for such waste or spent fuel. Directs the Secretary to use the Department's domestic energy research, development, and demonstration activities in support of its international energy program and to coordinate such international program with programs of the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, and other agencies responsible for international energy activities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for such international program, part of which is to be allocated to the design of an international program concentrating on the problems of less developed countries and part of which is to be used to implement high priority projects identified in such international program. Requires that such international activities be performed within the framework of the Development Coordination Committee and in cooperation with the Agency for International Development. Title VIII: Provisions Regarding Use of Funds - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for any program in excess of the amount actually authorized for that program under this Act and any reprogramming that decreases certain authorizations by more than five percent, or $10,000,000, whichever is less, unless the Congress is notified and a 30-day waiting period expires. Sets forth limitations on the use of amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act regarding management support services and unexpended balances. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to allow the Department to use certain revenues received from uranium enrichment services, when permitted in an annual appropriation Act. Limits the use of such revenues to the payment of the cost incurred in providing such services. Requires that all monies, other than enrichment revenues and certain other receipts, collected by the Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in fiscal year 1980 and thereafter shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. Requires that the Secretary submit to the Congress an annual report concerning enrichment service revenues. Limits the Department's use of operating funds for research, development and demonstration projects and authorizes the Department to transfer funds to other agencies to perform work for the Department. Allows authorizations in this Act for construction line item projects to remain effective without fiscal year limitation through fiscal year 1982. Authorizes appropriations to pay for automatic pay increases. Limits the Department's travel expenses. Prohibits the Department from using funds appropriated under this Act for renovation, furnishing, or repair of facilities to provide temporary or permanent space for personnel relocated as a result of the establishment of the Department. Limits the use of funds available for direct and indirect purchases of gasoline in amounts in excess of 80 percent of the amount purchased by the Department in fiscal year 1979. Exempts from the provisions of this Act any authorization for appropriations in any other law for fiscal year 1980 for any military application of nuclear energy, for research and development in support of the armed forces, or for the common defense and security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to declare national goals for the domestic production of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks. Directs the Secretary of Energy to acquire for use or resale by the United States Government not less than 1,000,000 barrels per day crude oil equivalent of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks within a specified period. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for purchases of such fuels and feedstocks and to provide for the development and production thereof for national defense preparedness. Sets forth terms and conditions for such contracts. Directs the Secretary to install additional equipment and facilities in federally-owned industrial facilities and to organize corporations for the purposes of achieving the goals set forth under this Act. Directs the Secretary to require suppliers to provide such fuels and feedstocks and to install Government-owned equipment in privately-owned industrial facilities when the President deems it necessary for national defense purposes. Establishes in the United States Treasury a synthetic fuel fund for the purpose of carrying out the programs authorized by this Act. Directs each Federal officer and agency responsible for issuing permits or other authorizations for construction or operation of synthetic fuel and synthetic chemical feedstock facilities to expedite actions necessary for such issuance or authorization, upon receipt of a timely application from prospective applicants. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant actions; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Facility Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Requires the Secretary to certify the proper completion of all Federal agency actions and approvals necessary to the completion of such projects. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of any State selected for the siting of such projects and to request the Governor to supply information as to significant State and local actions required before such projects can be completed. Authorizes the Secretary to propose a voluntary decision schedule to assist State and local authorities in coordinating their actions with Federal actions. Directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a project schedule created or threatened by any State or local government. Limits judicial review of Federal agency actions made under this Act to claims alleging that an action taken pursuant to this Act will deny constitutional or statutory rights or exceed statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations. Sets time limits for filing appeals or petitions for review of actions taken pursuant to this Act, and bars any challenges to such actions which are not in conformance with these actions. Stipulates that such challenges shall be brought in the United States courts of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such courts in such matters. Directs such courts to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Amends the Government Corporation Control Act to include corporations formed pursuant to this Act within the definition of 'wholly owned Government corporation.'
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Directs the printing of the final report of the Indian Claims Commission as a House document. Directs the printing of 1,500 additional copies of such document for the use of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979
Energy Antimonopoly Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any entity, or subsidiary thereof, which produced or had an interest in a total of 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids in 1976 from acquiring control or a majority of the assets of any other entity whose assets exceed $100,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Requires each Executive agency, within ten days after entering into a personal services contract with any person or unit of State or local government, to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the number of agency employees which would be required to perform the contracted functions. Directs any agency which is prevented because of a personnel ceiling from performing a function which the agency determines would be performed by the agency more effectively than by contract, to submit to the OMB, within ten days of such determination, a request for an adjustment in such ceiling to enable the agency to perform the function. Requires the OMB to make such adjustment within 30 days after it is submitted unless the OMB finds that the agency did not follow applicable procedures when making its determinations. Directs the OMB to submit to Congress quarterly reports regarding each agency's personal services contracts and adjustments in personnel ceilings. Directs an agency to consider an employee's administration of personnel ceilings and compliance with procedures governing the contracting out of agency functions when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for an employee under the merit pay system. Prohibits an agency from obligating more than 20 percent of its appropriations for a fiscal year during the last two months of that year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Small Business Promotion Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to encourage the survival of a small business sector in the economy by reducing unnecessary Government regulation, by encouraging investment in small firms, by promoting small business export activity, and by increasing the involvement of small businesses in Federal procurement and research and development contracts. Title II: Regulatory Adjustment and Reduction - Requires each Federal agency to publish in the Federal Register with its general notice of a proposed rule: (1) the goals and purposes of the proposed rule; (2) the estimated number of small businesses, as defined in this Act, to which the rule would apply; and (3) a statement that the agency will consider alternative proposals to the rule which would reduce its impact on small businesses through differing compliance or reporting requirements, exemptions to the rule, consolidation and simplification of the requirements of the rule, altered performance standards, differing timetables for compliance, and other suitable means. Requires each Federal agency to publish an impact analysis with the general notice of a proposed rule if it imposes reporting requirements on ten or more members of the public. Directs each agency to publish the reasons for adopting any final rule rather than alternative proposals which would have had a lesser economic impact on small businesses. Requires each Federal agency to publish a plan for the review of its rules. Sets forth factors to be considered in such reviews including an analysis of the continued need for a rule, its impact on small business, and the feasibility of simplifying and modernizing its requirements. Title III: Tax Adjustment and Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit recognition on the gain from the sale or exchange of an unincorporated trade or business entirely owned by the taxpayer only to the extent it exceeds the cost of reinvesting in replacement property used in connection with an unincorporated trade or business in which the taxpayer is the sole owner or which was begun by the taxpayer after the date of such sale or exchange. Applies such nonrecognized gain to reduce the basis of specified assets for determining their capital gain or loss. Increases the additional first year depreciation allowance for small business concerns. Permits a taxpayer to elect to amortize over a 36 month period expenses for depreciable property which is acquired in order to bring a business into compliance with Federal regulations and which does not have any economic usefulness for the business. Permits shareholders of certain small Domestic International Sales Corporations to defer taxation on stock distributions attributable to specified items reflected in corporate earnings. Authorizes any individual who owns the entire interest in an unincorporated trade or business with a taxable income of $1,000,000 or less in the prior taxable year to elect the cash method of accounting in reporting income. Entitles any employer to a tax credit equal to such employer's share of Social Security taxes assessed against an employee in excess of the amount required by law. Title IV: Product Liability Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from taxation any trust whose sole purpose is the payment and administration of product liability claims against persons engaged in a trade or business. Allows a deduction for amounts contributed to such a trust by a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business. Title V: Federal Procurement Contracts - Requires Federal procurement contracts for which a notice has been published in the Commerce Business Digest to remain open for bids for 30 days from such publication or for such other period contained in the notice unless emergency circumstances prevent compliance. Requires the notice to state the reasons for restricting bidding on such a contract to a single person or section of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) ensure that all contracts set aside for small businesses are published in a timely manner; and (2) notify any small business, at its request, of all contracts upon which it may bid. Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration to assure small business participation in Federal agency contract research and development programs by: (1) maintaining a source file and information program; (2) coordinating a schedule with participating agencies for release of contract and research and development solicitations; and (3) preparing a master release schedule to preclude several Federal agencies from releasing solicitations at one time. Increases small business participation goals in Federal procurement and research and development programs. Directs each Federal agency to review its large system procurements and to take all feasible steps to subdivide such procurements into smaller components on which small firms can bid. Requires each Federal agency letting a contract not exceeding $100,000 which will be performed in the United States and is not personal in nature to provide a copy and summary of each major law and agency rule affecting the performance of the contract by a small business concern. Title VI: Export Opportunities - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a computerized facility for the collection of information relating to export opportunities for small businesses. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Agriculture to assist the Administrator in collecting such information. Requires the Administrator to designate one individual in each regional office of the Administration whose sole duties shall relate to the dissemination of such information. Provides for the dissemination of information by United States diplomatic and consular missions on the availability of products and services which may be provided to foreign consumers by small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend the time periods within which: (1) the regulatory authority is required to process and decide upon permit applications submitted by the operators of surface coal mines in expectation of operating such mines; (2) each State must submit to the Secretary of the Interior a State program which demonstrates that such State has the capability of carrying out the provisions of such Act; (3) the Secretary must prepare, promulgate, and implement a Federal program for a State which fails to submit an acceptable program within the specified time; and (4) each State must submit a program covering surface coal mining and reclamation operations. Eliminates the time extension for States which require an Act of the State legislature to achieve compliance with such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
Amends the Water Resources Planning Act to broaden the coverage of such Act over water and related land resources development programs and studies. Places the Secretary of Energy on the Water Resources Council in place of the Federal Power Commission Chairman. Decreases the frequency of required assessments by the Council of water supplies. Directs the Council to: (1) advise the President on water and related land resources investments; and (2) periodically compile and compare regional funding levels for water and related land resources programs. Authorizes the Council to establish an advisory committee composed of State and local representatives. Stipulates that all Federal appropriations for water and related land resource management studies to be conducted by the Council shall be made to the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1979
Directs the Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Commission to grant life estates to certain lands to Navajo and Hopi individuals and their spouses whom the Commission determines to be eligible applicants according to specified criteria, in order to avoid relocation of such individuals, their spouses, and dependents. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to receive, consider, and pay claims from the Navajo Hopi tribes for compensation for such life estates. Requires that such payments be in lieu of certain rental payments for lands covered by such claims. Directs the Secretary to compensate heads of households receiving such life tenures in land for the fair market value of the habitation and other improvements owned by such heads of households within the areas from which they, but for such tenure, were required to relocate. Requires that such compensation be paid to the estate of such heads of households, in lieu of certain other payments. Requires that such eligible applicants and their spouses and dependents be subject to the jurisdiction of the tribe on whose reservation they reside, except that the land laws of the one tribe shall not apply to members of the other tribe. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations: (1) prohibiting persons other than applicants, spouses, and dependents from residing on the land covered by such life estates, except to care for cases of illness or disability; and (2) granting access rights to such lands. Directs the Secretary to assure that individuals subject to relocation are not deprived of benefits or services or protection of rights and property. Authorizes the Secretary to assist such applicants to feed and maintain their livestock. Authorizes the Commission to purchase, with appropriated funds, but not by condemnation, up to 250,000 acres to relocate members of the Navajo Tribe. Directs the Secretary to pay local real property taxes on such lands if they become part of the Navajo Reservation. Directs the Commission to provide certain relocation assistance and housing on a preferential basis to certain Navajos who were evicted from the Hopi Reservation on the basis of a Department of the Interior survey. Raises the annual appropriations limitation on Commission expenses to $1,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Title I: Purposes and Definitions - Sets forth the purposes and definitions of terms as used in this Act. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate a maximum of six proposed energy facilities as priority energy projects during each calendar year. Allows any person planning or proposing an energy facility to apply to the Secretary for an order designating such facility as a priority energy project. Sets forth the procedure and criteria for designating priority energy projects. Excludes such determinations by the Secretary from the definition of major Federal action within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to encourage prospective applicants to file applications for any necessary Government actions or approvals with the appropriate agencies as soon as possible. Requires such Federal agencies to submit specified information to the Secretary not later than 30 days after public notice of an order designating a proposed energy facility as a priority energy project. Directs the Secretary to establish a decision deadline schedule. Provides for the extension of such deadlines. Delegates decision authority to the President if a deadline on the decision deadline schedule has elapsed without Federal agency decision or action. Provides for the Presidential extension of such deadlines. Directs the Secretary to grant certification of completed Federal agency review upon the determination that all Federal actions and approvals necessary to the completion of a priority energy project have been granted. Specifies that such certification shall indicate Federal approval expiration dates and shall constitute conclusive evidence in any judicial or executive proceeding that all necessary Federal permits have been granted. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of any State within which any portion of a priority energy project would be located and to request the Governor to submit specified information to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to submit all such information to the priority energy project and propose a decision schedule to assist State and local authorities in coordinating their activities with actions by the Federal Government. Title III: Judicial Review and Miscellaneous Provisions - Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as specified in this title. Exempts from judicial review a decision of the Secretary granting or denying an order designating a proposed energy facility as a priority energy project except as required by the Constitution of the United States. Sets forth judicial procedures for claims arising out of actions pursuant to this Act. Grants to the Supreme Court the exclusive authority to review an interlocutory judgment or order of the court of appeals pursuant to this title. Sets forth certiorari and certification procedures. Makes this Act effective 30 days after the date of its enactment. Provides for the expiration of the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Coal Pipeline Act of 1979 - Title I: Rights-of-Way for Federal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon, or through Federal lands for coal pipelines and related facilities, under terms and conditions set forth under this Act which are necessary: (1) to protect Federal property and economic interests; (2) to provide efficient management of such lands and protection of other lawful users of such lands; and (3) to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Non-Federal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to any person, upon application, proposing to construct a coal pipeline. Sets forth criteria for issuing such certificates, including requirements that specified findings be made by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Energy, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Prohibits the issuance of such certificates to users or suppliers of coal to be transported by such pipelines. Directs the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust review to determine the effects upon competition of such certificates. Authorizes any person who proposes to construct a coal pipeline to acquire any right-of-way necessary for construction, operation, or maintenance of such pipeline and related facilities by the exercise of the power of eminent domain in the appropriate United States district court, but only if such person is unable to acquire such right-of-way by negotiation and such person holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under this Act. Exempts specified lands from being taken by eminent domain. Title III: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to seek appropriate equitable remedies to enforce any provision under this Act or any regulation or order issued under this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for any violation or failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes any State issuing a State water permit or authorization to a pipeline for which a certificate of public convenience and necessity was issued or a right-of-way was granted under this Act to condition the water rights of such pipeline to effectuate a legitimate State public interest. Requires that right-of-way permits and certificates of public convenience and necessity issued under this Act contain terms and conditions necessary to protect the environment from adverse effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of such pipeline. Requires that all such pipelines be buried underground.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to create the Thirteenth Regional Corporation Land Commission to select for conveyance to the Thirteenth Regional Corporation not more than 2,345,000 and not less than 1,000,000 acres of public lands within the State of Alaska. Sets forth the criteria for such selection. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to patent to such Corporation the surface and subsurface estate of such lands. Requires that such lands be subject to public easements in a specified manner.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes as an office of the House of Representatives the House Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) establish and publish policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of clause 9 of rule XLIII and clause 6(a) (3) (A) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives; (2) supervise the actions of the Director and the operations of the House Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints. Title II: House Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes as an office of the House of Representatives the House Fair Employment Relations Office to develop procedures to implement the policies of the Board, gather information relating to House employment practices, and review procedures for the hearing and setting of complaints. Title III: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunities - Provides for counseling and assistance through the Office to any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of rule XI or rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedures for filing informal complaints based on employment discrimination, and for the informal settlement of such claims. Sets forth the procedure for filing formal complaints, and for conducting hearings on such claims. Provides for an appeal to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct from an adverse decision or order of the Board. Sets forth remedies available to individuals who have experienced discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Stipulates that Mexican plywood shall remain eligible for imported duty-free treatment, even though the President determines that the quantity of plywood from Mexico exceeds 50 percent of the total U.S. imports of plywood which would ordinarily make Mexican plywood ineligible for such duty-free treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Federal Water Projects Financing Act of 1979 - Requires States to agree in writing to fund the total State financing share of any Federal water resource project involving the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority. Sets forth the formula for determining the State's share. Provides for States to receive a share of the net operating revenues from the sale of vendible outputs. Requires non-Federal entities to agree in writing to pay 20 percent of the costs of flood control projects involving the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Soil Conservation Service, or the Tennessee Valley Authority. Directs the Chairman of the Water Resources Council to promulgate guidelines for the Federal agencies' rules necessary to implement this Act in order to insure uniformity. Encourages voluntary State financing of projects authorized prior to enactment of this Act in order to assist Federal authorities in setting priorities. Stipulates that the aforementioned financing requirements be in addition to any other financing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to make loans to finance the improvement, expansion, construction, acquisition, and operation of lines, facilities, or systems to provide (separately or in conjunction with telephone service) present or future broadband telecommunications service in any rural area. Directs the Administrator to determine that there is no reasonable probability that the proposed service will be made available in any rural area by any other person before making a loan for service for such area to any applicant. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce, and after holding public hearings, to prescribe specific standards to be followed in determining: (1) which of any competing applicants should receive assistance; and (2) the need and demand in the area concerned for proposed services and facilities. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such application in the area concerned which: (1) specifies types of facilities, services, and approximate dates; (2) invites interested persons to comment on the desirability of approving such loan; and (3) indicates that public hearings, if requested by persons in the area concerned, will be held on the question of such approval. Requires, in cases in which two or more persons apply for such loans, that all such persons be given fair and equal consideration for such assistance. Requires that applicants who directly or through an affiliate own or control poles, ducts, conduits, or rights-of-way, used, in whole or in part, for wire communications: (1) certify that rates for the use (by others) of such facilities are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission; or (2) make a prima facie showing to the Administrator that such use rates would have been or would be in compliance with certain standards for just and reasonable rates under the Communications Act of 1934. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to: (1) conduct field hearings in rural areas to inform interested persons of the availability and purposes of broadband telecommunications loans; and (2) determine and publish a description of essential broadband telecommunications needs of rural areas which could be served through facilities constructed with the aid of such loans. Directs the Administrator to obtain all possible assurances from loan recipients that broadband telecommunications service furnished with such assistance will be available to the largest practical number of rural users. Prohibits the making of any such loan unless: (1) the Administrator finds and certifies that the security for such loan is reasonably adequate and that such loan will be repaid within the time agreed; and (2) all required State or local authorizations for such service are first obtained. Prohibits the use of facilities constructed in whole or part with such loans to provide service not initially indicated in the application unless the applicant has first submitted to the Administrator all required State or local authorizations. Prohibits loans for such service in States with no legally authorized State or regulatory body to issue such authorizations, unless the Administrator determines that no duplication of service will result. Requires applicants for such loans to certify to the Administrator that they: (1) have consulted with the governmental unit of the State concerned having jurisdiction over telecommunications and social services; and (2) are in compliance with all requirements of the State relating to telecommunications and social services. Redefines the term "telephone service" to, among other changes, specifically exclude broadband telecommunications service. Defines "broadband telecommunications service" as any telecommunications service requiring bandwidth capacity which is constructed for the purpose of distributing broadcast quality video and audio television signals, whether or not such service is actually provided, and including all facilities or systems used in the rendition of such service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest loans available under the Small Business Act until October 1, 1982, for the relief of small business concerns affected by disasters occurring on or after October 1, 1978. Provides loans bearing interest at three percent for amounts not exceeding $55,000, for the repair or replacement of a principal residence or personal property. Makes the following disaster loans available under the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) loans bearing interest at three percent on amounts for the repair or replacement of property damaged or destroyed if the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; and (2) loans bearing interest at the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus not to exceed one percent if the applicant is able to obtain credit elsewhere. Stipulates that the total amount outstanding and committed to any one borrower shall not exceed $500,000. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State- chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Makes such sums as are appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Gasohol Marketing Freedom Act of 1979 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit the termination of a gasoline dealer's franchise due to its selling, consigning, or distributing gasohol, and prohibits any reprisals or discrimination against retailers or distributors of gasohol because of such sale, consignment, or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Directs the Postmaster General to issue four commemorative postage stamps to honor leaders of the American labor movement. Stipulates that one such stamp shall honor Walter Philip Reuther and each of the three remaining stamps shall honor another labor leader as designated by the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Navajo and Hopi Relocation Amendments Act - Requires that certain benefits be provided to Navajo and Hopi Indians to facilitate the resettlement of individuals. Directs the Navajo and Hopi Relocation Commission to administer such benefits, including: (1) public works grants to communities for additional municipal improvements; (2) planning assistance to tribes and communities in which relocatees have had an impact; (3) grants for education and law enforcement; (4) loans for housing, industrial development, and small businesses; (5) a high school for Hopi students; and (6) planning money for a comprehensive Hopi Medical Center. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to purchase up to an additional 25,000 acres of land, contiguous to the Navajo Reservation, if possible, for assignment by the Commission as residential lands for relocatees, in lots of up to five acres per family. Authorizes the Commission to establish communities thereon to be eligible for certain benefits under this Act. Requires that: (1) all federally-instituted projects relating to fencing, conservation, range restoration, or reclamation on partitioned lands be eligible for contracting by either tribe under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; and (2) projects not so contracted provide employment preference for members of the tribes. Directs the Commission, if the tribes negotiate and agree on an exchange of reservation lands, to provide 125 percent of housing and land rental benefits to members of either tribe living on land to be exchanged to the other tribe. Conditions such additional benefits on the majority of adult tribe members eligible to relocate from exchanged lands signing a contract to relocate within one year of the agreement. Grants such benefits only to those who relocate within such year. Subjects appointments to fill vacancies on the Commission to the approval of the tribal councils of the respective tribes. Requires the director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to designate a member of that service to fill such vacancy if the tribes cannot agree within 30 days. Directs the Commission to employ its own independent counsel. Defines the jurisdiction of specified Bureau of Indian Affairs offices and the application of tribal ordinances over specified partitioned lands. Directs the Secretary to exercise administrative jurisdiction over not yet partitioned lands. Requires that any development of certain lands in litigation be carried out only upon the written consent of each tribe. Requires that conservation practices be coordinated and executed with the concurrence of the tribe to whom the lands have been partitioned. Directs the Secretary to conduct surveying, monumenting, and fencing of certain lands. Directs the Commission to make certain reports to Congress. Directs the Secretary to pay legal costs of either tribe in certain cases when the Federal Government: (1) has a conflict of interest or equal responsibilities to the tribes; (2) fails or refuses to assert the interest of one of the tribes; or (3) has an action against itself or one of its agencies or officers. Prohibits any person from retaining, maintaining, or grazing livestock without the consent of the tribe to whom the lands are partitioned. Limits certain actions brought in district court by either tribe against the other to those commenced within 12 months of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes either tribe to institute certain proceedings for review of administrative actions. Authorizes either tribe to prosecute or defend actions for certain types of relief against the other tribe and against the United States. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of certain types of recovery by the Hopi Tribe. Prohibits the use of certain defenses in such proceedings. Prohibits the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to actions of the Secretary, the Commission, the district court, or the tribes in carrying out certain functions related to Navajo-Hopi relocation. Prohibits either tribe or any State or Federal agency from: (1) impairing, desecrating, or destroying identified or otherwise established religious shrines and practices of the other tribe; or (2) impeding free access and use by tribal members along customary routes at customary times in or to such shrines. Directs the appropriate district court to hear and decide disputes regarding the use, access, or development of areas of religious significance to the tribes. Authorizes such court to make orders for the development of such areas conditioned upon reasonable protection of sacred values and places. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out functions related to Navajo-Hopi relocation. Directs the Secretary to submit an appraisal of certain lands to the appropriate district court and the tribes for purposes of determining compensation for lesser amounts of acreage or land value due to partition. Directs the Commission to remove all residents within a certain joint use area who are: (1) ineligible for relocation benefits; and (2) members of a tribe other than that to which the subject land has been partitioned. Declares that certain lands partitioned to the Navajo and Hopi Tribes shall be held in trust by the United States exclusively for such Tribes as part of their respective reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Title I: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1980 of such sums as may be necessary for certain assistance programs for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior equal to 50 percent of sums necessary to satisfy all adjudicated claims and final awards made before the enactment of this Act by the Micronesian Claims Commission. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide, for the people of specified atolls in the Marshall Islands, a program of medical care and treatment and environmental research and monitoring for any injury, illness, or condition which may have been the result of the United States nuclear weapons testing program at or near such atolls. Authorizes appropriations for such program. Requires the express approval of Congress before any Federal program not terminated for all recipients may cease to apply to such Territory either before or after the termination of the trusteeship. Title II: Northern Mariana Islands - Requires that the salary and expenses of the government comptroller for the Northern Mariana Islands be paid from funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for a health care services grant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Subjects such grant to the approval of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to administer and enforce, by hiring and training Islands residents, a local territorial income tax and customs duties, without cost to such Islands government and with proceeds covered into the Treasury of Islands. Amends the Covenant to establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America to stipulate that United States income tax laws will not come into force in the Northern Mariana Islands as a local territorial income tax until January 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for the development, maintenance, and operation of the American Memorial Park, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, but not to exceed $3,000,000 for development. Title III: Guam - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to administer and enforce (by hiring and training Guam residents and without cost to the Guam government) the collection of: (1) all customs duties derived from Guam and the Guam territorial income tax; and (2) certain other taxes the proceeds of which are covered into the Guam treasury and any tax imposed by local law (upon the request of the Governor of Guam until the legislature of Guam seeks discontinuance of such enforcement). Requires that all amounts heretofore withheld from the Guam treasury (from sums collected as such duties and taxes) as interest on specified Federal assistance be credited as reimbursement payments by Guam on the principal amount advanced by the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, upon certain findings, to extend for 30 years the time limitation on guarantees for purchase by the Federal Financing Bank of bonds or other obligations of the Guam Power Authority. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, under certain conditions, to deduct interest payments due from such Authority from duties and taxes collected and paid to the government of Guam, with such government to receive payments of principal and interest from such Authority. Title IV: Virgin Islands - Extends for ten years the time limitation on Federal commitments to guarantee the issuance of certain bonds and other obligations issued by the Virgin Islands government. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to administer and enforce (by hiring and training Islands residents and without cost to the government of the Islands) the collection of: (1) all customs duties derived from such Islands and the United States income tax, the proceeds of which are to be covered into the treasury of the Islands; and (2) certain other taxes which are also to be covered into such treasury, with such Secretary's enforcement to be at the request of the Governor of the Islands until the legislature of the Islands requests discontinuance. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to transfer to the Virgin Islands Government title to all property in the Virgin Islands which may have been acquired by the United States from Denmark under a specified convention. Excludes from such transfer certain lands and property already reserved or retained by the United States. Title V: American Samoa - Requires the salary and expenses of the government comptroller of American Samoa to be paid from funds to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Governor of American Samoa, to administer and enforce the collection of all customs duties derived from American Samoa, without cost to its government and by making every effort to employ and train its residents to carry out such activities. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Directs the Department of the Interior, in administering grants to any Insular Area: (1) to consolidate such grants for any fiscal year or years; and (2) to waive, in its discretion, certain matching funds and written report requirements for grants. Stipulates that authorizations of appropriations by this Act and appropriations pursuant to this Act for any fiscal year shall carry over for appropriation or expenditure in succeeding fiscal years. Permits, to the extent practicable, Federal agencies and instrumentalities to make available their services, facilities, and equipment to the governments of the territories and possessions of the United States and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands on a reimbursable basis or, if otherwise authorized by law, without reimbursement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to make specific amount changes in the limitations on funds for development within DeSoto National Memorial and Pecos National Monument. Increases the authorization of appropriations, from $166,000 to $265,000, for the acquisition of lands within the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate and publish notice of these acquisitions. Changes the date of the maps referencing the Point Reyes National Seashore. Directs the Secretary to accept and manage any land and improvements within or adjacent to the seashore which are donated by the State of California or its subdivisions. Removes the exclusion of specified lands from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Authorizes the acquisition of lands for Ebey's Landing National Reserves with appropriated, as well as donated, funds. Amends the National Trails System Act to include North Country Scenic Trail. Permits the National Academy of Sciences to retain title to a certain property while used as a memorial to Albert Einstein. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to terminate the Upper Delaware Citizens Advisory Council ten years after the date of its establishment. Provides for the appointment of additional members to the Delta Region Preservation Commission. Provides for termination of the Commission ten years from the date of approval of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from charging entrance or admission fees in excess of January 1, 1979, levels or in National Park System units where such fees were not in effect as of such date. Amends such Act to designate a portion of the Birch River in West Virginia as a river to be studied for potential addition to the national wild and scenic river system. Entitles the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge in California to those protections accorded the Point Reyes National Seashore. Amends the Act of October 27, 1972, to change the date of the maps referring to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Increases the authorization of appropriations, from $61,610,000 to $71,610,000, for the acquisition of lands within such recreation area. Reduces the development ceiling from $58,000,000 to $48,000,000. Directs the Secretary to acquire by donation or purchase a suitable collection of whaling artifacts and associated items for preservation and display at the National Maritime Museum located within such recreation area. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for such purchase. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend the availability of appropriations from the special account for the acquisition of lands and waters within areas for public use and recreation administered by the Secretary to those areas and authorizations enacted prior to the convening of the Ninety-sixth Congress. Exempts those funds allotted for the acquisition of land, waters, or interests in same for the National Park System, recreation areas, and National Forest System from statutory ceilings enacted prior to the convening of the Ninety-sixth Congress. Permits the Secretary to make minor changes to boundaries or appropriations relating to such Federal lands which boundaries were established subsequent to January 1, 1965. Authorizes the purchase of such lands with appropriated funds. Amends the Act of August 18, 1970, to eliminate the printing of certain newly submitted identical reports if adequate supplies of previously printed identical reports remain available. Directs the Secretary to submit annually a comprehensive "National Park System Plan" to the designated congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate an annual "State of the Parks" report. Directs that the annual report be printed as a House document and shall cease to be prepared and submitted after the fifth submission. Revises the boundaries of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in North Carolina. Directs that the maps and descriptions of such historical site shall be published by the Secretary within 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides for the acquisition and disposal of lands within such boundaries. Amends the Act of October 21, 1976, to increase the authorization of appropriations, from $13,000,000 to $23,700,000, for the acquisition of lands, aquatic lands, or interests therein for Olympic National Park. Makes authorizations of appropriations under this Act effective in fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Repeals the provision of Federal law which allows a Member of Congress to send matter expressing condolences or congratulations as franked mail. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mass mailing which includes laudatory text concerning a Member or Member-elect unless such text is incidental to, and does not comprise a substantial portion of, the mailed item. Extends from 28 to 60 days the period of time before an election during which a Member may not, consistent with the policy of Congress, use his or her mail franking privileges if such Member is a candidate for re-election in such election. Declares that the use of such franking privilege for mass mailing outside of a Member's or Member-elect's home district is not within the policy of Congress if such person is a candidate for any other office. Requires franked mail to be sent by the most economical means. Limits the number of pieces of franked mail sent to six times the number of addresses to which such mail may be delivered under existing law. Requires Members of, or Members-elect to, the House of Representatives to submit mail, which is intended to be sent as franked mail under provisions allowing a simplified form of address, to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with such provisions. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mail for which the printing costs are not paid from funds appropriated by Congress. Extends to surviving relatives the franking privilege of the spouse of a Member of Congress who died in office in the event there is no surviving spouse (such privilege covering only mail relating to the death of such Member mailed within 180 days of death). Expands the authority of the Commission to cover advisory opinions involving any non-criminal law regarding franked mail. Authorizes the Commission to issue regulations or investigate franking privilege violations in connection with any other Federal law (other than criminal statutes) or in connection with any rule of the House relating to franked mail. Extends the Commission's jurisdiction over franking violations to include complaints against former Members and officers of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Soviet Union should: (1) permit emigration from the Soviet Union; (2) remove restrictions on religious and cultural practices; (3) remove restrictions on scientific and intellectual endeavors; and (4) stop harassing individuals who wish to leave or practice their religion.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse ecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principles. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; and (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (2) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (3) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (4) Kenal Fjords National Monument; (5) Kobuk Valley National Monument; (6) Lake Clark National Monument; (7) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (8) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Aniakchak National Monument by the addition of 160,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Aniakchak National Park and National Preserve; (2) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park and National Preserve; (3) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Noatak National Monument by the addition of 660,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Noatak National Preserve; and (5) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument by the addition of 1,230,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; and (2) Lake Clark National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer lands, waters, and interests of all National Park System units in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds which were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to laws and regulations applicable to fish and wildlife protection. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, within respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Requires the Secretary to recognize and convey valid Native selections or nominations of land within boundaries of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Prohibits the charging of fees for admission to any unit of the National Park System located in Alaska. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (10) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kenai National Moose Range; and (5) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation units established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs that the area of the Iliamna watershed be managed for the primary purposes of watershed protection and fish production. Prohibits the Secretary from conveying any lands in such area to the State of Alaska, unless the State devises a plan for the protection of management of the watershed and fishery resources of such area. Provides that nothing in this title shall limit the Secretary's responsibility with respect to the exploration of oil reserves under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976. Prohibits the Secretary from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law with respect to designed or redesignated units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within the refuge. States that land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon and Tanna Rivers, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Directs that such lands as are added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands to: (1) Goldbelt, Inc., representing the Natives of Juneau with respect to their land entitlements under the Alaska Natives Claims Settlement Act; and (2) S.E. Alaska, Inc. Exempts such conveyances from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the taking of fish and wildlife in national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument as conservation system units. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations with respect to mining activities on national forest lands in Alaska in order to protect water quality in such areas. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit any land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, from being subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor from entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Selawik, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak and Charley (including their major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Mulchatna, Noatak, Stony, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Colville, Porcupine, Beaver Creek, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Selawik, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, and Susitna. Sets forth requirement for the completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreement with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under the United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits to oil and gas pipelines to cross areas designated as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas in Alaska, if the Secretary determines that no feasible alternative route exists. Title VI: National Wilderness Preservation System - Designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Denali National Park and Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (5) Glacier Bay National Park; (6) Katmai National Park; (7) Kenai Fjords National Park; (8) Kobuk Valley National Park; (9) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (10) Noatak National Preserve; (11) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and National Preserve; and (12) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Wilderness Reservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Sulawik National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (14) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (15) Afognak Island. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Forest System certain lands in Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest as a wilderness area and to report his findings to the President and the Congress within three years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas in Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. Provides for the maintenance of existing public use cabins located in national forest wilderness areas and the construction of a limited number of new cabins for the protection of the public health and safety. Directs the Secretary to review nondesignated wilderness areas and to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of designating such areas as wilderness areas. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares that the first priority consumptive use of public land resources under this Act shall be the taking of fish and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Authorizes the States to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence uses in a manner consistent with the policies and requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to exercise its authority to regulate subsistence uses, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to monitor State regulation of the subsistence preference granted under this title and to advise the States and Congress of his findings and recommendations. Directs the local and regional advisory councils established by this title to notify the Secretary if any such council determines that the State has not adequately provided for a system of subsistence preference in the region or locality which such council represents. Directs the Secretary to review the determinations of any council and advise the State of his findings. Directs the Secretary to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents if he determines that the States has failed to comply with directives from the Secretary regarding improvements in the subsistence preference program and that such failure endangers the fish or wildlife population in an area or the ability of rural residents to satisfy their subsistence needs. Sets forth procedures for hearing and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits Federal agencies from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife resources and subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision, or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres, to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and plan for centers in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the conservation system units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife. Authorizes the issuance of permits to certain sport hunting guide services and nonsubsistence trappers to continue the taking of wildlife in connection with their business for a period not to exceed ten years from the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that a termination of such privilege would result in serious economic hardship for such individuals. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title IX: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each shareholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. Provides for the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of a mineral estate. Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites and for the reconveyance of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Places restrictions on the conveyance to Regional Corporations of lands which are located in a wildlife refuge. Permits a Regional Corporation which is precluded from receiving title to protected lands to file a claim to certain other lands designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Provides that the 20 year moratorium on the payment of State and local real property taxes on land conveyed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall begin with the vesting of title in such lands. Provides that the moratorium shall not apply to land which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover wildland. Provides for the selection of additional lands by a Village Corporation which has not fulfilled its entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a National Park system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be allotted subject to a right of reentry for a specified 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Requires that payments under such Act shall be deposited into the Alaska Native Fund on the first day of the fiscal year for which the monies are appropriated, and shall be distributed at the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to certified Native Group Corporations an amount not more than $100,000 or less than $50,000 for planning, development, or other authorized purposes. Provides for a two year statute of limitation for the filing of any appeal from a decision of the Secretary under this title or under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the granting of easements on such lands. Provides for the relinquishment of all claims by the United States to submerged lands under a nonnavigable meanderable stream or a lake having a surface area of 160 acres or more which is adjacent to land which is conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of this Act. Provides that such submerged lands shall not be charged toward the acreage entitlement of any Native Corporation. Retains in Federal ownership submerged lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Lists specified lands of: (1) Nana/Cook Inlet Regional Corporation, the Ahtna Regional Corporation, and the Bering Straits Regional Corporation to be withdrawn for selection, and (2) the Doyon Regional Corporation to be exchanged for lands relinquished. Requires the Hodzana River area to be managed as a study area by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with Doyon, Limited. Lists lands, previously selected by Doyon, Limited which such corporation may identify in partial satisfaction of its entitlement under such Act. Provides for the settlement of certain claims and litigation to implement such Act under the unique circumstances of the Native Village of Eklutna. Directs the Secretary to convey the surface and subsurface estates of specified lands on Afognak Island to Koniag, Incorporated. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with specified Native Corporations for boundaries and prices of certain areas of the Pribilof Islands group to be included in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a relinquishment of all right, title, and interest of such Corporation in specified Alaskan lands. Directs the Secretary to make specified conveyances of land pursuant to the Cook Inlet Village Settlement. Grants final approval to all tentative approvals of the State of Alaska land selections pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act. Vests title in all such lands in the State as of the date of tentative approval. Directs the Secretary to convey public lands selected by the Chugach Regional Corporation from certain lands within the Chugach National Forest. Directs the Secretary to study the land ownership and use patterns in the Chugach region in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, Chugach Natives, Inc., and the State of Alaska (if the State chooses to participate). Title X: Transportation and Utility Systems - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only as provided by this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) water transportation systems; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of their liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined produce produced from such sources; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for the transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to prepare and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for a right-of-way for a transportation or utility system subject to this title. Requires any Federal agency which receives an application for a right-of-way to notify the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of the application that such application is either complete or that more information is required. Sets forth filing requirements for environmental impact statements required to be filed with an application for a right-of-way. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to coordinate their procedures for processing applications for rights-of-way for transportation or utility systems which require the approval of more than one agency. Sets forth procedures for the consideration, processing, and approval of applications for rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to submit his recommendation for the approval or disapproval of an application to Congress. Provides that such application shall be deemed approved only upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Title XI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, Native, and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title XII: Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, and Production - States as the purpose of this title the furtherance of exploration, development, and production, through private enterprise with appropriate environmental safeguards, of oil and gas resources on certain public lands in Alaska. Provides that this title shall apply to: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management. Provides that exploration, development, and production of oil and gas on lands to which this title applies shall be conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 except to the extent otherwise provided by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the exploration for oil and gas resources which is conducted pursuant to a plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the holder of any permit issued by the Secretary to disclose to the Secretary any information obtained as a result of any exploration activities. Requires the Secretary to maintain the confidentiality of such information until the permittee acquires a lease for the lands on which the permit data was acquired or at such time as the data ceases to hold proprietary value, but in no case longer than ten years. Directs the Secretary to study such information and to consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from lands subject to this title. Directs the Secretary to encourage the State to undertake studies on lands associated with lands subject to this title. Provides that leases shall be issued only by competitive bidding with respect to the following lands: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management and are determined by the Secretary to be within an area favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas. Requires the development and production of oil or gas on leased lands to be carried out in accordance with a development and production plan approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to suspend or cancel such leases if he determines that operations under such lease pose environmental threats to the land. Requires the Secretary to issue a permit for oil and gas exploration on public lands within six months of a request if the applicant is not required to file an environmental impact statement, or three months after the filing of such a statement if such a statement is required. Requires the Secretary to include in reports required under the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 information with respect to oil and gas development activities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the consideration and issuance of exploration permits to applicants for public lands within the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, including public lands within the Teshekpuk and Utukok National Wildlife Refuges within 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a schedule of proposed lease sales covering such land and to hold the first lease sale on such lands within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas on nonwilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be carried out according to the provisions of this title, except for lands that have been withdrawn from such use under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for issuance of exploration permits and for lease sales of lands subject to the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Provides for the printing of additional copies of the report accompanying H.R. 39, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979, for use of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse ecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principles. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; and (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (2) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (3) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (4) Kenal Fjords National Monument; (5) Kobuk Valley National Monument; (6) Lake Clark National Monument; (7) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (8) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Aniakchak National Monument by the addition of 160,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Aniakchak National Park and National Preserve; (2) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park and National Preserve; (3) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Noatak National Monument by the addition of 660,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Noatak National Preserve; and (5) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument by the addition of 1,230,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; and (2) Lake Clark National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer lands, waters, and interests of all National Park System units in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds which were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to laws and regulations applicable to fish and wildlife protection. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, within respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Requires the Secretary to recognize and convey valid Native selections or nominations of land within boundaries of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Prohibits the charging of fees for admission to any unit of the National Park System located in Alaska. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (10) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kenai National Moose Range; and (5) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation units established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs that the area of the Iliamna watershed be managed for the primary purposes of watershed protection and fish production. Prohibits the Secretary from conveying any lands in such area to the State of Alaska, unless the State devises a plan for the protection of management of the watershed and fishery resources of such area. Provides that nothing in this title shall limit the Secretary's responsibility with respect to the exploration of oil reserves under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976. Prohibits the Secretary from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law with respect to designed or redesignated units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within the refuge. States that land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon and Tanna Rivers, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Directs that such lands as are added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands to: (1) Goldbelt, Inc., representing the Natives of Juneau with respect to their land entitlements under the Alaska Natives Claims Settlement Act; and (2) S.E. Alaska, Inc. Exempts such conveyances from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the taking of fish and wildlife in national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument as conservation system units. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit any land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, from being subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor from entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Selawik, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak and Charley (including their major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Mulchatna, Noatak, Stony, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Colville, Porcupine, Beaver Creek, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Selawik, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, and Susitna. Sets forth requirement for the completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreement with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under the United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits to oil and gas pipelines to cross areas designated as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas in Alaska, if the Secretary determines that no feasible alternative route exists. Title VI: National Wilderness Preservation System - Designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Denali National Park and Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (5) Glacier Bay National Park; (6) Katmai National Park; (7) Kenai Fjords National Park; (8) Kobuk Valley National Park; (9) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (10) Noatak National Preserve; (11) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and National Preserve; and (12) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Wilderness Reservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Sulawik National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (14) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (15) Afognak Island. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Forest System certain lands in Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest as a wilderness area and to report his findings to the President and the Congress within three years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas in Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. Provides for the maintenance of existing public use cabins located in national forest wilderness areas and the construction of a limited number of new cabins for the protection of the public health and safety. Directs the Secretary to review nondesignated wilderness areas and to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of designating such areas as wilderness areas. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares that the first priority consumptive use of public land resources under this Act shall be the taking of fish and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Authorizes the States to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence uses in a manner consistent with the policies and requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to exercise its authority to regulate subsistence uses, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to monitor State regulation of the subsistence preference granted under this title and to advise the States and Congress of his findings and recommendations. Directs the local and regional advisory councils established by this title to notify the Secretary if any such council determines that the State has not adequately provided for a system of subsistence preference in the region or locality which such council represents. Directs the Secretary to review the determinations of any council and advise the State of his findings. Directs the Secretary to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents if he determines that the States has failed to comply with directives from the Secretary regarding improvements in the subsistence preference program and that such failure endangers the fish or wildlife population in an area or the ability of rural residents to satisfy their subsistence needs. Sets forth procedures for hearing and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits Federal agencies from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife resources and subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision, or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres, to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and plan for centers in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the conservation system units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife. Authorizes the issuance of permits to certain sport hunting guide services and nonsubsistence trappers to continue the taking of wildlife in connection with their business for a period not to exceed ten years from the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that a termination of such privilege would result in serious economic hardship for such individuals. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title IX: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each shareholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. Provides for the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of a mineral estate. Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites and for the reconveyance of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Places restrictions on the conveyance to Regional Corporations of lands which are located in a wildlife refuge. Permits a Regional Corporation which is precluded from receiving title to protected lands to file a claim to certain other lands designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Provides that the 20 year moratorium on the payment of State and local real property taxes on land conveyed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall begin with the vesting of title in such lands. Provides that the moratorium shall not apply to land which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover wildland. Provides for the selection of additional lands by a Village Corporation which has not fulfilled its entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a National Park system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be allotted subject to a right of reentry for a specified 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Requires that payments under such Act shall be deposited into the Alaska Native Fund on the first day of the fiscal year for which the monies are appropriated, and shall be distributed at the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to certified Native Group Corporations an amount not more than $100,000 or less than $50,000 for planning, development, or other authorized purposes. Provides for a two year statute of limitation for the filing of any appeal from a decision of the Secretary under this title or under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the granting of easements on such lands. Grants final approval to all tentative approvals of the State of Alaska land selections pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act. Vests title in all such lands in the State as of the date of tentative approval. Title X: Transportation and Utility Systems - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only as provided by this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) water transportation systems; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of their liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined produce produced from such sources; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for the transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to prepare and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for a right-of-way for a transportation or utility system subject to this title. Requires any Federal agency which receives an application for a right-of-way to notify the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of the application that such application is either complete or that more information is required. Sets forth filing requirements for environmental impact statements required to be filed with an application for a right-of-way. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to coordinate their procedures for processing applications for rights-of-way for transportation or utility systems which require the approval of more than one agency. Sets forth procedures for the consideration, processing, and approval of applications for rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to submit his recommendation for the approval or disapproval of an application to Congress. Provides that such application shall be deemed approved only upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Title XI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, Native, and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title XII: Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, and Production - States as the purpose of this title the furtherance of exploration, development, and production, through private enterprise with appropriate environmental safeguards, of oil and gas resources on certain public lands in Alaska. Provides that this title shall apply to: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management. Provides that exploration, development, and production of oil and gas on lands to which this title applies shall be conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 except to the extent otherwise provided by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the exploration for oil and gas resources which is conducted pursuant to a plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the holder of any permit issued by the Secretary to disclose to the Secretary any information obtained as a result of any exploration activities. Requires the Secretary to maintain the confidentiality of such information until the permittee acquires a lease for the lands on which the permit data was acquired or at such time as the data ceases to hold proprietary value, but in no case longer than ten years. Directs the Secretary to study such information and to consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from lands subject to this title. Directs the Secretary to encourage the State to undertake studies on lands associated with lands subject to this title. Provides that leases shall be issued only by competitive bidding with respect to the following lands: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management and are determined by the Secretary to be within an area favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas. Requires the development and production of oil or gas on leased lands to be carried out in accordance with a development and production plan approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to suspend or cancel such leases if he determines that operations under such lease pose environmental threats to the land. Requires the Secretary to issue a permit for oil and gas exploration on public lands within six months of a request if the applicant is not required to file an environmental impact statement, or three months after the filing of such a statement if such a statement is required. Requires the Secretary to include in reports required under the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 information with respect to oil and gas development activities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the consideration and issuance of exploration permits to applicants for public lands within the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, including public lands within the Teshekpuk and Utukok National Wildlife Refuges within 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a schedule of proposed lease sales covering such land and to hold the first lease sale on such lands within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas on nonwilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be carried out according to the provisions of this title, except for lands that have been withdrawn from such use under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for issuance of exploration permits and for lease sales of lands subject to the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean, a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish a civil fine of not more than $100 for anyone who: (1) possesses not more than one ounce of marihuana within a private dwelling, or in a public area and does not consume such marihuana; or (2) distributes or transfers lawfully possessed marihuana in a not for profit manner.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at lease 500 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1986 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into such contracts and make such grants as may be necessary or appropriate for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with appropriate Federal agencies to carry out projects and activities with respect to Federal facilities as may be appropriate for the demonstration of wind energy systems which are suitable and effective for use in such facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Expands the boundaries of the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site to include the following historic buildings located along the ceremonial parade route between the White House and the Capitol: (1) Albee-Keith Theater Building; (2) the National Metropolitan Bank Building; (3) Rhodes Tavern; and (4) the Old Ebbitt Grill. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands deemed necessary to assure the preservation of structures within such boundaries.
![Official portrait of Rep. Udall, Morris K. [D-AZ-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000001_200.jpg)