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United States · Official source
3,407 records where Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
R & E Permanent Resolution Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the rules on the allocation of research and experimental expenditures. (Currently, such rules expire on August 1, 1991.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) liquidate or reliquidate as free of duty any partially assembled lead fuel assembly that was or is imported on March 9, 1990, on September 9, 1990, or before December 31, 1993; and (2) refund any duties paid with respect to such imports if a specified certification is made and submitted to the appropriate customs officer. Describes such an assembly as composed of nuclear fuel rods of zircaloy tubes filled with slightly enriched uranium dioxide pellets.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Declares that the Senate: (1) extends a warm welcome to His Excellency Lech Walesa, President of the Republic of Poland, upon the occasion of his State Visit to the United States; (2) recalls the historic ties between the people of both countries; (3) applauds his commitment to economic and political reform; (4) reaffirms the Senate's and U.S. people's support for the independence and security of Poland; (5) looks forward to cooperation with Poland on issues relating to security and stability in Europe; and (6) commends the Bush Administration's decision to reduce Poland's debt to the United States, applauds the Paris Club's decision to reduce Poland's foreign debt, and urges Poland's private creditors to do the same.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 1995, the suspension of duty on circular and power driven flat knitting machines and parts. Extends, through December 31, 1994, the suspension of duty on: (1) hosiery knitting machines and parts; and (2) needles for knitting machines.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1995, the duty on: (1) p-aminoazo-benzenedi-sulfonic acid; and (2) 4-aminoazo- benzenedi-sulfonic acid, monosodium salt; and (3) disodium salt. Reduces the duty on 4,4-diaminostilbene-2,2' disulfonic acid sodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Authorizes the States to waive application of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to vehicles used either for transporting farm supplies from retail dealers to or from a farm, or for custom harvesting, regardless of whether or not they are controlled or operated by a farmer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1995, the duty on: (1) 6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulfonic acid; (2) diphenyl guanidine/di-o- tolylguanidine; (3) dichlorohexylben-zothiazylsulfenamide; and (4) 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1994, the duty on certain wools.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to revise a specified subheading relating to nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes to include non-galvanized forms of such products. Increases the duty on certain other iron and steel pipes and tubes. Imposes a duty on galvanized nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes having a specified thickness. Increases the duty on certain stainless steel pipes and tubes. Authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate compensation for claims made pursuant to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or any other trade agreement to which the United States is a party, as a result of the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Recognizes the role of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) in preserving a national rail passenger system and providing Americans with an energy efficient, environmentally preferable transportation alternative. Declares that the need for a balanced national transportation system dictates that transportation planners consider the many advantages of improved rail passenger services as they look to addressing national and regional transportation concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
General Aviation Accident Liability Standards Act of 1991 - Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding liability for general aviation accidents. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for general aviation accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 20 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions that exceed $50,000 for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Title I - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this Act, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this Act would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this Act within one year after the effective date of this Act. Title II - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Title III - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this Act. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of facts, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this title to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this title: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this Act to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires a claimant in a civil action under this title who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees. Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this Act in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Authorizes the printing as a Senate document of "Developments in Aging: 1990," a report prepared by the Special Committee on Aging.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Amends the Adult Education Act to provide for education programs for commercial drivers. Authorizes the Secretary of Eduction to make competitive matching grants for adult education programs which increase the literacy skills of eligible commercial drivers so that they may successfully complete the knowledge test requirements under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. Requires grantees to refer individuals identified as having literacy skills problems to appropriate adult education programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitations on deductions for individual retirement plans and provides a cost of living adjustment for deductible amounts. Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five year-period. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Provides exemptions from the ten-percent penalty on early withdrawals from individual retirement plans for: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; and (2) financially devasting medical expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the 1991 reauthorization of mass transit programs be considered as part of the solution to this country's transportation problems.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Northern Advisory Council and the Southern Advisory Council to advise on the establishment of final boundaries and the management of the Allegheny National Recreation River. Terminates the Advisory Councils ten years after the Secretary's approval of such management plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Modifies the criteria under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 with respect to the selection of military installations for closure or realignment to include a determination of the extent to which a proposed closure or realignment is consistent with a fair allocation across the United States of the economic burden of base closures and realignments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers to use the targeted jobs credit for employment of economically disadvantaged Persian Gulf veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Radon Testing for Safe Schools Act - Amends the Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1989 to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidelines on testing for and remediating radon in school buildings. Requires local educational agencies located in areas designated as priority radon areas to conduct radon tests in school buildings owned or operated by such agencies. Directs the Administrator to designate such areas by September 30, 1991. Makes test results available for public review. Requires testing to be supervised by a person who has received instruction pursuant to an EPA or State-approved program and requires the use of devices and methods approved by the radon proficiency program. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grant assistance to States for radon programs through FY 1992. Earmarks funds for radon remediation measures for local educational agencies and for grants to such agencies to reduce radon levels. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs credit permanently. Increases the maximum age requirement for economically disadvantaged youth from 23 to 25. Allows employers to use the targeted jobs credit for employment of economically disadvantaged Persian Gulf veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Disapproves The Schedule of Heights Amendment Act of 1990 passed by the District of Columbia Council and signed by the Mayor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Applauds and expresses the appreciation of the Nation to President George Bush, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Colin Powell, Desert Storm Commander Norman Schwarzkopf, the American forces deployed in the Persian Gulf region, the forces from our coalition partners, and the families of American service men and women participating in Operation Desert Storm. Sends condolences to the families of those killed during such operation. Demands from Saddam Hussein: (1) the immediate release of all prisoners of war held by Iraq; (2) a complete accounting for all American and coalition forces listed as missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for; and (3) the immediate and unconditional release and return of all Kuwaiti citizens held by Iraqi forces. Urges all relevant authorities to seriously examine the issue of possible war crimes by Hussein and other Iraqi military leaders and forces and to hold Iraq responsible in principle for reparations for the destruction caused by the invasion and occupation of Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1991
Designates the month of November in 1991 and 1992 as National Hospice Month.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Live Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the live performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions: (1) prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations; and (2) prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in it a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if its majority status has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of live musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform live musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1996, the duty on: (1) 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; and (2) mixtures of 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and application adjuvants, with or without stabilizers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1996, the duty on: (1) 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; and (2) mixtures of 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and application adjuvants, with or without stabilizers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1996, the duty on dicyclopentenyloxyethyl methacrylate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 1996, the suspension of duty on: (1) 1,1-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol (dicofol); (2) dinocap; (3) m-hydroxy-benzoic acid; (4) 3-amino-3-methyl-1-butyne; (5) 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures of 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and application adjuvants; (6) 3,7-bis(dimethylamino) phenazathionium chloride (methylene blue); (7) mixtures of dinocap and application adjuvants; (8) maneb, zineb, mancozeb, and metiram; (9) mixtures of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, magnesium chloride and stabilizers, whether or not containing application adjuvants; (10) mixtures of 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol (dicofol) and application adjuvants; (11) cross-linked polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (cholestyramine resin USP); and (12) molten-salt-cooled acrylic acid reactors and their associated parts, accessories and equipment, when imported as an entirety.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Defense Production Act Extension and Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Amendments to the Defense Production Act of 1950 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to extend its expiration date to September 30, 1991. Authorizes appropriations and sets spending limits under such Act through FY 1991. Repeals provisions of such Act granting immunity from civil and criminal suits and a defense to antitrust actions for those persons engaging in voluntary agreements for defense preparedness programs and expansion of production capacity and supply. Authorizes the President, with respect to certain Defense Production Act activities, to exempt persons participating in a voluntary agreement or plan of action on behalf of the United States from Federal antitrust laws or any similar State law for activities engaged in as part of such agreement or plan. Requires an individual designated by the President to administer such an agreement or plan to provide prior written notice of the time, place, and nature of any meeting to carry out such agreement or plan to the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and the Congress. Outlines requirements for, and limitations to, the antitrust defense for participants in such agreements or plans. Exempts any activity or provision of such agreements or plans from the Federal Advisory Committee Act and other Federal law relating to advisory committees. Authorizes the President to order a priority in the allocation of materials, facilities, and services (currently, only materials and facilities) when requirements of national defense cannot otherwise be met. Requires the President to reach certain determinations concerning the critical shortages of such materials, facilities, and services before exercising such authority. Makes this title effective (retroactively) on October 20, 1990. Title II: Fair Trade in Financial Services - Fair Trade in Financial Services Act of 1991 - Amends the International Banking Act of 1978, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) submit biennial status reports to the Congress regarding foreign treatment of certain U.S. business interests; and (2) initiate negotiations with foreign countries to ensure that they offer U.S. banking and bank holding companies, securities brokers and dealers, and investment advisers the same competitive opportunities as are available to their foreign counterparts. Authorizes the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a determination that a foreign country does not accord national treatment to such U.S. business interests. Authorizes a Federal banking agency, or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), after notice of such determination, to include such determination as a basis for denial of certain foreign trade applications (to conduct banking, securities, or investment advice activities in the United States) from such foreign country in reports required under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Directs the Secretary to review such determinations annually and rescind determinations, if appropriate. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to preclude banking interests of such countries from commencing or conducting business in this country as of the date of the Secretary's determination unless prior approval has been obtained from a Federal banking agency (including, under certain circumstances, a State banking agency). Outlines the factors to be considered by the Secretary and the banking and securities regulatory agencies in their exercise of discretion with respect to existing foreign operations in the United States. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide that, subsequent to the Secretary's determination in the Federal Register that a foreign country does not accord national treatment to U.S. securities or investment adviser interests, a person from such foreign country may not acquire control of a registered broker, dealer, or investment adviser unless the SEC has been duly notified and has not prohibited such acquisition. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, together with other appropriate agencies and representatives, to conduct an investigation to determine: (1) the extent of interdependence of U.S. financial services sectors and foreign countries whose financial services institutions provide financial services in the United States, or whose persons have substantial ownership interests in U.S. financial institutions; and (2) the economic, strategic, and other consequences of that interdependence for the United States. Directs the Secretary to report the results of this investigation within two years to the President, the Congress, and other specified commissions, departments, and agencies as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Extends civil service retirement provisions governing deductions, contributions, and deposits, mandatory separation, and immediate retirement that are currently applicable to Federal law enforcement officers to: (1) revenue officers for the Internal Revenue Service; (2) customs inspectors for the U.S. Customs Service; (3) customs canine enforcement officers for the U.S. Customs Service; and (4) inspectors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Calls for: (1) the Department of State to try to convince the Government of Saudi Arabia to eliminate the surcharge on telephone calls by U.S. service persons where Saudi facilities are not used in transmission and to reduce the charge applicable to calls using Saudi facilities; (2) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to exercise its existing regulatory authority to ensure that local and interexchange telephone service providers adopt flexible billing procedures and policies in connection with costs incurred by service persons or their families for telephone calls to and from the Persian Gulf; (3) the FCC to work with State authorities to ensure that no family or spouse is disconnected from basic telephone service due to financial hardship imposed by such costs; and (4) U.S. long distance service carriers to file, and the FCC to immediately consider, special reduced rates to and from the Saudi Arabia theater for the duration of the conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-exempt organizations to establish qualified cash or deferred arrangements for their employees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to exclude certain footwear assembled in beneficiary countries from duty-free treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the regulations on the recycling industry. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for: (1) the storage and transfer of batteries by generators; (2) recordkeeping by battery generators, transporters, and recyclers; and (3) management practices of recyclers. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity as the batteries sold. Requires transporters to acquire an identification number from the EPA or the State enforcing this Act. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead from such batteries and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters for purposes of producing new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Directs producers or importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of virgin and secondary lead used in new lead-acid batteries produced or imported by such persons. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers or importers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Sets forth minimum requirements for the credit system. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle, through methods specified under this Act, an amount of newsprint equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by such individuals by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires the recycling percentage to be at least 20 percent. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for the next ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) producers and importers to keep specified records; (2) producers of recycled newsprint to notify EPA of capacity to recycle old newsprint; (3) importers of recycled newsprint to notify the U.S. Customs Service of the amount of newsprint being imported and to have certifications of the accuracy of such amount from the trade representative of the country shipping such newsprint to the United States; and (4) producers and importers to report to the Administrator on the amount of recycled newsprint produced or imported annually and the number of credits purchased from, or sold to, other producers or importers. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the newsprint and newspaper industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress and implement a plan for the recycling of post-consumer high grade paper. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Tire Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the recovered rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities, scrap tire collection facilities, and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of recycling requirements. Considers a scrap tire recycling or disposal facility to be a solid waste disposal facility for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning exempt facility bonds. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities and on the intentional infliction of damage on tire casings to preclude casings from being used in retreading; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire collection facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility owners or operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the State to use to issue permits to scrap tire recycling facilities. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring items that make use of scrap or used tires. Requires Federal departments, if the Administrator fails to promulgate such guideline, to procure items containing at least 75 percent of post-consumer scrap rubber from scrap tires if the rubber is available within a reasonable amount of time at a reasonable price and meets performance standards. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to publish standards to determine the life-cycle costs and benefits of items that make use of rubber from scrap or used tires as compared with items that make use of rubber other than from scrap or used tires. Requires such standards to be used by Federal departments covered by the procurement guideline. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine and report to the Congress on: (1) direct worker environmental health effects relating to asphalt made from crumb rubber from scrap tires; (2) the recyclability of asphalt road surfaces made from crumb rubber from scrap tires; and (3) the estimated life of existing asphalt road surfaces made from crumb rubber from scrap tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent agreements with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from identifying used oil or affiliated materials as hazardous wastes under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "affiliated materials" as used oil filters and any materials used for cleaning up after changing oil that are contaminated with used oil. Provides that any fuel derived from used oil that does not meet used oil specifications established by the Administrator and would otherwise be identified as a hazardous waste shall be deemed to be a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, store, transport, recycle, or dispose of used oil. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of such regulations on the used oil recycling industry. Provides that regulations for used oil generators shall: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground storage tank unless such tank meets requirements under this Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) require generators to transfer such oil to specified permitted used oil recycling or disposal facilities or transporters; and (4) require generators to keep specified records on such oil. Requires used oil transporter regulations to provide that such transporters: (1) acquire identification numbers from EPA; (2) meet applicable financial responsibility requirements; and (3) keep specified records. Includes intermediate storage requirements in transporter regulations. Provides that used oil recycler regulations shall require recyclers to: (1) keep specified records; (2) test fuel produced from the recycling process before departure from the facility; and (3) obtain certain permits. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for exempt refineries that recycle used oil as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets forth minimum requirements for such regulations. Requires used oil disposal and affiliated material regulations to prohibit mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless the mixture is stored, treated, or disposed of at a permitted facility. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of new and existing recycling facilities to have class permits. Sets forth permit requirements. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities to assure permit compliance. Sets forth requirements for interim class permits. Exempts from permit requirements: (1) facilities which refine at least 10,000 barrels daily of crude oil into petroleum products, are classified as S.I.C. number 2911 (pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Standard Classification Manual) facilities, and at which the amount of refined used oil is equal to no more than the amount of used oil that the owner is required to recycle and the used oil contains less than a specified amount of halogens; and (2) facilities which compound or blend lubricating base oil into finished lubricant products as their principal activity, are classified as S.I.C. number 2899 or 2992 facilities, and whose volume of used oil compounded or blended into such products is no more than ten percent of the lubricating base oil compounded or blended annually. Exempts from used oil regulation requirements on-site activities at facilities classified as S.I.C. number 4911 facilities. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such facilities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing specification standards for fuel derived from used oil to be burned in furnaces and boilers. Sets forth requirements to take effect if the Administrator fails to promulgate used oil regulations by the applicable deadline. Requires the Administrator to implement education programs to inform the public and small businesses about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth labeling requirements for oil packages and oil filters to encourage the recycling and return of used oil to collection centers. Requires States to develop plans for making information available to the public about recycling of used oil and oil filters. Directs the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone line to give out information about State used oil recycling programs. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Trade Agreement Compliance Act of 1991 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), at the request of an interested person, to determine whether a foreign country is complying with any agreement it has with the United States. Requires the USTR to take specified action under the Act if he or she determines that such country is in material noncompliance with any agreement. Requires the amendments made by this Act to be consistent with U.S. international obligations, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Designates April 15, 1991, as National Recycling Day.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to declare that a foreign principal shall be considered to control a person in major part if: (1) such principal holds more than 50 percent of equitable ownership in such person; or (2) such principal, subject to rebuttal evidence, holds at least 20 percent but not more than 50 percent of equitable ownership in such person. Requires agents of foreign principals who have filed registration statements to file supplements to such statements with the Attorney General on January 31 and July 31 of each year. Authorizes agents with accounting systems using different fiscal years to petition the Attorney General to permit the filing of statements at the close of the first and seventh month of such fiscal year in lieu of the required dates. Provides that the exemption from the foreign agent registration requirement for individuals providing legal representation for a foreign principal before a U.S. agency shall apply only to representation before the Patent and Trademark Office. Imposes civil penalties upon persons who have: (1) failed to file registration statements; or (2) omitted a material fact or made false statements on registration statements. Authorizes the Attorney General to serve civil investigative demands on persons in control of material relevant to investigations concerning violations of registration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Amendments to the Defense Production Act of 1950 - Part A: Declaration of Policy - Revises the declaration of policy under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to state that such Act affords the President an array of authorities to shape defense preparedness programs and to take appropriate steps to maintain and enhance the defense industrial and technological base (the defense base). Requires executive agencies and departments responsible for defense acquisition to continuously assess the capability of the defense base to satisfy peacetime requirements as well as increased mobilization production requirements. States that plans and programs to carry out the policy stated above shall duly consider the promotion of efficiency and competition. Expresses certain congressional findings disapproving the growing U.S. dependence on foreign sources for critical components and materials used to manufacture major weapons systems for our national defense. States that it is imperative for the United States to preserve and strengthen its industrial and technological capabilities. Part B: Amendments to Title I of the Defense Production Act - Directs the President, within five years, to review the inventory of weapons systems and defense equipment and to designate as an essential weapons system those items deemed appropriate. Requires the President to identify critical components and critical technology items utilizing information from the Defense Industrial Base Information System (established under this Act). Authorizes the President to limit to domestic procurement those critical components and critical technology items needed to meet national security requirements. Authorizes the President to provide appropriate incentives to develop, maintain, modernize, or expand the productive capacities of domestic sources for critical components, critical technology items, or industrial resources within an industry deemed essential for national security. Authorizes the use of funds provided later under this Act for guaranteeing the purchase or lease of advanced manufacturing equipment. Requires the President to give a preference to small businesses in providing assistance authorized under this Act. Authorizes the President to stockpile appropriate supplies of critical components and critical technology items to meet the needs of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the production needs of firms furnishing essential weapons systems to DOD during peacetime and various stages of graduated mobilization, wherever it is determined that necessary quantities of such items cannot be obtained from domestic sources. Requires biennial reports on activities taken to preserve and revitalize the defense base. States that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to: (1) provide for the imposition of wage or price controls without prior authorization of such action by joint congressional resolution; or (2) require action or compliance by any private person to assist in the production of, or involvement in, chemical or biological warfare capabilities except in time of war or national emergency. Part C: Amendments to Title III of the Defense Production Act - Expands the existing loan guarantee authority of the President to include providing such authority for the procurement of industrial resources or a critical technology item for the national defense. Increases from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 the maximum loan guarantee amount that may be made before a specific authorization by law is needed. Makes the same changes for loans made to private business enterprises under such Act. Authorizes the President to provide for purchases or purchase commitments for an industrial resource or a critical technology item for Government use or resale. (Currently, such purchases or purchase commitments are permitted for the purchase of metals, minerals, and other material.) Prohibits the President from executing a contract for purchases or purchase commitments unless: (1) the industrial resource or critical technology is essential to the national defense; (2) U.S. industry cannot reasonably provide such resource or technology in a timely manner; or (3) U.S. national defense demand for the resource or technology is equal to or greater than the output of domestic industrial capability determined to be available for national defense. Increases from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 the maximum industrial resource shortfall authorized to be reached by the President before a specific authorization by law is required. Waives such requirements, along with requirements concerning loan guarantees and loans to private business enterprises, during periods of national emergency declared by the Congress or the President. Extends the term for purchases or purchase commitments from September 30, 1995, to a date not more than ten years from the date such purchase, commitment, or sale was initially made. Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Production Act Fund to carry out the purposes of title III of such Act. Establishes a maximum Fund balance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate a Fund manager to manage such Fund and report to the Congress annually on Fund activities. Provides for the determination of liabilities against the Fund. Transfers a specified amount to such Fund from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. States that it shall be the policy of the U.S. Government that: (1) no agency of the United States shall encourage or commit U.S. firms to any offset arrangement in connection with the sale of defense goods or services to foreign governments; (2) Government funds shall not be used to finance offsets in security assistance transactions except under specified procedures; (3) nothing in this Act shall prevent U.S. agencies from fulfilling obligations incurred through international agreements entered into prior to enactment of this Act; (4) the decision whether to engage in offsets and in negotiating and implementing offset arrangements lies with the companies involved; and (5) any exceptions to such policy shall be approved by the President after receiving the recommendation of the National Security Council. Directs the Secretary of Defense to lead an interagency team to consult with foreign nations on limiting the adverse effects of offsets in defense procurement and to report to specified congressional committees. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (currently, the President) to prepare a report on the impact of offsets on the defense preparedness, industrial competitiveness, employment, and trade of the United States, as required under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Provides that if a U.S. firm enters into a contract for the sale of a weapon system or defense-related item to a foreign country or foreign firm and such contract is subject to an offset agreement exceeding $5,000,000, such firm shall furnish an offset agreement to a designated defense official and information concerning such sale. Provides for the protection of confidential information provided to such defense official. Outlines information to be included in the reports prepared by the Department of Commerce. Requires findings and recommendations contained in such reports to be considered by representatives of the United States during bilateral and multilateral negotiations aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of offsets. Requires the President to issue biennial reports assessing those subsectors of the U.S. economy which have been identified as being critical to the development and production of components required for the production of weapons systems and other items of military equipment and the provision of services essential to the national defense. Outlines matters to be considered in such reports, including capacity and capabilities of domestic sources, the extent of foreign dependencies for items of military material, and reasons for decline in U.S. capabilities to meet peacetime and mobilization requirements. Part D: Amendments to Title VII of the Defense Production Act - Requires small business concerns to be given the maximum practicable opportunity to participate as contractors and subcontractors in all programs to maintain and strengthen the nation's defense base under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Requires representatives of small business concerns to participate in such advisory committees as may be established under such Act, and requires small business concerns to be given access to appropriate information to the maximum extent practicable. Requires the President to allocate a fair share of material authorized under the Act to small business concerns, especially to new concerns or individual firms facing undue hardship. Limits the authority of the President to delegate any power conferred upon him by this Act, including the redelegation of such authority. Permits executives being trained and organized in the National Defense Executive Reserve and participating in voluntary agreements or plans or actions under direction of the President and pursuant to treaty obligations to be given antitrust and breach of contract immunity when undertaking any emergency actions. Exempts such activities from provisions of the Advisory Committee Act. Requires the President to provide for the establishment of an information system on the domestic defense industrial base which includes a systematic and continuously-updated procedure to collect and analyze information necessary to evaluate: (1) the adequacy of domestic industrial capacity and capability in critical components, technologies, and technology items essential to national security; and (2) dependence on foreign sources for industrial parts, components, and technologies essential to defense production. Requires the current defense information network to be incorporated into such information system. Provides sources of, and uses for, such information as collected and analyzed, including review and production-base analysis purposes. Directs the President to require the Secretary of each military department to incorporate in such system a complete analysis of the production base of two major weapons systems of such department. Directs the President to provide for the establishment of, and report to the Congress on, a strategic plan for developing a cost-effective, comprehensive information system capable of identifying vulnerability in critical components, technologies, and technology items. Directs the President to require the Secretaries of Defense and of Commerce, as well as the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, to consult with one another, provide information assistance and access, and coordinate standards, definitions, and specifications for information on defense production between Federal departments and agencies. Requires the President, upon establishment of the information system, to convene a task force to establish guidelines and procedures to ensure that all Federal departments and agencies which acquire information with respect to the domestic defense industrial base are fully participating in the system. Requires the President to report on the domestic adequacy or inadequacy of critical components, technologies, and technology items needed for the defense industrial base. Authorizes appropriations. Exempts any regulation or order issued under the Defense Production Act of 1950 from the Administrative Procedure Act. Waives certain Federal employment restrictions (conflict-of-interests provisions) in the case of a special Government employee if the President determines and certifies that it is in the public interest to grant the waiver and that the services provided by the employee are critically needed for the benefit of the Government. Limits the Government-wide waivers to 50, with 25 such waivers to be granted only to Department of Energy employees for use in discharging responsibilities with respect to ensuring adequate energy supplies during the Middle East crisis. Requires a designated agency ethics official to prepare a report at the end of the employment of an employee granted such a waiver describing the activities to which the waiver applied. Require such report to be filed with the President and the Director of the Office of Government Ethics. Part E: Technical Amendments - Limits the use of presidential authority to prioritize contracts having a bearing on national defense over other Government contracts or orders. Increases from $1,000 to $10,000 the possible fine for the willful violation of certain information disclosure rules. Revises provisions concerning certain employment appointment procedures in connection with appointments made by the President in order to carry out the provisions of the Defense Production Act. Part F: Repealers and Conforming Amendments - Repeals specified provisions of such Act which: (1) provide for the effective date of a synthetic fuel action sent to the Congress by the President; (2) provide for voluntary agreements and plans of action for international agreements for the international allocation of petroleum products and related information systems; (3) provide for the accrual of interest on remaining funds authorized and appropriated to carry out such Act; (4) establish the Joint Committee on Defense Production; (5) disqualify certain persons for employment under such Act; (6) require a feasibility study of the application of uniform cost accounting standards under defense procurement contracts; and (7) establish the National Commission on Supplies and Shortages. Part G: Reauthorization of Selected Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 to carry out the Defense Production Act of 1950. Terminates all authority under the Act as of the end of FY 1993. Title II: Additional Provisions to Improve Industrial Preparedness - Part A: Encouraging Improvement of the Defense Industrial Base - Directs the President to issue a procurement policy providing for the solicitation and award of contracts for critical components or critical technology items where only domestic sources must be eligible for their award or where a specified percentage of domestic participation is required in the total estimated value of the contract. Waives such requirements if the contracting officer determines that such restrictions are likely to have a significant adverse impact on national interests. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to be modified to include such contracting requirements for the procurement of critical components or critical technology items. Directs the President to prescribe an acquisition policy which requires that the acquisition plan for any major system or any other acquisition program so designated provides for contract solicitation provisions which encourage competing offerors to acquire modern industrial facilities and production systems for utilization in the performance of the contract as well as other modern equipment to increase productivity of the offerors while reducing the costs of production. Outlines provisions authorized to be included in such contract provisions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense, as part of his study of the defense acquisition process under the Defense Management Review, shall consider: (1) the full allowability of independent research and development bid and proposal costs; and (2) an increase in the progress payment rate on defense contracts. Part B: Miscellaneous - Requires the Code of Federal Regulations to be amended to specify the circumstances under which a contractor who has engaged in an unfair trade practice may be found to lack business integrity or honesty that seriously and directly affects his or her responsibility to perform any Government contract or subcontract. Title III: Amendment to Related Laws - Finds that congressional interest in energy security and the availability of energy for defense mobilization, industrial preparedness, and other purposes of the Defense Production Act has also been expressed in other laws. Directs the President to submit to the Congress biennially the projected capacity and potential prospects for the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy for such purposes. Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to extend the period of loan guaranties and interest assistance provided under such Act through FY 1993. Title IV: Fair Trade in Financial Services - Fair Trade in Financial Services Act of 1990 - Amends the International Banking Act of 1978, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) submit biennial status reports to the Congress regarding foreign treatment of certain U.S. business interests; and (2) initiate negotiations with foreign countries to ensure that they offer U.S. banking and bank holding companies, securities brokers and dealers, and investment advisers the same competitive opportunities as are available to their foreign counterparts. Authorizes the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a determination that a foreign country does not accord national treatment to such U.S. business interests. Authorizes a Federal banking agency, or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), after notice of such determination, to include such determination as a basis for denial of certain foreign trade applications (to conduct banking, securities, or investment advice activities in the United States) from such foreign country in reports required under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Directs the Secretary to review such determinations annually and rescind determinations, if appropriate. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to preclude banking interests from such countries from commencing or conducting business in this country as of the date of the Secretary's determination unless prior approval has been obtained from a Federal banking agency (including, under certain circumstances, a State banking agency). Outlines the factors to be considered by the Secretary and the banking and securities regulatory agencies in their exercise of discretion with respect to existing foreign operations in the United States. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide that, subsequent to the Secretary's determination in the Federal Register that a foreign country does not accord national treatment to U.S. securities or investment adviser interests, a person from such foreign country may not acquire control of a registered broker, dealer, or investment adviser unless the SEC has been duly notified and has not prohibited such acquisition. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, together with other appropriate agencies and representatives, to conduct an investigation to determine the extent of interdependence of U.S. financial services sectors and foreign countries whose financial services institutions provide financial services in the United States, or whose persons have substantial ownership interests in U.S. financial institutions, and the economic, strategic, and other consequences of that interdependence for the United States. Directs the Secretary to report the results of this investigation within two years to the President, the Congress, and other specified commissions, departments, and agencies as deemed appropriate by the Secretary. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
National Energy Security Act of 1991 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the energy efficiency and development purposes of this Act. Title II: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Title III: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Industrial, Commercial, and Residential - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to mandate that the construction of new public housing units comply with energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) promulgate guidelines for State government procedures that would enable the assignment of energy efficiency ratings to residential buildings; (2) establish a technical assistance program for State or local organizations adopting residential energy efficiency rating systems; and (3) undertake joint ventures to encourage commercialization of technologies developed in a research and development program intended to improve energy efficiency and productivity in energy intensive industries and industrial processes. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report triennially to the Congress on energy efficiency policy options that would decrease domestic oil and energy consumption by specified percentages. Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal provisions regarding energy targets. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish voluntary guidelines for energy efficiency audits of industrial facilities and insulation in such facilities; (2) conduct an education and technical assistance program to promote the use of such guidelines; and (3) report on them annually. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to support the voluntary development of a national program to establish energy efficiency ratings for windows. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to expand the scope and frequency of certain energy efficiency data and to report on it annually to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide financial and technical assistance to support voluntary development of a national energy efficiency rating program for lamps and luminaries. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for them. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to direct the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning evaluations of: (1) electric lights and utility distribution transformers; and (2) minimum energy efficiency performance standards of electric motors and pumps. Subtitle B: Federal Energy Management - Amends NECPA to prescribe energy management requirements for energy conservation and efficiency in Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration: (1) to conduct an analysis of significant energy consuming products in the Federal Supply Schedule; and (2) to develop a method to identify products which offer cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to consider fuel efficiency and cost savings when evaluating bids for the purchase of passenger vehicles and light trucks. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) the funding of Federal energy efficiency projects; and (2) a biennially updated demonstration plan for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Federally-owned facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Utilities - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to permit State-regulated electric utilities to charge rates that will make their investments in energy efficiency and conservation measures as profitable as their investments in new facilities construction. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the extent to which State-regulated electric utility rates reflect least-cost planning; (2) specified effects of least-cost planning; and (3) the extent to which ratemaking methodologies implementing least-cost planning take into account the impact of such measures upon electric utilities' rate of return on investment. Prescribes guidelines for conservation grants to State regulatory authorities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Used Oil Energy Production - Amends EPCA to prescribe market incentive guidelines for the reuse of used oil. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of the recycled oil program. Subtitle E: Insular Areas Energy Assistance - Sets forth guidelines for Federal financial assistance to Insular area governments for renewable energy and energy efficiency measures to reduce their dependence on imported fuels. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A: CORECT - Amends the EPCA to name a certain interagency working group the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT). Requires CORECT: (1) to promote the export of United States renewable energy and energy efficiency products and technologies; (2) to promote the development and application in lesser-developed countries of renewable energy and energy efficiency resource technologies; and (3) to provide in-country technical training and financial assistance. Authorizes CORECT to establish renewable energy industry outreach offices in the Pacific Rim and in the Caribbean Basin. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the range of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies available to meet the energy needs of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Renewable Energy Initiatives - Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for joint ventures with respect to: (1) oil and diesel fuel displacement using specified renewable energy sources; and (2) training individuals from developing countries in the United States in the operation and maintenance of renewable energy equipment and of energy efficiency equipment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees an evaluation of opportunities to minimize waste from processes in the U.S. industries. Subtitle C: Hydropower - Prohibits any State or interstate water pollution control agency from making as a prerequisite to certification any requirements not needed to ensure that discharges resulting from a hydroelectric project will comply with statutory requirements. Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission, when issuing a hydroelectric power project licenses, to consider the recommendations of the Secretary under whose supervision the project reservation falls concerning its adequate protection and utilization. Exempts from application of the Federal Power Act any project with a power production capacity of 1500 kilowatts or less. Requires the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on cost-effective opportunities to increase hydropower production at existing federally-owned or operated water regulation, storage, and conveyance facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Coal Technology and Electricity - Subtitle A: Coal and Coal Technology - Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an advanced coal-based technology research and development program aimed at controlling sulfur and nitrogen oxides at greater proficiency levels; (2) periodically report to the Congress on the program's status; (3) conduct a research and development plan with respect to technologies for non-fuel use of coal; and (4) submit to certain congressional committees a plan for the export of U.S. coal. Establishes the Clean Coal Technology Export Coordinating Council (Council) to: (1) expand the export and use of clean coal technologies (especially in lesser developed countries); and (2) develop a comprehensive data base and information dissemination system regarding their potential need and availability. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of technologies for combining coal with other materials; and (2) conduct a research, development, and demonstration program for utilizing "ultra-clean coal-water slurry" in diesel locomotive engines. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a data base containing all transportation rates for specified modes of transporting domestic coal for a certain period; (2) study the rates and distribution patterns of domestic coal to determine the impact of Federal policies upon such patterns; and (3) report the data base and study results to the Congress. Subtitle B: Electricity - Declares that for purposes of the Clean Air Act certain physical or operational changes to an electric utility steam generating unit undertaken for purposes of pollution control shall not be treated as a modification if the change does not increase the potential emission of the specific regulated pollutant above the pre-existing potential. Sets conditions for finding such a unit in compliance with technology requirements regarding nitrogen oxide emissions. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on physical impediments to the transfer of excess electrical energy from regions with surplus electrical energy to those experiencing shortages. Title VI: Research, Development, Demonstration and Commercialization Activities - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish priorities according to prescribed criteria for energy research and development and commercialization; and (2) submit to the Congress an accompanying management plan which shall be revised biennially. Requires the Secretary to implement a program: (1) promoting the development and commercialization of new and advanced natural gas utilization technologies; (2) of research and development to increase the recoverable natural gas resource base; and (3) of research, development, and commercialization of specified high efficiency heat engines. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the EPCA to direct the Secretary to implement a program for ensuring that: (1) crude oil stored at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will be increased at a specified daily rate; and (2) the petroleum product needs of the Department of Defense will be met by requiring importers to provide petroleum products according to prescribed percentage guidelines. Title VIII: Outer Continental Shelf - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to add a new title: the "Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Act". Establishes the Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Fund, to be funded by a specified percentage of all new revenue attributable to an Outer Continental Shelf lease any part of which is within 200 geographical miles of the coast line. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transmit impact assistance from such Fund annually to coastal States according to prescribed guidelines. Requires a recipient coastal State to prioritize allocation of such revenue among its subdivisions which are socially or economically impacted by Outer Continental Shelf mineral development. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on the availability of Outer Continental Shelf areas for oil and gas leasing, development and production. Title IX: Oil and Gas Leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Subtitle A: Statement of Purpose and Policy and Definitions - Declares that it is the congressional purpose to: (1) authorize competitive oil and gas leasing development on the Arctic Coastal Plain in a manner consistent with environmental and wildlife protection; and (2) provide a new funding source for energy-related projects to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported oil. Subtitle B: Congressional Determination of Compatibility - Declares that it is congressional policy that oil and gas activities on the Coastal Plain which are conducted with no significant adverse impact upon fish, wildlife, and the environment shall be deemed compatible with the purpose of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and that no further compatibility findings by the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) are required under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act. Subtitle C: Coastal Plain Competitive Leasing Program - Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for Coastal Plain resources exploration, development, and production. Declares that this title is the sole authority for leasing on the Coastal Plain. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations to implement this title. Declares that the Congress finds that the "Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement" (April 1987) on the Coastal Plain satisfies the legal requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth the administrative parameters for: (1) lease sales and lease terms; (2) antitrust review by the Attorney General; (3) exploration and development and production plans; (4) plan approval; (5) bonding requirements; and (6) lease suspension and cancellation. Allows the Secretary to cancel leases in any areas of particular environmental sensitivity. Requires the Secretary's consent for lease assignments or subletting. Mandates that lessees unite to the greatest extent practicable in collectively adopting and operating under a cooperative or unit plan for oil pools and gas fields. Provides for the confidentiality of privileged or proprietary information regarding development activities which must be furnished to the Secretary. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title. Provides for adjudication of lease controversies. Sets forth joint, several, and strict liability for environmental damages and removal costs resulting from oil pollution or the discharge of hazardous substances. Provides for judicial review of complaints regarding regulations issued by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding the leasing program under this Act. Repeals certain limitations applicable to subsurface interests owned by the Inupiat Eskimo people. Provides for expedited judicial consideration of any claims for relief by certain Alaskan corporations. Subtitle D: Coastal Plain Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary to promulgate environmental protection regulations which ensure that Coastal Plain activities will result in no significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife, their habitat, and the environment. Requires site-specific assessment and mitigation. Designates the Sadlerochit Spring area as a special area for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude such area from leasing and to designate other Coastal Plain areas as special areas requiring protection. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically update a facilities construction and siting plan for oil and gas development and transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain in a manner that does not adversely affect fish, wildlife, and the environment. Requires the Secretary to conduct additional studies to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for bi-annual facility inspections for compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Provides funding for a ten-year period for environmental monitoring and enforcement on the Coastal Plain. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) consult with the Department of Transportation and the State of Alaska about the State's role in monitoring and enforcing the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act; and (2) report annually to the Congress regarding the environmental monitoring activities. Subtitle E: Land Reclamation and Reclamation Liability Fund - Makes leaseholders fully responsible and liable for land reclamation within the Coastal Plain and other Federal lands adversely affected by lease activities. Requires establishment of the Coastal Plain Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the Coastal Plain. Directs the Secretary to collect fees based upon the crude oil volume entering the trans-Alaska pipeline. Prescribes revenue collection and expenditure procedures. Subtitle F: Disposition of Oil and Gas Revenues - Sets forth an allocation schedule for revenue distribution related to oil and gas leasing within the Arctic National Refuge, Alaska. Mandates that revenues distributed to the United States from such oil and gas leases be deposited into the Energy Security Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make such funds directly available to the Secretary of Energy for a list of specified energy projects transmitted to the Congress as part of the first budget submitted by the President following the initial deposit of funds in the Energy Security Fund. Subtitle G: Export Restrictions - Prohibits the export of crude oil produced from Coastal Plain lands except in specified circumstances. Title X: Natural Gas - Provides that for purposes of the Natural Gas Act a certificate of public convenience and necessity is not required for the construction of a transportation service facility. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for such transportation service immediately upon initiation of transportation service rendered by such a facility. Prescribes administrative procedures for rate schedules, accounts and records, and rate base treatment. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to authorize FERC to permit: (1) any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas; and (2) the construction of natural gas transportation facilities for interstate commerce. Outlines administrative procedures for FERC compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with respect to natural gas transportation. Declares FERC the lead agency for NEPA compliance purposes. Sets forth administrative procedures for rates and charges, utilization of rulemaking procedures, and review of FERC orders. Declares that the formation or operation of an independent producer cooperative shall only be an illegal antitrust law violation if anticompetitive effects substantially outweigh the procompetitve effects. Outlines the scope of State jurisdiction over persons with service area determinations with respect to vehicular natural gas sales for resale and for transportation. Title XI: Transportation and Alternative Fuels - Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Act of 1991 - Subtitle A: Corporation Average Fuel Economy - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks manufactured in model years 1996 through 2001, and for those manufactured in model years 2002 and thereafter. Requires such Secretary to determine the maximum feasible average fuel economy achievable according to prescribed formulas for passenger automobiles, light trucks, or class of light trucks manufactured during such model years. Provides that credits for exceeding average fuel economy standards may be transferred among manufacturers and among vehicle classes of a manufacturer. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue rules implementing such a credit trading system. Grants average fuel economy credits for small passenger automobiles manufactured with airbags for either driver seating position only, or for both the driver and front seat outboard seating positions. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 explanatory booklets each year to every dealer and an additional number if requested. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to assess an excessive fuel consumption fee upon a manufacturer whose average fuel economy does not meet certain statutory standards. Replaces civil penalties for such non-compliance with the excessive fuel consumption fee according to prescribed guidelines. Establishes the Excessive Fuel Consumption Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make payments from the Fund for purposes of: (1) providing financial assistance to State programs encouraging voluntary removal from the marketplace of pre-1980 model-year automobiles; and (2) funding other energy conservation programs. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress regarding the Fund's financial condition and operations. Requires the Secretary of Energy to adopt rules necessary to review and approve State programs that qualify for financial assistance for the older vehicle scrappage program. Mandates that as a prerequisite to Federal assistance at least 50 percent of scrappage program costs be paid from non-Federal funds. Subtitle B: Alternative Fuels - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements and joint ventures with local or regional transit authorities in urban areas of over 100,000 population to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of using natural gas or other alternative fuels for mass transit. Mandates that as a prerequisite to such a cooperative agreement or joint venture at least 25 percent of the demonstration costs be borne by the local or regional transit authority. Authorizes the Secretary to grant priority to any entity that demonstrates that the use of alternative fuels for mass transit would have a signficant effect on the ability of an air quality region to comply with regulations governing ambient air quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Department of Labor to implement a technician training and certification program for the vehicle installation of equipment that converts gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles to run solely on alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Electric Vehicle Technology Development and Demonstration - Electric Vehicle Technology Development and Demonstration Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify by a specified deadline the nonattainment areas in which conventionally fueled vehicles contribute significantly to that nonattainment and in which the use of electric vehicles could contribute to attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards; (2) designate nonattainment areas eligible to participate in a specified electric vehicle research and demonstration program; (3) solicit applications from manufacturers to sell, warranty, and service electric vehicles in eligible nonattainment areas; and (4) report to the Congress on the program's status. Authorizes appropriations. Title XII: Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization - Civilian Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a comprehensive program to encourage the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies according to specified guidelines, including appropriate steps for development and submission for certification by the Nuclear Regulatory Commision (NRC) of completed standard designs for commercial nuclear reactors (or their components). Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on progress in certifying standard designs and setting forth certification program plans. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the results of public meetings implemented to develop information upon which to base decisions with respect to the commercialization of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Outlines the parameters within which the Secretary must: (1) encourage siting, financing, licensing, construction, and operation of facilities for the generation of commercial electric power from nuclear fission in regions where a need for additional electric generating capacity exists; and (2) commercialize promising advanced nuclear reactor technologies for commercial electric power generation. Authorizes appropriations. Restricts appropriations to those specifically set forth under this Act. Requires the NRC to recommend to the Congress legislative changes found necessary for timely licensing consistent with public safety of commercial nuclear power reactors. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) his assessment of commercial nuclear reactor technologies in use or under development in other nations; and (2) the annual status of the advanced nuclear reactor commercialization program. Title XIII: Nuclear Reactor Licensing - Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the NRC to hold a hearing before granting a combined license to construct and operate a nuclear reactor. Title XIV: Uranium - Subtitle A: Uranium Enrichment - Uranium Enrichment Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the existing statutory contracting requirements applicable to uranium enrichment enterprises. Establishes the United States Enrichment Corporation as a wholly-owned Government corporation to conduct uranium marketing and enrichment activities as a commercial, profitable, self-financing enterprise. Sets forth the Corporation's corporate office and powers and vests its management in an Administrator (appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate). Grants the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) general supervision over such Administrator only with respect to national security and health and environmental concerns. Establishes a Corporate Board whose members shall be appointed by the President, and who shall advise the Administrator and the Secretary regarding Corporation matters. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) Corporation personnel; (2) certain property transfers from the Department of Energy; (3) the Corporation's capital structure; and (4) Corporation pricing policies, including user charges for decommissioning, decontamination, and remedial activities. Requires the Corporation to make annual status reports to certain congressional committees, the President, and the Secretary. Prescribes licensing and taxation guidelines for the Corporation. Sets guidelines for payments in lieu of taxes by the Corporation to States and local governments. Requires the Administrator to make recommendations to the President and the Congress by specified dates regarding the transfer of the Corporation's functions and assets to private ownership. Establishes the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund to cover the Corporation's decommissioning and decontamination expenses. Applies Federal environmental and occupational safety and health law to the Corporation as though it were privately owned. Exempts the Corporation from sequestration because the maximum deficit amount has been exceeded under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Prohibits the Corporation's total FY 1991 expenditures from exceeding its total FY 1991 receipts. Subtitle B: Uranium - Uranium Security and Tailings Reclamation Act of 1991 - Sets forth findings, purposes, and definitions of this title. Directs the Corporation to establish for a minimum five-year period a voluntary overfeeding program to be made available to its enrichment services customers. ("Overfeeding" means the use of uranium in the enrichment process in excess of the amount required at the transactional tails assay, thus reducing customers' power costs). Provides that the resultant savings shall be credited to such customers. Establishes the National Strategic Uranium Reserve, consisting of 50,000,000 pounds of natural uranium, to be restricted to military purposes and Government research under the control of the Secretary. Confers continuing responsibility upon the Secretary for promotion of the domestic uranium industry, but without using any supervisory authority over the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to develop recommendations and implement Government programs promoting domestic uranium exports. Restricts all uranium purchases by Federal entities to uranium purchased from domestic producers. Exempts the Tennessee Valley Authority from such restriction. Subtitle C: Remedial Action for Active Processing Sites - Provides that remedial action costs such as decontamination, decommissioning, and reclamation at an active uranium or thorium processing site shall be borne by specified licensees for any activity resulting in byproduct material. Sets forth a reimbursement schedule for: (1) individual active site uranium licensees; (2) all active site uranium licensees; and (3) thorium licensees. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations. Title XV: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Defines an "exempt wholesale generator" (EWG) as a corporate entity engaged exclusively in the business of selling electric energy at wholesale (including ownership or operation of electric energy production facilities). Requires approval of certain rates or charges by the State commission having jurisdiction over them with respect to rates or charges for facility construction or electric production. Declares that an EWG shall not be considered an "electric utility company" under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) (thus exempting it from coverage by such Act). Permits holding companies that are exempt under PUHCA to: (1) own and maintain an interest in one or more EWGs; and (2) acquire and hold securities in one or more EWGs. Retains Securities and Exchange Commission jurisdiction over specified securities activities by a registered holding company with respect to EWGs. Declares that ownership of one or more EWGs shall not result in the owner's being considered as primarily engaged in the sale of generation of electric power under the Federal Power Act (thus ensuring that a non-utility company which acquires an EWG is not required to divest itself of certain business interests in "qualifying facilities" - small power production facilities or cogeneration facilities). Permits the filing of a declaration by an electric utility company that it intends to avoid purchasing electric energy from EWGs. Makes such declaration irrevocable for up to a ten-year period. Prohibits such company from: (1) purchasing electric energy from any EWG during such period; (2) acquiring or owning an interest in the business of an EWG during such period; or (3) offering to sell electric energy from an EWG in whose business it would acquire or own an interest after such declaration expires.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Designates June 14, 1991, as Baltic Freedom Day.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Designates the week beginning September 16, 1991, as Emergency Medical Services Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Designates April 15, 1991, as National Recycling Day.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
Omnibus Export Amendments Act of 1991 - Title I: Export Administration Act Amendments - Export Administration Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 (the Act) with respect to the export of U.S. goods and technology to foreign countries. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to grant an export distribution license primarily on the basis of the reliability of an applicant and foreign consignees to prevent the diversion of items to an unauthorized use or consignee. (Currently, refers to "controlled countries" only). Requires the Secretary to modify each item on the control list to specify performance and other identifying characteristics of technical data subject to national security and foreign policy controls, or to export controls under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Requires any such data that is subject to licensing requirements to be included on such control list concurrent with implementation of the Core List agreed to by the Coordinating Committee (CoCom). Declares that no later than December 31, 1991, no permission may be required for the export of goods or technology to, or reexport of such items from, a country which maintains export controls on such items cooperatively with the United States pursuant to the agreement with CoCom. Authorizes the Secretary to require permission for export or reexport of such items (including supercomputers, nuclear sensitive technology, and devices for surreptitious interception of wire or oral communications) to unreliable end users. Authorizes the Secretary to require permission to export or reexport such items pursuant to special multilateral control arrangements agreed to by CoCom, if all countries in which such items are produced agree to equivalent licensing requirements. Requires the Secretary, if he or she determines a country is noncompliant with the CoCom or other applicable control agreement, to require permission to export or reexport such items to such country, and to reexport them from that country. Declares that no permission may be required to reexport U.S. technology from a country when the technology to be reexported is incorporated in other technology, and other specified conditions are met. Requires the Secretary, with respect to the definition of "supercomputer," to establish and publish in the Federal Register a performance-based indexing system to ensure that such definition and all controls and security safeguard procedures on supercomputer exports and reexports are commensurate with technological advances. Sets forth circumstances under which such safeguards are not required. Requires the Secretary to revise the "Processing Data Rate" which is used to determine licensing requirements for computers (other than supercomputers). Declares it is U.S. policy that licensing treatment of controlled countries should be revised for those countries that: (1) represent a lesser strategic threat; and (2) implement an effective export control system. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations implementing the agreement reached in the Coordinating Committee High Level Meeting of June 6 and 7, 1990, relating to removal of controls, national discretion, and favorable consideration of export licenses. Directs the Secretary of State to seek the approval of CoCom with respect to the proposal that no permission be required to export computers (the export of which to China would require only notification of CoCom members) to any country. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report describing the implementation of the agreement reached at the CoCom Meeting. Prohibits items from being included on both the Commodity Control List and the United States Munitions List. Terminates such prohibition on June 30, 1992. Requires the Secretary of State to propose to the CoCom as part of the U.S. "Core List" proposal that countries of a lesser strategic threat should, in the case of telecommunications exports, be accorded the CoCom's least restrictive control procedures. Directs the United States, with respect to such countries, to propose to the CoCom that exports of computer network software and related equipment for civilian end use shall be accorded the same licensing treatment as that permitted for computer systems exported for interconnection to such networks, and shall be treated in accordance with telecommunications controls established by the CoCom. Requires the President to submit to specified congressional committees a study of the national security implications of the transfer of telecommunications equipment and technology to controlled countries under the Act. Requires the Secretary, in implementing the national discretion and favorable consideration procedures agreed to by CoCom, to: (1) consider the actions of other CoCom members in approving or denying export licenses that are subject to such procedures; and (2) seek to ensure that U.S. exports are not placed at a competitive disadvantage. Sets forth requirements with respect to the issuance or denial of a license for the export of goods and technology subject to such CoCom procedures. Declares it to be U.S. policy: (1) in considering the submission of general exception cases to CoCom, to ensure consistency in the treatment of U.S. exporters and exporters from CoCom countries, and to support democrary and economic development in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union; and (2) to provide specific guidelines to U.S. exporters with respect to goods, sectors, and end users eligible for such exceptions, and to notify such exporters of all agreements adopted by CoCom with respect to such exceptions. Requires the control list to reflect multilateral control agreements reached by CoCom. Requires the Secretary to: (1) review for removal, at least once each year, all goods and technology on the control list; and (2) make such review the basis for proposed revision of the International Industrial List. Terminates, as of September 30, 1992, and as of the end of each two-year period thereafter, all national security controls on the export of goods and technology to countries other than a controlled country, unless the Secretary determines that such items would make a significant contribution to the military potential of another country and would prove detrimental to U.S. security. Requires the United States to propose a policy to CoCom for termination of all controls on exports to any controlled country, except in certain circumstances. Requires the Secretary of State, no later than November 1, 1992, and not later than the end of each two-year period thereafter, to submit to CoCom a proposal to terminate such controls on controlled countries. Declares that an export control shall be considered to be unilaterally maintained by the United States if it is a restriction, condition, or interpretation imposed by the Secretary upon goods or technology, or upon a license application for the export of such items, that is not imposed in similar circumstances by other governments of CoCom. Requires the Secretary to ensure that no new unilateral controls are created. Declares that, in specified circumstances, approval shall be presumed for license for export to a country of any controlled goods, without regard to their technical specifications, for trade show purposes. Declares that any license for the export of goods or technology shall also authorize the export of operation technical data related to such items, whether or not such data is referenced in such license, if the technical level of the data does not exceed the minimum level necessary to install, repair, or use such items. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to establish indexing procedures which provide for automatic increases (instead of the currently authorized annual increases) in the performance levels of certain goods or technology subject to export licensing controls. Requires removal of goods or technology which no longer meet the performance levels increased pursuant to such procedures from the commodity control list, unless the Secretary determines that removal of controls will permit exports detrimental to U.S. national security, and reports that determination to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to require technical advisory committees to recommend indexing procedures for certain goods or technology. Requires the Secretary to review, and report to the Congress on, the goods and technology available from newly industrialized countries to determine if such items are of such sophistication that they warrant multilateral export controls. Requires the Secretary of State to propose to CoCom to initiate negotiations with such countries to reach agreements with respect to the restriction of exports or to obtain their participation in CoCom if the Secretary determines that such multilateral controls are warranted. Requires the Secretary of State to submit to CoCom any U.S. proposal that would apply a final determination affecting U.S. exports to controlled countries. Makes the Secretary a member of the permanent U.S. delegation to CoCom. Requires the Secretary to terminate licensing benefits to countries that fail to maintain export restrictions comparable to those maintained by CoCom. Requires the Secretary to publish the full text of CoCom's three International Control Lists, together with all notes and understandings concerning the list agreed to by CoCom. Provides for the confidentiality of such matter if it is determined that its publication would be contrary to national or international security, or inconsistent with U.S. obligations to CoCom. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, only after consulting with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State, license applications for the export of goods and technology to: (1) countries of concern regarding missile and chemical and biological weapons proliferation; and (2) Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria or other country which has supported international terrorism. Requires the Secretary of State to maintain a list of such countries. Sets forth requirements with respect to the approval or denial of license applications. Increases the criminal and civil penalties for violations of the national security and foreign policy export control laws of the United States. Requires the President to apply specified economic sanctions against foreign persons who violate negotiated agreements to restrict exports for national security purposes or an export control system maintained by a controlled country that is receiving licensing benefits from CoCom because of its status as a lesser strategic threat. Includes as a sanction against foreign violators the revocation of any issued export license and the entry of an order by the Secretary denying all export privileges to such person. Declares that all goods or technology seized for violation of the export laws shall be forfeited to the United States. Makes sums for export enforcement under the Act available for undercover investigative operations for the detection and prosecution of violations of such Act by the Office of Export Enforcement of the Department of Commerce. Provides for the judicial review of specified determinations made under the Act. Urges the U.S. representative to CoCom to oppose preferential treatment in the licensing of exports to China because of its human rights abuses. Urges the denial of permission to export goods and technology (chemical weapons and missile technology) to China unless it gives adequate assurances regarding end-use and nontransfer of such items to a country or project of concern. Prohibits the export of U.S. satellites that are intended for launch from a Chinese launch vehicle. Authorizes the President to waive this ban on a case-by-case basis. Expresses the sense of the Congress that no exports to the Soviet Union may be licensed: (1) until the President certifies to the Congress that such country has entered into negotiations with Lithuania with respect to its self-determination; and (2) if it restricts the emigration of Jews. Amends Federal law to prohibit the issuance of a license to U.S.-owned firms (subsidiaries) to carry on certain trade activities with Cuba. Amends the Act to authorize appropriations to the Department of Commerce for FY 1991. Extends the Act through June 30, 1992. Title II: Export Promotion - Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to increase from eight to 12 the number of missions that the Secretary may designate abroad and for which senior Commercial Service Officers will be able to use the diplomatic title of Minister-Counselor. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the adequacy of the training of officers and employees of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service in areas of writing commercial reports, language skills, cultural awareness, and public speaking. Includes within the definition of "multilateral development bank" the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of Commercial Service Officers by two in each of the five countries with which the United States had the greatest trade deficit in calendar year 1990. Revises the qualifications of participants in the Market Development Cooperator Program to include expertise in the area of methods of distribution of goods and services. Requires the Secretary of State, not later than May 31 of each year (currently, every January 31), to report to specified congressional committees on the economic policy and trade practices of every country the United States has as a trading partner. Requires the Secretary to submit, not later than May 31 of each year, a report on the international economic position of the United States. Requires the Comptroller General, not later than June 30, 1991, to transmit to specified congressional committees a report that: (1) analyzes ways to promote U.S. exports; and (2) addresses the progress of Federal and State coordination of export promotion activities. Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 for the Department of Commerce for export promotion programs. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Export-Import Bank to expend all amounts appropriated to the interest subsidy payment program for payments to commercial lending institutions and other lenders with respect to loans made by such lenders to support the export of U.S. goods and services. (Currently, the Bank has only discretionary authority to expend such amounts.) Extends such program through FY 1992. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the President to report to specified congressional committees about why Export-Import Bank funding for exports to Yugoslavia has not been restricted because of its human rights violations. Amends the International Development and Finance Act of 1989 to repeal provisions regarding: (1) the reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses incurred by Export-Import Bank employees; and (2) limitations on the authorization of appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 to the Tied Aid Credit Fund. Title III: Missile Technology - Declares it to be U.S. policy to take appropriate measures to discourage the proliferation of technology to produce or acquire missiles of mass destruction. Amends the Act to require the Secretary of State to negotiate with other foreign countries, including member countries of CoCom, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Australia Group, and the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, with respect to their cooperation in restricting the export of goods and technology that can be used in making chemical, biological, nuclear, and other weapons systems. Requires the Secretary to establish, as part of the control list, a list of all dual use goods and technology on the MTCR Annex (which may also include goods and technology that would provide an impact on the development of missile delivery systems and are not included in the MTCR Annex but which the United States is proposing to include on such Annex). Declares that the Secretary shall require a license for the export of listed items: (1) to another country; and (2) that the exporter knows is destined for a project or facility for the design, development, or manufacturer of a missile in a country that is not an MTCR coherent. Provides for the denial of such licenses if the ultimate consignee of such items is a facility in a country that: (1) is not an adherent to the MTCR and the facility is designed to develop missiles; and (2) has repeatedly provided support for terrorism. Requires the Secretary to establish a procedure for sharing information with appropriate intelligence officials that will ensure effective monitoring of transfers of MTCR equipment or technology and other missile technology. Directs the President to impose certain sanctions against persons who export, transfer, or otherwise engage in the trade of any MTCR item in violation of the U.S. export control laws. Declares such sanctions to include: (1) the denial of an export license; and (2) other appropriate penalties. Provides for the waiver of such sanctions. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require the Secretary of State to establish, as part of the U.S. Munitions List, a list of all MTCR items that are not controlled under a specified section of the Act. Provides for sanctions against U.S. or foreign persons who export, transfer, or otherwise engage in the trade of MTCR items in violation of the U.S. export control laws. Directs the President to report to the Congress on international transfers of aircraft the Secretary of State has reason to believe may be intended for use in delivery of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. Title IV: Chemical and Biological Weapons Proliferation - Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 - Subtitle A: Measures to Prevent the Proliferation of Chemical and Biological Weapons - Declares it is U.S. policy to: (1) seek multilaterally coordinated efforts with other countries to control the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons; and (2) strengthen efforts to control chemical agents, precursors, and equipment. Requires the President to use the U.S. export control laws to control the export of defense articles, defense services, goods, and technologies that he determines would assist a country in acquiring the capability to produce or use such weapons. Amends the Act to require the Secretary to establish a list of goods and technology that would assist a foreign government or group in acquiring chemical or biological weapons. Requires a validated export license for the export of such items to another country. Requires the President to impose certain sanctions against foreign persons if he determines that they knowingly contributed to the efforts of a country to acquire, use, or stockpile chemical or biological weapons. Declares such sanctions to include: (1) denial of U.S. procurement contracts for goods or services from such foreign persons; and (2) prohibition against importation of products from such persons. Authorizes the President to waive imposition of such sanctions if he determines that is in the national security interests of the United States. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set forth similar provisions. Subtitle B: Sanctions Against the Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons - Requires the President to make a determination with respect to whether a country has used chemical or biological weapons in violation of international law or has used lethal chemical or biological weapons against its own nationals. Authorizes specified congressional committees to request the President to make such determination with respect to the use of such weapons. Requires the President to impose certain sanctions against foreign countries that have been found to have used such weapons. Declares such sanctions to include: (1) termination of assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (except humanitarian assistance and agricultural commodities); (2) termination of arms sales and arms sales financing; (3) opposition to the extension of multilateral development bank assistance; (4) denial of U.S. credit; (5) prohibition of U.S. bank loans (except for loans for purchasing agricultural commodities); (6) prohibition of the export of certain goods and technology; (7) restriction on the import of such country's goods, including petroleum products; (8) suspension of diplomatic relations; and (9) termination of air carrier landing rights. Provides for the removal and waiver of such sanctions. Subtitle C: Reporting Requirements - Requires the President to submit to the Congress annual reports on the efforts of countries to acquire chemical or biological weapons. Title V: Sanctions Against Iraq - Iraq International Law Compliance Act of 1990 - Subtitle A: Response to Iraq's Invasion of Kuwait - Requires the President to consult with the Congress with respect to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, including U.S. actions. Requires the President to continue to impose the trade embargo (except humanitarian assistance) and other economic sanctions against Iraq and Kuwait. Requires the Congress to be notified with respect to exceptions to and termination of such sanctions. Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of the products of a foreign country that has not prohibited the importation or exportation of products to or from Iraq if he determines such action would promote the effectiveness of U.N. economic sanctions against Iraq and is consistent with the national interest. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of the embargo. Subtitle B: Response to Iraq's Long-Standing Violations of International Law - Urges the President to seek multilateral cooperation to: (1) deny dangerous technologies to Iraq; (2) induce it to respect internationally recognized human rights; and (3) induce it to allow international humanitarian and human rights organizations to have access there and in Kuwait, including northern Iraq traditionally inhabited by Kurds. Requires the imposition of certain sanctions against Iraq, including: (1) denial of arms sales and arms sales financing; (2) prohibition on the export of goods and technology; (3) denial of licenses for the export of nuclear material; and (4) denial of certain economic assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if he makes a specified certification to the Congress. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union should cease military assistance to Cuba. Requires the President to submit to the Congress an analysis of the impact on efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East of specified Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) attacks against Israelis. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to the Congress a report on illegal activities of the PLO in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
Prohibits an active-duty member of the armed forces who is a single parent from being assigned to duty in the Persian Gulf theater of operations. Requires reassignment of current members of the armed forces who are single parents and currently serving in the Persian Gulf. Prohibits the simultaneous assignment in the Persian Gulf of members of the armed forces who are parents of the same minor child or children. Waives such prohibition upon the request of such members. Requires reassignment if two parents of the same minor child or children are currently serving in the Persian Gulf area. Permits the Secretary of Defense to waive such reassignment requirements if so requested by the member.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
National Energy Policy Act of 1991 - Establishes as national goals: (1) the identification of an appropriate mix of policies that have the potential of stabilizing and reducing the generation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the United States; and (2) the promotion of international cooperation in addressing potential global climate change through the establishment of an international framework convention on global climate change. Title I: Energy Policy Initiatives - Mandates that the first National Energy Policy Plan submitted by the President to the Congress (and each subsequent Plan) include a least-cost energy strategy prepared by the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary). Prescribes strategy guidelines. Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal energy target provisions. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of Climate Protection within the Department of Energy to participate in: (1) global climate change policy considerations; and (2) least-cost energy strategy considerations. Requires the Director to contract with the National Research Council for the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering (the Academies) to review and report to the Congress on trends in greenhouse gases and global climate change. Requires a report to the Office and the Congress. Requires the President to transmit to the Congress his assessment of such report. Title II: Energy Efficiency Initiatives - Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit periodic evaluations to the Congress regarding energy efficiency policy options necessary to produce certain percentage decreases in U.S. energy use; (2) pursue a research and development program intended to improve energy efficiency and productivity in energy-intensive industries and industrial processes; (3) undertake joint ventures to encourage commercialization of technologies developed from such program; and (4) conduct competitive solicitation for joint venture proposals and provide financial assistance to such ventures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to set a deadline by which each Federal agency must: (1) install energy conservation measures in its Federal buildings with specified payback periods; (2) submit a list of projects to the Secretary which meets such payback criterion and indicates total energy and cost savings involved; and (3) have substantially completed at least 25 percent of such projects as would account for 25 percent of total energy savings. Directs the Secretary to develop guidelines in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the General Services Administration with respect to the selection of energy service contractors. Sets forth a deadline by which: (1) each Federal agency must consider the energy efficiency of all potential building space at the time of lease renewal or entering into a lease; and (2) all federally owned and leased space under construction must meet model Federal building standards for energy efficiency. Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for joint ventures in fuel cell technology to demonstrate critical enabling technologies to accelerate commercialization of electric energy production from fuel cells. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the NECPA to repeal the prohibition against the supply and installation of residential energy conservation measures by utilities. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to support a voluntary, national window rating program to develop window energy ratings and labels. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for windows and window systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to report to the Congress regarding the acquisition of energy efficiency information. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit a feasibility report to the Congress regarding the mandatory use in Federal facilities of compact fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent lamps; and (2) submit a plan to the Congress for the demonstration in Federal facilities of energy efficiency technologies that are ready for commercial demonstration but are not widely available commercially. Amends the NECPA to direct the Secretary to: (1) promulgate procedural guidelines enabling the States to assign energy efficiency ratings to residential buildings; and (2) establish a technical assistance program to State and local governments adopting energy efficiency rating systems or building codes. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to mandate that State regulatory commissions consider a least-cost ratemaking standard under which utility investments in demand-side measures shall be as profitable as investments in new generation facilities (thus creating an economic incentive for utilities to promote residential energy conservation measures). Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress an evaluation of: (1) the results of least-cost planning methodologies implemented by electric utilities; and (2) the extent to which ratemaking methodologies implementing least-cost planning take into account the impact of such measures on electric utilities' profitability. Amends the NECPA to require the Secretary to: (1) conduct a fuel cell systems demonstration program in Federal buildings; and (2) report to the Congress on the program's implementation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Title III: Energy Research and Development Initiatives - Requires the Secretary to: (1) consider specified criteria when establishing research and development priorities; (2) biennially submit to the Congress a management plan for research, development, and commercialization of energy technologies; (3) implement an engine and vehicle fuel research and demonstration program on systems that offer a potential reduction in the generation of greenhouse gases, and that improve transportation energy uses; and (4) emphasize advanced gas turbine cycles (and their incorporation of energy efficient materials for high efficiency electric and automotive power generation) when implementing a high efficiency heat engine research, demonstration, and commercialization program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to conduct a natural gas cofiring research, development, and demonstration program with respect to electric utility units and large industrial boilers. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish within the Department of Energy a program to develop technologies to a point where private industry will undertake further commercial development. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration programs regarding: (1) magnetic and inertial confinement fusion for the production of electricity; and (2) coal-based technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or joint ventures with certain urban area transit authorities to demonstrate the feasibility of using natural gas or other alternative mass transit fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to implement and finance a fleet vehicle program for the commercialization of natural gas and other alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary of Labor to implement a technician training and certification program for the conversion of conventionally fueled vehicles to natural gas and alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to conduct or expand the following demonstration programs: (1) specified aspects of improved natural gas and alternative fueled vehicle technology; (2) increased availability of natural gas from specified sources; (3) natural gas and electric heating and cooling technologies for residential and commercial buildings; and (4) electric vehicle and battery technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the results of an assessment of the statutory, economic, and regulatory barriers to expanded hydroelectric capacity development at existing dams. Electric Vehicle Technology Development and Demonstration Act of 1991 - Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify by a specified deadline the nonattainment areas in which conventionally fueled vehicles contribute significantly to that nonattainment and in which the use of electric vehicles could contribute to attainment of National Air Quality Standards; (2) designate nonattainment areas eligible to participate in a specified electric vehicle research and demonstration program; (3) report to the Congress on the program's status; and (4) report to the Congress on the extent to which nuclear fission generated electricity can safely and reliably supply electricity and reduce greenhouse gases. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) specified aspects of methane generation; (2) measures that could reduce atmospheric methane concentrations from sources within the United States; and (3) methane emissions from countries other than the United States. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish an interagency working group known as the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT) to recommend coordinated Federal actions and programs promoting the export of U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency products and technologies. Authorizes the Committee to establish renewable energy industry information outreach offices in the Pacific Rim and the Caribbean Basin. Mandates that a program established by the Secretary of Commerce for enhancing commerce in renewable energy technologies shall provide for an information program regarding: (1) the specific energy technology needs of lesser developed countries; (2) the technical and economic competitiveness of various renewable energy and energy efficiency resources technologies; and (3) the status of ongoing technology assistance programs. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress concerning the range of environmental and energy technologies necessary to meet the energy needs of developing countries. Mandates that a certain management plan required under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 include a five-year implementation plan for joint ventures with U.S. manufacturers (including assistance to smaller manufacturers) for the development and marketing of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies in key lesser-developed countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress the results of a comparative fuel cycle cost analysis with respect to the United States, Europe, and Asia. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 to establish a secretariat within the Department of State to prepare for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Title V: Natural Resource Policy - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of ecological and environmental resources that could be affected by global climate change. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of a National Reforestation Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transmit to the Congress a study of the potential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions by undertaking targeted urban tree and vegetative plantings, including landscaping and the use of natural windbreaks designed to reduce the air conditioning and heating needs of buildings.