United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Recycling Building Code Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop model construction standards providing suitable space for the separation, collection, and temporary storage of material for recycling in new building construction and major renovation of multifamily and commercial developments. Directs the Administrator to ensure that organizations responsible for developing national model building codes and authorities which regulate building construction within States or political subdivisions adopt such standards. Requires Federal agencies to assure that the construction of new Federal buildings or buildings built with Federal assistance meet or exceed the requirements of the recycling standards. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to assure that any newly constructed public housing units meet or exceed such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (Administrator) to conduct a program to promote the implementation of Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS) as a component of the Federal-aid Highway System. Sets forth the goals of such program, including: (1) the widespread implementation of IVHS to enhance the capacity, efficiency, and safety of the Federal-aid Highway System; (2) the enhancement of the efforts of the States to attain air quality goals established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, pursuant to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; (3) the development and promotion of IVHS and an IVHS industry in the United States; (4) the reduction of societal, economic, and environmental costs associated with traffic congestion; and (5) the enhancement of U.S. industrial and economic competitiveness. Directs the Administrator to: (1) lead and coordinate an IVHS program and foster its use as a key component of surface transportation systems in the United States; (2) strive to transfer federally owned or patented technology to State and local governments and to the U.S. private sector; (3) maximize the involvement of the private sector, colleges and universities, and State and local governments in aspects of such programs, as appropriate; and (4) develop and implement standards and protocols (to the extent practicable, promoting compatibility among IVHS technologies implemented throughout the States) to promote the widespread use and evaluation of IVHS technology as a component of the Federal-aid Highway System. Authorizes the Administrator to make use of standards-setting organizations as he deems appropriate. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) guidelines and requirements for the evaluation of field and related operational tests; and (2) a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects pursuant to this Act, and make such information available, upon request, at an appropriate cost to all users, except for proprietary information and data. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize one or more advisory committees in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Specifies that any such committee shall be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and funding provided for any such committee shall be available from monies appropriated for advisory committees as specified in relevant appropriations Acts and from funds allocated for activities in connection with the IVHS program under this Act. Requires the Administrator: (1) within 12 months, to formulate, and submit to the Congress, a strategic plan for the IVHS program; (2) within 24 months and annually thereafter, to submit implementation reports; and (3) within five years, to submit a report addressing the non-technical constraints and barriers to the program (such as antitrust, privacy, or staffing concerns). Authorizes the Administrator to provide planning and technical assistance and information to State and local governments seeking to demonstrate, use, and evaluate IVHS technologies. Directs the Administrator to assist State and local officials in developing provisions for implementing areawide traffic management control centers, necessary laws to advance such systems, the infrastructure for such existing and evolving systems, and other necessary activities to carry out the IVHS program under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator, subject to the availability of funds, to make grants for feasibility and planning studies to be conducted by State and local governments. Makes any interagency traffic and incident management entity contracted to a State department of transportation for the implementation of traffic management systems of designated corridors eligible to receive Federal transportation funds under this Act through the appropriate State department of transportation. Sets forth criteria for the Administrator to use in deciding which demonstrations or operational tests to fund. Authorizes each State and eligible local entity to use Federal-aid highway construction and maintenance funds for demonstration and implementation purposes in connection with the IVHS program. Directs the Administrator: (1) to designate transportation corridors in which application of IVHS will have particular benefit and, through financial and technical assistance, assist in the implementation of such systems; (2) in designating such corridors, to focus on automatic vehicle identification, electronic toll collection, highway advisory radio, variable message signage, advanced traveller information systems, and other steps that would reduce congestion and promote a smoother flow of traffic throughout the corridors; and (3) in designating and providing funding for such corridors, to allocate not less than 50 percent of the funds appropriated under the congested corridors program to eligible State or local entities for application in between three and ten corridors with specified characteristics (such as traffic density at least 1.5 times the national average, severe or extreme nonattainment for ozone, or potential contribution to the implementation of the Administrator's strategic plan), with the balance allocated for application in corridors with a significant number of such characteristics. Authorizes appropriations. Directs that not less than five percent of appropriated funds be reserved for innovative, high-risk operational or analytical tests that do not attract substantial non-Federal commitments but are determined by the Administrator as having significant potential to help accomplish long-term goals established by the strategic plan. Specifies the Federal share for activities authorized pursuant to this Act (80 percent of the cost, with exceptions).
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Declares that: (1) the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways is completed; (2) the principal purpose of Federal highway assistance shall henceforth be to improve the efficiency of the existing surface transportation system; and (3) it is U.S. policy to facilitate innovation and competition in transportation modes through Federal and State initiative and to increase productivity in the transportation sector of the economy through systematic attention to costs and benefits. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the following programs: (1) surface transportation; (2) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement; (3) bridge; (4) interstate maintenance; (5) interstate construction (but repeals the existing FY 1993 authorization and a provision regarding minimum apportionments); (6) interstate substitution; (7) Federal lands highway; (8) territorial highway; (9) national magnetic levitation design; (10) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) research; (11) university transportation center; (12) highway use tax evasion; and (13) safety belt and motorcycle helmet use. Sets forth provisions with respect to obligation ceilings for Federal-aid highway programs and redistribution of unused obligation authority. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a surface transportation program to fund projects such as: (1) construction, restoration, and operational improvements for highways and bridges; (2) capital and operating costs for mass transit, rail, and magnetic levitation systems; (3) carpool projects and parking and bicycle facilities and programs; and (4) surface transportation research and development programs. Sets forth requirements and administrative provisions with respect to such program. Provides that 50 percent of the funds authorized for the next five years shall go to such program. Specifies that the Federal/State cost share ratio for such program shall be 80/20 for projects to maintain existing facilities or use them more efficiently, and 75/25 for projects to build new facilities for use by single occupant vehicles. Requires: (1) each State to spend eight percent of the funds received under this program on "transportation enhancement activities" (defined to include highway safety programs, scenic and historic preservation, billboard control, and environmental mitigation); and (2) that funds be distributed under this program so that each State receives a share of total Federal funds distributed equal to the percent of Federal funds from 1987 to 1991, with exceptions. Repeals a provision authorizing the Secretary to approve as a project on any Federal-aid system the construction of exclusive or preferential truck lanes. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to establish a congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; and (2) funds under such program to be spent on projects that will contribute to attainment of air quality standards as determined by the guidance to be issued under the Clean Air Act (CAA) by the Environmental Protection Agency, a State implementation under such Act, or the Secretary. Provides for the apportionment of funds to States based on their non-attainment area population, adjusted for the severity of the non-attainment problem. Specifies that the Federal/State match shall be 80/20. Specifies that the Federal/State match to repair or replace existing bridges without increasing capacity shall be 80/20, but the match for construction of new capacity on existing bridges or construction of new bridges shall be 75/25 (currently, the match is 80/20 in any case). Makes bridge painting an eligible use of Federal funds. Repeals the discretionary bridge program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and make available to the States criteria for determining what share of a project is attributable to the expansion of bridge capacity where the new capacity is available to single occupant vehicles; and (2) establish "level of service" criteria for the bridge program. Bars the use of interstate maintenance funds to widen existing interstate highways. Authorizes States to transfer up to 20 percent of interstate maintenance money to the surface transportation program and larger amounts if the State can demonstrate to the Secretary that they are adequately maintaining their interstate highways. Changes the Federal/State match for interstate maintenance from 90/10 to 80/20. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and make available to the States criteria for determining the share of an interstate maintenance project that is attributable to the expansion of the capacity of an interstate highway and what constitutes adequate maintenance. Specifies that segments added to the Interstate System (IS) before January 1, 1984, shall be counted towards a State apportionment of interstate maintenance funds. Directs the Secretary to make apportionments to the States to finish outstanding IS projects, except that specific amounts are specified for Massachusetts. Combines the public lands highways and forest highways accounts of the current Federal lands program. Provides for the apportionment of funds based on the existing formula for the Forest Highways Program. Repeals the current national policy against tolls on roads built or maintained with Federal funds. Authorizes the use of Federal funds to: (1) build new toll roads at a 35/65 Federal/non-Federal cost share; and (2) convert existing non-tolled facilities to toll facilities at an 80/20 cost share. Prohibits the imposition of new tolls on the IS. Authorizes the Secretary to permit Federal participation in the construction of ferryboats and ferry approaches, subject to specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to solicit participation of State and local governments and public authorities for one or more congestion pricing pilot projects. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with up to five such State or local governments or public authorities to establish, maintain, and monitor congestion pricing projects. Specifies the Federal share (100 percent for not more than three years). Directs the Secretary to fund all development and startup costs of such projects for at least one year and thereafter until sufficient revenues are generated by the program to fund its operating costs without Federal participation. Sets forth monitoring and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to renegotiate specified agreements to permit the continuance of existing toll facilities without repayment of Federal funds. Requires (currently, authorizes) the designation of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for each urbanized area of a State of over 50,000 population, including representatives of local communities and the State. Specifies that: (1) plans developed by an MPO shall take into account the requirements of the CAA, local land use or energy plans, and other factors; (2) the MPO shall develop a transportation improvement program (and decide how to split Federal funds between highway and transit projects); and (3) the Secretary shall make an annual certification with respect to whether each MPO is carrying out it responsibilities under Federal law. Increases the current Federal set-aside for metropolitan planning from .5 to one percent of Federal highway funds. Requires each State to have management systems for bridges, pavement, safety, and congestion, and a traffic monitoring system, as well as a planning process that takes into account land use, energy requirements, transportation needs, and other factors. Requires States that contain non-attainment areas under the CAA to produce an annual State transportation plan, incorporating without amendment the provisions of any metropolitan area plan developed pursuant to this Act. Directs the FHWA to conduct research on Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems and other new technologies, and develop indicators to measure the performance of the surface transportation system with respect to productivity, efficiency, energy use, air quality, and other factors. Directs the Secretary to create a Dwight D. Eisenhower transportation research fellowship program. Changes the Federal/State match for State research activities from 85/15 to 80/20. Allows States to program research funds without approval of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Establishes within DOT a Bureau of Transportation Statistics to collect, analyze, and disseminate information about the condition and performance of the entire transportation system. Specifies that such Bureau shall: (1) be headed by a Director who is appointed by the President; and (2) produce annual reports. Establishes a National Magnetic Levitation Design Program to be managed jointly by the Secretary of DOT and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Requires such officials to establish a National Maglev Joint Project Office to carry out such program and to solicit bids from the private sector to design and construct a prototype magnetic levitation system. Specifies that: (1) phase one grants shall be given to up to six applicants to develop a conceptual design for the system at a 90/10 cost share; (2) phase two grants shall be given to up to three participants to develop detailed plans at an 80/20 cost share (and a contract for construction awarded at a 75/25 cost share); and (3) the prototype shall be constructed and ready for operational testing within three years after the award of the grant, and shall be converted to commercial operation after testing is complete. Directs the Secretary, in any case where sufficient land exists within the publicly acquired rights-of-way of any highway constructed in whole or in part with Federal-aid highway funds to accommodate needed passenger or commuter high speed ground transportation (including magnetic levitation) systems and highway and non-highway public mass transit facilities, to authorize a State to make such lands and rights-of-way available without charge to a publicly or privately owned authority or company for such purposes. (Under current law, the Administrator may make such authorization to a publicly owned mass transit authority when in the public interest with respect to rights-of-way of any Federal-aid highway to accommodate needed rail or nonhighway public mass transit facilities where this can be accomplished without impairing automotive safety or future highway improvements). Grants the States with a right to income from airspace rights-of-way contingent upon such State's permitting governmental use, use by public or private entities for high speed ground transportation systems, or other transit, utility use, and occupancy where such use or occupancy is necessary for an authorized transportation project, or use for transportation projects eligible for assistance, without charge. Directs the Secretary, by October 1, 1993, to update the findings of the report required by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to determine the amount the United States could pay the States to reimburse them for segments incorporated into the IS that were constructed at non-Federal expense. Continues current law with respect to disadvantaged business enterprises. Modifies the dollar amount used to define a small business to adjust for inflation. Makes funds under Federal highway provisions available in the year in which they are apportioned or allocated and in the next three years. Authorizes States to: (1) design, construct, and maintain specified highway projects without Federal engineering review; (2) set their own occupancy requirements for high occupancy vehicle lanes; (3) have up to ten years before they must refund to the HTF sums for engineering costs on projects that have not yet been built; and (4) authorize the transportation department of any city of over 1,000,000 people to deal directly with the FHWA. Specifies that projects that affect historic and scenic values may be designed to protects such values. Requires States that do not adopt laws mandating the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets to set aside a portion of funds received under the surface transportation program for highway safety programs (1.5 percent for noncompliance in FY 1994 and three percent thereafter). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for safety education, training, monitoring, and enforcement to States that adopt safety belt and helmet laws. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of differences in injuries, medical costs, payor mix, and unreimbursed costs of restrained and unrestrained helmeted and nonhelmeted victims of motor vehicle and motorcycle crashes. Makes public education and information activities in support of State and community motorcycle safety and safety belt programs eligible for funds authorized to be appropriated for such study. Directs the States and U.S. territories to complete a functional reclassification, to be updated periodically, of all public roads by September 30, 1993. Continues the authorization for the DOT's public information program, Operation Lifesaver. Title II: National Recreational Trails Trust Fund Act - National Recreational Trails Fund Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the National Recreational Trails Trust Fund (Fund). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay into the Fund an amount equivalent to 0.3 percent of total Highway Trust Fund receipts, to be adjusted by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to use such amounts in the Fund to make grants to the States for constructing and maintaining recreational trails. Establishes the National Recreational Trails Act Advisory Committee. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Family Caregiver Support Act of 1991 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXI entitled "Grants to States for Family Caregiver Support Programs" to establish a program to enable States to furnish services to support informal caregivers of individuals with functional disabilities. Outlines State plan requirements for such caregiver support services, including requirements that: (1) States must support 50 percent of program administration costs; (2) services may not supplant Medicare or Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) or private insurance otherwise available to eligible recipients of services; and (3) persons with incomes exceeding 200 percent of the Federal poverty level must pay on a sliding fee scale established by the State, up to a maximum annual income of $75,000. Caps total annual Federal expenditures at $2,400 per eligible recipient. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the new title.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Reaffirms the commitment of the Congress embodied in the National Cancer Act of 1971, specifically that: (1) cancer research should be a national priority to address the scope of the cancer epidemic; (2) the public and private sectors should join forces to provide the necessary fiscal and human resources to establish, maintain, and strengthen the National Cancer Program; and (3) this public-private partnership should strive to provide effective treatment to every American with cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Designates May 22, 1991, as National Desert Storm Reservists Day to commemorate the accomplishments of the men and women of the reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces who proudly served the United States during Operation Desert Storm.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Authorizes the director of each national cemetery to display a prisoner of war/missing in action flag on a flagstaff at that cemetery. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Government from obligating appropriated funds for the purchase of such a flag at a national cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1991 - Declares that a Federal employee may take an active part in political management or in political campaigns, except that an employee may not: (1) use official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election; (2) knowingly solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution from any person, unless such person is a member of the same Federal labor organization or a Federal employee organization with a multicandidate political committee (PAC), such person is not a subordinate employee, and the solicitation is for a contribution to the organization's PAC; (3) run for nomination or election to a partisan political office; or (4) knowingly solicit or discourage the participation in any political activity of any person who has an application for any compensation, grant, contract, ruling, license, permit, or certificate pending before the employing office of such employee or who is the subject of, or a participant in, an ongoing audit, investigation, or enforcement action carried out by the employing office of such employee. Prohibits the employees of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) from: (1) giving a political contribution to another FEC employee, Member of Congress, or an officer of a uniformed service; (2) requesting or receiving such a contribution from any such individuals; or (3) taking an active part in political management or political campaigns. Excludes presidential appointees employed by the FEC from such prohibition. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations permitting employees residing in the immediate vicinity of the District of Columbia in Maryland or Virginia, or in a municipality where the majority of voters are Federal employees, to participate in political management and political campaigns involving their area of residence, if OPM determines that such political participation is in their domestic interest. Requires any employee who has been determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board to have twice violated political activity prohibitions to be removed from his or her position. Prohibits such an employee from holding any position of Federal employment other than an elected position. Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to coerce or attempt to coerce any Federal employee to engage or not engage in any political activity, including: (1) voting; (2) making any political contribution; or (3) working on behalf of any candidate. Includes U.S. Postal Service, Postal Rate Commission, and District of Columbia employees within the coverage of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Trademark Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to prohibit the importation or sale within the United States of goods manufactured outside the United States and bearing a trademark that is identical to a trademark owned by a U.S. citizen, corporation, or other entity and registered under U.S. trademark laws unless such owner consents to the importation for sale. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to exclude such goods from entry into the United States upon the request of a U.S. trademark owner who has filed a trademark registered certificate with the Secretary. Authorizes the trademark owner to bring an action against importers in any Federal district court to enjoin such importation and to obtain money damages and lost profits for the wrongful use of a trademark.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991
Declares that the Senate expresses its: (1) regret that Senator Pryor's illness will require his absence from the Senate Chamber; and (2) heartfelt wishes to him for a speedy and complete recovery, and that he return to his duties, serving the people of Arkansas, in the near future.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
Anti-Boycott Passport Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) instruct the U.S. Middle Eastern diplomatic corps to seek an end to the policy of the majority of Arab League nations of rejecting passports of, and denying entrance visas to, persons whose passports or other documents reflect that they have visited Israel; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on the status of efforts to secure an end to such policy. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing any passport that is designated for travel only to Israel. Requires the Secretary to cancel existing passports designated for travel only to Israel. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing more than one official or diplomatic passport to any U.S. Government official for purposes of enabling such official to acquiesce in or comply with the Arab League's passport policy concerning persons who have visited Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
United States One-Dollar Coin Act of 1991 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and features (including features to aid the visually handicapped) of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the obverse side of the one-dollar coin have a design recognizing the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires such coins to be placed in circulation within 18 months of enactment of this Act. Mandates that the seigniorage of the new one-dollar coins be used to offset the reverse seigniorage resulting from the destruction of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins in Government storage.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that neither the President nor the Congress should impose fees, levies, or diversion requirements on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Declares that the Arab League should terminate its boycott against Israel and that the President should encourage U.S. allies and trading partners to enact laws prohibiting businesses from complying with such boycott and penalizing businesses that do comply.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991
Indoor Radon Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"; (2) model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels in new buildings; (3) technical assistance and grants to States for radon programs; and (4) regional radon training centers. Makes eligible for State grant assistance activities that: (1) assist public and Indian housing authorities in establishing radon programs; and (2) target outreach and technical assistance to licensed child care facilities in low-income Priority Radon Areas. Requires regional radon training centers to provide training to State and local building code officials on model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels. Directs the EPA Administrator, by January 1, 1992, to designate as Priority Radon Areas areas in which the average radon level is likely to exceed the national average by more than a de minimis amount. Requires homes owned by Federal agencies or Government corporations in Priority Radon Areas to be tested for radon before sales contracts to sell such homes are signed. Provides that such testing shall be undertaken on or below the second floor and supervised by a person who has received instruction pursuant to an EPA or approved State program and who uses approved radon measurement devices and methods. Makes test results available to potential buyers of such homes. Requires Federal agencies to adopt procedures to assure that new Federal buildings or schools constructed with Federal funds in Priority Radon Areas conform to model construction standards for controlling radon levels. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to disseminate information on health threats posed by radon, proper radon testing methods, radon mitigation techniques, and Priority Radon Areas to: (1) public housing and Indian housing assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937 in Priority Radon Areas; and (2) tenants in housing funded by the Secretary in Priority Radon Areas. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a national educational campaign to increase public awareness about radon health risks and to motivate public action to reduce radon levels. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the extent of radon contamination in work places. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake diagnostic and remedial efforts to reduce radon in high-risk work places. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) evaluate existing efforts to promote radon testing in homes and ways to increase such testing; and (2) report to the Congress on the effectiveness of alternative strategies to promote such testing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991
Radon Information Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a written document containing radon-related information. Requires such document to be made available by every originating mortgage institution to every person from whom it receives or for whom it prepares a written application for a mortgage loan. Prohibits federally-chartered secondary mortgage institutions from purchasing mortgage loans unless such institutions determine that the originating mortgage institution complied with requirements concerning such document. Prescribes monetary penalties for violations of such requirements. Prohibits persons from offering radon measurement devices or services to the public unless they have completed the EPA radon measurement proficiency program. Permits the Administrator to delegate authority for such program to States. Makes it unlawful to fail to comply with proficiency program requirements or to fail to keep records, submit reports, or permit access to facilities or records. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991
Authorizes the Indian American Forum for Political Education to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Mahatma Gandhi. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of establishing the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
National Electric Vehicle Act of 1991 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish within the Department of Transportation a program to provide financial support to electric vehicle demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary to request proposals to demonstrate electric vehicles or electric vehicles and associated equipment in one or more eligible metropolitan areas. Authorizes the Secretary to select one or more proposals (not to exceed ten) to receive such support for each electric vehicle purchased or leased and included in a demonstration project. Sets forth criteria to be used in selecting a proposal. Requires the Secretary to provide a discount payment reimbursing a proposer for a discount provided to purchasers or users of electric vehicles if the proposer makes a specified certification to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress each fiscal year with respect to the progress of demonstration projects to accelerate the development and use of electric vehicles. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a data collection program to be conducted in at least five geographically and climatically diverse regions in the United States which would be useful to persons seeking to manufacture, sell, own, or operate electric vehicles or other clean alternative fuel vehicles. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a program of joint ventures with non-Federal persons to accelerate the infrastructure development required to support the use of such vehicles. Requires the Secretary to select no more than five different proposals for such joint ventures. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe guidelines for State electric vehicle and other clean alternative fuel vehicle incentives and implementation plans designed to accelerate the use of such vehicles. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to such State plans. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal assistance to States whose Governors have determined introduction of such vehicles feasible. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include electric vehicles among the alternative fuel passenger automobiles and light trucks the Secretary must ensure that the Federal Government acquires annually. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a multiyear research and development program for the accelerated development of electric vehicles with special attention to: (1) high efficiency electric power trains; (2) light-weight body structures; (3) advanced battery technology for electric vehicles; and (4) primary batteries and fuel cells for hybrid vehicles. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a cooperative program with the electric utility industry, the automobile industry, and such other persons or industries to conduct joint cooperative research and development projects with attention focused on the above-mentioned areas. Requires the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to the Congress a comprehensive multi-year program plan. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program designed to accelerate wider application of advanced electric vehicle technology, including advanced battery technologies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into joint ventures with public entities and private firms. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States and the Soviet Union should lead an effort to promptly repeal United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379 (equating Zionism with racism.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise the environmental standards under which Outer Continental Shelf leases or permits shall be cancelled. Provides that any compensation for a cancelled lease may be in any combination of cash, forgiveness of rents of royalties, or credits against future bonus bids. Limits the criteria according to which the Secretary of the Interior may deny requests by Governors of affected States concerning proposed modifications of Outer Continental Shelf leasing programs. Provides that, with respect to proposed lease sales, the Secretary shall determine the national interest by a balancing process that gives equal weight to obtaining oil and gas supplies and to environmental protection. Requires the Secretary to accept a Governor's recommendations as to whether a particular lease sale will provide a reasonable balance between the national interest and the well-being of the State's citizens, except in specified circumstances. Requires that environmental studies with respect to proposed lease sales be subjected to peer review by scientists not employed or compensated by the Secretary and published by a specified date before the lease sale is announced.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 - Title I: Authorization of Fiscal year 1991 Supplemental Appropriations for Operation Desert Storm - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1991 to the Department of Defense (DOD) for its current and future balances in the Defense Cooperation Account (Cooperation Account). Requires Cooperation Account funds to be used for: (1) incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm; and (2) replenishment of the working capital account for DOD to be known as the Persian Gulf Working Capital Account (Capital Account). Authorizes appropriations to the Capital Account for FY 1991. Requires Capital Account funds to be used for incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm, but only to the extent that funds for such use are not available in the Cooperation Account. Requires Cooperation Account funds to replenish funds used from the Capital Account. Reverts Capital Account balances to the Treasury upon its termination. Authorizes funds from both Accounts to be transferred to appropriation accounts of DOD as necessary to meet Operation Desert Storm incremental costs. Increases the transfer authority provided in current law for DOD transfers to accomodate such increased transfer authority. Requires all such transfers to comply with a congressional notice-and wait requirement. Requires monthly reports through FY 1992 on such transfers to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (the defense committees) and to the Comptroller General. Title II: Waiver of Personnel Ceilings Affected by Operation Desert Storm - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive any military personnel end strength in such department as prescribed in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Allows certain grade strength limitations to be suspended. Requires such Secretary to certify to the defense committees that the exercise of such authority is necessary because of personnel actions relating to Operation Desert Storm. Authorizes additional appropriations to DOD from the Cooperation Account for increases in military personnel costs for FY 1991 through 1995 resulting from the exercise of such waiver and suspension authorities. Title III: Benefits for Persons Serving in the Armed Forces During the Persian Gulf Conflict - Part A: Military Compensation and Benefits - Increases, as of August 1, 1990, the rate of special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger. Terminates such increase 180 days after termination of the Persian Gulf War. Increases from $60 to $75 the monthly family separation allowance for the period beginning January 15, 1991, and ending at the beginning of the first month after a 180-day period after the end of the Persian Gulf conflict. Requires that the variable housing allowance being paid to reserve members called to active duty in the Persian Gulf be calculated using the rate to which the member is entitled in the area of the member's principal place of residence in lieu of a permanent duty location. Authorizes the payment of active duty special pay to reserve optometrists, veterinarians, nurse anesthetists, and certain other non-physician health care providers called or ordered to active duty in connection with activities in the Persian Gulf. Authorizes the payment of such special pay to physicians, dentists, optometrists, veterinarians, nurse anesthetists, and other non-physician health care providers who are: (1) involuntarily retained on active duty; (2) recalled to active duty; or (3) agreeing to remain on active duty for less than one year in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict. Authorizes continued payment of board certification pay to physicians, dentists, and other health care providers who have completed residency training and were scheduled for board certification or recertification, but were unable to complete such process due to a duty assignment in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict. Conditions such payments upon the completion of such certification or recertification requirements within 180 days after release from such duty assignment or such additional time thereafter as determined necessary by the Secretary of Defense. Requires foreign language proficiency pay to be paid to members assigned to duty in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict who meet all eligibility criteria for such pay except that they have not been certified by the Secretary concerned to be proficient in a foreign language necessary for national defense purposes. Conditions such payment upon the completion of such certification within 180 days after release from such duty assignment or such additional time thereafter as determined necessary by the Secretary. Establishes a death gratuity of $6,000 for all deaths resulting from injury or illness incurred during the Persian Gulf Conflict or 180 days after such conflict. Directs the Secretary to pay a death gratuity to each Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) beneficiary of each deceased member of the armed forces who died after August 1, 1990, and before the date of enactment of this Act. Makes the amount of such death gratuity an amount equal to the SGLI coverage at the time of death. Requires the appropriate SGLI recipient to make application to the Secretary for the payment of such death gratuity within one year after the enactment of this Act. Entitles survivors of members who die as a result of injury or illness sustained while on active duty during the Persian Gulf War to payment for all accrued leave of such member. (Currently, there are limitations to the authorized build-up of such leave.) Removes the ceiling on savings deposit for service members carried in a missing person status during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Requires the payment of a basic allowance for quarters to reserve members without dependents called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict who are unable to occupy the primary residence owned or rented by such member because of such active duty. Part B: Military Personnel Policies and Programs - Allows a retired member of the armed forces who is ordered to return to active duty in connection with Operation Desert Storm to be ordered to such active duty in the highest grade in which the member previously satisfactorily served on active duty. States that a member ordered to active duty in a grade higher than his or her retired grade shall be deemed to have been promoted to such grade. Delays until October 1, 1991, the implementation of a required increase in the annual deductible for services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) in the case of dependents of active duty personnel serving or who have served in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict. Allows any health care provider furnishing health care under CHAMPUS to dependents of military personnel serving on active duty in the Persian Gulf to waive any required copayment from such dependents during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Requires the provider to certify to the Secretary of Defense that the amount charged to the Government under such waiver was not increased above the amount the provider would have charged the Government had the payment not been waived. Provides certain transitional health care benefits under CHAMPUS to reservists called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict, and to active duty personnel involuntarily retained on active duty or voluntarily agreeing to remain on active duty for less than one year in connection with Operation Desert Storm. Provides such transitional health care for 30 days after release from active duty or the date on which the member and his or her dependents are covered by an employer-sponsored health plan. Provides such coverage for dependents of such reservists or active-duty personnel. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to remove certain fiscal year restraints in such Act concerning spending in support of the Persian Gulf Conflict. Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of DOD policies relating to the family interests and responsibilities of reserve members called to active duty and of active and reserve members deployed overseas. Requires a report on study results. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend to October 1, 1991, the effective date for certain reductions in inpatient mental health services to be implemented under such Act. Provides funding from the Cooperation Account to pay for the costs incurred in delaying such reductions in services. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that armed forces policy should provide that mothers of newborn children under six months of age shall not be: (1) deployed on active duty; or (2) activated if such activation requires separation from such child, or deployed, in the case of a mother serving in the reserves. Part C: Veterans Benefits and Programs - Persian Gulf War Veterans' Benefits Act of 1991 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include the Persian Gulf War within the definition of "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for general veterans' benefits, veterans' pensions, and survivors' benefits for a veteran's spouse and dependents. Requires, in the case of pension eligibility of the surviving spouse of a Persian Gulf War veteran, that such spouse marry the veteran before January 1, 2001. Extends the eligibility for one-time dental care for dental conditions found to have been incurred while on active duty to those who served at least 90 days on active duty during the Persian Gulf War. Extends to such veterans a presumption of service-connection for psychosis that becomes manifest within two years from discharge from active duty and before the end of the two-year period beginning on the last day of the Persian Gulf War. Makes veterans of the Persian Gulf War and subsequent wars eligible for drugs and medicine required due to being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who served on active duty after May 7, 1975, in an area at a time during which hostilities occurred in such area. Defines "hostilities" as an armed conflict comparable to the danger members are subjected to in combat with enemy forces during a period of war. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to each submit two reports to the Congress concerning the need for rehabilitative services for military personnel participating in the Persian Gulf War who experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available to servicemen and veterans under the SGLI and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that persons insured under either program are notified of such increase and given an opportunity to increase their coverage. Increases the monthly educational assistance benefits available to active-duty military personnel under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) $350 for those serving on active duty for three years or more; and (2) $275 for those serving two years on active duty. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after FY 1993, to continue such increased rates and to further increase such rates to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. Increases in FY 1992 and 1993 the monthly educational assistance benefits available to reserve members serving at least six years in the reserves to: (1) $170 for full-time study; (2) $128 for three-quarter-time study; and (3) $85 for half-time study. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, after FY 1993, to continue such increased rates and to further increase such rates to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. Authorizes veteran representatives of the Persian Gulf War to be included on the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Revises veterans' reemployment rights with respect to disabled veterans to state that a person shall be considered qualified for an employment position if such person, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of such position. Requires the employer to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the individual disabled, unless the employer can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on its business. Excludes employers employing less than a certain number of personnel as of a specified date from such requirements. Requires an employer to make reasonable efforts to requalify a service member returning to his or her employment position held before such service. Makes each veteran who served on active duty for 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War eligible for housing loan benefits under the veterans' home loan program. Part D: Federal Employee Benefits - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a leave bank program under which: (1) employees of any executive agency may donate any unused annual leave to a leave bank established by OPM; (2) the total donated annual leave is divided equally among the annual leave accounts of employees who have been members of the armed forces serving on active duty during the Persian Gulf War and who return to civilian employment with their agencies; and (3) such participants may use such donated annual leave in the same manner as any other annual leave to their credit. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a similar program for the benefit of health-care professionals returning to employment within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Part E: Higher Education Assistance - Persian Gulf Conflict Higher Education Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to ensure that men and women serving on active duty during the Persian Gulf War who are borrowers of student loans under such Act are not placed in a worse position financially in relation to those loans because of such service. Requires the Secretary to publish such waivers or modifications in the Federal Register. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all institutions offering postsecondary education should provide a full refund or credit to any reserve member serving on active duty in the Persian Gulf for the portion or period of instruction such member was unable to complete because the individual was called up for such service. Directs the Secretary of Education to report to the Congress on the implementation of this provision. Amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt members of the armed forces from required payments on loans under such Act for the training of professional health personnel for the duration of active duty during the Persian Gulf conflict. Terminates the provisions concerning student loan modifications and waivers, and interrupted education refunds or credits, as of the end of FY 1997. Part F: Programs for Farmers and Ranchers - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary, for purposes of this part), with respect to a producer on a farm who is an activated reservist (called or ordered to active duty in the Persian Gulf) during a crop year, to provide for the protection of the producer's crop acreage base for any crop to the extent necessary to provide fair and equitable treatment. Allows producers on a farm to be eligible for payments for rice or upland cotton under the Agricultural Act of 1949 without regard to minimum planting requirements of such Act if: (1) one or more of the producers is an activated reservist during any part of the crop year; and (2) the producers satisfy all other appropriate requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for a temporary waiver or modification of the application of subtitles A through E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (erodible land conservation requirements): (1) for the period during which the producer is an activated reservist; (2) if necessary to prevent undue hardship caused as a result of the producer's active duty during the Persian Gulf War or to provide equitable treatment; and (3) if the waiver or modification will not significantly detract from the purposes and objectives of such subtitles. Requires a report from the Secretary concerning temporary waivers and modifications so granted. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide relief to any borrower under any farmer program loan under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act if the borrower is an activated reservist. Directs the Secretary to modify the terms and conditions of such loans in order to alleviate conditions of distress and to assist in keeping the farm or ranch of an activated reservist in operation until his or her return. Allows the Secretary to modify loans or to take other specified action in order to maintain a farm or ranch until the reservist returns. Requires the Secretary to notify persons operating a farm or ranch of an activated reservist who is a farmer program borrower of these relief provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for procedures by which the spouse or other close relative of an activated reservist may participate in, or make decisions related to, a program administered by the Secretary under the Agricultural Act of 1949 or other specified Acts concerning the operation of the activated reservist's farm or ranch. Allows the Secretary to rely on the representations of the spouse or close relative made under such procedures, under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to conduct outreach projects in order to inform households of which a member is serving on active duty in the armed forces of possible eligibility for participation in the Food Stamp Program authorized under the Food Stamp Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary to report on the effectiveness of the outreach projects. Part G: Budget Treatment - Authorizes supplemental appropriations from the Cooperation Account for the payment of new or enhanced benefits authorized under title III of this Act for FY 1991 through 1995, with specified spending prohibitions. Authorizes appropriations from the Cooperation Account for title III costs accruing after FY 1995. Provides that certain title III benefit costs are to be considered incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm. Prohibits the payment of any title III benefit payable during FY 1991 through 1995 unless funds are specifically appropriated from the Cooperation Account for transfer to the applicable appropriations. Prohibits payment of Montgomery GI Bill rate increases during FY 1992 or 1993 unless a specific appropriation from the Cooperation Account for such purpose occurs. Title IV: Reports on Foreign Contributions and the Costs of Operation Desert Storm - Requires the Director of OMB to prepare periodic reports on the incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm and the contributions made to the United States by foreign countries to offset these costs. Requires each such report to include periodic and cumulative costs, as well as nonrecurring costs and cost offsets. Requires the Secretaries of State and the Treasury to jointly prepare periodic reports on the contributions made by foreign countries as part of the international response to the Persian Gulf Crisis. Outlines specific types of contributions to be included in such report. Requires both of the above series of reports to be submitted in unclassified form, to the extent practicable. Title V: Report on the Conduct of the Persian Gulf Conflict - Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense committees on the conduct of the hostilities in the Persian Gulf, including a discussion of the accomplishments and shortcomings of the armed forces in such conflict, as well as casualty information. Requires a preliminary and final report on such matters. Title VI: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide assistance to ensure that families of military personnel serving on active duty obtain needed child care services, with special focus on children of personnel serving in the Persian Gulf or otherwise deployed in connection with Operation Desert Shield. Authorizes appropriations from the Cooperation Account for such purpose. States that such funds are in addition to other funds used for child care programs for members of the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to ensure that families of military personnel serving on active duty receive educational assistance and family support services necessary to meet the needs arising out of Operation Desert Storm. Outlines provisions concerning the types of assistance, areas of assistance, and the types of educational and family support assistance to be provided. Authorizes appropriations from the Cooperation Account. Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey to Caroline County, Virginia, or the Commonwealth of Virginia all rights and interest to a parcel of land located at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Directs the Secretary to identify the size and location of the property to be so conveyed. Outlines property conveyance conditions, and requires reversion to the United States if such property is not used for the construction and operation of a regional correctional facility. Prohibits housing certain prisoners in such correctional facility. Repeals a provision of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 made inconsistent by such provision. States that the Congress: (1) supports and endorses national, State, and local grassroots efforts to support our servicemen and women who participated in Operation Desert Storm, as well as their families at home; (2) encourages Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private business and industry, to organize task forces intended to provide support for the families of military personnel deployed in the Persian Gulf region and to organize celebrations for returning servicemen and women; and (3) encourages those governments, businesses, and industries to include Vietnam Veteran organizations in all activities conducted for the benefit of the troops returning home from Operation Desert Storm. Amends a provision of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 relating to the filing of financial disclosure statements by certain senior Government officials to extend the time for such filing, in the case of an individual serving in the armed forces or in support of the armed forces, to a date that is the later of 180 days after the last day of the individual's: (1) service in an area; or (2) hospitalization as a result of injury received or illness contracted while serving in such area. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Army Corps of Engineers and other Federal agencies should award contracts for the rebuilding of Kuwait, and should encourage the Government of Kuwait to award such contracts, according to the following priority: (1) to U.S. firms that are committed to employing U.S. workers under the contract; (2) to other U.S. firms; and (3) to firms from allied nations that committed troops to the liberation of Kuwait during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any U.S. firm that receives such a contract should: (1) employ U.S. citizens under such contract; and (2) provide a preference to veterans in hiring for work under such contract. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should take steps to provide assistance to U.S. small and minority-owned businesses seeking to be awarded contracts for the rebuilding of Kuwait; (2) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration should conduct a public information campaign to advise such businesses about becoming so involved; and (3) U.S. firms that are awarded such contracts should award subcontracts under such contracts to U.S. small and minority-owned businesses. Directs the President to submit quarterly reports with respect to contracting for the rebuilding of Kuwait. Expresses the sense of the Congress that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by any provision of law may be obligated or expended, directly or indirectly, for rebuilding Iraq while Saddam Hussein remains in power there. Directs the Secretary of Defense, as of six months after enactment of this Act, to withhold payments normally provided to a foreign nation for expenses of indirect-hire civilian DOD personnel in that nation if such nation has pledged to make contributions to the United States to assist in defraying the cost of Operation Desert Shield and has not paid the full amount so pledged. Releases amounts so withheld upon payment of the full amount pledged. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such withholding upon certification to the Congress that such waiver is in the national security interest. Requires the Secretary, in allocating to defense installations and facilities the defense acquisition workforce reductions required for FY 1991, to use considerable flexibility in order to respond to the influx of work expected to enter the defense acquisition system as a result of Operation Desert Storm. States that any installation or facility that will experience a significant workload increase during FY 1991 as a result of Operation Desert Storm activities is not required to make defense acquisition workforce reductions during FY 1991. Title VII: Miscellaneous Technical Amendments - Makes various technical, clarifying, or conforming amendments to Federal armed forces provisions, military pay and allowances provisions, National Guard provisions, and various public laws and specified Acts. Title VIII: Authorization of Supplemental Appropriations for Department of Energy National Security Programs for Fiscal Year 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for: (1) operating expenses incurred in carrying out national security programs for weapons activities production and surveillance; and (2) carrying out environmental restoration and waste management programs necessary for national security programs. States that provisions contained in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 concerning the applicability of recurring general provisions shall apply in the same manner to this title. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop a program to relocate within ten years operations performed at the Rocky Flats Plant in Golden, Colorado, to a replacement facility at which public health and safety can be assured. Requires a report concerning implementation of such relocation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Hazardous Pollution Prevention Planning Act of 1991 - Declares it to be the national policy to achieve a 50 percent reduction in toxic chemical byproduct levels (from 1991 levels) by 1996. Requires owners or operators of facilities required to submit toxic chemical release forms under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to prepare Hazardous Pollution Prevention Plans. Requires a Plan to include for each chemical for which forms are required: (1) a statement of the scope and objective of the Plan; (2) an evaluation of the amount of the chemical manufactured, processed, or used for the facility and for each production unit and the quantity of byproduct for each unit; (3) an analysis of the economic impacts of the use of each chemical in the production unit; (4) two- and five-year numerical goals for reductions in the use of the chemical and byproducts of the chemical; (5) an economic and technical evaluation of all methods for achieving reductions; (6) identification of technologies, procedures, and training programs to achieve reduction goals; (7) an evaluation and quantification of the effects of the chosen hazardous pollution prevention methods on emissions to air, water, or land; (8) a schedule of implementation of each technology, procedure, and training program; and (9) a compliance certification by the chief executive officer that the Plan is being implemented and complies with this Act. Sets forth additional Plan requirements for large quantity generators. Provides for Plan updates. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to grant a facility an extension of up to 12 months to comply with Plan requirements. Permits owners or operators to waive implementation of a Plan measure if the measure: (1) is not technically feasible; or (2) would result in adverse effects on product quality or threaten public health or the environment. Requires owners or operators to make the Plan and other relevant documents available to the Administrator or a State for inspection. Sets forth facility reporting requirements. Requires facilities to file reports with each annual filing of the toxic chemical release form. Makes reports available to the public. Directs the Administrator or a State to issue notices of noncompliance to facilities with deficient reports or Plans. Requires such facilities to submit revised reports or Plans. Authorizes States to submit hazardous pollution prevention programs to the Administrator for approval. Sets forth minimum program requirements. Requires the Administrator to make matching grants to States to provide assistance for hazardous pollution prevention planning. Limits the Federal share of grants to 50 percent of the funds made available to a State. Directs the Administrator to establish toxic chemical reduction research programs at the Hazardous Substance Research Centers operated pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Requires the Administrator to establish a demonstration program to provide regulatory incentives for achieving reductions in the use of toxic chemicals and byproducts. Authorizes the Administrator to designate up to 50 facilities for inclusion in the program. Permits the Administrator to modify, for a facility included in the program, the requirements of any permit or agreement. Sets forth requirements concerning modifications. Limits modifications to periods of up to 12 months. Permits renewals of modifications, as appropriate. Requires the Administrator to identify up to five user segments which need improvements in reducing the amount of byproduct, when compared to the national goal, and in reducing the use of toxic chemicals. Designates such segments as "priority user segments." Defines a "user segment" as a class of facilities that may be distinguished by at least one of the following: (1) use of a toxic chemical or class of chemicals in its industrial processes; (2) similar industrial processes; or (3) members of a generally recognized group (Standard Industrial Classification). Directs the Administrator to designate an additional five user segments every 12 months. Requires the Administrator to publish guidance for obtaining reductions in use of toxic chemicals and byproducts at facilities within priority user segments. Directs each large quantity toxic user within a priority user segment to conduct a hazardous pollution prevention audit. Requires compliance audits at facilities which may present a threat to human health or welfare or the environment. Directs such facilities to implement recommendations contained in the audit. Requires the Administrator to conduct programs to train individuals to conduct hazardous pollution prevention and compliance audits and to certify individuals and organizations as proficient in environmental auditing. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish a general manual of methods and protocols of environmental auditing; and (2) promulgate regulations governing the testing and certification of auditors. Limits certifications to a period of five years. Permits the Administrator to collect fees for training and certification programs. Requires the Administrator to provide for random tests of the accuracy of data and analyses conducted by organizations certified to conduct audits. Establishes an Environmental Audit Oversight Board to advise the Administrator in the implementation of audits and the certification of auditors. Sets forth provisions concerning the confidentiality of information required to be disclosed under this Act. Prescribes civil penalties for disclosure of protected information. Sets forth requirements for persons seeking protection of information. Prescribes civil penalties for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes the denial of permits to owners or operators who fail to: (1) prepare or submit a Plan, report, or updates; (2) submit information required for audits or to implement audit recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Reduction of Metals in Packaging Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations prohibiting the sale or promotion in the United States of any packaging that includes inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, other additives, lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium intentionally introduced during manufacturing or distribution. Sets forth the maximum allowable concentration level of the sum of such elements in packaging. Makes such regulations inapplicable (for a specified period) for packaging: (1) that was manufactured prior to this Act's effective date; (2) to which lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to comply with Federal health or safety requirements or for which there is no feasible alternative, provided that the manufacturer petitions EPA for the exemption; or (3) that would not exceed the maximum contaminant levels set forth in this Act but for the addition of post-consumer materials. Requires packaging manufacturers or suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance (with respect to this Act's requirements) to purchasers. Authorizes the assessment of civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to public access to certificates of compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1990 - Title I: Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for the establishment of small community environmental infrastructure revolving funds. Makes such funds available to small communities for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities and for assuring that underground storage tanks are in compliance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Sets forth provisions concerning grant payment schedules and allotment and reallotment requirements. Requires States to establish revolving funds to receive such grants. Sets forth specific requirements for the use of such funds and for the loans and grants to be provided to small communities. Permits States to provide assistance only to community wastewater treatment and solid waste management facilities and public water systems that are in compliance with plans under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as appropriate. Requires States to submit plans to the Administrator that identify the intended use of the revolving funds. Directs States to reserve the greater of one percent of fund sums or $100,000 to carry out planning. Provides for the withholding of grant payments if a State is not in compliance with this Act's requirements. Requires the Administrator to establish an Office of Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance to: (1) oversee and manage the grants and funds made under this title; and (2) provide specified environmental and financial information to small communities. Authorizes the Office to provide grants to States and not-for-profit organizations to assist small communities in assessing issues related to the financing of environmental facilities, compliance with environmental laws, and the construction, operation, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities. Requires such grants to be matched by non-Federal funds. Authorizes and allocates appropriations. Title II: Environmental Infrastructure Facilities for Economically Distressed Areas - Establishes an Office of Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance within the Directorate of Civil Works of the Office of the Chief of Engineers to implement this title. Makes funds provided under this title available for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities. Provides that such funds shall be available only for environmental infrastructure projects serving less than 25,000 persons that are located in economically distressed areas. Authorizes State Governors to submit State Priority Project Plans to the Secretary of the Army. Directs the Secretary to submit annual Economically Distressed Area Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Plans to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into local cooperation agreements to provide for the planning, design, and construction of environmental infrastructure projects. Requires the Secretary to assure that local cooperation agreements are signed for a project from each State submitting a Priority Project Plan. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design of wastewater treatment, public water supply, and solid waste disposal facilities pursuant to this title. Provides for the review and revision of such guidelines at least every five years. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Environmental Infrastructure Assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Financing of Public Owned Treatment Works - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize owners of publicly owned treatment works to issue debt with respect to any treatment works that has received financial assistance under such Act and to pledge, as security for repayment of such debt obligation, revenues realized from the operation of the treatment works, subject to the prior payment of the costs of proper operation and maintenance. Permits such financing only if at least 95 percent of the proceeds of the debt issuance will be used for: (1) the construction portion of a program for the rehabilitation or expansion of the treatment works; or (2) the establishment of financial mechanisms to subsidize or stabilize rates, provide for equipment repair or replacement, or provide for other uses that benefit the ratepayers of the treatment works. Authorizes such financing only if the owner of the treatment works obtains a prior determination from the State agency responsible for administering the State water pollution control revolving fund that the proceeds will be used for such purposes. Permits State water pollution control revolving funds to be used to guarantee, or purchase insurance or letters of credit for, local obligations for equipment, facilities, or plants to be used in conjunction with treatment works.
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.)
![Official portrait of Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000123_200.jpg)