United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation and Fund - Establishes a fund of $200,000,000 in the Tresury to carry out the purposes of this title. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to collect a fee from owners of oil refineries and from owners of export-import terminals to maintain the fund at that level. Permits recovery of damages from the fund for loss or injuries due to oil contamination. Imposes strict liability on the owner and operator of a ship or oil facility for all damages due to discharged oil. States that no liability shall be imposed where the discharge was caused solely by: (1) an act of war; (2) an act of God; or (3) a combination thereof. Establishes limits on such liability. Requires vessels or ships over three hundred gross tons to file evidence of financial responsibility to the extent of the limit of liability. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this title. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purpose of this title. Title II: International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage - Stipulates that ship owners shall be liable for pollution damage caused by oil discharges. Limits such liability to an aggregate amount equal to the dollar equivalent of 2000 francs for each ton of the ship's tonnage. Requires the owner to guranatee his limited liability by establishing a fund or equivalent guarantee. Provides for the issuance of certificates to attest that insurance or an equivalent guarantee has been obtained. Title III: International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage - Establishes an international fund for compensation for oil pollution damage. Sets forth provisions governing contributions to the fund. States that any person suffering pollution damage arising out of an incident occurring more than one hundred and twenty days after the entry into force of the convention shall be entitled to compensation from the fund if that person has been unable to obtain full and adequate compensation for the damage under the terms of this Act. Stipulates that the fund shall incur no obligation for pollution damage resulting from an act of war or if the claimant cannot prove that the damage resulted from an incident involving one or more ships. Limits the aggregate amount of liability for any one incident to the dollar equivalent of 450,000,000 francs. Title IV: Apportionment of Claims and Subrogation; Exclusive Remedy; Effective Date; Conforming Amendments - Sets forth provisions governing the apportionment of claims which exceed the liability limit imposed by this Act. Provides that no action for compensation for oil pollution damage may be maintained unless it is in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to a consumer controversy resolution mechanism which is effective, fair, inexpensive, and expeditious, and to facilitate better representation of consumer interests. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish a Bureau of Consumer Redress. Directs the Commission to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) allocate and pay to the States funds appropriated for financial assistance to States under cooperative agreements; (2) review the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversies involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; and (3) articulate and evaluate the goals for a model State system of consumer controversy resolution. Provides for the allocation to States of monies appropriated for financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used including public education and publicity relating to the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms and settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to enter upon a hearing concerning the lawfulness of any new or revised charge, classification, regulation, or practice. Authorizes the suspension of the operation of such charge, classification, regulation, or practice, but not for a period of longer than nine months, pending such hearing and a decision. Permits the Commission to allow all or part of a charge, classification, regulation, or practice to go into effect on a temporary basis pending further order of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Home Energy Disclosure Act - Establishes a uniform national system for the disclosure of energy characteristics and estimated annual operating costs of environmental control systems and residences. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, utilizing the National Bureau of Standards, to promulgate, within six months, procedures for measuring or calculating the energy efficiency of residential insulating materials, window units and environmental control systems. Requires the manufactures and importers of such products to carry out annual tests in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary to determine the efficiency of each model. Provides that, upon request of the Secretary, any such manufacturer or importer shall supply a reasonable number of such products to a laboratory designated by the Secretary. Directs that such laboratory shall certify the findings furnished by the manufacturers and importers. Provides that the expense of such verification shall be paid by the United States. Requires that findings submitted to, or developed by the Secretary shall be published annually and made available to the public. Directs that the National Bureau of Standards shall establish calculation procedures for determing the annual operating cost of heating, cooling, and/or supplying hot water to a residence. Requires each designer of an environmental control system to determine and disclose to the purchaser the annual operating cost of such system. Provides that the Federal Trade Commission shall compile a Home Energy Guide, which shall include information as to the efficiency and cost of environmental systems and appliances. Sets forth requirements for disclosure by sellers of the estimated cost of all environmental control systems. Makes it illegal to sell or lease any residence unless a copy of the Home Energy Guide for such residence is made available by seller prior to sale. Directs the Commission to carry out a program to educate consumers and industry as to energy conservation and the Home Energy Guides. Sets forth procedures for the enforcement of this Act. Makes it illegal for any person to give misleading information on, or fail to disclose, energy characteristics and operating costs as required by this Act. Preempts all laws of the States or political subdivisions thereof as to requirements for the disclosure of energy characteristics or estimated operating costs of those products covered by this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and the President on all activities of the Federal Government pertaining to disclosure to consumers of energy characteristics control systems and residences. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $400,000 for the transitional fiscal quarter ending September 30, 1976, $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $1,500,000 for 1978 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Requires common carriers by water subject to the Shipping Act to file a schedule of rates or charges with the Federal Maritime Commission prior to submitting a bid to a Federal agency for the business of shipping household goods in the foreign commerce of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Declares, under the respective provisions of the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, that every public utility or natural gas company shall, for the privilege of doing business, pay to the United States by July 1 of of each year reasonable annual charges for the purpose of reimbursing the United States for the cost of administration of such Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Children's Dental Health Act - Title I: Dental Health Projects - Provides grants for children's dental health projects under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 to make grants to State and other health agencies for projects for dental care and services for children of preschool and school age. States that such projects shall include corrective, followup, and preventive services as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that such grants may be utilized for research, demonstrations, or experimentation intended to develop new methods for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of dental problems, or the payment of dental care. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to assist in developing in communities or in public schools, water treatment programs designed to reduce the incidence of oral disease or dental defects. States that the President shall appoint a seven-member Dental Advisory Committee to assist the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in reporting to the President annually on the progress of the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local educational agencies and other institutions to support demonstration projects with respect to dental health education and dental health projects. States that such projects may include projects: (1) for the development of teacher training in the dental health area and dental health education; (2) for the development of nutrition and dietary education methods related to dental health; and (3) for the development of more effective methods of educating the general public with respect to dental health. Directs the Secretary to evaluate programs assisted by such grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act through fiscal year 1977. Title II: Other Federal Programs - Provides for the allocation of funds appropriated for the purposes of this Act to programs of dental health: (1) for migrant health; (2) community health centers; and (3) Indian health.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments - Requires shippers of hazardous materials (presently "extremely hazardous") to file registration statements with the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes to be appropriated in future fiscal years such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Authorizes, under the International Travel Act of 1961, additional appropriations for transition periods in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979, to carry out specified programs funded under such Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Interior for fiscal years 1976-1978 to promote, through the National Park Service, travel within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote and develop travel within the United States through activities which are in the public interest and which do not complete with activities of any State, city, or private agency.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Cargo Claims Adjustment Act - Provides that a claim for damages to cargo by a shipper against a carrier may include a claim for the recovery of reasonable attorney's fees unless both the carrier and shipper agree, in advance, to utilize a final claims-settling procedure created by the Interstate Commerce Commission or operated by the carrier with the approval of the Commission. Sets forth minimum standards for such claims-settling procedures. Authorizes the Commission to require and regulate surety bonds, insurance policies, or similar devices from regulated carriers to insure that all just claims can be paid.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act - Provides that the United States shall be represented at the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas by not more than three commissioners. Directs the commissioners to appoint an advisory committee. Authorizes the Secretary of State to receive on behalf of the United States, reports, requests, and other communications of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and to act directly thereon. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to administer and enforce all of the provisions of the convention, this Act, and regulations issued pursuant thereto. Makes it unlawful for any person in charge of a fishing vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to engage in fishing in violation of any regulation adopted pursuant to this Act, or for any person to ship, transport, purchase, sell, offer for sale, import, export, or have in custody, possession, or control any fish taken or retained in violation of such regulations. Makes it unlawful for the master or any person in charge of any fishing vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or any person on board such vessel to fail to make, keep, or furnish any catch returns, statistical records, or other reports as are required by regulations adopted pursuant to this Act to be made, kept, or furnished. Makes it unlawful for the master or any person in charge of any fishing vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to refuse to permit any person authorized to enforce the provisions of this Act and its regulations to board such vessel and inspect its catch, equipment, books, documents, records, or other articles or question the person on board in accordance with the provisions of this Act, or the convention, or to obstruct such officials in the execution of such duties. Imposes fines for violations of this Act. Provides enforcement procedures to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Provides that the functions of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas shall be restrained by this Act or State laws. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth separability provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Extends the appropriations authorization for the acquisition and operation of marine sanctuaries, under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, for an additional two years thru fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1975
Animal Welfare Improvement Act - Extends specified provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers, airline terminals, retail pet stores, and intermediate handlers. Designates such provisions as the "Animal Welfare Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe standards for the humane treatment of animals which prohibit the transportation in commerce of dogs, cats, or other animals under eight weeks of age. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the Secretary of Transportation in establishing and enforcing humane standards for animals in transit. Authorizes the imposition of a civil penalty of $2,000 upon dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, common carriers, and operators of auction sales for each knowing violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Eliminates the requirement that costs of the Touchet Division, Walla Walla project, in Oregon and Washington, be appropriated to the Fish and Wildlife Service for subsequent transfer to the Bureau of Reclamation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Health Planning and Resource Development Act Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to grant waivers from the health service area population requirements of the Public Health Service Act in unusual circumstances, if requested by the Governor of the State in which such area is located.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Requires the continued application of the minimum nursing salary cost differential of 8 1/2 percent which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct energy efficiency surveys for the purpose of compiling information with respect to: (1) the major energy consuming industrial processes utilized within each industry; (2) the current level of the energy efficiency of such process; (3) the maximum level of energy efficiency achievable by 1980; and (4) the prerequisites to achieving improvements in energy efficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish and publish an Industrial Energy Efficiency Target for industries surveyed. Requires the chief executive officer of each major energy-consuming company, as defined by this Act, to submit to the Secretary an annual energy conservation report. Imposes civil penalties for failure to do so. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for research, development, and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies. Sets forth priorities for determining grant and contract recipients under such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans, and to guarantee the payment of loans and other obligations, for the purchase, construction, operation, or maintenance of energy efficient equipment or facilities. Sets forth priorities for determining recipients for such loans and loan guarantees. Authorizes specified appropriations for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Railroad Facilities Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Railroad Facilities Corporation - Establishes the Railroad Facilities Corporation. Sets forth the qualifications and terms of office for members of the Board of Directors of such Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to own, possess, construct, control, maintain, rehabilitate, and modernize rail lines, including operation of signaling and communications systems and to enter into agreements with rail carriers for the use of its facilities and to establish and collect charges from such rail carriers. Provides that 50 percent of the initial stock issue of such Corporation shall be purchased by the Secretary of the Treasury and the remaining 50 percent shall be distributed to rail carriers in exchange for the transfer to the Corporation from such rail carriers of their rights, title, and interest in rail lines. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee the notes, bonds, debentures, and other obligations issued by te Corporation, up to a maximum of $4,000,000,000. Establishes a Rail Facilities Loan Guaranty Fund to make payments on defaulted loans. Authorizes the Corporation to borrow up to $5,000,000,000 from the United States Railway Association. Title III: Miscellaneous - Exempts persons contracting with the Corporation for the joint use of such facilities and equipment as may be necessary for the provision of efficient and expeditious rail service from antitrust laws. Authorizes the Corporation to make payments to State and local governments in lieu of property taxes upon property which was subject to State and local property taxation before acquisition by the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a United States Metric Board to implement the change of the United States to the metric system by devising and carrying out a program of encouragement, coordination and public education. Requires the Board to consult with industry, commerce, science, consumers, engineering, education, labor, State and local governments, foreign governments, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Directs the Board to submit conversion programs approved by the Board to the President who shall within 60 days approve or disapprove the program. Provides that, upon approval, the President shall forward immediately the conversion program to both Houses of Congress on the same day and to each House while it is in session. Directs the Board to implement such program after 60 legislative days following the date of delivery to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Title I: Automobile Fuel Economy - Automobile Fuel Economy Act- Adds a new title to the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Declares it to be the purpose of this title to: (1) assure, to the maximum extent practicable, that manufacturers of automobiles and light duty trucks reduce the amount of fuel consumed by new automobiles and light duty trucks per mile traveled without reducing standards for safety, damageability, or environmental quality; and (2) increase the industrywide average fuel economy for new automobiles. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish yearly minimum national fuel economy standards, applicable to each manufacturer's average production of new automobiles or new light duty trucks, as appropriate. States that the standards would apply to model years 1977 through 1985. Requires such standards for automobiles to achieve at least a 50 percent improvement in the industrywide new car fuel economy average by model year 1980 relative to 1974 models, and at least a 100 percent improvement by model year 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to modify such goals if he finds that they cannot reasonably be attained. Provides that such modified goals would take effect 60 days after notification of the Congress, subject only to a resolution of disapproval by either House. Exempts light duty trucks from the 50 and 100 percent improvement goals, but provides that they would be subject to minimum average fuel economy performance standards set for each model year at the maximum feasible level by the Secretary. Requires each manufacturer and importer to produce automobiles or light duty trucks, as appropriate, which on the average conform to or exceed the applicable fuel economy standard specified for each model year. Provides that each individual automobile or light duty truck would not be required to meet the standards, only the average of all automobiles, or light duty trucks, as appropriate, produced by the manfacturer. Provides that if a manufacturer fails to meet the required average fuel economy standard, the manufacturer is liable for civil penalties of from $50 to $100 per automobile or light duty truck, as appropriate, for each mile per gallon, or fraction thereof, by which the average fuel economy of automobiles or light duty trucks manufactured or imported falls short of the applicable standard. Requires each manufacturer to affix in a prominent place on each new automobile or new light duty truck, as appropriate, a sticker indicating the fuel economy which a purchaser can expect from such automobile or light duty truck, and the estimated average annual fuel costs associated with the operation of such vehicle. Requires such information to also appear in advertisements in a manner directed by the Federal Trade Commission. Prohibits States and political subdivisions from adopting standards for fuel economy or fuel economy labeling and advertising which are inconsistent with this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare a report on the 55 mph speed limit now in effect and to include in such report an examination of the extent of compliance, potential gasoline savings, and the feasibility of requiring the installation of speed-limiting devices on all new automobiles, new light duty trucks, and other new motor vehicles. Requires the Secretary to report within 180 days on the feasibility of a requirement that each new automobile and light duty truck be equipped with a fuel flow instrument reading directly in miles per gallon to make it possible for the cost-conscious motorist to modify his or her driving patterns to get better fuel economy. Title II: Research and Development - Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Adds a new title to the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Transportation to make contracts and grants and support through obligation guarantees, research and development leading to production prototypes of advanced automobiles within 4 years from the date of enactment of this title, or within the shortest practicable time consistent with appropriate research and development techniques. Requires the Secretary to preserve, enhance, and facilitate competition in research, development, and production of existing and alternative automobiles and automobile components. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title, funds not to exceed $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, not to exceed $20,000,000 for the transitional quarter ending September 30, 1976, and not to exceed $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Conversion of Abandoned Railroad Rights-of-Way Act - Declares the purpose of this Act is to modify the Interstate Commerce Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program for development of railroad rights-of-way for use of transportation by bicycle. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with Federal, State and local authorities, to identify those railroad rights- of-way, on which rail service has been permanently terminated, is scheduled for termination, or is likely of termination and which are potentially suitable for public recreational use. Describes recreational use to include: (1) inclusion in the National Trails System; (2) utilization by a State, regional, or local entity for use as a State administered bikeway, walkway, or similar facility. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance for the conversion of such railroad rights-of-ways to such recreational uses. Authorizes $25,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 and the next two fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission to require annual, periodical, or special reports from every common carrier by water in interstate commerce. Provides that such reports shall give an account of the affairs of the carrier in such form and detail as may be described by the Commission. Provides that the statistics, tables, and figures contained in such reports shall be preserved as public records, and may be received as evidence for what they purport to be for the purposes of Commission investigations and judicial proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
National Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation and Coal Substitution Act - Requires new electric powerplants and major industrial installations which become operational after January 1, 1979, and which utilize fossile energy resources as boiler fuel to be capable of utilizing coal as their primary energy source, in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Requires that no later than January 1, 1980, existing electric powerplants and major industrial installations which utilize fossil energy resources as boiler fuel (and not scheduled for retirement prior to January 1, 1985) must acquire the capability, to the maximum extent practicable, to utilize coal as their primary energy source in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Requires that, by January 1, 1985, to the maximum extent practicable, electric powerplants and major industrial installations which utilize fossil energy resources as boiler fuel utilize coal as their primary energy sources in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension on underground nuclear testing to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from underground testing, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Provides that 12 of the 26 members of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere shall be appointed by the Congress. (Currently all members are appointed by the President). Authorizes a continuing appropriation of $1,000,000 for each fiscal year to such committee.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to enact a comprehensive national law governing oil pollution liability and compensation and to establish a strict liability standard for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides that the owner and operator of a vessel, an onshore or offshore facility, and the licensee of a deepwater port shall be liable for cleanup costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil into the marine environment. Places specified monetary limitations on the amount of such liability. Provides that no such liability shall be imposed if the owner, operator, or licensee involved establishes that such discharge was caused solely: (1) by an act of war, or as a proximate result of negligence on the part of the Federal Government in failing to maintain adequate aids to navigation; or (2) by the negligence of the party damaged. Provides that any agreement, the effect of which is to hold harmless any person or any Federal, State, or local government from liability for the discharge of oil, even if agreed to by a government entity, is contrary to public policy, void, and of no effect. Establishes within the Department of Transportation a National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration, and within the Administration, a National Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be disbursed to cover oil discharge cleanup costs not otherwise compensated. Declares that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil: (1) when the oil is loaded on or off a vessel at an onshore or offshore facility; (2) when the oil is transferred from a well to a pipeline or a vessel; or (3) when the oil is loaded on or off a vessel at a deepwater port. Authorizes specified appropriations for the administration of this Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Resource Recycling and Conservation Act - Declares the findings of Congress and purposes of this Act, including to promote the use of materials that can be used again through recovery, reuse, and recycling and to discourage the unnecessary use and depletion of virgin natural resource materials. Defines the terms used in this Act. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to: (1) conduct an investigation, based upon the identification and examination of such rates as are significant to such investigation, of the rate structure for the transportation of recycled materials by transportation carriers subject to their respective jurisdiction and determine whether such transportation rate structure is in whole or in part unjustly discriminatory, or, in the case of interstate commerce, unreasonable; and (2) in all cases where the rate structure applicable to the transportation of recycled materials is found to be unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory, issue orders requiring the removal from such rate structure of such unjust discrimination or, unreasonableness. Provides, with regard to such rates, for the filing of complaints, investigation, proceedings, and review of orders issued by the Commissions. Provides that, with respect to procurement items purchased through advertisements for bids, no procurement shall be made of any item unless it is, by comparison with competing items offered for sale by suppliers, composed of the greatest percentage of reclaimed materials and is, to the greatest extent, recyclable or reusable following the use for which it is designed or used, whenever a significant difference exists between such item and competing items with respect to such characteristics. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare guidelines for the use of procuring agencies, setting forth recommended practices with respect to the procurement of reclaimed, recyclable, and reusable materials. Directs the Administrator in consultation with the National Bureau of Standards to promulgate regulations: (1) identifying products (or classes of products), the manufacturing, distribution, or disposal practices of which may use an unreasonable amount of energy or virgin materials identified by the President to be critical for the national welfare, and in actual or potential short supply; (2) giving information on existing technology and practices for reducing the amount of energy or virgin materials used in the manufacturing, distribution, or disposal of such products; and (3) establishing standards for the control of such products. States that the Administrator shall establish a central reference library for performance and cost effectiveness records and other data with respect to the methods of energy and resource recovery. Creates a National Commission on Environmental Costs to conduct studies and make recommendations on enumerated disposal operation aspects of this Act. Directs the Director of the National Bureau of Standards to issue regulations with respect to recycled oil. Requires each manufacturer, producer, or importer of any product which is governed by any standard under a regulation issued under this Act to maintain records, detailing the information to be collected. Requires any person who stores, treats, transports, disposes of, or otherwise to admit any duly designated officer or employee of the Environmental Protection Agency, an involved regional authority, or a State or local agency having jurisdiction to any site or facility and to furnish all records relating to such waste for purpose of examination and copying. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act, and grants, in specified instances, any person authority to commence a civil action on his own behalf for violations of this Act. Provides for: (1) judicial review of any final regulation issued under this Act; and (2) public availability of information obtained under this Act, with trade secret exemptions. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to review, and modify where necessary, its existing policies, rules, and regulations as they affect the operation of public utilities and natural gas companies to bring such policies, rules, and regulations, into conformance with the purposes of this Act. Authorizes specific appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of the corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing. Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants, for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabilitating, or improving essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants for projects that involve the repair, rehabilitation or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities that best fulfill specified objectives. Provides that such grants shall be expended for the payment of wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for materials and equipment assistance, upon assurances that other financing is not available. Sets forth guidelines and procedures for grant and other financial assistance applications. Sets forth employment priorities applicable to projects financed under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $600,000,000 for the payment of wages, $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance, and $7,000,000 for administrative expenses, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Revises the Federal Railroad Safety Act to authorize the appropriation to the Secretary of Transportation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to carry out an investigation to identify foreign enterprises engaged in commercial whaling. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any fish or fish products produced, owned or distributed by such enterprise to be imported into the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to issue and amend regulations to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
International Satellite Communications Act - Authorizes the President under the Communications Act to aid in the planning, development, coordination and review of additional communications satellite systems that are developed and operated pursuant to intergovernmental agreements to which the United States is a party. Repeals that provision of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 which requires the Communications Satellite Corporation (Comsat) to receive Federal Communication Commission authorization prior to the issuance of any debt or equity securities. Eliminates Presidentially-appointed and common carrier elected directors of Comsat. Permits Comsat to issue stock having par value.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Light Density Railroad Lines Evaluation Act - Provides that cost and revenue computation standards promulgated under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 shall be used to compute the amounts of rail service continuation subsidies under such Act. Provides for the consideration of the profitability of development and use of local rail services in a region as light density lines, rather than to allow such services to remian in a state of inoperation or underoperation. Authorizes appropriations to the United States Railway Association ($50,000,000) and to the Rail Services Planning Office ($10,000,000) to remain available until expended. Directs the Association to issue a preliminary report on interim light density lines within 570 days after the effective date of the final system plan. Authorizes discontinuance, and abandonment 60 days thereafter, of interim light density lines operated by any responsible person pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for the operation of light density lines and for establishing and implementing the State plan for rail transportation and local rail services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Provides that priority for local lead elimination programs financed through the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act shall go to homes in which reside children with lead-based paint poisoning. Provides for the reduction of the amount of lead allowed in paint to 0.06 percent by weight. Authorizes appropriations for programs under such Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary a policy relating to the administration by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Authorizes the appointment by the President of one Assistant Secretary of Commerce, in addition to the Assistant Secretaries now provided by law. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5315)
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, and seven members appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Directs the Librarian to appoint a Director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, loans and scholarships to promote and support American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in his annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week".
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
States that the provision of the Merchant Marine Act which allows merchandise transported between points within the continental United States, including Alaska, over Canadian rail lines and their own connecting water facilities to be transported in foreign vessels shall apply only to those services offered as of January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Increases and extends through fiscal year 1978 the appropriations authorized under the Act which established the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act Amendments - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish at least one new special motor vehicle diagnostic inspection demonstration project to assist in the research, rapid development and evaluation of advanced inspection, analysis, and diagnostic equipment suitable for use by the States in assessing the safety, noise, emissions, and fuel efficiency of motor vehicles. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within two years on the scope of research and development required to make the equipment compatible with State vehicle inspection and diagnostic equipment. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary of Transportation in carrying out the odometer control provisions of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Authorizes civil remedies for violations of the provisions of this Act. States that a civil penalty of up to $10,000 may be assessed for each violation of the odemeter control provisions, if a reasonable man would have known under the circumstances that the act or practice was dishonest or fraudulent. Provides criminal penalties for knowing violations of the odometer provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Provides for the issuance of a special postage stamp in 1975 in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the sloop "Restaurationen" which marked the beginning of the Norweigian immigration to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Pyramid Sales Act - Provides criminal penalties for a person who uses the mails, knowingly sells, or offers to sell goods, services, or other property by utilization of a pyramid sales scheme. Defines "pyramid sales scheme" as a plan which includes a means of increasing participation in the plan by which a person pays value for the opportunity to receive value for (1) introducing any other person into participation or (2) a person being introduced by the person introduced by the participant.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides a five-year moratorium on application of the penalty imposed (through a reduction in the credit allowed employers against the Federal unemployment tax) by the Internal Revenue Code on States which have failed to make timely repayment of advances made to the State's unemployment account.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for the Coast Guard for the procurement of vessels and aircraft and construction of shore and offshore establishments. Authorizes appropriations for bridge alterations. Authorizes for the Coast Guard an end-year strength for active duty personnel, and for average military loans.
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