United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
National Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1981 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the establishment of a Federal policy for the acquisition and interim storage of spent fuel and the long-term storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste generated by civilian nuclear activities. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title III: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts with owners of civilian nuclear powerplants which cannot provide adequate spent fuel storage capacity at the powerplant site. Requires that under such contracts the Government agree to take title to any spent fuel which cannot be stored onsite and transport it to, and store it in, federally owned and operated interim storage facilities, pending further processing, storage, or disposal. Prohibits contracts for spent fuel in amounts in excess of available storage capacity. States that this Act does not authorize contracts with respect to spent fuel from a nuclear powerplant located outside the United States. Sets forth contract requirements with respect to: (1) a one-time payment by the owner of the spent fuel to cover transportation, storage, and disposal costs; (2) the owner's right to the value of the remaining fuel resource; (3) the transfer of title to the spent fuel; and (4) the effective date of the contract. Requires the Secretary to publish notice of intent to enter into such contracts and the one-time payment charge in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to construct or acquire one or more interim storage facilities for such spent fuel. Limits the total storage capacity at all such facilities. Directs the Secretary to contract with private industry for the transportation of spent fuel. Authorizes the use of Federal transportation services if private industry cannot or will not provide such services at a reasonable cost. Makes funds available for the establishment of the interim storage facilities. Directs the Secretary to inform the Governor and the legislature of any State in which a potential facility site or an existing facility is located of the investigation and selection of such site or facility for interim storage of spent fuel. Requires the Secretary to: (1) suspend work on a facility if the Governor objects; and (2) transmit such objections, with recommendations, to the President. Directs the Secretary to terminate such work unless, within 90 days of being notified by the Secretary, the President determines such facility is essential to the national interest. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to provide that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shall have licensing and related regulatory authority over storage facilities for high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from foreign reactors whose transfer is authorized under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Subjects the transportation of spent fuel under this Act to licensing and regulation by the NRC as provided under existing law. Requires the Secretary, the NRC, and Federal officials to encourage and expedite the effective use of existing storage facilities and the addition of needed new storage capacity at civilian nuclear powerplant sites. Directs the Secretary to establish a cooperative program to assist private development of alternate technologies for spent fuel storage which can be licensed by the NRC on a generic basis for use at all civilian nuclear powerplant sites. Permits an applicant for a license or license amendment to expand the spent fuel storage capacity at a civilian nuclear powerplant site to petition the NRC for an interim license or license amendment prior to a required hearing on the application. Authorizes the NRC to issue an interim license or license amendment if all legal requirements other than a required hearing are met and there will be adequate protection of the public health and safety and the environment during the interim period. Sets forth administrative review requirements with respect to an application for a license or license amendment to expand spent fuel storage capacity at a civilian nuclear powerplant site. Prohibits the NRC from considering as spent fuel storage alternatives spent fuel storage in away-from-reactor facilities. Title IV: Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Activities - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate standards for offsite releases of radioactivity from repositories for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from civilian nuclear activities. Requires the NRC to promulgate technical criteria for review of applications for: (1) authority to construct repositories; (2) licenses to emplace such waste and spent fuel in repositories; and (3) license amendments to decommission repositories. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for repository site recommendations. Requires the Secretary to make repository site characterization recommendations to the President according to a specified time schedule. Requires the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a site is located and affected Indian tribes and to hold public meetings in the vicinity of the site before making a site characterization recommendation to the President. Provides for Presidential approval or disapproval of a site characterization recommendation within 60 days after submission of the recommendation. Authorizes the President to delay a decision for six months if there is insufficient information to make a decision. States that the site shall be considered approved if the President fails to act within the required time periods. Requires the Secretary to submit to the NRC, the Governor of the affected State, and affected Indian tribes for review: (1) an environmental assessment of the nonradiological impacts of the site characterization activities planned for an approved site and alternatives to avoid such impacts; (2) a general plan for site characterization activities; and (3) proposals for the packaging of the waste and spent fuel to be emplaced in the repository. Directs the Secretary to report to the NRC, the Governor, and the Indian tribes during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to conduct, and report to them on, tests to provide data for a construction authorization application for a repository at the site and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Restricts the Secretary's use of radioactive materials during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to hold public meetings in the vicinity of a site to receive area residents' comments before recommending that the President approve the site for development of a repository. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for authorization to construct a repository at a site selected by the President. Requires the NRC to report to Congress on the application proceedings. Requires that the NRC issue a final decision on an application by January 1, 1988. Directs the Secretary, the NRC, and Federal officials to achieve operational status of a repository licensed under this Act as soon as possible. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a proposal for at least one test and evaluation facility for developing the packaging, handling, and emplacement technology for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. Requires that an environmental assessment accompany such proposal. Makes the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable when Congress authorizes construction of the facility. States that the facility shall not be subject to an NRC license but that the Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the NRC in the establishment of the facility. Requires the Secretary and the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a national site survey program to be used for identifying and recommending sites for site characterization. Title V: Long-Term Storage of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Activities - Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a proposal for a system of at least one facility for the long-term, retrievable, monitored storage of solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from civilian nuclear activities. Requires that an environmental assessment accompany such proposal. Makes the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable when Congress authorizes the construction of the initial facility. Subjects any such facility authorized under this Act to a license under the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Title VI: Financial Arrangements -Establishes in the Treasury a separate account for the operation of the storage and disposal program under this Act. Permits the Secretary to borrow money from the Treasury in amounts provided in appropriations Acts. Imposes a mandatory fee on electricity generated and sold by civilian nuclear powerplants 90 days or more after the enactment of this Act in order to cover the costs of the long-term storage and permanent disposal of solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. Requires the persons owning and operating such powerplants to collect such fees and pay them to the Treasury for deposit in the separate account. Title VII: State Participation in the Development of Repositories and Retrievable, Monitored Storage Facilities For Solidified High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor, the State legislature, and affected Indian tribes of States with potentially acceptable repository or storage facility sites. Requires the Secretary to establish a cooperative agreement with each State and Indian tribe notified under which the State or Indian tribe shall have the right to participate in all stages of the establishment of a repository or a retrievable, monitored storage facility. Authorizes such participation once site approval for a repository or site designation for a retrievable, monitored storage facility has occurred. Requires that a cooperative agreement provide procedures for resolving objections of the State or Indian tribe at any stage of the repository or storage facility siting process. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor, the State legislature, and affected Indian tribes of an affected State at least 90 days before applying to the NRC for construction authorization for a repository or storage facility. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress, within 90 days after receipt of such notice: (1) objections made by the Governor or an Indian tribe; and (2) recommendations concerning such objections. Requires suspension of work on the proposed repository or storage facility if either the House of Representatives or the Senate passes a resolution disapproving the proposal for the repository or storage facility within 60 days after submission of such objections to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1981
Amends the Emergency Fund Act to provide that such fund shall be available for all projects and project facilities governed by Federal reclamation Acts (currently, for irrigation or power systems maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation).
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the Federal Trade Commission's final rule relating to used motor vehicles submitted to Congress on September 10, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect either an income tax credit of $250 or an income tax deduction of $1,000 for maintaining a household which includes as a member a dependent age 65 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to repeal a provision which prohibits a company operating a common carrier railroad from holding a coal lease under the Act unless the coal is used for its own railroad purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit a corporation or labor union from using the involuntary dues or funds of its members or employees for specified political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
State and Local Energy Block Grant Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance (block grants) to the States for energy conservation and weatherization assistance programs. Sets forth the allocation formula for annual financial assistance to the States and U.S. territories and possessions. Requires a State receiving financial assistance under this Act to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources. Sets forth the type of energy conservation and supply activities for which the grant money received by a State may be used. Limits the amount of funds which may be used for administrative expenses. Requires a State to obligate any funds received under this Act by the end of the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which those funds were appropriated. Requires recipients of financial assistance under this Act and persons responsible for the administration of projects receiving funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with information on the disposition of such funds and to provide access to records and other information for audit purposes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Repeals provisions relating to energy conservation and weatherization assistance in the Energy Security Act, the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the Energy Research and Development Administration Appropriation Authorization Act of 1977, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, and the National Housing Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Geothermal Steam Act of 1981 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in any lands administered by another Federal agency or department. Revises the definition of "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the Secretary determines the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures. Requires that lands within a known geothermal resource area which are offered for lease and which receive no bids be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if that land is designated within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant or lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than ten percent of such value produced for nonelectrical use. Provides, in certain cases, that the term "commercial quantities" shall include, either: (1) a drilled well and a bona fide sale for delivery; or (2) proof of a commitment to construct utilization facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to consider an additional extension, of up to ten years, of an extended primary lease term if construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities and if there has been substantial investment in development of the lease. Requires the lessee to make bona fide efforts to resolve such problems. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such limitation up to 115,200 acres at any time after 15 years from the effective date of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (currently such limitation may be increased to 51,200 acres). Excepts from the counting of such limitation leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning 20 years after the date production is commenced (currently such readjustment is permitted at ten year intervals beginning ten years after geothermal steam is produced). Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial application of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial. Authorizes the issuance of leases and exploration and testing activities on lands subject to wilderness study and on national forest lands identified by the President for further use planning. Requires that such leases include stipulations to ensure that such activities will not permanently impair the wilderness values of such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1981
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to extend from September 30, 1981, to June 30, 1985: (1) the authority for oil companies to carry out voluntary agreements for implementing the allocation and information provisions of the international energy program; and (2) the antitrust exemption for oil companies participating in such program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1981
Standby Petroleum Allocation Act of 1981 - Authorizes the President, if there is a severe petroleum shortage to implement a standby regulation providing for: (1) the mandatory allocation of crude oil, residential fuel oil, and any refined petroleum product; and (2) under certain circumstances, the imposition of price controls. Directs the President to promulgate such a general standby regulation within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the implementation of such regulation unless the President has transmitted notice to Congress in an energy action message pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and neither House of Congress has disapproved the message within 15 days. Provides that the regulation shall be effective for no more than 90 days, except that there may be a 60-day extension if the severe shortage continues. Terminates the President's allocation authority at such time unless a new energy action message has been submitted and has not been disapproved. Sets forth civil penalties for the violation of the standby regulation or any order issued pursuant to this Act. Terminates this Act on January 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1981
National Oil Shale Leasing Act of 1981 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to lease lands containing oil shale deposits. Permits such leases to exceed 5120 acres of land if necessary to permit long-term commercial operations. Increases the number of such leases which may be held to two in any State and four nationwide. Permits the acquisition of one additional lease in a State by a lessee who has achieved commercial production in both existing leases and is within ten years of exhausting the reserves on one of the leases. Authorizes the unlimited issuance of leases to avoid bypassing small acreages of oil shale resources which otherwise could not be mined economically. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases to allow the extraction of minerals in addition to oil shale. Authorizes lessees of oil shale lands to lease additional lands for support operations. Prohibits mining on such additional lands. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such additional leases after considering the need for such lands, the environmental impact, and the public interest. Requires the lease to include provisions for protection of the environment and other resource values and the payment of rent. Provides for the judicial review of a decision of the Secretary to lease lands containing oil shale. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to transfer from the Secretary of Energy to the Secretary of the Interior functions relating to fostering competition for Federal leases, the establishment of diligence requirements for operations conducted on Federal leases, setting rates of production for Federal leases, and specifying the procedures, terms, and conditions for the acquisition and disposition of Federal royalty interests taken in kind. Terminates the Leasing Liaison Committee established under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1981
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to extend from September 30, 1981, to June 30, 1985: (1) the authority for oil companies to carry out voluntary agreements for implementing the allocation and information provisions of the international energy program; and (2) the antitrust exemption for oil companies participating in such program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Mine Safety and Health Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to define: (1) significant and substantial violation; (2) unwarrantable failure; (3) construction contractor; and (4) vocational or professional service contractor. Redefines operator to mean: (1) any owner, lessee, or other person who operates, controls, or supervises a mine; or (2) any independent contractor performing work or services at such mine, except any construction contractor or any vocational or professional service contractor. Excludes from the definition of coal or other mine the surface mining of sand, gravel, stone, clay, or colloidal phosphate. Exempts from the coverage of the Act: (1) any mine owned, leased, or operated by any State or any political subdivision of a State; and (2) any mine owned by all miners working in the mine. Makes changes in the development, promulgation, and revision of mandatory safety and health standards procedures. Revises procedures governing inspections. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assist operators in improving health and safety; and (2) disseminate information relating to health and safety standards. Directs the Secretary to inspect mines for the purpose of: (1) determining whether an imminent danger exists; or (2) determining whether there is compliance with mandatory health or safety standards. Requires the Secretary to inspect an underground mine at least twice a year and a surface mine at least once a year. Prohibits advance notice of any inspection being provided to any person. Revises provisions relating to the issuance of citations and orders. Authorizes the Secretary upon finding that there is a violation of any mandatory health or safety standard to issue a notice of violation to the mine operator. Authorizes the Secretary upon finding than an operator has committed a significant and substantial violation of any mandatory health or safety standard to issue a citation. Authorizes, upon any followup inspection, the Secretary to: (1) issue a citation, if a violation described in a notice has not been totally abated within the authorized time period; and (2) immediately cause all persons (except those exempt) to be withdrawn from the area, if a violation described in a citation has not been totally abated within the authorized time period. Authorizes the Secretary, upon finding a significant and substantial violation of any mandatory safety or health standard not creating an imminent danger and which was caused by an unwarrantable failure of the operator, to include such findings in any citation. Provides that if, during the same inspection or any subsequent inspection within 90 days of the issuance of the citation, another significant and substantial violation of the same mandatory safety or health standard is found and such violation was caused by an unwarrantable failure, the Secretary shall issue an order requiring all persons (except those exempt) to withdraw from the area until the violation has been abated. Prohibits the Secretary from considering with respect to the operator's history of previous violations any notices of violations or citations. Permits the filing with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission of a written request for the granting of temporary relief from any notice, citation, order, or modification or termination issued. Requires a construction contractor, whenever any construction activity is undertaken, to notify the Occupational Health and Safety Commission of the type of activity and number of employees involved. Prohibits the imposition of a civil monetary penalty on the operator of a mine for the violation of a mandatory health or safety standard, if the operator can show: (1) that the violation was committed by a miner in violation of the operator's rules or any mandatory safety or health standard; and (2) the miner was instructed as to such rules and standards. Prohibits the imposition of civil monetary penalty for the violation of a mandatory safety standard if the Secretary determines that, during the preceding year of the violation, the rate of fatalities and injuries at the mine where the violation occurs was below the national average for mines in the same category or class, except that if a withdrawal order has been issued or the violation has caused or contributed to a fatality or permanently disabling condition, the penalty is applicable. Revises regulations relating to mandatory health and safety training. Reduces from: (1) 40 to 16 the number of hours required to train a new underground miner; and (2) 24 to 8 the number of hours required to train a new surface miner. Permits up to six hours of a training program for surface miners to consist of practical training. Permits an operator to give only hazard training to certain employees. Sets forth a Compliance Assistance Visit (CAV) program. Permits a mine operator to request a CAV for consultation and advice respecting compliance with standards. Prohibits the issuance of any notice of violation, citation, order, or penalty as a result of a CAV, except that withdrawal orders may be issued where an imminent danger exists. Authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration, upon the request of a State or political subdivision which owns or operate a mine, to make available to such State or subdivision safety and health training opportunities and materials. States that nothing in this Act shall prevent any State agency or court from asserting jurisdiction under State law over any mine safety or health issue with respect to which there is no standard in effect under this Act. Permits any State which, at any time, desires to assume responsibility for development and enforcement of mine safety and health standards with respect to which Federal standards have been promulgated under this Act to submit a State plan for the development of such standards and their enforcement. Sets forth provisions relating to approval of the State plan. Authorizes a Federal grant of 50 percent of the State's cost of developing, administering, and enforcing an approved plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1981
Uniform Motor Vehicle Standards Act of 1981 - Prohibits a State from establishing or enforcing any regulation of commerce that imposes a limitation of: (1) less than 102 inches on the overall width of commercial motor vehicles operating on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or other Federal-aid highways; and (2) less than 60 feet on the overall length of commercial motor vehicles operating in truck tractor-semitrailer combinations or less than 65 feet on the overall length of commercial motor vehicles operating in any other combination of units on such highways. Specifies that the total length of a single unit in such combinations shall not exceed 45 feet. Declares that a State shall prohibit neither commercial motor vehicle combinations consisting of a truck trailer and two trailing units on such highways nor impose a limitation of less than 65 feet for such combinations. Prohibits a State from enacting or enforcing any law that denies reasonable access to motor vehicles subject to this Act to and from the Interstate Highway System and the Federal-aid primary system. Directs the Secretary of Transportation or, upon request, the Attorney General, to institute a civil action for injunctive relief as may be appropriate to assure compliance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1981
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to increase the authorization for a four-lane highway bridge between Lewiston, Idaho, and Clarkston, Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpiling Revision Act of 1981 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpiling Revision Act of 1979 to direct the President to appoint an interagency advisory committee to determine: (1) which materials are strategic and critical to the United States; (2) how much of such material should be stockpiled; and (3) what classification such material should be assigned. Sets forth a formula for determining the quantities of each classification of material to be imported. Requires that each stockpile goal be reviewed at least every four years by the interagency committee. Requires the head of an agency, upon the committee's determination, to notify Congress of any proposed new formula for computing the stockpile goal for a particular material. Makes such formula effective 90 days after such notification unless either House of Congress, within such period, agrees to a resolution of disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act of 1981 - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150: (1) to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements; (2) to the surviving spouse of each such veteran; or (3) when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to waive licensing requirements connected with a permit, license, or exemption for an existing or proposed water project with a total installed capacity, upon completion, of 15 megawatts or less.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns) of the interest earned on an All Savers Certificate in taxable years 1981, 1982, and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Energy Information Administration Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 to authorize the Director of the Office of Energy Information and Analysis to provide the head of a Federal agency from which energy information is sought with a binding assurance that such information will not be disclosed to other Department of Energy offices. Permits an agency head to determine when a binding assurance of nondisclosure must be provided. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to provide that the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration is not required to disclose to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission any energy information obtained under a binding assurance of nondisclosure or gathered for statistical purposes. Makes data to be gathered for statistical purposes available to another Department of Energy Office or to another Federal agency only upon receipt of a written request with a demonstration of need and with reasonable and binding assurances by the office or agency that the information will be used solely for statistical purposes. Permits an agency head to disclose in any proceeding confidential energy information gained under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 if: (1) such agency is a party to the proceeding; (2) disclosure is essential to the agency's effective participation in the proceeding; and (3) the agency head seeks an order protecting against disclosure of such information beyond that necessary to the agency's participation in the proceeding. Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to remove the requirements that the Federal Energy Administrator promulgate rules requiring reports of energy information by persons engaged in the production, processing, refining, transportation by pipeline, or distribution of energy sources. Repeals the quarterly reporting requirements imposed on the Federal Energy Administrator with respect to energy imports, domestic energy reserves and production, refinery activities, and energy inventories. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to require that persons engaged in crude oil or natural gas production keep and submit reports on energy information. (Currently the Administrator is directed to require such reports.) Repeals the requirement under the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 that the Federal Energy Administrator maintain a file on U.S. exports of coal and refined petroleum products. Repeals requirements imposed upon the Energy Information Administration under the Department of Energy Organization Act for financial reports from major energy-producing companies and for annual reports to the Department of Energy. Repeals coal reserve disclosure requirements imposed on persons or governmental entities holding such reserves under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Repeals the middle distillate monitoring program under the Emergency Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Changes the method by which payments-in-lieu-of-taxes are made to units of local government in which entitlement lands are located. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to make such additional payments to counties wherein lands were acquired for addition to the National Park System or National Forest Wilderness Areas. Lists additional revenue-sharing programs for which the Governor of a State shall report to the Secretary on the amount of any such payments received that are transferred to its units of local government. Includes lands administered by the Secretary through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as entitlement lands. Makes technical amendments to the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act to conform to provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Digital Cartography Fund Act of 1981 - Establishes a Digital Cartography Fund in the Department of the Interior for financing the production and distribution of digital cartographic data of uniform standards developed by the United States Geological Survey. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to charge data users' fees in amounts sufficient to cover the costs providing such data. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, and such amounts as may be necessary in subsequent years until such time as the Fund becomes self-sustaining.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act - Amends the Coinage Act of 1965 to provide for the minting of not less than ten million half-dollar coins with a design emblematic of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies certain inscriptions to be placed on such coins. Provides that such coins shall be sold to the public at a price equal to the cost of minting and distribution plus a surcharge of not more than 20 percent. Directs that an amount equal to all surcharges collected shall be used for the sole purpose of reducing the national debt. Directs that no such coins shall be minted after December 31, 1983. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from the disclosure requirements matters relating to: (1) internal personnel rules and practices and training or reorientation of personnel of the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) special activities, clandestine collection, or covert operations of the CIA; and (3) internal operation, office management, or organization of the CIA. Eliminates Federal court jurisdiction to enjoin the CIA from withholding records, except personnel records of an individual the disclosure of which is necessary for obtaining employment outside the Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the income tax credit for the production of natural gas from nonconventional sources shall apply to natural gas sold during the taxable year only if such gas is sold at a lawful price which is determined without regard to ceiling prices under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky be released from prison in the Soviet Union, be given proper medical treatment, and be permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference on Security and Cooperation to continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1981
Amends the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977 to permit a registered professional land surveyor (in addition to an engineer or geologist) to prepare and certify maps or plans for use in an application for a surface coal mining and reclamation permit.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Department of Energy Civilian Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for Department of Energy operating expenses and capital equipment expenses not related to construction for programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy coal; (2) fossil energy oil; (3) fossil energy enhanced gas recovery; (4) conservation research and development; (5) solar energy research and development; (6) nuclear fission; (7) magnetic fusion; (8) geothermal energy; (9) electric energy systems; (10) energy storage systems; (11) supporting research and technical analysis; (12) life sciences research and nuclear medicine applications; (13) high energy physics; (14) nuclear physics; (15) high energy and nuclear physics program administration; (16) uranium enrichment process development; (17) uranium enrichment advanced isotope separation technology; and (18) environmental research and development. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for supply research and development plant and capital equipment for specified projects in programs with respect to: (1) fossil energy; (2) nuclear fission; (3) magnetic fusion; (4) geothermal energy; (5) supporting research and technical analysis; (6) high energy physics; (7) nuclear physics; (8) uranium enrichment process development; (9) uranium enrichment advanced isotope separation technology; and (10) environmental research and development. Title II: Conservation, Commercialization, and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for operating expenses for the renewable resources and conservation activities programs. Title III: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) the Economic Regulatory Administration; (2) the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (4) the Energy Information Administration; and (5) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Title IV: Power Marketing and Federal Leasing - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for expenses for the following power marketing programs: (1) the Alaska Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for expenses for the mineral fuels and petroleum and natural gas data program. Title V: Nuclear Assessment, Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Management, and Commercial Waste Remedial Action - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for uranium resource assessment; (2) plant and capital equipment for a specified project in the uranium resource assessment program; and (3) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for interim spent nuclear fuel management and remedial action. Title VI: Other Renewable Resources and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses for (a) fossil energy program administration and (b) international applications of solar technology; and (2) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for the conservation activities, buildings, and community systems program. Title VII: Uranium Enrichment, Other Commercial Waste Management Activities, West Valley Demonstration Project Activities, and Three Mile Island Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for uranium enrichment; (2) uranium enrichment activities plant and capital equipment with respect to specified projects; (3) operating expenses for specified commercial waste management activities; and (4) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for (a) the West Valley Demonstration project and (b) Three Mile Island activities. Title VIII: Departmental Administration - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) operating expenses and capital equipment not related to construction for departmental administration activities; and (2) departmental administration activities plant and capital equipment with respect to specified projects. Title IX: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1983 for the programs in this Act. Title X: United States Energy Projections - Sets forth U.S. energy projections for 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000. Repeals title III (Energy Targets) of the Energy Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Proclaims the English language to be the official language of the United States. Prohibits the United States, the States, and any Federal or State court from requiring the use of any other language. Stipulates that this article shall not prohibit educational instruction in a language other than English for the purpose of making students proficient in English.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the President to increase crude oil storage in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to an average annual rate of at least 300,000 barrels per day as a sustained average annual daily rate of fill which would fully utilize funds available in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account. Amends the Energy Security Act to establish in the Energy Security Reserve a subaccount, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be used to acquire petroleum for the Reserve. Authorizes funds for Strategic Petroleum Reserve petroleum acquisition borrowing authority from funds appropriated to the Energy Security Reserve. Prohibits, unless either there is at least 750,000,000 barrels of crude oil stored in the Reserve or the crude oil in storage will be increased at an average rate of at least 300,000 barrels daily, any portion of the United States share of crude oil in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1, 2, or 3 or any Federal royalty oil from being: (1) sold, unless proceeds are deposited in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account or the appropriate subaccount; (2) exchanged, other than for oil to be stored in the Reserve; or (3) otherwise disposed of, other than for storage in the Reserve. Requires that the proceeds from any sale of the Federal share of petroleum produced from the Naval Petroleum Reserves be deposited in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account. Authorizes the President, acting through the Secretary of Energy, to contract with any State to store petroleum in the Reserve the title to which shall remain with the State. Directs the President, by October 1, 1981, acting for the Secretary of the Treasury, to issue Strategic Petroleum Reserve Securities for sale in the private securities market. Directs the President to transmit to Congress a study on implementation of an Industrial Petroleum Reserve as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or as additional storage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Amends the Fourth Constitution of the Virgin Islands (1980) to require U.S. citizens born outside the Virgin Islands to be domiciled in the Virgin Islands (currently must have been domiciled in the Virgin Islands for a year) in order to be citizens of the Virgin Islands. Requires the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to be domiciled in the Virgin Islands for ten (currently 15) years. Deletes the: (1) provision for enactment of local laws to enforce Federal tax laws; (2) exemption of bonds issued by the Virgin Islands from Federal taxation and from taxation by any State, territory, or possession; (3) provision for issuance of short term bonds to meet casual deficits. Requires judicial matters during the transition to be handled as provided by the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands until the Senate creates an appellate court. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to provide for the Virgin Islands' appellate court. Grants the appellate court jurisdiction to review judgments and orders of lower local courts. Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit jurisdiction to review decisions of the highest court of the Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the adjacent landowners for fair market value specified land adjacent to Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lowell, Boise Project, Idaho. Reserves to the United States all mineral deposits in such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to exempt from the definition of "farm labor contractor": (1) any person supplying migrant workers for employment in his own agricultural operation (currently the employer must personally engage in such hiring); (2) bona fide employees who perform such activity for their employer (currently full-time or regular employees who engage only incidentally in such activity); (3) any person who supplies students or other persons whose principal occupation is nonagricultural to perform certain seed industry work (currently only applies to corn and sorghum with a maximum four-week work period); and (4) nonprofit or cooperative associations of farmers, growers, or ranchers and their employees. Defines the terms "for such person's own operation" and "bona fide employee" for purposes of such Act. Redefines "migrant worker" to mean a seasonal or temporary agricultural worker who can not normally return to his or her domicile after each working day (currently anyone employed in agriculture).
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1981
Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to include among the purposes for which funds may be appropriated from the Land and Water Conservation Fund the restoration and improvement of units of the National Park System, the National Forest System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and authorized areas administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Regulatory Reduction and Congressional Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to provide interested persons at least 60 days after publication of the general notice of a proposed rulemaking to participate in the rulemaking. Allows an agency to adopt an emergency rule, temporarily, without regard to specified time constraints. Provides expedited procedures for the adoption of a rule to replace such a temporary emergency rule. Subjects interpretive agency rules and general policy statements which will have general applicability and affect the rights of persons outside the agency to notice and public comment requirements for agency rulemaking. Directs each agency, upon publishing a recommended final rule, to transmit to Congress a copy of the rule with a summary of the problem requiring Government regulation and a statement of the estimated costs imposed by the rule. Prohibits such a rule from becoming effective if one House adopts a resolution disapproving the rule within 60 days of continuous session of Congress and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days thereafter. Specifies factors to be considered by a Congressional committee when determining whether or not to report such a resolution. Allows an agency to issue a modified rule relating to the same area as a disapproved rule. Authorizes each Congressional committee having legislative jurisdiction over an existing agency rule to review such rule periodically to determine whether: (1) provisions of the rule seriously injure the public interest; or (2) the rule violates or is inconsistent with other rules, existing law, judicial decisions, congressional intent, or its statutory authority. Authorizes such a committee or any Member of Congress to report or introduce a resolution requiring that an agency reconsider and repromulgate an existing rule or else the rule shall lapse within 180 days. Requires any agency repromulgating a rule to hold a hearing for oral presentations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Steelhead Trout Protection Act - Declares that State laws and regulations prohibiting, restricting, or regulating the taking, possession, transportation, or sale of steelhead trout shall apply to and be enforceable against Indians and Indian tribes at places within such State both within and without the boundaries of an Indian reservation in the same manner and to the same extent as such laws and regulations apply to other persons. Allows a State to establish by written agreement with an Indian tribe different laws or regulations as to the taking and possession of steelhead trout by Indian tribal members on an Indian reservation. Permits an Indian tribe to require in addition to State license requirements licenses and fees for fishing for steelhead trout on the tribe's Indian trust land or in waters within the tribe's reservation boundaries. Prohibits a State from requiring a license or fee from a member of an Indian tribe for such fishing or for fishing at usual and accustomed fishing grounds of such tribe. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enforce such licensing requirements of Indian tribes. Authorizes tribal enforcement personnel to make arrests and seizures relating to violations of such requirements. Sets forth procedures and penalties relating to such violations. Amends the Black Bass Act to include steelhead trout legally taken in the Columbia River between the States of Washington and Oregon under the coverage of such Act. Confers exclusive jurisdiction on the Court of Claims over all causes of action seeking compensation for an alleged taking of Indian treaty rights arising under or growing out of this Act. Sets forth procedures for such claims.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Lamb Meat Quota Act of 1981 - Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb meat that may be imported into the United States after 1981 to the smaller of: (1) 31,000,000 pounds; or (2) 12 percent of the domestic slaughter of lamb during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to estimate quarterly whether the domestic price of lamb exceeds the parity price and, on the basis of such estimate, to adjust the aggregate quantity of lamb meat which may enter the United States. Requires the Secretary to estimate annually the quota established the domestic price of lamb, and any adjustment of the quota. Directs the Secretary to allocate such quotas among supplying countries on the basis of their share of the U.S. market.
![Official portrait of Sen. McClure, James A. [R-ID]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000346_200.jpg)