United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Motor Carrier Regulatory Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the findings of Congress that: (1) a safe, sound, competitive and fuel efficient motor carrier system is vital to the maintenance of a strong national economy and defense system; (2) the objective of a motor carrier system serving the Nation as a whole can best be achieved through the plan of regulation adopted in 1935; and (3) the Interstate Commerce Commission must administer such regulatory system through the issuance of certificates and permits necessary to implement more effectively the standards of public convenience and necessity and of consistency with the public interest. Title II: Motor Carrier Entry - Requires the Commission, before issuing any certificate authorizing motor carrier transportation, to make specific findings including the degree of existing competition and fuel conservation with respect to an applicant's requested route authority. Prohibits the Commission from considering an applicant's level of proposed rates in making a determination regarding such requested route authority but directs the Commission to consider whether the level of rates of existing carriers is so high as to constitute an embargo of the traffic. Authorizes the Commission to require a carrier which is protesting a grant of operating authority to show that: (1) it is able to handle the traffic contained in the application; (2) it is willing to provide such service; and (3) it has either performed service or solicited business within the scope of the application. Stipulates that a contract carrier does not have to limit its operations to carriage for a particular industry or within a particular geographic area. Removes the requirement that the Commission, in deciding whether to grant a permit to a motor contract carrier, consider the number of shippers to be served by the carrier or the nature of the transportation to be provided. Stipulates that an application for conversion of motor contract carrier authority to motor common carrier authority must be filed with the Commission when the operations of the contract carrier in fact become common carriage. Stipulates that a person may not hold a certificate of a motor common carrier of property or a permit of a motor contract carrier of property if the person performing the transportation is doing so in the furtherance of a nontransportation primary business. Authorizes one corporation to provide transportation services for another corporation without a certificate or a permit under specified conditions. Directs the Commission to approve pooling and division of transportation or earnings agreements between common carriers, without a hearing, unless it finds that the agreement is of major transportation importance or there is a substantial likelihood that the agreement will unduly restrain competition. Stipulates that, if the Commission finds that either of such factors exist, it shall conduct a hearing to determine if the agreement will be in the interest of better service to the public or of economy in operation. Exempts from the Commission's jurisdiction certain carriage of property by motor vehicle which is incidental to transportation by aircraft. Title III: Motor Carrier Rates - Prohibits the Commission from disapproving motor carrier rate bureau agreements unless it finds that such an agreement would violate the national transportation policy. Exempts such approved agreements from the antitrust laws. Revises the voting processes within rate bureau meetings. Directs the Commission, in determining the reasonableness of motor property carrier rate levels, to approve and maintain revenue levels that are adequate to cover total operating expenses, including the operation of leased equipment, and depreciation based upon the replacement cost of useful equipment and facilities at current prices, plus a reasonable profit. Prohibits the Commission from suspending a motor carrier rate on the basis that it exceeds or is below a just and reasonable if: (1) the rate changes are not of general applicability to all or substantially all classes of traffic; (2) the rate change is filed within five years after the enactment of this Act; and (3) the rate increase or decrease is not more than seven percent annually. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe through routes and joint fares for motor carriers of property. Prohibits the Commission from requiring such a carrier, without its consent, to embrace in a Commission mandated through route substantially less than the entire length of its route and of any intermediate carrier operated in conjunction or under a common management which lies between the termini of such proposed through route unless: (1) such inclusion of lines would make the through route unreasonably circuitous; or (2) the proposed through route is needed to provide adequate, more efficient or more economic transportation. Grants the Commission the exclusive authority to prescribe an intrastate rate for a motor carrier of property if: (1) the carrier files a change in such a rate with the appropriate State authority; and (2) the State does not act finally on such proposed change within 120 days. Limits a State's power to assess or collect ad valorem taxes on motor carriers of property. Title IV: Expediting Motor Carrier Proceedings - Establishes time limitations for actions of the Commission regarding motor carriers of property proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Federal Land Banks and Associations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize any Federal land bank, under the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions (i.e., Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, and banks for cooperatives); (2) participate in loans which the land banks are authorized to make with lenders which are not Farm Credit System institutions; (3) sell interests in loans to such lenders; (4) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other extended financial assistance, and nonvoting stock; (5) make other investments; (6) accept contributions to their capital from Federal land bank associations; (7) enter into agreements with other Farm Credit System institutions to share loan and other losses; (8) issue nonvoting stock to borrowers as a patronage refund; and (9) make or participate with other lenders in long-term real estate mortgage loans not exceeding 85 percent of the appraised value of the real estate security. Makes producers and harvesters of aquatic products eligible for Federal land bank services. Authorizes Federal land bank associations to make capital contributions to a Federal land bank. States that a member of a Federal land bank association need not make the required purchases of land stock with respect to that part of a loan derived from a lender which is not a Farm Credit System institution. Authorizes the Federal land bank associations to pay dividends on a differential basis between different classes and issues of stock and participation certificates corresponding to the value of such classes and issues to the capital or earnings of the Federal land bank in its district. Permits the Federal land bank associations to agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions. Title II: Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations - Authorizes the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other extended financial assistance and nonvoting stock; (2) make other investments; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; (4) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; and (5) issue nonvoting stock to such institutions. Authorizes the Federal intermediate credit banks to discount for, or purchase from other financial institutions loans made to producers and harvesters of aquatic products. Permits any Federal intermediate credit bank to transfer more than 25 percent of its net earnings after expenses to its allocated reserve account (presently, not more than 25 percent of such earnings may be transferred to this account). Authorizes each production credit association, subject to the supervision of the intermediate credit bank in its district and the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to any bank in the Farm Credit System interests in loans, other financial assistance extended, and nonvoting stock; (2) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System Institutions; (4) issue participation certificates to eligible borrowers in lieu of nonvoting stock; and (5) issue participation certificates or nonvoting stock to any financial institution outside the Farm Credit System with which the association participates in a loan in satisfaction of the requirement that a borrower own such stock or participation certificates. Requires a borrower to own only that amount of stock or participation certificates which is proportionate to that portion of a loan retained by a production credit association when it participates with another lender in making a loan. Authorizes the production credit associations to extend loan assistance to bona fide farmers, ranchers, and producers and harvesters of aquatic products for basic processing and marketing directly related to the borrower's operations. Title III: Banks and Cooperatives - Empowers each bank for cooperatives, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; (2) deposit its securities and current funds with any domestic or foreign financial organization (presently, such deposits must be made at a member bank in the Federal Reserve System); (3) buy and sell bankers' acceptances which are obligations of member banks in the Federal Reserve System; (4) buy and sell other obligations including those which arise in the course of transactions which the bank has assisted through loans; (5) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (6) make other investments; (7) invest in foreign and domestic business entities to facilitate the obtaining of credit information and the performance of services related to international transactions; (8) maintain credit balances to assist in the transfer of funds between parties to authorized transactions; (9) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; and (10) issue participation certificates to parties who may not be issued voting stock. Requires all participation certificates, voting and nonvoting stock issued by the banks for cooperatives to be retired at par value. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to: (1) offer a currency exchange for eligible cooperative associations; and (2) extend loans, loan participation commitments, and other technical and financial assistance to any domestic or foreign party in which a member cooperative has an ownership interest or which engages with the cooperative in dealings in agricultural or aquatic products, farm supplies or the lease of property, provided such assistance substantially benefits the member cooperative. Enables cooperatives solely engaged in furnishing aquatic business services to borrow from the banks for cooperatives. Reduces the degree of ownership in a cooperative which must be held by farmers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products, or other cooperative associations in order to make such a cooperative eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives. Requires a bank for cooperatives to retire any equity held by a borrower in default or dissolution at fair market value not to exceed the par value of the equity interest of the borrower. Prohibits the retirement or cancellation of such an equity interest if the bank's capital structure would be adversely affected. Permits each bank for cooperatives to transfer more than 25 percent of its net annual savings to a surplus account. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to pay patronage refunds to borrowers in the form of participation certificates. Title IV: Provisions Applicable to Two or More Classes of Institutions of the System - Declares that interest rates established by the Farm Credit Administration for loans made by Farm Credit System institutions shall preempt any interest rate limitation imposed by State law. States that when two or more Farm Credit System institutions participate in a loan as authorized by this Act, the terms of such loan shall be those agreed upon by the institutions. Requires that such factors as borrower eligibility, membership, term, amount, loan security and purchase of stock or participation certificates by the borrower are to be governed by the provisions of law applicable to the institution originating the loan. Exempts credit transactions of Farm Credit System institutions from the provisions of any State statute or any other law or regulation which impose, with regard to a credit transaction, any duty or requirement which had been imposed by the Truth in Lending Act before amendment. Authorizes the institutions of the Farm Credit System to organize corporations to perform non-lending functions and services which such institutions are authorized to perform. Empowers the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to review and revise the charters of such corporations. States that such corporations shall be subject to supervision and examination by the Administration. Title V: District and Farm Credit Administration Organization - Revises the process for the election of farm credit district directors by reducing from three to two the number of nominees in the election poll. Establishes the rate of compensation for the Federal Farm Credit Board at the daily equivalent of the rate prescribed for grade GS-18 of the General Schedule. Authorizes the Board to fix the salary of the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration at any level not exceeding the maximum rate of basic pay in the Executive Schedule. Authorizes the Governor to appoint Deputy Governors to provide assistance in the functioning of the Farm Credit Administration. Exempts the Administration from provisions of Federal law relating to appointments in the competitive civil service, travel expenses, allowances, procurement, and property disposition. Credits employees of Farm Credit System institutions with specified leave and retirement benefits when they are transferred to Federal service in the Farm Credit Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Federal Power Marketing Revolving Fund Act of 1979 - Directs the Administrators of specified power administrations to construct or otherwise acquire transmission facilities in order to: (1) integrate and transmit the electric power from existing or additional generating units; (2) provide customer service; (3) provide interregional transmission facilities; and (4) maintain electrical stability and reliability. Limits the Administrators' authority to make such acquisitions. Authorizes the Administrators to become members of electrical cooperatives and other institutions determined necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the establishment of the following separate funds in the U.S. Treasury: (1) Alaska Power Administration Fund; (2) Southeastern Power Administration Fund; (3) Southwestern Power Administration Fund; and (4) Western Area Power Administration Fund. Includes in such Funds: (1) receipts from power marketing activities; (2) moneys borrowed from the U.S. Treasury; (3) congressional appropriations; and (4) unexpended balances of funds appropriated or otherwise made available. Authorizes the appropriate Administration to make expenditures from such Funds as necessary for each power administration's programs. Limits the use of appropriated and trust funds. Requires the Secretary to keep the official record of each power administration's operations, receipts, and expenditures. Directs the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration to maintain separate accounts for specified individual projects of such Power Administration. Establishes specific restrictions on the Western Fund. Authorizes each Administrator to: (1) invest moneys in nonmarketable obligations of the United States; and (2) borrow from the Secretary amounts in behalf of the power administrations. Directs the Administrators to give notice of requests for construction of major transmission facilities to affected States and contractual entities. Sets forth general provisions of employment in connection with electrical facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Establishes uniform weight and length limitation on the Interstate Highway Systems until the Secretary of Energy has certified to Congress that there are adequate amounts of middle distillate fuel to meet national requirements for home heating, agricultural production, transportation, and industrial uses.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
United States - Mexico Good Neighbor Act of 1979 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to establish a program for the non-immigrant admission of Mexican nationals as temporary workers in the United States. Provides that: (1) the Attorney General shall establish annual and monthly quotas for temporary worker visas; (2) such temporary services or labor shall not exceed 180 days per year; (3) such visas shall not limit the geographic area within which an alien may work unless specific restrictions are requested by the Secretary of Labor in order to protect domestic workers; (4) an alien who violates the 180-day visa limitation or any imposed geographic restriction shall be ineligible for another temporary visa for five years; and (5) an alien who enters the United States illegally shall be ineligible for obtaining a temporary work visa for ten years. Excludes such temporary Mexican workers from the definition of "immigrant" for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Includes such workers within the category of aliens whose non-immigrant status may not be adjusted to that of an immigrant. Prohibits the Attorney General from consenting to the reapplication for admission of any such workers deported from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish and expand United States Consulates in Mexico in order to implement such temporary worker program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make the nature of such program known to Mexican nationals residing in the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish with Mexico an Advisory Commission on the Mexico-United States Temporary Worker Visa program to advise the Attorney General with regard to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President shall call as soon as possible an Energy Summit Conference to bring together representatives of the oil industry, consumer representatives knowledgeable on energy matters, officials of the executive branch and other levels of government, and such other persons as the President deems necessary to review any data submitted and report to the President on current and expected energy shortages, a prognosis for the future, and recommendations for public and private action to meet those shortages. Directs the Conference to consider the establishment of a national energy council. Directs the President to report to the American people the results of the Conference along with his recommendations for a national energy policy.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Fuel Energy Conservation Act of 1979 - Establishes uniform national standards for weight and length of vehicles using the Interstate and Defense Highway System.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979
Synthetic Fuels Production Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a synthetic fuels and alternate fuels production plan for the Nation. Title II: Corporate Status, General Powers, Subsidiaries, and Tax Status - Establishes the Syn-Fuels and Alternate Fuels Authority which shall be responsible for directing the production of synthetic fuels. Sets forth the general powers of such Authority, including the power to create subsidiary corporations to carry out one or more of the functions of the Authority. Exempts the Authority from all State and Federal taxation except real property taxes and taxes imposed on any entity acquired or established by the Authority which engages in energy-related enterprises. Title III: Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Authority to provide financial assistance to any business concern engaged or which proposes to engage in synthetic and other alternate fuel projects. Sets forth criteria for granting such assistance and specifies application procedures, interest rates, and other conditions for obtaining such assistance. Authorizes the Authority to make loan guaranties to any lender for loans made to any business concern where such funds would contribute to accomplishment of the purposes of this Act. Limits the total amount of financial assistance to be provided by the Authority to the sum of the amount authorized as capital of the Authority and the amount the Authority is authorized to borrow under this Act. Authorizes the Authority to make high-risk loans or direct investments or to provide other direct financial assistance which the Board of Directors of the Authority determines will further the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Authority to sell equity securities. Authorizes the President to appoint an advisory panel to study and report on the effects of issuance of obligations and provision of financial assistance by the Authority on the functioning of the Nation's capital markets. Title IV: Capitalization and Finance - Authorizes capital stock of the Authority in the amount of $25,000,000,000 and authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000,000 for this purpose. Authorizes the Authority to issue and to have outstanding at any one time notes, debentures, bonds, or other obligations in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000,000. Exempts the receipts and disbursements of the Secretary of the Treasury in connection with the purchase or redemption of, and income from, capital stock of the Authority from inclusion in the totals of the budget of the United States. Title V: Management - Vests the power of the Authority to act in the Board of Directors, except as specified. Provides for the appointment of a Chairman of the Board and other directors and sets forth the duties of the Chairman. Sets forth provisions relating to officers and employees, conflicts of interest, delegation of authority, fiscal year reviews and audits, and reports and recordkeeping. Title VI: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious, process for Federal approval of energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Directs the Authority to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline, provided that there has been notice and an opportunity for public comment on such decision. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Authority to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal State and local governments. Directs the Authority to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions pursuant to this title and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket, to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title VII: Production Goals of the Authority - Directs the Authority to establish a set of goals for the commercial production by the year 1990 of synthetic fuels such as oil shale, coal gas and liquids, and such processes as urban waste reuse, geothermal power, solar power, biomass conversion, and other such resources. Authorizes the Authority to supervise the construction, management, operation, and production of fuels from an Authority-owned synthetic fuels facility to meet part of the fuel needs of the Department of Defense if certain specified conditions obtain. Directs the Authority to establish timetables for the production by the year 1990 of at least 1.5 million barrels of oil equivalent a day from the three technologies of oil shale, coal gas, and coal liquids, and a timetable to reach certain other commercial goals of production for other syn-fuels processes and other alternate fuels processes. Requires the Authority to report to Congress periodically on the progress toward meeting the 1990 goals and to submit its books to periodic audits. Title VIII: Unlawful Acts and Penalties - Imposes fines and/or imprisonment under this Act for the following acts: forgery; false statements; misappropriation of funds; infringement on name; and unlawful contracts. Title IX: General Provisions - Makes provisions for coordination of Authority activities with other entities, severability, termination and liquidation of the Authority, relationship to other laws, and the reservation of right to amend or repeal this Act. Stipulates that the provision of financial assistance under this Act shall be deemed to be a "major Federal action" for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 when: (1) no other Federal agency is required to prepare an environmental impact statement; and (2) such financial assistance is in fact a major action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Expresses the congressional intention that the President initiate negotiations with other oil importing nations to establish a Council of Oil Importing Nations to negotiate for reasonable oil prices with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Directs the President to develop and submit to such Council a set of appropriate sanctions to be used by such Council to encourage compliance with negotiated oil prices. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning progress with such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a procedure whereby health insurance policies offered by private insurers to supplement the Medicare program may be certified by the Secretary as meeting minimum standards with respect to adequacy of coverage, reasonableness of premium charge, and general economic benefit to the insured. Sets forth criminal penalties pertaining to the misrepresentation of such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the limitation on outside income for beneficiaries age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include within the definition of "institution of higher education" for student assistance purposes postsecondary vocational institutions which: (1) provide at least a six-month training program; (2) have been in existence at least two years; (3) are nationally accredited; and (4) are legally authorized nonprofit or public postsecondary educational institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Title I: Policy - Declares the purpose of this Act to be: (1) to establish and maintain a Federal policy for the use and management of the results of federally-sponsored science and technology research and development programs; and (2) to monitor the impact of such programs on innovation and technology development. Title II: Implementation - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate, direct, and review the utilization and protection of rights in Government-owned inventions. Directs each Federal agency to develop and implement programs for the transfer of Government-owned innovative technology for application and use in industry, agriculture, medicine, transportation, and other critical sectors of the economy. Title III: Allocation of Rights - Government Contractors - Requires each Federal agency to acquire, on behalf of the United States, title to any invention made under Federal contract if the agency determines: (1) the contractor's services are for the operation of a Government-owned research or production facility; (2) the work performed is of a classified nature; (3) Government retention of title is necessary for protection of the public health, safety, or welfare; (4) a nonprofit organization under contract does not have a qualified technology transfer program; and (5) the contract's principal purpose is to develop products, processes, or methods for general public use. Authorizes an agency to waive all or any part of the right of the United States to an invention if it is in the interest of the Government and the general public. Reserves to the contractor the option of acquiring title to any invention in all other situations. Provides that if a contractor has acquired title to an invention the Federal agency may, in the interest of public safety or specified economic needs, require the contractor to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license to a responsible applicant. Title IV: Allocation of Rights-Federal Employees - Directs the Government to obtain the entire right, title, and interest in and to any invention made by a Federal employee if the agency determines that the invention was conceived in the normal course of employment duties, unless the Government's interest in such invention is negligible. Provides for a review by the Secretary, if requested, for determination as to the right of title. Authorizes incentive awards to Federal employee-inventors for any inventions of significant value. Title V: Miscellaneous - Repeals certain existing statutory authorizations. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish an Inventions and Contributions Board to hear, and make findings and recommendations with respect to, every proposal for any waiver of patent rights held by the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit distilled spirits plants to be established solely for producing, processing, storing, using, and distributing distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt such distilled spirits plants from the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to distilled spirits, wines, and beers (except requirements pertaining to the payment of the excise tax) when necessary to facilitate the production of fuel. Permits distilled spirits to be withdrawn free of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirit plant exclusively for fuel use. Prohibits distilled spirits to be withdrawn, used, sold, or disposed of for any purpose other than fuel use. Specifies that the term "distilled spirits" does not include distilled spirits produced from petroleum, natural gas, or coal.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) against the summary executions without due process in Iran; and (2) that the United States will act to prevent criminal or terrorist actions against persons in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Authorizes and directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Senate during consideration of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit farmers and small businesses to obtain the investment tax credit for certain types of business property acquired from a related party.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Requires the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company to continue specified freight service for a period of 90 days unless any discontinuance or abandonment: is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no State (or local or regional or transportation authority) opposes such action. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide such financial assistance as may be required to maintain the existing level of service by such railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should appoint an ambassador-at-large to be responsible to the Secretary of State for U.S. policy on world population affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Title I; Meat Labeling and Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling as imported of any imported meat or meat product, which is capable of use as human food, or its container. Requires that such products: (1) meet the same health standards as domestically produced meat; and (2) be tested in the exporting country. Requires periodic tests of such products in the United States by the Department of Agriculture as well. Title II: Requirement of Certain Eating Establishments to Inform Customers that Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishment - Requires eating establishments serving imported meat to inform customers of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Establishes an art bank in the Congress for the purpose of selecting American works of art for display in the House and Senate Office Buildings. Requires the board responsible for the administration of the art bank to compensate artists for loss, damage, or theft of such works of art. Prohibits any person from receiving compensation for the display of any work of art created by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the income tax in an amount equal to the qualified land conservation expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Defines such expenditures as any amount paid or incurred to establish or maintain a wind erosion control and wildlife habitat area (or shelterbelt) on any United States land held by the taxpayer and used in a trade or business of producing crops, fruits, or other agricultural products or for the sustenance of livestock. Limits such credit to the amount of the tax imposed, reduced by the sum of other specified allowable credits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Authorizes Indian tribes to adopt, by majority vote, a constitution and bylaws, and provides that, upon adoption of such constitution and bylaws, a tribe shall be a corporate body with certain enumerated powers. States that such a tribe has the authority to acquire and dispose of real and personal property without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Provides that the tribe shall waive any claim against the United States arising out of such transactions, but states that the status of other claims against the United States shall not be affected by this Act. Continues all lawful debts of the tribe. Authorizes Indian Tribes to: (1) use tribal money to attract new and retain other private industries which will employ at least 50 people on the reservation; (2) contract with private industry and with Federal, State and local governments; and (3) extend to private industry a waiver of tribal taxes for 15 years. Gives the Secretary a veto power over any per capita distribution of the tribe, but requires him to give reasons for such a veto. States that any person who establishes a new or retains a qualified private industry on a reservation occupied by a tribe shall qualify for the tax incentives provided by this Act if that person employs a work force one-half of which are Indians. Provides that a qualified person shall be exempt from taxation upon income attributable to the operation of a qualified private industry for a period of ten years after setting up that industry. States that the basis of the property acquired as a capital investment shall be either the fair market value of that property after the tenth year of operation or its cost, whichever is higher. Allows the depreciation deduction to be computed at a rate of 20 percent after the tenth year for such property. Grants a tax deduction to such a qualified person for every Indian who received welfare before becoming employed by him, in the amount of 15 times the amount of the welfare payment received by the Indian immediately before employment. Postpones this deduction until ten years after the industry is formed. Requires the Secretary to provide adult education and vocational training on a priority basis. Authorizes the Secretary to lease any surplus Federal lands under his jurisdiction. Authorizes the Secretary to lend Federal funds for the construction of buildings for qualifying and qualified investors.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that postsecondary education programs should encourage students to participate in both vocational- technical and liberal arts-humanities education.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Prohibits the use of Federal funds for the expenses of foreign travel by any Senator, Representative, or any officer or employee of the Congress unless such travel is authorized by a prior recorded vote of the House involved.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Impact Reduction of Energy Resources Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to study petitions for reorganization in bankruptcy of railroad lines or applications for abandonment of railroad lines and rail transportation to determine the impact of such plans and applications upon the transportation of coal. Directs the Secretary to oppose such actions as he determines may reduce or curtail present or future coal shipments. Provides for loans or grants to an applicant for the maintenance of coal transportation services. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to make railroads eligible for assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that actions for judicial review of any final detailed environmental impact statement be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction within a statute of limitations of 180 days after the date on which such final statement is published in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend the effective period of ceiling prices established by the President and applicable to any first sale of crude oil produced in the United States. Extends the President's authority under such Act to December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Designates the year 1979 as the "Food for Peace Year" to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Affirms that farmer cooperatives are a vital and necessary element in maintaining and promoting the family farm system of food production. States that the Department of Agriculture and all appropriate budget appropriation review groups should recognize the need to reinforce and expand programs of cooperative research, service, education, and other cooperative assistance. Declares that the Department should: (1) establish an Office of Farmer Cooperatives to coordinate such programs; and (2) take other aggressive leadership toward expanding resources for cooperative work.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Clean Water Act to repeal certain conditions for grants and loans for treatment works construction relating to payments of user fees and loan repayment assurances.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Earth Resources Information Corporation Act of 1979 - Title I: Short Title, Declaration of Policy, and Definitions - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to establish a commercial earth resources information service to disseminate timely, continuous and reliable earth resources information. Title II: Implementation of Policy - Directs the President to: (1) aid in the planning, development, and review of the information service; (2) coordinate Government agency activities in the field of earth resources information; and (3) take necessary steps to insure that every Federal entity utilizes the information service. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to advise the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on technical aspects of the information service and to assist and cooperate with the Earth Resources Information Corporation established by this Act in developing the information service. Specifies the duties of the FCC with respect to the information service, including the insurance of fair competition and standards of quality in the earth resources information service. Title III: Creation of an Earth Resources Information Corporation - Establishes an Earth Resources Information Corporation for profit which is not an agency or establishment of the United States. Authorizes the Corporation to plan, initiate, construct, own, manage, and operate a commercial earth resources information service. Enumerates other functions of the Corporation, including ownership and operation of earth resources satellites, receiving stations and information distribution centers. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Corporation to notify the Department of State when entering into business negotiations with any international or foreign entity. Prohibits any person, other than through official channels, from selling or disclosing to any other person any earth resources information which is compiled by the Corporation. Prescribes sanctions, including equitable relief, for actions by the Corporation which are inconsistent with the policies set forth in this Act. Directs the President to transmit to Congress each January a description of activities and accomplishments for the preceding year. Requires the Corporation to make annual reports to the President and Congress concerning its operations, activities, and accomplishments. Directs the FCC to transmit annually to Congress: (1) a report of its actions on anticompetitive practices as they apply to such service; (2) an evaluation of such actions with a view to recommending additional legislation; and (3) an evaluation of the capital structure of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Entitles certain employees of Indian tribal organizations, the Indian Health Service (IHS), or the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to an annuity if separated from service after completing 25 years of service or after attaining 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service, if such employee is not an Indian entitled to an employment preference by law. States that employees entitled to Indian preference and military preference shall be retained in preference to employees entitled to only military preference during reductions in force within the BIA or the IHS. Declares that reassignments of individuals within the BIA or the IHS shall not be subject to the Indian preference laws where the Commissioner of Indian Affairs determines that the reassignment is necessary to: (1) assure the health or safety of an individual or his family; (2) avoid the displacement of an Indian during a reduction in force; or (3) prevent the deterioration of an individual's operation or of a necessary service to the Indian people. Forbids the application of Indian preference laws to any personnel action respecting an individual if the tribal organization served by the unit in which the position exists grants a waiver of those laws. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Health, Education, and Welfare to report annually to Congress on their actions to recruit and train Indians for positions subject to Indian preference laws and to place non-Indian employees of the BIA and the IHS in other Federal positions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Rural Rail Cooperative Act of 1979 - Establishes a Rural Area Transportation Office within the Department of Transportation. Authorizes the Director of such Office to make loan guarantees for the purpose of establishing independently owned and operated class A or B branchline railroads. Establishes within the Treasury a Rural Transportation Development Fund for the purpose of carrying out and administering this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to make loans to finance the improvement, expansion, construction, acquisition, and operation of lines, facilities, or systems to provide (separately or in conjunction with telephone service) present or future broadband telecommunications service in any rural area. Directs the Administrator to determine that there is no reasonable probability that the proposed service will be made available in any rural area by any other person before making a loan for service for such area to any applicant. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce, and after holding public hearings, to prescribe specific standards to be followed in determining: (1) which of any competing applicants should receive assistance; and (2) the need and demand in the area concerned for proposed services and facilities. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such application in the area concerned which: (1) specifies types of facilities, services, and approximate dates; (2) invites interested persons to comment on the desirability of approving such loan; and (3) indicates that public hearings, if requested by persons in the area concerned, will be held on the question of such approval. Requires, in cases in which two or more persons apply for such loans, that all such persons be given fair and equal consideration for such assistance. Requires that applicants who directly or through an affiliate own or control poles, ducts, conduits, or rights-of-way, used, in whole or in part, for wire communications: (1) certify that rates for the use (by others) of such facilities are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission; or (2) make a prima facie showing to the Administrator that such use rates would have been or would be in compliance with certain standards for just and reasonable rates under the Communications Act of 1934. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to: (1) conduct field hearings in rural areas to inform interested persons of the availability and purposes of broadband telecommunications loans; and (2) determine and publish a description of essential broadband telecommunications needs of rural areas which could be served through facilities constructed with the aid of such loans. Directs the Administrator to obtain all possible assurances from loan recipients that broadband telecommunications service furnished with such assistance will be available to the largest practical number of rural users. Prohibits the making of any such loan unless: (1) the Administrator finds and certifies that the security for such loan is reasonably adequate and that such loan will be repaid within the time agreed; and (2) all required State or local authorizations for such service are first obtained. Prohibits the use of facilities constructed in whole or part with such loans to provide service not initially indicated in the application unless the applicant has first submitted to the Administrator all required State or local authorizations. Prohibits loans for such service in States with no legally authorized State or regulatory body to issue such authorizations, unless the Administrator determines that no duplication of service will result. Requires applicants for such loans to certify to the Administrator that they: (1) have consulted with the governmental unit of the State concerned having jurisdiction over telecommunications and social services; and (2) are in compliance with all requirements of the State relating to telecommunications and social services. Redefines the term "telephone service" to, among other changes, specifically exclude broadband telecommunications service. Defines "broadband telecommunications service" as any telecommunications service requiring bandwidth capacity which is constructed for the purpose of distributing broadcast quality video and audio television signals, whether or not such service is actually provided, and including all facilities or systems used in the rendition of such service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to amend certain regulations to require gasoline retail outlets to offer a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol, if supplies of such a blend are reasonably available. Stipulates circumstances in which such requirement may be waived. Prohibits the Administrator from imposing a prohibition on the use of alcohol as a fuel unless such imposition will, taken as a whole, result in better air quality than would be the case if no such prohibition were imposed. Title II: Gasohol Motor Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the use of alcohol-blended fuels in the United States. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with other specified Secretaries, to study: (1) the most suitable raw materials, other than petroleum or natural gas, for the production of alcohol motor fuel; and (2) the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution systems and the various production processes, using feedstock other than petroleum and natural gas. Directs the Secretary, within six months after the completion of the study, to establish goals for the production of alcohol motor fuel in the United States in each of the calendar years 1982 through 1991, beginning with one percent by volume of the projected consumption of gasoline used as motor fuel in 1982, and culminating with ten percent of the corresponding projected consumption in 1991. Specifies a similar schedule for refiners for the blending of alcohol and gasoline for motor fuel over the same period of time. Instructs the Secretary to determine goals which are technically and economically feasible, and which result in steady progress toward meeting the goal set for 1991. Requires annual reports from refiners to the Secretary. Establishes a civil penalty of $1.00 per gallon of fuel sold that is not in compliance with such requirements. Requires any person constructing a facility to distill alcohol for motor fuel to use fuel sources which are renewable. Title III: Alcohol Production Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction, for income tax purposes, with respect to the amortization of any qualified alcohol-producing facility based on a period of 60 months. Defines such a facility as a tangible property used in producing alcohol (the primary use of which is fuel or other petroleum substitution) from coal or biomass. Specifies a formula for determining the amount of such deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretaries which proves clearly and convincingly that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretaries determine that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which has essentially the same effect on meat products as nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) will not impose an unreasonable economic burden on consumers or meat processors. Requires the Secretaries to conduct or support (by grant or contract) research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Eliminates restrictions and conditions on the appointment of female pages in the Senate that require Senators to be responsible for: (1) the safe transportation of the female page between the Senate and the page's place of local abode; and (2) the safety, well- being, and strict supervision of such page while she is in her place of local abode.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Small Business Loan Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee or insure loans to small business concerns directly through banks and other private financial institutions. Requires the SBA to certify a financial institution according to published criteria developed in cooperation with appropriate regulatory agencies. Allows a financial institution to be certified to participate in the loan program if its respective regulator verifies that the institution has the necessary expertise to make small business loans. Stipulates that qualified financial institutions shall be responsible for all loan administration functions, including size determination of the small business concern, credit analysis, loan monitoring, and loan collection and liquidation. Stipulates that such SBA loans shall not: (1) be extended if financial assistance is otherwise available on comparable terms from non-Federal sources; (2) be insured in excess of 90 percent of the balance of the loan outstanding at the time of disbursement; (3) be made for a period exceeding ten years, except that portion of a loan made for the purpose of acquiring real property; and (4) exceed $350,000 each. Requires that lending institutions pay to the SBA a guarantee fee or insurance premiums. Stipulates that the amount of such fee shall be determined actuarially to cover all anticipated future loan losses. Authorizes the SBA to reimburse a qualified financial institution which has made a good faith effort to recover all unpaid amounts if there is a default on an SBA loan. Requires regulators in their routine examination or audit of financial institutions to review an appropriate number of outstanding SBA loans made under authority of this Act. Directs the SBA to examine annually small business lending companies. Requires regulators to determine if commonly accepted lending practices have been followed by financial institutions qualifying to make loans under authority of this Act. Allows the SBA to decertify a financial institution if in the course of the routine examination an unsatisfactory report is made or losses rise above a certain fixed percentage as determined by the SBA. Requires that a qualified financial institution file only an abbreviated report with the SBA, retaining all other information needed for compliance for examination by the regulator during the routine audit. Allows the SBA to require that only a small business concern receiving a loan under authority of this Act be certified as a small business according to SBA size standards. Establishes within the Treasury a separate revolving fund for guarantees or insurance which shall be available to the SBA without fiscal year limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Agricultural Land Protection Act - Title I: Federal Agency Compliance - Requires the interpretation and administration of the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States in accordance with a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of private landholders in making land use decisions, and the rights and responsibilities of State and local governments in developing public policies regarding non-Federal land use. Directs Federal agencies to consider the retention of agricultural land for agricultural purposes when they make decisions which impact directly or indirectly on private, and State and local government public land, as well as on Federal land. Requires all such Federal agencies to review their administrative procedures, especially those regarding land acquisition and management, in order to bring them into conformity with the policies and purposes of this title. Title II: Farmland Review Study - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate, and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires a final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and to Congress within 42 months after the effective date of this Act. Title III: Research Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during a three-year period, to provide financial and technical assistance to States and local governments for the development, demonstration, and testing of methods of reducing the quantity of agricultural land (including such land in and around urban areas) being converted from agricultural uses to nonagricultural uses. Limits such financial assistance to not more than 25 percent of the cost of preparing, establishing, demonstrating, conducting, and testing three such reduction projects. Title IV: Technical Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary, through the Soil Conservation Service, to provide State and local governments with: (1) technical assistance concerning methods of protecting agricultural land and reducing its conversion to nonagricultural uses; and (2) financial assistance (not to exceed 25 percent of costs) to enable such governments to develop plans to implement such methods. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to extend the period wherein the Secretary of Agriculture may enter into contracts for the conservation of soil in the Great Plains conservation program. Limits the total payments under this program to $50,000,000 per program year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named organization as reimbursement for expenses incurred in reconstructing a certain portion of the Black Hills National Forest road.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax credit equal to ten percent of his investment in incentive stock for a taxable year. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $750 for a taxable year ($1,500 in the case of a joint return). Defines "incentive stock" as common or preferred stock which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and which is part of an issue the sale price of which does not exceed $25,000,000. Requires the issuing corporation to be a domestic corporation and to have an equity capital not in excess of $25,000,000. Disqualifies, for purposes of the credit, incentive stock which: (1) is acquired more than 180 days after its issuance; (2) is acquired by a stock broker; (3) is redeemed by the issuing corporation; (4) is investment company stock; (5) is disposed of less than 12 months after its acquisition; and (6) is held by a trust or estate.
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