Agriculture

FREE Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Furthering Renewable Energy and Exploration Act or the FREE Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to commence promptly an oil and gas leasing program for public lands within the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Independence Trust Fund, into which shall be deposited: (1) rental payments and royalties received by the United States each fiscal year under leases issued under such program; and (2) federal income tax received by the United States each fiscal year attributable to sales of oil and gas produced under such leases. Requires payment of the amounts deposited into the Fund each fiscal year of: (1) 50% to the state of Alaska; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of Agriculture, half to provide business and industry loan guarantees under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, and half for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, in the succeeding fiscal year.

Farmland Preservation and Land Conservation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Farmland Preservation and Land Conservation Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an estate and gift tax exclusion for real property located in the United States which at the time of a decedent's death was being used as a farm for farming purposes or exclusively for conservation purposes. Imposes: (1) an additional estate or gift tax with respect to such property if an heir or donee disposes of or uses such property for other than farming or conservation purposes; and (2) a federal tax lien on such property until liability for estate or gift tax with respect to such property has been satisfied or has become unenforceable.

Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) implement administrative and procedural changes to expedite the application approval process for transferring ownership of Section 515 rural multifamily housing projects for which a loan is either made or insured for a project's preservation, continued use restriction, and rehabilitation; and (2) actively facilitate such transfers. Grants final regulatory authority over such property transfers to the Office of Rental Housing Preservation of the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture. Sets forth deadlines for the processing of transfer applications.

A resolution recognizing July 30 , 2008, as the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the resolution establishing the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Recognizes July 30, 2008, as the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the resolution establishing the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, the substantial contributions the Committee made in ensuring that effective and efficient federal food assistance programs were accessible to those most in need, and that hunger continues to be an issue plaguing the United States. Supports the continued efforts of federal, state, and local governments and private non-profit organizations to eradicate U.S. hunger.

Rural Energy Equity Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Rural Energy Equity Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions requiring a reduction in the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources by grants and other credits to exempt certain loan guarantees or grants issued by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (i.e., Rural Energy for America (REAP) Program).

Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) to deem a food misbranded if it contains or was produced with a genetically engineered material unless its labeling contains statements meeting specified requirements. Requires the periodic testing of such foods transferred along a chain of distribution to assure accuracy of labels, subject to specified exceptions. Excludes, in all three Acts, food: (1) served in restaurants; or (2) prepared primarily in a retail establishment, ready for human consumption, but not offered for sale for immediate consumption in the establishment. Excludes, for the FDCA, a medical food as defined in the Orphan Drug Act. Subjects violators to civil monetary penalties, exempting recipients who accept a guarantee of the absence of genetically engineered material in good faith or producers whose food inadvertently becomes contaminated by genetically engineered material. Authorizes citizen suits as specified.

Connell Lake Watershed Protection and Recreation Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Connell Lake Watershed Protection and Recreation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified federal lands and interests (the Connell Lake conveyance area) to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough in Alaska. Requires the Connell Lake conveyance area, once conveyed, to be managed in accordance with the terms of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act.

Genetically Engineered Technology Farmer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Genetically Engineered Technology Farmer Protection Act - Genetically Engineered Crop and Animal Farmer Protection Act - Requires a biotech company that sells any genetically engineered animal, plant, or seed that will be used in the United States to: (1) provide the purchaser with written notice of possible legal and environmental risks of such article's use (such disclosure shall neither relieve the company from liability, nor be construed to create purchaser liability); and (2) disclose any technology fees to the Secretary of Agriculture, and not charge fees that are higher than those outside the United States. Sets forth related contract prohibitions and limitations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify which plants are outcrossed pollinators and make such information available to affected sellers and purchasers; and (2) issue rules to require mitigation strategies for predominately outcrossed crops. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish the best achievable resistance plan for plant-incorporated pesticides engineered to include toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); (2) revoke Bt registrations not in plan compliance; (3) reduce a pesticide's use if it is determined to be facilitating Bt-toxin resistance in pests; and (4) establish an advisory panel. Prohibits: (1) labeling seeds as non-genetically engineered if the Secretary determines such seeds contains genetically engineered material; (2) manufacture, sale, or planting of genetically engineered or chemically induced non-fertile seeds; and (3) loan discrimination against a producer who refuses to use genetically engineered plants or animals. Authorizes, with respect to violations under this Act,: (1) the Secretary to assess civil penalties; and (2) citizen civil actions against the Secretary, a federal agency, or an individual. Genetically Engineered Organism Liability Act of 2007 [ sic ] - States that: (1) a biotech company shall be liable to any party injured by the release of a genetically engineered organism into the environment if the injury results from such genetic engineering; and (2) liability may not be waived or otherwise avoided by contract.

Genetically Engineered Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Genetically Engineered Safety Act - Genetically Engineered Pharmaceutical and Industrial Crop Safety Act of 2007 [ sic ] - Prohibits: (1) a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop from being grown, raised, or otherwise cultivated until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Genetically Engineered Food Safety Act - Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) "genetically engineered plant"; (2) "genetically engineered material"; (3) "genetically engineered seed"; (4) "pharmaceutical crop"; and (5) "industrial crop." Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include genetically engineered food in the definition of "food additive." Sets forth requirements governing petitions to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for a regulation prescribing the conditions of safe use of a genetically engineered food additive, including information to be included in the petition and factors to be considered by the Secretary in making a decision. Authorizes civil actions against: (1) a person alleged to have violated FFDCA provisions regulating genetic food additives; and (2) the Secretary for failure to perform a mandatory act or duty related to genetic food additives. Requires the Secretary to collect a filing fee for petitions to: (1) defray costs related to such petitions under this Act; and (2) provide for research on the safety of genetic food additives. Authorizes an officer or employee conducting an inspection to order the detention of food if such person has reason to believe that such food violates the FFDCA. Requires all food retailers to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite recalls, embargoes, and seizures. Prohibits: (1) the growing, raising, or cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) "genetically engineered plant"; (2) "genetically engineered material"; (3) "genetically engineered seed"; (4) "pharmaceutical crop"; and (5) "industrial crop."

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out conservation reserve program notice CRP-598, entitled the "Voluntary Modification of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Contract for Critical Feed Use".

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2008

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out conservation reserve program notice CRP-598 ("Voluntary Modification of Conservation Reserve Program [CRP] Contract for Critical Feed Use") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the notice to: (1) modify producer and operator conservation reserve program contracts; and (2) allow harvesting or grazing on agricultural lands enrolled in the conservation reserve program.

HEARING TO REVIEW RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD IMPLEMENTATION AND AGRICULTURE PRODUCER ELIGIBILITY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 July 2008

Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to define "energy commodity." Prohibits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its U.S-located members with access to the CFTC electronic trading system and order matching system for energy or agricultural commodities unless such board meets requirements similar to those imposed upon U.S. exchanges. Subjects swap transactions, transactions for agricultural and energy commodities, and large traders in over-the-counter contracts to reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Commission to: (1) set position limits for any one person with respect to designated contract markets, derivative transaction execution facilities, and electronic trading facilities; (2) convene a Position Limit Agricultural Advisory Group and a Position Limit Energy Group; (3) appoint at least 100 new full-time employees; (4) review prior actions to ensure compliance with this Act; and (5) review over-the-counter markets. Revises the core principles applicable to position limits for contracts in agricultural and energy commodities to require position limits for speculators. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of: (1) the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives; and (2) speculators' effects on agriculture and energy futures markets and prices. Directs the Commission to: (1) require regular reporting of fungible over-the-counter agricultural and energy transactions; and (2) determine if such transactions have the potential to disrupt market liquidity or cause market or price disturbances, and if so, to use its discretion to impose position limits. Authorizes the Commission to use expedited procedures to carry out this Act.

To appropriate funds for the provision of emergency financial assistance to producers and first handlers of fresh tomatoes for losses incurred as a result of the removal of fresh tomatoes and products containing fresh tomatoes from the market and other actions undertaken in response to a public health advisory regarding tomatoes issued by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture for payments to growers and first handlers of fresh tomatoes that experienced crop and/or market losses resulting from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Advisory issued on June 7, 2008. Limits payments to not more than 75% of the greater of: (1) the value of the unmarketed tomatoes; and (2) the actual loss incurred by the grower or handler.

Good Neighbor Forestry Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008

Good Neighbor Forestry Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with state foresters to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration and protection services as specified below on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands. Specifies that such authorized services include: (1) activities to treat insect infected trees; (2) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; and (3) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. Permits state foresters to enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration and protection services authorized under this Act.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2008

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the: (1) Department of Agriculture; (2) Food and Drug Administration; and (3) Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on, or prohibitions against, the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

To clarify the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture regarding additional recreational uses of National Forest System lands subject to ski area permits.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of ski area permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities (under current law, for the operation of nordic and alpine ski areas and facilities) on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. Provides for the issuance of ski area permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow-sports and such other seasonal or year-round recreational activities associated with mountain resorts as the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize pursuant to this Act. Allows the Secretary to authorize the holder of a ski area permit issued pursuant to the Act to also provide on lands subject to such permit such other seasonal or year-round outdoor and natural-resource based developed recreation activities and associated facilities, in addition to skiing and other snow-sports, as determined appropriate. Prohibits any activity or facility from being authorized under this Act if its authorization would result in the primary recreational purpose of lands subject to a ski area permit not being skiing or other snow-sports.

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out conservation reserve program notice CRP-598, entitled the "Voluntary Modification of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Contract for Critical Feed Use".

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out conservation reserve program notice CRP-598 ("Voluntary Modification of Conservation Reserve Program [CRP] Contract for Critical Feed Use") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the notice to: (1) modify producer and operator conservation reserve program contracts; and (2) allow harvesting or grazing on agricultural lands enrolled in the conservation reserve program.

National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the 21st Century Nanotechology Research and Development Act to expand the scope of the National Nanotechnology Program (the Program), including directing the Program to utilize the perspectives of the industrial community to promote the rapid commercial development of nanoscale-enabled devices, systems, and technologies. Requires issuing guidance to agencies that describes a strategy for transitioning research into commercial products and technologies. Revises requirements regarding the Program's triennial strategic plans. Requires participating agencies to support the activities of the committees of standards setting bodies involved in the development of standards for nanotechnology. Requires the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office to be supported by funds from each participating agency. Makes the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel a distinct entity. Instructs the Panel to establish a subpanel to enable it in assessing whether societal, ethical, legal, environmental, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program. Rewrites provisions for triennial external review of the Program. Designates a Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology, who shall convene a panel to develop a research plan. Establishes an Education Working Group to coordinate, prioritize, and plan the educational activities supported under the Program. Provides for one or more grants to establish Nanotechnology Education Partnerships to recruit and help prepare secondary school students to pursue postsecondary level courses in nanotechnology. Requires agencies supporting nanotechnology research facilities to provide access to companies that are developing prototypes of nanoscale products, devices, or processes. Sets forth provisions concerning nanotechnology related projects under existing nanotechnology transfer programs. Makes it an objective of the Program to establish industry liaison groups. Requires coordination and leveraging of federal investments with nanotechnology research, development, and technology transition initiatives. Requires the Program to include support for nanotechnology research and development in areas of national importance. Requires the Program to support nanomanufacturing research, including in green nanomanufacturing, energy production, water purification, agriculture, and health care. Requires specified reviews by the Advisory Panel of certain program component areas and nanotechnology research facilities. Sets forth provisions regarding nanoscale characterization and metrology. Requires: (1) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of nanotechnology related codes, standards, and regulations; and (2) public outreach.

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit the importation into the United States of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh (including chilled or frozen) meat or product of any ruminant or swine, that is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina until the Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination.

SAFER Meat, Poultry, and Food Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2008

Safe and Fair Enforcement and Recall for Meat, Poultry and Food Act of 2008 or SAFER Meat, Poultry and Food Act of 2008- Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat, poultry, eggs, or food products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate; (2) provide the Secretary of Agriculture with authority for voluntary (by transporters, shippers, distributors, and handlers) and mandatory (upon the failure of voluntary action) nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from violating facilities, consumer and health official notification, and imposition of civil penalties; and (3) provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with authority for voluntary (by transporters, shippers, distributors, and handlers) and mandatory (upon the failure of voluntary action) nondistribution and recall, consumer and health official notification, and imposition of civil penalties.

FLAME Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2008

Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act or FLAME Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Fund (Flame Fund). Requires amounts in the Flame Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries) to pay the costs of catastrophic emergency wildland fire suppression activities that are separate from amounts annually appropriated for the predicted annual workload for such activities. Provides for amounts in the Flame Fund to be made available to the Secretaries only after such Secretaries issue a declaration that a wildland fire suppression activity is eligible for funding through the Fund. Directs such Secretaries to establish an accounting and reporting system for the Flame Fund. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) report annually to Congress on the use of the funds from the Flame Fund, together with recommendations to improve administrative control and oversight of the Fund; and (2) submit a report to Congress that contains a cohesive wildland fire management strategy, consistent with the recommendations of Comptroller General reports. Requires the Secretaries to conduct a review of wildfires for which expenses exceeding $10 million were incurred. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to fire-ready communities, as defined by this Act, to carry out activities to reduce risks from wildfires.

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit the importation into the United States of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh (including chilled or frozen) meat or product of any ruminant or swine, that is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina until the Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination.

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act and the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize advance payments under the supplemental revenue assistance program.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act and the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make advance supplemental revenue assistance payments of not less than 50% of a farm's projected revenue losses.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate certain easements held by the Secretary on land owned by the Village of Caseyville, Illinois, and to terminate associated contractual arrangements with the Village.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate any easement held by the Secretary on land owned by the Village of Caseyville, Illinois, and terminate associated contractual arrangements with the Village.

Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008

Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a significant increase in the price of heating fuel occurring on or after October 1, 2007. Prohibits such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the borrower is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after October 1, 2007, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.

Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2008

Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a significant increase in the price of heating fuel occurring on or after October 1, 2007. Prohibits such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the borrower is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after October 1, 2007, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.

Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture concerning, among other things, national wilderness preservation, boundary adjustments, national rivers, the national landscape conservation system, national conservation areas, land conveyances and exchanges, watershed management, watershed restoration and enhancement, wildland firefighter safety, forest landscape restoration, national trails, paleontological resources preservation, national parks, studies, national heritage areas, national heritage corridors, and water projects. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the National Trails System Act, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act, the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act, the Colorado River Storage Project Act, the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2000, and the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act.

A bill to amend the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, to clarify eligibility for livestock indemnity payments.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to redefine "natural disaster declaration" for purposes of the livestock compensation program. States that for purposes of livestock indemnity payments: (1) eligible livestock losses shall include the death of livestock in a disaster county due to a natural disaster regardless of whether the death is related to any natural disaster that is the basis for a natural disaster declaration (for the disaster county); and (2) assistance applications must be filed not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act.

Apollo Energy Independence Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Apollo Energy Independence Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy conservation and production, including provisions to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources and to include marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a resource for purposes of such credit; (2) make permanent the energy tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property; (3) allow a new energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property; (4) provide for the issuance of new clean renewable energy bonds; (5) increase the tax credit for advanced nuclear power production; (6) make permanent the tax credits for residential energy efficient property, energy efficiency existing homes, the production of energy efficient household appliances, and the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (7) allow tax credits for new alternative motor vehicles, including qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, vehicles that achieve a fuel economy standard of 100 miles per gallon, and advanced technology motor vehicles; (8) allow tax credits for the production of cellulosic biofuel and for hydrogen infrastructure costs; (9) increase and make permanent the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; and (10) allow employers a tax credit for providing transit passes to employees. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide full loan guarantees for the construction of advanced nuclear energy facilities. Establishes in the Treasury the Petroleum Reduction Trust Fund. Allocates 90% of civil penalties for automobile fuel economy violations to such Fund for retail purchases of ethanol, biodiesel, and other alternative fuels. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) carry out research programs for onboard storage of hydrogen in light-duty motor vehicles and for the development of plug-in electric drive vehicle technology; and (2) study daily and seasonal energy costs in public schools. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the tariff duty on ethanol until December 31, 2010. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a grant program for green school construction and improvement. Sets forth revenue offset provisions, including: (1) a moratorium on earmarks in the 110th Congress; (2) establishment of fees for oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and user fees for certain food safety and inspection services; (3) a reduction in payments under the Department of Agriculture commodity program; (4) consolidation of Department of Defense exchange stores system; and (5) a limitation of universal service fund support.

Children and Family Food Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2008

Children and Family Food Relief Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program by the earlier of the date of the enactment of this Act or October 1, 2008. (Current law requires that such adjustment be made on October 1, 2008.)

Climate MATTERS Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2008

Climate Market, Auction, Trust & Trade Emissions Reduction System Act of 2008, or the Climate MATTERS Act of 2008 - Declares the purpose of this Act to establish a federal program to reduce US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions substantially enough by 2050 to avert the catastrophic impacts of global climate change. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an international reserve GHG emission allowance program, whose allowance sales proceeds shall be used to mitigate the negative impacts of global climate change on disadvantaged communities in World Trade Organization (WTO) participant countries. Establishes the International Climate Change Commission to determine annually whether a WTO participant country has taken certain action to limit its GHG emissions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a system for issuing, auctioning, recording, and tracking GHG emission allowances; and (2) impose an excess emissions penalty on owners or operators of covered facilities that fail to submit one or more emission allowances to the Secretary for any year. Establishes a Carbon Market Efficiency Board to: (1) analyze information on the GHG emission allowance market; and (2) authorize the Secretary to carry out cost relief measures if the market poses a substantial harm to the U.S. economy. Provides for the distribution of emission allowances to owners and operators of fossil fuel-fired electric power generating facilities and of energy intensive manufacturing facilities. Establishes: (1) the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund; and (2) the Citizen Protection Trust Fund (CPTF). Directs the Secretary to administer a Climate Change Rebate Program. Provides for a healthy families fund. Sets forth allocations of specified CPTF account funds for: (1) investment in natural resource adaptation to impacts of climate change and ocean acidification; (2) owners and operators of covered facilities who take actions that result in verified GHG emission reductions; (3) states that comply with certain federal building energy standards; (4) states with GHG emission reduction programs exceeding federal GHG emission reduction targets; (5) reductions in GHG emissions from the agriculture and forestry sectors, including those from deforestation activities in foreign countries; and (6) states and load-serving entities that implement energy-efficiency programs. Requires distribution of certain funds for grants for fixed guideway transit and other specified alternative transportation projects. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) develop a federal greenhouse gas registry; (2) make certain GHG emission determinations for covered facilities; and (3) promulgate regulations that require that U.S. GHG emissions in uncovered sectors do not grow.

Oregon Caves National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2008

Oregon Caves National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 2008 - Adjusts the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument (Monument). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) transfer certain acreage in the Monument to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) adjust the boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to exclude certain lands in the Monument transferred by the Secretary. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain additional segments of the Monument as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) administer the Monument in accordance with this Act and other legal authorities; and (2) carry out forest restoration activities within the boundaries of the Monument. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior to accept any grazing lease or permit that is donated by a livestock operator that holds a valid existing grazing lease or permit for a grazing allotment.

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2008

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) accept a conveyance of non-federal land in Gila, Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, and Coconino Counties, Arizona, from Resolution Copper Mining, LLC (Resolution Copper); (2) convey to Resolution Copper certain federal land located in Pinal County, Arizona; (3) convey specified land in Pinal County to the town of Superior, Arizona; and (4) appraise lands exchanged or conveyed under this Act. Instructs Resolution Copper to deliver to the Secretary an executed document granting a permanent conservation easement for the easement area (the surface estate of the Apache Leap Conservation Easement Area, Arizona) to an entity that is: (1) a qualified unit of government or Indian tribe; or (2) a land trust or other qualified organization. Requires Resolution Copper to determine whether the area covered by the easement should be managed to establish: (1) additional cultural and historical resource protections or measures; or (2) additional or alternative public access routes, trails, and trailheads to Apache Leap. Makes lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act part of the National Forest within which the land is located. Directs the Secretary to construct in the Global Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, Arizona, one or more replacement campgrounds for the Oak Flat Campground. Requires Resolution Copper to make value adjustment payments to the United States based upon locatable minerals produced from federal lands in Pinal County, Arizona.

Oregon Treasures Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2008

Oregon Treasures Act of 2008 - Adjusts the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument (Monument). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior to: (1) implement forest restoration activities within the boundary of the Monument; and (2) accept any grazing permit or lease donated by a permitee or lessee (i.e., livestock operators who hold valid leases or permits for a grazing allotment). Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain additional segments of the Monument and the Rogue River, Oregon, as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.

Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2008

Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2008 - Designates specified wilderness additions in Oregon as wilderness areas and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Designates certain federal land as the "Richard L. Kohnstamm Memorial Area." Designates the Roaring River Wilderness as a potential wilderness area. Requires the inclusion of certain federal land in the Mount Hood Wilderness and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Designates specified segments of creeks and rivers in Mount Hood National Forest as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Amends the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act to permanently protect the Hood River, Oregon. Establishes the Mount Hood National Recreation Area (Area) within the Mount Hood National Forest. Requires, upon completion of the Cooper Spur-Government Camp land exchange, the establishment of a Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resources Management Unit (Unit). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage the federal lands known as Upper Big Bottom and Cultus Creek in a manner that preserves the natural and primitive character of such lands for recreational, scenic, and scientific use. Provides for land exchanges in Clackasmas County, Oregon and in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Requires the Secretary to impose conditions on land conveyances to require that applicable construction activities and alterations be conducted according to: (1) nationally recognized building and property maintenance codes; and (2) nationally recognized codes for development in the wildland-urban interface and wildfire hazard mitigation. Directs the Secretary participate in the development of a transportation plan developed by the Oregon Department of Transportation for the Mount Hood Region to promote economic development, preserve the landscape of the Mount Hood Region, and enhance public safety. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes with treaty-reserved gathering rights on land encompassed by Mount Hood National Forest, to develop and implement a management plan that meets the cultural foods obligations of the United States under applicable treaties. Authorizes the construction of a trail in Mount Hood National Forest suitable for use by persons with disabilities.

White House Conference on Food and Nutrition

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008

The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference. Sets forth Conference provisions.

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008

Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem to be adulterated a food in a container that is composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A or that can release bisphenol A into food.

Electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008

Elects named Majority Members to the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Energy and Commerce; (3) Financial Services; (4) Science and Technology; and (5) Veterans' Affairs.

Farm Animals Anti-Cruelty Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008

Farm Animals Anti-Cruelty Act - Subjects a person to specified civil and criminal penalties who: (1) kills, mutilates, tortures, or intentionally causes an animal held for commercial use pain or suffering; or (2) has responsibility for an animal held for commercial use and fails to provide it with necessary food, water, shelter, and health care. Exempts from such provision the treatment of an animal held for commercial use: (1) in lawful scientific or agricultural research; (2) undergoing veterinary treatment; or (3) at a state or county fair, or at similar exhibitions. States that any act in compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act is not prohibited under this Act.

TRADE Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008

Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall be subject to a point of order in the Senate unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) environment and public safety; (3) food and product health and safety; (4) provision of services; (5) investment; (6) procurement; (7) intellectual property; (8) agriculture; (9) trade remedies and safeguards; (10) rules of origin; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; and (13) national security. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan to bring existing trade agreements into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that a certain process for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.

Colorado Charter Forest Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008

Colorado Charter Forest Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a demonstration project for National Forest System lands in Colorado ("covered lands") for the purposes of increasing community involvement in decision making regarding management and evaluating methods to improve the health and management of the lands. Requires establishment of: (1) an independent scientific panel to assess the ecological, social, and economic sustainability of the covered lands and prepare a monitoring plan; and (2) a community management council to advise on environmental, economic, and social issues related to the management, occupancy, and use of the lands. Requires the Secretary, not later than 60 days after appointment of the community management council, to begin to develop a land and resource management charter for the covered lands, notwithstanding the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires the Secretary to promulgate rules to establish a pre-decision review process for use in connection with site-specific projects. Expresses the sense of Congress that in order to offset funds appropriated to implement this Act for a fiscal year, the Forest Service land acquisition budget for that year should be reduced by an equal amount.

Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008

Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, for which affected entities must report information regarding fossil fuels and the GHGs produced, consumed, or sequestered; (2) specified quantities of GHG emission allowances, which decline for each of 2012 to 2050; and (3) a GHG emission allowance transfer system for specified covered facilities that emit more than 10,000 carbon dioxide equivalents of GHGs in a year, including facilities within the electric power sector, industrial facilities, facilities that produce or entities that import petroleum- or coal- based liquid or gaseous fuel, local distribution companies that deliver natural gas, and facilities that produce for sale or distribution, or entities that import, certain fluorinated gases that are GHGs. Provides for the use of domestic or international offsets and destruction credits. Requires the Administrator to: (1) allocate allowances to owners or operators of manufacturing facilities that are located in the United States and that principally manufacture trade-exposed primary goods for 2012-2019; and (2) auction all other allowances. Establishes, and provides for the deposit of auction proceeds to and allocations from, the: (1) Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act Management Fund; (2) Climate Change Education and Outreach Fund; (3) Climate Trust Rebate Fund; (4) Low-Carbon Technology Fund; (5) National Energy Efficiency Fund; (6) Agriculture and Forestry Carbon Fund; (7) Climate Change Worker Transition Fund; (8) National Climate Change Adaptation Fund; (9) Natural Resource Conservation Fund; (10) International Forest Protection Fund; (11) International Clean Technology Fund; and (12) International Climate Change Adaptation Fund. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) an international reserve allowance program; (2) standards for the best available control technologies and practices for reducing methane or nitrous oxide emissions from specified stationary sources; (3) standards of emission performance for certain new electric generating units; (4) requirements regarding the distribution, use, and disposal of hydrofluorocarbon substitutes; and (5) requirements to reduce GHG emissions of transportation fuel produced, refined, blended, or imported by fuel providers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish climate trust tax credits for working families and senior citizens, climate trust rebates for low-income households, and health coverage tax credits for certain workers. Requires the establishment of: (1) the Worker Transition Assistance Program by the Secretary of Labor; (2) an interagency group to determine whether foreign counties have addressed GHGs, a National Climate Change Adaptation Council, and an Interagency Climate Change Task Force by the President; (3) a National Climate Change Adaptation Program and a National Climate Service by the Secretary of Commerce; (4) a Science Advisory Board by the Secretary of the Interior; (5) a Climate Change Education Program by the Director of the National Science Foundation; and (6) an International Climate Change Adaptation Program by the Secretary of State. Considers California's application for a waiver of preemption for regulations to control GHG emissions from motor vehicles to be approved. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) an Office of Carbon Market Oversight. Provides for the regulation of carbon markets. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator to promulgate regulations for state underground injection control programs establishing standards for permitting underground injection of carbon dioxide for purposes of geological sequestration. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to require the Secretary of Energy to update and provide incentive funding to states for implementing national model building energy codes and standards.

TRADE Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008

Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall not be subject to expedited consideration or special procedures limiting amendment,unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) environment and public safety; (3) food and product health and safety; (4) provision of services; (5) investment; (6) procurement; (7) intellectual property; (8) agriculture; (9) trade remedies and safeguards; (10) rules of origin; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; (13) national security; and (14) taxation. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) certain requirements urging the attainment of certain trade goals shall apply to all existing and new trade agreements; and (2) a certain process for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.

ABC Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008

Access to Books for Children Act, or the ABC Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to local agencies to provide vouchers to women participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) for the purchase of educational books for their infants and children. Limits to one $5 voucher the maximum amount any one woman may receive, regardless of the number of her infants or children.

Oil Savings Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Oil Savings Act of 2008 - States that it is U.S. policy to reduce the dependence of the United States on oil and thereby: (1) alleviate the strategic dependence of the United States on oil-producing countries; (2) reduce the economic vulnerability of the United States; and (3) reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil use. Directs an Interagency Task Force, composed of the Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, Defense, Agriculture, and the Treasury, as well as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any other agency head determined appropriate by the President, to: (1) publish an action plan for achieving specified oil savings targets during calendar years 2016, 2026, and 2030; and (2) report to Congress on the progress achieved in implementing such targets and expected oil savings under the action plan. Requires the plan to include an analysis demonstrating expected oil savings that result from changes to motor vehicle fuel consumption standards and under the renewable fuel program. Requires a revised action plan if oil savings fall short of targets.

Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Solano County, California, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcel of land in the Mendocino National Forest comprising approximately 82 acres and known as the Fouts Springs Ranch, as depicted on the map entitled "Fouts Springs-Deafy Glade Federal and Non-Federal Lands" and dated April 15, 2008, if the county conveys to the Secretary all right, title, and interest of the county in and to four parcels of land consisting of approximately 160 acres identified on such map.

White House Conference on Food and Nutrition

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference. Sets forth Conference provisions.

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012. Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs. Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products. Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program. Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting the Housing Assistance Council. Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting small business disaster assistance. CFTC Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting commodity futures. Agricultural Security Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting agricultural security. Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting trade, energy, tax, and Social Security. Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 or the HOPE II Act - Amends provisions respecting trade benefits for Haiti.

CREATING JOBS WITH CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: HOW AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY CAN HELP LOWER COSTS IN A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY

United States · United States Senate · 21 May 2008

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) identify the potential for avalanches on federal land and inform the public about the probability of avalanches and the potential adverse effects; (2) carry out ongoing research to improve avalanche forecasting; and (3) reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches. Requires the Secretary: (1) to coordinate the program to ensure protection for recreational users of public land under the Secretary's and Secretary of the Interior's jurisdiction, using resources of the Forest Service's National Avalanche Center; (2) to establish an advisory committee to assist in program development and implementation; and (3) with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out projects and activities to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation, utilities, and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and explosives required for avalanche control in specified areas; and (4) assist persons in providing public education about avalanches and in conducting research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects carried out in avalanche zones with a high frequency or severity of avalanches or in which deaths, injuries, or damage to public facilities and communities have occurred. Requires the Administrator of General Services to transfer specified property suitable for avalanche control purposes to a user of surplus ordnance.