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Resolution· SRESS.Res. 200 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1989
Urges the President to use the upcoming meeting of environmental ministers in the Netherlands to: (1) announce the U.S. support for, and intention to host, an international meeting to begin negotiations on a framework convention on climate change in 1990; (2) set a target date for the completion of such convention by March 1991; and (3) announce a U.S. commitment to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in conjunction with other industrialized countries.
Bill· SS. 1610 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1989 - Title I: Agriculture and Global Climate Change - Subtitle A: Office of Climate Change - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture the Office of Climate Change to coordinate policy, planning, research, and response strategies relating to climate change issues. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the implications of global climate change for agriculture and forestry. Subtitle B: Research on Global Warming, Forests, and Agriculture - Domestic Research on Global Warming, Forests, and Agriculture Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on: (1) the effects of global warming on rice production; (2) the effects of global warming on major U.S. crops; (3) methane emissions from irrigated rice production; (4) emissions from nitrogen intensive crops; and (5) forest emissions. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture the Methane Emissions Evaluation, Use, and Control Program and a related technical advisory committee. Title II: Forestry and Global Climate Change - Subtitle A: International Forestry Cooperation - International Forestry Cooperation Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake international forestry activities; (2) undertake tropical reforestation and conservation activities; and (3) expand the capabilities and facilities of the Caribbean National Forest and Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico. Subtitle B: Forestry Planning and Global Warming - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to consider the effects of climate change in developing plans for units of the National Forest System. Subtitle C: Urban Forestry - Directs the Secretary to carry out an urban forestry energy conservation education and accelerated planting program. Subtitle D: Biomass Energy Demonstration Projects - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects that demonstrate the potential of short-rotation forestry methods to produce wood for electricity production and industrial energy needs. Subtitle E: Forestry Research and Global Warming - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 to include the effects of weather, climate, and air pollution on forests and rangelands among the areas of research under such Act. Subtitle F: Conservation Reserve Program - Directs the Secretary to take steps to meet the conservation reserve program tree planting goal. Subtitle G: Interagency Cooperation on Forestry and Climate Change - Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense to manage Department of Defense forests and lands.
Bill· SS. 1611 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
International Climate Change Prevention Act of 1989 - Title I: Focusing Forestry and Energy Cooperation with Key Newly Industrializing, Middle-Income, and Low-Income Developing Nations - Directs the Agency for International Development (AID) to submit to the Congress a report which: (1) examines the potential contributions of developing countries to future global emissions of greenhouse gases under different economic growth scenarios; (2) estimates the relative contributions of such countries to global greenhouse gas emissions; and (3) identifies specific key industrializing, middle-income, and low-income developing countries (key countries) which stand to contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and in which actions to promote energy efficiency, reliance on renewable energy resources, and conservation of forest resources could significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Authorizes AID to use funds appropriated for the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (the Act) to reimburse U.S. agencies, State agencies, and institutions of higher learning for the full costs of employees detailed or assigned to AID for the purposes of carrying out activities relating to forestry and energy programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases related to global warming. Title II: Tropical Forestry Assistance - Requires AID to focus tropical forestry assistance programs on key countries. Allows funds appropriated for the Act to be used by AID to support tropical forestry programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases related to global warming with regard to those key countries referred to in this Act in which deforestation makes a significant contribution to global warming. Directs the President, in providing assistance relating to tropical forests, to assist countries in developing a systematic analysis of the appropriate use of their total tropical forest resources. Directs the Administrator of AID to assist the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research in its efforts to strengthen their work on tropical forestry. Directs the President, in undertaking tropical forestry-related activities with key countries, to emphasize a cooperative partnership approach. Sets forth specific items for the President to emphasize. Provides that AID's policy dialogue with key countries and other developing countries should: (1) encourage reform of economic and other policies that encourage deforestation and land misuse; and (2) encourage policies that promote sustainable forest land and resource use. States that AID should work with other bilateral and multilateral donors to increase support for assistance in conservation and sustainable use of tropical forests. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of State to undertake initiatives to promote multilateral cooperation and stimulate actions by international institutions to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from forests. Title III: Grassroots Involvement in Tropical Forest Ecosystem Management - Authorizes AID to undertake a program to encourage grassroots involvement in tropical forest ecosystem management. Enumerates specifically authorized activities. Title IV: Energy Assistance - Directs AID to focus energy assistance activities on key countries where such assistance would have the greatest impact on reducing emissions from greenhouse gases. Requires such assistance to be focused on improved energy efficiency, increased use of renewable energy resources, and national energy plans which include investment in end use efficiency and renewable energy resources. Allows funds appropriated for the Act to be used by AID for the purpose of supporting energy programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases related to global warming with regard to key countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that AID should increase its efforts in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy planning. States that such increase should take place with respect to key countries and countries with large Economic Support Fund project assistance. Enumerates what such efforts should include. Provides that the policy dialogue undertaken by AID should encourage: (1) reform of economic and other policies that encourage construction of new energy facilities in lieu of more cost-effective conservation and energy efficiency measures or that encourage wasteful use of existing energy; (2) the adoption of policies that provide incentives for increasing the efficiency of energy use in all sectors; (3) the development of "least cost" energy-sector investment plans; (4) the reform of energy pricing regimes so that electricity tariffs more closely meet the long-run marginal cost of supply and so that fossil fuel prices more closely meet international prices; and (5) more efficient market structures for traditional biomass fuels. Directs AID to work with other bilateral and multilateral donors to increase support for assistance in energy policy, energy planning, and energy efficiency. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991. Title V: Multilateral Programs - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director to each multilateral development bank to promote the adoption by that bank of a policy to achieve a maximum impact from activities relating to energy and tropical forestry by focusing such activities on the key countries whose actions in the areas of energy and forestry could have a substantial impact on the reduction of emissions of the greenhouse gases related to global warming.
Bill· SS. 491 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Stratospheric Ozone and Climate Protection Act of 1989 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a priority list of manufactured substances known or reasonably anticipated to cause atmospheric modification, including stratospheric ozone depletion, and to assign an ozone depletion potential to each substance. Requires the Administrator to list simultaneously and update annually other manufactured substances meeting the same criteria, assigning ozone depletion potentials for each. Includes specified chlorofluorocarbons on each list. Requires producers of substances on either list to report initially and annually to the Administrator on such production until it ceases. Limits production of substances on the priority list to 1986 levels effective July 1, 1989. Requires further scheduled reductions by July 1, 1992, and July 1, 1995. Prohibits the production, effective July 1, 1997, of any quantity of a listed substance unless the Administrator authorizes limited production of such substance for medical purposes. Authorizes the President to issue orders regarding the use of halon-1211, halon-1301, and halon-2402 if the use of such substances is necessary to protect national security interests. Exempts such orders from the requirements of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations regarding: (1) the use, recapture, recycling, and safe disposal of substances covered by this Act; and (2) the use of any manufactured substance that may exacerbate the problem of human induced global climate change. Prohibits, after 1992, the knowing use, release, or disposal of any substance covered by this Act (with specified exceptions) in a fashion which permits such substance to enter the environment. Exempts from such prohibition releases associated with: (1) the approved use of medical devices and diagnostic products for medical purposes; (2) good-faith attempts to recapture and recycle or safely dispose of such substances; and (3) the servicing or repair of equipment which contains such substances but does not include an aperture which allows the recapture of such substances, if, during the first servicing or repair after the effective date of this Act, an aperture or other such feature is installed. Prohibits, effective July 1, 1997, the introduction into interstate commerce or use of a priority listed substance except for medical purposes and, for a period not to exceed ten years after such date, to maintain and service household appliances. Prohibits the production, effective July 1, 1989, of substances covered by this Act in quantities sufficient for the ozone depletion potential to exceed the level of depletion for any such substance for 1986. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing production limitations for such substances that yield not less than a 95 percent reduction in total ozone depletion in 1997. Provides that if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations, it shall be unlawful, effective July 1, 1997, to produce such substances in quantities yielding an ozone depletion potential greater than five percent of the 1986 level of depletion for any such substance. Prohibits imports of such substances or products manufactured using such substances, unless the exporting nation has an equivalent or more stringent production reduction program. Requires the Administrator to certify national programs, such certification to be reviewed annually. Equates imports with production when determining a manufacturer's required reductions. Requires containers of listed substances to carry labeling stating the contents and potential damaging effects. Authorizes the Administrator to assess civil penalties or seek injunctive relief for violations and to revoke any permit for continued noncompliance. Establishes criminal penalties for knowing violations. Sets forth procedures for review of regulations promulgated under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1078 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Global Warming Prevention Act of 1989 - Establishes as national goals: (1) that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere be reduced from 1988 levels by at least 20 percent by the year 2000 through a mix of Federal and State energy policies; and (2) the establishment of an International Global Agreement on the Atmosphere by 1992. Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress within two years regarding whether a higher level of carbon dioxide emissions reduction is desirable after 2000, together with any necessary policy actions and their costs and benefits. Title I: National Least-Cost Energy Plan - Requires the Secretary to prepare for the President, and transmit to the Congress, a new National Least-Cost Energy Plan in lieu of other authorized national energy plans. Directs the Secretary to implement such plan immediately. Outlines a program for public involvement in the formulation of the Plan. Directs the Secretary to establish an intervenor funding mechanism based upon certain State models. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Requires designated Secretaries to prepare reports for inclusion in the Plan with respect to: (1) all government subsidies for energy-related expenditures; (2) waste reduction options and recycling; (3) tree plantings to offset carbon dioxide emissions; and (4) transportation modes to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal the National Energy Policy Plan. Title II: Energy Efficiency - Part A: Energy Efficiency Policy - Directs the Secretary to grant the highest priority to energy efficiency improvements in: (1) energy-consuming devices; (2) federally owned and leased buildings and equipment; (3) federally assisted housing; and (4) the Federal vehicle fleet. Mandates that the President's budget request for FY 1991 through 1994 include recommendations for the increased efficiency of energy-consuming devices. Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy Research Advisory Board Panel on end-use energy technologies. Requires the Panel to report annually to the Energy Research Advisory Board on its assessment of promising energy efficiency research and development opportunities and policies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress: (1) a long-term research and development plan that accelerates by five years the current Department of Energy multiyear program goals for energy efficiency; and (2) an estimate of the funding increase needed to achieve such accelerated goals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide financial assistance in consultation to ten research centers to achieve multiple improvements in energy-intensive industrial and manufacturing processes. Sets forth an operations timetable for such centers. Authorizes appropriations for such centers for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish energy efficiency goals resulting in specified primary energy savings for federally owned or leased buildings, as well as federally assisted housing; and (2) include the use of renewable forms of energy within the energy efficiency options for such buildings. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1990 through 1992. Requires the Secretaries of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to convene a meeting of housing industry members to select a not-for-profit organization to administer a uniform nationwide home energy rating system. Mandates that such organization contract with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Center for Building Sciences by a certain deadline. Authorizes appropriations for such organization for FY 1990 through 1993. Mandates that certain institutions which offer federally assisted home mortgage loans take measures to encourage cost-effective energy efficiency improvements based upon a home energy audit and rating scheme. Directs the Secretary to promulgate energy efficiency standards for incandescent and fluorescent lamps and windows. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a research, development, and demonstration program on technologies to reduce chlorofluorocarbon use; (2) expand the Department of Energy's existing technology transfer initiative on least-cost electric utility planning; and (3) implement a least-cost gas utility initiative. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish an evaluation program regarding car-pooling arrangements and high-occupancy vehicle lanes; and (2) report to the Congress on nonmotorized transportation alternatives, as well as a fuel-savings mass transportation assistance program for State and local governments. Requires such Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of Highway Trust Fund moneys for non-motorized transportation alternatives and for carbon-dioxide emissions reductions. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to: (1) take certain prescribed actions to ensure the adoption of least-cost utility planning principles; and (2) detail for the Congress any amendments to the Federal Power Act which are necessary for the Commission to adopt such planning principles. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress on the results of a national power survey emphasizing policies and technologies within the electric utility industry which are designed to diminish global warming. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against the supply or installation by a public utility of a residential energy conservation measure for residential customers. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prescribe within one year after the date of enactment of this Act rules encouraging the achievement of qualifying efficiency. Mandates that such rules: (1) require that electric utilities offer to purchase qualifying conservation from qualifying cogeneration or small power production facilities; and (2) provide for the verification of conservation achievement. Prescribes rate guidelines for such electric utilities purchases. Establishes Federal standards for least cost supply measures, and requires State regulatory authorities and nonregulated gas and electric utilities to implement such standards. Title III: State Energy Conservation Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that each State energy conservation plan which receives Federal assistance contain a goal to reduce by ten percent or more the total amount of energy consumed in such State in the year 2000 from the projected energy consumption for such year as of October 1, 1990. Adds to Federal assistance eligibility prerequisites for proposed State energy conservation plans, including an emergency planning program for energy supply disruption. Cites optional State energy conservation programs. Repeals the mandate for supplemental State energy conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation programs (including those for schools and hospitals) for FY 1990 through 1992. Establishes a State Energy Advisory Board to: (1) review and advise on the programs under this Act; (2) serve as liaison between the States and the Department of Energy on energy efficiency; and (3) report annually to the Secretary and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the use of loan programs and performance contracting for the non-Federal share of energy conservation project costs under the grant program. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to cite conditions under which the Secretary may approve a State application for a waiver of: (1) the requirement that at least 40 percent of Federal weatherization assistance be used for weatherization materials; and (2) the limitations placed upon expenditures per dwelling unit for weatherization measures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1992 for a weatherization research and technical assistance program which shall include the monitoring of indoor air quality in low-income homes. Title IV: Vehicle Energy Efficiency Improvements - Vehicle Energy Efficiency Performance Standards Act of 1989 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to increase the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light duty trucks for model year 1992 and thereafter according to prescribed guidelines. Exempts manufacturers of fewer than 10,000 light trucks and emergency vehicles from such prescribed standards. Establishes an incentives schedule for manufacturers of passenger automobiles and light trucks. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to assess a tax against any manufacturer who fails to comply with the prescribed average fuel economy standards. Terminates the current civil penalty after model year 1989. Prescribes a fleet average fuel economy schedule for all Federal passenger automobiles and light trucks for model years 1992 and thereafter. Amends the Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consult with the Secretary of Energy before establishing testing and calculation procedures for measuring automobile fuel economy. Revises from mandatory to discretionary the Administrator's authority to require fuel economy tests in conjunction with emissions tests conducted under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Administrator to measure a sampling of production passenger automobiles for each model type and year during the first month of manufacture for sale. Directs the Administrator to review procedures periodically for testing fuel economy. Directs the Administrator to update the booklet containing fuel economy data at least twice a year. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 booklets each year to each dealer and additional numbers if requested. Cites conditions under which manufacturers of light vehicles with certain increased fuel economies shall be considered to have offered the Government a specified discounted bid. Directs the Secretary, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit suggestions to the Congress for additional legislation to carry out its purposes and the purposes of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report to the Congress on the results of its review of the research and development status of the fuel efficiency and energy consumption reduction of light vehicles, trucks, and passenger vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make changes in the Department of Energy's transportation research and development program based upon such report. Outlines criteria and procedures for prescribing amended vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe a gas guzzler tax schedule applicable to 1989 and later model year automobiles. Sets forth a tax credit schedule for the purchase of certain fuel efficient passenger vehicles. Title V: Solar and Renewable Resources - Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress regarding a long-term research, development and demonstration program with policy options necessary to achieve a quadrupling of renewable energy production and use by 2015. Requires the Secretary of Energy to work closely with specified Federal departments regarding the Federal Government's biofuels program, and to report to the Congress on the progress being made in the development of solar and renewable resources. Mandates that the President's budget requests for FY 1990 - FY 1993 include the Secretary of Energy's recommendations for civilian research and development budgets necessary to implement such long-term program. Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy Research Advisory Board Panel on Solar and Renewable Resources and Technologies which shall report annually to the Energy Research Advisory Board regarding the status of the solar and renewable resources program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through FY 1994 for such program. Mandates that the President's budget request for FY 1991 include the Secretary's recommendations for proof-of-concept or near-commercialization demonstration projects in specified categories. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and provide financial assistance to a joint research and development venture to develop advanced district cooling technologies applicable in cities with high cooling loads; and (2) appoint members to an Advisory Committee on Advanced District Cooling Technology to assist in the implementation of such joint venture. Authorizes appropriations for such venture. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Directs the Secretary to appoint members to an Advisory Committee on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Technology Exports to assist in the implementation of such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare Federal guidelines for use by cities and municipalities, specifying environmental and safety standards for the use of fuel cell technology. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding the export market potential for integrated fuel cells systems with renewable power technologies. Requires such Secretary to report to the Congress on the activities of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce, and Trade to promote exports of renewable energy technology. Requires each participating member of such Committee to report annually to the Congress on the Committee actions regarding renewable energy technology exports. Requires the Committee to establish a joint government-industry plan to promote the U.S. market share in international trade in renewable energy technologies, including the development of administrative guidelines for Federal export loan programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Committee to coordinate, contract with, and assist financially appropriate parties to build and demonstrate the commercial operation of a biomass gasified steam-injected gas turbine of up to 25 megawatts. Authorizes appropriations and requires a report to the Congress. Title VI: Solar Hydrogen Fuels - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual plan descriptions including any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Gives priority to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary: (1) to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology; and (2) to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen technology demonstration plan. Establishes a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires an annual report from the Panel to the Energy Research Advisory Board, which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Title VII: Natural Gas and Coal - Part A: Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into cooperative agreements with and provide financial assistance to appropriate parties to construct and demonstrate the commercial operation of ten intercooled steam-injected gas turbines for generating electricity. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of this program. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with and to provide financial assistance to municipal governments to demonstrate the feasibility of using natural gas as a fuel for urban area mass transit. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to submit a feasibility report to the Congress within nine months after enactment of this Act pertaining to the use of natural gas in diesel-powered vehicles to facilitate compliance with emissions requirements. Part B: Coal - Requires the Secretary, within nine months, to provide the Congress with a comprehensive review of clean coal technologies to be developed in federally-funded projects under the Department of Energy's clean coal technology program. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement research and development technologies for preventing, reducing, recycling, or offsetting carbon-dioxide emissions from combusted coal. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of such technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Title VIII: Forest and Agriculture Policies - Part A: Forest Policies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of a national forestation initiative. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) enter into contracts with ranch and farmland operators to place specified acreage of highly erodible cropland into the conservation reserve during certain crop years; and (2) report to the Congress regarding the potential for offsetting new carbon dioxide emissions through the use of tree plantations. Part B: Agricultural Policies - Mandates that specified Federal agencies conduct a joint study on critical linkages between agricultural production and global climate change. Directs specified Federal agencies to establish an interagency task force to ensure that all satellite and remote sensing information pertinent to agricultural needs and climate modeling are made available to the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use the "Low-Input Farming Systems Research and Education Program." Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Part C: Integrated Farming Policies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to consult with the agriculture community and sustainable agriculture advocates for the purpose of developing an integrated farming research, development, and demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a national farm ethanol program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Part D: Urban Forestry Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an urban forestry education and accelerated tree planting program for: (1) energy conservation; (2) carbon-dioxide emissions reduction; (3) improved urban air quality; and (4) general environmental benefits. Outlines demonstration projects financed with Federal matching funds. Directs the Secretary to support urban forestry projects at Department of Agriculture stations and at Land Grant Universities. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such Forest. Repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of timber supply from Forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitats, biological diversity, the old growth rain forest ecosystem, and other specified items. Requires the southeast Alaska commercial fishing industry to be included for cooperation and consultation in a study of the Forest timber supply and demand. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate specified long-term timber sale contracts, and to revise the Tongass National Forest Land Management Plan of 1979 in a manner that fully protects long-term environmental and recreational concerns. Requires such Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of such Forest Plan revision schedule. Imposes a moratorium on timber sales and harvest until the Forest Plan is completely revised and ready for implementation. Title IX: Development Assistance - Directs the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and other specified officials, to report to the Congress on the status of forest resources in tropical countries, including a forest and agroforestry plan with goals for each tropical country. Requires: (1) the Administrator to ensure that all activities supported by U.S. bilateral foreign assistance are consistent with such plan; and (2) the Administrator to take into account each country's measure of success in meeting plan goals when allocating development assistance monies. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury and the President must promote multilateral tropical forestry programs, and report to the Congress regarding the progress made by each of the multilateral development banks, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Program, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Tropical Timber Organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations within one year after enactment of this Act requiring wood and products containing imported wood to bear a label disclosing the scientific and common names of such wood and the countries of origin. Directs such Secretary to impose a tropical woods tax upon products containing specified woods. Requires such Secretary to promulgate regulations prohibiting the importation of wood and wood products containing wood from: (1) tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals; (2) countries that import wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals; and (3) countries that permit transit of wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the status of import controls with respect to tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to assist developing countries with research and development programs aimed at energy efficiency and energy transmission facilities. Prohibits assistance for large-scale production of energy. Prescribes guidelines under which the President is directed to provide support to aid-receiving countries with emphasis upon least-cost energy planning. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress regarding the bilateral energy program, including the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emission. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to: (1) vigorously promote the adoption by each bank of a least-cost energy planning program containing specified components; and (2) oppose, except in certain instances, financial or technical assistance to any borrowing country if a least-cost energy plan is not in place. Directs the Secretary of State to instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to: (1) vigorously encourage the United Nations Development Program implementing energy conservation and efficiency programs for recipient countries; and (2) oppose the adoption of country programs for any country for which a least-cost energy planning program giving priority to energy conservation, end use energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources is not in place. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress regarding the progress of the multilateral development banks and the United Nations Development Program in implementing energy conservation measures. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that its economic assistance programs to developing countries should encourage least-cost, sustainable transportation policies and practices based on a diverse mix of motorized and nonmotorized transport modes which minimize fuel needs and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to: (1) implement a study of the Agency's transportation-related programs and of the multilateral development bank policies regarding their transportation-related lending practices to recipient countries; and (2) redirect part of the Agency's resources to provide nonmotorized low-cost vehicles that can be sustained in the long term. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to increase the emphasis on nonmotorized, low-cost and energy efficient alternatives to private motor vehicles. Directs the Peace Corps to encourage the use of nonmotorized transport technologies in the projects it undertakes. Specifies non-motorized transportation policies to be promoted by the U.S. Government in implementing its development assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the loan terms on up to one-half of the sovereign debt owed the United States by developing countries as a condition of adopting forest and energy conservation programs. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations implementing such environmental conservation and debt reduction program within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report biennially to the Congress regarding the status of energy conservation and efficiency for each country receiving Federal development assistance monies. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report to the Congress regarding the options and strategies for the use of bilateral and multilateral development assistance programs sponsored by the United States to control emissions of certain greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Title X: International Activities - Directs the Secretary of State to convene an international meeting in the United States by the end of 1992 to adopt a global climate protection agreement with measures at least as stringent as those in this Act. Sets forth a percentage reductions schedule for emissions of specified gases. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate negotiations for the adoption of a binding multilateral agreement requiring specified reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions by 1998; (2) request and, if necessary, convene the parties to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer for possible control measures reassessment; and (3) convene an international meeting to exchange information regarding energy efficiency and solar/renewable energy resources that are environmentally sustainable. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of multilateral development banks to promote lending policies which emphasize specified aspects of energy conservation, renewable energy source, greenhouse gas emissions, and least-cost non-motorized transportation systems. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to take specified measures concerning: (1) biological diversity conservation; (2) renewable energy resources and conservation; and (3) assistance to developing countries in the use of agricultural and industrial chemicals. Declares U.S. policy with respect to domestic and international efforts to deal with the greenhouse effect. Requests the President to take steps to establish a long-term study of the greenhouse effect, beginning with a one-year cooperative international research program started during or before 1991. Names the year of such program the "International Year of the Greenhouse Effect." Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement programs with respect to: (1) chlorofluorocarbon replacement; (2) methane control; (3) energy efficiency; and (4) alternative energy sources. Authorizes appropriations. Title XI: World Population Growth -Declares it is the policy of the United States that family planning services should be made available to all persons requesting them. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for international population and family planning assistance. Prohibits the use of such funds for: (1) involuntary sterilization or abortion; or (2) the coercion of any person to accept family planning services. Requests the President to initiate an international conference on population, and to seek an international agreement on population growth. Establishes a National Commission on Population, Environment, and Natural Resources to prepare reports and convene conferences. Terminates such Commission three years after the enactment of this Act. Mandates that multilateral development banks adopt guidelines promoting lending strategies which emphasize the maintenance of sustainable world population levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Title XII: Recyclable Materials - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding degradable materials and recycling methodologies. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding the national security implications of requiring the use of degradable materials in items procured by the Department of Defense, and of requiring the Department to comply with specified prohibitions against the use of nondegradable materials. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency biennially to submit an updated report to the President and the Congress regarding Federal, State, and local policies and practices in recycling government wastes and procuring recyclable materials. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the Congress the results of a pilot project to develop and demonstrate a viable technology for composting municipal waste and sewage sludge. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information to: (1) make grants for recycling research and development; (2) establish a national database information clearinghouse for recyclable materials; (3) report annually to the Congress regarding the status of recyclable wastes; and (4) make grants for scientific research on the use of plastic materials as part of a recycling program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for offenses involving the production, manufacturing, distribution or selling of specified nonrecycled consumer goods which have been proscribed by the Secretary of Commerce under regulations jointly issued with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Secretary of Commerce periodically to update the list of proscribed nonrecycled consumer goods.
Bill· SS. 251 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1989
Global Environment and Climate Change Assessment Act of 1989 - Establishes the Task Force for Research and Assessment of the Changing Environment to carry out a ten-year interagency program. Provides that the Task Force shall be administered by a Director within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Task Force to prepare a research plan to serve as the guide for the ten-year program and provide an accurate understanding of: (1) the causes and effects of global environmental and climate change; (2) the probability that such change will occur; and (3) the information necessary to make judgments about how to respond to such changes. Sets forth deadlines for the submission of such plan to the Congress and the period for public review. Requires the research plan to include programs to: (1) assure the operation of a long-term monitoring network to measure parameters of the atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere; (2) research and analyze all possible causes for any observed or predicted changes in global climate; (3) make predictions regarding the degree to which such change may occur and what the effects may be on industry, agriculture, transportation, and patterns of human behavior and habitation; (4) identify the regions likely to be affected by such changes and investigate the feasibility, probable outcome, and economic costs of technologies that can be used to prevent or reduce such changes; (5) cooperate with research being conducted by sovereign nations and international organizations on such changes; and (6) analyze available information to present periodic assessments about actions to be taken to alleviate such changes and their effects. Requires the Director to: (1) obtain from agencies that are members of the Task Force a description of all programs being undertaken or planned relating to global climate research; and (2) certify whether or not such programs are part of the Task Force's research and assessment effort. Requires the research plan to: (1) describe the form in which the Task Force will present its findings; and (2) provide the National Science Foundation with organizational, management, and oversight authority over a global climate change research program. Requires the research plan to be implemented in the nine fiscal years following the year such plan is issued in final form. Requires the Task Force: (1) no later than two years after the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for the next seven years, to report to the Congress on the research activities and findings of the previous year; and (2) no later than nine years after the enactment of this Act, to publish a research report compiling all findings for the life of the program. Directs the Task Force to publish three major assessment documents no later than two, five, and ten years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Task Force, to the degree that such assessments are compatible with the existing international investigation into global climate changes, to convene an international conference to study the findings of such assessments. Requests the National Academy of Sciences to convene a Scientific Advisory Committee to oversee the work of the Task Force. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 599 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1989
Ground Water Safety Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to require a pesticide registrant or reregistrant to submit information to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the pesticide's potential for groundwater leaching. Directs the Administrator, upon such registration, to determine a pesticide's leaching potential. Requires registrants, in the case of a positive leaching potential, to: (1) develop management practices to minimize such leaching; (2) disseminate such management information to applicators; and (3) conduct groundwater monitoring. Requires a registrant, upon detection of groundwater contamination, to notify EPA, the State, the owner of the property, and any other person(s) relying on the underground source for drinking water or household needs. States that if such contamination reaches or is likely to reach 25 percent of the EPA-established groundwater residue guidance level, the Administrator shall amend the registration to impose further restrictions on the pesticide's use. States that if contamination reaches 50 percent of the groundwater residue guidance level, the Administrator shall notify and provide relevant information to the affected State(s). Directs the Administrator, if an affected State fails to act, to prohibit the pesticide's use in the vicinity of the underground source of drinking water. Directs the Administrator to: (1) collect and make available to the public information on groundwater pesticide contamination; (2) provide technical assistance to States for groundwater protection programs; (3) conduct research activities to monitor the presence of pesticides in the unsaturated zone; and (4) enter into agreements with the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to develop information systems for State and local officials, farmers, and applicators regarding soil, climate, and hydrology at specific pesticide use sites. Authorizes FY 1990 through 1994 appropriations. Requires States to develop and submit for EPA approval pesticide water pollution prevention programs. Authorizes: (1) the Administrator to provide financial assistance; and (2) FY 1990 through 1994 appropriations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Administrator to issue groundwater residue guidance levels for FIFRA-registered pesticides. Amends the Clean Water Act to authorize FY 1990 through 1994 appropriations for EPA research in developing management practices to control pesticide contamination of surface and groundwaters.
Bill· HRH.R. 10 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Title I: National Development Investment - National Development Investment Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, distressed local government, Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth activities eligible for such development investment assistance, including: (1) construction and repair of public facilities; (2) revolving loan funds to promote small business; (3) feasibility studies to enhance the investment climate; and (4) development activities which prevent economic dislocation and promote employee ownership organizations. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate one percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job losses. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or for the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum of 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum of 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating more than $2,000,000 in any fiscal year to any person, other than grants for employee ownership organizations. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local government. Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to colleges, universities, and other nonprofit educational and research organizations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine financing needs for the construction and repair of public facilities. Requires the Secretary to submit to each House of the Congress a detailed statement, including findings and recommendations, concerning such financing needs. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or of investment strategy preparation. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Permits the Secretary to discharge responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to the Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wages. Requires the Secretary to maintain and make available for public inspection records of approved applications. Requires each recipient of a grant to maintain certain specified records. Allows the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to all records of such recipients. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1994 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1992. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1996 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects which will: (1) assist in the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, the upgrading of the region's manpower, or the attraction of private investment; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; (3) assist in achieving the goal of making primary health care accessible in the region; or (4) otherwise serve the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the authorization of any financial assistance to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Prohibits grants with funds authorized after October 1, 1989, from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of any approved project. Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines, within specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1994. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1992.