Climate

Jobs Through Growth Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011

Jobs Through Growth Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual taxpayers after 2010, (2) allow an individual taxpayer to elect an alternative income tax system in lieu of existing rates, (3) allow an inflation adjustment to the cost of certain capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss from the sale or exchange of such assets, (4) reduce the top income tax rate on corporations to 25%, (5) extend through 2012 the election allowed to a U.S. corporation to deduct dividends received from a controlled foreign corporation and reduce the amount of such deduction for corporations that fail to maintain specified employment levels for full-time U.S. employees, and (6) repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes and make permanent the maximum 35% gift tax rate and a $5 million lifetime gift tax exemption. Requires the House Committee on Ways and Means to report legislation to broaden the tax base for the corporate income tax and to transition to a territorial tax system (taxation of domestic income but not income earned overseas). Prohibits a federal agency from taking any significant regulatory action (generally, an action having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or otherwise adversely affecting the economy) until the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a monthly unemployment rate equal to or less than 7.7%. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if the President notifies Congress that a waiver is necessary on the basis of national security or a national emergency. Allows judicial review of a significant regulatory action by a person adversely affected or aggrieved by such action. Exempts businesses with 200 or fewer employees from federal regulation. Revises provisions for congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules. Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) to revise the regulatory process (rulemaking) with respect to small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). Defines "economic impact" with respect to a proposed or final rule to mean: (1) any direct economic effect of a rule on small entities, and (2) any indirect economic effect on such entities, including potential job creation or job loss. Expands judicial review of agency rulemaking to permit small entities to seek judicial review of initial regulatory flexibility analyses and to obtain an injunction of a proposed rule that is noncompliant with RFA requirements. Requires each federal agency to establish a plan for the periodic review (every eight years) of: (1) its rules that have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities, and (2) any small entity compliance guide required to be published by an agency. Sets forth criteria for review of a rule, including the continued need for the rule, the complexity of the rule, and the impact of the rule on small entities. Terminates any rule if the issuing agency has failed to complete a required periodic review. Expands to all federal agencies the procedures for gathering comments on rules that will have a significant economic impact on small entities. Extends RFA requirements to informal agency guidance documents. Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require each federal agency to review on a periodic basis its policies or programs for imposing regulatory penalties on small entities. Allows a small business concern to elect to be exempt from any rule or regulation issued on or after January 1, 2008. Sets forth a deadline for action on certain permit applications under existing Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to offer for leasing areas made available as a result of such repeal. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) offer specified areas for oil and gas leasing pursuant to certain Lease Sale Schedules, (2) conduct OCS lease sales in specified Planning Areas, (3) share OCS receipts derived from all leases with states and local governments, (4) implement a leasing program for certain land within the Arctic Coastal Plain, and (5) issue rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain Coastal Plain lands, including the Sadlerochit Spring area, as Special Areas requiring special management and regulatory protection. Revokes a specified Secretarial Order relating to protecting wilderness characteristics on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition on the use of funds for either a commercial oil shale leasing program or for oil shale lease sales. Directs the Secretary to offer leases for oil shale resources. Confers exclusive jurisdiction upon the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for covered energy projects under this Act. Establishes the Office of the Federal Oil and Gas Permit Coordinator. Instructs the Secretary to establish and maintain, in coordination with the Mayor of the North Slope Borough of Alaska, a separate Alaska Offshore Continental Shelf Coordination Office to coordinate the leasing program. Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "air pollutant" to exclude carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride (greenhouse gases). Declares that nothing in specified statutes addressing pollution control shall be treated as authorizing or requiring the regulation of climate change or global warming. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the prohibition against federal procurement of alternative or synthetic fuel. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon request of the governor of a state or the governing body of an Indian tribe, to enter into a streamlined refinery permitting agreement. Sets forth deadlines for: (1) approval or disapproval of consolidated permits for construction of new or expansion of existing refineries, and (2) submission of existing refinery permit applications. Requires the EPA Administrator to conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel. Directs the Secretary to extend by one year the term of any lease that was: (1) not producing as of April 30, 2010; or (2) suspended from operations, permit processing, or consideration in accordance with the moratorium set forth in a May 30, 2010, Minerals Management Service Notice, or the Secretary's decision memorandum dated July 12, 2010. Directs the President, acting through the Secretary of Energy (DOE), to coordinate with specified federal agencies to ensure an expedited schedule for construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States must decrease its dependence on oil from countries hostile to its interests; and (2) Canada has long been a strong trading partner, and increased access to its energy resources will create jobs in the United States.

123 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is still committed to publishing the Climate Change Bill in 2012 as indicated in the most recent Government legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33510/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 November 2011

123 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is still committed to publishing the Climate Change Bill in 2012 as indicated in the most recent Government legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33510/11]

512 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of publically funded nursing homes and-or community hospitals on a county basis throughout the country; the extent to which budgetary restrictions are likely to affect the operation of such institutions; if due regard will be given to the particularly urgent need to ensure the maximisation of support for these institutions particularly in the present economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32898/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

512 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of publically funded nursing homes and-or community hospitals on a county basis throughout the country; the extent to which budgetary restrictions are likely to affect the operation of such institutions; if due regard will be given to the particularly urgent need to ensure the maximisation of support for these institutions particularly in the present economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32898/11]

376 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider granting an organisation (details supplied) Garda collection permits for each of their independent branches; his views on the Garda Síochána’s reason for limiting collection permits due to the current fiscal climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33148/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

376 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider granting an organisation (details supplied) Garda collection permits for each of their independent branches; his views on the Garda Síochána’s reason for limiting collection permits due to the current fiscal climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33148/11]

355 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government that following the near annual flooding of homes and businesses across the country in many locations due to climate change and insufficient infrastructure, if he will consider introducing a grant aid programme to subsidise property owners to invest in flood protection equipment such as flood door barriers, anti-flood airbricks, and other waterproofing measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33424/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

355 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government that following the near annual flooding of homes and businesses across the country in many locations due to climate change and insufficient infrastructure, if he will consider introducing a grant aid programme to subsidise property owners to invest in flood protection equipment such as flood door barriers, anti-flood airbricks, and other waterproofing measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33424/11]

356 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will bring the proposed climate change Bill through the Oireachtas including Committee Stage before the UN talks on climate change in Durban, South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33443/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

356 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will bring the proposed climate change Bill through the Oireachtas including Committee Stage before the UN talks on climate change in Durban, South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33443/11]

341 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that climate legislation will be published in 2012 in line with the programme for Government. [33205/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

341 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that climate legislation will be published in 2012 in line with the programme for Government. [33205/11]

325 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to bring climate change legislation forward for consideration before the UN talks on climate change which will take place in Durban in December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32827/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

325 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to bring climate change legislation forward for consideration before the UN talks on climate change which will take place in Durban in December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32827/11]

322 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the commitment to enact climate change legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32766/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

322 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the commitment to enact climate change legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32766/11]

Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2011

Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act of 2011- Designates specified federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Humboldt County, Nevada, and to be known as the Pine Forest Range Wilderness, as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). Sets forth provisions for the management of such land, including regarding livestock grazing, water rights, Native American tribal rights and cultural and religious uses, fish and wildlife management, and climate data collection. Releases BLM land in any part of the Blue Lakes and Alder Creek wilderness study areas not designated as wilderness by this Act from further study for wilderness designation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take necessary measures in the wilderness designated by this Act to control fire, insects, and diseases. Authorizes land exchanges involving identified federal and non-federal lands in Humboldt County. Incorporates acquired lands and interests in or adjoining the Pine Forest Range Wilderness Area into and administered as part of such wilderness area.

Verzoek van het lid Van Veldhoven (D66) tot het verschuiven van het AO Klimaatbeleid d.d. 24 november 2011

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 4 November 2011

Verzoek van het lid Van Veldhoven (D66) tot het verschuiven van het AO Klimaatbeleid d.d. 24 november 2011

Recognizing the disparate impact of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address climate change.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2011

Recognizes: (1) the disparate impacts of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address it, and (2) the need for balanced participation of men and women in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Encourages the use of gender-sensitive frameworks in developing climate change policies. Affirms Congress's commitment to: (1) support women who are particularly vulnerable to prepare for and adapt to climate change impacts; (2) empower women in the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of climate change strategies; and (3) include women in economic development planning, policies, and practices that directly improve conditions that result from climate change. Encourages the President to: (1) integrate a gender approach in all U.S. policies and programs that are globally related to climate change; and (2) ensure that those policies and programs support women globally to prepare for and adapt to climate change.

302 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the heads of the climate change Bill will be available; and if it will be circulated as soon as possible. [32380/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

302 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the heads of the climate change Bill will be available; and if it will be circulated as soon as possible. [32380/11]

295 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide €23 million from the environment fund to support the EU contribution for climate finance to developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32249/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

295 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide €23 million from the environment fund to support the EU contribution for climate finance to developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32249/11]

294 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the climate change Bill; if he will refer the heads of the Bill to the joint committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32248/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

294 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the climate change Bill; if he will refer the heads of the Bill to the joint committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32248/11]

292 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding climate change policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32230/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

292 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding climate change policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32230/11]

269 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will use the environment fund to support Ireland’s contribution to the European Union fund on climate finance, as in 2010, for the years 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31808/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

269 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will use the environment fund to support Ireland’s contribution to the European Union fund on climate finance, as in 2010, for the years 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31808/11]

268 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the progress made to date on the drafting of a climate law, as set out in the programme for Government; if he will be in a position to send the heads of the Bill to the Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht in advance of the Christmas recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31807/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

268 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the progress made to date on the drafting of a climate law, as set out in the programme for Government; if he will be in a position to send the heads of the Bill to the Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht in advance of the Christmas recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31807/11]

258 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish a climate Bill; if he will outline the main provisions he intends to include in this bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32582/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 November 2011

258 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish a climate Bill; if he will outline the main provisions he intends to include in this bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32582/11]

Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2011

Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act of 2011- Designates specified federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Humboldt County, Nevada, and to be known as the Pine Forest Range Wilderness, as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). Sets forth provisions for the management of such land, including regarding livestock grazing, water rights, Native American tribal rights and cultural and religious uses, fish and wildlife management, and climate data collection. Releases BLM land in any part of the Blue Lakes and Alder Creek wilderness study areas not designated as wilderness by this Act from further study for wilderness designation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take necessary measures to control fire, insects, and diseases in the wilderness designated by this Act. Authorizes land exchanges involving identified federal and non-federal lands in Humboldt County. Incorporates acquired lands and interests in or adjoining the Pine Forest Range Wilderness Area into and administered as part of such wilderness area.

Freeing Agriculture to Reap More Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2011

Freeing Agriculture to Reap More Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit, subject to exemptions, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas (GHG) to address climate change. Excludes GHGs from the definition of "air pollutant" for purposes of addressing climate change. Repeals and makes ineffective specified rules and actions concerning permit requirements or emission standards for GHGs to address climate change. Exempts covered farm vehicles and operators of such vehicles from specified requirements governing commercial motor vehicles and operators. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing, finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation that revises the national primary ambient air quality standard or the national secondary ambient air quality standard applicable to coarse particulate matter (generally referred to as PM10) and that is proposed or finalized on or after this Act's enactment if the Administrator determines that such regulation will incur compliance costs in the United States of more than $100 million annually. Prohibits occupational safety and health standards from being construed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as prohibiting an employee from working inside a grain bin while a sweep auger is in operation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to exclude a service vehicle carrying diesel fuel in quantities of 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons) or less from requirements concerning transporting hazardous material and obtaining a hazardous material endorsement if such vehicle is: (1) driven by a class A commercial driver's license holder who is a custom harvester, an agricultural retailer, an agricultural business employee, an agricultural cooperative employee, or an agricultural producer; and (2) clearly marked with a placard reading "Diesel Fuel." Prohibits the Administrator and the Secretary of the Army from altering the meaning of the terms "navigable waters" and "waters of the United States" in relation to regulations promulgated pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]). Prohibits federal agencies, in carrying out any Act or program to reduce the effects of GHG emissions on climate change, from imposing a fee or tax on gaseous emissions emitted directly by livestock. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the CWA to prohibit the Administrator or a state from requiring a permit for a discharge of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under such Acts from a point source into navigable waters. Provides that such prohibition does not apply to specified discharges of pesticides, including stormwater discharges, manufacturing or industrial effluent, treatment works effluent, or discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. Amends the Animal Welfare Act to exclude from the meaning of "dealer" a person who does not sell wild animals, dogs, or cats, and who derives no more that $5,000 (currently $500) gross income from the sale of other animals. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from using funds made available to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide funds or administrative support for the White House Rural Council. Prohibits the Administrator from taking into consideration indirect emissions from land use changes while establishing or determining compliance with any requirement or limitation under the Clean Air Act. Excludes from the meaning of "lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions" indirect emissions from land use changes. Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to require the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of derivatives regulations prior to implementing final regulations. Amends the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to revise provisions concerning transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies by exempting areas within a 150 (currently 100) air-mile radius from the source of the commodities or the distribution point for the farm supplies from requirements regarding maximum driving and on-duty time for drivers used by motor carriers. Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from initiating the rulemaking proposed and published in the Federal Register on September 2, 2011, and promulgating any regulations or revisions described in such proposed rulemaking related to permissible employment of minors in agricultural and nonagricultural occupations.

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2011

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the impacts of climate change on health systems. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) publish a national strategic action plan to assist health professionals to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on public health in the United States and other nations, particularly developing nations; (2) revise such plan periodically to reflect new information on the impacts of climate change on public health; (3) establish a permanent science advisory board to provide advice and recommendations on the domestic and international impacts of climate change on public health; and (4) contract with the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine to prepare a report that assesses the needs for health professionals to prepare for and respond to climate change impacts on public health.

'Werk maken van klimaat, Lokale klimaatagenda 2011-2014'

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 2 November 2011

'Werk maken van klimaat, Lokale klimaatagenda 2011-2014'

Ontwerpregeling tot wijziging van artikel 34bd van de Regeling monitoring handel in emissierechten

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 28 October 2011

Ontwerpregeling tot wijziging van artikel 34bd van de Regeling monitoring handel in emissierechten

108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with the various representative bodies in the Defence Forces with a view to ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the services even in the context of the ongoing economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31719/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 October 2011

108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with the various representative bodies in the Defence Forces with a view to ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the services even in the context of the ongoing economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31719/11]

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEEAND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Social Business InitiativeCreating a favourable climate for social enterprises, key stakeholders in the social economy and innovation

European Union · European Commission · 25 October 2011

Save Our Climate Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2011

Save Our Climate Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the carbon content of any taxable fuel sold by a manufacturer, producer, or importer. Sets the amount of such tax at $10 per ton of the carbon dioxide produced by combustion in such fuel, with annual increases in the amount of such tax until the level of carbon dioxide emissions for a calendar year does not exceed 20% of the level of such emissions for calender year 1990 (target attainment year). Exempts from such tax the sale or in-kind exchange of fuel for deposit in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and certain exports or resales of such fuel. Defines "taxable fuel" as coal (including lignite and peat), petroleum and any petroleum product, natural gas, biomass, municipal solid waste, and any organic material other than coal, petroleum, and natural gas that is sold for the purpose of energy production, which is extracted, manufactured, or produced in the United States or entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing.

128 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when he will introduce a climate Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 October 2011

128 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when he will introduce a climate Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/11]

7 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which the review of national policy on climate change will be finalised; and the date on which same will be published on his Department’s website. [30313/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 October 2011

7 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which the review of national policy on climate change will be finalised; and the date on which same will be published on his Department’s website. [30313/11]

2 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the application criteria for local authority social housing waiting lists; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an increase in social housing need during the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30520/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 October 2011

2 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the application criteria for local authority social housing waiting lists; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an increase in social housing need during the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30520/11]

Clean Energy Infrastructure for Rural Communities Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2011

Clean Energy Infrastructure for Rural Communities Act of 2011 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make electric loans for transmission facilities primarily for interconnecting renewable energy facilities to a high-voltage transmission line. Revokes the requirement that the rate of an electric loan for renewable energy be equal to the average tax-exempt municipal bond rate of similar maturities. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to make and insure loans to improve the economic and environmental climate by encouraging the development and construction of infrastructure to provide access to natural gas in rural communities, and (2) define "natural gas" as unmixed natural gas or any mixture of natural and artificial gas.

352 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to publish a climate change Bill; and his strategy to meet the EU 2020 targets. [29952/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2011

352 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to publish a climate change Bill; and his strategy to meet the EU 2020 targets. [29952/11]

284 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how the shortfall of €1 million on the Dublin Contemporary exhibition can be justified in this current economic climate; if the Comptroller and Auditor General has examined the funding arrangements and contracts; and the programmes that will be curtailed to fund the shortfall. [29875/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2011

284 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how the shortfall of €1 million on the Dublin Contemporary exhibition can be justified in this current economic climate; if the Comptroller and Auditor General has examined the funding arrangements and contracts; and the programmes that will be curtailed to fund the shortfall. [29875/11]

180 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review the mechanism for calculating commercial rates, given that valuations only take place every ten years and in view of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29583/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2011

180 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review the mechanism for calculating commercial rates, given that valuations only take place every ten years and in view of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29583/11]

Jobs Through Growth Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2011

Jobs Through Growth Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that S.J. Res. 10 (a balanced budget amendment) should be passed and submitted to the states for ratification within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to transmit, within 45 calendar days after enactment of the funding in question, a message to Congress with specified information requesting any rescission the President proposes under the procedures in this Act. Prescribes requirements for timing and packaging of rescission requests. Authorizes OMB, subject to a specified time limit, to withhold funding from obligation temporarily if the President proposes a rescission. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of proposed rescissions. Directs the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means to report legislation that will lower, consolidate, and simplify: (1) the individual income tax system, with not more than three tax rates, the highest being 25%; and (2) the corporate income tax system, with a top tax rate of 25% and a consolidation of the system into two tax rates. Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011 - Repeals the provision of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities. Rescinds $39 billion in offsetting appropriated but unobligated discretionary funds. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to identify the appropriation accounts to which such rescissions shall apply. Exempts unobligated funds of the Department of Defense (DOD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act or provisions. Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2011 or the MCAP Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care services, including provisions shortening the statute of limitations, setting limits on noneconomic and punitive damages, restricting contingency fees, prescribing qualifications for expert witnesses, and reducing damaged based on collateral source benefits. Repeals the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank), and revives or restores the provisions of law amended by it as if Dodd-Frank had not been enacted. REINS Act - Rewrites provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Defines "major rule" as any rule, including an interim final rule, that has resulted in or is likely to result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or U.S. competitiveness. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules. Regulation Moratorium and Jobs Preservation Act - Prohibits any federal agency from taking any significant regulatory action until the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a monthly unemployment rate equal to or less than 7.7%. Defines a "significant regulatory action" as an action that is likely to: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, small entities, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with another agency's action; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if the President notifies Congress that a waiver is necessary on the basis of national security or a national emergency. Allows judicial review of all claims under this Act. Freedom from Restrictive Excessive Executive Demands and Onerous Mandates Act of 2011 - Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) to revise the regulatory process (rulemaking) with respect to small entities (e.g., small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). Defines "economic impact" with respect to a proposed or final rule to mean: (1) the economic effects on small entities directly regulated by the rule, and (2) the reasonably foreseeable economic effects of the rule on small entities resulting from their transactions with other businesses and entities directly regulated by the rule. Expands judicial review of agency rulemaking to permit small entities to seek judicial review of initial regulatory flexibility analyses and to obtain an injunction of a proposed rule that is noncompliant with RFA requirements. Requires each agency to establish a plan for the periodic (every nine years) review of: (1) its rules that have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities, and (2) any small entity compliance guide required to be published by an agency. Sets forth criteria for review of a rule, including the continued need for the rule, the complexity of the rule, and the impact of the rule on small entities. Expands to all agencies the procedures for gathering comments on rules that will have a significant economic impact on small entities. Extends RFA requirements to informal agency guidance documents. Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require each agency to review on a periodic basis the civil penalties it imposes on small entities for violations of statutory or regulatory requirements. Imposes certain additional requirements on agencies prior to the issuance of a final rule, including requirements for: (1) publication of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis, (2) a determination of the average cost of a rule for affected small entities and the number of small entities affected or reasonably presumed to be affected, and (3) consultation with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy for the Small Business Administration (SBA) with respect to the accuracy of information relating to the cost and impact of a final rule. Authorizes appropriations to SBA for FY2012-FY2014 to carry out this Act. Repeals certain provisions of the Small Business Act and the Energy Security and Efficiency Act of 2007 to offset the costs of carrying out this Act and to reduce the federal deficit. Unfunded Mandates Accountability Act - Amends the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to: (1) require regulatory impact analyses for rules that do not involve a legislative mandate and for final rules that do not have a prior notice of proposed rulemaking; (2) require federal agencies to prepare and publish in the Federal Register an initial and final regulatory impact analysis prior to promulgating any proposed or final rule that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or that may result in the expenditure of $100 million or more in any one year by state, local, and tribal governments; (3) require such agencies to identify and consider regulatory alternatives before promulgating any proposed or final rule and select the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative; (4) define "cost" as the cost of compliance and any reasonably foreseeable indirect cost resulting from agency rulemaking; (5) exempt rules concerning monetary policy proposed or implemented by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee from provisions of such Act relating to regulatory accountability and reform, review of federal mandates, and judicial review; and (6) expand provisions relating to judicial review of regulatory impact analyses. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require independent regulatory agencies to conduct regulatory impact analyses. Government Litigation Savings Act - Revises provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) and the federal judicial code relating to the fees and other expenses of parties in agency proceedings and court cases against the federal government to: (1) restrict awards of fees and other expenses under such Act to prevailing parties with a direct and personal monetary interest in an adjudication, including because of personal injury, property damage, or an unpaid agency disbursement; (2) require the reduction or denial of awards commensurate with pro bono hours and related fees and expenses to parties who have acted in an obdurate, dilatory, mendacious, or oppressive manner or in bad faith; (3) limit awards to not more than $200,000 in any single adversary adjudication or for more than three adversary adjudications in the same calendar year (unless the adjudicating officer or judge determines that a higher award is required to avoid severe and unjust harm to the prevailing party); and (4) expand the reporting requirements of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States with respect to fees and other expenses awarded to prevailing parties during the preceding fiscal year. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the implementation of EAJA for the years 1995 through the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted. Employment Protection Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) analyze the impact on employment levels and economic activity prior to promulgating a regulation, policy statement, guidance document, or endangerment finding, implementing any new or substantially altered program, or issuing or denying any permit (action); (2) hold public hearings on such action; and (3) provide notice, prior to such action taking effect, to the congressional delegation, governor, and state legislature upon determining it will have more than a de minimis negative impact. Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 - Exempts nuisance dust (defined as particulate matter generated from natural sources and agricultural activities typically conducted in rural areas or consisting primarily of soil, windblown dust, or other natural materials) from the Clean Air Act (CAA) and excludes nuisance dust from references in such Act to particulate matter. Makes exceptions with respect to geographical areas where such dust is not regulated under state, tribal, or local law to the extent that the Administrator finds that: (1) nuisance dust causes substantial adverse public health and welfare effects at ambient concentrations; and (2) the benefits of applying CAA standards and other requirements to such dust outweigh the costs. Prohibits the Administrator, for one year after enactment of this Act, from proposing, finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation revising the national primary ambient air quality standard or the national secondary ambient air quality standard applicable to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 2.5 micrometers under the CAA. National Labor Relations Board Reform Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to deny the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) any power to: (1) order an employer (or seek an order against an employer) to restore or reinstate any work, product, production line, or equipment; (2) rescind any relocation, transfer, subcontracting, outsourcing, or other change regarding the location, entity, or employer engaged in production or other business operations; or (3) require any employer to make an initial or additional investment at a particular plant, facility, or location. Applies this denial of power to any complaint for which a final adjudication by the NLRB has not been made by enactment of this Act. Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - Directs the head of any federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or forbid a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor to enter into or adhere to agreements with a labor organization with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement. Allows exemptions to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve national security. Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act with respect to the applicable federal contracts. Financial Regulatory Responsibility Act - Prohibits a federal financial regulatory agency from issuing notices of proposed or final rulemakings unless specified analyses have been included in them. Prohibits an agency from publishing a notice of final rulemaking if it determines that the quantified costs are greater than the quantified benefits. Requires an agency to make available on its public website sufficient information about the data, methodologies, and assumptions underlying its analyses so that its analytical results are capable of being substantially reproduced. Requires the chief economist of an agency, within five years after publication in the Federal Register of a notice of final rulemaking, to report to certain congressional committees on the economic impact of the subject regulation, including its direct and indirect costs and benefits. Requires each federal agency to develop, report to certain congressional committees, and post on its public website a plan to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal existing regulations so as to make the agency's regulatory program more effective or less burdensome in achieving its regulatory objectives. Authorizes judicial review for a person adversely affected or aggrieved by a regulation. Establishes the Chief Economists Council to report to certain congressional committees on activities of the financial regulatory agencies. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to report separately to certain congressional committees their plans for subjecting to the requirements of this Act the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, and registered national securities associations on the one hand, and registered futures associations on the other. Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act - Sets forth general requirements for the federal regulatory system, including the protection of public health, welfare, safety, and the environment, the promotion of predictability in the regulatory process, and the consideration of benefits and costs of regulations. Requires federal agencies to: (1) propose or adopt regulations only upon a reasoned determination that the benefits of such regulations justify their costs; (2) tailor regulations to impose the least burden on society and to maximize economic and other benefits; (3) involve the public and parties affected by regulations in the regulatory process; (4) develop regulatory actions that promote innovation, flexibility, and objectivity; (5) consider methods to promote retrospective analysis of rules that may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome; and (6) develop plans for reviewing on a periodic basis significant regulation actions (i.e., those having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or otherwise adversely affecting the economy). Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state from requiring a permit under the CWA for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. Makes exceptions with respect to: (1) a discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of FIFRA that is relevant to protecting water quality, if the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation or if the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation; and (2) stormwater discharges, municipal or industrial effluent discharges, treatment works effluent discharges, and discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel that are regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Domestic Jobs, Domestic Energy, and Deficit Reduction Act - Considers that the Secretary of the Interior has approved the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 as a final oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf planning area (except the North Atlantic Planning Area) for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases, and (2) hold lease sales for specified areas in the Central Gulf of Mexico, Western Gulf of Mexico, and the state of Virginia. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to require the Secretary to approve or disapprove a drill permit application within 20 days after submission. Grants United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit exclusive jurisdiction over challenges to offshore energy projects and permits to drill carried out in the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Oil Shale, Tar Sands, and Other Strategic Unconventional Fuels Act of 2005 to require (current law authorizes) the Secretary to conduct lease sales under commercial leasing program regulations in any state if the Secretary finds sufficient support and interest exists in such state for the development of tar sands and oil shale resources. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to require completion of the review of environmental impact statements within 270 days after commencement of such review or the action concerned shall be considered a final agency action with no significant environmental impact. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) declare that carbon dioxide, methane from agriculture or livestock, and water vapor are not air pollutants; and (2) require an economic analysis of any requirement of such Act that results in an adverse effect on employment. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an economic review board to assess such an analysis. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, upon a state governor's declaration of an emergency, to exempt from the prohibition against taking and the prohibition against adverse modification of critical habitat any action reasonably necessary to avoid or ameliorate the impact of the emergency. Prohibits consideration of the impact of greenhouse gas on any species of fish or wildlife or plant for any purpose in the implementation of the ESA. Instructs the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the specification of the areas described in the notice entitled "Final Determination of the Assistant Administrator for Water Pursuant to Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act Concerning the Spruce No. 1 Mine, Logan County, WV." Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to issue or reissue each lease for the production of oil or gas in Utah that was canceled during calendar years 2009 through 2011. Prohibits the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior and any California state agency operating a water project in connection with the Central Valley Project from restricting operations of an applicable project pursuant to any biological opinion issued under ESA if it would result in a level of allocation of water less than the historical maximum allocation under the project. Instructs the EPA Administrator to issue without further review or analysis a permit to Shell Oil Company to drill for oil in the Beaufort Sea. Prohibits the award or federal payment of legal fees to an environmental nongovernmental organization in connection with any action: (1) preventing, terminating, or reducing access to production of energy, mineral resources, water by agricultural producers, a resource by commercial or recreational fishermen, or grazing or timber production on federal land; (2) diminishing a property owner's private property value; or (3) eliminating or preventing one or more jobs. Jobs and Energy Permitting Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require any air quality impact of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sources to be measured or modeled and determined solely with respect to the impacts in the corresponding onshore area. Revises requirements for controlling air pollution from OCS sources located offshore of the states along the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic Coasts, and along the U.S. Gulf Coast off Florida. Exempts any direct emission from any vessel servicing or associated with an OCS source from any emission control requirement applicable to such source. Declares that an OCS source, for platform or drill ship exploration, is established when drilling commences at a location and ceases to exist when drilling activity ends at such location or is temporarily interrupted because the platform or drill ship relocates. Requires: (1) final agency action on a permit application for platform or drill ship exploration for an OCS source under such Act to be taken no later than 180 days after the filing of such application;(2) such final agency action to be considered to be nationally applicable under judicial review; and (3) judicial review of such action to be without additional administrative review or adjudication. Denies the Environmental Appeals Board of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) any authority to consider any matter regarding the consideration, issuance, or denial of such permit. Prohibits extension of any administrative stay of the effectiveness of such permit beyond 180 days after the date of filing of such application. American Energy and Western Jobs Act - Rescinds and declares without force or effect: (1) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Instruction Memoranda numbered 2010-117 (Oil and Gas Leasing Reform -- Land Use Planning and Lease Parcel Reviews) and 2010-118 (Energy Policy Act Section 390 Categorical Exclusion Policy Revision), both issued on May 17, 2010; and (2) Secretarial Order No. 3310 (Wild Lands Policy) issued by the Secretary of the Interior on December 22, 2010. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to instruct the Secretary to automatically issue a lease 60 days after the date of the payment by the successful bidder of the remainder of the bonus bid and the annual rental for the first lease year, unless the Secretary can issue the lease before that date. Directs the Secretary, before modifying and implementing any onshore oil or natural gas preleasing or leasing and development policy, or a policy relating to protecting the wilderness characteristics of public land, to complete an economic impact assessment and determine that the proposed policy modification will not: (1) result in a detrimental impact on employment opportunities relating to oil- and natural gas-related development, (2) contribute to an increase in the domestic use of imported petroleum resources, or (3) contribute to an aggregate loss of oil and natural gas receipts. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to submit and publicize an annual report detailing for each field office the revenues generated by specified uses of public land. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a domestic strategic production goal for the development of oil and natural gas managed by the federal government; and (2) hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources in accordance with a specified solicitation of bids for leases. Applies the final rule entitled "Oil Shale Management-General" to all commercial leasing for the management of federally owned oil shale and associated minerals located on federal land. Mining Jobs Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to repeal provisions that require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consult with the Secretary of the Army before denying or restricting the use of specified areas as disposal sites for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Requires the Administrator to provide to the Secretary notice of any concerns with respect to a specification for a disposal site proposed to be issued under a permit to discharge into navigable waters and the reasons for any disapproval of permits. Removes the Administrator's authority to prohibit the specification of any defined area as a disposal site: (1) 60 days after the Administrator receives the proposed specification from the Secretary for review; and (2) once the Secretary has issued a permit for dredged or fill material. Authorizes the Secretary to reevaluate and reissue, or to elect not to reissue, a specification in any case in which, before the enactment of this Act, the Administrator disapproved it after it was issued by the Secretary. Sets forth requirements that must be met before the Administrator or the head of another agency requests that a proposed permit for dredged or fill material receive a higher level of review by the Secretary. Energy Tax Prevention Act - Amends the Clean Air Act, subject to exemptions, to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration, the emission of a greenhouse gas (GHG) to address climate change. Excludes GHGs from the definition of "air pollutant" for purposes of addressing climate change. Repeals and makes ineffective specified rules and actions concerning permit requirements or emission standards for GHGs to address climate change. Prohibits the Administrator from waiving, and invalidates waivers by the Administrator before the enactment of this Act of, the prohibition against states adopting or enforcing standards relating to the control of emissions from new motor vehicles or engines with respect to GHG emissions for model year 2017 or any subsequent model year. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the prohibition against any federal agency contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use (other than for research or testing) unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle GHG emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel supplied under the contract must, on an ongoing basis, be less than or equal to greenhouse gas emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources. Public Lands Job Creation Act - Declares that if, by 45 days after a state Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office has submitted a Federal Register notice to the Washington, DC, office of the BLM for review by the Department of the Interior, the review has not been completed: (1) the notice shall consider to be approved, and (2) the state BLM office shall immediately forward the notice to the Federal Register for publication. Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 - Amends the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002 to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and nontariff trade barriers: (1) on and after enactment of this Act and before June 1, 2013; or (2) on and after June 1, 2013, and before December 31, 2013, if certain congressional trade authorities procedures for implementing trade bills are extended for such period. Applies certain congressional and presidential (fast track) trade authorities requirements with respect to agreements on tariff and nontariff barriers to a trade agreement establishing a Trans-Pacific Partnership that resulted from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act. Revises the standard for the application of certain congressional trade authorities procedures to implementing bills for trade agreements regarding tariff and nontariff trade barriers. Treats as an implementing bill subject to such procedures any bill containing provisions necessary to the implementation and enforcement of a trade agreement.

De uitgegeven Bosatlas van het klimaat

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 October 2011

De uitgegeven Bosatlas van het klimaat

135 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he participated in a climate policy workshop that was organised by IBEC; if this conference has any relevance to the fact that a major climate policy review is due to be published in the coming weeks; the reason no other stakeholders were consulted with in the run up to this review but IBEC; and his views on same. [28998/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 October 2011

135 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he participated in a climate policy workshop that was organised by IBEC; if this conference has any relevance to the fact that a major climate policy review is due to be published in the coming weeks; the reason no other stakeholders were consulted with in the run up to this review but IBEC; and his views on same. [28998/11]

Onderzoeksvoorstel van de vaste commissie voor Economische Zaken, Landbouw en Innovatie voor de Toekomst- en Onderzoeksagenda 2012 van de Tweede Kamer: onderzoek naar de effectiviteit en kosten van het Nederlandse klimaat- en energiebeleid

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 12 October 2011

Onderzoeksvoorstel van de vaste commissie voor Economische Zaken, Landbouw en Innovatie voor de Toekomst- en Onderzoeksagenda 2012 van de Tweede Kamer: onderzoek naar de effectiviteit en kosten van het Nederlandse klimaat- en energiebeleid

Vorschläge und Initiativen auf dem Ministertreffen vom 8./9. September 2011 in Durban zum Klimaschutz

Germany · German Bundestag · 7 October 2011

Originaltext der Frage(n):<br /> <br /> Welche konkreten Vorschläge und Initiativen hat das Ministertreffen vom 8./9. September 2011 in Durban eingebracht, um die Anstrengungen der internationalen Staatengemeinschaft im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel zu verstärken, und welche Vorschläge und Konzepte hat die Bundesregierung selber eingebracht?

Opinion of Advocate General Kokott delivered on 6 October 2011.#Air Transport Association of America and Others v Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: High Court of Justice (England & Wales), Queen’s Bench Division (Administrative Court) - United Kingdom.#Reference for a preliminary ruling - Directive 2003/87/EC - Scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading - Directive 2008/101/EC - Inclusion of aviation activities in that scheme - Validity - Chicago Convention - Kyoto Protocol - EU-United States Air Transport Agreement - Principles of customary international law - Legal effects thereof - Whether they may be relied upon - Extraterritoriality of European Union law - Meaning of ‘charges’, ‘fees’ and ‘taxes’.#Case C-366/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 6 October 2011

123 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the 0.7% on foreign aid in the current economic climate and his proposals for same. [27684/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 October 2011

123 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the 0.7% on foreign aid in the current economic climate and his proposals for same. [27684/11]

Onderzoeksvoorstel van de vaste commissie voor Infrastructuur en Milieu voor de Toekomst- en Onderzoeksagenda 2012 van de Tweede Kamer: onderzoek naar de effectiviteit en kosten van het Nederlandse klimaat- en energiebeleid

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 4 October 2011

Onderzoeksvoorstel van de vaste commissie voor Infrastructuur en Milieu voor de Toekomst- en Onderzoeksagenda 2012 van de Tweede Kamer: onderzoek naar de effectiviteit en kosten van het Nederlandse klimaat- en energiebeleid

32 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with the various sporting organisations with a view to addressing any issues arising from the current economic situation; the degree to which debt has affected the industry; the extent to which he anticipates sporting and recreational facilities to remain readily available, accessible and affordable and to provide an important service in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 September 2011

32 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with the various sporting organisations with a view to addressing any issues arising from the current economic situation; the degree to which debt has affected the industry; the extent to which he anticipates sporting and recreational facilities to remain readily available, accessible and affordable and to provide an important service in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/11]

217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the tourism sector has managed to prevail in the ongoing economic climate; the degree to which the industry is likely to expand over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 September 2011

217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the tourism sector has managed to prevail in the ongoing economic climate; the degree to which the industry is likely to expand over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/11]

Women and climate change

European Union · European Parliament · 29 September 2011

Hoofdlijnen van de Nederlandse en Europese inzet tijdens de jaarlijkse klimaatconferentie van de Verenigde Naties

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 28 September 2011

Hoofdlijnen van de Nederlandse en Europese inzet tijdens de jaarlijkse klimaatconferentie van de Verenigde Naties

340 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding climate change, if it is envisaged that there will be domestic climate change legislation brought before Dáil Éireann during the lifetime of this Government. [25901/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 September 2011

340 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding climate change, if it is envisaged that there will be domestic climate change legislation brought before Dáil Éireann during the lifetime of this Government. [25901/11]

Kürzung der Fördermittel für die Meeres- und Polarforschung; Projektförderung für die "Hightech-Strategie für den Klimaschutz"; Förderung des Bereichs "Forschung an Fachhochschulen" mit Bundesmitteln seit 2007

Germany · German Bundestag · 23 September 2011

Originaltext der Frage(n):<br /> <br /> Aus welchen Gründen plant die Bundesregierung eine erhebliche Reduktion der Projektfördermittel für die Meeres- und Polarforschung, und welche Projekte sollen über die Erhöhung der Mittel für die &bdquo;Hightech-Strategie für den Klimaschutz&ldquo; gefördert werden?<br /> <br /> Wie hoch waren die Abflüsse der im Bundeshaushalt zur Verfügung gestellten Mittel zur Förderung der Forschung an Fachhochschulen seit 2007, und wie viele Anträge wurden von 2007 bis heute &ndash; nach Jahren unterteilt &ndash; für diese Förderung eingereicht?

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2012

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2011

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes FY2012 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the Capital Investment Fund; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) educational and cultural exchange programs; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; (13) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (14) salaries and expenses; (15) plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; (16) the International Joint Commission, the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; (17) international fisheries commissions; (18) international broadcasting operations and capital improvements; (19) the Asia Foundation; (20) the United States Institute for Peace; (21) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (22) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (23) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (24) the East-West Center; (25) the National Endowment for Democracy; (26) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (27) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (28) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (29) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and (30) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Makes FY2012 appropriations for: (1) operating expenses of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the capital investment fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (2) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) global health and child survival; (4) specified development assistance; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) transition initiatives; (7) complex crises; (8) development credit authority; (9) the Economic Support Fund; (10) promotion of democracy; (11) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (12) migration and refugee assistance; (13) the Peace Corps; (14) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (15) the Inter-American Foundation; (16) the African Development Foundation; and (17) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities and debt restructuring. Makes FY2012 appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (2) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining; (3) international peacekeeping operations; (4) international military education and training; and (5) foreign military financing grants. Makes FY2012 appropriations for: (1) international organizations and programs, (2) the Global Environment Facility, (3) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (4) the International Development Association, (5) the Clean Technology Fund, (6) the Strategic Climate Fund, (7) the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, (8) the Inter-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation, (9) the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund, (10) the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Development Fund, (11) the African Development Fund and the African Development Bank, and (12) the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to: (1) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (2) the Inter-American Development Bank, (3) the Asian Development Bank, (4) the African Development Bank, and (5) the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Makes FY2012 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including the Office of Inspector General, direct and guaranteed loans, tied-aid grants, insurance programs, and administrative expenses; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses, and for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2011

Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools Act of 2011 - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the Secretary of Education from providing education funding to any educational agency or institution that allows school personnel to inflict corporal punishment upon a student as a form of punishment or to modify undesirable behavior. Requires each state to submit a plan to the Secretary, within 18 months of this Act's enactment and every third year thereafter, that describes how the state eliminates the use of corporal punishment in schools and makes school personnel and parents aware of its policies and procedures for doing so. Authorizes the Secretary to award three-year grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to assist them in improving school climate and culture by implementing school-wide positive behavior supports. Requires grant and subgrant funds to be used for professional training, technical assistance, research, and outreach regarding positive behavior supports. Requires LEAs to ensure that private school personnel can participate, on an equitable basis, in activities supported by such funds. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out such activities with regard to schools operated or funded by the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national assessment to determine compliance with this Act's requirements and identify best practices regarding positive behavior support professional training programs. Gives Protection and Advocacy Systems the authority provided under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to investigate, monitor, and enforce this Act's protections for students.