Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Subjects · US

Energy

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

501 records in US in 1979

All countriesSearch this topic

Records

Bill· SS. 902 (96th)referred

Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979

Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 and the Acquired Lands Leasing Act of 1947, an oil and gas leasing program for onshore Federal lands. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy, the Governors of affected States and other interested groups in implementing the program. Stipulates that the leasing program be established no later than January 1, 1980, and that the Secretary report to the Congress no later than January 1, 1981, and annually thereafter, on his efforts pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to identify those areas which are favorable for the discovery of oil or gas. Stipulates that such areas are to be leased only by competitive bidding. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to follow in evaluating applications for an oil or gas lease.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 19 (96th)referred

A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately create and appoint a Presidential Commission to investigate present and future implications of the nuclear power plant accident at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1979.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979

Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should create and appoint a Presidential Commission to investigate present and future implications of the nuclear power plant accident at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1979.

Bill· HRH.R. 3508 (96th)referred

Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979

Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to develop and maintain comprehensive programs to insure widespread public involvement in formulating regional electric power programs and policies. Establishes a Bonneville Consumers' Council and a Bonneville Utilities Council with whom the Administrator is directed to consult, together with the Governors of the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and the general public in preparing a regional power planning and conservation program. Exempts such councils from the purview of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and exempts their members' actions from constituting potential violations of Federal or State antitrust laws. Directs the Administrator to offer to sell electric power to specified customers at rates to be established and periodically modified, in accordance with specified criteria, and establishes amounts of power such customers are to receive. Directs the Administrator to implement feasible and cost-effective measures to conserve electric power, and to assist governmental authorities in promoting conservation of electric power. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire additional electric power resources where regional electric power obligations cannot be met by employing conservation measures, but specifically directs the Administrator to give priority to developing renewable energy resources where additional resources are needed. Authorizes acquisition or the construction and operation of other types of electric power resources where needed to assure transmission system reliability. Sets forth procedural instructions for such acquisitions. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to authorize such expenditures as are necessary to implement this Act. Amends such Act further to authorize the issuance of bonds and other debt obligations for the purpose of financing activities arising from the implementation of this Act. Stipulates that such obligations bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate applicable to such obligations if purchased by the Federal Financing Bank. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations incurred under such Act which are outstanding at any one time to include the principal amount of obligations incurred and outstanding which were issued to assist in financing the activities of this Act. Extends the definition of "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such agreements and contracts as are deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any "person" or "company," as therein defined, connected with electric generating facilities, which sells 75 percent or more of their power to the Administrator.

Bill· HRH.R. 3476 (96th)referred

A bill to improve the communications and other operations of nuclear reactors during emergencies.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979

Requires each nuclear reactor licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to have such communications facilities and systems as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission deems necessary to provide reliable emergency communications between the reactor and: (1) the Commission; (2) the civil defense office of the State in which the reactor is located; and (3) appropriate Federal departments and agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Requires each licensed nuclear reactor to have automatic emergency notification equipment in operation at the reactor. Directs the Commission to expand the resident inspector program to insure that an inspector is assigned to each licensed nuclear reactor. Authorizes the Commission to make necessary emergency decisions regarding the operation of a licensed nuclear reactor. Directs the Commission to investigate the problems associated with the public dissemination of information pertaining to nuclear reactor emergencies.

Bill· HRH.R. 3506 (96th)referred

Federal Power Marketing Revolving Fund Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979

Federal Power Marketing Revolving Fund Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to construct or otherwise acquire transmission facilities in order to: (1) integrate and transmit the electric power from existing or additional generating units; (2) provide customer service; (3) provide interregional transmission facilities; and (4) maintain electrical stability and reliability. Limits the Secretary's authority to make such acquisitions. Authorizes the Secretary to become a member of electrical cooperatives and other institutions determined necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the establishment of the following separate funds in the U.S. Treasury: (1) Alaska Power Administration Fund; (2) Southeastern Power Administration Fund; (3) Southwestern Power Administration Fund; and (4) Western Area Power Administration Fund. Includes in such funds: (1) receipts from power marketing activities; (2) moneys borrowed from the U.S. Treasury; and (3) congressional appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from such funds as necessary for each power administration's programs. Limits the use of appropriated and trust funds. Requires the Secretary to keep the official record of each power administration's operations, receipts, and expenditures. Directs the Secretary to maintain separate accounts for specified individual projects of the Western Area Power Administration. Establishes specific restrictions on the Western Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) invest moneys in nonmarketable obligations of the United States; and (2) borrow from the Secretary amounts in behalf of the power administrations.

Bill· SS. 866 (96th)referred

Federal Oil Shale Commercialization Test Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Federal Oil Shale Commercialization Test Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal program to test the commercial, social, and environmental viability of oil shale technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a program to determine the commercial viability of as many as three oil shale retorting technologies; (2) invite proposals from interested persons for the design, construction, and operation of oil shale commercial demonstration projects; and (3) select as many as three such proposals and enter into contracts for the implementation of such projects. Sets forth considerations for the Secretary in selecting projects. Requires that all projects authorized by this Act be located at a single site on the lands of the Naval Oil Shale Reserve or on unleased public lands. Requires the Secretary to consult with appropriate State and local officials, before selecting a demonstration project, to assess the environmental impact of the project on the area affected. Establishes criteria for the evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental impact of oil shale technologies. Requires the publication of such evaluation by the Secretary within one year of the completion of the demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary to hold at least one public hearing, prior to the completion of his evaluation, in the area which would be most directly affected by the commercial development of oil shale. Vests title in the United States to any invention made or conceived by a participant in the demonstration projects. Prohibits the Secretary, under the authority of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, from waiving the rights of the United States to title in such inventions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant nonexclusive licenses in inventions made or conceived during the projects. Protects the ownership of background patents which project participants possess at the outset of the program. Establishes a panel to advise the Secretary on the social, environmental, and safety impact of the demonstration projects authorized by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use, store, or sell any shale oil produced during the program. Requires public sale of such oil to the highest qualified bidder. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial commitments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by the funding of demonstration facilities under this Act. Limits the amount of such commitments to $20,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans and grants to eligible State and local governments should authorized funds prove insufficient. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for such purposes. Creates within the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund to carry out such community development and planning assistance programs. Prescribes rules to govern the operation of the fund and related financial matters. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the environmental, social, economic and technological impact of the program. Sets forth the required content of such report. Requires an annual report from the Secretary on action he has or has not taken under this Act. Requires that the interest paid on any bond obligation guaranteed under this Act shall be included in the gross income of the purchaser of such obligation. Provides for the public disclosure of information collected by the Secretary under this Act, except to the extent such information is exempted from disclosure by federal law. Requires the holders of Federal contracts under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary may require, subject to inspection and audit by the Secretary and the Comptroller General. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 55 (96th)referred

Commission on Civilian Nuclear Power Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Commission on Civilian Nuclear Power Act of 1979 - Establishes a Presidential Commission on the Future of Nuclear Power in the United States to examine the issues and status and make recommendations on various aspects of nuclear power, including: (1) public health, safety, and welfare; (2) costs and benefits; (3) financing; (4) licensing, regulation, and litigation procedures; (5) availability and costs of uranium; (6) availability and costs of liability insurance; and (7) adequacy of emergency planning. Directs the Commission to submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the President and the Congress by December 15, 1979. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3429 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Export Administration Act to prohibit the export of any domestically produced crude oil or fuels, to provide for the conservation of Alaskan oil, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to prohibit the exporting of crude oil or fuels from the United States unless the President makes and publishes an express finding that: (1) any exchange of crude oil will not increase consumer oil prices; and (2) in the event of a petroleum interruption, exchange contracts make suitable provision for termination and that a practical means of refining and transporting such crude oil to other parts of the country exists. Declares that any finding made and published by the President shall be deemed an energy action under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3431 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to permit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to enter into agreements with States under which State authorities may exercise the licensing authority of the Commission with respect to small hydroelectric projects at existing dams, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Amends the Federal Power Act to permit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to enter into agreements with States under which State authorities may exercise the licensing authority of the Commission with respect to small hydroelectric projects at existing dams.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 291 (96th)referred

A joint resolution to include energy prices in the President's anti-inflation program.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Declares it to be the sense of the Congress that crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, and all other components of energy costs to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers be explicitly covered by the price and profit margin guidelines established in the President's anti-inflation program, and that the President take all possible measures to slow the rising costs of energy, a major contributor to the inflationary pressures on our economy.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 206 (96th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should encourage the development of nonnuclear energy resources and should pursue the conservation of domestic energy in all sectors of use.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should encourage the accelerated commercialization of alternative energy technologies and should encourage the conservation of domestic energy in all sectors of use.

Bill· HRH.R. 3401 (96th)referred

Solar Global Marketing Survey Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979

Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be completed by September 1, 1981. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3415 (96th)referred

Civilian Nuclear Reactor Emergency Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979

Civilian Nuclear Reactor Emergency Act of 1979 - Title I: Nuclear Emergencies - Establishes a Presidential Commission to be called the Nuclear Reactor Emergency Commission. Directs the Commission to develop comprehensive specifications of conditions which an existing or potential malfunction of a civilian reactor would lead to substantial short- or long-term dangers to the health of the general public, or to substantial contamination of the general environment. Stipulates that all operating licenses granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shall include provisions for the operation of such nuclear reactors in the event of a nuclear reactor emergency as defined by the Commission. Title II: Notification of Public Authorities - Requires operators of any nuclear reactor subject to licensing by the NRC to notify the NRC of the occurrence of any nuclear reactor emergency at a nuclear reactor for which they are the operators. Title III: Emergency Operation and Supervision of Nuclear Reactors - Authorizes and directs the NRC to assume direct responsibility for the operation of a nuclear reactor in the event that the NRC is informed or determines that a nuclear reactor emergency exists. Title IV: Emergency Plans - Directs the Nuclear Reactor Emergency Commission to prepare an analysis of all nuclear accident and malfunctions which have occurred at civilian nuclear reactors. Requires the Commission, based on such analysis, to submit proposals to Congress, and prepare model emergency plans for use by State and local authorities. Title V: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the Nuclear Reactor Emergency Commission. Title VI: Expiration of Authority of the Nuclear Reactor Emergency Commission - Terminates the authority of the Nuclear Reactor Emergency Commission under this Act two years from the date of enactment of this Act. Title VII: Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that this Act supercedes all existing provisions of law.

Bill· HRH.R. 3402 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that expenditures for a replacement furnace or boiler shall be eligible for the 15 percent residential energy credit for energy conservation expenditures.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify expenditures for replacement furnaces or boilers which meet energy efficiency standards developed by the Department of Energy for the 15 percent residential energy conservation credit.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 201 (96th)referred

A resolution requesting the President to submit to the House of Representatives all available information on the recent incident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Plant and on the danger of similar incidents occurring at other nuclear generating plants.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979

Requests that the President submit to the House of Representatives all available information on the recent incident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Plant, Pennsylvania, and on the danger of similar incidents occurring at other nuclear generating plants of similar design.

Bill· SS. 859 (96th)referred

Oil Shale Reclamation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

Oil Shale Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - States that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to establish a national program to protect society and the environment from the adverse effects of oil shale operations; (2) to protect the rights of surface landowners and others having property rights from such operations; (3) to prohibit such operations where reclamation is unfeasible; (4) to require reclamation as contemporaneously as possible with such operations; (5) to assure that the oil supply essential to the national energy requirements is met by striking a balance between environmental protection and agricultural productivity, and the Nation's oil requirements; (6) to assist State development and implementation programs under this Act; and (7) to provide for public participation in regulatory programs, enforcement, reclamation plans, or other programs established under this Act. Title II: Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer oil shale operation control programs required by this Act and sets forth specific duties of the Secretary. Imposes a fine of up to $2,500 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both for violating the conflict of interest provisions of this Act and regulations issued thereunder. Sets forth procedures for issuance, amendment, and repeal of rules issued under this Act. Title III: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Oil Shale Mining - Directs the Secretary to issue interim and permanent oil shale mining operation and reclamation performance standards, subject to approval by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with respect to the holding of at least one public hearing thereon. Prohibits the opening or development of new or abandoned oil shale operations on State-regulated lands without a permit from the State's regulatory authority. Sets forth terms and conditions to be included in such permits. Directs the Secretary to implement a Federal enforcement program to remain in effect until a State program has been approved pursuant to this Act, or until a Federal program has been so implemented. Sets forth the components of such enforcement program. Authorizes States to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of oil shale operations on non-Federal lands, upon approval by the Secretary of a State program based on sufficient State legal authority to undertake such regulation. Requires the Secretary, prior to approving any State program: (1) to solicit and publicly disclose the views of specified Federal agency heads concerned with or having special expertise pertinent to the proposed State program; (2) to obtain approval by the Administrator of EPA, with respect to aspects of the State program relating to air or water quality standards; (3) to hold a public hearing on the State program within the State; and (4) to find that the State has the legal authority and personnel necessary for the enforcement of environmental protection standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal program of enforcement for any State failing to submit an acceptable program or to implement, enforce, or maintain its program. Stipulates that any State statutes or regulations governing oil shale operations and reclamation which interfere with the purposes and requirements of this Act and the Federal program for such State shall be preempted and superceded by the Federal program. Preempts any State law or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, but stipulates that State laws or regulations providing for more stringent land use and environmental controls and regulations of oil shale operations and reclamation shall not be construed to be inconsistent with this Act. Sets the term for permits issued under this Act at five years, and provides for extensions and renewals in specified situations. Sets forth permit application procedures and requirements. Requires permit applicants to provide certification, by an insurance company authorized to do business in the United States, of current public liability insurance coverage, or evidence of compliance with State or Federal self-insurance requirements. Sets forth requirements for reclamation plans to be submitted as part of a permit application pursuant to any approved State program or a Federal program under this Act. Stipulates that after approval of a permit application, but prior to issuance, an applicant shall file a performance bond for that area of land within the permit area upon which oil shale operations and reclamation will be conducted. Sets forth the components of an approved permit. Authorizes the revision of a permit upon submission of an appropriate application therefor, and authorizes the review of outstanding permits and the making of any necessary revisions and modifications thereto. Requires both State and Federal programs to include oil shale exploration regulations in such programs for any such operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. Provides for public comment and participation, public notice, and public hearings on any application for an oil shale operation and reclamation permit. Enumerates the minimum requirements to be included in the environmental protection general performance standards applicable to all surface oil shale mining and reclamation operations. Requires each Federal program, and authorizes each State program, to include procedures to permit surface mining operations where the mining operation will remove an entire oil shale deposit running through the upper fraction of a mountain, ridge, or hill by removing all of the overburden and creating a level plateau or a gently rolling contour. Exempts such operations from the requirement to restore land to approximate original contour where an applicant meets certain enumerated requirements as to postmining use, consistency with adjacent land uses and existing State and local land use plans and programs, and compliance with all other requirements of this Act. Establishes performance standards applicable to steep-slope oil shale mining which shall be in addition to those general performance standards required by this Act. Authorizes each State program, and requires each Federal program to provide procedures to permit variances from the requirement to restore land to approximate original contour in specified situations. Directs the Secretary, with written concurrence of the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers, to establish standards and criteria regulating the design, location, construction, operation, maintenance, enlargement, modification, removal, and abandonment of new and existing oil shale mine waste piles. Stipulates that such standards are to conform to the standards and criteria used by the Chief of Engineers insuring the safety and effectiveness of flood control structures. Sets forth other specified components to be included as part of such standards and criteria. Directs the Secretary to issue rules and regulations on the surface effects of underground oil shale mining operations, retorting and other processing to extract oil from oil shale. Sets forth requirements for permits issued to operators of underground oil shale mining operations. Authorizes the appropriate regulatory authority to suspend underground oil shale mining under urban areas, cities, towns, and communities, and adjacent to industrial or commercial buildings, major impoundments, or permanent streams in the event of imminent danger to inhabitants thereof from such operations. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for inspections and monitoring of any oil shale operations and reclamation operations as are necessary to evaluate approved State programs, or to develop or enforce any Federal program. Grants a right of entry to, upon, or through any such operations by the Secretary's authorized representatives. Specifies the types of monitoring to be done for such operations which remove or disturb strata that serve as aquifers significantly insuring the hydrologic balances of water use either on or off the mining site. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations establishing procedures to insure adequate and complete inspections. Imposes a fine of up to $2,500 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both upon any employee of a State regulatory authority for violating the conflict of interest provisions relating to the inspection and monitoring provisions of this title. Permits any person to notify the Secretary or his representative of any violation of this Act and of any failure to make required inspections. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for informal review of any refusal by the Secretary's representative to issue a citation for any alleged violation. Imposes civil penalties upon permittees who violate permit conditions, after opportunity for a public hearing. Sets forth procedures and requirements for such hearings. Authorizes the Attorney General to recover unpaid civil penalties by means of a civil action brought in the appropriate United States district court. Provides for fines or imprisonment or both for willful and knowing violations of permit conditions, for knowingly making any false statement, representation, or certification, for failing to provide required information, or for failure to correct a cited violation issued under this Act within the specified time period. Requires, as a condition of approval of any State program submitted pursuant to this Act, that such program provide for penalties at least as stringent as those set forth in this Act for violations thereof. Imposes upon corporate violators the same penalties which may be imposed upon non-corporate violators. Authorizes the appropriate regulatory authority to release all or part of the performance bond filed in connection with any oil shale mining and reclamation operations upon notification and request for such release, and upon a finding by the regulatory authority that the reclamation covered by the bond has been accomplished as required by this Act. Sets forth procedures for filing objections to the proposed release of a performance bond by any person with a valid legal interest which might be adversely affected thereby, or by the responsible officer or head of any Federal, State, or local governmental agency having jurisdiction as to environmental, social, or economic impact involved in the operation, or having authority to develop and enforce environmental standards. Authorizes citizen suits to be brought in the appropriate United States district court to compel compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary or a State regulatory authority, if not a party in such actions, to intervene as a matter of right. Authorizes the court to award the costs of such litigation to any party deemed appropriately entitled thereto. Authorizes any person injured in his person or property through the violation by any operator of any rule, regulation, order, or permit issued pursuant to this Act to bring an action for damages, including attorney and expert witness fees, in the appropriate judicial district. Stipulates that such action shall not affect any rights established by or limits imposed under State workmen's compensation laws. Sets forth enforcement procedures to be carried out by the Secretary upon receipt of information that any person is in violation of any requirement of this Act or permit condition required thereby. Provides for notification of suspected violations to be made to a State regulatory authority if one exists. Grants a ten day notification period to suspected violators to correct any violations, except in the case of imminent danger of significant environment harm, in which case the Secretary or his representative shall order an immediate cessation of the oil shale and reclamation operations posing such a danger, and shall impose affirmative obligations on the operator in the event such cessation order will not alone result in abatement of the danger. Sets forth procedures to be carried out by the Secretary upon the receipt of information that violations of an approved State program are resulting from a failure of a State to enforce its program. Authorizes the Secretary to request the Attorney General to institute a civil action for relief in the appropriate United States district court whenever a permittee or his agent: (1) violates or fails or refuses to comply with the Secretary's orders; (2) interferes with or delays the Secretary or his representative from carrying out the provisions of this Act; (3) refuses to admit such representative to the mine; (4) refuses to permit an authorized inspection; or (5) refuses to furnish requested information or to permit access to records requested by the Secretary. Requires, as a condition of approval of any State program, that such program provide for enforcement procedures and sanctions at least as stringent as those set forth in this Act. Stipulates that nothing in these provisions shall be construed to eliminate any additional enforcement rights or procedures available under State regulatory authority, but not enumerated under this Act. Directs any State seeking to assume primary regulatory authority under this Act to establish a planning process enabling objective decisions as to which, if any, land areas of a State are unsuitable for oil shale operations pursuant to specified standards. Permits mineral exploration in any such designated area. Excludes from such designation lands on which oil shale operations are being conducted on the date of enactment of this Act or under a permit issued thereunder, or where substantial legal and financial commitments were in existence prior to January 4, 1979. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review as to the suitability or unsuitability of Federal lands for oil shale operations, pursuant to the above specified standards, with certain exceptions. Permits persons having interests which are or may be adversely affected to petition the regulatory authority to have a designation terminated or made as to any such lands. Requires the regulatory authority to hold public hearings on such petitions, and to prepare detailed statements on the oil potential of designated unsuitable areas, the demand for oil resources, and the impact of such designation on the environment, the economy, and the oil supply. Prohibits oil shale operations, except those in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, from being conducted within units of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National System of Trails, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the Wild and Scenic Rivers System (including designated study rivers), and National Recreation Areas. Prohibits such operations: (1) within national forests, unless the Secretary finds that no significant recreational, timber, economic, or other values would be incompatible with such operations; (2) which may adversely affect any publicly owned park or places included in the National Register of Historic Sites with specified exceptions; and (3) within specified distances from public roads or occupied dwellings, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement, in accordance with specified criteria, a Federal lands program applicable to oil shale and reclamation operations taking place on Federal lands, other than Indian lands, pursuant to Federal law. Incorporates by reference the requirements of this Act and the Federal lands program or an approved State oil shale regulation program in any Federal mineral lease, permit, or contract issued by the Secretary involving oil shale or reclamation operation. Authorizes States with approved programs to enter into cooperative agreements with the Secretary to provide for State regulation of oil shale and reclamation operations on Federal lands within the State. Requires any agency, unit, or instrumentality of Federal, State, or local government, including publicly owned utilities and corporations, proposing to engage in oil shale operations subject to this Act, to comply with the provisions of this title. Provides procedures, including public hearings, for review of notices or orders issued by the Secretary to a permittee or adversely affecting any person, and authorizes the Secretary to grant relief from such notices or orders. Directs the Secretary to hold a public hearing following any show cause order to revoke or suspend a permit. Authorizes the assessment against either party of all costs and expenses (including attorney fees) reasonably incurred whenever an order is issued or an administrative proceeding is conducted, or resulting from judicial review therefrom. Authorizes judicial review of any action of the Secretary to approve or disapprove a State program, to prepare or promulgate a Federal program pursuant to this Act, or to issue an order or decision in an administrative proceeding. Authorizes the reviewing court in specified circumstances to grant any temporary relief deemed appropriate pending final determination in any review of an order or decision of the Secretary. Subjects any action of the State regulatory authority pursuant to an approved State program to judicial review by a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with State law. Title IV: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Certain Mining - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to review any area within Federal lands to assess its unsuitability for mining for minerals or minerals other than coal or oil shale pursuant to the criteria and procedures of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1979. Title V: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that this Act's provisions shall not be construed as superceding, amending, modifying, or repealing any of the following Acts or any rule or regulation issued thereunder: (1) the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970; (2) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (3) the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act; (4) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, State laws enacted pursuant thereto, or other Federal water quality laws; (5) the Clean Air Act; (6) the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (7) the Refuse Act of 1899; (8) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934; and (9) the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Provides that nothing in this Act shall in any way affect the authority of the Secretary or other Federal agency heads under other provisions of law to regulate oil shale and reclamation operations on land within their jurisdiction. Requires, to the greatest extent practicable, cooperation between the Secretary and the States and each Federal agency in carrying out this Act. Provides that approval of State regulatory programs, promulgation of Federal regulatory programs, and implementation of the Federal lands programs shall not constitute a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Provides that adoption of environmental protection standards for oil shale and reclamation operations shall constitute a major Federal action thereunder. Sets forth procedures to protect employees from being discharged or in any other way discriminated against as a result of such employee's filing any proceeding under this Act or testifying in any proceeding resulting from administration or enforcement of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year upon any person who willfully resists, prevents, impedes, or interferes with the Secretary or his agents in the performance of their duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and to provide cooperation and assistance to any State for the purpose of assisting in the development, administration, or enforcement of State programs under this Act. Limits such grants to 80 percent of the total costs incurred during the first year, 60 percent for the second year, and 50 percent for each year thereafter. Provides for increased grants where a State elects to regulate oil shale and reclamation operations on Federal lands. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to the President and the Congress on the activities conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes departures from environmental protection performance standards on an experimental basis in order to encourage advances in oil shale operations and reclamation practices or to allow specified postmining land uses if: (1) such experimental practices are potentially more or at least as protective as those standards; (2) the oil shale operations are not larger or more numerous than necessary to determine the effectiveness and economic feasibility of such experimental practices; and (3) such practices do not reduce the protection afforded public health and safety by such standards. Directs the President to insure the coordination of regulatory and inspection activities among the departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to which such activities are assigned by this and other Acts. Prohibits the Secretary from leasing Federal oil shale deposits located under lands the surface rights to which are owned by a surface owner without the consent of such owner where the mining of such deposits is by methods other than underground mining techniques. Provides that surface owners whose lands are proposed to be included in a federally leased tract to be mined by such methods shall be consulted as to their preference for or against the offering of such deposit under their lands. Directs the Secretary, in his discretion, but to the maximum extent practicable, to refrain from leasing such deposits where a significant number of such surface owners oppose the offering. Excludes Indian lands from such requirements. Requires the consent of a permittee or lessee of Federal surface lands prior to the entering and commencing of surface oil shale mining by an operator where such oil shale is owned by the Federal Government. Requires the execution of a bond or undertaking to the United States or the State, for the use and benefit of such permittee or lessee to secure payment of any damages to the surface estate caused to crops or tangible improvements by such mining. Stipulates that such bond is in addition to the performance bond required for reclamation under this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall affect a person's right to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by an oil shale operation. Requires the operator of such operation to replace the water supply of a property owner who obtains all or part of his water from an underground or surface source affected by contamination, diminution, or interruption resulting from such mining operation. Directs the Secretary or the State regulatory authority to issue regulations requiring the training, examination, and certification of persons engaging in or responsible for blasting or the use of explosives in surface oil shale mining operations.

Bill· SS. 848 (96th)referred

Alternative Energy Production Tax Incentive Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

Alternative Energy Production Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to: (1) $3 for each barrel of petroleum substitute produced by converting coal or tar sands into synthetic liquid fuel; (2) $3 for each unit of petroleum substitute containing 5.8 million British thermal units produced by converting coal or tar sands into synthetic solid fuel; (3) $3 for each unit of fuel containing 5.8 million British thermal units produced by converting biomass into fuel or into steam, electricity, or hot water; and (4) $.005 for each kilowatt hour of electrical power generated from a hydrothermal or hot dry rock geothermal resource. Requires a reduction in the amount of such credit for Federal payments made to acquire equipment, facilities, and reserves used to produce energy. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for the credit, that energy production take place within the territorial limits of the United States.

Bill· SS. 850 (96th)referred

National Fuel Alcohol and Farm Commodity Production Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

National Fuel Alcohol and Farm Commodity Production Act of 1979 - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to replace the current program of loan guarantees for pilot project production of industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities with a program under which the Secretary of Agriculture may guarantee payment of 50 percent of loans made by private lenders to persons constructing and maintaining plants for the production of fuel alcohol derived from corn and other agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Secretary to sell corn to such loan recipients and to acquire and use distilled dried grain from them. Specifies conditions for such loan guarantees and sets the maximum cumulative total of outstanding principal and interest during the period from October 1, 1979, through September 30, 1984, at $600,000,000. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Fuel Alcohol Plant Loan Guarantee Fund, and authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 for deposit in such Fund for fiscal year 1980. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the loan level for the 1980 crop of corn at $2.10 per bushel, and the established price at $2.50 per bushel. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require that at least 25 percent of the amount appropriated in any fiscal year for grants for research in the production of industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities be reserved for research relating to the identification and development of agricultural commodities which are usable in the production of agricultural chemicals and fuel alcohol. Removes the $50,000 limit from the total amount of payments which a person shall be entitled to receive for annual feed grains programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 3387 (96th)referred

A bill to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to prepare a comparison of risk prior to the promulgation of any rule or regulation.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from promulgating any rule or regulation without first publishing and making available for public comment a comparison of the risk or risks involved in either issuing or not issuing any such rule or regulation. Specifies that evaluations are to be made of such risks as compared with the issuance of alternative rules or regulations on the same subject, and the use of alternative technological processes, and requires a cost-benefit analysis of such risks as well as an evaluation of the extent to which such risks are not as quantifiable.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 197 (96th)referred

A resolution directing the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to submit to the House of Representatives all available information on the recent incident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Plant and on the danger of similar incidents occurring at other nuclear generating plants.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

Directs the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to submit to the House of Representatives all available information on the recent incident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Plan in Pennsylvania and on the danger of similar incidents occurring at other nuclear generating plants.

Law· HRH.R. 3354 (96th)open

A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for conservation, exploration, development, and use of naval petroleum reserves and naval oil shale reserves, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 to the Department of Energy for conservation, development, and use of naval petroleum reserves and naval oil shale reserves. Directs that not less than 16 commissioned officers of the Navy be detailed to the Department of Energy for service in the Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves.

Bill· HRH.R. 3329 (96th)referred

Oil Import Purchase Authority Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979

Oil Import Purchase Authority Act of 1979 - Makes the Secretary of Energy responsible for the importation of petroleum into the United States. Provides that after October 1, 1979, no petroleum shall be imported except pursuant to a bid submitted to and accepted by the Secretary. Imposes civil and criminal penalties on persons who import petroleum in violation of this Act. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for allocation by sale of all imported petroleum at prices not to vary more than ten percent above or below the cost of acquisition, taking into account the preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry and other factors. Repeals the President's emergency authority to exercise the exclusive right to import and purchase petroleum under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973.

Bill· HRH.R. 3346 (96th)referred

Petroleum Industry Competition Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979

Petroleum Industry Competition Act of 1979 - Makes it unlawful three years after enactment of this Act: (1) for any major petroleum producer to own or control any interest in any refinery, transportation, or marketing asset; (2) for any petroleum transporter to own or control any interest in any production, refinery, or marketing asset; (3) for any major refiner or major marketer to own or control any interest in any production or transportation asset; and (4) for any major refiner to own or control any marketing asset. Makes it unlawful three years after enactment of this Act for any person who owns any refining, production, or marketing asset to transport any crude oil or refined product in which he has an interest by means of any transportation asset in which he has any interest. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to require each person covered under the provisions of this Act to submit within one year of enactment of this Act a plan for divestment of the prohibited assets. Directs the Commission to institute suits in district courts for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Imposes penalties of up to $500,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed ten years, or both, for an individual; and $500,000 or suspension of the right to do business in interstate commerce for a period not to exceed ten years, or both, for a corporation for violations of the provisions of this Act. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation of a lawful order of the Commission.

Bill· SS. 819 (96th)referred

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to amend certain regulations to require gasoline retail outlets to offer a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol, if supplies of such a blend are reasonably available. Stipulates circumstances in which such requirement may be waived. Prohibits the Administrator from imposing a prohibition on the use of alcohol as a fuel unless such imposition will, taken as a whole, result in better air quality than would be the case if no such prohibition were imposed. Title II: Gasohol Motor Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the use of alcohol-blended fuels in the United States. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with other specified Secretaries, to study: (1) the most suitable raw materials, other than petroleum or natural gas, for the production of alcohol motor fuel; and (2) the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution systems and the various production processes, using feedstock other than petroleum and natural gas. Directs the Secretary, within six months after the completion of the study, to establish goals for the production of alcohol motor fuel in the United States in each of the calendar years 1982 through 1991, beginning with one percent by volume of the projected consumption of gasoline used as motor fuel in 1982, and culminating with ten percent of the corresponding projected consumption in 1991. Specifies a similar schedule for refiners for the blending of alcohol and gasoline for motor fuel over the same period of time. Instructs the Secretary to determine goals which are technically and economically feasible, and which result in steady progress toward meeting the goal set for 1991. Requires annual reports from refiners to the Secretary. Establishes a civil penalty of $1.00 per gallon of fuel sold that is not in compliance with such requirements. Requires any person constructing a facility to distill alcohol for motor fuel to use fuel sources which are renewable. Title III: Alcohol Production Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction, for income tax purposes, with respect to the amortization of any qualified alcohol-producing facility based on a period of 60 months. Defines such a facility as a tangible property used in producing alcohol (the primary use of which is fuel or other petroleum substitution) from coal or biomass. Specifies a formula for determining the amount of such deduction.

Bill· HRH.R. 3301 (96th)referred

A bill to extend and strengthen Subsection (l) of Section 2403 of 50 U.S.C. App. (the McKinney Amendment to the Export Administration Amendments of 1977).

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to permit the exportation of domestically produced crude oil in exchange for the same quantity of oil, if such exchange achieves lower prices for U.S. consumers. Repeals the time limit on the prohibition of oil exports. Revises the conditions under which crude oil may be exported or exchanged to require: (1) a finding by the President verified by the General Accounting Office that such export or exchange results in lower acquisition costs and reduced prices; and (2) congressional approval within 60 days. Permits the exportation of oil to friendly foreign countries pursuant to bilateral international agreements if the President first reports to Congress and keeps Congress continually informed. Requires such exports to cease if Congress disapproves.

Bill· HRH.R. 3291 (96th)referred

A bill to amend section 15d of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to provide that expenditures for pollution control facilities will be credited against required power investment return payments and repayments.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act to allow credits against required power investment return payments for expenditures for certified pollution control facilities. Requires that pollution control facilities be certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as being in compliance with applicable air and water quality standards.

Bill· HRH.R. 3283 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prevent certain nuclear reactor repair costs and increased costs of substitute power from being passed through to an electric utility's consumers when the generation of electric energy by any nuclear power plant is suspended or terminated for a safety-related reason, to provide a Federal fund for the payment of these costs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prevent nuclear reactor repair costs and increased costs of substitute power from being passed through to an electric utility's customers when the generation of electric energy by any nuclear powerplant is suspended or terminated for a safety related reason. Establishes a Nuclear Reactor Shut-down Fund to reimburse any electric utility for such excess energy cost and repair or construction costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 3302 (96th)referred

Nuclear Power Facility Siting and Licensing Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Nuclear Power Facility Siting and Licensing Act of 1979 - Title I: Siting and Licensing - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, upon initially granting a construction permit for nuclear power facilities, to provide on-site inspection of such construction to ensure conformity with the permit and Commission rules and regulations. Authorizes the Commission to issue an operating license upon finding such conformity and in the absence of good cause showing why the granting of such license would not be in accordance with such Act. Authorizes the Commission to require facility design or construction modifications after a construction permit is issued, in order to provide additional health and safety protection. Amends such Act to include among those actions for which hearings may be granted any proceeding for the granting, suspending, revoking, renewing, or amending of a facility design or design of a subsystem thereof. Sets forth notice requirements for such hearings. Authorizes the Commission to permit interim operation of nuclear power facilities or to issue an interim amendment to a facility's operating license upon a finding that the public health and safety, the common defense and security, and the environment will be adequately protected during the period of interim operation and that such interim operation is in the public interest. Authorizes the Commission to issue a site permit for approval of a site for one or more nuclear power facilities upon the application of any person, notwithstanding the fact that no construction permit for such facility or facilities has been filed. Sets forth criteria for such application approval and specifies the information to be included in such application. Authorizes the renewal of such site permits between 18 and 48 months prior to the expiration of the ten year permit validity period. Authorizes the Commission to approve standardized facility design and facility subsystems by means of rulemaking or a manufacturing license proceeding. Authorizes the Commission to consider proposed modifications to such facility designs and to require such modification upon proof, established by the Commission at a hearing, that such modification will produce significant additional protection for public health and safety and that the value of such protection exceeds the additional costs associated therewith. Authorizes the renewal of such rules or manufacturing licenses between 12 and 18 months prior to the expiration of the five-year validity period. Title II: Federal and State Coordination - Directs the Commission to coordinate its licensing functions with Federal and State agencies having responsibility for nuclear power facilities, and to eliminate unnecessary duplication and delay in the licensing process. Sets forth procedures and time limitations for specified steps in the licensing process. Defers to the States the determination of need for such facilities. Directs the Governor of any State seeking to qualify for Federal funding of a program to cooperate with the Commission in its licensing process to submit a proposed program for review. Authorizes the Commission to establish State program review guidelines based on criteria set forth in this Act. Authorizes the Commission to make grants for the development and administration of such programs. Directs the President to establish a Federal/State Licensing Study Commission to further facilitate such coordination and cooperation in the licensing process. Provides that upon submission of its report and recommendations to the President and the Congress, such Commission shall expire, but not later than 18 months after it is established. Title III: Regulation of Airborne Effluents - Relieves the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of his authority under the Clean Air Act to classify airborne emissions of radioactive materials from nuclear power facilities upon promulgation by the Commission of rules and regulations governing such materials. Title IV: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. Title V: Effective Date - Sets the effective date of this Act as of the date of its enactment. Provides for a waiver of up to two years of any of its provisions if consistent with the purpose of this Act.

Bill· SS. 792 (96th)referred

High Water Cut Crude Oil Incentives Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

High Water Cut Crude Oil Incentives Act of 1979 - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to allow the first sale of qualified high water cut crude oil to be exempt from price regulation under such Act. Requires a well to be producing at the maximum feasible rate throughout a 12-month period and in accordance with recognized conservation practices to qualify for such exemption.

Bill· SS. 771 (96th)referred

Energy Stamp Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Energy Stamp Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Community Services Administrator to establish an energy stamp program to assist eligible households in meeting heating costs. Authorizes the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish eligibility criteria. Requires the printing of energy stamps. Authorizes the Director to establish standards with respect to the allotment of energy stamps. Sets forth procedures for redemption of such coupons, and administration and financing of the energy stamp program through local agencies. Establishes penalties for the unauthorized use, transfer, or alteration of such coupons. Stipulates that the benefits received pursuant to this program shall not be considered as income for internal revenue purposes or for determination of eligibility for other federally-related benefits programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 3243 (96th)reported

Crude Oil Transportation Amendments Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Crude Oil Transportation Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to authorize the President to recommend the waiver of State laws (in addition to Federal laws as currently provided) to expedite the transportation of crude oil. Directs the President to identify and report to Congress any provisions of Federal or State law which are likely to hinder the timely construction of the Long Beach-Midland project. Provides for the subsequent review of such legislative provisions. Extends the period for the filing and consideration of applications for proposed crude oil transportation systems.

Bill· HRH.R. 3247 (96th)referred

Crude Oil Transportation Amendments Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Crude Oil Transportation Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to authorize the President to recommend the waiver of State laws (in addition to Federal laws as currently provided) to expedite the transportation of crude oil. Extends the period for the filing and consideration of application for proposed crude oil transportation systems.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 181 (96th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the implementation of Standby Energy Conservation Plan Number One; Emergency Weekend Gasoline Sales Restrictions.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Energy should: (1) submit to Congress a standby conservation plan which accounts for the economic impacts of restricted energy use; and (2) provide the States with resources and support for the implementation of energy conservation programs.

PreviousPage 10 of 11Next