Energy

Bill· HRH.R. 3755 (94th)referred

Natural Gas Priority Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975

Natural Gas Priority Act - Provides, under the Natural Gas Act, a priority system for specified agricultural uses of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to prohibit any interruption or curtailment of natural gas and take such other steps as are necessary to assure as soon as possible the availability in interstate commerce of sufficient guantities of natural gas for use as a raw material feedstock or process fuel in the production of fertilizer, animal feed grade chemicals, essential agricultural chemicals, and for use in agricultural crop drying. Defines "sufficient quantities of natural gas" for purposes of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3751 (94th)referred

National Energy and Conservation Corporation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975

National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) Act - Declares the finding of Congress that Government-sponsored exploration, development, investment in and production of petroleum reserves will increase petroleum production on public lands and tidelands. Establishes a National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) to achieve specified goals, including: (1) the exploration, development, and production of public lands and tideland oil, natural gas, oil shale, and coal either independently or in partnership with private industry; and (2) the acceleration of the creation and demonstration of specified technologies. Declares it to be the policy of Congress that costs of production of offshore oil and natural gas and the manufacture of liquid and gaseous fuels from oil shale and coal will be funded through appropriations should such costs exceed market prices. States that fuels produced by the Corporation shall be sold on the open market by competive bid, provided that 50 percent of the production shall be reserved for bids from publicly owned utilities and from State, county, municipal, and other government bodies. Provides a Board of Directors for the Corporation to consist of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets compensation for Board members and the procedure for removal. Authorizes the Board to appoint such personnel as are necessary for the transaction of the Corporation's business and to fix their compensation. Enumerates the Corporation's powers and duties, including: (1) the power to sue; (2) to make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act; and (3) holding power in the name of the United States to exercise the right of eminent domain. States that, in carrying out its duties under this Act, the Corporation may conduct research and development with a view toward improving the technology related to the use of oil shale, gasification of coal methods, geothermal steam, and solar energy as sources of energy for domestic and industrial used in the United States. Requires the Corporation at all times to maintain and complete accurate account books. States that all purchases and contracts for supplies or services, except for personal service, made by the Corporation, shall be made after advertising . Requires the Board to file with the President and the Congress, in December of each year, a financial statement and a complete report as to the business of the Corporation covering the preceding governmental fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the transactions of the Corporation at such times as he shall determine, but not less often than once each governmental fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, not to exceed $30,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time, which bonds may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that the payment of interest and principal on such bonds shall be guaranteed by the United States. Authorizes the Corporation to institute proceedings for the acquisition by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights-of-way which, in the opinion of the Corporation, are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that such actions shall be instituted in the U.S. district court for the district in which the land, easement, or right-of-way is located. Gives the Corporation access to the Patent Office for the purpose of studying, ascertaining, and copying all methods, formulas, and scientific information necessary to enable the Corporation to use and employ the most efficacious and economical process for the exploration and development of energy resources. States that all general penal statutes relating to the larceny, embezzlement, conversion, or to the improper handling, retention, use, or disposal of public money's or property of the United States, shall apply to the moneys and property of the Corporation. Provides that any person who, with intent to defraud the Corporation, or to deceive any director, officer, or employee of the Corporation or any officer or employee of the United States, shall be find not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if he: (1) makes any false entry in any book or the Corporation; (2) makes any false report or statement for the Corporation. Provides a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for any person who receives any compensation, rebate, or reward, or enters into any conspiracy, collusion, or agreement, express or implied, with intent to defraud the Corporation. States that the proceeds derived by the Board from the sale of energy minerals or any other products manufactured by the Corporation shall be paid into the U.S. Treasury, except such proceeds as are determined necessary for the operation of the Corporation's energy minerals resources exploration and development program. Exempts also a continuing fund of $2,000,000 to defray emergency expenses and to insure continuous operation. Provides that the Corporation shall give all possible weight to the protection of the environment in the siting and design of facilities constructed pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Allows the expenditure of such sums as needed without fiscal year limitation.

Bill· SS. 833 (94th)referred

Emergency Natural Gas Allocation Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Emergency Natural Gas Allocation Act - Grants, under the Natural Gas Act, the Federal Power Commission emergency authority to allocate supplies of natural gas in cases where the Commission finds that the reduction of natural gas supplies in any area for residential heating or industrial purposes will seriously endanger public health, safety or welfare.

Bill· SS. 834 (94th)referred

A bill to provide that moneys due the States under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, derived from the development of oil shale resources, may be used for purposes other than public roads and schools.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Provides that moneys due the States under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, derived from the development of oil shale resources, may be used for purposes other than public roads and schools, with priority for such use to be given to areas of the States impacted by the development of research activities. (Amends 30 U.S.C. 191)

Bill· SS. 826 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 in order to authorize financial assistance to coastal States to enable them to study, assess, and plan effectively with respect to the impact within their coastal zones of off-shore energy-related facilities and activities and to assure the maximum effectiveness of the coastal zone management plans of such States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Prohibits Federal agencies from commencing any preproduction exploration (except geophysical exploration) or production with respect to any offshore energy facility within any area of the Outer Continental Shelf before the affected coastal state (1) develops, and the Secretary of Commerce approves, the coastal zone management program pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act concerning the impact on the coastal zone of such State of activities related to the development and operation of offshore energy facilities in such area; or (2) certifies to the Secretary that the prohibition on such Federal agency action set forth in this Act shall not apply with respect to the area of the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to such State. Permits other coastal States to petition the Secretary to suspend Federal agency action in non-adjacent Continental Shelf areas if such state considers that such action may have an impact on its own coastal zone. Requires each appropriate Federal agency to inform, on a continuing basis, all affected coastal States of the nature, location, and magnitude of potential resources in or on the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires such agencies to coordinate and consult with affected coastal states likely to be impacted by exploration and development of such resources. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to coastal States for one or more of the following activities: (1) The collection and assessment of the economic, environmental, and social data which is necessary to enable such State to identify and designate those sites within or adjacent to its coastal zone which are suitable or unsuitable for the location of related on-shore facilities; (2) the development of a process for the selection and designation of such sites within, or adjacent to, its coastal zone; and (3) the construction of such public facilities and works, and the provision of such public services, as may be necessary and appropriate to privide for the integration of any related on-shore facility into the community where sited. Sets forth criteria to be met by states in order to be eligible for such grants. Establishes the Affected Coastal States Fund for the purposes of making grants under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1976 and 1977 and such sums as may be necessary for subsequent fiscal years.

Bill· HRH.R. 3734 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide for environmental review of proposed nuclear powerplants.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Empowers the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enter into an agreement with any State agency or regional agency under which such State or regional agency shall conduct an environmental review of and shall issue or deny an application for a site certificate for any proposed nuclear power reactor site in the State or region with respect to which such agency has jurisdiction. States that any such agreement shall expire ten years from its effective date and the parties may agree to enter into subsequent agreements. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, formulate any requirements to be imposed in any such agreement. Provides that such an agreement shall provide that a State or regional agency may issue a site certificate for a proposed nuclear power reactor only if such agency finds, after having considered and balanced the environmental and economic costs and benefits of the nuclear power reactor if constructed on the site proposed, the need for electric power, and other relevant factors, that the construction and operation of the nuclear power reactor on the proposed site is in the public interest. States that any such agreement shall provide that in making site certification decisions the State or regional agency which is a party to the agreement shall, on its own motion or on application of any person proposing to construct a nuclear power reactor: (1) conduct a thorough review of all environmental effects; (2) hold public hearings and offer to consider comments from any affected Federal, State, or local agency; and (3) prepare a detailed environmental impact statement on the proposed site. Requires such an agency to issue, within one year after submission of an application for a site certificate by a person proposing to construct one or more nuclear power reactors, a final decision granting or denying a site certificate to the applicant. States that in any proceeding under this Act concerning a license or construction permit, or application to transfer control, and in any proceeding dealing with the activities of licenses, or for the payment of compensation, the Commission shall grant a hearing upon the request of any person whose interest may be affected by the proceeding. Provides that, unless a State or regional agency is party to such an agreement at the time site approval is sought for one or more nuclear power reactors, the Commission is authorized to consider and grant or deny by order an application by any person for approval of a site for one or more nuclear power reactors, except that such construction permit or operating license or amendment to a construction permit or operating license for a nuclear power reactor shall not be issued unless all site-related restrictions in the site approval are complied with. Authorizes the Commission to consider and grant or deny petitions for the issuance of a rule or on its own initiative issue a rule approving the preliminary or final design of part of a nuclear power reactor. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to complete the results of the survey to locate possible nuclear energy center sites by October 11, 1975. Requires that Nuclear energy centers be established on at least five of the sites by October 11, 1976. Requires that all nuclear energy center sites be owned and managed by the Energy Research and Development Administration. Requires that all elements of the nuclear fuel cycle licensed for construction by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission be located on a nuclear energy center site.

Bill· HRH.R. 3712 (94th)referred

Homeowners' Energy Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Homeowner's Energy Conservation Act - Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development a direct low-interest loan program to assist homeowners and other owners of residential structures in purchasing and installing more effective insulation and heating equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3713 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to encourage greater conservation of energy in home heating and cooling by allowing individuals a credit for 25 percent of amounts paid or incurred for the installation of more effective insulation and heating equipment in existing residential structures.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 25 percent (up to $375 per year or $750 for a joint return) of amounts paid or incurred for the installation of qualified insulation and heating equipment in existing residential structures. Defines the terms "qualified insulative materials" and "qualified heating equipment". States that such income tax credits shall be available for the taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975.

Bill· HRH.R. 3735 (94th)referred

Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation Act - Creates the "Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation" to establish and administer on Federal land a national program of oil shale exploration and development. Provides that the Corporation shall have a Board of Directors appointed by the President with Senate approval, such board to direct the exercise of all the powers of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation: (1) may make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act: (2) may purchase, lease, or dispose of such property as it deems necessary; (3) shall have the power to exercise the right of eminent domain; (4) shall have such power as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers specifically conferred in this Act; (5) shall have the power to acquire or dispose of real property except for oil or gas exploration and development; (6) shall have the power to explore for oil shale on Federal lands, to develop and sell oil and gas and other oil shale products produced on Federal lands, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources, as authorized by this Act; (7) shall have the power to explore, develop, acquire or sell oil and gas and other oil shale products alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or public entity; (8) shall have the power to engage in research directed toward the development and utilization of oil shale deposits on Federal lands, and may build, own, and operate research testing, or demonstration facilities, alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or other public entity; (9) shall have the power to obtain and operate facilities necessary for the production, sale, transportation, or delivery of oil, gas, or other shale products; and (10) shall have the power to sell commercially valuable minerals which may be obtained incidental to the production of oil shale products on Federal lands. Authorizes the President of the United States to transfer to the Corporation the use, possession, and control of such other Federal land or personal property of the United States as he may from time to time deem necessary. Specifies, with respect to the Corporation, procedures for maintaining accounts, entering into contracts, and providing annual financial statements and reports. Provides for audit, by the Comptroller General, of the transactions of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to lease, purchase, or construct transmission pipelines within transmission distance from the place where oil and gas products from oil shale on Federal lands are produced and to interconnect with other systems. Authorizes and directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation,, in order to render financial assistance to States and local governments within whose jurisdiction the Corporation has acquired properties previously subject to State and local taxation, to pay to such State and local governments percentages of the gross proceeds derived from the operation of the Corporation. Provides that such payments are in lieu of taxation and that the Corporation, its property, franchises, and income are expressly exempted from taxation in any manner by any State or local government. Authorizes the Corporation to issue and sell bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness in order to assist in financing its oil shale resources exploration and development program and to fund such bonds. Provides criteria for setting of rates for sale of oil shale products by the Corporation. Provides that all net proceeds (over expenses) of the Corporation for each fiscal year shall be deposited in the American Indian Fund, such Fund to be created in the Treasury of the United States. Provides for the allocation of such Fund to eligible Indian tribes by the Secretary of Interior under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act. Directs that, prior to the initiation of any program of exploration or the construction of any major facility under this Act, the Corporation shall prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, such statement to be made public. Provides that hearings be held to allow interested persons to submit comments on the statement. Prohibits the Corporation from using surface mining techniques for the exploration or development of oil shale resources. Authorizes the appropriation to the Corporation for each fiscal year of all sums necessary to carry out this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3715 (94th)referred

A bill to require the President to take all necessary action to strictly enforce the regulation promulgated under section 4 of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 and all orders issued under such act.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Directs the President to take all necessary action to enforce the regulation which he was required to promulgate under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, and all orders issued under such Act to insure compliance throughout all regions of the United States and all sectors of the petroleum industry. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to monitor and investigate all actions taken by the President to enforce the regulations and orders issued under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3630 (94th)referred

A bill to give greater assurance that national and regional needs are satisfied in times of shortage of natural gas and petroleum and its products.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Declares the finding of Congress that domestic supplies of natural gas and petroleum are not sufficient to meet present and anticipated national and regional needs. Declares that the purpose of this Act include: (1) to direct the Federal Power Commission to observe specified congressionally defined objectives in the administration of its authority under the Natural Gas Act respecting the curtailment of natural gas distributed in interstate commerce; and (2) to establish a means to compel transfers of supplies of naturl gas among natural-gas companies. Directs the Commission to review each curtailment plan which is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, and to modify such plan as to assure the attainment of the goals set forth in this Act. Provides that any curtailment plan shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide for: (1) the protection of public health, safety, and welfare, and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; and (4) minimization of economic distortion. Directs the Commission to direct the interchange, delivery, or transportation of natural gas among natural-gas companies as may be appropriate to the attainment of such objectives. Sets forth procedures for notice to the public and companies who may be affected by specified Commission action.

Bill· HRH.R. 3637 (94th)referred

A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 in order to authorize financial assistance to coastal States to enable them to study, assess, and plan effectively with respect to the impact within their coastal zones of off-shore energy-related facilities and activities and to assure the maximum effectiveness of the coastal zone management plans of such States; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Prohibits Federal agencies from commencing any preproduction exploration (except geophysical exploration) or production with respect to any offshore energy facility within any area of the Outer Continental Shelf before the affected coastal State: (1) develops, and the Secretary of Commerce approves, the coastal zone management program pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act concerning the impact on the coastal zone of such State of activities related to the development and operation of offshore energy facilities in such area; or (2) certifies to the Secretary that the prohibition on such Federal agency action set forth in this Act shall not apply with respect to the area of the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to such State. Permits other coastal States to petition the Secretary to suspend Federal agency action in non-adjacent Continental Shelf areas if such State considers that such action may have an impact on its own coastal zone. Requires each appropriate Federal agency to inform, on a continuing basis, all affected coastal States of the nature, location, and magnitude of potential resources in or on the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires such agencies to coordinate and consult with affected coastal States likely to be impacted by exploration and development of such resources. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to coastal States for one or more of the following activities: (1) the collection and assement of the economic, environmental and social data which is necessary to enable such State to identify and designate those sites within or adjacent to its coastal zone which are suitable or unsuitable for the location of related on-shore facilities; (2) the development of a process for the selection and designation of such sites within, or adjacent to, its coastal zone; and (3) the construction of such public facilities and works, and the provision of such public services, as may be necessary and appropriate to provide for the integration of any related on-shore facility into the community where sited. Sets forth criteria to be met by States in order to be eligible for such grants. Establishes the Affected Coastal States Fund for the purposes of making grants under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1976 and 1977 and such sums as may be necessary for subsequent fiscal years.

Bill· HRH.R. 3618 (94th)referred

Plutonium Recovery Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Plutonium Recovery Control Act - Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing, permitting, or otherwise authorizing, except for military or research and development purposes, (1) the operation of any nuclear power reactor using recycled plutonium fuel, or (2) the construction or operation of any facility which reprocesses or recovers plutonium from spent nuclear power reactor fuel. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct and complete within three years a comprehensive study of the recycling of plutonium for the purpose of determining the extent of the dangers to the public health and safety and to the environment from such recycling. States that such study shall include: (1) investigation of the toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics of plutonium; (2) investigation of the risks of the unauthorized diversion or theft of plutonium; and (3) consideration of the development of systems for the use of plutonium which will assure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. Provides that the prohibitions expressed in this Act shall continue until Congress legislates otherwise.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 253 (94th)referred

Resolution disapproving the deferral of certain budget authority relating to atomic energy which is proposed by the President in his message of November 26, 1974, transmitted under section 1013 of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

States that the House of Representatives disapproves the deferral of budget authority relating to atomic energy which is proposed by the President in his message of November 26, 1974, transmitted under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 251 (94th)referred

Resolution to request that the Department of Justice investigate the Federal Energy Administration with respect to any possible conflicts of interests.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975

Requests that the Department of Justice to investigate the Federal Energy Administration with respect to any conflicts of interest.

Bill· SS. 822 (94th)referred

A bill to reduce oil imports into the United States; to provide for the exploration and development of Naval Petroleum Reserves.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975

Title I: Oil Imports - Provides that during the twelve- month period commencing on the first day of the first calendar month following the effective date of this Act, and each twelve-month period thereafter, imports of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products into the United States shall not exceed in the aggregate an amount equal to twice the aggregate amount of crude oil and the crude oil equivalency of residual fuel oil and refined petroleum products imported during the period commencing July 1, l974, and ending December 31, 1974, reduced by one hundred eighty-two million five hundred thousand barrels, except that, in order to provide a transition for reduced imports of such oil and products and to reduce the immediate impact on consumers and the economy, an additional thirty million barrels of crude oil or its equivalency in residual fuel oil and refined petroleum products may be imported into the United States during the first one hundred and twenty days of the first such twelve-month period following the effective date of this Act. Provides that on and after the first day of the first calendar month following the effective date of this Act, no crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products shall be imported into the United States except pursuant to a license issued by the Secretary of Commerce and in accordance with quota limitations established by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with this Act. Title II: Development and Production of Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes the production of petroleum (including crude oil and associated gas and other hydrocarbons) from Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 at a rate to help insure that the domestic and national defense needs are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to conduct a program of exploration for oil and gas on Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 4 in order to determine the extent of oil and gas resources therein. Requires that such program be completed within ten years from the date of the enactment of this title. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to make annual reports to the Congress regarding the progress, results, and findings of such exploration program. Establishes on the books of the Treasury Department the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. Requires that such account shall be administered by the Secretary of the Navy under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Title III: Oil and Gas Development - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to require that any oil and gas field on lands or interests in lands owned by the United States, including lands on the Outer Continental Shelf: (1) be fully developed as expediently as is reasonably justified; (2) be produced at the maximum efficient rate of production where such field has not been so developed and produced; or (3) be produced in excess of its maximum efficient rate of production if the Secretary finds that production at such rates is necessary to meet essential national energy requirements. Title IV: Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Standards - Directs, under the Clean Air Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prescribe standards requiring that any light duty vehicle or engine manufactured for model year 1980 or thereafter which uses a liquid petroleum product for fuel be able to provide at least twenty miles of transportation under average highway driving conditions for each gallon of fuel consumed. Title V: Export Controls on Certain Drilling and Mining Equipment - Provides that at least quarterly during any period of nationwide energy emergency, and at least annually during any other period, the Secretary of Commerce shall determine the quantity of each essential drilling or mining article, if any, that will be available for export during the succeeding quarter or year, as the case may be, and shall cause such determination to be published in the Federal Register. States that the quantity of any such article which remains, if any, shall be the quantity available for export. Provides that no essential drilling or mining article may be exported to any foreign country unless the exporter has been issued a license by the Secretary for the export of a quantity of such article to such country, or unless such export is exempt. Title VI: Experimental Conservation Program for Gasoline - Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to financially assist each of the several States in carrying out experimental gasoline conservation programs for motor vehicles involving primarily a twenty- four hour restriction on the use of a motor vehicle covered by such program during each seven-day period. Provides that financial assistance under this title shall be provided in such manner and in such amounts and subject to such conditions as the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration shall by regulation prescribe. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title VII: Energy Information Bank - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, utilizing the capabilities of appropriate Federal agencies to the maximum extent possible, to establish and operate an Energy Information Data Bank for the purpose of collecting, reviewing, processing, and disseminating information and data on energy, including resources, reserves, stocks, and technologies. Sets limitations on the disclosure of such information. Title VIII: Governor's Advisory Council - Establishes a "Governors' Advisory Council" to be composed of nine Governors appointed by the President of the United State on the basis of recommendations of the National Governors Conference. Makes it the function of the Council to advise the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration with respect to matters under his jurisdiction and to review all regulations promulgated by the Administrator and to make recommendations to him with respect thereto. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.

Bill· HRH.R. 3594 (94th)referred

A bill to provide that moneys due the States under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, derived from the development of oil shale resources, may be used for purposes other than public roads and schools.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975

Provides that moneys due to the States under the Mineral Leasing Act from revenues derived from the development of oil shale resources may be used for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities and provision of public services (presently limits expenditure of such funds to public roads and schools).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 247 (94th)referred

Resolution to request that the House of Representatives proceed without delay in its consideration of legislation with respect to the Nation's economic and energy problems.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975

Declares that the committees of the House of Representatives should assign top priority to bills within their jurisdiction which deal with solutions to the National economic and energy problems, and should work at least five days each week on these top priority bills in order to report them to the House for its consideration within the ninety-day period the Congress has reserved for its deliberations. Declares that the Committee on Rules and the leadership of the House should assign top priority to consideration and action on bills dealing with solutions to the Nation's economic and energy problems.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 239 (94th)referred

Resolution for more effort by Congress to solve economic and energy problems.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975

Declares that the House of Representatives postpone all recesses until these economic and energy dilemmas have been met with proper and equitable legislation. Declares that the committees of the House should meet more often and should concentrate their efforts in such meetings to solve these economic and energy dilemmas; and that bills dealing with our economic and energy dilemmas should be reported promptly to the House for consideration. Declares that the House should meet on Mondays through Fridays or more often if necessary to facilitate prompt consideration of legislation dealing with the economy and energy.

Bill· SS. 768 (94th)referred

A bill to exempt small independent oil products from the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Exempts small independent oil producers from the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Defines "small independent oil producer "as any person who owns five thousand or fewer barrels per day of domestic oil production; and who refines not more than thirty thousand barrels per day of petroleum products.

Bill· HRH.R. 3472 (94th)referred

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.

Law· HRH.R. 3474 (94th)open

A bill to authorize appropriations to the Energy Research and Development Administration in accordance with section 261 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, section 305 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, and section 16 of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal year 1976 - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Energy Research and Development Administration specified sums for research, development, and national security purposes for fiscal year 1976. Title II: Authorization of Appropriations for the Period July 1, 1976 Through September 30, 1976 - Authorizes appropriations for the Energy Research and Development Administration for the period July 1, 1976 through September 30, 1976. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1977 - Authorizes appropriations to the Energy Research and Development Administration for fiscal year 1977. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Administration to perform construction design services under urgent circumstances upon the enactment of legislation appropriating funds for such construction. Allows the monies appropriated pursuant to this Act to remain available until expended.

Bill· HRH.R. 3463 (94th)referred

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.

Bill· HRH.R. 3413 (94th)referred

Black Lung Benefit Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Black Lung Benefit Act - Defines "total disability" under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act as having the meaning given it by regulation of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, except that: (1) in the case of a living miner, such regulations shall provide that a miner shall be considered totally disabled when pneumoconiosis prevents him from engaging in gainful employment requiring the skills and abilities comparable to those of any employment in a mine or mines in which he previously engaged with some regularity and over a substantial period of time; (2) in the case of a deceased miner, such regulations shall provide that the fact that a miner was employed by a mine at the time of his death shall not be used as evidence that the miner was not totally disabled; and (3) such regulations shall not provide more restrictive criteria than those applicable under the Social Security Act. States that if a miner was employed for 15 years or more in one or more underground coal mines, there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his dealth he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay benefits to all previous claimants who have become eligible for benefits as a result of the enactment of this Act. Requires that at least 5 members of the Advisory Committee on Coal Mine Health Research be miners or retired miners.

Bill· HRH.R. 3399 (94th)referred

A bill to provide for protection of franchised dealers in petroleum products.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 228 (94th)referred

Joint resolution to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish on certain public lands of the U.S. national petroleum reserves the development of which needs to be regulated in a manner consistent with the total energy needs of the Nation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish on specified public lands of the United States national petroleum reserves the development of which needs to be regulated in a manner consistent with the total energy needs of the Nation, including but not limited to, national defense. Requires the Secretary to review the potential for oil and gas production, in the State of Alaska, and to submit to Congress within one year a plan of development.

Bill· HRH.R. 3324 (94th)referred