Energy

Donna R. Fitzpatrick, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Conservation and Renewable Energy), vice Joseph J. Trible, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 1 August 1985

Anthony G. Sousa, of Hawaii, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 20, 1988. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 1 August 1985

A bill to transfer title, control, and custody of certain lands near Aiken, South Carolina from the United States Department of Agriculture to the United States Department of Energy.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985

Transfers specified U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, lands at the Savannah River Plant near Aiken, South Carolina, to the Department of Energy.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to confer responsibility upon: (1) each State for the disposal of specified low-level radioactive waste either by itself or in cooperation with other States; and (2) the Federal Government for ensuring the safe disposal of specified high-level and low-level radioactive waste materials. Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a comprehensive report regarding the safe disposal of certain radioactive waste. Authorizes the States to enter into regional compacts to establish and operate regional low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. Declares such compacts and regional activities inapplicable to: (1) low-level radioactive waste activities generated by the Secretary; or (2) low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities operated exclusively for federally produced waste. Subjects low-level radioactive waste generated by the Federal Government to the same conditions as any such waste which is not generated by Federal activities. Requires each compact to provide that every five years the Congress may by law withdraw its consent. Requires each State in which a regional disposal facility is located to make disposal capacity available for low-level radioactive waste generated by certain commercial nuclear power reactors. Requires the States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada to enter into an agreement with each other to establish which disposal facility shall accept low-level radioactive waste from which generators of such waste. Sets limitations upon: (1) the availability of disposal capacity for low-level radioactive waste from specified sources; and (2) the allocations of disposal capacity for certain commercial nuclear power reactors. Sets requirements for access to regional disposal facilities by non-sited compact regions or by non-compact member States that do not have an operating regional disposal facility. Authorizes the suspension or denial of access to regional disposal facilities if such requirements are not met. Specifies disposal capacity allocations during a three-year licensing and construction period for low-level radioactive waste generators located within a non-sited compact region, or within a State that is not a member of a compact region. Sets guidelines for the assignment of disposal capacity allocations among eligible commercial nuclear power reactors. Directs the States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada to enter into an agreement with each other for the allocation of additional disposal capacity among commercial nuclear power reactors whose allocations have been inadequate for specified reasons. Sets forth guidelines under which low-level radioactive waste disposal limitations or requirements are suspended due to emergency conditions. Authorizes the State in which a regional disposal facility is located to impose a surcharge upon low-level radioactive waste disposal. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and each agreement State to ensure that low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities licensed by the Commission or agreement State are bonded or covered by other financial assurance for a safe and environmentally sound radioactive waste disposal operation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to furnish technical and financial assistance to compact regions and to States seeking assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress regarding the operation of the national system for the management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to promulgate criteria for: (1) the licensing of low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities that use disposal methods other than shallow land burial; and (2) the disposal of certain material classified as low-level radioactive waste.

Pacific Northwest Power Authority Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985

Pacific Northwest Power Authority Act of 1985 - Amends Federal law regarding the Pacific Northwest Federal Transmission System to grant congressional consent to an agreement establishing the Pacific Northwest Power Authority to be governed by members of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council elected by the voters of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Directs the Council to establish the Pacific Northwest Power Authority to purchase and operate the Federal Columbia River Power System and to market electric power, conservation, and transmission services. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transfer to the Authority all the actual and potential power capability and output and all of the transmission plant and equipment of the Federal Columbia River Power System. Prescribes alternative methods which the Authority may use to pay the Secretary of the Treasury for obtaining the System. Outlines the authority and functions of the Authority. Directs the Secretary of Energy to dissolve the Bonneville Power Administration upon completion of the transfer of the System to the Authority.

Conservation Service Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985

Conservation Service Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Residential Conservation Service - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to extend from 1985 to 1991 the deadline by which utility programs and home heating supplier programs must provide certain information to owners or occupiers of a residential building (residential customers). Eliminates requirements that each utility and participating home heating supplier: (1) offer to arrange to have suggested conservation measures installed and for a loan to finance them; and (2) provide residential customers with a list of suppliers, contractors, and lending institutions. Treats residential energy conservation plans which were approved before the effective date of this Act as adequately implemented approved plans if they meet the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the States to formulate and certify alternative State residential energy conservation plans. Sets forth the criteria for the formulation, contents, and certification of such plans (including administrative and judicial enforcement). Requires States which have such an alternative plan to submit an annual report to the Secretary describing the plan's implementation and results. Prohibits the inclusion of a nonregulated utility in such alternative plans unless it is authorized under State law or the nonregulated utility agrees to such inclusion. Sets forth guidelines under which alternative utility plans may be elected by: (1) a regulated utility located in a State in which an alternative State plan is not in effect; or (2) a nonregulated utility which has not been included in either a State plan, or in an alternative State plan. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to certain congressional committees regarding the residential energy conservation plans, the alternative State plans, and the alternative utility plans. Requires the Secretary to disseminate annually to the States and to public utilities information regarding: (1) technical assistance; (2) cost-effective residential energy conservation measures; and (3) the most successful residential energy conservation plans. Requires the Secretary to disseminate such information to the public using regional seminars. Sets forth procedures which a State Governor must follow before supporting a regulated utility's petition to waive the prohibition against supply, installation, and financing of residential energy conservation measures by public utilities. Title II: Commercial Buildings and Multifamily Dwellings - Authorizes the States to formulate and certify alternative State plans for commercial buildings and multifamily dwellings. Sets forth the criteria for the formulation, contents, and certification of such State plans, including administrative and judicial enforcement. Requires States which have such an alternative plan to submit an annual report to the Secretary describing the plan's implementation and results. Prohibits the inclusion of a nonregulated utility in such alternative plans unless it is authorized under State law or the nonregulated utility agrees to it. Sets forth guidelines under which alternative utility plans may be elected by: (1) a regulated utility located in a State in which an alternative State plan is not in effect; or (2) a nonregulated utility which has not been included in either a State plan, or in an alternative State plan. Redefines a commercial building as one for which the monthly use of energy for the calendar year 1980 was less than 29,300 kilowatt hours of electricity. Prohibits a public utility from supplying or installing a commercial energy conservation measure for any eligible customer. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) devices associated with load management techniques for the type of energy sold by the utility; and (2) any commercial energy conservation measure supplied or installed by a public utility through contracts with independent suppliers upon customer request. Prescribes conditions in which public utilities are exempt from such prohibition. Requires the Secretary to monitor financing, supply, and installation activities of public utilities regarding commercial energy conservation measures, and to report on them annually to the Congress. Requires such report to contain Federal Trade Commission comments. Treats commercial energy conservation plans which were approved before the effective date of this Act as adequately implemented approved plans if they meet the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to certain congressional committees regarding energy conservation plans, alternative State plans, and the alternative utility plans. Requires the Secretary to disseminate annually to the States and to public utilities information regarding: (1) technical assistance; (2) cost-effective energy conservation measures; and (3) the most successful energy conservation plans. Requires the Secretary to disseminate such information to the public, using regional seminars.

A bill to require persons who obtain or renew oil or gas leases with the United States to have a plan for contracting with minority firms for activities undertaken under the leases.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from entering into or renewing a land lease for oil or gas production unless the lessee provides assurances that during the lease term a plan will be in effect which provides that a portion of the contracts entered into for lease-related activities will be entered into with minority firms. Requires the Secretary to prescribe standards for such plans.

Synthetic Fuels Fiscal Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985

Synthetic Fuels Fiscal Responsibility Act - Amends the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation Act of 1980 to abolish the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation (the Corporation) 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Terminates the Corporation's authority to enter into any legally binding commitments (including any additions to existing commitments) after the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the Secretary of Energy as the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. Directs such Secretary to: (1) dispose of all Corporation assets not necessary for operating the synthetic fuels assistance program; (2) transfer to the Department of Energy all other Corporation assets; (3) administer the synthetic fuels assistance program and the modified synthetic fuels assistance program; (4) submit an assistance plan to the Congress setting forth the methods and schedules for implementation of the synthetic fuels assistance program on the smallest, least expensive practicable scale; and (5) solicit proposals for the construction and operation of synthetic fuel projects. Sets forth a congressional review procedure under which binding obligations above a certain amount and synthetic fuel actions must be submitted by the Secretary for congressional approval. Deems any such action or obligation approved if not disapproved by enactment of a joint resolution within 90 days after submittal. Requires that certain user fees, loan guarantee fees, and all receipts collected by the Secretary shall be deposited in the Treasury general fund. Authorizes appropriations for the synthetic fuels program.

A resolution expressing the House of Representatives' opposition to an imposition of an import fee on crude oil and refined products.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985

Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that neither the President nor the Congress should impose any import fees on the importation of any crude oil or refined petroleum products.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1985

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to authorize the States to enter into compacts for the establishment and operation of regional disposal facilities for low-level radioactive waste. Requires each compact to provide that every five years the Congress may by law withdraw its consent. Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide technical and financial assistance to both member and non-member States of such regional disposal compacts; and (2) submit an annual report to the Congress summarizing the progress of low-level waste disposal activities. Requires each compact region that has a regional disposal facility in operation before a certain date to offer to allocate available disposal capacity to compact regions which do not have such facilities in operation. Exempts from such availability requirements certain facilities in Barnwell, South Carolina, Hanford, Washington, and Beatty, Nevada. Authorizes such allocation agreements to impose a surcharge upon the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Requires each compact region that does not have a regional disposal facility, and that enters into such an allocation agreement, to accept wastes from the State with which the allocation agreement was made. Authorizes denying access to existing regional disposal facilities if a nonsited compact region or nonmember State fails to ratify compact legislation or disposal facility development legislation by July 1, 1986.

A resolution to express the sense of the House of Representatives that tax reform legislation should provide fair and equitable tax treatment for all energy resources.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any tax reform legislation to be enacted by the Congress should provide equitable tax treatment for all energy resources.

Regional Conservation and Electric Power Planning and Regulatory Coordination Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1985

Regional Conservation and Electric Power Planning and Regulatory Coordination Act of 1985 - Title I: Granting of Consent to Any Two or More States to Enter Into Multistate Compacts - Grants congressional consent to any two or more States to enter into compacts to develop, adopt, and publish: (1) standards for ratemaking treatment of any costs incurred by electric utilities that are unrelated to resource acquisition; (2) methodologies to assess cost-effective resources to meet electric energy demand; (3) plans to mitigate the adverse effects of unforecasted, emergency electric power outages or shortages; and (4) a long-run conservation and electric power plan for resource acquisition to meet the total electric energy demand in the geographic region covered by the compact at least system cost. Sets forth requirements with respect to the membership and functioning of a multistate compact. Requires that public hearings be held prior to the adoption of any standard, methodology, or plan. Authorizes the governing agency of a multistate compact to encourage resource acquisition by electric utilities and their customers and consumers according to the long-term conservation and electric power plan developed under the compact. Requires that an opportunity for public comment and review be provided prior to certification of the need for any resource. Permits the governing agency of a multistate compact, where authorized by the compact establishing it, to: (1) intervene and participate as a matter of right in any proceeding held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and (2) apply to the Commission for an order compelling one or more electric utilities to provide or modify transmission services where appropriate for purposes of implementing a long-run conservation and electric power plan. Sets forth judicial review procedures which shall apply to actions under this Act. Title II: Authority of the States to Regulate the Rates for Certain Wholesale Electricity Transactions - Permits a State regulatory authority, with the Governor's approval and after a public hearing, to submit to the Commission for its approval a plan for the regulation by such authority of some or all of the rates for the sale of electricity at wholesale by electric utilities which are subject to the Commission's regulatory jurisdiction. Specifies the contents of such a plan. Requires the Commission to approve or disapprove it within 180 days after its receipt. Permits amendments to such a plan by the State. Sets forth procedures for Commission review of the implementation of such a plan. Title III: Amendments to the Federal Power Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to conform to this Act.

Nuclear Waste Policy Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985

Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States congressional findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Definitions - Defines technical terms of this Act. Title III: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to enter into contracts with owners of civilian nuclear powerplants. Requires such contracts to provide that the Federal Government will: (1) take title to spent fuel from the powerplants; (2) transport the spent fuel to and store it in federally owned and operated interim away-from-reactor storage facilities; and (3) dispose of waste products associated with such spent fuel. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publish notices of intent to enter into such contracts in the Federal Register; (2) construct or acquire at least one away-from-reactor facility for the interim storage of spent fuel from civilian nuclear powerplants; (3) use private industry for the transportation of spent fuel; (4) take possession of spent fuel which is under contract and transport it to a designated storage facility; and (5) keep informed the Governor and legislature of any State in which a potential storage site or facility is located regarding Federal work on that site. Sets guidelines for the suspension of Federal work on such a site upon the written objection of the State Governor. Title IV: Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste Resulting from Civilian Nuclear Activities - Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit a proposal to the Congress for the construction of safe repositories for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste; (2) make annual impact aid payments to the appropriate local government regarding such repositories; (3) accelerate a research and development program regarding alternative means and technologies for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive wastes from civilian and Federal nuclear activities; and (4) submit as part of the Secretary's annual report to the Congress the status of such research and development program. Title V: Financial Arrangements - Establishes a separate account in the Treasury for: (1) the construction and operation of Federal away-from-reactor interim storage facilities for spent fuel; (2) the disposal of spent fuel or high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities; and (3) the handling and transportation of such spent fuel or waste. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: State Role in Nuclear Waste Repository Siting - Sets guidelines under which the Secretary shall enter into cooperative agreements with the States and Indian tribes regarding the construction and operation of a repository for the disposal of high-level or transuranic wastes. Makes such agreements inapplicable to spent fuel or radioactive waste produced from Federal atomic energy defense activities.

A bill to authorize appropriations for exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, for fiscal year 1986 and for fiscal year 1987, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1985

Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1986 and 1987 for the research and development of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to operate the naval petroleum reserves for the development and production of the natural gas and crude oil resources on certain Naval Oil Shale Reserves if the Secretary determines that such production and development is in the public interest.

A resolution waiving certain points of order against consideration of the bill (H.R. 2959) making appropriations for energy and water development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1985

Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 2959 (energy and water development appropriations).

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to enter into an agreement with the City of Redding, California, regarding the Lake Redding Power Project.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to enter into an agreement with the City of Redding, California, regarding the Lake Redding Power Project, to: (1) allow the combined operation of the Keswick hydroelectric facility; and (2) provide that the United States is compensated for any reduction in energy generated at the Keswick facility caused by such combined operation.

A bill making appropriations for energy and water development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985

Title I: Department of Defense - Civil Department of the Army - Makes appropriations for FY 1986 for authorized civil functions of the Department of the Army relating to rivers and harbors, flood control, and beach erosion (including projects which involve State and local governmental participation). Directs the Secretary of the Army to grant to the University of Alabama at Huntsville certain funds appropriated for a Corps of Engineers learning facility. Title II: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for FY 1986 to the Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation for: (1) engineering and economic investigations of Federal reclamation and water conservation projects; (2) construction and rehabilitation projects; (3) soil and moisture conservation projects; (4) operation and maintenance of reclamation projects; (5) loans to irrigation districts for construction of distribution systems on authorized Federal reclamation projects; (6) general administrative expenses in certain Bureau of Reclamation offices; (7) the "Emergency Fund" as authorized by an Act of June 26, 1948; (8) replacement passenger motor vehicles and aircraft; and (9) recovery of archaeological and paleontological remains in specified areas. Makes appropriations available to the Department of the Interior for: (1) damaged facilities or equipment belonging to the Department of the Interior; (2) emergency prevention of forest or range fires; and (3) general administrative expenses. Title III: Department of Energy - Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1986 for: (1) specified energy supply, research, and development activities; (2) uranium supply and enrichment activities; (3) general science and research activities; (4) nuclear waste disposal activities; (5) atomic energy defense activities; (6) departmental administrative expenses; (7) water and electrical power projects of the Alaska Power Administration; (8) specified fish passage facilities of the Bonneville Power Administration; (9) operational and maintenance expenses related to electric power transmission for the Southwestern Power Administration; (10) continuous operation of the power system of the Western Area Power Administration during emergency conditions (requires the Treasury to establish a continuing fund for such purpose); (11) salaries and expenses of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and (12) geothermal energy research and development; and (13) Department of Energy general passenger vehicles and security guard expenses. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) programs authorized by the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965; (2) salaries and expenses of the Delaware River Basin Commission; (3) expenses of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin; (4) Nuclear Regulatory Commission expenses; (5) expenses of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission; and (6) expenses of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth guidelines for the expenditure of appropriations under this Act.

Charles A. Trabandt, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 20, 1988, vice Georgiana H. Sheldon, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 26 June 1985

Consumer Products Energy Efficiency Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985

Consumer Products Energy Efficiency Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide that the labeling rules regarding consumer product energy efficiency standards shall require disclosure of such standards at the point of sale and in any advertising of the product. Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) publish and make available comparative guides of the energy efficiency and annual operating cost of certain consumer products; (2) prescribe an energy efficiency standard for certain consumer products; and (3) include in the Secretary's annual report on consumer product energy efficiency standards the percentage of covered products or components which are imported. Requires the Secretary, before determining whether a standard is economically justified, to weigh its effect on domestic production, reduction of unemployment, electric utilities, and the human environment. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe an energy efficiency standard for certain consumer products if it is determined that improvement of 20 percent or more is feasible. Delineates the criteria to be considered by the Secretary in determining whether a performance-related feature justifies the establishment of either a higher or a lower energy efficiency standard. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue energy efficiency improvement guidelines for each of the following five years if no standard for a covered consumer product is prescribed; (2) monitor the improvements in efficiency; and (3) prescribe an energy efficiency standard whenever a certain type of consumer product type fails for three consecutive years to achieve at least half of the improvement under such guideline.

Consumer Products Energy Efficiency Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985

Consumer Products Energy Efficiency Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide that the labeling rules regarding consumer product energy efficiency standards shall require disclosure of such standards at the point of sale and in any advertising of the product. Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) publish and make available comparative guides of the energy efficiency and annual operating cost of certain consumer products; (2) prescribe an energy efficiency standard for certain consumer products; (3) include in the Secretary's annual report on consumer product energy efficiency standards the percentage of covered products or components which are imported. Requires the Secretary, before determining whether a standard is economically justified, to weigh its effect on domestic production, reduction of unemployment, electric utilities, and the human environment. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe an energy efficiency standard for certain consumer products if it is determined that improvement of 20 percent or more is feasible. Delineates the criteria to be considered by the Secretary in determining whether a performance-related feature justifies the establishment of either a higher or a lower energy efficiency standard. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue energy efficiency improvement guidelines for each of the following five years if no standard for a covered consumer product is prescribed; (2) monitor the improvements in efficiency; and (3) prescribe an energy efficiency standard whenever a certain type of consumer product type fails for three consecutive years to achieve at least half of the improvement under such guideline.

Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985

Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to provide that if geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities under an approved operation within any lease or administrative lease extension period, such lease shall continue for so long as geothermal steam is produced (or utilized) in commercial quantities, for a maximum continuation of an additional forty years. Sets forth conditions under which geothermal leases in effect as of July 27, 1984, shall be extended for a maximum of three successive five-year periods. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to review any cooperative or unit plan of development every five years after approval in order to eliminate any lease or part of lease not regarded as reasonably necessary to cooperative or unit operations. Makes geothermal leases in effect as of July 27, 1984, eligible for an administrative extension if an application is timely submitted.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate regarding maintenance of United States energy independence and national security interests with respect to uranium.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other agencies should take appropriate actions to: (1) assure the maintenance of a viable domestic uranium industry; (2) assure the proper disposal and reclamation of uranium mill tailings through a program for the equitable financing of such disposal and reclamation; and (3) provide for the use of uranium and uranium hexafluoride so that the United States is assured of secure, independent supplies of uranium for commercial and military needs.

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that hearings should be held to review the implementation of Federal laws designed to ensure that each region of the United States has an adequate reserve of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that hearings should be held to review the implementation of Federal laws which were designed to ensure that each region of the United States has an adequate reserve of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products.

A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to impose certain requirements with respect to the acquisition of substantial energy reserves holders, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985

Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit final approval of an acquisition of a substantial energy reserve holder until the Federal Trade Commission or the court approves any required divestiture of stock or assets relating to the energy business of the holder or the acquiring person. Authorizes the Commission or the court to: (1) rescind a consent agreement, consent decree, or order if a required divestiture is not approved within the specified period; and (2) initiate an action or proceeding to obtain appropriate relief, which may include requiring the acquiring person to sell the holder as a single entity to approved persons. Sets forth requirements concerning hold separate orders with respect to the parties to such an acquisition. Declares that these provisions do not apply to an action brought by a private party or local government. Amends the Clayton Act to eliminate the 15-day waiting period (and thus require a 30-day waiting period) following notification of a proposed acquisition in the case of a cash tender offer. Provides for the extension of the waiting period for an additional 60 days if, as a result of an acquisition, the acquiring person would hold more than $2,000,000,000 of the voting securities or assets of the acquired person. Permits disclosure to Federal and State law enforcement agencies of information or documentary material included in an acquisition notification filed with the Commission or the Assistant Attorney General, provided an agency officer certifies that such information or material will be maintained in confidence and used only for official law enforcement purposes.

Natural Gas Regulatory Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

Natural Gas Regulatory Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Removal of Wellhead Price Controls and Repeal of Natural Gas Act Jurisdiction Over Certain First Sales of Natural Gas - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to: (1) remove wellhead price controls over natural gas prices; (2) repeal the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over natural gas exempt from wellhead price controls; (3) repeal the President's standby price control authority; and (4) repeal congressional review over natural gas price controls. Title II: Repeal of Certain Restrictions on the Use of Natural Gas and Petroleum - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to: (1) repeal the prohibitions against the use by electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations of petroleum and natural gas as primary energy sources: (2) remove the restrictions placed upon Federal major fuel-burning installations against the use of natural gas and petroleum as primary energy sources; (3) repeal the guidelines for the emergency use of natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source by any person operating a peakload powerplant or a major fuel-burning installation. Revokes the authority of the Secretary of Energy to require any major fuel-burning installation to furnish certain information regarding the use of primary energy sources of fuel. Title III: Repeal of Incremental Pricing Requirements - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to repeal the natural gas incremental pricing provisions. States that incremental pricing rules promulgated by FERC shall continue in effect only with respect to the flow-through of costs incurred before enactment of this section, including any surcharges based on such costs. Title IV: Separability - Sets forth separability provisions.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the energy investment tax credit for conversions to coal-fueled facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy investment tax credit of ten percent for equipment used for conversions to coal fuel and five percent for coal mining equipment. Terminates both credits after 1993. Allows a 12-month amortization period for pollution control facilities used in connection with a plant that uses coal as a principal fuel. (Present law allows such amortization over a five-year period.) Increases the income tax credit for increasing research activities from 25 percent to 50 percent for activities relating to coal mining or burning and to controlling pollutants caused by the burning of coal. Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to require each executive agency to survey its electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations in order to identify those which could result in substantial savings if converted to coal. Requires each executive agency to submit to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan for the conversion of electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations to coal. Repeals the 15 percent reduction in the depletion allowance for coal and iron ore.

Atomic Energy Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985

Atomic Energy Accountability Act - Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to hold any meeting in accordance with specified regulations. Requires the Commission to maintain a complete transcript (or other recording) to fully record the proceedings of any closed meeting.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Minidoka powerplant rehabilitation and enlargement, Minidoka project, Idaho-Wyoming.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate and maintain a rehabiliation and enlargement of the existing Minidoka powerplant, Minidoka project, Idaho-Wyoming. Requires that hydroelectric power generated by such rehabilitation be delivered to the Secretary of Energy for distribution and marketing through the Federal Columbia River power system. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to construct, operate and maintain transmission facilities to connect the Minidoka powerplant to existing power transmission systems in order to distribute and market the power generated by the hydroelectric powerplant. Requires the Secretary of Energy to maintain (through purchase, if necessary) contractual deliveries of capacity and energy at contract prices to customers affected by unit outage resulting from Federal construction. Requires the powerplant rehabilitation to be compatible with existing water rights or water delivery under valid contracts. Prescribes guidelines for the establishment of interest rates by the Secretary of the Treasury on the unpaid balance of the Federal reimbursable cost of the powerplant. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Minidoka powerplant.

Natural Gas Consumer Supply and Marketing Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985

Natural Gas Consumer Supply and Marketing Act - Title I: Wellhead Pricing Provisions - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to eliminate price controls placed upon the first sale of natural gas. Exempts certain interstate and intrastate contracts from such price decontrol. Makes wellhead price controls inapplicable to the first sale of: (1) new enhancement natural gas; and (2) natural gas under a renegotiated contract. Permits the sale of natural gas from certain new production wells to any person at any price. Repeals: (1) the price controls for high-cost natural gas; and (2) congressional oversight functions regarding reimposition of natural gas price controls. Title II: Transportation and Access - Requires a pipeline, upon written request, to transport natural gas to the extent of its available capacity. Exempts from such transportation obligation local distribution companies and pipelines not under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction. Requires FERC to prescribe regulations which allocate available capacity whenever a pipeline does not have sufficient total capacity to satisfy all of its obligations. Sets guidelines for: (1) contract carriage compensation (prohibiting unduly discriminatory rates and charges); (2) adjustments of interstate pipeline obligations (including service reductions); and (3) reestablishment of interstate pipeline transportation service obligations. Provides that one year after enactment of this Act a State regulatory commission shall not have authority to impose terms and conditions upon a natural gas shipper (over whom it would otherwise have jurisdiction) if the FERC determines that such State does not require certain local distribution companies to provide non-discriminatory transportation services to the extent of available capacity. Sets guidelines for the initiation of transportation services. Directs FERC to: (1) require pipelines to publish separate, nondiscriminatory natural gas tariffs; and (2) prohibit any pipeline from conditioning the transportation or storage of natural gas by a contract carriage customer upon purchases by such customer of natural gas from such pipeline. Authorizes FERC to require a pipeline to expand its total capacity after notice and opportunity for comment. Prohibits any pipeline from discriminating against unaffiliated shippers in favor of affiliated shippers regarding transportation services. Requires FERC to make recommendations to the Congress regarding interstate pipeline contract carriers, and to include an analysis whether legislation requiring interstate pipelines to operate as common carriers would enhance competition in the natural gas market. Authorizes FERC to permit any interstate pipeline or local distribution company to transport natural gas on behalf of any person. Permits FERC to authorize any pipeline or local distribution company to: (1) sell natural gas to any pipeline or local distribution company; and (2) assign the right to receive surplus natural gas at any first sale. Declares certain provisions of any natural gas sales contract to be against public policy and unenforceable. States that certain natural gas transactions by an intrastate pipeline or local distribution company are not subject to FERC jurisdiction by reason of purchasing natural gas in a covered transaction. Prohibits FERC from conditioning or denying any authorization of natural gas sale or transportation on the basis of whether the gas is consumed in the interstate or intrastate market. Title III: Repeal of Fuel Use Act and Incremental Pricing Requirements - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to: (1) repeal the prohibitions against the use by electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations of petroleum and natural gas as primary energy sources: (2) remove the restrictions placed upon Federal major fuel-burning installations against the use of natural gas and petroleum as primary energy sources; (3) repeal the guidelines for the emergency use of natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source by any person operating a peakload powerplant or a major fuel-burning installation. Revokes the authority of the Secretary of Energy to require any major fuel-burning installation to furnish certain information regarding the use of primary energy sources of fuel. Title IV: Pipeline and Affiliate Transactions - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to prohibit an interstate pipeline from selling to its affiliate during any month in interstate commerce a greater percentage of contractually available natural gas than the percentage of contractually available lower average-priced natural gas which such affiliate purchases during the same month from nonaffiliate interstate pipelines. Requires FERC to promulgate regulations which prohibit an interstate pipeline from recovering natural gas purchasing costs attributable to its own production (or from any affiliate for certain periods). Prohibits an interstate pipeline from recovering any costs for, or collecting any rate of return on, payments made under a take-or-pay clause for natural gas attributable to its own production (or from any affiliate). Title V: Minimum Bill Requirements and Restrictive Tariffs - Declares contract or tariff payment requirements regarding natural gas sales or transportation costs which were not actually incurred by a pipeline upon non-delivery to be against public policy and unenforceable. Title VI: Savings Provision and Effective Date - Retains the effectiveness of contracts in existence on the date of enactment of Act which are not contracts for a first sale for resale of natural gas. Makes the effective date of this Act the date of enactment.

Hydroelectric Relicensing Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1985

Hydroelectric Relicensing Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give preference to State and municipal license applications for original hydroelectric power projects. Extends from two years to three years the time period within which the United States has the right to take over a hydroelectric project whose license has expired. Changes the procedures for new licenses and relicensing to require an existing licensee to give notice of its intention to file for a new license three years prior to the expiration of its existing license. Permits a competing application to be filed within 180 days of the filing of the initial application for a new license by the existing license. Requires a competing application to give a detailed statement of how the plans reflected in it are as well, or better adapted, than are the plans reflected in the existing licensee's initial application to develop, conserve, and utilize in the public interest the water resources of the region. Requires that each final application for a new license be filed one year prior to the expiration of the existing license. Requires such final application to seek to improve the initial application previously filed. Requires FERC to give public notice upon receipt of final applications and to review simultaneously all final applications for a new license. Directs FERC to issue a new license to the applicant whose plans are best adapted to serve the public interest if the United States eschews its right to take over a project at the expiration of an existing license. Requires, if the plans of competing applicants are equally well adapted to serve the public interest, that FERC favor the competing State or municipality. Directs FERC to favor the existing licensee if: (1) all applicants are from the private sector; or (2) all applicants are governmental entities. Delineates standards for FERC to consider when making a determination of the public interest. Conditions the issuance of a new license to a new licensee upon: (1) assumption by the new licensee of all contracts entered into by the old licensee with the approval of the Commission; (2) payment by the new licensee of the net investment of the old licensee, up to the fair market value of the property taken; (3) payment by the new licensee of any reasonable damages; and (4) payment by the new licensee of 50 percent of the additional cost to the existing license of providing the equivalent amount of the least-cost alternative electric energy to its customers for the term of the new license. Exempts from such conditions any applications pending before the FERC as of the date of enactment of this Act, and license applications for projects for which an existing license expires prior to January 1, 1989.

Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985

Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1985 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Makes conforming amendments. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

Nuclear Regulation Reorganization Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985

Nuclear Regulation Reorganization Act of 1985 - Establishes the Nuclear Regulation Agency (the Agency) to succeed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Sets guidelines for the officers and personnel of such agency. Transfers all property, personnel, and funds from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to the Agency. Places the Agency under the administration of a Director and a Deputy Director, both of whom are to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Nuclear Incident Liability Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985

Nuclear Incident Liability Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend from August 1, 1987, to August 1, 2007, the authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into indemnification agreements with its contractors for the construction or operation of production or utilization facilities (including activities under the risk of public liability for a substantial nuclear incident). States that the amount of financial protection required of a licensee licensed under such Act for purposes of nuclear incidents shall be the maximum amount of liability insurance available from private sources. Provides for periodic redetermination of such amount by the NRC based on the cost of living (including health care costs). Requires that all licensees required to maintain such financial protection participate in an industry retrospective rating plan under which the deferred premium charged following any nuclear incident shall be an amount required by rules promulgated by the NRC. Precludes State premium tax payments from inclusion in the retrospective premium established by the NRC. Authorizes the NRC to make a loan to any licensee unable to meet any assessment of deferred premiums within a reasonable time following any nuclear incident without impairing the provision of electric utility service by such licensee. Requires that provisions waiving certain defenses with respect to any nuclear incident be incorporated in insurance policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection. (Under current law, the NRC may require the incorporation of such waiver provisions in such policies or contracts.) Permits parties (including the U.S. Government) that have paid or will pay deferred premiums or indemnity payments with respect to any nuclear incident to recover damages from any other party liable for the nuclear incident. Declares that the U.S. Government shall exercise all secondary liability rights preserved by this Act. Precludes any Federal discretion to settle or compromise any secondary liability suit for less than the actual payments made by the Government.

Price-Anderson Act Amendments Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985

Price-Anderson Act Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend (from December 31, 1976, to 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act) the deadline by which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) must prescribe the terms for licensees required to maintain financial protection to cover public liability claims. Increases: (1) from $2,000,000 to $10,000,000 the minimum standard deferred premium which may be charged following any nuclear incident: and (2) from $5,000,000 to $15,000,000 the maximum standard deferred premium which may be charged following such an incident for each facility required to maintain the maximum amount of financial protection. Directs the NRC to include in its determination of the maximum amount of liability insurance available to licensees from private sources the sum of funds generated by assessing a fee of up to one mil per kilowatt hour on electricty generated and sold by each licensed civilian nuclear power reactor. Authorizes the NRC to collect such fee from all civilian nuclear power reactor licensees, on all electricity generated and sold by such licensees following a nuclear incident, upon determining that public liability from such incident exceeds (or appears likely to exceed) the sum of the private insurance and the requisite industry retrospective rating plan. Sets $500,000,000 as the maximum that shall be collected per incident. Authorizes the NRC to establish a maximum amount which the aggregate fees assessed for each facility within one calendar year may not exceed. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to enter into indemnification agreements with contractors (until August 1, 2012) for the construction or operation of production or utilization facilities for the benefit of the United States involving activities under the risk of public liability for a substantial nuclear incident (currently, the NRC has this authorization). Includes in such authorization any contracts involving the storage or disposal of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste, or transuranic waste, including the transportation of such materials to a storage or disposal site or facility, and the construction and operation of such site. Directs the Secretary to make available from the nuclear waste fund the amounts necessary to compensate public liability claims related to the transportation, storage or disposal of specified nuclear waste. Requires the Secretary: (1) to determine the extent to which a nuclear incident related to such waste involves materials produced as a result of electricity generated in a civilian nuclear power reactor (or materials resulting from other activities or both); and (2) to decide the appropriate source of funds to be used in compensating public liability claims based upon that determination. Requires the Secretary to promulgate the regulations for making such determination within 90 days of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to require as part of an indemnification agreement that a contractor maintain financial protection to cover any public liability relating to the contractual activity. Sets indemnification guidelines for persons indemnified against public liability claims. Sets $100,000,000 as the maximum indemnification amount for nuclear incidents occurring outside the United States. Precludes a contractor with whom an indemnification agreement has been executed, and who is engaged in activities relating to underground detonation of a nuclear explosive device, from using any immunity or defense founded in the Federal, State or municipal character of the contractor or of the work performed. (This holds the contractor liable for damages resulting from such detonation to the same extent as a private person). Sets aggregate liability guidelines for nuclear incidents which involve: (1) licensees required to maintain the maximum amount of liability insurance; and (2) contractors with whom the Secretary has entered into indemnification agreements. Requires the Secretary and the NRC to report to the Congress the causes and extent of damage from any nuclear incident which will probably require payments by the United States. States that, upon a court determination that public liability from a single nuclear incident may exceed a certain aggregate liability, the President must report to the Congress regarding: (1) the causes and extent of damage: (2) the estimated compensation requirements; and (3) compensation plans. Requires congressional approval of compensation plans by passage of an approval resolution within 60 days after submission. Authorizes the NRC to incorporate provisions in indemnity agreements which waive certain defenses by contractors and licensees based upon fault, conduct, governmental or charitable immunity. Extends such waiver to extraordinary nuclear occurrences which result from: (1) transportation of nuclear or source material; or (2) activities undertaken by the Secretary, including the storage or disposal of nuclear waste (thus imposing a strict liability standard for any extraordinary nuclear occurrence). Extends from August 1, 1987, to August 1, 2012, the authority of the NRC to enter into indemnification agreements with contractors. Extends form August 1, 1983 to August 1, 2008, the deadline by which the NRC must submit to the Congress detailed reports concerning indemnification and liability procedures under the Act.

Fair Competition in Hydroelectric Licensing Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985

Fair Competition on Hydroelectric Licensing Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give preference to State and municipal applicants for preliminary permits or original licenses for hydroelectric facilities. Prescribes guidelines under which FERC shall determine which electric utility license applicant offers the proposal best adapted to a certain comprehensive plan for waterways improvement. Prohibits the FERC from denying a license to a competing applicant because it has not previously operated a hydroelectric project. Requires the existing licensee to: (1) make available to an entity planning to file a competing license application all the data necessary to complete such application, and to grant a competing applicant access to the project works and lands; and (2) agree to perform with competing applicants certain joint studies required to be submitted with a license application. Requires FERC to give preference to State or municipality proposals which are equally well adapted to comprehensive plans for waterway improvement as the proposals of other applicants. Authorizes FERC to require implementation of electricity consumption efficiency improvement programs for the conservation and proper utilization of natural resources. Requires FERC to include as a condition of a license that an electric utility licensee provide in the public interest: (1) transmission services to other electric utilities over its transmission facilities; and (2) an increase in the transmission capacity of any bulk power transmission facility which it owns or operates. Authorizes the FERC to make available to the existing licensee up to an average of 25 percent of the project output for the initial one-fifth of the license term at the new licensee's cost of power and energy from the project. Requires FERC to issue new licenses no later than 12 months prior to the expiration date of an existing license. Requires the FERC to report annually to the Congress all projects for which new licenses have not been issued within such period. Requires the FERC to transmit to the Attorney General all license applications in order to ascertain whether any activities under the Act would tend to be inconsistent with certain antitrust laws. Prohibits the FERC from issuing a license where such inconsistencies are found. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to repeal FERC's authority to exempt certain small hydroelectric power projects from the licensing requirements of the Federal Power Act. Makes inapplicable to a new hydroelectric generating facility the economic incentives granted by the Act to small power production facilities if the new facility requires the construction of a new water diversion structure.

Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1985

Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such an extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to extend the residential energy credit with respect to solar renewable energy source expenditures, with declining percentages of credit, through 1990.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for solar energy property for five years (from 1985 to 1990). Phases out the percentage of expenditures which may be taken into account for such credit between the years 1985 and 1990. Limits to $6,000 the maximum amount of expenditures for solar hot water systems which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Specifies additional standards which solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet in order to qualify for such credit. Increases and extends for five years (from 1985 to 1990) the energy investment tax credit for specified types of solar energy property.

A bill to amend section 30(c) of the Federal Power Act.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985

Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding licensing and other exemptions granted to specified hydroelectric facilities.

Ratepayer Protection Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985

Ratepayer Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to permit State regulatory bodies to determine for themselves whether a State-regulated utility may pass on to its retail customers federally approved rates in cases where: (1) the State regulatory body has not approved the generating facilities construction upon which the rates are based; and (2) the rates are due to electricity purchases between utility companies within a public utility holding company system. (Currently, some State regulatory bodies must pass such holding company's increased rates to its retail customers.)

Motor Fuel Sales Competition Improvement Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985

Motor Fuel Sales Competition Improvement Act of 1985 - Prohibits any oil producer or refiner from: (1) requiring any retail motor fuel dealer to purchase more than 70 percent of its monthly retail sales of motor fuel from such producer or refiner; or (2) prohibiting such a dealer from converting a fuel storage tank or dispenser for the sale of fuel supplied by another producer or refiner. Prohibits any dealer at a service station displaying a name or other identifying symbol of a refiner or producer from selling fuel not provided by such refiner or producer without providing notice at the point of sale. Prohibits any large integrated refiner from operating any service station in the United States. Permits such refiner to own all or part of a service station, provided it does not engage in selling fuel at such service station through any employee, agent, or representative. Provides for the enforcement of this Act.

Federal Nuclear Waste Disposal Liability Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985

Federal Nuclear Waste Disposal Liability Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to enter into indemnification agreements with contractors implementing contractual activities under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (the Act). Requires the Secretary to indemnify persons against claims for public liability for nuclear incidents arising out of contractual activities under the Act (including the storage, disposal, and related transportation of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel). Requires the Secretary to make indemnification payments from the Nuclear Waste Fund. Limits the aggregate amount of such payments in connection with each nuclear incident to $5,000,000,000.

Nuclear Facility Standardization Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985

Nuclear Facility Standardization Act of 1985 - Title I: Licensing and Regulatory Reform - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish procedures for the approval of standardized facility designs and of any major subsystem of such a facility that represents a discrete element of it. Sets forth guidelines under which: (1) the Commission shall grant approval for such standardized designs; (2) modifications to design approvals may be made; (3) design approvals may be renewed; and (4) deviations from a license or approval may be made without prior Commission approval. States that the Commission's determination regarding the approval of construction or operating licenses (or permits) constitutes a final order under the Act. Requires the Commission to establish procedures to issue a site permit for approval of a site for production or utilization facilities. Sets forth guidelines under which the Commission shall issue a site permit. States that the Commission's determination regarding a site permit application constitutes a final order under the Act. Prescribes standards under which the Commission shall renew a site permit. Sets forth guidelines under which the Commission shall grant a construction permit or operating licenses for production or utilization facilities. States that for purposes of this Act a construction permit is a license. Requires the Commission to issue a construction and operating license to an applicant for a commercial production or utilization facility if the application contains sufficient information to enable the Commission to determine that there is reasonable assurance that the facility will be constructed and operated in compliance with prescribed standards. Directs the Commission to incorporate in the construction and operating license: (1) a phased-approval procedure for construction quality assurance; and (2) the procedures and criteria necessary to provide reasonable assurance that construction and operation will be in accordance with the license. Requires a licensed utility to notify the Commission of its readiness to operate the facility before it may begin operation. Requires the Commission to publish in the Federal Register a notice of such intended operation, and to provide a certain period during which written objections to the facility's operation may be filed on the basis that construction or operation will not be in conformity with the license. Prohibits the Commission from making any modifications once a construction or operating license (or permit) has been issued, unless the Commission finds that the modification would result in a substantial improvement in overall safety, and that for a production facility, the change is justified after specified factors have been considered. Requires the Commission to establish a centralized, systematic, and documented review process to evaluate proposed changes. States that proposed changes may only be made effective after the Commission has issued a rule or an amendment to the license. (Exempts changes affecting the public health or safety from such requirement). Title II: Conforming Amendments - Precludes from judicial review: (1) a decision by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards to review or fail to review an application or proposed amendment or renewal of a design approval; and (2) a Commission decision to refer or not refer an application to such Advisory Committee.

Alternate Energy Production Tax Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985

Alternate Energy Production Tax Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for solar energy property for five years (from 1985 to 1990). Phases out the percentage of expenditures which may be taken into account for such credit between the years 1986 and 1990. Limits to $6,000 the maximum amount of expenditures for solar hot water systems which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Specifies additional standards which solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet in order to qualify for such credit. Allows an income tax credit for the production of alternate energy which is sold by the taxpayer to an unrelated person during the taxable year. Allows such credit for alternate energy produced by: (1) solar equipment; (2) photovoltaic equipment; (3) wind equipment; (4) geothermal equipment; (5) ocean thermal energy or tidal power equipment; and (6) biomass equipment. Sets the amount of such credit based upon the type of equipment used to produce such energy. Sets forth certain limitations and adjustments to such credit.

A bill to authorize the Department of Energy to initiate a cooperative research program in ocean energy and technology with the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985

Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a jointly funded cooperative research program in ocean energy and technology with the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research in Hawaii. Declares that the purpose of such program is to apply data design methods developed by the Department of Energy (and other international research organizations) to the development of a 200 kilowatt integrated open cycle ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) experimental system at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Provides for such authorizations to be matched dollar for dollar by the State of Hawaii, the private sector, and other partners.

A bill to amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to remove the limitation on the quantity of radioactive waste that may be emplaced in the first repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985

Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to remove the limitation on the quantity of radioactive waste that may be emplaced in the first repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

Gas Tax Collection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985

Gas Tax Collection Act - Requires the Secretary of the Army to disclose petroleum product information (regarding petroleum transported by vessel) to any State taxing agency requesting such information for the purpose of State tax law administration. Confines the disclosure of such information to State employees or legal representatives of a State taxing agency. Prescribes guidelines for such disclosure. Requires a requesting State to have laws in effect exempting such information from public disclosure and protecting its confidentiality. Increases from $200 to $500 the penalty imposed on owners and agents of vessels plying Federal navigable waters who fail to furnish certain information requested by the Secretary of the Army.

Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985

Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to: (1) redefine the term "failure"; and (2) define the terms "constructive termination" and "similar motor fuel marketing operations." Defines "constructive termination" to mean: (1) the failure by the franchisor to supply the franchisee with motor fuel in an amount equal to the minimum specified in the franchise agreement; (2) the failure by the franchisor to make motor fuel available to the franchisee in such minimum amount at a price which enables the franchisee to compete with similar motor fuel marketing operations of the franchisor; or (3) any adjustment in the quantity of fuel a franchisee is required or entitled to receive unless the franchisor can show that either the adjustment is applied equally to all franchisees and marketing operations of the franchisor within the relevant geographic area, or, if it is a downward adjustment, the franchisor can show that it is reasonable. Authorizes a franchisee who seeks court relief to make a prima facie case of inability to reasonably compete by showing that the price charged to the customer is less than the franchisee's cost of serving such customer. Prohibits a motor fuel franchisor from constructively terminating a franchise. Requires a franchisor, in certain circumstances prior to terminating a franchise, to make a bona fide reasonable offer to transfer the franchise to the franchisee. Permits nonrenewal of a franchise relationship if the franchisor and franchisee cannot agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which are fair and reasonable. Prohibits nonrenewal because of the failure of the franchisor and franchisee to agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which relate to materially altering, adding to, or replacing the marketing premises. Permits nonrenewal, in a situation where renewal is presently permitted, when it would be uneconomical to the franchisor despite any reasonable changes acceptable to the franchisee, only if the franchisor demonstrates that the nonrenewal is not being made with the intent of avoiding competition with the franchisee. Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee, 90 days prior to the franchisor's final opportunity to exercise an option to buy or to continue leasing the land where the franchise is located, of the name, address, and phone number of the owner or holder of the underlying lease. Provides that if a franchisee enters into an agreement with the owner or lessor to maintain possession of the premises, then the franchise agreement may continue, at the option of the franchisee. Requires any franchisor who competes with its own franchisees to supply motor fuel to its franchisees at a price and on terms which reasonably enable the franchisee to compete with the franchisor. States that the burden of proof is on the franchisor to show lack of competition. Revises the definition of "trial franchise." Permits a franchisee to maintain a civil action against a franchisor if the franchisor constructively terminates the franchise. States that the death, retirement, or disability of a franchisee shall not be grounds for termination or nonrenewal of the franchise if, prior to the franchisee's death, retirement, or disability, the franchisee provides the franchisor with a succession plan. Permits termination or nonrenewal if: (1) the franchisor notifies the franchisee in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the plan, of the franchisor's rejection of the plan; (2) the rejection notice includes reasons for the rejection; and (3) the rejection is reasonable. Provides a franchisee with the right to sell or otherwise transfer the franchise subject to the approval of the franchisor. Prohibits the franchisor from withholding such approval upon the grounds that the territory within which the franchise is operated has been designated as direct marketing territory for the franchisor.

A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to specify the annual charges for projects with licenses issued for the use of dams and other structures.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985

Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that the charge for a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the use of Federal dams or other structures shall not exceed one mill per kilowatt-hour for the first 40 gigawatt-hours of energy a project produces, one and one-half mills per kilowatt-hour for over 40 up to and including 80 gigawatt hours, and two mills per kilowatt-hour for any energy the project produces over 80 gigawatt-hours. Prohibits any other charge by any other Federal agency for the use of such dams or structures. Provides that no charge shall be assessed for the use of a Federal dam or other structure by a licensee or other entity if, before the enactment of this Act, a Federal agency has entered into a contract with such licensee or entity providing that such licensee or entity may build a power plant using Federal irrigation facilities and will retain possession and ownership of the power plant and all revenues from such power plant. Requires the Commission to review the appropriateness of such charges every five years, and to report to the Congress regarding any recommendations for such charges.

OCS Paperwork and Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1985

OCS Paperwork and Reporting Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to repeal provisions requiring the Secretary of the Interior to provide: (1) a list of all shut-in and flaring oil and gas wells on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); (2) a report to the Comptroller General on such wells; and (3) certain investigations of and reports on OCS oil and gas reserves.

Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985

Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal provisions transferring to the Secretary of Energy or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission certain functions of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) relating to the transportation of oil by pipeline. Transfers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission such functions relating to the transportation of oil by pipeline as were carried out by the Secretary of Energy or the ICC before enactment of such Act. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to delete provisions requiring common carriers to establish just and reasonable rates, fares, and charges. Deletes provisions: (1) requiring the ICC to investigate forthwith the lawfulness of a rate, fare, or charge upon the filing of a petition by a concerned carrier; and (2) empowering the ICC to issue cease and desist orders regarding rates, fares, and charges. Repeals provisions requiring the ICC to establish just divisions of joint fares, rates, or charges. Prohibits any State or interstate agency from reviewing, prescribing, suspending, or regulating the rates or charges of any common carrier for transportation of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce.