The world's political record
Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
151 records in US in 1983
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Congratulates past and present employees of the Tennessee Valley Authority in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of its founding.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Public Utility Holding Company Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to revise the definition of "utility assets" to mean facilities of electric and gas utilities which are directly employed in, and the primary function of which is, the generation, transmission, or distribution of electric energy or the distribution at retail of natural or manufactured gas. Provides that the term "issue" includes the sale, renewal, guaranty of, or assumption of liability on any security. Defines the term "consumers" to mean the utility customers of a public utility company which is an associate company in a holding company system. Provides that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may exempt a holding company from all the provisions of such Act except certain requirements with respect to the acquisition of securities and utility assets and provisions under this Act with respect to State commission monitoring of and access to information on holding company business activity. Prohibits such an exemption if the SEC finds that the exemption materially adversely affects the public utility business of a holding company. Provides that a holding company shall receive such an exemption if such holding company has only one subsidiary company which is a public utility company and the operations of such subsidiary do not extend beyond the State in which it is organized and contiguous States. Requires the SEC to revoke an exemption if such exemption materially adversely affects the public utility business of a holding company system. Provides that such an exemption shall remain in effect if the holding company submits to the SEC a plan which prevents such adverse effects. Requires a holding company to produce information with respect to its nonutility business activities upon the written request of a State commission having jurisdiction to regulate a public utility company in the holding company system. Authorizes the SEC, upon its own motion or upon the application of such a State commission, to provide for the filing with the SEC and the State commission of uniform periodic reports concerning the nonutility business activities of holding company systems. Eliminates the prohibition which applies to the sale of securities by a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof and to the alteration of stockholder rights by such a company or subsidiary absent a declaration approved by the SEC. Revises the requirements for the types of security transactions by registered holding and subsidiary companies which are exempt from the prohibition on the issuance of securities by registered holding and subsidiary companies. Authorizes the SEC to establish requirements with respect to the consolidated capital structure of a registered holding company system which are needed to prevent an unreasonable economic risk to investors or consumers. Authorizes the SEC, upon application by a registered holding or subsidiary company, to exempt the issue of any security from such prohibition if it is not necessary to prohibit such issue to protect the public interest or to protect investors and consumers. Makes declarations with respect to security transactions filed by registered companies pursuant to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 effective on the twentieth day after filing, absent SEC disapproval or SEC approval subject to terms and conditions in the form of a preliminary order. Sets forth the procedures for final approval or disapproval of a declaration. Permits the filing of amendments to a declaration. Authorizes the SEC to permit a declaration to become effective earlier than the dates specified under this Act. Requires the SEC to permit a declaration to become effective unless the acts which are the subject of the declaration are not in compliance with State laws or involve an unreasonable economic risk to investors or consumers. (Currently there are several conditions precedent to permitting a declaration to become effective.) Makes it unlawful for a registered holding or subsidiary company to acquire any significant interest in any business other than the public utility business, unless there is in effect a diversification plan for the holding company system and such acquisition is consistent with the plan or unless such acquisition has been expressly authorized by the SEC. Makes it unlawful for a person who is not a registered holding or subsidiary company to acquire a public utility security if such acquisition would make such person a holding company and such acquisition is not pursuant to a plan initiated by the public utility company, unless the acquisition has been approved by the SEC. Requires the SEC to approve an application filed for the acquisition of an interest in any business other than the public utility business unless the acquisition is likely to result in an unnecessary and unreasonable cost increase to consumers or to impair an associate public utility company's performance of its services. Permits a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof to apply for the removal or modification of any terms and conditions prescribed in an SEC order issued before the enactment of this Act approving the acquisition of an interest in any business other than the public business. Provides that such application shall be considered approved on the sixtieth day after it has been filed unless the SEC determines that the removal or modification involved is likely to result in an unnecessary and unreasonable cost increase to consumers or to impair an associate public utility company's performance of its services. Permits a registered holding company to file with the SEC a diversification plan providing information with respect to its intentions within two years from the date of filing to diversify in businesses other than the public utility business. Makes such plan effective 60 days after it has been filed unless the SEC disapproves it or a State commission requests the SEC to extend the period of review for such plan. Requires the SEC to approve a diversification plan unless the plan is likely to result in an unnecessary and unreasonable cost increase to consumers or to impair an associate public utility company's performance of its services. Requires that the SEC permit a registered holding company to retain an interest in any nonutility related business unless the retention of such interest materially adversely affects the public utility business of the holding company system. (Currently the SEC may permit such a business interest if it is reasonably incidental or economically necessary to the operations of one or more integrated public utility systems.) Requires that the SEC permit a registered holding company to retain any combination in existence on May 1, 1981, of gas utility systems and electric utility systems unless such a combination of systems does not comply with certain location and size requirements under this Act. Eliminates the prohibition on: (1) borrowing by a registered holding company from a public utility company in the same holding company system; (2) the solicitation of proxies, powers of attorney, consent, or authorization with respect to the securities of a registered holding company or a subsidiary thereof; (3) negotiations or transactions by an affiliate of a public utility company; (4) political contributions by a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof; and (5) representation before Congress, the SEC, or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Provides that the SEC shall not have authority to prohibit: (1) any sale of utility assets used by a public utility company in a holding company system if such sale is expressly authorized by the appropriate State commission; or (2) any transaction with a public utility company which is expressly authorized or approved by the appropriate State commission. Sets forth the basis for determining the costs to be charged to an associate company by a subsidiary company of a registered holding company with respect to the performance of any sales, service, or construction contract. Authorizes the SEC, upon application by a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof, to permit such subsidiary to perform a sales, service, or construction contract for an associate company at a price in excess of the costs of the subsidiary if such performance is in the public interest or in the interest of investors or consumers. Eliminates provisions dealing with restrictions on officers and directors of registered holding companies. Authorizes the SEC to prohibit officers and directors of investment banker or banking associations or of banks, trust companies, banking associations, or banking firms associated with the marketing of securities of a public utility company from serving as officers or directors of a registered holding company or any associate company if it is necessary to protect the interests of consumers. Requires holding companies filing an application for exemption from the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 and registered holding companies or subsidiaries thereof filing a declaration, a diversification plan, or an application for approval of an acquisition of an interest in a nonutility business to give contemporaneous notice of such filings to the appropriate State commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any Federal coal lands lease until the later of one year following enactment of this Act or the time when the Secretary has: (1) developed a detailed analysis of the economic and geographic variables affecting the value of each Federal coal lease; (2) published new internal procedures for conducting coal lease valuations; (3) published guidelines for additional and experimental bidding systems for regional coal sales; (4) calculated minimum regulating selling prices for coal leases in each Federal coal region on a cents per ton basis; (5) revised procedures for determing fair market value so as to include specific quantitative tests; (6) established written internal procedures for safeguarding coal lease pricing, economic valuation, and other proprietary data against unauthorized disclosures; and (7) submitted a report to the appropriate House and Senate committees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Northeast-Midwest States Federal Hydropower Financing Authority Act - Establishes the Northeast-Midwest States Hydropower Financing Authority (the Corporation). Makes the incorporation of such Authority effective upon notification of the Secretary of Energy by the Governors of at least four eligible Northeast-Midwest States of their desire to be members of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation's Board of Directors shall consist of each Governor of a member State and a Chairman appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans and loan guarantees for hydropower development to member States, political subdivisions thereof engaged in retail electric service, power authorities of such States, and rural electric cooperatives, interstate compact river commissions, and consumer- and stockholder- owned electric utilities which are located within member States. Sets forth limitations and conditions with respect to the making of such loans and loan guarantees. Provides that the Corporation's principal office shall be maintained in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Requires that the Corporation maintain complete and accurate accounts and file with the President and Congress annually a financial statement and a complete report on the Corporation's business. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the Corporation's transactions at least annually. Requires that the U.S. Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Power Marketing Administration of the Department of Energy, complete for each member State a study of hydroelectric power potential in the State. Prohibits the approval of a loan application under this Act unless the Governor of the State in which the project to be developed with the loan is located is notified and does not disapprove of the project within 60 days of such notification. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "geothermal energy" as the natural heat of the Earth at any temperature (present regulations require that such heat must exceed a specific temperature). Qualifies for the residential energy tax credit and the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source not eligible for such credits if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system. Qualifies for the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source eligible for such credit (such as biomass, solar, wind, ocean thermal, or hydroelectric) if the combination of such energy sources provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "geothermal energy" as the natural heat of the Earth at any temperature (present regulations require that such heat must exceed a specified temperature). Qualifies for the residential energy tax credit and the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source not eligible for such credits if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system. Qualifies for the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source eligible for such credit (such as biomass, solar, wind, ocean thermal, or hydroelectric) if the combination of such energy sources provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 2587 (Department of Energy funding).
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Select Gas Use for Environmental Purposes Act of 1983 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal prohibitions on the use of natural gas and/or petroleum in: (1) new major fuel-burning installations; (2) existing major fuel-burning installations; (3) certain boilers used for space heating; (4) decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) existing powerplants. Directs the Secretary of Energy to grant a permanent exemption to new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations from prohibitions relating to the use of natural gas in a natural gas-coal mixture if: (1) the use of natural gas will result in reduced emissions; and (2) the proportion of natural gas in the mixture will not exceed the level necessary to comply with applicable environmental requirements. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Utility Lifeline Rate Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require the establishment of special lifeline rates for the electricity and natural gas needed to meet the essential needs of elderly or low-income consumers. Requires that such rates be at least as low as the lower of: (1) the lowest rates charged by a utility to any class of consumers; or (2) 75 percent of the average cost of service to all consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Public Utility Holding Company Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to revise the definition of "utility assets" to mean facilities of electric and gas utilities which are directly employed in, and the primary function of which is, the generation, transmission, or distribution of electric energy or the distribution at retail of natural or manufactured gas. Provides that the term "issue" includes the sale, renewal, guaranty of, or assumption of liability on any security. Defines the term "consumers" to mean the utility customers of a public utility company which is an associate company in a holding company system. Provides that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may exempt a holding company from all the provisions of such Act except certain requirements with respect to the acquisition of securities and utility assets and provisions under this Act with respect to State commission monitoring of and access to information on holding company business activity. Prohibits such an exemption if the SEC finds that the exemption materially adversely affects the public utility business of a holding company. Provides that a holding company shall receive such an exemption if such holding company has only one subsidiary company which is a public utility company and the operations of such subsidiary do not extend beyond the State in which it is organized and contiguous States. Requires the SEC to revoke an exemption if such exemption materially adversely affects the public utility business of a holding company system. Provides that such an exemption shall remain in effect if the holding company submits to the SEC a plan which prevents such adverse effects. Requires a holding company to produce information with respect to its nonutility business activities upon the written request of a State commission having jurisdiction to regulate a public utility company in the holding company system. Authorizes the SEC, upon its own motion or upon the application of such a State commission, to provide for the filing with the SEC and the State commission of uniform periodic reports concerning the nonutility business activities of holding company systems. Eliminates the prohibition which applies to the sale of securities by a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof and to the alteration of stockholder rights by such company or subsidiary absent a declaration approved by the SEC. Revises the requirements for the types of security transactions by registered holding and subsidiary companies which are exempt from the prohibition on the issuance of securities by registered holding and subsidiary companies. Authorizes the SEC to establish requirements with respect to the consolidated capital structure of a registered holding company system which are needed to prevent an unreasonable economic risk to investors or consumers. Authorizes the SEC, upon application by a registered holding or subsidiary company, to exempt the issue of any security from such prohibition if it is not necessary to prohibit such issue to protect the public interest or to protect investors and consumers. Makes declarations with respect to security transactions filed by registered companies pursuant to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 effective on the twentieth day after filing, absent SEC disapproval or approval subject to terms and conditions in the form of a preliminary order. Sets forth the procedures for final approval or disapproval of a declaration. Permits the filing of amendments to a declaration. Authorizes the SEC to permit a declaration to become effective earlier than the dates specified under this Act. Requires the SEC to permit a declaration to become effective unless the acts which are the subject of the declaration are not in compliance with State laws or involve an unreasonable economic risk to investors or consumers. (Currently there are several conditions precedent to permitting a declaration to become effective.) Makes it unlawful for a registered holding or subsidiary company to acquire any significant interest in any business other than the public utility business, unless there is in effect a diversification plan for the holding company system and such acquisition is consistent with the plan or unless such acquisition has been expressly authorized by the SEC. Makes it unlawful for a person who is not a registered holding or subsidiary company to acquire a public utility security if such acquisition would make such person a holding company and such acquisition is not pursuant to a plan initiated by the public utility company, unless the acquisition has been approved by the SEC. Requires the SEC to approve an application filed for the acquisition of an interest in any business other than the public utility business unless the acquisition is likely to result in an unnecessary and unreasonable cost increase to consumers or to impair an associate public utility company's performance of its services. Permits a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof to apply for the removal or modification of any terms and conditions prescribed in an SEC order issued before the enactment of this Act approving the acquisition of an interest in any business other than the public business. Provides that such application shall be considered approved on the sixtieth day after it has been filed unless the SEC determines that the removal or modification involved is likely to result in an unnecessary and unreasonable cost increase to consumers or to impair an associate public utility company's performance of its services. Permits a registered holding company to file with the SEC a diversification plan providing information with respect to its intentions within two years from the date of filing to diversify in businesses other than the public utility business. Makes such plan effective 60 days after it has been filed unless the SEC disapproved it or a State commission requests the SEC to extend the period of review for such plan. Requires the SEC to approve a diversification plan unless the plan is likely to result in an unnecessary and unreasonable cost increase to consumers or to impair an associate public utility company's performance of its services. Requires that the SEC permit a registered holding company to retain an interest in any nonutility related business unless the retention of such interest materially adversely affects the public utility business of the holding company system. (Currently the SEC may permit such a business interest if it is reasonably incidental or economically necessary to the operations of one or more integrated public utility systems.) Requires that the SEC permit a registered holding company to retain any combination in existence on May 1, 1981, of gas utility systems and electric utility systems unless such a combination of systems does not comply with certain location and size requirements under this Act. Eliminates the prohibition on: (1) borrowing by a registered holding company from a public utility company in the same holding company system; (2) the solicitation of proxies, powers of attorney, consent, or authorization with respect to the securities of a registered holding company or a subsidiary thereof; (3) negotiations or transactions by an affiliate of a public utility company; (4) political contributions by a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof; and (5) representation before Congress, the SEC, or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Provides that the SEC shall not have authority to prohibit: (1) any sale of utility assets used by a public utility company in a holding company system if such sale is expressly authorized by the appropriate State commission; or (2) any transaction with a public utility company which is expressly authorized or approved by the appropriate State commission. Sets forth the basis for determining the costs to be charged to an associate company by a subsidiary company of a registered holding company with respect to the performance of any sales, service, or construction contract. Authorizes the SEC, upon application by a registered holding company or subsidiary thereof, to permit such subsidiary to perform a sales, service, or construction contract for an associate company at a price in excess of the costs of the subsidiary if such performance is in the public interest or in the interest of investors or consumers. Eliminates provisions dealing with restrictions on officers and directors of registered holding companies. Authorizes the SEC to prohibit officers and directors of investment banker or banking associations or of banks, trust companies, banking associations, or banking firms associated with the marketing of securities of a public utility company from serving as officers or directors of a registered holding company or any associate company if it is necessary to protect the interests of consumers. Requires holding companies filing an application for exemption from the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 and registered holding companies or subsidiaries thereof filing a declaration, a diversification plan, or an application for approval of an acquisition of an interest in a nonutility business to give contemporaneous notice of such filings to the appropriate State commission.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-74) for Department of Energy energy conservation programs transmitted by the President to Congress on April 21, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-73) for Department of Energy fossil energy research and development transmitted by the President to Congress on April 21, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any coal lease on Federal lands for one year. Requires the General Accounting Office to investigate and report to Congress, during such moratorium, on: (1) mismanagement of the leasing of Federal coal resources; (2) possible alternatives to the current coal lease bidding process that would avoid single bids at below market prices; (3) changes in Federal law that would assure that the United States receives fair market value for coal leases; and (4) near term and future needs of the United States for coal and the impact of releasing large quantities of coal from Federal lands into the marketplace.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, until January 1, 1994, from licensing or permitting any activity or approving any exploration or development plan which affect areas where there is drilling for oil or gas and which are located in the Pacific Ocean off the coastline of California.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1983
Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1984 for exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that the annual charge for a license issued under such Act for the development and utilization of power created by any Government dam shall include: (1) the actual unreimbursed cost to the United States resulting from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the licensee's project works; and (2) an annual rental charge not to exceed $1.00 per kilowatt of installed capacity and one-half mill per kilowatt-hour of energy produced.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act of 1983 - 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.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Access Amendments of 1983 - Amends provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 relating to the transportation of natural gas by pipeline. Requires a pipeline, without discrimination, to transport natural gas on a reasonable request if: (1) the owner of the gas submits to the pipeline a formal application for transportation which shall include documentation for the sale of a minimum of a total of 250 Mcf per day of natural gas for a period of at least six months; (2) such owner agrees to compensate the pipeline in accordance with the tariff rates established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); and (3) the pipeline has sufficient available throughput capacity. Directs FERC to establish just and reasonable maximum rates and charges for such transportation. Requires FERC's responsibilities over any intrastate pipeline to be delegated to the appropriate State commission. Directs FERC to prescribe regulations governing contractual relationships and obligations relating to transportation under this Act. Authorizes FERC to require the interconnection of two or more pipelines or the extension of a pipeline for purposes of increasing available throughput capacity. Defines "available throughput capacity" to mean that portion of pipeline capacity which during the term of the transport contract would otherwise be unused except during periods of peak usage. Defines the term "free access gas" to mean natural gas produced from any well in the United States: (1) which is not subject to a sales contract as of a certain time; (2) which is released by the pipeline by the exercise of a volume adjustment option; or (3) which is subjected to any termination of contractual obligations. Authorizes free access gas to be sold to any purchaser capable of taking delivery and the seller shall be considered released from all duties and obligations with respect to the service obligations of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Provides that in the case of any existing contract provision which has a minimum purchase requirement if a pipeline which is a party to such contract transmits to the producer a written notice requesting that such contract be voided, such contract shall be unenforceable with respect to any natural gas sale, transportation, or storage required under such contract after the expiration of the later of: (1) the 60 day period beginning on the date notice is received; or (2) the date specified in the notice for contract termination. Defines "minimum purchase requirement" to mean any contract or tariff requirement of payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for if the purchaser fails to take delivery. Directs FERC and the Department of Justice to undertake a cooperative study of and to report to Congress on the competitive effects of vertical integration in the production, purchase, transport, storage, and sale of natural gas, and the effects of vertical integration on the price, availability, and deliverability of natural gas to local distribution companies and ultimate consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, until January 1, 1994, from licensing or permitting any activity or approving any exploration or development plan which involves drilling for oil or gas within specified areas in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Weatherization and Employment Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out the low-income weatherization assistance program established under such Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop and publish a plan for the implementation of the weatherization program during FY 1985 through 1994. Requires the President to identify in the annual budget submitted to Congress before the start of FY 1986 and through FY 1994 the funding needed for the weatherization program for each fiscal year and the amount needed to complete the program in accordance with the implementation plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1994 to carry out the weatherization program. Requires the Secretary to submit a biennial report to Congress on the number of dwelling units weatherized under the weatherization program, the average energy savings per unit, the weatherization measures which have yielded especially high energy savings, and legislative changes necessary to meet the goals of the program. Provides that a minimum of ten percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for the weatherization program shall be allotted to a performance fund which shall provide financial assistance to those States which have demonstrated the best performance during the previous fiscal year in providing weatherization assistance under such program. Eliminates the requirement that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program establish policies and procedures for securing, to the maximum extent practicable, the services of volunteers, training participants, and public service employment workers. Increases from $800 to $2,500 the maximum amount of financial assistance which may be spent for the labor and materials used in the weatherization of one dwelling unit. Specifies the deadlines for the disbursement of funds by the Secretary to the States under the weatherization program. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program give priority in providing weatherization assistance to low-income individuals receiving assistance under the low- income energy assistance program. Requires that the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out the weatherization program provide that assistance to the States may be used to provide information, education, and technical assistance to the residents of low-income dwellings in which weatherization materials have been installed. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to encourage the development of new methods to weatherize multifamily rental dwellings which will benefit both the owners and the occupiers. Authorizes the Secretary to use, in any fiscal year, up to two percent of the funds appropriated for the weatherization program to make grants to local weatherization agencies to carry out field testing of energy saving methods and materials. Includes as "weatherization materials" for purposes of the weatherization program any furnace efficiency modifications. Permits a State to determine whether an insulating or energy conserving device or technology constitutes "weatherization materials" for purposes of such program. Makes such a determination subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides that the term "low-income" shall mean income below any income level established as poverty level under any Federal program being carried out in a State applying for assistance under the weatherization program if such State so elects. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program: (1) submit a training plan for weatherization workers, crew supervisors, field staff, and program directors; (2) arrange for inspections by trained persons of eligible dwellings at least once after the installation of weatherization materials to determine if such materials were the most cost effective and appropriate and were installed correctly; and (3) provide for coordination between the weatherization program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. Makes funds available for the training plan. Requires the Secretary to establish a system for monitoring State and local use of funds under the weatherization program and to promulgate regulations governing cost reporting by local agencies. Provides that the standards governing weatherization efforts by the States shall provide that the procedures to be applied to determine the optimum set of cost- effective weatherization measures to be installed in a dwelling unit shall include State procedures set forth in the State's application and approved by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1984 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for operating expenses for the following Department of Energy research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) the energy conservation program; (3) energy supply research and development with respect to solar energy, geothermal energy, nuclear fission, magnetic fusion, electric energy systems, energy storage systems, basic energy sciences, environmental research and development, and policy and management of energy research; (4) the geothermal resources development fund; (5) general science and research; and (6) advanced isotope separation technology and gas centrifuge process development and demonstration under the uranium enrichment program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for capital equipment expenses not related to construction for the following Department of Energy research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) the energy conservation program; (3) energy supply research and development with respect to basic energy sciences, nuclear fission, magnetic fusion, electric energy systems, energy storage systems, and environmental research and development; (4) general science and research; and (5) advanced isotope separation technology and gas centrifuge process development and demonstration under the uranium enrichment program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for plant and capital equipment for specified prior year research and development projects with respect to: (1) fossil energy; (2) general science; (3) nuclear fission; (4) magnetic fusion; and (5) supporting research. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for plant and capital equipment for specified new research and development projects with respect to: (1) fossil energy; (2) solar energy; (3) energy conservation; (4) environment; (5) general science; (6) supporting research; (7) nuclear fission; (8) magnetic fusion; and (9) uranium enrichment. Provides that the funds authorized under this Act are to be used only for research, development, and demonstration. Provides that none of the funds authorized by this Act are provided for the continuation or termination of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, until January 1, 1994, from licensing or permitting any activity or approving any exploration or development plan which affect areas where there is drilling for oil or gas and which are located in the Pacific Ocean off the coastline of California.
United States · United States Senate · 15 April 1983
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve, upon application by a public utility, the inclusion in the rate base of such utility of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels. Authorizes the Commission to approve by final order the costs of construction work in progress for other types of facilities, subject to the requirements under this Act. Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon application by a public utility for approval of such a rate increase. Sets forth the items required in any such application. Requires the Commission to approve the rate increase applied for or to order a lesser rate increase if, after the hearing, the Commission finds that: (1) the utility will be in severe financial difficulty unless construction work in progress costs are included in the rate base; (2) the utility has initiated programs to acquire alternative energy resources; (3) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; (4) any mismanagement involved will not affect the utility's future financial situation; (5) the long-term benefits justify short-run rate increases in the case of customers purchasing electric energy for resale; (6) innovative financing is insufficient to alleviate or prevent severe financial difficulty; and (7) the applicant utility will discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs included in the rate base. Provides that no rate increase approved or ordered under this Act may: (1) be charged for electric energy sold before the date of such approval or order; (2) exceed the amount needed to alleviate the utility's financial difficulties; (3) have an anticompetitive effect; (4) be charged to recover any costs imprudently incurred; or (5) be unduly discriminatory or preferential or exceed a just and reasonable amount.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Access Amendments of 1983 - Amends provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 relating to the transportation of natural gas by pipeline. Requires a pipeline, without discrimination, to transport natural gas on a reasonable request if: (1) the owner of the gas submits to the pipeline a formal application for transportation which shall include documentation for the sale of a minimum of a total of 250 Mcf per day of natural gas for a period of at least six months; (2) the owner agrees to compensate the pipeline in accordance with the tariff rates established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); and (3) the pipeline has sufficient available throughput capacity. Directs FERC to establish just and reasonable maximum rates and charges for such transportation. Requires FERC's responsibilities over any intrastate pipeline to be delegated to the appropriate State commission. Directs FERC to prescribe regulations governing contractual relationships and obligations relating to transportation under this Act. Authorizes FERC to require the interconnection of two or more pipelines or the extension of a pipeline for purposes of increasing available throughput capacity. Defines "available throughput capacity" to mean that portion of pipeline capacity which during the term of the transport contract would otherwise be unused except during periods of peak usage. Defines the term "free access gas" to mean natural gas produced from any well in the United States: (1) the dirlling of which began on or after May 1, 1983; (2) which is not subject to a sales contract as of a certain time; (3) which is released by the purchaser or otherwise made available by the exercise of a market-out clause, or other similar contract provision; (4) which is subjected to a material unilateral modification of the sales contract by the purchaser; (5) which is subjected to any material breach of the sales contract by the purchaser in either the price paid or the amount of gas required to be taken; or (6) which is subjected to any termination of contractual obligations. Authorizes free access gas to be sold to any purchaser capable of taking delivery and the seller shall be considered released from all duties and obligations with respect to who may purchase free access natural gas. Provides that in the case of any existing contract provision enforceable before January 1, 1985, if a pipeline or local distribution company which is a party to such contract transmits to the other parties a written notice requesting that such contract be voided, such contract shall be unenforceable with respect to any natural gas sale, transportation, or storage required under such contract after the expiration of the later of: (1) the 60 day period beginning or the date notice is received; or (2) the date specified in the notice for contract termination. Provides that in the case of any existing contract enforceable after January 1, 1985, if a producer, pipeline, or local distribution company which is a party to such contract transmits to the other parties a written notice requesting that it be marketed out, such contract shall be unenforceable with respect to any natural gas sale, transportation, or storage required under such contract after the expiration of the later of: (1) the 60 day period beginning on the date notice is received; or (2) the date specified in the notice for contract termination. Directs FERC and the Department of Justice to undertake a cooperative study of and to report to Congress on the competitive effects of vertical integration in the production, purchase, transport, storage, and sale of natural gas, and the effects of vertical integration on the price, availability, and deliverability of natural gas to local distribution companies and ultimate consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Natural Gas Market Reform Act - Provides that where there is a contract for the first sale of high-cost natural gas that includes a take-or-pay clause or an indefinite price escalator clause, such contract shall be deemed to include contract provisions that provide: (1) if the purchaser determines that any or all of the natural gas subject to the contract cannot be marketed at the price otherwise specified by the contract, the purchaser may reduce the price to be paid under the contract, reduce the volume of gas to be subject to any take-or-pay clause of the contract, or both, to the extent necessary to prevent the natural gas from being unmarketable; and (2) within 15 days after the purchaser notifies the seller of a new price for gas or of a new volume of natural gas to be subject to any take-or-pay clause, the seller may terminate the contract without penalty or may terminate the contract with respect to the take-or-pay clause. Provides that any new price or any new volume of natural gas with respect to a take-or-pay clause will take effect 15 days after the purchaser notifies the seller of such new price or such new volume. Provides that an interstate or intrastate pipeline that was a party to a contract for natural gas that was terminated under these provisions shall have an obligation to transport the natural gas that was subject to the terminated contract. Authorizes relief from the transportation obligation of the pipeline where a hearing is conducted and the transportation of the gas would require construction of additional facilities or would impair the ability of the pipeline to serve its existing customers adequately. Establishes the rate for any transportation of natural gas at five cents per million British thermal units plus the cost of such transportation for gas obligated to be transported by these provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, for purposes of the residential energy tax credit and the investment tax credit, that a State or local program shall not be treated as having a principal purpose of providing subsidized energy financing unless such financing represents five percent or more of the total outstanding loan balance of loans provided under the program. Sets forth similar rules for proceeds of industrial development bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Natural Gas Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require interstate natural gas pipelines to transport natural gas upon request by either a seller or purchaser if: (1) such a request is received by an interstate pipeline and filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) at least 90 days before the date such transportation is requested to begin; and (2) the pipeline has available capacity. Creates a rebuttable presumption that an interstate pipeline has available capacity unless the FERC received notice of a protest to the proposed transportation and the FERC determined within a 90-day period that the pipeline's total capacity is to be used at all times to fulfill the current requirements of existing customers. Provides procedures for curtailments when an interstate pipeline does not have sufficient available capacity to meet its transportation and sales obligations. Provides an incentive allowance of $0.05 per million Btu's in excess of the just and reasonable rate for transportation as established by the FERC, unless and until the FERC determines by rule or order that some other amount is appropriate as an incentive in the public interest. Authorizes the FERC to order an interstate pipeline that does not have available capacity to construct or extend its facilities upon request of a local distribution company. Provides that whenever an interstate pipeline reduces its take from a natural gas producer or from another interstate pipeline to a level below 60 percent of contract volume for daily deliverability, the available production may not be sold until the expiration of a 30-day period during which local distribution companies served by the interstate pipeline shall be entitled to acquire a pro rata share of such production under regulations prescribed by the FERC. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed as imposing any obligations to transport natural gas upon any local distribution company or any intrastate natural gas pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Authorizes appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for FY 1984 and 1985. Allocates funds for: (1) nuclear reactor regulation; (2) inspection and enforcement; (3) nuclear material safety and safeguards; (4) nuclear regulatory research; (5) program technical support; and (6) program direction and administration. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act for the development of a long-term nuclear powerplant safety systems plan. Limits the NRC's authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with universities to not more than one percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for nuclear regulatory research. Prohibits the NRC from reprogramming the funds authorized to be appropriated for any activity under this Act so that an increase or decrease in excess of $500,000 in the funds of any program results, unless: (1) a period of 30 calendar days passes after notice of such reprogramming has been sent to specified congressional committees; or (2) such committees transmit within such 30-day period a written notice that they have no objection to such reprogramming. Authorizes the NRC to use funds received for the cooperative nuclear research program and for the material access authorization program to pay salaries and expenses under such programs. Authorizes the NRC to transfer sums from the amounts appropriated under this Act to other Government agencies which perform the work for which such appropriations were made.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Natural Gas Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require interstate natural gas pipelines to transport natural gas upon request by either a seller or purchaser if: (1) such a request is received by an interstate pipeline and filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) at least 90 days before the date such transportation is requested to begin; and (2) the pipeline has available capacity. Creates a rebuttable presumption that an interstate pipeline has available capacity unless the FERC received notice of a protest to the proposed transportation and the FERC determined within a 90-day period that the pipeline's total capacity is to be used at all times to fulfill the current requirements of existing customers. Provides procedures for curtailments when an interstate pipeline does not have sufficient available capacity to meet its transportation and sales obligations. Provides an incentive allowance of $.05 per million Btu in excess of the just and reasonable rate for transportation as established by the FERC, unless and until the FERC determines by rule or order that some other amount is appropriate as an incentive in the public interest. Authorizes the FERC to order an interstate pipeline that does not have available capacity to construct or extend its facilities upon request of a local distribution company requesting transportation of natural gas. Provides that whenever an interstate pipeline reduces its take from a natural gas producer or from another interstate pipeline to a level below 60 percent of contract volume for daily deliverability, the available production may not be sold to any other person until the expiration of a 30-day period during which local distribution companies served by the interstate pipeline shall be entitled to a right of first refusal to acquire a pro rata share of such production under regulations prescribed by the FERC. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed as imposing any obligations to transport natural gas upon any local distribution company or any intrastate natural gas pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Natural Gas Policy Act Reform Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the National Gas Policy Act of 1978 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare against public policy and unenforceable any favored nation provision in any contract for the first sale of natural gas. Defines a favored nation provision as any provision in a contract for the first sale of natural gas which determines the price paid under such contract by reference to the price paid under any other natural gas purchase contract or a specified number of natural gas purchase contracts. Declares against public policy and unenforceable any obligation to pay for gas volumes, in the case of any first sale of natural gas, to the extent that the obligation fails to adequately provide for: (1) make-up of all gas volumes which are paid for but not taken; and (2) if make-up does not occur, for refunds of all amounts paid for gas not taken. Permits either party to a contract for the first sale of natural gas to have market- out authority in addition to whatever other market-out authority may be provided in the contract. Defines market-out authority to mean the authority of a party to a contract for the first sale of natural gas, in its sole discretion, to terminate the contract with respect to all or any portion of the natural gas volumes covered in the contract. Sets forth restrictions on the use of market-out authority. Limits market-out authority to the one year period following enactment and provides that it shall be available only for certain categories of natural gas. Excludes contracts from market-out authority. Provides that market-out authority may be exercised only once with respect to each contract and the exercise of such authority must be preceded by 45 days' written notice. Requires a seller to offer a right of first refusal to the original buyer if the seller finds an alternative purchaser. Provides that any original purchaser which is a pipeline and which declines an offer made pursuant to any required right of first refusal shall have both the right and the obligation to transport through existing facilities of such purchaser the market-out gas, subject to certain conditions. Provides that the rate charged for such transportation shall be a rate that is agreed to by the parties or, if no rate is agreed to, a rate prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Requires any such rate to include an incentive component. Declares against public policy and unenforceable, during the three-year period following enactment, any take-or-pay requirements imposed on a natural gas purchaser with respect to natural gas volumes in excess of 50 percent of deliverability. Defines a take-or-pay requirement as any provision obligating the purchaser to take delivery of natural gas. Defines deliverability as that which is specifically defined as deliverability in any first sale contract. Declares against public policy and unenforceable any provision of any contract for the first sale of natural gas to the extent it is contrary to the requirements of this Act. Directs the Commission to establish standards of prudence applicable to pipeline gas purchase practices. Prohibits the Commission, in determining such standards, from basing the standards on wellhead production costs. Authorizes the Commission to examine the natural gas purchase practices of any interstate pipeline to determine whether such practices violate the prudence standards. Authorizes the Commission upon finding a violation to order a pipeline to cease and desist from such practices and prospectively disallow any amounts paid in violation of the standards. Directs the Commission to issue a general statement of policy respecting rate design principles, for application to individual interstate pipelines on a case-by-case basis as part of the ratemaking process under the Natural Gas Act, which ensure that jurisdictional pipeline rates are sensitive to end-use market supply-and-demand conditions. Deletes the word "abuse" from the current pipeline passthrough standard. Provides for price decontrol with respect to: (1) those categories of natural gas permitted market-out authority under this Act in the case of a natural gas contract which is renegotiated or amended after enactment, if the terms of the renegotiation or amended contract expressly so provide; and (2) natural gas the drilling of which from wells began on or after enactment is subject to a first sale contract entered into on or after enactment, and was not committed or dedicated to interstate commerce on April 20, 1977. Repeals standby price control authority. Title III: Natural Gas Imports - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to review the exercise of authorities and responsibilities respecting imports affecting the supply of natural gas, and to report to Congress. Title IV: Repeal of Certain Restrictions on Natural Gas and Petroleum Use and Pricing - Repeals restrictions, under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, on the use of natural gas or petroleum in new major fuel-burning installations, existing major fuel-burning installations, certain boilers used for space heating, decorative outdoor lighting, and existing electric powerplants. Directs the Secretary of Energy, after considering a petition for an exemption from the prohibition on the usage of natural gas-coal mixture by a powerplant, to grant a permanent exemption with respect to such natural gas if the petitioner certifies that: (1) the use of natural gas in such a mixture is to reduce emissions from that which would occur if only coal was used as a primary energy source; and (2) the proportion of natural gas in such mixture will not exceed the level necessary to comply with applicable environmental requirements, disregarding any variances issued or granted in connection with the powerplant. Makes conforming changes to the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Repeals the incremental pricing program of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Title V: Judicial Review - Provides that if any provision of this Act, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, and the remainder of this Act, shall not be affected.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Nuclear Licensing and Regulatory Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Licensing and Regulatory Process - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish procedures for centralized review by the NRC of all NRC staff proposals for backfitting requirements. Prohibits approval of a proposed backfitting requirement unless the NRC determines that it will substantially enhance the public health and safety or the common defense and security because of improved overall safety of nuclear facility operation and that such improvement in safety is justified when considered over the remaining life of the facility. Requires that an approved backfitting requirement be issued as an amendment to a permit, license, or design approval or as a rule, regulation, order, or an amendment thereof. Authorizes the NRC to issue a construction and operating license to an applicant for a commercial nuclear production or utilization facility if the NRC determines that the facility will be constructed and will operate in conformity with the application, the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and NRC regulations. Requires the holder of such a license to certify to the NRC before commencing operation that the facility has been so constructed and will be so operated. Requires the NRC to publish a notice of receipt of such certification which shall provide a 30-day period for public comment. Requires NRC staff to review the certification and comments and to recommend allowing, prohibiting, or limiting facility operation. Permits the licensee to commence operation unless the NRC issues an order prohibiting limiting operation. Permits judicial review of NRC action or inaction with respect to facility operation within a specified time period. Requires the NRC to provide for onsite inspection of construction. Requires certification of the need for the power to be provided by the facility. Sets forth conditions for facility construction activities by the applicant. Sets forth procedural requirements for formal hearings in connection with proceedings under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to construction licenses and permits, operating licenses, compensation, awards, royalties, and facility designs. Authorizes the NRC to issue a site permit for approval of a site for one or more nuclear production or utilization facilities prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or a combined construction permit and operating license for such facilities. Allows a renewal of a site permit upon application by the holder. Sets forth the conditions under which construction activities by the applicant at such a site may proceed. Authorizes the NRC to approve a design for a commercial nuclear production or utilization facility or for subsystems thereof prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or for a construction and operating license for such facility. Allows the renewal of such an approval upon application by the holder. Prohibits NRC approval of an amendment to a license, construction permit, construction and operating license, design approval, or site permit unless the amendment complies with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and with NRC public health and safety or defense and security regulations. Permits the holder of a permit, license, or design approval to deviate from the permit, license, or design approval without prior NRC approval unless the deviation involves a change in the technical specifications incorporated in the permit and design approvals. Requires the Committee to submit to the NRC a report on each item reviewed. Requires the NRC to adopt and implement a safety goal and to report to Congress within one year after enactment on the progress made toward its adoption and implementation. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Nuclear Power Plant Licensing Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Siting and Licensing - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require that construction permits for the construction or modification of production or utilization facilities for nuclear material be initially granted after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has provided an opportunity for a public hearing and if the permit application is otherwise acceptable. Requires the NRC to issue an operating license to an applicant upon completion of the construction or modification (after the application has been updated, if appropriate) and upon a finding that the facility authorized will operate according to the application and NRC regulations. Directs the NRC to issue a combined construction permit and operating license for a thermal neutron power generation facility after an opportunity for a hearing has been provided and if there is no danger to the common defense and security and to public health and safety. Requires the NRC, prior to the start of operation of such facility, to publish notice of intended operation and to determine that the facility has been constructed and will operate according to the combined construction permit and operating license terms, the provisions of this Act, and NRC regulations. Requires a supplemental review of any issues not considered in the initial review of the facility before operation of the facility may begin. Provides that in determining whether to issue a permit or license, the NRC shall rely upon a certification of need for the facility and of the alternative sources of generating capacity if the certifying authority verifies that: (1) the certification is made by an organization authorized by law to do so; (2) the certifying authority has followed the proper procedures in making its determinations; (3) the certifying authority has considered alternative energy sources; and (4) there is an opportunity for judicial review by a State of the organization's compliance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Provides that the validity of such certification and verification shall be conclusive with respect to the issuance of any license or permit under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and shall not be subject to administrative or judicial review. Prohibits the NRC from modifying a final determination on an issue made in a permit or license proceeding unless the proponent of the request for such modification makes a substantial evidentiary showing that such modification is required in order to comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Requires the NRC to grant a hearing upon the request of any affected person with respect to the granting, suspending, revoking, renewing, or amending of a site permit, a facility design approval, or a combined construction permit and operating license. Requires that notice be published in the Federal Register within 30 days after the docketing of any application for: (1) a construction permit or operating license for a utilization or production facility for industrial or medical therapy purposes; (2) a site permit or renewal of a site permit; (3) a facility design approval or renewal thereof; (4) a combined construction permit and operating license; or (5) an amendment to any of the above permits or licenses. Provides that the NRC shall publish notice twice in major newspapers having national circulation within 30 days after the docketing of any application for the approval of a facility design. Requires public notice when the NRC is considering granting such application. Requires that notice of operation be published in the Federal Register at least one year before the start of operation of any facility for which a combined construction permit and operating license has been issued as well as notice that the NRC will grant a hearing upon the request of any affected person. Limits the issues which may be considered at such a hearing to those not previously considered by the NRC at a proceeding on the facility involved, unless there is new information with respect to the facility's compliance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Authorizes the NRC, if there are no significant hazards considerations, to issue and make immediately effective before a hearing is held and completed any amendment to: a combined construction permit and operating license, a construction permit, a design approval, or a site permit. Requires that notice of any such amendments issued or proposed to be issued be published periodically. Sets forth procedural requirements for NRC hybrid hearings on license or permit applications. Authorizes the NRC to issue, for a ten year term, a site permit for approval of a site for one or more production or utilization facilities prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or a combined construction permit and operating license for such facilities. Permits a renewal of a site permit upon application by the holder. Directs the NRC to establish procedures permitting the approval of standardized facility designs for thermal neutron power generation facilities prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or a combined construction permit and operating license for such facilities. Provides that no application filing or issuance fees shall be required for a design approval or an amendment or renewal of a design approval. Requires the NRC to issue a design approval if it is not inimical to the common defense and security or to the public health and safety. Allows a renewal of an approval upon application by the holder. Requires the NRC to approve amendments to a design approval if they comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and NRC regulations. Permits the inclusion of a request for a variance from one or more elements of a design approval in any application for a construction permit, an operating license, or a combined construction permit and operating license. Requires the NRC to grant such a variance if it complies with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and NRC regulations. Prohibits the NRC from modifying a final determination on an issue already considered and decided in a site permit or design approval proceeding unless the proponent of the request for such modification makes a substantial evidentiary showing that such modification is required to comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms "substantial evidentiary showing", "thermal neutron power generation facility", and "standardized design" for purposes of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Requires the NRC to establish procedures and criteria to be used in determining whether to approve permit or license amendments or to modify final determinations on an issue already considered in a permit or license or in a design approval proceeding. Requires the NRC to prepare an environmental impact statement prior to the issuance of a full site permit. Provides that the issuance of a design approval shall not require any review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Title III: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments. Title IV: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective upon the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Synthetic Fuels Corporation Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Energy Security Act to authorize the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation to make loans, loan and price guarantees, and purchase agreements and to enter into joint ventures for district heating or cooling projects. Authorizes the Corporation to make price support loans for municipal waste energy projects which produce and sell biomass energy. Requires the Corporation to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for district heating or cooling projects and municipal waste energy projects. Requires that the synthetic fuel production strategy established by the Corporation address the types of district heating or cooling projects and municipal waste energy projects the Corporation intends to assist. Makes a minimum of 25 percent of the amount of financial assistance available for obligation during any fiscal year by the Corporation available for such projects. Requires the Corporation's Board of Directors to assure that the Corporation is organized to evaluate, process, and review proposed and funded district heating or cooling projects and municipal waste energy projects.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1983
Clinch River Breeder Reactor Research and Development Project Authorization for Fiscal Years 1984 through 1990 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Research and Development Project for FY 1984 through 1990. Provides that the total amount of funding for such project shall not exceed $1,500,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one-year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market-out-option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the amount the pipeline paid was excessive due to imprudence. Declares any minimum commodity bill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent that it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the August 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price shall be prescribed by FERC at a rate which provides reasonable incentives for production, but may not exceed 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Authorizes a higher price for high-cost gas in the case of wells the surface drilling of which commenced on or after April 7, 1983, if necessary to allow a reasonable return. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after August 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to increase the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for FY 1984. Repeals provisions permitting States to transfer up to ten percent of their grant money for low-income energy assistance for any fiscal year to other block grant programs. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States for low- income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Specifies additional home energy and home energy assistance data which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Specifies the dates by which the Secretary's annual reports on such data must be submitted to Congress. Requires that States applying for grants under such Act agree to cooperate with the Secretary with respect to data collecting and reporting requirements. Requires that State applications for grants include provisions describing eligibility requirements for each type of assistance under such Act. Provides that a State's request that grant money allotted to the State for the next fiscal year for low-income home energy assistance be held available for the next fiscal year shall include a statement of the reasons why the amount to be held available was not used during the fiscal year for which it was allotted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to increase the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for FY 1984. Repeals provisions permitting States to transfer up to ten percent of their grant money for low-income energy assistance for any fiscal year to other block grant programs. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States for low-income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Specifies additional home energy and home energy assistance data which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Specifies the dates by which the Secretary's annual reports on such data must be submitted to Congress. Requires that States applying for grants under such Act agree to cooperate with the Secretary with respect to data collecting and reporting requirements. Requires that State applications for grants include provisions: (1) describing eligibility requirements for each type of assistance under such Act; and (2) projecting the number of households in the State which will be eligible for such assistance. Provides that a State's request that grant money allotted to a State for the next fiscal year for low-income home energy assistance be held available for the next fiscal year shall include a statement of the reasons why the amount to be held available was not used during the fiscal year for which it was allotted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should, as soon as possible, form a bipartisan National Commission on Natural Gas Pricing to make recommendations on natural gas pricing reforms which will ensure adequate natural gas supplies and fair prices; and (2) such Commission should transmit its recommendations to the Congress in time for introduction and passage of legislation before the next winter heating season.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Nuclear Licensing and Regulatory Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Licensing and Regulatory Process - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish procedures for centralized review by the NRC of all NRC staff proposals for backfitting requirements. Prohibits approval of a proposed backfitting requirement unless the NRC determines that it will substantially enhance the public health and safety or the common defense and security because of improved overall safety of nuclear facility operation and that such improvement in safety is justified when considered over the remaining life of the facility. Requires that an approved backfitting requirement be issued as an amendment to a permit, license, or design approval or as a rule, regulation, order, or an amendment thereof. Authorizes the NRC to issue a construction and operating license to an applicant for a commercial nuclear production or utilization facility if the NRC determines that the facility will be constructed and will operate in conformity with the application, the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and NRC regulations. Requires the holder of such a license to certify to the NRC before commencing operation that the facility has been so constructed and will be so operated. Requires the NRC to publish a notice of receipt of such certification which shall provide a 30-day period for public comment. Requires NRC staff to review the certification and comments and to recommend allowing, prohibiting, or limiting facility operation. Permits the licensee to commence operation unless the NRC issues an order prohibiting limiting operation. Permits judicial review of NRC action or inaction with respect to facility operation within a specified time period. Requires the NRC to provide for onsite inspection of construction. Requires certification of the need for the power to be provided by the facility. Sets forth conditions for facility construction activities by the applicant. Sets forth procedural requirements for formal hearings in connection with proceedings under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to construction licenses and permits, operating licenses, compensation, awards, royalties, and facility designs. Authorizes the NRC to issue a site permit for approval of a site for one or more nuclear production or utilization facilities prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or a combined construction permit and operating license for such facilities. Allows a renewal of a site permit upon application by the holder. Sets forth the conditions under which construction activities by the applicant at such a site may proceed. Authorizes the NRC to approve a design for a commercial nuclear production or utilization facility or for subsystems thereof prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or for a construction and operating license for such facility. Allows the renewal of such an approval upon application by the holder. Prohibits NRC approval of an amendment to a license, construction permit, construction and operating license, design approval, or site permit unless the amendment complies with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and with NRC public health and safety or defense and security regulations. Permits the holder of a permit, license, or design approval to deviate from the permit, license, or design approval without prior NRC approval unless the deviation involves a change in the technical specifications incorporated in the permit license, or design approval or an unreviewed safety question. Authorizes the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards to review applications with respect to licenses, permits, and design approvals. Requires the Committee to submit to the NRC a report on each item reviewed. Requires the NRC to adopt and implement a safety goal and to report to Congress within one year after enactment on the progress made toward its adoption and implementation. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Nuclear Power Plant Licensing Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Siting and Licensing - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require that construction permits for the construction or modification of production or utilization facilities for nuclear material be initially granted after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has provided an opportunity for a public hearing and if the permit application is otherwise acceptable. Requires the NRC to issue an operating license to an applicant upon completion of the construction or modification (after the application has been updated, if appropriate) and upon a finding that the facility authorized will operate according to the application and NRC regulations. Directs the NRC to issue a combined construction permit and operating license for a thermal neutron power generation facility after an opportunity for a hearing has been provided and if there is no danger to the common defense and security and to public health and safety. Requires the NRC, prior to the start of operation of such facility, to publish notice of intended operation and to determine that the facility has been constructed and will operate according to the combined construction permit and operating license terms, the provisions of this Act, and NRC regulations. Requires a supplemental review of any issues not considered in the initial review of the facility before operation of the facility may begin. Provides that in determining whether to issue a permit or license, the NRC shall rely upon a certification of need for the facility and of the alternative sources of generating capacity if the certifying authority verifies that: (1) the certification is made by an organization authorized by law to do so; (2) the certifying authority has followed the proper procedures in making its determinations; (3) the certifying authority has considered alternative energy sources; and (4) there is an opportunity for judicial review by a State of the organization's compliance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Provides that the validity of such certification and verification shall be conclusive with respect to the issuance of any license or permit under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and shall not be subject to administrative or judicial review. Prohibits the NRC from modifying a final determination on an issue made in a permit or license proceeding unless the proponent of the request for such modification makes a substantial evidentiary showing that such modification is required in order to comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Requires the NRC to grant a hearing upon the request of any affected person with respect to the granting, suspending, revoking, renewing, or amending of a site permit, a facility design approval, or a combined construction permit and operating license. Requires that notice be published in the Federal Register within 30 days after the docketing of any application for: (1) a construction permit or operating license for a utilization or production facility for industrial or medical therapy purposes; (2) a site permit or renewal of a site permit; (3) a facility design approval or renewal thereof; (4) a combined construction permit and operating license; or (5) an amendment to any of the above permits or licenses. Provides that the NRC shall publish notice twice in major newspapers having national circulation within 30 days after the docketing of any application for the approval of a facility design. Requires public notice when the NRC is considering granting such application. Requires that notice of operation be published in the Federal Register at least one year before the start of operation of any facility for which a combined construction permit and operating license has been issued as well as notice that the NRC will grant a hearing upon the request of any affected person. Limits the issues which may be considered at such a hearing to those not previously considered by the NRC at a proceeding on the facility involved, unless there is new information with respect to the facility's compliance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Authorizes the NRC to issue and make immediately effective, before a hearing is held and completed, any amendment to a combined construction permit and operating license, a construction permit, a design approval, or a site permit if such amendment involves no significant hazards consideration. Requires that notice of any such amendments issued or proposed to be issued be published periodically. Sets forth procedural requirements for NRC hybrid hearings on license or permit applications. Authorizes the NRC to issue, for a ten year term, a site permit for approval of a site for one or more production or utilization facilities prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or a combined construction permit and operating license for such facilities. Permits a renewal of a site permit upon application by the holder. Directs the NRC to establish procedures permitting the approval of standardized facility designs for thermal neutron power generation facilities prior to the filing of an application for a construction permit or a combined construction permit and operating license for such facilities. Provides that no application filing or issuance fees shall be required for a design approval or an amendment or renewal of a design approval. Requires the NRC to issue a design approval if it is not inimical to the common defense and security or to the public health and safety. Allows a renewal of an approval upon application by the holder. Requires the NRC to approve amendments to a design approval if they comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and NRC regulations. Permits the inclusion of a request for a variance from one or more elements of a design approval in any application for a construction permit, an operating license, or a combined construction permit and operating license. Requires the NRC to grant such a variance if it complies with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and NRC regulations. Prohibits the NRC from modifying a final determination on an issue already considered and decided in a site permit or design approval proceeding unless the proponent of the request for such modification makes a substantial evidentiary showing that such modification is required to comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Prohibits the NRC from modifying a final determination on an issue already considered and decided in a site permit or design approval proceeding unless the proponent of the request for such modification makes a substantial evidentiary showing that such modification is required to comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, other Federal law, or NRC regulations. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms "substantial evidentiary showing", "thermal neutron power generation facility", and "standardized design" for purposes of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Requires the NRC to establish procedures and criteria to be used in determining whether to approve permit or license amendments or to modify final determinations on an issue already considered in a permit or license or in a design approval proceeding. Requires the NRC to prepare an environmental impact statement prior to the issuance of a full site permit. Provides that the issuance of a design approval shall not require any review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Title III: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments. Title IV: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective upon the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Authorizes appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for FY 1984 and 1985. Allocates funds for: (1) nuclear reactor regulation; (2) inspection and enforcement; (3) nuclear material safety and safeguards; (4) nuclear regulatory research; (5) program technical support; and (6) program direction and administration. Limits the NRC's authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with universities to not more than one percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for nuclear regulatory research. Prohibits the NRC from reprogramming any funds authorized for any activities under this Act so that any program would be increased or decreased by more than $500,000, unless: (1) a period of 30 calendar days passes after notice of such reprogramming has been sent to specified congressional committees; or (2) such committees transmit within such 30-day period a written notice that they have no objection to such reprogramming. Authorizes the NRC to use the cooperative nuclear research program funds and the material access authorization program funds to pay salaries and expenses under such programs. Authorizes the NRC to transfer sums from the amounts appropriated under this Act to other Government agencies which perform the work for which such appropriations were made.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to increase the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for FY 1984. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States for low-income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect home energy and home energy assistance data on a State-by-State basis. Requires the Secretary to submit the annual report on such data required under such Act no later than September 30 of each calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Extends provisions of Federal law governing civil service retirement for Federal fire fighters and law enforcement officers to atomic energy security guards and Energy Research and Development Administration couriers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Funding Act of 1983 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to provide that specified revenues from leases on the Outer Continental Shelf shall be deposited in the Treasury as follows: (1) 80 percent shall be deposited in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account; and (2) the other 20 percent of such revenues shall be deposited in the miscellaneous receipts account. Permits the President, with the prior approval of Congress, to suspend or reduce such deposits if it would be in the national interest. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make conforming changes. Makes this Act effective for fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Energy Consumer Regulatory Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 by repealing provisions relating to energy conservation improvements to buildings. Repeals provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Security Act relating to residential energy conservation service and commercial and apartment energy conservation service. Repeals energy efficiency standards and requirements for consumer products other than automobiles under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal retail regulatory policies for electric and gas utilities. Repeals provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act relating to electric utility rate design initiatives. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by repealing provisions relating to State energy conservation programs and general emergency energy authorities. Repeals the Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Senate · 22 March 1983
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to redefine the term "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures for that purpose. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in any lands administered by another Federal agency or department, including public, withdrawn, or acquired lands. Requires lands within a known geothermal resource area which are offered for competitive lease and which receive no bids to be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Requires the Secretary to offer up to five percent of all lands offered for sale in any year on a basis other than cash bonus bidding. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if the land involved is designated as a known geothermal resource area within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant or lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than ten percent of the value of energy produced and sold for nonelectrical use. Authorizes the Secretary to defer royalty payments for nonelectric geothermal developments when it is in the public interest, for municipal, cooperative, or other political subdivision lessees where legal limitations on front-end financing would prohibit or significantly deter development. Eliminates the limits on the duration of: (1) geothermal leases with respect to which geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities (currently, such leases may not be extended beyond the primary term of ten years for more than 40 additional years); and (2) leases with respect to which actual drilling operations were commenced before the end of their primary terms and geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities (currently, such leases may not be extended beyond the primary term for more than 35 additional years). Provides that, in certain cases, the term "commercial quantities" shall include a drilled well and either a bona fide sale for delivery to utilization facilities installed or to be constructed or proof of commitment to construct such facilities. Requires the Secretary to grant extensions of up to 15 years on a primary lease if construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or due to demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the maximum holding in any one State, after public hearings, to a maximum of 115,200 acres. Exempts from such limitations those leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and those leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning 20 years after the date production is commenced. (Currently, such readjustment is permitted at ten year intervals beginning ten years after geothermal steam is produced.) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on the acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Prohibits the issuance of geothermal leases in the Island Park Known Geothermal Resource Area adjacent to Yellowstone National Park until after the Secretary has completed a study to determine whether there is any thermal geological connection between such area and the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park. Requires that the study include methods for protecting the thermal features of Yellowstone Park in connection with geothermal leasing in the Island Park area. Authorizes the Secretary to issue geothermal leases in such area 60 days after completion of the study if: (1) a valuable geothermal resource exists; (2) development of such resource will not adversely affect the thermal features of Yellowstone Park; and (3) the thermal features of Yellowstone Park will be protected. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial application of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial. Directs the Secretary to establish diligence requirements for exploratory and developmental activities on leased lands.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Uranium Enrichment Fund Act of 1983 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish in the United States Treasury a uranium enrichment fund, consisting of: (1) all receipts, collections, and recoveries of the Secretary of Energy from the provision of services for the production or enrichment of uranium in the isotope-235, and the sale, lease, distribution, or transfer of uranium; (2) all proceeds derived from the sale of bonds by the Secretary pursuant to such Act; (3) proceeds from the investment of fund moneys; (4) the unexpended balance of any funds available prior to the effective date of this Act relating to production or enrichment of uranium; and (5) any appropriations made by Congress to the fund. Sets forth requirements concerning the Secretary's authority to make expenditures from such fund for uranium production and enrichment activities. Authorizes the Secretary to request the investment of funds in excess of current needs by the Secretary of the Treasury in United States obligations. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into obligations for plant and capital activity purposes or new uranium enrichment plant construction or decreasing authorized uranium enrichment capacity without Congressional authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue and sell to the Secretary of the Treasury bonds and notes to assist in financing uranium production and enrichment facilities and activities. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the operation and financial activities of the uranium enrichment fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Natural Gas Equal Access Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require a natural gas transporter, if the transporter has the capacity, to transport natural gas at a just and reasonable rate upon receipt of a written request from a natural gas producer or purchaser. Defines a "natural gas transporter." Prohibits a transporter not having the capacity to fulfill a request from transporting any gas other than the minimum amount required to be transported pursuant to contracts in effect before the date of the unfulfilled request. Provides that in the case of a contract entered into by a purchaser of natural gas other than gas required to be transported as provided for above, the minimum bill under such contract and the service obligation pursuant to such contract shall each be reduced by the amount of natural gas subsequently purchased by such purchaser and transported under a required transportation arrangement. Provides that in the case of a person receiving delivery of natural gas required to be transported as provided for above on the same dates as such person is receiving delivery of other natural gas, the service classification of such other natural gas may not be changed for such dates without the prior approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Provides a defense to any civil action against a natural gas seller under either a contract for gas sales from a well begun after December 31, 1982, for such a contract which specifies a renegotiation date, or such a contract where the purchaser takes less than 50 percent of the deliverability amount for three consecutive months, if the seller: (1) under contract gives notice to the purchaser 120 days in advance that the contract is to be rescinded; (2) does not breach the contract before the end of the notice period; and (3) offers the purchaser a full release. Provides that if provisions of the Natural Gas Act exempt certain persons then any other person receiving gas from such persons shall also be exempt. Provides that in the case of any first sale between any interstate pipeline and any affiliate of the pipeline, any amount paid in any first sale shall be deemed just and reasonable if, in addition to other requirements, such amount does not exceed the lowest amount paid in comparable first sales (currently, it may not exceed the amount paid in comparable first sales) between persons not affiliated with the pipeline. Sets forth effective dates.