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167 records in US in 1992
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate intangible drilling costs and percentage depletion as tax preference items for independent producers of oil and gas properties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) consideration of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should be a high priority; (2) LIHEAP funding for FY 1993 should be increased to a level greater than or equal to funding for FY 1992; and (3) the President should accept the LIHEAP funding level for FY 1993 as recommended by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Authorizes amounts for expenses of investigations and studies by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the second session of the 102d Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Trade Enforcement Act of 1992 - Title I: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the method of determining the exporter's sales price, for purposes of assessing antidumping duties, to include reduction for reasonable profits from selling the particular merchandise under investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from deducting indirect selling expenses (as an offset of the exporter's expenses) from foreign market value. Revises the authority of the administering authority and the International Trade Commission (ITC) to make proprietary information available to interested parties to antidumping duty or countervailing duty investigations under a protective order. Authorizes an interested party to apply to the U.S. Customs Court for an order directing the ITC to make such information available to the party if the ITC denies its request for information about the domestic price or cost of production of a like product. Declares that "downstream dumping" means a course of conduct in which a product is routinely used as a significant part in the manufacture of merchandise subject to an antidumping duty investigation and such product is purchased at a price that: (1) is lower than the generally available price of the product in the country of manufacture; or (2) is lower than the price at which the product would be generally available in the country of manufacture but for the artificial depression of such generally available price by reason of any subsidy or other sales at below foreign market value. Requires the administering authority to include the amount attributable to the downstream dumping in calculating the amount of any antidumping duty on such merchandise. Requires the administering authority to consider, when deciding whether to impose an antidumping duty on imported merchandise, any determination that an industry producing a product used in the manufacture of such merchandise has been materially injured or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of such an industry in the United States has been materially retarded. Redefines "interested party" to include manufacturers of the product that is used in the manufacture or production of a like product. States that a "resource input subsidy" exists if: (1) (a) a product is provided or sold by a government-regulated entity for input use within such country at a domestic price that is lower than the fair market value of the input product and is not freely available to U.S. producers; and (b) a product would, if sold at the fair market value, constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the merchandise in or for which the input product is used; or (2) under specified circumstances, the right to remove such product is provided by that country's government. Sets forth the method of calculating the amount of a resource input subsidy. Requires injury determinations by the ITC to be made in all countervailing duty investigations relating to the existence of resource input subsidies. Includes in the definition of "subsidy" (for antidumping and countervailing duty purposes) any resource input subsidy. Requires benefits that would constitute a countervailable subsidy to be treated as a subsidy if provided to an enterprise or industry, or group of enterprises or industries, in a nonmarket economy country. Sets forth the method for determining the amount of such subsidy. Revises factors to be considered by the ITC with respect to imports subject to an antidumping duty or countervailing duty investigation. Revises provisions regarding mechandise that is assembled in the United States or other foreign country with foreign imported parts which is the subject of an antidumping or countervailing duty order. Amends such antidumping provision of the Unfair Competition Act of 1916 to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or related importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the court jurisdiction of such an action to the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, to compensatory damages, and legal expenses (currently, treble damages and legal expenses). Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of prima facie case a finding by the ITC that dumping exists. Authorizes the court to: (1) issue subpoenas to be enforced in any judicial district; (2) enjoin importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Allows any person who is injured in his or her business or property by the fraudulent, grossly negligent, or negligent entry or introduction of merchandise into U.S. commerce to bring a civil action in the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade, without respect to the amount in controversy. Entitles a person prevailing in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, compensatory damages, and legal expenses. Permits the United States to intervene in an action under this Act as a matter of right. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the Congress on the antidumping and countervailing duty program. Prescribes the contents of such report. Title II: Adjustment to Import Competition - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize a petitioner for import relief to consult with the ITC (currently, the United States Trade Representative (USTR)) before submitting to it a plan to facilitate positive adjustment to import competition. Revises the method by which the ITC makes "substantial cause" and "affected domestic injury" determinations to add other specified factors that it must consider with respect to whether an article is being imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to a domestic industry. Revises factors the ITC must take into account when recommending action to relieve the industry from such injury and help it make a positive adjustment to import competition. Prohibits an investigation for import relief from being initiated with respect to articles that have been given relief under an orderly marketing agreement. Directs the President to take necessary (currently, "appropriate and feasible") action to implement ITC recommendations and determinations with respect to facilitating efforts by a domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Eliminates a specified presidential report to the Congress. Eliminates the requirement of congressional approval by joint resolution for implementation of action recommended by the ITC in cases where the President takes action different from that recommended by it, or where no action will be taken with respect to the domestic industry. Authorizes the ITC (currently, President) to negotiate orderly marketing agreements with foreign countries, and, after such agreements take effect, suspend or terminate any action it had previously taken. Makes similar changes with respect to the reduction, modification, and termination of import relief action. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to require the President (who is currently, merely authorized) to sell import licenses at public auctions, when taking action to facilitate efforts of an affected domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Title III: Unfair International Trade Practices - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the ITC (currently, USTR) to make certain determinations and take certain actions to enforce U.S. rights being denied under any trade agreement, and to eliminate any act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unreasonable, or discriminatory to U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to report the results of consultations with foreign countries under investigation to the ITC. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to consult with interested persons, including holding a public hearing if requested, and to obtain advice from appropriate advisory committees before making such determinations. Requires the ITC (currently, the USTR) to publish such determinations in the Federal Register. Requires the ITC to transmit notice of such determinations to the President. Requires the President, upon an affirmative determination with respect to a foreign country, to impose duties or other import restrictions on the goods of, and fees or restrictions on the services of, such foreign country. Directs the President (currently, USTR) to implement action the ITC (currently, USTR) determines to take to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement, or to eliminate an unfair trade act, policy, or practice of a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, the USTR) to take specified actions if it makes an affirmative determination with respect to export targeting by a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to monitor implementation of each measure taken, or agreement entered into, by a foreign country to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement, or to eliminate an unfair trade act, policy, or practice of a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to determine what further action it shall recommend to be taken (currently, what action to take) if, on the basis of such monitoring, it considers that a foreign country is not satisfactorily implementing such measure or agreement. Authorizes the ITC (currently, USTR) to modify or terminate trade relief action if the burden or restriction on U.S. commerce of the denial of rights under a trade agreement, or of the acts, policies, and practices of a foreign country, that are the subject of such action has increased or decreased. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR), upon the request of any person, to make available to such person information (other than confidential information) concerning: (1) the nature of the unfair trade practice or policy of the foreign country involved; (2) U.S. rights under any trade agreement and the remedies which may be available under such agreement and under the U.S. laws; and (3) past and present domestic and international proceedings with respect to such policy or practice. Directs the ITC (currently, USTR) to issue regulations concerning the filing of petitions and the conduct of investigations and hearings with respect to actions for trade relief under this section. Requires the USTR to identify U.S. trade liberalization priorities no later than September 30 of each calendar year (currently, no later than 30 days after a specified report is to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees in calendar years 1989 and 1990). Adds the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on Energy and Commerce, on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives as committees that the USTR must report to about such priorities. Requires any of a specified number of congressional committees to file a petition with respect to import barriers and market distorting practices of foreign countries whenever that committee determines (by adopting a resolution) that an investigation should be initiated. Requires the ITC to take specified trade relief action if it determines that a priority practice constitutes an act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to provide an explanation in cases where an estimate of barriers to foreign market access (National Trade Estimates) is not feasible. Authorizes an interested person to file with the USTR a request for a review to determine whether a foreign country is in compliance with any trade agreement it has with the United States. Requires the USTR to make certain determinations and to take specified actions with respect to a foreign country's noncompliance with an agreement. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Imports - Authorizes any interested party to file with the United States Committee for Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) a petition to correct market disruption. Requires CITA, upon receiving a petition, to determine whether to commence an investigation to determine whether a product subject to such petition has been or is being imported in such quantities as to cause a market disruption. Requires CITA, if it decides to commence an investigation, to notify the USTR and the Congress. Requires CITA, if a call for consultation is issued about the article concerned, to correct the market disruption by imposing quotas on the importation of such product unless the USTR has negotiated an appropriate bilateral agreement with the exporting country. Directs the Customs Service to monitor all imports covered by such agreement and to deny entry to any that exceed the limits set in it. Prohibits an article from being entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption in a U.S. customs territory unless an import license has been issued by the Customs Service. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Urges the President to propose to the United Nations Economic and Social Rights Committee that the Convention for the Rights of the Child, which is to be submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations, include a worldwide ban on trade in products of child labor (employment of children under 15). Requires the Secretary of Labor to make periodic reviews to identify any foreign country that: (1) is not enforcing prohibitions against the use of child labor in the production of products within such country; and (2) is on a continuing basis exporting such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary of Labor requesting that a particular foreign country be so identified. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from permitting the entry of any product from such country during the effective identification period. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Makes it unlawful for any person during such period to attempt to enter any product from such country. Sets forth civil penalties. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth congressional findings and policies with respect to the manufacture of products by forced labor in foreign countries. Prohibits: (1) the transport of such products (except products vital to national security) in interstate commerce; and (2) U.S. nationals from investing in, or making loans to, a foreign joint venture involving the use of forced labor. Sets forth civil penalties. Authorizes any person to whom prohibited products have been offered for purchase, or in reasonable likelihood will be offered for purchase, or any public interest group or human rights organization, to commence a civil suit in U.S. district court to: (1) enjoin any persons, including the U.S. Government or any other governmental entity, from violating such prohibitions; or (2) compel the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce such prohibitions. Authorizes actions to be brought in district court for the award of treble damages as a result of such violations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should terminate the bilateral textile agreement between the United States and China, prohibit further imports of textiles and apparel from there, and redistribute to Mexico and Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary countries China's textile and apparel quota entitlements. Directs the President to negotiate limits on automobile imports from Japan equivalent to the limits set by the European Community with respect to automobile imports from Japan. Title V: Negotiating Authority - Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal provisions authorizing the President to proclaim modification or continuance of existing duties, continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties with respect to the negotiation of trade agreements regarding unfair trade barriers by foreign countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal provisions relating to congressional procedures with respect to bills implementing trade agreements on nontariff barriers and resolutions approving commercial agreements with Communist countries. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal provisions relating to: (1) congressional "fast track" procedures with respect to the implementation of trade agreements regarding tariff and nontariff barriers; and (2) bilateral trade agreements regarding such barriers. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the National Trade Council which shall advise the President with respect to the integration of national and international policies relating to trade so that the President and Federal agencies can cooperate more effectively in matters involving international trade. Requires the Council to appoint specified advisory committees. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require Federal agencies to include an environmental impact statement in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other countries on trade or other matters. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the inclusion of representatives of environmental, consumer, and health and safety interests on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, specified general policy advisory committees, and certain sectoral or functional advisory committees. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to prohibit for three years any multiple customs law offender from: (1) introducing or attempting to introduce foreign goods into U.S. commerce; and (2) engaging or attempting to engage any other person to introduce, on such offender's behalf, foreign goods into U.S. commerce. Provides for identifying such multiple offenders. Sets the penalty for violations of such prohibition. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to prohibit the Board from establishing manufacturing subzones unless it finds that establishment of such a subzone will result in: (1) significant net public benefits, taking into account significant adverse effects; (2) additional substantial exports from the United States; (3) the encouragement of activity related to import displacement or substitution; (4) the generation of employment and investment in the United States; (5) no negative effect on a remedial action or program instituted by the United States to counter an international unfair trade practice; and (6) no material harm to an existing U.S. industry. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating any article as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) if such article is determined by the ITC (currently, President) to be import-sensitive in the context of the GSP. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to require the President or the head of a Federal agency to include in every recommendation or report made to the Congress on legislation a statement of the impact of such legislation on U.S. competitiveness in foreign or domestic markets. (Currently, such statement is required only on legislation which may affect the ability of U.S. firms to compete in domestic and international commerce.) Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to repeal a provision relating to congressional disapproval of presidential action to adjust imports of petroleum that threaten to impair national security. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to provide that a foreign principal shall be considered to control a person in major part if such principal holds at least 50 percent equitable ownership in such person. Replaces references to: (1) "agent" with "representative"; and (2) "propaganda" with "promotional material." Requires representatives of foreign principals engaging in private and nonpolitical activities who are relying on exemptions to registration requirements to notify the Attorney General. Prescribes civil penalties for violations with respect to registration statements. Establishes within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice a section to enforce the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, provisions of the Federal criminal code added by this Act, and all other laws relating to lobbying activities in the United States. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the President, Vice President, specified Federal officials, members of the uniformed services, and Members of the Congress, for specified time periods after such persons' service as officials has ceased, to act as agents or attorneys for compensation, in matters in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest for: (1) a foreign government or political party; (2) a person outside of the United States, unless such person is a U.S. citizen; or (3) a combination of persons organized under the laws of, or having its principal place of business in, a foreign country. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to the extent such official is engaging only in: (1) the soliciting or collecting of funds to be used for specified humanitarian assistance; (2) activities in furtherance of religious, charitable, scholastic, or scientific pursuits or of the fine arts; or (3) activities in furtherance of an international organization of which the United States is a member. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this title. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to implement the ITC's recommendations for trade relief in response to an affirmative determination of market disruption from imports of a foreign country. (Currently, authorizes the President to take such action only with respect to imports from countries to which such determination has been made.) Repeals provisions relating to: (1) market disruption from imports from Communist countries; and (2) the filing of petitions requesting the President to initiate consultations under bilateral commercial agreements providing for nondiscriminatory treatment to products of countries that have been denied such treatment because of a finding of market disruption. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include the Committees on Energy and Commerce, on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Relations of the Senate as committees to which the ITC, when requested, must make available certain information, investigations, and reports with respect to unfair trade practices by foreign countries. Adds specified factors to be considered in determining the "transaction value" and "computed value" of imported merchandise with regard to the imposition of customs duties on such products.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Coalbed Methane Development Act of 1992 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to publish in the Federal Register a list of States ("affected States") where: (1) there is legal uncertainty regarding methane gas ownership; (2) such uncertainty impedes development of significant deposits of coalbed methane gas; (3) no legal scheme is in effect which permits and encourages coalbed methane gas development prior to the resolution of ownership of the gas; and (4) there is no extensive development of coalbed methane gas. Names West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, and Illinois as affected States as of enactment of this Act. Requires affected States to establish State agencies or instrumentalities ("State Boards") to promulgate regulations for the expeditious and economical development of coalbed methane gas deposits. Prescribes coalbed gas development and drilling guidelines. Proscribes the drilling of any well for coalbed methane gas production without State Board approval.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Declares it is the policy of the United States to provide incentives to States which require and encourage utilities to provide process-oriented energy efficiency technology assistance to certain industries. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make grants to States which: (1) require utilities to provide energy efficiency financial and technical assistance to covered industries; and (2) offer incentives to utilities for providing such assistance. Sets forth grant parameters. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) model guidelines for conducting process-oriented industrial assessments on an industry-by-industry basis; (2) a nationwide directory of organizations experienced in emerging energy efficiency and waste reduction technologies on an industry-by-industry basis; and (3) an annual award program to recognize utilities operating outstanding or innovative industrial energy efficiency technology assistance programs. Requires the Secretary to convene annual strategy-development meetings with respect to such process-oriented energy efficiency technology assistance programs. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
National Security Act of 1992 - Title I: Intelligence Community Generally - Subtitle A: Director of National Intelligence - Redesignates the office of the Director of Central Intelligence as the Director of National Intelligence. Requires such Director to act as the principal intelligence adviser to the President and the National Security Council (NSC) and to be the head of the Intelligence Community (IC). Requires the Director to provide intelligence to the President, and, when directed by law or as otherwise appropriate, to the: (1) heads of executive departments and agencies; (2) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior military commanders; and (3) Senate and House of Representatives and appropriate committees thereof. Requires such intelligence to be timely and objective. Outlines intelligence responsibilities of the Director as head of the IC. Requires the Director to protect intelligence sources and methods from unauthorized disclosure. Subtitle B: The Intelligence Community - Lists as elements of the IC: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the National Security Agency; (3) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) the National Imagery Agency; (5) the Reconnaissance Support Activity; (6) the intelligence elements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Departments of Treasury and Energy, and the Drug Enforcement Administration; (7) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research of the State Department; and (8) such other offices and entities as further established or provided by law or the President. Directs the President to include in the annual budget submission an unclassified statement of the aggregate budget for the National Foreign Intelligence Program. Considers any amount appropriated to such Program to be appropriated to the Director for allocation within the IC. Subtitle C: Intelligence Community Functions - Establishes a Deputy Director of National Intelligence for the Intelligence Community who shall not be subject to, or exercise control over, any military or civilian personnel of the Department of Defense (DOD). Outlines administrative procedures to be followed if an officer of the armed forces is appointed to the position of the Deputy Director. Establishes under the Deputy Director an Office for Warning and Crisis Support to be composed of full-time senior representatives of the IC selected by the Director. Requires such Office to be responsible for: (1) identifying any immediate threat to U.S. national security, or any area or circumstance where U.S. intervention or involvement is or may become necessary; (2) providing intelligence support during periods of crisis to the President and other senior officials; and (3) otherwise assisting the Director in his responsibilities relating to warning and crisis support. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Evaluation Board to: (1) evaluate the quality and timeliness of intelligence support provided to the Government; and (2) otherwise assist the Director in carrying out responsibilities as head of the IC. Subtitle D: Estimates and Analysis - Establishes a Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Estimates and Analysis who shall carry out duties with respect to intelligence analysis activities of the IC and otherwise. Establishes under such Deputy Director the National Intelligence Council to be responsible for the production of national intelligence estimates for the Government which shall also convey alternative views held by elements of the IC. Requires members of the Council to act as senior intelligence advisers of the IC representing the IC's views within the Government. Establishes under the Deputy Director for Estimates and Analysis an Office of Intelligence Analysis to be responsible for: (1) correlating and evaluating all national security intelligence and providing for its appropriate dissemination within the Government; and (2) preparing all current intelligence and other analysis intended to be disseminated within the Government. Establishes under such Deputy Director an Office of Open-Source Information to: (1) prepare, manage, and execute a single open-source program and budget; (2) coordinate and disseminate such openly-available information; and (3) serve as the sole agent within the IC for the procurement of open-source material. Consolidates all current open-source intelligence entities into such Office. Subtitle E: Central Intelligence Agency - Continues a Central Intelligence Agency to be responsible for: (1) collecting intelligence through human sources and other appropriate means, but having no police, subpoena, or law enforcement powers or internal security functions; (2) providing overall direction for the collection of intelligence through human sources by elements of the IC; and (3) performing such other functions and duties relating to national security intellligence as directed by the President or the NSC. Subtitle F: Authorities of the Director of National Intelligence - Requires each component of the IC to provide to the Director access to any intelligence related to the national security. Makes the Director responsible for the obligation, expenditure, and allocation of funds within the National Foreign Intelligence Program (Program) budget. Prohibits the reprogramming of Program funds without the prior approval of the Director. Permits the Director to reprogram Program funds according to established reprogramming procedures in order to satisfy national requirements of a higher priority only after notifying each affected IC component. Establishes in the Treasury the Reserve for Contingencies of the Intelligence Community. Authorizes the Director to obligate or expend funds from such Reserve for any intelligence-related activity of the IC. Authorizes the Director to temporarily reassign personnel for not more than 180 days within the Program, after complying with certain notification procedures. Authorizes the Director to: (1) direct the use of any collection capability within the IC in order to satisfy a priority intelligence requirement, after appropriate consultation; and (2) direct the preparation of intelligence analyses to satisfy national requirements by the IC, also after appropriate consultation. Requires coordination by the Director of intelligence elements of the IC with similar foregn intelligence elements. Requires the Director to institute policies and programs within the IC to: (1) provide for the rotation of IC personnel; and (2) consolidate and standardize personnel, administrative, and security programs to reduce overall costs. Subtitle G: Administrative Matters - Requires the Office of the Director to be located on a campus of office buildings which shall be named the National Intelligence Center. Sets forth Executive Schedule pay levels for the Director and the Deputy Directors. Title II: National Security Council - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to authorize the Director to attend and participate in meeting of the NSC, without being entitled to vote on policy matters. Establishes within the NSC the Committee on Foreign Intelligence to provide overall policy direction to, and establish the overall resource needs of, the IC. Title III: Department of Defense Functions in the Intelligence Community - Subtitle A: Office of the Secretary of Defense - Requires the Secretary of Defense to be responsible for ensuring that the policies and resources of the Director are implemented by elements of DOD within the Program. Requires the Secretary to submit annually to the Director a Consolidated Defense Intelligence Program for inclusion in the Program for the next fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to ensure that tactical intelligence functions of DOD complement intelligence activities of the Program. Subtitle B: National Security Agency - Sets forth revised provisions governing the National Security Agency (NSA). Requires the NSA Director to operate a unified organization within the IC for establishing, exploiting, disseminating, and establishing product standards for signals collection intelligence activities. Requires such Director to also: (1) define the technical specifications for such overhead reconnaissance systems as may be required to satisfy such signals intelligence collection requirements; and (2) provide for the information security needs of the Government. Subtitle C: National Imagery Agency - Establishes within DOD a National Imagery Agency, headed by a Director. Requires such Director to operate a unified organization within the IC for establishing, exploiting, disseminating, and establishing product standards for imagery collection activities. Requires such Director to define the technical specifications for such overhead reconnaissance systems as may be required to satisfy such imagery collection requirements. Subtitle D: Reconnaissance Support Activity - Establishes within DOD a Reconnaissance Support Activity, to be headed by a Director. Requires such Director to be solely responsible for the conduct of research, development, test, evaluation, procurement, launch, operation, and final disposition of overhead reconnaissance systems as may be required to satisfy intelligence collection requirements of the IC. Subtitle E: Defense Intelligence Agency - Sets forth revised provisions governing the Defense Intelligence Agency. Requires the Agency Director to: (1) produce objective military-related intelligence and disseminate such to specified DOD officials and elements; (2) manage the Joint Intelligence; (3) coordinate the exercise of national intelligence systems and exploitation organizations used to provide intelligence support; and (4) validate, coordinate, and manage other DOD elements with regard to military-related intelligence and support activities of DOD and related elements. Requires such Director to have access to all intelligence collected by an intelligence element of DOD or any component of the IC. Requires such Director to also: (1) evaluate any military-related intelligence produced by any component of DOD to ensure its accuracy, completeness, objectivity, and timeliness; (2) take certain steps in order to avoid duplication of effort; and (3) require that officers who are selected by the military departments for service in the Defense Attache system be selected from among officers on the active-duty list who are qualified for such service. Subtitle F: The Military Departments - Requires the Secretary of each military department, under the direction of the Secretary of Defense, to maintain sufficient capabilities to collect and produce intelligence to meet the tactical military requirements of the: (1) Director of National Intelligence; (2) Secretary; (3) Chairman of JCS; and (4) military department concerned. Title IV: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for purposes of this Act. Title V: Transfer of Functions and Savings Provisions - Transfers to the appropriate agency of the IC established by this Act all functions which the Director of National Intelligence determines are vested by this Act in such agency for the performance of its functions. Transfers appropriations and personnel, requiring all transferred funds to be used only for the purposes for which originally authorized and appropriated. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make all necessary incidental transfers and dispositions, including transfers of personnel, property, assets, and liabilities. States that such transfers shall not have any effect on the grade or compensation of any employee transferred for such purposes. Outlines certain savings and transition provisions. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon the request of a specified licensee, to extend the time required for commencement of construction of a certain hydroelectric project in the State of Illinois for a maximum of three consecutive two-year periods.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Emergency Climate Stabilization and Earth Regeneration Act of 1992 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a process through which the Congress and the President shall cooperate in a national and international program to: (1) reduce heat, drought, famine, and forest fires and to decrease the freezing extremes, snow buildup, flooding, cloud cover, and storms in the winter; (2) regenerate the earth through reforestation, soil and ocean remineralization, conservation, and alternative energy technology development; (3) maximize food and agricultural security through research on soil remineralization and other environmentally sound, sustainable means; and (4) create and develop a secure, environmentally sustainable way of life consistent with long-term climate stabilization. Sets forth specific ways to achieve reduction of carbon dioxide. Recognizes that the U.S. contribution to the global program to reduce greenhouse gases and stabilize the world's climate should be at least proportional to the United States' past and current emissions of such gases relative to other nations. Directs the President to promulgate a regulation providing for a climatic stabilization program and for information development and processing centers to process data concerning world climatic conditions. Requires the regulation to include a plan that provides for: (1) Federal, State, and local climate stabilization plans; (2) specified remineralization goals for the United States; (3) international cooperation to maximize the activities of soil, forest, and energy work and the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide; (4) the curtailment of counterproductive technological practices, including reduction in the use of fossil fuels and toxic and radioactive materials and guidelines for the cutting of trees; (5) support for ecologically sound technology and practices; (6) employment and community requirements; and (7) the implementation of specified articles of the United Nations Charter that require the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means and promote higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress. Directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to take steps to establish a Joint Committee on Climate Stabilization. Establishes a Council on Climate Stabilization and Earth Regeneration as an independent Federal agency. Encourages the establishment of State and local councils to assure implementation of the climate stabilization program. Requires the President to provide for a unified crisis management operation through international, Federal, State, and local activity to minimize damage from, and to maintain agricultural and industrial production under, changing atmospheric conditions that cause natural disasters. Provides for ongoing evaluation of the climate stabilization program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a corporate tax surcharge. Terminates such tax after December 31, 1996. Establishes a Climate Stabilization Trust Fund to be in an amount equivalent to the amount of corporate tax surcharges received in the Treasury. Makes the Fund available to carry out this Act. Requires 80 percent of the funding of any project under this Act to be from Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1992
Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance (from revenues derived from neighboring Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities) to eligible coastal States and counties for: (1) infrastructure; (2) services; (3) competing uses; and (4) natural resources.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1992
National Energy Security Act of 1991 - Title I: Finding and Purposes - Subtitle A: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the energy efficiency and development purposes of this Act. Subtitle B: Goals, Least-Cost Energy Strategy, and Director of Climate Protection - Enumerates the goals of this Act, including establishment in 1992 of an international framework convention on global climate change and international commitment to such convention. Requires the first National Energy Policy Plan submitted by the President to the Congress to include a least-cost energy strategy prepared by the Secretary of Energy according to specified guidelines. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of Climate Protection, who shall participate annually in the formulation of such strategy. Title II: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Title IV (sic): Fleets and Alternative Fuels - Subtitle A: Alternative Fuel Fleets - Sets forth a schedule according to which Federal agencies, when buying, leasing, or otherwise acquiring vehicles for a Federal fleet, must increase the percentage of alternative fuel vehicles in such fleet from ten percent in 1995 up to 90 percent in 2000 and each year following. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to work with the Administrator of General Services and each Federal agency head to plan effective coordination of such acquisitions. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates State acquisition of alternative fuel vehicles according to the same schedule if specified circumstances prevail. Sets forth a different schedule for private and municipal fleets, rising from 30 percent in 1998 to 70 percent in 2000 and after. Provides for exemptions from such requirements in specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to allocate credits to States or private persons for any vehicles acquired in excess of requirements. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this subtitle. Authorizes the Secretary to request the Attorney General to bring civil actions to enforce it. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate administration and enforcement of this subtitle within any State to its Governor if a State program exists. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States to which the Secretary delegates such authority. Subtitle B: Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration, Infrastructure, Development, and Conforming Amendments - Part A: Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration - Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to demonstrate electric vehicles, electric-hybrid vehicles, and their assorted equipment. Provides for solicitation and selection of proposals to negotiate up to ten cooperative agreements to receive financial assistance to conduct such demonstrations. Provides for discount payments to reimburse proposers for giving discounts to vehicle purchasers or lessees. Requires 50 percent of the costs of a cooperative agreement to be provided from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Infrastructure Development - Electric Vehicle and Electric-Hybrid Infrastructure Development Act - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information and data which would be useful to persons seeking to manufacture, sell, lease, own or operate electric and electric-hybrid vehicles. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines for States and local governmental entities to use in developing comprehensive infrastructure plans to support the deployment of such vehicles. Requires the Secretary to offer State Governors the opportunity to request and receive technical and financial assistance in formulating comprehensive State infrastructure plans. Directs the Secretary to undertake cooperative agreements with non-Federal persons, including fleet operators, to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the use of such vehicles. Requires at least 50 percent of costs to be provided from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Amendment to the Alternative Motor Fuels Act - Makes conforming amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Subtitle C: Alternative Fuels - Replacement and Alternative Fuels Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to promote the development and use of domestically produced replacement and alternative fuels (including liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, "neat" alcohol, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, and electricity) to replace conventional petroleum motor fuels. Requires the Secretary to study and determine the feasibility of domestically producing enough such fuels by the year 2010 to replace at least 30 percent of the projected consumption of motor fuel in the United States for that year. Requires annual demand estimates of the number and geographic distribution of each type of alternative fuel vehicle and the amount of each type of alternative fuel needed. Requires the Secretary to obtain voluntary commitments from providers of domestic replacement and alternative fuels to produce and offer for public sale sufficient amounts of such fuels to meet demand. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify the Congress if the amount of such fuels in any area of the United States is insufficient to meet demand; and (2) submit a plan of action to require such providers to make adequate supplies available. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Mass Transit and Training - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements and joint ventures with local or regional transit authorities in urban areas of over 100,000 population to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of using natural gas or other alternative fuels for mass transit. Mandates that as a prerequisite to such a cooperative agreement or joint venture at least 25 percent of the demonstration costs be borne by the local or regional transit authority. Authorizes the Secretary to grant priority to any entity that demonstrates that the use of alternative fuels for mass transit would have a significant effect on the ability of an air quality region to comply with regulations governing ambient air quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Department of Labor to implement a technician training and certification program for the vehicle installation of equipment that converts gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles to run solely on alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A: CORECT and COEECT - Amends the EPCA to name certain interagency working groups the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT) and the Committee on Energy Efficiency Commerce and Trade (COEECT). Requires: (1) CORECT to promote the development and application in lesser-developed countries of renewable energy resource products and technologies that promote the use of hybrid fossil-renewable energy systems; (2) COEECT to promote the development and application in such countries of energy efficiency resource products and technologies; and (3) both organizations to provide in-country technical training and financial assistance. Authorizes CORECT and COEECT to establish renewable energy and energy efficiency industry outreach offices in the Pacific Rim and in the Caribbean Basin. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the range of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies available to meet the energy needs of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Renewable Energy Initiatives - Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (REEETCA) to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for joint ventures with respect to: (1) oil and diesel fuel displacement using specified renewable energy sources; and (2) training individuals from developing countries in the United States in the operation and maintenance of renewable energy equipment and energy efficiency equipment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for at least one joint venture for a utility-scale photovoltaic project of at least ten megawatts. Amends REEETCA to direct the Secretary to enter into buy-down agreements with private lenders to pay the Federal share of the interest on loans to certain qualified borrowers to finance the manufacture, construction, or acquisition of equipment that principally utilizes a renewable energy technology. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees an evaluation of opportunities to minimize waste from processes in the U.S. industries. Establishes certain facilities and equipment located at Keahole Point, Hawaii as the Spark M. Matsunaga Renewable Energy and Ocean Technology Center to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities on solar and renewable energy, energy storage, and related matters. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a program to reward outstanding achievements in specified renewable energy technologies with awards of up to $5,000,000; and (2) a milestone for technical achievement for the year 2010 for each such technology. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Hydropower - Amends the Federal Power Act to eliminate certain mandatory conditioning powers of Federal land mangers with respect to Government dams. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give hydroelectric license applicants earliest practicable notice of studies that will be required to accompany a license application. Provides for a single consolidated review of project licensing under the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 (NEPA). Makes FERC the lead agency for NEPA compliance activities associated with hydroelectric licensing. Grants States exclusive authority to license hydropower projects of five megawatts or less, under certain conditions. Requires the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on cost-effective opportunities to increase hydropower production at existing federally-owned or -operated water regulations, storage, and conveyance facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and implement water use efficiency measures at Federal reclamation projects in order to increase hydropower production, make more efficient use of project power, and provide more water for fish and wildlife. Removes Federal licensing jurisdiction over: (1) hydroelectric projects on fresh waters in Hawaii; and (2) two specified hydroelectric projects in Alaska. Extends the time for project development for two specified hydropower projects in Arkansas. Title VI: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Industrial, Commercial and Residential - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to require the Secretary of Energy to issue a Federal building code to assure that all new Federal buildings and buildings receiving Federal mortgages include energy efficiency measures that are technologically feasible and economically justified. Requires the Secretary to support the upgrading of an industry voluntary building energy code for new residential and commercial buildings. Directs the Secretary to provide incentive funding to States which adopt building energy codes at least as stringent as those of the industry voluntary building codes. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to direct the Secretary to issue voluntary guidelines for use by States, local organizations and others to develop energy rating systems for residential buildings. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to State and local organizations to encourage adoption of residential energy efficiency rating systems based on such guidelines. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide for notifying homebuyers of the availability of energy efficient mortgages providing financial incentives for the purchase of energy efficient homes at the time of mortgage application. Requires the Secretary to assess the energy performance of manufactured housing and make recommendations to the National Commission on Manufactured Housing about thermal insulation and technically feasible and economically justified energy efficiency improvements applicable to such housing. Requires the Commission to make its own recommendations to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires the Secretary of Energy to test the performance and cost-effectiveness of manufactured housing built according to established energy efficiency standards. Directs the Secretary to pursue a research and development program and a joint venture program to improve efficiency in energy-intensive industries and industrial processes. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to make triennial reports to the Congress evaluating energy efficiency policy options and their potential to decrease overall U.S. energy use and oil consumption per unit of GNP. Directs the Secretary to establish voluntary guidelines for the conduct of energy audits and the installation of insulation to achieve cost-effective increases in energy efficiency in industrial facilities. Authorizes appropriations for a program of education and technical assistance to promote the use of such guidelines. Requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to support the voluntary development of a national window rating program to establish energy efficiency ratings for windows and window systems. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to expand the scope and frequency of data collection under the National Energy Information System in order to improve the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of energy efficiency policies and programs. Directs the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to support voluntary development of a national energy efficiency rating program for lamps and luminaires. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for them. Authorizes appropriations. Adds lamps, commercial air conditioning and heating equipment, and utility distribution transformers to the appliance efficiency program. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the practicability and cost-effectiveness of upgrading utility distribution transformers at the time of their routine maintenance. Directs: (1) the Secretary to support the development of a voluntary labeling system for commercial office equipment; or (2) the Federal Trade Commission to develop such a program if one is not developed voluntarily within two years. Authorizes appropriations. Amends EPCA to establish a specified standard for showerheads manufactured after July 1, 1992, unless the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes a different standard before March 1, 1992, in which case the ANSI standard shall apply. Preempts State and local showerhead flow rate standards and labeling requirements. Subtitle B: Federal Energy Management - Amends NECPA to prescribe energy management requirements for energy conservation and efficiency in Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration: (1) to conduct an analysis of significant energy consuming products in the Federal Supply Schedule; and (2) to develop a method to identify products which offer cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to consider fuel efficiency and cost savings when evaluating bids for the purchase of passenger vehicles and light trucks. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) the funding of Federal energy efficiency projects; and (2) a biennially updated demonstration plan for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Federal-owned facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a financial bonus program, not to exceed $5,000 per award, to reward facility energy managers for outstanding energy savings in Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for demonstrating in Federal facilities, or by Federal agencies, energy efficiency technologies that have received Federal assistance for research and development and are now ready for commercialization. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the potential of using Federal purchasing power to encourage the development and commercialization of new energy efficiency products. Subtitle C: Utilities - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to permit State-regulated electric utilities to charge rates that will make their investments in energy efficiency and conservation measures as profitable as their investments in new facilities construction. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the extent to which State-regulated electric utility rates reflect least-cost planning; (2) specified effects of least-cost planning; and (3) the extent to which ratemaking methodologies implementing least-cost planning take into account the impact of such measures upon electric utilities' rate of return on investment. Prescribes guidelines for conservation grants to State regulatory authorities. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) and the Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) (known collectively as PMAs) to consider, as a condition of any future power contract with a nonregulated utility customer, to require such a customer to implement integrated resource planning. Requires the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to employ integrated resource planning in exercising its functions. Subtitle E (sic): State, Local Insular, and Tribal Energy Assistance - Sets forth guidelines for Federal financial assistance to Insular area governments for renewable energy and energy and energy efficiency measures to reduce their dependence on imported fuels. Amends EPCA to authorize the Secretary to provide up to $1,000,000 to States to capitalize a State revolving fund to undertake energy efficiency projects in State and local government buildings in those States which have demonstrated a commitment to improve building energy codes. Amends ECPA to authorize the Secretary to provide supplemental grants to Weatherization Program grant recipients to cover: (1) the costs of arranging private sector contributions to the program; and (2) the costs of evaluating performance measures, producing and exchanging information, and conducting training programs (technical transfer grants). Authorizes appropriations. Amends EPCA to authorize existing State Energy Conservation Programs to use Federal funds to assist in training building designers and contractors in energy system, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive supplemental grants under the existing State Energy Conservation Programs to increase public understanding of energy issues or to provide teacher training in energy education. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to grant financial assistance to tribal governments to plan and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Amends EPCA to require State Energy Conservation Plans to provide for vehicles to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street at a red light as a condition for receipt of Federal funding. Subtitle F: LIHEAP Options Pilot Program - Energy Options Study Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study and report to the Congress on the advantages and disadvantages of using futures and options contracts for fuel as a means of protecting funds under the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP funds) from large price increases in fuels. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct: (1) a pilot program in cooperation with one or more governmental or tribal fund recipients in which the recipient uses futures and futures options in its fuel assistance program; and (2) a pilot program to educate governmental entities and consumer cooperatives on the prudent and effective use of such futures and futures options to increase their protection against unexpected fuel price surges. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII (sic): Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization - Civilian Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a comprehensive advanced nuclear reactor research, development, and demonstration program that will lead to commercialization of advanced reactor technologies after 1996. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a detailed five-year plan to carry out such program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program of technical and financial assistance to encourage the development and submission for certification of advanced light water reactor designs which can be certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by the end of 1995. Provides for cooperative and cost-sharing agreements with private parties which seek such certification. Requires annual progress reports to the Congress from the Secretary and the NRC. Requires the Secretary to solicit proposals to carry out the preliminary engineering design of one or more prototype advanced nuclear reactor technologies (other than an advanced light water reactor) necessary to support a decision on whether to recommend construction of a full-scale prototype demonstration using such a technology. Requires the Secretary to make a recommendation by January 31, 1996, on whether to build such a prototype demonstration reactor. Authorizes the Secretary to solicit proposals to implement such recommendation 180 days following its submission to the Congress. Title IX: Nuclear Reactor Licensing - Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the NRC to hold a hearing before granting a combined license to construct and operate a nuclear reactor. Requires a combined license to set forth all the inspections, tests, analyses, and acceptance criteria necessary to establish that the plant, once built, is safe to operate. Requires the NRC to ensure that all such requirements are satisfied. Provides for post-construction hearings on combined licenses to determine whether requirements have been met. Authorizes the NRC to allow a plant to operate under a combined licensed pending a post-construction hearing unless it appears unsafe to do so. Requires post-construction hearings to be informal unless the NRC determines formal proceedings are necessary to resolve factual disputes. Authorizes the NRC to amend a combined license and permit a plant to operate pending a hearing on the amended license if the amendment does not raise significant safety issues. Title X: Uranium - Subtitle A: Uranium Enrichment - Uranium Enrichment Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the existing statutory contracting requirements applicable to uranium enrichment enterprises. Establishes the United States Enrichment Corporation as a wholly-owned Government corporation to conduct uranium marketing and enrichment activities as a commercial, profitable, self-financing enterprise. Sets forth the Corporation's corporate office and powers and vests its management in an Administrator (appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate). Grants the Secretary of Energy general supervision over such Administrator only with respect to national security and health and environmental concerns. Establishes a Corporate Board whose members shall be appointed by the President, and who shall advise the Administrator and the Secretary regarding Corporation matters. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) Corporation personnel; (2) certain property transfers from the Department of Energy; (3) the Corporation's capital structure; and (4) Corporation pricing policies, including user charges for decommissioning, decontamination, and remedial activities. Requires the Corporation to make annual status reports to certain congressional committees, the President, and the Secretary. Prescribes licensing and taxation guidelines for the Corporation. Sets guidelines for payments in lieu of taxes by the Corporation to States and local governments. Requires the Administrator to make recommendations to the President and the Congress by specified dates regarding the transfer of the Corporation's functions and assets to private ownership. Establishes the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund to cover the Corporation's decommission and decontamination expenses. Applies Federal environmental and occupational safety and health law to the Corporation as though it were privately owned. Exempts the Corporation from sequestration because the maximum deficit amount has been exceeded under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Prohibits the Corporation's total FY 1991 expenditures from exceeding its total FY 1991 receipts. Subtitle B: Uranium - Part 1: Short Title, Findings and Purpose, Definitions - Uranium Security and Tailings Reclamation Act of 1991 - Sets forth findings, purposes, and definitions of this title. Part 2: Uranium Revitalization - Directs the Corporation to establish for a minimum five-year period a voluntary overfeeding program to be made available to its enrichment services customers. ("Overfeeding" means the use of uranium in the enrichment process in excess of the amount required at the transactional tails assay, thus reducing customers' power costs). Provides that the resultant savings shall be credited to such customers. Establishes the National Strategic Uranium Reserve, consisting of 50,000,000 pounds of natural uranium, to be restricted to military purposes and Government research under the control of the Secretary. Confers continuing responsibility upon the Secretary for promotion of the domestic uranium industry, but without using any supervisory authority over the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to develop recommendations and implement Government programs promoting domestic uranium exports. Restricts all uranium purchases by Federal entities to uranium purchased from domestic producers. Exempts the Tennessee Valley Authority from such restriction. Part 3: Remedial Action for Active Processing Sites - Provides that remedial action costs such as decontamination, decommissioning, and reclamation at an active uranium or thorium processing site shall be borne by specified licensees for any activity resulting in byproduct material. Sets forth a reimbursement schedule for: (1) individual active site uranium licenses; (2) all active site uranium licensees; and (3) thorium licensees. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations. Part 4: Import of Uranium, Enriched Uranium, and Uranium Enrichment Services - Directs the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to investigate and report to the President and the Congress on whether non-market economy countries are exporting uranium, enriched uranium, or offering uranium enrichment services at prices below the cost of production or provision. Requires the President, if the investigation results are positive, to report to the Congress on what actions the Federal Government is taking to discourage or end such pricing practices. Requires the owner or operator of any civilian nuclear power reactor to report annually to the Secretary on the country of origin and the seller of any uranium, enriched uranium, or enrichment services such owner or operator has imported or purchased during the previous fiscal year. Requires such information to be made available to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to encourage States and utility regulatory authorities to consider the objectives of this part, including the national need to avoid dependence on imports, when considering whether to allow electric power plant owners or operators to recover in customer rates and charges any cost of domestic uranium, enriched uranium, or enrichment services from a non-affiliated seller greater than the cost of such items from non-domestic sources. Authorizes the Secretary or the United States Enrichment Corporation to buy enriched uranium from other sources of enriched uranium at prices below, respectively, Department of Energy or Corporation production costs if such purchases are necessary to reduce production costs and maintain competitive prices. Title XI: Natural Gas - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize an optional certificate (OC) of public convenience and necessity procedure for the construction and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines. Directs FERC to issue OCs without a hearing if applicants are willing to accept terms and conditions attached to the certificate, including a prohibition on the recovery of OC facility costs in the rates for other facilities or services. Replaces the ordinary rate review procedure with a special complaint procedure in such instances. Requires FERC to conduct a hearing on the record about a proposed OC construction if such construction would result in the displacement of sales or transportation service provided by a local distribution company (LDC). Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to authorize FERC to permit: (1) any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas; and (2) the construction of natural gas transportation facilities for interstate commerce. Outlines administrative procedures for FERC compliance with the requirements of the NEPA with respect to natural gas transportation. Requires FERC to conduct a hearing on the record about a proposed OC construction if such construction would result in the displacement of sales or transportation service provided by a local distribution company (LDC). Declares that FERC issuance of a construction certificate is the only Federal action that may be considered a major Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS). Requires FERC to permit contractors or consultants selected from a FERC-approved list, and paid by the certificate applicant to prepare such required EISs and related documents. Sets forth administrative procedures for rates and charges, utilization of rulemaking procedures, and review of FERC orders. Declares that the formation or operation of an independent producer cooperative shall only be an illegal antitrust law violation if anticompetitive effects substantially outweigh the procompetitive effects. Declares that certain activities related to the sale and distribution of vehicular natural gas (VNG) shall not bring currently exempt entities under the the jurisdiction of the Natural Gas Act. Provides that persons not otherwise public utilities may sell or transport VNG without becoming subject to the jurisdiction of State laws in effect before January 1, 1989. States that VNG activities alone shall not subject a company to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) or change the status of companies already registered as gas utility companies. Provides for streamlining of the certificate issuance procedure, especially with respect to repair and replacement facilities, unopposed applications, evidence of need and of certificate applications. Authorizes FERC to order an interstate pipeline to interconnect with a production or gathering facility, or an intrastate or OC pipeline in the production area. Authorizes FERC, after a hearing, to exempt the natural gas cost component of a pipeline's rates from regulation after finding that the pipeline provided comparable transportation service and served a competitive market. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to provide that general policy discussions by all members of FERC do not constitute a meeting for Sunshine Act purposes. Title XII: Outer Continental Shelf - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to add a new title: the "Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Act". Establishes the Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Fund, to be funded by a specified percentage of all new revenue attributable to an Outer Continental Shelf lease any part of which is within 200 geographical miles of the coast line. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transmit impact assistance from such Fund annually to coastal States according to prescribed guidelines. Requires a recipient coastal State to prioritize allocation of such revenue among its subdivisions which are socially or economically impacted by Outer Continental Shelf mineral development. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on the availability of Outer Continental Shelf areas for oil and gas leasing, development and production. Title XIII: Research, Development, Demonstration and Commercialization Activities - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish priorities according to prescribed criteria for energy research and development and commercialization; and (2) submit to the Congress an accompanying management plan which shall be revised biennially. Requires the Secretary to implement a program: (1) promoting the development and commercialization of new and advanced natural gas utilization technologies; (2) of research and development to increase the recoverable natural gas resource base; (3) of research, development, and commercialization of specified high efficiency heat engines; (4) of research and development of oil shale; (5) of research on extracting oil from western oil shales (including, if appropriate, establishment of at least one field testing center); and (6) of research, development, and demonstration of a high-temperature superconducting electric power system. Authorizes appropriations. Amends REEETCA to repeal the authorization limitations for: (1) renewable energy research and development programs; and (2) energy efficiency research and development programs. Directs the Secretary to expand or institute programs of research, development, and demonstration for: (1) natural gas and electric heating and cooling technologies for residential and commercial buildings; (2) fusion energy that leads to electricity production after the year 2010; (3) techniques related to improving electric vehicles, electric-hybrid vehicles, and battery technology; and (4) increased economic recoverability of domestic oil resources including both advanced secondary oil recovery and tertiary oil recovery. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the development potential of domestic tar sands sources; (2) the potential costs and benefits of telecommuting; (3) the potential for minimizing the volume and toxic lifetime of nuclear waste; and (4) the adequacy of current programs and plans of nuclear waste management. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with qualified entities to provide post-secondary science and mathematics education programs for low-income and first generation college students. Authorizes appropriations. Title XIV: Coal, Coal Technology, and Electricity - Subtitle A: Coal and Coal Technology - Requires the Secretary to conduct: (1) an advanced coal-based technology research and development program aimed at controlling sulfur and nitrogen oxides at greater proficiency levels (and report periodically to the Congress on the program's status); (2) a research and development program on technologies for non-fuel use of coal (after first submitting a plan to the Congress); (3) a research, development, demonstration, and commercialization program for coal refining technologies; (4) a research, development, and demonstration program for underground coal gasification technology for in-situ conversion of coal to a cleaner burning, easily transportable gaseous fuel; (5) a low-rank coal research and development program; (6) a proof-of-concept program in magnetohydrodynamics; and (7) a research, development, and demonstration program for using ultra-clean coal-water slurry in diesel locomotive engines. Requires the Secretary to submit to certain congressional committees a plan for the export of U.S. coal. Establishes the Clean Coal Technology Export Coordinating Council (Council) to: (1) expand the export and use of clean coal technologies (especially in lesser developed countries); and (2) develop a comprehensive data base and information dissemination system regarding their potential need and availability. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of technologies for combining coal with other materials, such as oil and water fuel mixtures. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a national clearing-house for the exchange and dissemination of technical information on technology relating to coal and coal-derived fuels; and (2) study and report to the Congress on the institutional, legal, and regulatory barriers to increased use of coal combustion byproducts by potential governmental and commercial users. Authorizes appropriations for the clearinghouse. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a data-base containing all transportation rates for specified modes of transporting domestic coal for a certain period; (2) study the rates and distribution patterns of domestic coal to determine the impact of Federal policies upon such patterns; and (3) report the data-base and study results to the Congress. Subtitle B: Electricity - Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on physical impediments to the transfer of excess electrical energy from regions with surplus electrical energy to regions experiencing shortages. Declares that State regulatory authorities are not required to base calculations of avoided cost under the Public Utility Policies Act (PURPA), on the rates for, or the costs of, demonstration projects under the Federal clean coal technology program. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking to establish a demonstration program for regulatory incentives to promote the development of clean coal technologies and other innovative control technologies that limit power plant emissions. Requires FERC to establish a process for negotiating with potential developers of such technology projects to agree upon cost caps for future projects and preapproval of the prudence of expenses for those projects if the expenses fall within the agreed-upon cap. Encourages States to provide additional incentives for the implementation of clean coal technologies, and requires FERC to give priority in incentive rate treatment to units located in States with incentive programs. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on progress in encouraging State regulatory authorities to provide such incentives. Title XV: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Defines an "exempt wholesale generator" (EWG) as a corporate entity: (1) engaged exclusively in the business of owning or operating all or part of one or more eligible facilities and selling electric energy at wholesale; and (2) exempt from corporate organizational restrictions under PUHCA. Permits registered utility holding companies, exempt utility holding companies, non-utilities, and other companies not currently subject to PUHCA to own EWGs without limitation. Declares that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shall continue to have jurisdiction over: (1) the issuance of securities by a registered utility holding company in order to finance the acquisition of an EWG; (2) the guarantee of securities of an EWG by such a holding company; and (3) service, sales and construction contracts between an EWG and such a holding company, including the creation or maintenance of any other relationship (except ownership). Prohibits FERC from approving a rate or charge for the sale of electricity by EWGs: (1) where a State commission would use the purchase of such electricity as the basis for not permitting recovery of existing capital investment by the purchasing utility (stranded investment); or (2) where the wholesale purchaser is merely a broker interposed for purposes of making an indirect sale to an industrial or other retail customer (sham wholesale transaction, also known as "cherry picking"). Declares that any rate or charge for the wholesale sale of electricity in interstate commerce by an EWG shall not be considered just and reasonable if it allows the EWG to receive undue advantage resulting from the fact that the purchaser is an affiliate or associate company of the EWG. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant State commissions in accordance with State law the authority to review the prudence of wholesale electricity purchases by utilities under their jurisdiction, except in certain instances involving allocation of power costs within registered utility holding company systems. Extends such authority even within such systems in instances involving purchase of power from EWGs. Amends PURPA to require State commissions to analyze the effects on reliability and utility purchasers of the use of leveraged capital structures by wholesale sellers of power (including ERGs) and the adequacy of fuel supplies employed by such sellers. Requires State commissions to consider reflecting the results of such analysis in approving or disapproving wholesale electricity purchases. Requires EWGs to make their books and records available to State commissions. Title XVI: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends EPCA to add the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Enhancement Act of 1991. Directs the President to enlarge the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to 1,000,000,000 barrels as rapidly as possible. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to create a 10,000,000 barrel Defense Petroleum Inventory (DPI). Authorizes the President, acting through the Secretary, to: (1) acquire petroleum products for storage in the SPR or the DPI from foreign governments without competitive procurement; and (2) contract, without regard to certain provisions of EPCA and other Federal law, for storage in the SPR or the DPI of petroleum products owned by foreign governments.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Hoover Power Plant Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 to direct the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administrator (WAPA) to amend each long-term power service contract for the sale of electric energy to require each electric utility purchasing energy to implement, within three years, integrated resource planning. Directs the Administrator to prescribe the methodology to be used by such utilities to quantify the environmental costs of energy efficiency and energy supply resource options for complying with such contract amendments. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance to such utilities to conduct integrated resource planning, implement applicable plans, and otherwise comply with requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to amend each long-term power service contract for the sale of electric energy to require each purchasing utility to submit an integrated resource plan to the Administrator within 12 months after such contract is amended and every three years thereafter. Provides for review of the initial plan and each revision by the Administrator. Requires resubmission of any disapproved plan. Requires each such plan to: (1) identify and accurately compare all practicable energy efficiency and supply resource options available in accordance with the environmental cost methodology prescribed by the Administrator; (2) designate the least-cost option to be utilized by the purchaser for providing reliable electric service to its customers; (3) minimize adverse environmental effects of new energy supply acquisitions; and (4) provide for the fullest possible public participation in the plan preparation and development. Directs the Administrator to make due allowance for the use of other integrated resource plans by a purchaser when adopted in order to meet other Federal, State, or other requirements. Directs the Administrator to amend each long-term power service contract for the sale of electric energy to require each purchaser to fully comply with the applicable integrated resource plan submitted and report annually to the Administrator on its progress in meeting plan goals. Provides for review by the Administrator of such compliance and reports. Requires the Administrator to impose a surcharge on the purchase price of all power obtained by a purchaser that does not have an approved plan or that is not carrying out an approved plan. Authorizes the Administrator, in lieu of the application of surcharges, to reduce such utility's power allocation in specified amounts which increase for every year of violation of an approved plan. Outlines procedures for bringing suit in a U.S. district court for enforcement of an approved plan or for revision of a disapproved plan. Authorizes purchaser utilities within any State or region to form integrated resource planning cooperatives in order to comply with requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase at fair market value any firm energy savings directly produced from a utility demand side management initiative carried out by a purchaser utility, with an exception. Authorizes the Administrator to purchase energy through the conservation purchase program, under specified conditions. Requires the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to apply to actions of the Administrator in carrying out this Act. Directs the Administrator, whenever WAPA sells power to any purchaser utility under any long-term firm contract, to separately state the bill for energy and capacity according to each generation source. Directs the Administrator to include in annual reports submitted by WAPA: (1) a description of activities undertaken by the Administrator and by purchaser utilities under this Act; and (2) an estimate of energy savings achieved as a result of such activities. Directs the Administrator to adjust WAPA rates for the sale of energy to the extent necessary to cover all costs incurred by WAPA to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance (from revenues derived from neighboring Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities) to eligible coastal States and counties for: (1) infrastructure; (2) services; (3) competing uses; and (4) natural resources.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) place the highest priority on its successful participation in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (and that the President should make every effort to attend); (2) actively support the signing of international agreements that effectively reduce the threats of climate change and the loss of biological diversity and that establish a strong framework for cooperation between developing and developed countries on a wide range of environmental and developmental issues; (3) seek the development of a stronger legal framework to protect the global environment; (4) support the effort to address the legitimate needs of developing countries for increased financial resources, new and appropriate technologies, and reduced debt burden to facilitate sustainable growth; (5) support initiatives to help developing countries become more energy efficient, with increased priority on renewable energy resources and more efficient transportation systems; and (6) support global goals of slowing deforestation of primary native forests.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992
Requires the reliquidation of a certain numbered duty entry and the refund of duty made.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1992
Emergency Anti-Recession Act of 1992 - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Declares that sums in this title are appropriated, out of Treasury funds not otherwise appropriated, to provide emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 1992. Subtitle A: Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies - Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the special supplemental food program; (2) the Farmers Home Administration (FHA) Rural Housing Insurance Fund; (3) the FHA Rural Development Insurance Fund; and (4) FHA rural water and waste disposal grants. Subtitle B: Defense - Appropriates additional amounts to the Department of Defense for: (1) transfer to the Department of Commerce for community planning and adjustment assistance due to adverse impacts of military installation closures or reductions and contract reductions; (2) transfer to the Small Business Administration for small business conversion assistance due to such adverse impacts; (3) transfer to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for civilian-oriented research and development and generic technology projects to aid scientists, engineers, and technicians in converting their skills from the defense sector to the civilian sector while creating new scientific and technological information; (4) transfer to the Department of Labor for demonstration projects for workers dislocated by reductions in Defense expenditures or military installation closures; and (5) the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health) to carry out the Defense Environmental Restoration Program. Subtitle C: Energy and Water Development - Appropriates additional amounts to: (1) enable the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Restoration and Waste Management to carry out the Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program; and (2) the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to carry out the Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs. Subtitle D: Interior - Appropriates additional amounts for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, and certain energy conservation programs. Subtitle E: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education - Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Labor for employment and training services. Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for: (1) community service employment for older Americans; (2) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; (5) low-income home energy assistance; (6) certain programs under the Community Services Block Grant Act; and (7) Head Start. Appropriates additional amounts to the Department of Education for compensatory education for the disadvantaged and student financial assistance. Subtitle F: Transportation - Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Federal Railroad Administration; (2) the Federal Transit Administration; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration; and (4) the Federal Highway Administration. Subtitle G: Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development - Appropriates additional amounts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for community development and planning, modernization of public housing projects, and low-income housing investments. Appropriates additional funds to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Water Quality Act of 1987. Appropriates additional funds to: (1) the National Science Foundation for academic facilities renovation; (2) the Commission on National and Community Service to carry out programs under the National and Community Service Act of 1990; and (3) the Federal Emergency Management Agency for emergency assistance grants. Title II: Food Stamp and Related Provisions - Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act to permit related adults living in the same household to apply for separate program benefits under specified conditions. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the basic benefit level upwards by specified increments at the beginning of each fiscal year until it reaches 105 percent of the cost of the thrifty food plan. Excludes from consideration as program income child support payments to non-household members and other child support payments. Removes the excess shelter deduction cap for program eligibility purposes. Permits a participating family made up of, or including, an elderly or disabled member to own $3,000 in allowable financial resources. (Current law refers to a family member 60 years of age or older). Increases annually the fair market value limit of vehicles that program recipients may own. Excludes third party payments for transitional housing for the homeless from consideration as program income. Directs the Secretary and authorizes States to conduct pilot projects to improve rural program participation. Authorizes grants for projects to improve homeless program participation. Subtitle B: Nutrition Programs - Amends the National School Lunch Act to permit schools to offer fluid milk in any form as part of a school lunch. (Current law permits only whole or unflavored lowfat milk to be offered.) Expands child and adult care food program participation to include private residential day care centers that serve at least 25 percent low-income children. Permits schools to receive meal supplement (snack) reimbursements for after-hours child care even if such schools do not participate in a specified child care food program. Establishes minimum funding amounts for each of FY 1992 through 1994 for assistance to homeless preschool children (in addition to amounts made available under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966). Subtitle C: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this title. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 to extend Federal unemployment benefits and allowances until September 1992. (Current provisions terminate June 13, 1992.) Increases the matching rate for FY 1992 for: (1) Aid to Families with Dependent Children; and (2) Medicaid. Decreases the matching rate for FY 1992 for: (1) local freight assistance; (2) programs under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964; (3) Federal-aid highway assistance; and (4) EPA State revolving loan funds. Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to waive up to one-half of any matching rate requirement under title I. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to provide unemployed individuals and their families with health benefits either directly through a public program or indirectly through the continuation of an employer-based plan. Sets forth eligibility and other requirements for such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) place the highest priority on the success of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), particularly through the personal participation of the President of the United States; (2) negotiate international agreements that effectively reduce the threat of climate change and biological diversity loss; (3) propose an initiative on financing Agenda 21 (the plan of action to be approved by UNCED when it meets) and other global cooperation efforts that takes into account the concerns of developing countries regarding additional costs of international environmental protection and the basic development goals of those countries and that increases accountability for the use of funds provided for environmental purposes; (4) seek to advance the development of a stronger international legal framework, and the creation of appropriate institutional mechanisms, for protecting the global environment; (5) promote public participation in environmental and development decisions at all levels; (6) pursue with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean a cooperative strategy to address environmental concerns in the Western Hemisphere; and (7) evaluate U.S. assistance programs in Latin America and the Caribbean to determine if they address U.S. national security interests in the region by apportioning sufficient funding to environmental concerns. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should support: (1) international and national programs aimed at encouraging a global transition to environmentally sustainable energy systems; (2) new programs and institutions to help developing countries become more energy efficient and otherwise increase their capacity for acquiring and using technology to make their economies more environmentally sustainable; (3) global goals of slowing deforestation of primary forests, increasing worldwide forest cover, and preserving a specified amount of mature forests; (4) improved national forests strategies that integrate all policy issues related to the loss of forests and eliminate economic incentives for deforestation; (5) the development of a new international agreement to eliminate land-based sources of marine pollution and cooperative efforts to address these sources of pollution at the regional level; (6) a process of international consultations aimed at identifying ways that poverty can be alleviated and natural resources better conserved through reduction of developing country debt burdens; and (7) the development of a timetable for industrialized nations and the United Nations to adopt a reformed system of national accounting that would reflect full environmental and social costs.