Energy

To amend title 10, United States Code, to restore the Department of Defense loan guarantee program for small and medium-sized business concerns that are economically dependent on defense expenditures.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to support through the provision of loan guarantees programs sponsored by the Federal Government, regional entities, State and local governments, private entities, and nonprofit organizations that assist small and medium-sized businesses that are economically dependent on defense expenditures to acquire dual-use (military and commercial) capabilities. Provides for the transfer of such loan guarantee authority and funding from the Secretary to the appropriate Federal agency by way of a memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the loan guarantee program during any fiscal year for which funds are specifically made available for such purpose. Requires competitive procedures to be used in the selection of appropriate businesses for the loan program, under specified criteria. Requires a borrower to demonstrate that, during any one of the past seven years, at least 25 percent of the borrower's sales were derived from: (1) contracts with the Department of Defense or defense-related activities of the Department of Energy; or (2) subcontracts in support of defense-related prime contracts. Provides for: (1) a maximum loan amount and a loan guaranty rate; and (2) a 60-40 allocation of loan funds to small and medium-sized businesses, respectively. Provides for the continued availability through FY 1999 of current funding for the loan guarantee program.

Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Emission Reduction Credits Title III: Tax Incentives Title IV: Revision of Purchase Mandates Title V: Federal Transit Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles Title VI: Government Contract Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles Title VII: Research, Development, and Demonstration Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles Title VIII: Minimum Distance Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Act of 1997 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with respect to increased use of domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel. Title II: Emission Reduction Credits - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an emission reduction credit program for natural gas vehicles, Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)-certified alternative fuel vehicles, and fueling infrastructure. Title III: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish natural gas vehicle property credits for any of the following property placed in service during the taxable year: (1) natural gas vehicles (50 percent of the cost); (2) fueling stations (the lesser of $25,000 or ten percent of the cost); and (3) transportation fuel (25 cents per gallon of liquefied natural gas plus 25 cents per gasoline gallon equivalent of compressed natural gas). (Sec. 302) Imposes an excise tax of 3.54 cents per gallon on liquefied natural gas sold for use or used as motor vehicle or motorboat fuel unless there was a taxable sale of such gas. (Sec. 303) Provides for shorter depreciation recovery periods for natural gas vehicles (three years) and refueling property (seven years). Title IV: Revision of Purchase Mandates - Declares U.S. policy to be that the low emission vehicle market should be based on voluntary, economically sound decisions, not Federal mandates. (Sec. 402) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to repeal private fleet mandates. Sets forth sunset provisions to end the fuel provider mandate and the State fleet mandate. Title V: Federal Transit Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Amends Federal transportation law to require metropolitan mass transportation planning organizations, in developing plans, to consider opportunities to stimulate the use of natural gas vehicles and ULEV-certified alternative fueled vehicles and the installation of a fueling infrastructure to support such vehicles. (Sec. 504) Declares that research and investigations for which non-profit institutions of higher learning may receive Department of Transportation grants include the relationship between environmental policy and transportation policy, particularly the potential applications for natural gas vehicles and ULEV-certified alternative fueled vehicles in urban settings. (Sec. 505) Requires any Federal grant for a mass transportation project that involves acquiring buses powered by natural gas, or any ULEV-certified alternative fueled bus, and all related fueling property or equipment, to cover at least 90 percent of the project cost. Title VI: Government Contract Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Amends Federal law for Armed Services acquisitions and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Defense and Federal civilian agencies, respectively, to give a preference in procurement contracts to contractors and subcontractors using motor vehicles that: (1) operate on natural gas; or (2) operate on alternative fuel and meet the ULEV standard. Title VII: Research, Development, and Demonstration Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a five-year program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration projects, including specified activities. Title VIII: Minimum Distance - Amends Federal transportation law to mandate that the minimum driving range for dual fueled automobiles capable of operating on natural gas shall be 100 miles.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXI (sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Other Matters Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title XXI (sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to increase the authorized amount for a military construction project at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. (Sec. 2406) Reallocates specified funds made available due to the closure of the McClellan Air Force Base, California, to fund medical construction projects at Andersen Air Base, Guam, and Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. (Sec. 2407) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase the funding for military construction projects at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and the Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in the preceding titles of this Act on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for FY 2001, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. (Sec. 2704) Extends until a specified conditional date the authorization of appropriations for the Over-the-Horizon Radar at the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, as authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Repeals a current Federal provision prohibiting the Secretary of a military department (Secretary concerned) from entering into certain real property transactions of over $200,000 until 30 days after a report concerning the proposed transaction is submitted to the Senate and House Armed Services and National Security Committees. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the maximum amount of real property that the Secretary concerned may acquire in the interest of national defense. (Sec. 2803) Authorizes DOD to accept funds from a non-Federal party for expenses incurred whenever the Secretary concerned exchanges real property with, or grants an easement, lease, or license to, such a party. (Sec. 2804) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to lease in Naples, Italy, structures and real property associated with a regional hospital complex that are needed for military purposes. Provides a lease term of up to 20 years. Terminates such authority on September 30, 2002.

Public Resources Deficit Reduction Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Revenue from Mining Claims Title III: Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources Title IV: National Park Concessions Public Resources Deficit Reduction Act of 1997 - Title I: General Provisions - Prohibits the disposal of federally-owned natural resources at less than fair market value (including forage, timber, minerals, water and hydroelectric energy generated at a Federal facility). Authorizes a presidential waiver of this proscription whenever the President determines it is in the national interest. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to impose user fees upon program beneficiaries. (Sec. 103) Requires the President's budget message to include a separate statement, asset by asset and aggregated by major functional category, identifying: (1) projected revenues from the anticipated sale, lease, or transfer of any physical asset; and (2) the estimated price at which it would be sold in an arms length transaction in the private sector. Title II: Revenue from Mining Claims - Requires the payment of a royalty to the Federal government of five percent of the net smelter return from the production of locatable minerals or mineral concentrates produced from any mining claim located under the general mining laws. Establishes the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund, into which all such royalty receipts shall be deposited for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities (other than coal and fluid minerals activities). Identifies the kinds of land and waters eligible for reclamation expenditures. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Restricts the issuance of any patents for mining or mill site claims to those for which applications were filed, and certain statutory requirements governing vein or lode claims, placer claims, and mill site claims were complied with, before September 30, 1994. Sets forth annual claim maintenance fee requirements (which shall not apply to oil shale claims subject to claim maintenance fees under the Energy Policy Act of 1992). Title III: Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources - Amends the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest lands in the 16 contiguous Western States, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public domain lands, where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under applicable law, to establish and implement an annual domestic livestock grazing fee equal to fair market value, based on a specified formula. Abolishes grazing advisory boards. Dedicates the U.S. share of grazing fee receipts to: (1) fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement; (2) restoration and improved management of riparian areas; and (3) enforcement of applicable land management plans, allotment plans, and regulations. (Sec. 302) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit below-cost timber sales from National Forest System Lands. Requires sale revenues to exceed costs. (Sec. 303) Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Agriculture in revising land management plans to take into account the economic suitability of lands for timber production. (Sec. 304) Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to require that irrigation water from the Bureau of Reclamation used to produce crops on production flexibility contract acreage be paid for at the full cost for delivery. (Sec. 305) Amends the Food Security Act of 1995 and the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide for the reduction of payment limitations for persons who receive Federal irrigation water for agricultural purposes. (Sec. 308) Amends the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 to repeal the livestock feed assistance program. (Sec. 309) Requires that right-of-way permits for the use and occupation of public lands or National Forests be established at fair market value. (Sec. 310) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require that oil and gas rental prices for leases on public lands be established at fair market value. (Sec. 311) Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1996 to identify circumstances under which the Secretary of the Interior may make an assessment of 20 percent of the amount of underreported royalties from any lease for any production month. Title IV: National Park Concessions - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award concession contracts that authorize private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide services to park visitors and to utilize facilities if it is determined that such award is appropriate. (Sec. 405) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows noncompetitive award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification for any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $1 million or of a duration of over ten years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to renew concession contracts under this Act, except for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 406) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 407) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 408) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 409) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed. Sets forth conditions that preclude such approval. (Sec. 410) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 411) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 412) Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate periodically the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 413) Grants the Comptroller General of the United States access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 414) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 416) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 417) Authorizes appropriations.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should submit a National Energy Policy Plan to Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1997

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should submit a National Energy Policy Plan to the Congress by January 1, 1998, and biennially thereafter through 2006, together with proposals for implementing legislation that will provide for energy self-sufficiency for the United States.

To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate certain regulation of plumbing supplies.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 to repeal restrictions on certain plumbing products and appliances, including showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals.

To extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of the AuSable Hydroelectric Project in New York, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon the request of a specified licensee, to extend for a maximum of three consecutive two-year periods the time required for commencement of construction of the AuSable Hydroelectric Project in New York.

Hardrock Mining Royalty Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Hardrock Mining Royalty Act of 1997 - Requires the payment of a royalty to the Federal Government of five percent of the net smelter return from the production of locatable minerals or mineral concentrates produced from any mining claim located under the general mining laws. Establishes the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund, into which all such royalty receipts shall be deposited for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities (other than coal and fluid minerals activities). Identifies the kinds of land and waters eligible for reclamation expenditures. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Restricts the issuance of any patents for mining or mill site claims to those for which applications were filed, certain statutory requirements governing vein or lode claims, placer claims, and mill site claims were complied with, before September 30, 1994. Sets forth annual claim maintenance fee requirements (which shall not apply to oil shale claims subject to claim maintenance fees under the Energy Policy Act of 1992).

Hardrock Mining Royalty Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Hardrock Mining Royalty Act of 1997 - Requires the payment of a royalty to the Federal Government of five percent of the net smelter return from the production of locatable minerals or mineral concentrates produced from any mining claim located under the general mining laws. Establishes the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund, into which all such royalty receipts shall be deposited for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities (other than coal and fluid minerals activities). Identifies the kinds of land and waters eligible for reclamation expenditures. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Restricts the issuance of any patents for mining or mill site claims to those for which applications were filed, certain statutory requirements governing vein or lode claims, placer claims, and mill site claims were complied with, before September 30, 1994. Sets forth annual claim maintenance fee requirements (which shall not apply to oil shale claims subject to claim maintenance fees under the Energy Policy Act of 1992).

Omnibus Committee Funding Resolution for 1997 and 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997

Omnibus Committee Funding Resolution for 1997 and 1998 - Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 1997, through September 30, 1998, and for the period March 1, 1998, through February 28, 1999: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Budget; (6) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (7) Energy and Natural Resources; (8) Environment and Public Works; (9) Finance; (10) Foreign Relations; (11) Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Labor and Human Resources; (14) Rules and Administration; (15) Small Business; (16) Veterans' Affairs; (17) Aging; (18) Intelligence; and (19) Indian Affairs. Authorizes the transfer of any unexpended balance of any committee for the period ending February 28, 1997, to a special reserve to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses. Requires space assigned to committees covered by this resolution to be reduced commensurate with the reductions in authorized staff funded herein and under S.Res. 73, 104th Congress. States that the Committee on Rules and Administration is expected to recover such space for purposes of equalizing Senators' offices and to consolidate the space for committees to reduce the cost of support equipment and office furniture and accessories.

Precision Agriculture Research, Education, and Information Dissemination Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997

Precision Agriculture Research, Education, and Information Dissemination Act of 1997 - Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to emphasize competitive grants that promote precision agriculture (as defined by this Act) research projects and to promote dissemination of such projects' results. Provides for the establishment of multistate and national agriculture partnerships, including existing partnerships between national laboratories (Secretary of Energy) and the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to include precision agriculture within the research categories of the Fund for Rural America.

Federal Power Asset Privatization Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997

Federal Power Asset Privatization Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell, at the highest possible price, all Federal electric power generation and transmission facilities supervised by, or coordinated with, the Federal Power Marketing Administrations. Restricts such sales to domestic entities or U.S. citizens. Requires the Secretary to terminate Federal Power Marketing Administration operations upon completion of the sales. Directs the Secretary to retain a private sector firm through a competitive bidding process to serve as financial advisor with respect to such sales. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purchaser of any such facilities should offer to employ former Federal Power Marketing Administration personnel. Mandates that sale proceeds be deposited into the Treasury. Sets forth a sales completion deadline for each Power Marketing Administration. Mandates that the pertinent sales agreements require each purchaser providing electric power to customers within any region to insure that the price of electric power does not increase above the baseline price at a rate greater than ten percent annually. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue to the purchaser of a hydroelectric generation facility a ten-year original license under the Federal Power Act to insure that the project will continue operations under the same conditions as were applicable prior to the sale. Grants FERC Federal Power Act jurisdiction over any such facility sold. Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1993 to repeal the proscription against the use of appropriated funds for studies regarding a changeover from an "at cost" to a "market rate" or other noncost-based methodology for pricing hydroelectric power.

Independent Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997

Independent Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act of 1997 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to provide that if the Secretary of Energy does not have a facility available to accept spent nuclear fuel from certain commercial nuclear facilities by a specified deadline, such facilities may offset the expenses of providing storage of spent nuclear fuel that the Secretary would have accepted, had a facility been available, through credits on certain fee payments until the date of the Secretary's first acceptance at an authorized storage or disposal facility.

Nuclear Waste Independent Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997

Nuclear Waste Independent Review Act - Directs the President to establish the Nuclear Waste Policy Review Commission, independent of the Department of Energy and other Federal agencies, to review, and report to the Congress on, U.S. nuclear waste policy, including issues related to: (1) the storage and disposal of high-level, transuranic, and low-level radioactive wastes; and (2) funding through the Nuclear Waste Fund. Prohibits the issuance of any license for a facility for the storage or disposal of radioactive waste until the Commission submits its report. Authorizes appropriations.

Electric Consumers' Power to Choose Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Competitive Retail Electric Energy Service Title II: Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 Title III: Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 Electric Consumers' Power to Choose Act of 1997 - Title I: Competitive Retail Electric Energy Service - Sets December 15, 2000, as the deadline by which all electric utility retail customers shall have the right to purchase retail electric energy services from any person offering them. (Sec. 103) Authorizes a State to elect to establish by the deadline retail electric service choice for retail customers of State regulated electric utilities, with rules providing for: (1) customer choice; (2) nondiscriminatory access; (3) flexible pricing procedure; (4) incentive-based rate regulation; and (5) termination of certain regulations, including price regulation. Declares that non-competitive services may not be used to subsidize services subject to competition. (Sec. 104) Authorizes a nonregulated electric utility to elect to establish, by a specified deadline, retail electric service choice for its customers, with rules providing for: (1) customer choice; and (2) nondiscriminatory access. Declares that non-competitive services may not be used to subsidize services subject to competition. Prohibits an electric energy purchaser from reselling electric energy purchased pursuant to a long-term firm power contract from a Federal power marketing authority to any other person not directly served by retail distribution facilities owned or operated by such purchaser. (Sec. 105) Preempts Federal court jurisdiction (except for Supreme Court review) over actions arising under certain retail competition provisions of this Act. (Sec. 106) Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), if such elections are not made by the deadline for a State regulated or a nonregulated electric utility, to implement specified authorities that would otherwise be exercised by the State regulating authority or nonregulated utility as if the elections had indeed been made by such date. Subjects the exercise of such FERC authorities to Federal court jurisdiction. (Sec. 107) Permits a State or non-regulated electric utility to adopt retail electric service competition before the statutory deadline for such service. Precludes Federal preemption where such prior adoption complies with the prescriptions of this Act. (Sec. 109) Authorizes FERC to require a transmitting utility to provide transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce under conditions necessary to ensure that the terms of customer access to transmission services are comparable to the terms under which the transmitting utility uses its own system. (Sec. 111) Proscribes, after the effective date for retail electric choice, any State or local legal requirement that has the effect of prohibiting any entity from offering or providing electric energy retail service to any electric utility retail customer. Permits the exercise of State regulatory authority imposed on a nondiscriminatory and competitively neutral basis upon retail electric energy services, if it is necessary to ensure adequate service to all customers, protect public safety and welfare, ensure continued quality, and safeguard consumer rights. Allows the imposition of State or local franchise, license, or permit fees on a nondiscriminatory and competitively neutral basis only. (Sec. 112) Mandates FERC-prescribed verification procedures for any changes to a selection made by a utility retail customer of electric energy services. Imposes civil liability for violation of such procedures. (Sec. 113) Directs FERC to establish a program to issue Renewable Energy Credits to electric generators, providing for their sale or exchange. Requires each electric generator selling electric energy after December 31, 2000, to submit Renewable Energy Credits to FERC in an amount equal to the required annual percentage (determined according to a specified schedule) of the total electric energy it generated in the preceding calendar year. Excludes from such determination electric energy generated by means of hydroelectric facilities. (Sec. 114) Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth a statutory framework governing the jurisdictional determinations affecting the transmission and local distribution facilities of any provider of unbundled retail transmission or electric energy distribution in interstate commerce. Delineates purposes for which a State or nonregulated electric utility may impose a surcharge as a condition for the purchase of retail electric energy services. Title II: Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 - Declares that the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 ceases to apply to any gas or electric utility company (including its respective holding company) when each State in which such company provides retail distribution service notifies FERC and the Securities and Exchange Commission of its determination that the pertinent retail customers are able to purchase such services at retail from any offeror on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis. (Sec. 203) Sets forth requirements (including confidentiality requirements) for FERC access to holding company and associate company books and records, subject to exemption according to FERC rules. (Sec. 211) Requires FERC to promulgate regulations for the implementation of this Act, and to submit detailed recommendations to the Congress on the technical and conforming amendments to Federal law necessitated by it. Title III: Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to declare that its requirements that electric utilities offer to purchase electric energy from qualifying cogeneration and small power production facilities at specified costs shall cease to apply to an electric utility if the State notifies FERC of its determination that the utility's retail customers are able to purchase retail electric energy services from any offeror on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis.

To extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act for the construction of a hydroelectric project located in the State of Washington, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon request of the project licensee, to extend for a maximum of three consecutive two-year periods the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction of a certain hydroelectric project in the State of Washington. Provides for reinstatement of any currently expired license.

To extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act for the construction of a hydroelectric project located in the State of Washington, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon request of the project licensee, to extend for a maximum of three consecutive two-year periods the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction of a certain hydroelectric project in the State of Washington. Provides for reinstatement of any currently expired license.

Department of Energy Standardization Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997

Department of Energy Standardization Act of 1997 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal certain procedural guidelines governing: (1) rules publication and notice requirements; and (2) rule promulgation accompanied by explanation. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 to repeal certain requirements for the conduct of advisory committees.

Corporate Welfare Elimination Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Reform Title II: Natural Resources Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Revenue from Mining Claims Subtitle C: Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources Subtitle D: National Park Concessions Corporate Welfare Elimination Act of 1997 - Title I: Tax Reform - Termination of Energy and Natural Resource Tax Subsidies Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal or terminate the following: (1) the expensing of intangible drilling and development costs and of mining exploration and development costs; (2) the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (3) the percentage depletion deduction for mines, oil and gas wells, other natural deposits, and timber; (4) tax benefits for alcohol fuels; (5) the enhanced oil recovery credit; (6) the credit and deduction for electric vehicles, clean-fuel vehicles, and certain refueling property; (7) the deduction for tertiary injectants; (8) the rehabilitation credit for non-historic structures (reduces such credit for certified historic structures); (9) the provisions concerning the treatment of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Organizations; (10) the small life insurance company deduction; (11) the alternative tax on small property and casualty insurance companies; (12) provisions permitting farming businesses to use the cash method of accounting; (13) the deduction for soil and water conservation expenditures; (14) the deduction for expenditures by farmers for fertilizer, etc.; (15) certain exceptions permitting farm businesses to use the cash method of accounting; (16) the exclusion for the cancellation of qualified farm indebtedness; (17) the exclusion for certain cost-sharing payments; (18) the reforestation credit; (19) the rapid amortization of reforestation expenditures; (20) the exclusion of certain income of citizens or residents living abroad; (21) the exclusion for income of foreign sales corporations; (22) the deferral of income of controlled foreign corporations; (23) the deferral of tax under the Merchant Marine Capital Construction Fund; (24) the special treatment for magazine circulation expenditures; (25) the special treatment for returns of magazines, paperbacks, and records; and (26) the exclusion for interest on State and local bonds. Title II: Natural Resources - Public Resources Deficit Reduction Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: General Provisions -Prohibits any timber, minerals, forage, or other natural resources owned by the United States and any federally owned water, or hydroelectric energy of a Federal facility from being sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of by any Federal entity for less than fair market value. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish and collect user fees as necessary to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering programs. (Sec. 213) Requires the revenues from the sale, lease, and transfer of Federal assets to be included in the President's budget submission to Congress. Subtitle B: Revenue from Mining Claims - Requires the holders of mining claims to pay an annual claim maintenance fee of $100 per claim per calendar year. Allows the waiver of such fee for holders of more than ten claims. (Sec. 223) Requires claimholders to pay a royalty of eight percent of gross income for production of locatable minerals on Federal lands. (Sec. 224) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on gross income resulting from the severance of any locatable mineral, or mineral concentrates or products, from a mine or other natural deposit. Makes such tax inapplicable to gross income to which a royalty is imposed. (Sec. 225) Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past mineral activities on Federal lands. Credits the royalties and excise tax under this title to such Fund. (Sec. 226) Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any mining claim unless the Secretary of the Interior determines that, for the claim concerned: (1) a patent application was filed before January 27, 1995; and (2) all requirements are met under the Revised Statutes for vein or lode claims and for placer claims. (Sec. 227) Requires the Secretary to adjust all dollar amounts under this title for changes in purchasing power every ten years, employing the Consumer Price Index as the basis for adjustment. Subtitle C : Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources - Amends the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest lands in the 16 contiguous Western States, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public domain lands, where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under applicable law, to establish an annual domestic livestock grazing fee equal to fair market value, based on a specified formula. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) abolition of grazing advisory boards; and (2) the U.S. share of receipts. (Sec. 242) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit below-cost timber sales from National Forest System Lands. (Sec. 243) Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Agriculture in revising land management plans to take into account the economic suitability of lands for timber production. (Sec. 244) Amends the Food Security Act of 1995 and the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide for the reduction of payment limitations for persons who receive Federal irrigation water for agricultural purposes. (Sec. 247) Amends the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 to repeal the livestock feed assistance program. (Sec. 248) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require that oil and gas rental prices for leases on public lands be established at fair market value. (Sec. 249) Requires that permits for the use of communications sites on public lands be established at fair market prices. Subtitle D: National Park Concessions - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 254) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award concession contracts that authorize private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide services to park visitors and to utilize facilities if it is determined that such award is appropriate. (Sec. 255) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide services to park visitors otherwise than by award of a concession contract. (Sec. 256) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $1 million or of a duration of ten or more years. (Sec. 257) Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 258) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 259) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 261) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 262) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 263) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 264) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 265) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 266) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 267) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 269) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 270) Authorizes appropriations.

Department of Energy Abolishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy Title II: Energy Laboratories Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories Title III: Power Marketing Administrations Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Energy Abolishment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy - Redesignates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the Energy Programs Resolution Agency (the Agency), headed by an Administrator to perform the previous functions of the Department of Energy. Provides for the continuation of service of the Secretary of Energy as the interim Administrator. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Administrator to establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Energy Programs Resolution Agency any organizational entities that were entities of DOE. Sunsets the Agency three years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 107) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to restore the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as an independent agency. (Sec. 108) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all functions of: (1) the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration; (2) certain DOE civilian energy research programs; and (3) specified DOE science and technology programs. (Sec. 109) Transfers all functions of the Administrator of the Energy Regulatory Administration to the Attorney General. (Sec. 110) Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the most efficient way to accomplish the complete abolishment of DOE and the functions. Title II: Energy Laboratories - Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories - Transfers the functions of the Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories to the Under Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Programs (established by title V). Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories - Transfers to the National Science Foundation all functions of the Secretary of Energy relating to nondefense energy laboratories. (Sec. 213) Establishes the Nondefense Energy Laboratory Commission as an independent body to recommend to the Congress disposition options (reconfiguration, privatization, closure, or transfer) for nondefense energy laboratories, programs, or any of the basic science programs. Authorizes appropriations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for fast track congressional consideration of the Commission's report. (Sec. 216) Sets deadlines for closure of all nondefense energy laboratories and basic science programs unless the Congress has approved other specified dispositions. (Sec. 218) Establishes the Energy Laboratory Facility Closure Account to fund implementation of disposition actions. Title III: Power Marketing Administrations - Transfers to the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers) all functions of the Administrators of: (1) the Bonneville Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. (Sec. 303) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on: (1) specified aspects of such power administrations; and (2) recommended final disposition alternatives. Expresses the intent of the Congress that: (1) any purchaser of facilities shall be required to maintain any contracts with customers in force as of the effective date; and (2) any sales of such facilities be executed so as to minimize the impact on the ultimate ratepayers. Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves - Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Transfers to the Secretary of Defense all functions performed by the Secretary of Energy regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, including the Industrial Petroleum Reserve, the Early Storage Reserve, and the Regional Petroleum Reserve. Instructs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Congress a plan for the disposal of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve within a specified timeframe, including a plan for disposal of the reserves held at Weeks Island, Louisiana. Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Transfers to the Administrator of the Energy Programs Resolution Agency all functions performed with respect to the naval petroleum reserves, except Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (Elk Hills). Instructs the Administrator to develop a joint plan with the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Army for disposal of the naval petroleum reserves within a specified timeframe. Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs - Establishes the Defense Nuclear Programs Agency (the Agency) in the Department of Defense (DOD), headed by an Under Secretary for Defense Nuclear Programs. (Sec. 502) Identifies the Under Secretary as the Staff Director of the Nuclear Weapons Council. (Sec. 503) Transfers to the Under Secretary all national security supervisory functions previously performed by: (1) DOE over defense, nonproliferation, and defense-related environmental management programs, and the Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories; (2) the Defense Nuclear Agency of DOD relating to nuclear weapons systems; and (3) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer other nuclear weapons-related functions to the Under Secretary. (Sec. 504) Places restrictions upon the transfer of funds by the Agency. Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the Under Secretary to review ongoing and planned remediation activities for consistency with such Act. (Sec. 601) Sets forth guidelines for site-specific risk assessment and an analysis of risk reduction benefits and costs, which shall be conducted before the selection of a remedial action at a defense nuclear facility. (Sec. 603) Instructs the Under Secretary to renegotiate the terms of any compliance agreement entered into with the Secretary of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the relevant State in order to have it reflect this Act. Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to terminate the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and transfer its authority and assets to the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). Requires: (1) the Corps to assume all obligations of the Office affecting the Yucca Mountain site; and (2) reissuance of Nevada State permits for the Corps. Prescribes procedural guidelines for Corps preparation and implementation of a Yucca Mountain site characterization plan. (Sec. 702) Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to reaffirm that the obligation of the Secretary of Energy to accept high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel beginning by January 31, 1998, is absolute and is not dependent on commencement of operation of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility. States that such obligation shall be neither voided nor delayed for any reason. Repeals: (1) the site selection limitation placed upon the siting of a monitored retrievable storage facility; and (2) the licensing conditions placed upon such facility. (Sec. 703) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the licensing and expansion of an initial uranium storage facility. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous implementing provisions, conferring upon the Office of Management and Budget authority to make any determination regarding functions transferred under this Act and incidental transfers.

Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retail Competition Title II: Public Utility Holding Companies Title III: Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act Title IV: Environmental Protection Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: Retail Competition - Sets December 15, 2003, as the date beginning which: (1) each consumer shall have the right to purchase retail electric energy from any offeror; and (2) all sellers of such energy shall have reasonable and nondiscriminatory access, on an unbundled basis, to the local distribution and retail transmission facilities of retail electric energy providers and all related services. (Sec. 104) Permits State authorities and nonregulated providers to implement the program before such dateline. Sets forth guidelines for: (1) State regulatory authority; (2) recovery of stranded costs by a retail electric energy provider; (3) recovery of stranded costs by a multistate utility company; and (4) universal service for specified consumers. (Sec. 110) Sets forth a statutory framework for retail electric energy suppliers to comply with Renewable Energy Credit requirements. (Sec. 111) Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish the broadest feasible transmission regions and designate an Independent System Operator to manage and operate it in each region by a specified deadline. Authorizes each State that is part of a transmission region, after an Independent System Operator has been designated for such region, to elect to join a Regional Transmission Oversight Board. (Sec. 112) Declares that nothing in this Act is intended to permit retail electric energy providers to recover in their distribution and retail transmission rates any costs associated with unregulated activities. (Sec. 113) Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) prohibit a public utility from acquiring the facilities or securities of a natural gas utility company unless FERC finds such acquisition is in the public interest; and (2) direct FERC to prohibit a retail electric energy supplier or provider from using its ownership or control of resources to maintain a situation inconsistent with effective competition among retail and wholesale electric suppliers. (Sec. 114) Obligates retail and wholesale electric energy suppliers and providers owning nuclear generating units before the enactment of this Act to recover from their customers all reasonable nuclear decommissioning costs. (Sec. 115) Grants all retail and wholesale electric energy suppliers the right to sell to customers of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Title II: Public Utility Holding Companies - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. (Sec. 204) Retains Federal and State access to books and records of public utility holding companies and their associate companies. (Sec. 206) Empowers FERC and State regulatory bodies to determine whether a public utility company may recover in rates any costs of goods and services acquired from an associate company after a specified date. Authorizes a State regulatory body to examine the prudence of interaffiliate power transactions among public utilities. Title III: Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act - Declares the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 governing cogeneration and small power production inapplicable to public utility facilities beginning commercial operations after the enactment of this Act. States that no public utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase or sell electric energy after the effective date of this title or, if earlier, the date on which retail electric competition is implemented in all of its service territories. Title IV: Environmental Protection - Instructs the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress on the implications of differences in air pollution emissions standards for wholesale and retail electric generation competition and for public health and the environment.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1997

Authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for the 105th Congress.

Federico Pena, of Colorado, to be Secretary of Energy, vice Hazel Rollins O'Leary, retired.

United States · United States Senate · 28 January 1997

Emergency Petroleum Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997

Emergency Petroleum Supply Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to each offering of a quantity of petroleum product during a drawdown of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to prescribe guidelines according to which the State of Hawaii may: (1) submit binding offers for (thus becoming entitled to) and purchase categories of such product, receiving, at the Governor's request, first preference in scheduling for lifting; and (2) enter into agreements with eligible entities (local refineries) which may act on the State's behalf. Instructs the Secretary of Energy, at the request of the governor of an insular area, to assist such area in its efforts to maintain adequate petroleum products supplies for a maximum 180-day period.

A resolution making majority party appointments to certain Senate committees for the 105th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997

Designates majority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; and (12) Labor and Human Resources.

A resolution making minority party appointments to Senate committees for the 105th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997

Designates minority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; and (12) Labor and Human Resources.

Common Sense National Park System Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Park System Plan Title II: New Area Establishment Title III: Concessions Reform Title IV: Recreation Fees Common Sense National Park System Reform Act - Title I: National Park System Plan - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to prepare and submit to the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources a National Park System Plan to guide the direction of the System into the next century. Provides that the Plan shall be deemed approved unless the Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving it within 90 days. Allows the Secretary to resubmit the Plan by the date specified in the resolution if it is rejected by the Congress. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress, within one year after the Plan has been deemed approved, identifying which National Park System units do not conform with the Plan. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to report on the procedures that have been instituted to report to the U.S. Attorney or other appropriate law enforcement officials any intimidation, threats, or acts of violence against Service employees related to their duties. Title II: New Area Establishment - Removes certain reporting requirements concerning additional areas for the National Park System. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Committee an annual list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the System. Bars the initiation of any study of the potential of an area for inclusion in the System after this Act's enactment, except by specific authorization by an Act of the Congress. Requires studies to be completed within three complete fiscal years of the enactment date of legislation providing for a study. Specifies factors to be considered in such studies, including whether direct National Park Service management or alternative protection by other agencies or the private sector is appropriate. Requires such studies to be completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a single office to prepare all new area studies and to implement other functions of this Act; and (2) submit with the annual budget submission a list of areas which have been studied previously which contain cultural or historical resources and areas which contain primarily natural resources in numerical order of priority for addition to the System. Requires the Secretary to only include areas on the lists for which the supporting data is current and accurate. Title III: Concessions Reform - National Park Service Concession Policy Reform Act of 1997 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate in the National Park System. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request and under specified criteria, to allow such entities to provide services to park visitors other than by award of a concession contract or permit. Requires the provision of such services to have minimal impact on park resources and values and to be consistent with park purposes. Provides a two-year term limit for the provision of such services. (Sec. 307) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $5 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions; or (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 308) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 309) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to System units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 310) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 311) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 312) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 313) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 314) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 315) Provides that the Comptroller General shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 316) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 318) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 319) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Recreation Fees - National Park Service Entrepreneurial Management Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase fees for admission to units of the National Park System and other specified areas. Makes receipts from admission available, subject to appropriation, for authorized resource protection, rehabilitation, and conservation projects. Requires the Secretary to establish a pilot project at Yosemite National Park that utilizes incentives, including waiving or reducing admission fees, to encourage use of public transit which serves the purpose of reducing vehicular traffic within such park. Revises provisions regarding the issuance of lifetime admission permits, including a limitation that such a permit entitles only the permittee and the accompanying spouse to free admission. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress respecting areas where the Secretary determines that admission fees would be appropriate but where such fees are prohibited by law, and areas where such fees are authorized but not being collected. Increases the penalty for violations of rules and regulations regarding admission and special recreation use fees. Modifies provisions regarding the use of fees collected. Requires that specified receipts be covered into a special National Park Renewal Fund. Makes such funds available for resource protection, research, interpretation, and maintenance activities related to resource protection and visitor enjoyment in areas managed by the National Park Service. Repeals a requirement that qualified public or private entities selling annual admission permits reimburse the United States for the full amount to be received from the sale of such permits when or before the agency delivers the permits to such entity for sale. Directs the Secretary to establish reasonable fees for nonrecreational uses of System units that require special arrangements. Prohibits charging an admission or recreation use fee for entrance into, or use of, any federally owned area operated and maintained by a Federal agency which is used for outdoor recreation purposes, except as provided for by such Act. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) negotiate and enter into agreements with State or local governments, individuals, or other entities for the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to System units; and (2) provide, subject to appropriation, the Federal funding share from any funds available to the National Park Service in carrying out such agreements. (Sec. 404) Requires any funds payable to the United States as restitution for damages to national park resources or property to be paid to the Secretary and made available for improvement, protection, or rehabilitation of damaged resources or property.

Ratepayer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997

Ratepayer Protection Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to declare its provisions governing cogeneration and small power production inapplicable to any facility placed in service after enactment of this Act, except with respect to power purchase contracts entered into pursuant to such provisions which were in effect on the repeal date. Declares that after January 7, 1997, no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to the provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 governing cogeneration and small power production. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations to assure that no utility shall be required to absorb the costs associated with electric energy or capacity purchases from a qualifying facility executed prior to January 7, 1997, and governed by such provisions (thus assuring such utilities recovery of all costs associated with such purchases). Provides that such regulations shall be treated as a rule enforceable under the Federal Power Act.

To amend section 2118 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to extend the Electric and Magnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination Program.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to extend through 1999 the Electric and Magnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination Program, along with corresponding deadlines for the submission of certain reports concerning the extent to which human health is affected by exposure to electric and magnetic fields produced by electric energy.

To privatize the Federal Power Marketing Administrations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of Corporations and Transfer of Facilities Title II: Privatization of Corporations Title I: Establishment of Corporations and Transfer of Facilities - Establishes the following Government corporations to operate, maintain, and market the electric power transmission and generation facilities transferred to them under this Act: (1) the Southeastern Power Corporation; (2) the Western Area Power Corporation; and (3) the Southwestern Area Power Corporation. Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Transition Manager for each such Corporation. Prescribes transition guidelines for the transfer of facilities and funds, and the termination of the Federal power marketing administrations. Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1993 to repeal the prohibition against the use of Federal funds for studies relating or leading to the possibility of changing from the currently required "at cost" to a "market rate," or any other noncost-based method for hydroelectric power pricing by the six Federal public power authorities, or other Federal authorities without specific congressional authorization. Title II: Privatization of Corporations - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to retain the services of investment banking firms to serve jointly as co-lead managers of the public offering for each such Corporation and to establish a syndicate to underwrite the public offering. Prescribes preparation guidelines for such public offering, including the election of a Board of Directors and the private status of the Corporations subsequent to the sale of 60 percent of the Federal interest in each such Corporation.

Imposing certain restrictions and requirements on the leasing under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of lands offshore Florida, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from permitting oil and gas development activities in specified parts of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, the Straits of Florida Planning Area, and the South Atlantic Planning Area, unless: (1) certain environmental studies and assessments have been completed; and (2) the Secretary has certified to the Congress that specified environmental information has been obtained which adequately enables the Secretary to implement Federal stewardship of the environment with a minimal level of uncertainty. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting any: (1) oil or gas development activity under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in a specified part of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area; or (2) preleasing activity or lease sale in such Planning Areas for a specified period. Mandates specified assessments and studies of the Areas addressed by this Act. Establishes the Joint Federal-State Outer Continental Shelf Task Force to request additional studies and surveys as needed to minimize the uncertainty about the effects of preleasing, leasing, and exploration activities. Subjects the first exploration plan submitted after the date of enactment of this Act to the requirements of detailed environmental impact statements. Authorizes appropriations.

Housing Opportunity and Responsibility Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Public Housing Subtitle A: Block Grants Subtitle B: Admissions and Occupancy Requirements Subtitle C: Management Subtitle D: Homeownership Subtitle E: Disposition, Demolition, and Revitalization of Developments Subtitle F: General Provisions Title III: Choice-Based Rental Housing and Homeownership Assistance for Low-Income Families Subtitle A: Allocation Subtitle B: Choice-Based Housing Assistance for Eligible Families Subtitle C: Payment of Housing Assistance on Behalf of Assisted Families Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Home Rule Flexible Grant Option Title V: Accountability and Oversight of Public Housing Agencies Subtitle A: Study of Alternative Methods for Evaluating Public Housing Agencies Subtitle B: Housing Evaluation and Accreditation Board Subtitle C: Interim Applicability of Public Housing Management Assessment Program Subtitle D: Accountability and Oversight Standards and Procedures Title VI: Repeals and Related Amendments Subtitle A: Repeals, Effective Date, and Savings Provisions Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Public Housing and Rental Assistance Programs Subtitle C: Limitations Relating to Occupancy in Federally Assisted Housing Title VII: Affordable Housing and Miscellaneous Provisions Housing Opportunity and Responsibility Act of 1997 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide affordable low-income housing through such means as deregulation of public housing agencies (PHAs) and increased Federal housing assistance flexibility. Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act. (Sec. 105) Requires each PHA and assisted tenant family to enter into a community work and family self-sufficiency agreement. (Sec. 106) Requires PHAs to submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary): (1) five-year and annual management plans; and (2) performance and evaluation reports. (Sec. 111) Authorizes the Secretary to retain specified appropriations as a special use or emergency housing reserve fund. (Sec. 115) Makes the provisions of this Act inapplicable to Indian housing unless specifically provided otherwise. Title II: Public Housing - Subtitle A: Block Grants - Directs the Secretary to enter into block grant contracts with PHAs to establish capital and operating funds. Requires: (1) public housing developments to be State and locally tax-exempt; and (2) PHAs to identify distressed nonviable housing and convert public housing assistance for such units to rental housing assistance. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) eligible activities; (2) permanent and interim grant allocations; and (3) improper grant use sanctions. Subtitle B: Admissions and Occupancy Requirements - Limits public housing occupancy to families who at the time of initial occupancy qualify as low-income. Authorizes: (1) mixed income developments; (2) waiver of eligibility requirements for police and security officers; and (3) occupancy preferences. (Sec. 225) Permits families to choose either a flat or an income-based rent. (Sec. 227) Authorizes housing designated only for elderly families, disabled families, or elderly and disabled families. Subtitle C: Management - Authorizes public housing residents to establish resident councils and resident management corporations. (Sec. 235) Authorizes PHA-resident management corporation housing management contracts. (Sec. 236) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer management from a troubled PHA to an independent manager upon resident request. (Sec. 237) Provides for a resident (management) opportunity program. Obligates program funding. Subtitle D: Homeownership - Authorizes PHA low-income resident homeownership programs. Subtitle E: Disposition, Demolition, and Revitalization of Developments - Authorizes, and sets forth requirements for, PHA demolition and disposition of nonviable or nonmarketable housing. Gives resident organizations and management corporations right of first refusal. (Sec. 262) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to PHAs for: (1) site revitalization; (2) density reduction (demolition); (3) replacement housing; and (4) choice-based assistance for replacement housing and displaced tenant aid. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates such program after September 30, 2000. (Sec. 263) Authorizes PHAs to convert a public housing development to a choice-based rental housing assistance system. Subtitle F: General Provisions - Authorizes block grant (capital and operating funds) appropriations. (Sec. 273) Obligates specified funds for: (1) the Operation Safe Home program; and (2) relocation of domestic violence victims. Title III: Choice-Based Rental Housing and Homeownership Assistance for Low-Income Families - Subtitle A: Allocation - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into one-year contracts with PHAs to provide low-income housing assistance under this title. Sets forth allocation provisions. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) general assistance; and (2) assistance for disabled families. (Sec. 307) Provides for the conversion of unobligated section 8 assistance (United States Housing Act of 1937) for use under this title. Subtitle B: Choice-Based Housing Assistance for Eligible Families - Sets forth income eligibility (low-income) and income targeting provisions. Provides for: (1) assistance portability; (2) monthly family rent contributions (with hardship exceptions); (3) owner and dwelling eligibility; (4) homeownership option; and (5) manufactured home eligibility. Subtitle C: Payment of Housing Assistance on Behalf of Assisted Families - Authorizes participating PHAs to enter into payment contracts with owners of existing units as provided for by this subtitle. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes PHAs to retain specified amounts of rental fraud recoveries. (Sec. 373) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of assisted-family geographic concentration in the areas served by the Cook County (Illinois) and Chicago Housing Authorities. Title IV: Home Rule Flexible Grant Option - Directs the Secretary to carry out a flexible one-to-five year grant program under which jurisdictions shall enter into contracts to: (1) provide low-income housing; (2) reduce homelessness; and (3) increase low-income homeownership. Title V: Accountability and Oversight of Public Housing Agencies - Subtitle A: Study of Alternative Methods for Evaluating Public Housing Agencies - Directs the Secretary to provide for a study of alternative PHA performance evaluations. Obligates specified funds for such study. Subtitle B: Housing Evaluation and Accreditation Board - Establishes the Housing Foundation and Accreditation Board which shall establish PHA performance benchmarks and an accreditation procedure. Subjects the Board to General Accounting Office audit authority. Subtitle C: Interim Applicability for Public Housing Management Assessment Program - Directs the Secretary to develop and publish interim management assessment indicators for PHAs and other public housing managing entities. (Sec. 533) Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for designation of troubled PHAs and related on-site inspections. Subtitle D: Accountability and Oversight Standards and Procedures - Sets forth: (1) audit provisions; (2) performance agreement requirements for at-risk and troubled PHAs; and (3) conditions for removal of ineffective PHAs and mandatory takeover of chronically troubled PHAs. Makes such provisions applicable to resident management corporations. Title VI: Repeals and Related Amendments - Subtitle A: Repeals, Effective Date, and Savings Provisions - Repeals the United States Housing Act of 1937, with exceptions, effective six months after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 602) Repeals specified provisions of the following Acts: (1) the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (assisted housing allocation special projects for elderly or handicapped families); (2) Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (public housing rent waivers for police, excessive rent data, Indian housing childhood development, one-stop perinatal services, energy efficiency demonstration, mixed-income new communities demonstration, youth sports programs); (3) Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 (certificate and voucher holders, comprehensive transition demonstration); (4) Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (opportunity for fair housing, Omaha homeownership demonstration); (5) Housing Act of 1954; (6) Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 (development managers' payment); (7) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991; (8) Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (childhood development); (9) Department of Housing and Urban Development-Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1988; and (10) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (public housing conversion). Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Public Housing and Rental Assistance Programs - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to require elderly housing assistance allocations to provide for the supportive needs of frail elderly residents. (Sec. 622) Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to extend pet ownership provisions to federally assisted rental housing (currently limited to elderly or handicapped housing). (Sec. 623) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review specified PHA drug elimination program contracts to determine contractor compliance with hiring antidiscrimination and related requirements; and (2) either terminate or bring into compliance violating contracts. (Sec. 624) Community Partnership Against Crime Act of 1997 - Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to revise the public housing drug elimination pilot program. Authorizes appropriations and sets forth allocation requirements. Subtitle C: Limitations Relating to Occupancy in Federally Assisted Housing - Makes any household or member evicted from federally assisted housing ineligible for federally assisted housing for specified time periods depending upon the nature of the eviction. Prohibits public housing admission (and permits eviction) for illegal drug and alcohol users, with consideration given for successful rehabilitation. Authorizes housing admission denial for criminal offenders and access to criminal records for screening and eviction purposes. Title VII: Affordable Housing and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make the city of Altus, Oklahoma, eligible for rural housing assistance for a specified period of time. (Sec. 702) Prohibits the Secretary from establishing a national occupancy standards. (Sec. 703) Directs the Secretary to implement the Ida Barbour Revitalization Plan for Portsmouth, Virginia, within a specified period of time. (Sec. 705) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the use of community development block grants for employment relocation activities. (Sec. 706) Expresses the sense of the Congress that funds under this Act should be used to purchase American-make products. (Sec. 709) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the transfer of surplus Federal property to self-help housing programs.

To require a temporary moratorium on leasing, exploration, and development on lands of the Outer Continental Shelf off the State of California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997

Declares a moratorium for the Planning Areas of Southern, Central, and Northern California, until certain peer-reviewed environmental studies are submitted to the Congress, during which period the Secretary of the Interior may neither conduct oil or gas preleasing or leasing activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, nor approve oil or gas exploration or development activities.